Are you planning a trip to the Balkans? Make sure to check out our list of the 10 cities in the Balkans you can’t miss if you are visiting for the first time. Learn about each city’s history, culture, and food, and find out what to see and do while you’re there.
The pastel-colored seaside towns of Istria could be straight out of Liguria; the rustic hill towns are reminiscent of Umbria.
Kate McCulley
The region is known for its diverse culture, history, and natural beauty. Explore the Balkans and its cities with our travel guides. Learn about the different attractions, find the best restaurants and hotels, and get tips on how to make the most of your trip.
Cities in the Balkans You Can’t Miss
Visiting the Balkans is full of surprises and delights. Its history-rich cities and stunning natural landscapes offer something for everyone. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned veteran, there are some cities in the Balkans that you can’t miss. These cities offer an incredible blend of ancient architecture, cultural wonders, and vibrant city life, making them must-visit destinations for every kind of traveler.
Find out which cities in the Balkans are worth visiting! We have a list of the top 10 cities in the Balkans, including Sarajevo, Belgrade, and Zagreb.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia, is the perfect destination for those looking to experience the Balkan region for the first time. Located on the Adriatic Sea in Southern Europe, Dubrovnik offers travelers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether it’s exploring its picturesque Old Town or taking boat tours of nearby islands, there are plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained. With its stunning vistas, charming architecture, and friendly locals, Dubrovnik is one of the most attractive cities in Europe for tourists.
A visit to Dubrovnik should start with touring its Old Town—a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to medieval times. The area is filled with winding cobblestone streets lined with historic buildings such as churches, palaces, and monasteries. Travelers come here to explore the winding streets of this ancient port city, where they can find everything from towering churches to hidden coves along its rocky coastlines.
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a unique destination for travelers exploring the Balkans. At the foot of Mount Igman, Sarajevo is a city of immense history, vibrant culture, and beautiful architecture. With its charming Old Town full of cobbled streets, cafes, and mosques dating back centuries, visitors can easily get lost in exploring its rich past.
With over 275,000 people, the city is located in the Sarajevo Valley of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Dinaric Alps surround it, and the climate is moderate continental. This little-known city has much to offer, from its rich history and beautiful architecture to its central location, making it the perfect place to explore the rest of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
From bustling street markets to cozy taverns serving local delicacies like ćevapi (grilled minced meat) and burek (meat or cheese-filled pastry), there’s plenty for tourists to enjoy in this Balkan gem. Sarajevo also offers stunning views from atop the Yellow Fortress, which overlooks the city’s iconic Latin Bridge, where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914, sparking World War I.
Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest, Romania, is a popular destination for travelers visiting the Balkans for the first time. Located in Southeast Europe and on the banks of the Dâmbovița River, Bucharest is known as one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. It offers visitors a unique blend of ancient and modern sites, from its awe-inspiring Orthodox monasteries and centuries-old churches to its bustling nightlife scene and world-class museums.
The capital city has many attractions that are perfect for first-time travelers to Romania. Visitors will enjoy plenty of cultural activities in Bucharest and great shopping opportunities at many of the city’s open-air markets or modern malls.
Due to its elegant architecture and sophistication, Bucharest is known as “The Little Paris” of Eastern Europe. The city offers plenty of cultural experiences. Visit one of the many art galleries in the city or listen to some live music at one of Bucharest’s many jazz clubs. For those interested in history, there are numerous sites from both Roman times and more modern periods, like the Ceausescu era, that can be explored in depth.
For nature lovers, Bucharest offers abundant green spaces such as Herăstrău Park.
Skopje, Macedonia
Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, is one of the most beautiful cities in the Balkans. It’s an excellent destination for travelers looking to experience this part of Europe for the first time. The city is home to an eclectic mix of cultures and architecture, making it an especially intriguing place to explore.
Rich in history, Skopje was once part of the Ottoman Empire until 1913, when it became part of Yugoslavia. As such, it has a unique blend of cultural influences, including Turkish and Slavic heritage. Walking around its cobbled streets will bring you face-to-face with colorful facades, ancient monuments, bustling bazaars, and captivating mosques, giving you a real insight into its past and present.
The old town is home to some of Skopje’s most historically significant sites, including large monuments, Ottoman bazaars, ancient churches, and vibrant bars and cafes. Visitors can explore the ruins at Kale Fortress or take in the grandeur of Stone Bridge, which links two sides of Old Town across the Vardar River. There is plenty to see for museum enthusiasts, from archaeological artifacts in Macedonia Square to contemporary artwork at the City Museum of Contemporary Art.
Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade, Serbia, is a great place to start for those wishing to explore the Balkans for the first time. This vibrant city sits on the confluence of two rivers, the Danube and Sava, and provides tourists with a wealth of sights and activities.
Balkan countries are becoming increasingly popular with travelers looking for a unique and fantastic experience. Belgrade, Serbia, is no exception! Located in Central Europe on the banks of the Danube and Sava rivers, Belgrade offers an unforgettable journey of culture and history.
Founded in the 7th century BC as Singidunum, Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe. It’s full of charm with its cobblestone streets and colorful cityscape. A visit to Kalemegdan Park or a stroll along Knez Mihailova Street will transport you back to the Ottoman Empire or Austro-Hungarian rule. The rich cultural heritage can be seen everywhere, from ancient ruins to grand cathedrals like St. Sava Church – one of the largest Eastern Orthodox churches in the world.
With a rich history dating back to Roman times, Belgrade has cultural attractions such as Kalemegdan Park and Fortress. Here, you can discover many monuments, ruins, and more that tell stories from centuries past. There are also plenty of local eateries where you can sample traditional Serbian cuisine, such as cevapcici or pljeskavica (grilled meat patties).
Durmitor National Park, Montenegro
Durmitor National Park in Montenegro is a paradise for nature lovers. Located in the northwest of the country, this stunning park is home to steep mountains, canyons, rivers, and lakes that offer spectacular views and unrivaled tranquility. Durmitor National Park boasts breathtaking scenery, making it an ideal destination for travelers looking to experience the Balkans for the first time.
The park encompasses a vast area of wilderness containing numerous habitats, from high peaks to deep valleys and alpine meadows. Visitors can explore its many trails, where they will find hundreds of species of birds, brown bears, wolves, and other wildlife. The dramatic landscape allows one to observe rare plant life, such as endemic orchids and carnivorous plants that thrive in this unique environment.
Durmitor National Park has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site north of Montenegro due to its incredible landscapes and immense biodiversity. The park is home to some of Europe’s most impressive mountain ranges, including the Durmitor massif and Komovi mountains. Visitors will be amazed by the breathtaking views and diverse wildlife, including brown bears, wolves, wildcats, eagles, and vultures.
The stunning mountainous terrain of Durmitor National Park provides an ideal setting for outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, and biking. Plenty of trails are suitable for all levels of ability, and several mountain huts are available for travelers to rest or take shelter during inclement weather.
The part of the Adriatic Coast belonging to Montenegro is the purest part of the Mediterranean.
Jacques Cousteau
Tirana, Albania
Tirana, Albania, is a unique Balkan city that offers travelers an excellent opportunity to experience the region’s culture and history. Located in Central Albania, Tirana has become an increasingly popular destination for tourists looking to explore the Balkans for the first time. Tirana has something for everyone, from its vibrant nightlife and delicious cuisine to its rich cultural heritage and stunning countryside!
For those wishing to discover more about Albanian culture, Tirana is home to historical sites such as Skanderbeg Square (known as “the pearl of Tirana”), museums like Grand Park, which houses many historical artifacts from throughout Albania’s past, and charming cobblestone streets lined with traditional cafes and restaurants. Adventure seekers will enjoy hiking in nearby Mount Dajti National Park or exploring the crystal clear waters of Lake Ohrid, located just outside of town.
The city is surrounded by breathtaking mountainscapes, offering visitors stunning views of their surroundings as they wander through local attractions like Skanderbeg Square or participate in activities such as river rafting or hiking trails. The architecture also takes center stage when exploring Tirana, with many Ottoman-era buildings still standing among modern-day structures. There are plenty of museums to explore and markets full of souvenirs that make excellent gifts for friends back home.
Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Plovdiv, Bulgaria, is a hidden gem in the Balkans. Located in the country’s south-central region, it has become increasingly popular with international tourists eager to experience its rich culture and incredible scenery. The city is home to some spectacular historic sites, such as the ancient ruins of Plovdiv Fortification Walls, which date back to the 4th century BC.
Plovdiv, Bulgaria, is an often overlooked destination in the Balkans, but it’s a hidden gem that has existed since ancient times. This city of over 350,000 people offers travelers a variety of cultural attractions and activities set against the backdrop of rolling hills and vineyards. It is an ideal location for those visiting the Balkans for the first time.
The city boasts many historical sites, such as Roman ruins, old churches, and Ottoman-era baths. The lively nightlife with jazz clubs and traditional taverns provides entertainment options when the sun goes down. Plovdiv also offers excellent shopping opportunities in its many boutiques, art galleries, and craft markets. Various outdoor activities, such as hiking trails in nearby mountains, kayaking on the Maritsa River, or bike tours, make for an exciting getaway any time of year.
In addition, visitors can explore the interesting archaeological remains of Ancient Philippopolis or take a stroll through Old Town Plovdiv—one of Europe’s oldest cities, dating back to the 6th century BC. Shopping enthusiasts will be delighted by the plethora of traditional bazaars selling handmade souvenirs and local delicacies. Nature lovers should not miss out on visiting nearby attractions like Bachkovo Monastery and Rhodope Mountains for their breathtaking views!
Athens Greece
Athens, Greece, is an ideal destination for travelers making their first trip to the Balkans. Every corner of this ancient city offers something unique and memorable, from iconic sites like the Acropolis to its bustling nightlife scene. As the capital of Greece, Athens also provides a great entry point into exploring the rest of the country’s incredible offerings. Whether you want to explore Greek culture and architecture or relax in one of its many secluded beaches, Athens has it all!
Located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Athens offers visitors various activities, from sightseeing to adventure sports. From churches to archaeological sites, there are plenty of ways to experience this vibrant city’s history and culture. For those seeking outdoor recreation, hiking up Mount Lycabettus or exploring nearby beaches such as Vouliagmeni are popular choices among tourists.
Begin your journey by visiting some of Athens’ most iconic landmarks. Admire the Parthenon atop the Acropolis or stroll through nearby Plaka for a glimpse at life in ancient Greece while experiencing modern hospitality. Explore local markets stocked with fresh produce and artisanal goods, then head to Monastiraki Square to shop for souvenirs like handmade jewelry or traditional Greek artwork.
Istanbul Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey, is the perfect destination for travelers looking to experience the magic of the Balkans. Located directly on the border between Europe and Asia, Istanbul offers a unique combination of cultures, sights, and sounds unlike any other place. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a cultural adventure, Istanbul has something to offer all types of travelers.
From its rich cultural history to its beautiful architecture, Istanbul has everything you could want from a travel destination. You can visit some of the city’s most famous sites, such as Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia, explore centuries-old neighborhoods like Sultanahmet, or participate in lively street life in Beyoglu district. With so much to do and see in this vibrant city, travelers flock here yearly.
Final Words
The Balkans is a beautiful region of Europe that many often overlook or misunderstand. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, there is much to explore and experience in this part of the world. If you’re looking to get a taste of the Balkans on your first visit, there are some fantastic cities you cannot miss from this list of the 10 cities in the Balkans.
