Best Places to Visit in the Balkans

Witness the Coastal Glamour of the Adriatic and Mediterranean

On the glittering coast of Croatia, you will witness the solemn air of the history-ladened Balkan lands ease off, leaving room for boundless fun. The hipper side of the peninsula unravels in the breezy ramparts of Dubrovnik, where bathing in the Adriatic sun is bolstered by majestic views in the backdrop. Shop till you drop in the city’s buzzing promenades, and spice it up with a little cultural sophistication. Experiencing history has never been this joyful surrounded by the mesmerizing landscape of northern Greece in Kalambaka. This is one of the best places to visit in the Balkans, where the intangible religious heritage meets the curious eye on soaring rock pillars.

Ancient Greek ruins, unbridled wisdom, cozy small-town vibes, and much more await in Delphi and Athens. You will get to immerse in this epic cultural scenery during the day, and party it all out in the capital’s hopping nightclubs at night. For a concentrated dose of the more traditional and authentic, Thessaloniki awaits, with its unforgettable coastal flair and hidden pockets of centuries-old customs.

Have a Taste of Culture Along the Danube

The true spirit of the Balkans unravels along the banks of the Danube. This is where most of the best places to visit in the Balkans are clustered. Every destination represents another pillar stone in the turbulent and equally astonishing history of the region. A day in one of the oldest cities in Europe and the proud capital of Serbia, Belgrade, will be just enough. Step into the medieval dreamlands of Romania’s one and only Transylvania to experience culture and adventure all at once. Majestic castles and forts wrapped in the emerald blanket of the countryside are not the only things it offers. Every piece of Transylvania is inscribed with intriguing folklore, invaluable culture, and mind-blowing history.

Balkan metropoles beckon with their gritty exuberance, inviting visitors to explore the countless quirky angles hidden within their alleys. Observe an artistic clash between the two sides of history in Bucharest, where urban architecture mesmerizes with contrast. The city’s artistic heritage is also too good to pass up. You will get more than you ask in terms of visual arts, music, and dance. There is no shortage of contrasting beauties in Sofia, as well. Roman ruins among Ottoman gems reflect the versatile character of the city to the fullest in the best places to visit in the Balkans.

Revel in a Marvelous Amalgam of Nature and History

There is an otherworldly appeal to the countless landmarks scattered across the deep green forests of the Western Balkans. The picture-postcard views you will witness along your trip start in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Take in all you can in the Old Bridge of Mostar, and daydream about this spectacular monument as you sip your Balkan coffee. Sarajevo’s charmful atmosphere is all the more bewitching thanks to the incredible countryside views. And a fascinating historical narrative will come right at your feet at its myriad museums. This part of the Balkans is all about raw cultural experience.

Make the best of Albania and Macedonia with evocative trips to Skopje and Tirana. These cities seem frozen in time with their well-preserved historic districts. On the other side of town, a soaring modern cityscape is developing. It offers eclectic museums, galleries, art shows, and entertainment centers to suit every taste. The best places to visit in the Balkans are the perfect balance between modern and traditional.