20 amazing places to visit in the Balkans

The capital of Croatia is very different from other major cities in the Balkans. Home to numerous museums, including the wonderful yet heartbreaking Museum of Broken Relationships, you could spend weeks learning in Zagreb. When you need a place to rest after museum-hopping, chill out at one of the amazing coffee shops in the city or stylish bars, often housed in ruins.

Often skipped by visitors in favor of the ever-popular Dalmatian Coast, Istria is Croatia’s best-kept secret! A peninsula close to Italy, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’re in the land of pizza and espresso. Brightly colored buildings, amazing olive oil, and some of the best truffles in the world can be found here. Don’t miss towns like Rovinj, Bale, Motovun, Grožnjan, and Vodnjan.

Alfred Hitchcock adored Zadar, particularly at sunset. Visit this up-and-coming city, and you’ll see why. One of Croatia’s best vegan restaurants calls the city home and some of Croatia’s best Roman ruins. The waterfront features two unique art installations: the Sea Organ (organ pipes drilled under the water) and “Greeting the Sun” (lights that change color per the sun’s movement.)

The former Greek and Roman center still houses one of the most impressive ruins in the Balkans, Diocletian’s Palace. The former retirement home of Roman rulers is now home to apartments, shops, and restaurants, with various parts sectioned off as museums. Split also has a small but beautiful promenade, a forest park with views above the city, and many of the country’s top restaurants.

This list, of course, couldn’t have been completed without mentioning arguably the most famous destination in the Balkans. Game of Thrones ensured the city is now on every traveler’s wishlist, so while you won’t ever have Dubrovnik to yourself, it’s still worth a visit. Enjoy views from atop the city walls, kayak around the hidden coves, and have dinner in the magical Old Town. 

A little over two hours by ferry from Dubrovnik is this gem of an island, home to wineries with many unique varietals and many high-quality restaurants, including LD, a Michelin-star restaurant that uses mainly ingredients from Korcula. You can hike or bike one of the island’s endless trails when not drinking.

Vis lacks activities compared to other islands, but that’s the point. You come to the island to relax and not do much else. Popular with the sailing crowd, you’ll find a different type of traveler here, as it’s the furthest island from the Croatian mainland. Come with a stack of books, sunglasses, and not much else.

This capital city is full of history (the Latin Bridge is where Franz Ferdinand was shot and WWI began) and is still visibly marked by the Bosnian War. Numerous walking tours and museums are dedicated to telling Sarajevo’s story. You can also take the cable car up Trebec Mountain and walk the old bobsled run from the 1984 Olympics.

In the south of the country, solidly in the region of Herzegovina, is one of the Balkan’s most adorable towns. Mostar and its small Old Town will have you in love at first glance. Wander the many bridges, have coffee at one of the cute cafes, sample regional wine, and watch the locals jump off the Old Bridge into the river on a hot day.

The Balkans aren’t known for wine, but the region is home to some amazing producers. If you’ve had wine from the area, it was likely from Croatia (and even that’s rare outside of the country itself.) However, the best up-and-coming destination is Herzegovina. This region has two main varietals; Žilavka, an acidic white wine, and Blatina, a full-bodied red. Both can be sampled in Mostar; however, for the best experience, visit the vineyards outside of town!

The cruise ship capital of Montenegro is worth a visit whether you’re arriving by land or sea. The epic fortress is a must; hike up for the best views in the country or trek the Ladder of Kotor, a winding trail with amazing views. Then, take a boat to Our Lady of Rocks and the Blue Cave and wander Old Town to round out your sightseeing!

One of the Balkan's best-kept secrets is this gem of a town near the Bay of Kotor. Unlike many regional destinations, the beaches here are sandy and can be enjoyed without water shoes! The Budva Old Town is also super cute for a wander and has some great cafes.

This is another adorable small village within a manageable traveling distance from Dubrovnik. The town of Herceg Novi isn’t commonly visited despite being one of the most charming destinations in the Balkans! A green oasis home to many tropical flowers, it’s commonly called the “town of 100,001 steps” due to the climbing necessary to make your way around town.

This is probably the quirkiest capital in the Balkans. Italian architecture from the Mussolini period is mixed with Communist-era blocks and historic remains of its varied past as an Ottoman stronghold and closed-off country under a dictatorship for 50 years. These days, the city is full of life. From the trendy Blloku neighborhood to Tirana’s huge city park and endless monuments and museums to explore.

The unofficial capital of the “Albanian Riveria,” Sarande feels like a world away from the rest of the country. Electric blue waters rival those of Greece (which you can see from the town), trendy beach clubs could fool you into thinking you’re on the beaches of Tulum, and the outfits on the evening promenade will have you thinking it’s Milan Fashion Week.

This ancient city is best known for the traditional white Ottoman homes that make up the center. The windows of the homes give the impression that you’re being watched as you arrive or stroll the riverfront promenade (a favorite evening activity for the locals.) There are also Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, and a castle with amazing views!

This capital in a highly fought-over country is truly a bizarrely beautiful city to visit. Wide roads from the communist era (built to accommodate large armies) are now tiled pedestrian streets making strolling the city center the perfect way to spend the day. However, don’t be surprised by the imposing giant monuments all over, commissioned in 2014 as part of redevelopment aimed at attracting tourists. The city's best views are from the Fortress and Mount Vodno — each on opposite sides of the river. 

A true Balkan gem, the 138-square-mile lake is shared between Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia. However, it’s the Macedonian side that is the true beauty. Numerous villas and lakeside accommodations dot the shores, along with the UNESCO Saint Naum Monastery and a charming Old Town.

Europe’s youngest country has what is potentially the coolest capital city. Pristina is home to a cute pedestrian area (the local government is currently trying to expand) and many interesting attractions like the futuristic National Library and NEWBORN monument that are redone every year. Additionally, the best coffee in the Balkans can be sampled at any of the city’s numerous cafes. 

Pristina may be the political and educational seat of Kosovo, but Prizren is the cultural and economic capital. Just an hour’s drive from the capital city, the Ottoman-style city feels like a world away. Visit one of the numerous mosques, hike to the city's top for amazing views, or just wander the Old Town and step back in time.