Balkan Cities to Fall in Love With
*This is a collaborative guest post
The Balkans are a patchwork of cultures, languages, and landscapes, where East meets West in ways that surprise and enchant every traveler. From cobblestone streets to Ottoman mosques, Austro-Hungarian architecture to buzzing cafes and ancient fortresses, Balkan cities offer romance, edge, history, and warmth in equal measure.
Whether you’re chasing cultural depth, culinary experiences, or just the pleasure of wandering somewhere soulful and affordable, Balkan holidays are full of treasures. Here are some cities that will steal your heart.
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Where East Meets West
Sarajevo is unlike any other European capital. Here, minarets rise beside church steeples, and the call to prayer echoes through narrow alleys lined with Austro-Hungarian facades. The city feels like a time capsule, holding stories from empires and recent wars alike.
Start in Baščaršija, the Ottoman old town, where copper-smiths still hammer by hand and cafes serve strong Bosnian coffee in džezvas. Nearby, the Latin Bridge marks the spot where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated—a moment that set off World War I.
But Sarajevo is not only about history. It’s a deeply human city, where people are quick to chat, laugh, and share stories. Visit the Tunnel Museum for a sobering look at the 1990s siege, and then lighten the mood at a smoky kafana with live sevdah music.
You’ll fall in love with Sarajevo’s resilience, warmth, and layered soul.
Kotor, Montenegro: Romance by the Bay
Few cities are as postcard-perfect as Kotor, nestled at the end of Montenegro’s fjord-like Bay of Kotor. Enclosed within dramatic medieval walls and backed by steep, green mountains, Kotor is both romantic and atmospheric.
Wander the narrow lanes of the old town, where cats rule the streets and every turn brings you to a stone church, sunlit square, or cozy wine bar. Hike the fortress steps above the city for jaw-dropping bay views. Or simply grab a drink at a cafe along the marina and watch boats bob gently in the Adriatic breeze.
While Kotor gets busy in summer, especially with cruise ships, its charm is undeniable. Off-season or early mornings are magical—when mist hangs over the water and the town feels like it belongs only to you.
Ohrid, North Macedonia: The Lake of Light
Ohrid is often called the “Jerusalem of the Balkans” for its abundance of churches, but its real magic is in the setting. Situated on the shores of Lake Ohrid—one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes—this UNESCO-listed city is drenched in light, calm, and a quiet spiritual energy.
The old town is a maze of wooden houses, fresco-filled churches, and lakefront paths. Visit the Church of St. John at Kaneo, perched dramatically on a cliff above the water—perhaps the most iconic viewpoint in North Macedonia. Or take a boat to the Monastery of Saint Naum, where peacocks wander the gardens and spring water flows crystal clear.
Ohrid combines relaxation and depth. It’s ideal for those who want a Balkan holiday that feels both peaceful and soul-nourishing.
Belgrade, Serbia: Grit, Glory, and Good Times
Belgrade isn’t traditionally beautiful, but it’s got attitude—and travelers often find themselves unexpectedly smitten. A city shaped by turbulence and triumph, Belgrade’s charm lies in its contrasts: brutalist architecture meets art nouveau gems; bomb-scarred buildings face new high-rises.
Stroll along Knez Mihailova, the main pedestrian street, toward Kalemegdan Fortress, which overlooks the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Here, locals sip beers on old castle walls at sunset—an almost cinematic scene.
But Belgrade’s real strength is its energy. The city pulses with music, nightlife, and creative spirit. From floating river clubs to gritty basement jazz bars, the party rarely ends early. And during the day, there’s no shortage of bohemian cafes, edgy galleries, or surprisingly green parks.
If you like your romance with a rebellious edge, Belgrade is your match.
Plovdiv, Bulgaria: Europe’s Oldest Continuously Inhabited City
Often overlooked, Plovdiv is a hidden gem in Bulgaria—yet it claims to be Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city, with over 8,000 years of history. Today, it’s a colorful, cobblestone beauty that blends ancient ruins with contemporary culture.
The Old Town is pure fairytale: wooden houses with overhanging eaves, ivy-covered walls, and art galleries tucked into old courtyards. There’s even a well-preserved Roman amphitheater still in use for performances.
Kapana, the “Trap” district, has become a hotspot for artists, foodies, and craft beer lovers. It’s hip, laid-back, and endlessly walkable. If you’re dreaming of a place where old and new flirt under Balkan sunshine, Plovdiv might just steal your heart.
Why the Balkans?
The Balkan Peninsula is a region of contrasts and harmony, resilience and joy, elegance and rawness. Its cities reflect centuries of intersecting cultures—Orthodox, Catholic, Muslim, Slavic, Latin, Ottoman—and they do so with stories that resonate deeply.
Balkan holidays offer more than beaches or budget-friendly prices. They invite you to feel a place—to be moved, delighted, challenged, and changed. Whether sipping coffee in Sarajevo, dancing in Belgrade, or gazing over Lake Ohrid, you’ll discover not just a city, but a part of yourself you didn’t know was missing.
