Balkan Capital Cities: Which One Is Right For Your Next Holiday?

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The Balkans is the most underrated region in Europe. But you might be surprised, especially because the Balkan Capital Cities have a lot to offer. They are rich in history and culture and are some of the most affordable places to visit in Europe.

So far I’ve had the chance to visit five out of the 12 Balkan capital cities and I had a great time in each one. You can find similarities between some countries while some others couldn’t be more different.

Table of Contents

Balkan capital cities – Balkan countries

Belgrade – Serbia

View of Belgrade city — Belgrade – the Balkan capital on the Danube River and Sava River

Serbia’s capital Belgrade used to be the capital of communist Yugoslavia and you can learn all about the former Yugoslavia in the Museum of Yugoslav History.

One of the things that sets Serbia’s capital apart from other cities in the region is the stunning riverside location of Belgrade. The city is situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, which creates a unique and picturesque landscape.

And it even gives you the opportunity to go for a swim in the rivers if you visit in summer. Unfortunately, it was too cold for that when I visited in April.

You can go for a stroll along the riverside promenade, enjoy a picnic in one of the many parks, or take a boat tour to see the city from a different perspective. The biggest park in Belgrade, Kalemegdan Park, is also home to the iconic Belgrade Fortress.

Belgrade is also known for its lively nightlife scene. The city has a wide variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from, and there’s always something going on. Whether you’re looking for a quiet drink with friends or a night of dancing until dawn, you’ll find plenty of options here.

One of the most popular day trips from Belgrade is to Novi Sad. Novi Sad was the European Capital of Culture in 2022 and is known for its lively and modern atmosphere.

One of the main sights in Novi Sad is Petrovaradin Fortress, a fortification from the 17th century overlooking Novi Sad and the Danube River.

So, have you decided yet if Belgrade is worth visiting? If not, let’s have a look at other Balkan capitals.

Sarajevo – Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo has a rich and complex history, with influences from the Ottoman Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and more recently, the Yugoslav Wars.

In the 90s the city was under siege during the Bosnian War, a war within the Yugoslav War, and you can still see the bullet holes in the buildings from this tragic time.

But don’t let that scare you away – the Bosnian people are incredibly friendly and there are so many amazing things to do and see in Sarajevo. It’s also one of the cheapest countries I’ve ever visited in Europe.

One of the things that sets Sarajevo apart from other cities in the region is its religious diversity. You can visit a Catholic church, an Orthodox church, a synagogue, and a mosque – all within walking distance of each other. This is a testament to the city’s long and varied history.

But Sarajevo isn’t just about history and religion – there’s also a thriving modern culture here. You can find everything from traditional Turkish coffee to craft breweries. And if you’re a fan of shopping, you can choose between historic markets and modern shopping malls.

One of my favourite experiences in Sarajevo was walking down the abandoned bobsled track from the 1984 Winter Olympics. Street artists have transformed the destroyed bobsled track into an open-air gallery.

And the views from the top of the hill and the cable car are absolutely stunning. It’s a great way to see a different side of the city.

If you have time, I also highly recommend taking a day trip to Mostar, a beautiful city about two hours away by car. It’s the perfect way to see some of the stunning countryside of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The main attraction in Mostar itself is the iconic Stari Most bridge, which spans the Neretva River.

Zagreb – Croatia

View down a alley in Zagreb, you can see the Croatian flag hanging out of one window

Croatia is mostly known for its beautiful beaches, the Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik and stunning waterfalls and lakes at the Plitvice National Park. The capital Zagreb is often overlooked, but it’s a charming city with a relaxed atmosphere.

To be honest, Zagreb doesn’t have as many tourist attractions as some other European cities, but it’s still a great place to visit for a relaxed weekend getaway.

I really enjoyed our visit to the Museum of Broken Relationships because it’s such a unique museum. People from all over the world have sent their memorabilities with a story of their breakup. It’s a truly unusual thing to do in Zagreb that you won’t find anywhere else.

Another thing I love about Zagreb are the many outdoor seating areas. Just sit down on a nice summer day, have a drink, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the sunshine.

Ljubljana – Slovenia

A square with a big yello house in front of a hill with a castle on top in Ljubljana, one of the Balkan capital cities — Ljubljana is a great city to go for a stroll

Capital cities usually make you think of large sprawling cities with boxy buildings. Not Ljubljana. Ljubljana to me seemed like a fairytale in summer!

Colourful buildings with street art over some of them, the lovely Ljubljanica river flowing through the city, cute cafes with people chatting, and an unhurried vibe all make it adorable.

Ljubljana is only a 1.5-hour drive from Zagreb. So it was easy to combine this and the nearby Lake Bled into our 2-week Croatia and Slovenia itinerary. The city centre in Ljubljana is pedestrian-only, so we parked next to the local train station and explored the main sites on foot.

One of the popular attractions is the Ljubljana Castle. It stands above the city and its ramparts offer beautiful views. We had booked a food tour for the afternoon so didn’t have time to go to the Castle. It can be reached by funicular railway.

The Dragon Bridge, adorned with famous dragon statues, is one of the most photographed images of Ljubljana. Then there is the Triple Bridge – 3 bridges that meet.

You could also visit the home of architect Jože Plečnik, who designed many of the beautiful buildings and bridges you see in the town.

We did an interesting food walk. Our guide had chosen small eateries for us to taste both traditional and modern Slovenian cuisine.

On our walk, she entertained us with local stories, Slovenian history and culture. I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to the cutest European city I have visited.

By Shweta from Zest in a Tote

Athens – Greece

Tina in front of the Akropolis in Athens — I loved my trip to Athens!

Athens is the capital of Greece and is widely considered to be the birthplace of Western civilization.

In Athens, you can discover multiple stunning ancient landmarks. The Acropolis, which is home to the iconic Parthenon temple, is one of the most famous landmarks in the world.

But there’s more to Athens than just the Acropolis – the city is full of ancient ruins, museums, and galleries that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Greece.

But Athens isn’t just about history – it’s also a city with a vibrant modern culture. The city’s neighbourhoods are full of trendy cafes, bars, and restaurants, and there’s always something going on.

One of my favourite experiences in Athens was wandering through the tiny Anafiotika neighbourhood. Walking through the narrow alleys in between white buildings which are overgrown by greenery is a very unique experience and makes for a perfect photo background.

After spending a few days in Athens I recommend adding a few relaxing days on a beach on one of the Greek islands. I spent a week in Paros after my visit to Athens and the beach there was incredible.

All in all, Athens is an amazing place to visit but it’s very different to all the other Balkan capital cities.

Tirana – Albania

Known for its vibrant coffee culture, nightlife and slew of fantastic museums, the Albanian capital of Tirana is one of the best Balkan capital cities to visit.

Home to just half a million people, Tirana is compact and walkable. Two days is the ideal amount of time to see the highlights.

Start your Tirana visit the local way with a cup of coffee at Mulliri I Vjetër before doing a lap around Skanderbeg Square, Tirana’s main plaza.

There are several noteworthy landmarks dotted around the 10-hectare square, including the 18th-century Et’hem Bey Mosque.

Nearby, Bunk’Art is one of the best things to do in Albania and a must-visit in Tirana. Constructed in the 1980s to shelter the political elite in case of a nuclear attack, the 1,000-square-metre bunker was transformed into a museum in 2016.

Its exhibition chronicles Albania’s ruthless communist regime and those who lost their lives through photographs, written testimonials and interactive displays. It is heavy going but essential for those who want to understand more about Albania’s recent history.

Cross the river to visit the quirky Pyramid of Tirana. Built in 1988 and recently refurbished, it was destined to become a museum for Enver Hoxha, the dictator who ruled Albania from 1944 until 1985.

In the nearby suburb of Blloku you can view Hoxha’s former residence, nestled among colourful street art murals and trendy bars.

If you have more time, ride the gondola to Dajti Mountain and go for a walk in the hills above Tirana, or take a day trip to the historic city of Kruje.

By Emily from Wander-Lush

Sofia – Bulgaria

A big Orthodox cathedral in Sofia with blue dome-shaped roofs — Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

The cosmopolitan capital of Bulgaria, Sofia is a compact affordable Balkan capital city to visit. It has a well-connected airport that reaches the city center through an accessible metro system.

There are so many great things to do in Sofia, it’s a great place to visit for long and short stays.

Despite its communist past, there’s much evidence of ancient times here with Roman ruins sitting alongside Byzantine and communist architecture – the Romans, Greeks, Ottomans, and Soviets have all occupied the country.

The city is easy to navigate, with a big pedestrianised area that is easily walkable (the free walking tour is the perfect first thing to do in Sofia and a great introduction to this surprising city).

You’ll find mosques, synagogues, and churches in a single city block. And you also shouldn’t miss the old Central Mineral Baths and the stunning Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

There are a variety of museums in Sofia, but one out of the ordinary is the Red Flat Museum, set up to step into the home of a regular family back in 1980s Communist Bulgaria. It’s a fun and very different place to explore.

You shouldn’t miss the stunning UNESCO World Heritage-listed Boyana Church – the medieval frescoes here are glorious. It’s within easy reach of the city centre, but it is more usually visited on a day trip to the even more stunning Rila Monastery – often tagged as Bulgaria’s most beautiful building.

Sofia is also a great place to get introduced to Bulgarian food – there are super food walking tours around the city, but the best place to head to is a “Mehana” – Mehana Sofia is a fabulous option, or you can try specialities at the historic Central Market Hall.

By Sarah from A Social Nomad

Pristina – Kosovo

Pristina, the capital of Kosovo, is one of the youngest capital cities in the world, holding the title only since 2008 when Kosovo declared its independence.

The city of around 200.000 inhabitants was founded in the 13th century, but you will find only a few remnants of the old times there. But this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit Pristina!

Even if the first impression isn’t always good, Pristina is a vibrant city with a fantastic vibe that is so easy to enjoy and some quirks that make the place special. There is a wonderful coffee culture with a wide selection of cool cafes where you can enjoy a delicious drink for 1-2€ only.

The highlights of the city include the interesting NEWBORN monument that changes its look each year on February 17th – the day when Kosovo celebrates its independence.

If you like weird architecture, you will surely appreciate the National Library of Kosovo building, known for the distinctive domes (99 of them, to be exact) and the metal fishing net that covers the whole structure.

Since until only fifteen years ago, this was just a provincial city, you won’t experience the hustle and bustle of a hectic capital here. Instead, you can enjoy a laid-back atmosphere, especially on the main pedestrian street of Pristina – Bulevardi Nënë Tereza.

Even if there are not that many things to do in Pristina, it’s easy to like this unique city, and spending a few lazy days there shouldn’t be a problem. Pristina can be also a great base for day trips around to most of the destinations in Kosovo.

By Kami from My Wanderlust

Bucharest – Romania

A shopping mall from the inside in Bucharest — History and modernity meet in Bucharest

Once a part of the Ottoman Empire, more recently under communist rule, and now a part of the EU, the city of Bucharest is one of the most fascinating cities in the world.

Although many travelers skip this European capital due to the perception of a lingering communist-era austerity, it’s an incredible Baltic capital to spend time exploring.

Bucharest has no shortage of fun, fascinating, and unique things to do and see- but offers these experiences at a fraction of the cost of visiting other European capitals.

For travelers interested in spending more time in a destination, Bucharest is an ideal destination for saving on food and lodging costs while experiencing top-notch accommodations and dining options.

Travelers to Bucharest can explore the Palace of the Parliament (the world’s largest civilian administrative building) and wander through the Old Town. A Natural History Museum, Village Museum, and National Museum of Art are also worth visiting.

Parks and green spaces are a big part of life in this city of almost 2 million people, and a walk through Herăstrău Park and Tineretului Park will reveal art instalments, food vendors, and even pop up vendors of artisanal goods and antiques!

The train system makes it easy to get from Bucharest to outlying Transylvanian cities for even more exploring.

One notable thing travelers should pay attention to in Bucharest is the cultural divide between generations.

As young Romanians move to the city for new opportunities, this previously-communist controlled city is particularly alive with contemporary art, modern nightlife, and a cutting-edge culinary scene.

One way this is visible is through the conversion of palaces and grand halls into art markets and bookstores, and most travelers include a visit to the palace-turned-bookstore, Cărturești, in their visit.

By Lynli Roman of Wander Big

Ankara – Turkey

Big square with a mosaic pattern on the floor and a big building in the back with columns in front

Ankara, the capital of Turkey, might not be as frequented as other Turkish destinations, but it offers many tourist attractions. History and architecture enthusiasts, in particular, will find themselves immersed in the city’s rich heritage, boasting remnants from the Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman eras.

One of the first things to do in Ankara is to begin your exploration by strolling through its historical neighborhood, where meticulously maintained Ottoman white houses line the streets. A pathway through this charming district leads to Ankara Castle, granting visitors breathtaking vistas of red-rooftop dwellings below. Continue your journey to the Temple of Augustus and marvel at the remains of the Roman Bath, where history comes alive.

A must-visit landmark in Ankara is the mausoleum of Ataturk, named Anitkabir. Here, you’ll encounter a museum, a burial site, and a serene garden, all winding together a detailed narrative of Turkey’s former respected leader, whom locals hold in high regard.

Another absolute favorite and a must in Ankara is the Rahmi M. Koç Museum Ankara, showcasing countries industrial history and technological advancements. The museum offers diverse exhibits, including vintage cars, historic trains, maritime vessels, and various technological innovations.

Museum enthusiasts will also be delighted to learn more about Turkey’s past and this unique region with the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Immerse yourself further in history by visiting the former Ulucanlar Prison Museum, offering insights into the lives of prisoners in times past, or wander through the Ethnography Museum and glimpse into the daily lives of Turks through the centuries.

By Baia at Red Fedora Diary

Skopje – North Macedonia

A bridge with lanterns on it leading to a round building — Skopje might surprise you!

Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, is a hidden gem in the Balkans. It’s a fascinating blend of ancient history and modern culture.

The city’s historic centre is full of beautiful buildings and monuments, including the iconic Stone Bridge and the towering Millennium Cross on top of Vodno Mountain.

One of the most interesting museums in Skopje is the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle, which tells the story of North Macedonia’s fight for independence.

But Skopje isn’t just about history and culture – it’s also a city with a vibrant modern scene. The city’s neighbourhoods are full of trendy cafes, bars, and restaurants, and there’s always something new to discover.

If you’re a fan of shopping, be sure to check out the city’s many markets and bazaars, where you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.

The locals are known for their warm hospitality, and it’s easy to strike up a conversation with someone in a cafe or bar.

And if you’re looking for a day trip, there are plenty of options within easy reach of Skopje, including the stunning Matka Canyon and the historic town of Tetovo.

Podgorica – Montenegro

View from afar of a bridge and some buildings in the back, very green surroundings — There might not be that many things to do in Podgorica but it’s a great starting point to explore the countryside

Podgorica might not be the most famous or sought-after city in Europe, but it has the unique honour of being the smallest capital in the Balkans.

Another thing that makes Podgorica special: It shares its title with another city, Cetinj. Montenegro is one of just 13 countries in the world with two capital cities.

As the ‘newer’ capital, Podgorica is Montenegro’s largest hub and main commercial centre. It was known as Titograd (after Josip Broz Tito, the leader of Yugoslavia) up until 1992.

Few travellers choose to spend time in Podgorica, instead using it as a jumping-off point for exploring more popular places in Montenegro such as the Bay of Kotor. However, Podgorica does have a few points of interest that make it worthy of a short stopover.

The city’s main landmark is Sahat kula, the 17th-century Ottoman clock tower that survived a devastating WWII attack that destroyed a large part of the city. Ribnica fortress and Vezirov most (Vezirov Bridge) are two more historic sites that are worth seeing.

Just north of the city, Duklja is home to fascinating Roman ruins, and the nearby Park Forest Gorica offers panoramic views of the city from forest trails.

When visiting Podgorica, be sure to eat lunch at Pod Volat, a popular restaurant where you can sample traditional Montenegrin fare including ćevapi and stuffed cabbage.

By Emily from Wander-Lush

Final thoughts: Balkan capitals

In all honesty, not all Balkan capitals are worth visiting but some are truly special and amazing places to visit.

Athens for example is so full of life and ancient history it should be on everyone’s Europe itinerary. But to be fair, Athens is very different to all other Balkan capitals because it wasn’t part of the communist Yugoslavia.

A country which really surprised me was Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sarajevo is such an incredible and affordable place to visit. Different cultures live together in a place full with history.