Inside the Balkans: What to Know Before You Travel

Inside the Balkans: What to Know Before You Travel

Welcome to your Balkan Pocketbook.


The Balkans is a place like no other. Layers of empires, languages, landscapes, and religions have shaped the region over time which is why visiting tends to feel authentic, enlightening, and deeply human. 


Warm hospitality and a slow paced cafe-centric lifestyle reward those who arrive with patience and the wisdom of slow travel. Taking the time to fully immerse themselves into day to day life, speak with locals, and visit the places that aren’t always on the main attractions list will make a trip to the Balkans worthwhile.


This guide will provide a simple overview of the region and need to know basics including currencies, languages, climates, geography, history, and more. Think of it as a starter pack.


Are you ready?


Location. Where are the Balkans?


The Balkans are located in Southeastern Europe. The region extends from the Adriatic Sea and Ionic coastlines to inland mountains and river valleys shaped by the Danube River which flows through ten European countries, including Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, and Serbia. The countries which live within the region are often debated but most commonly include: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia. While similar due to proximity, each country feels different and has its own vibe which is why we recommend visiting a couple during a single trip.


Languages and Phrases.


South Slavic languages dominate most of the Balkan region and include Slovene, Bulgarian, Macedonian, and the Serbo-Croatian continuum (Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian, and Montenegrin.) While Albanian is spoken in Albania and Kosovo.


English is widely spoken especially among younger generations and in tourism-heavy areas. However, learning a few basics like “hello”, “thank you”, and “goodbye” goes a long way and is always appreciated by the locals. 


A couple phrases:





Currencies and Tip Culture 


While essentially all of Europe uses the Euro (€), not all Balkan countries do. 


Euro: 

Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Slovenia


Local Currencies:

Albania - Albanian Lek (ALL)

Bosnia and Herzegovina - Convertible Mark (BAM)

North Macedonia - Macedonian Denar (MKD)

Serbia - Serbian Dinar (RSD)


Cash is commonly used and still recommended to carry especially in smaller towns. Keep in mind that you will most likely need cash for taxis, markets, public transportation, and more. 


ATMs and banks are very easy to find but keep bank fees in mind and always have your passport ready as most banks require identification for exchange. 


When it comes to tipping, it is not expected or mandatory. However, whether you're dining, getting a ride, or following a travel guide, service in the Balkans tends to be top notch, so of course it's appreciated. The standard percentage for dining is 10-15% if you receive excellent service, but at the end of the day it’s up to you.


Climate.


The Balkans experience varied climates depending on their geography. Coastal areas like Albania, Croatia, and Montenegro experience mild winters and picturesque Mediterranean summers, while inland and mountainous regions have colder winters and warmer summers. 


When planning a trip, travelers often try to determine the “best season” to visit certain destinations. However, when it comes to the Balkans, the ideal time depends on the kind of trip you’re planning. Travelers should consider what initially drew them to the region. Was it winter or summer activities? Cultural and/or event travel? Special celebrations like anniversaries and birthdays? 


We understand that certain trips still revolve around seasonality. Winter means skiing and winter markets. The fall or spring call for hikes and sightseeing. Again, it all depends on your trip and the seasonality of each of the countries. This is where personal research, flexibility, and intention matter most. The extent of what we can offer is insight into the most popular seasons for each country based on long-established travel patterns. 


Country Basics


Albania

  • Capital: Tirana

  • Landscape: Beaches, rugged mountains, rivers

  • Character: Raw, welcoming, and rapidly evolving

What to do:

  • Relax along the Albanian Riviera

  • Visit Berat and Gjirokastër (UNESCO-listed towns)

  • Explore Theth and Valbona in the Albanian Alps

 

Albania feels like discovery—ideal for travelers seeking authenticity and adventure.

 

Best for: Beach trips, hiking, cultural travel

  • Summer (June–September): Peak season along the Albanian Riviera

  • Spring & Fall: Ideal for city exploration, mountains, and UNESCO towns



Bosnia & Herzegovina

  • Capital: Sarajevo

  • Landscape: River canyons, mountains, Ottoman-era towns

  • Character: Deeply multicultural and emotionally resonant

What to do:

  • Walk Sarajevo’s Baščaršija (Old Bazaar)

  • Visit Mostar’s Stari Most bridge

  • Learn about 20th-century history through museums and guided tours

Bosnia & Herzegovina is best experienced slowly—through conversations, coffee rituals, and stories.


Best for: Cultural travel, history-focused trips, nature

  • Late Spring & Early Fall: Comfortable temperatures for cities and countryside

  • Winter: Snow sports in mountain regions near Sarajevo



Bulgaria

  • Capital: Sofia

  • Landscape: Mountains, plains, Black Sea coast

  • Character: Ancient, resilient, and quietly soulful

What to do:

  • Explore Roman ruins and Orthodox monasteries

  • Hike in the Rila and Pirin mountains

  • Visit Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities

Bulgaria blends deep history with understated charm and dramatic nature.


Best for: Skiing, hiking, festivals

  • Winter: Popular for skiing in Bansko and Borovets

  • Summer: Mountain hiking and Black Sea coast travel

  • Spring: Cultural tourism and city travel



Croatia

  • Capital: Zagreb

  • Landscape: Adriatic coastline, islands, waterfalls, historic cities

  • Character: Roman, Venetian, and Austro-Hungarian influences

What to do:

  • Island-hop along the Dalmatian coast

  • Walk Dubrovnik’s medieval walls

  • Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park

Croatia blends beach culture with layered history and is one of the region’s most accessible entry points.

 

Best for: Coastal travel, island hopping, events

  • Summer: Peak season for beaches, festivals, and sailing

  • Late Spring & Early Fall: Fewer crowds, warm seas, better balance



Kosovo

  • Capital: Pristina

  • Landscape: Rolling hills, mountains

  • Character: Young, resilient, and forward-looking

What to do:

  • Visit Prizren’s historic center

  • Explore cultural cafés and art spaces in Pristina

  • Learn about recent history through local voices

Kosovo offers one of the region’s most personal and human travel experiences. 


Best for: Cultural travel, city exploration

  • Spring & Fall: Mild weather and active cultural scenes

  • Summer: Festivals and outdoor cafés


Montenegro

  • Capital: Podgorica

  • Landscape: Dramatic mountains, deep bays, medieval towns

  • Character: Small, striking, and visually unforgettable

What to do:

  • Wander Kotor’s old town and fortress walls

  • Drive through Durmitor National Park

  • Swim in the Bay of Kotor

Montenegro is perfect for travelers who want big scenery in a compact country.


Best for: Nature-driven trips, coastal + mountain combinations

  • Summer: Bay of Kotor and Adriatic coast

  • Spring & Fall: Hiking, national parks, and road trips

  • Winter: Snow in the northern mountains

 

North Macedonia

  • Capital: Skopje

  • Landscape: Lakes, mountains, valleys

  • Character: Quietly complex with ancient roots

What to do:

  • Visit Lake Ohrid and its historic churches

  • Explore Ottoman-era architecture

  • Hike in Mavrovo National Park

North Macedonia rewards curiosity and offers a slower, more reflective travel pace.


Best for: Lake travel, slow tourism, cultural exploration

  • Summer: Lake Ohrid is most active

  • Spring & Fall: Ideal for sightseeing and hiking

Romania

  • Capital: Bucharest

  • Landscape: Carpathian Mountains, forests, plains

  • Character: Mythic, dramatic, and deeply traditional


What to do:

  • Explore Transylvania’s castles and Saxon towns

  • Hike in the Carpathians

  • Experience Bucharest’s mix of Belle Époque and communist-era architecture

Romania offers folklore-rich landscapes and striking contrasts between old and new.


Best for: History, nature, seasonal experiences

  • Summer: Transylvania, countryside, festivals

  • Fall: Forests, harvest season, and cultural travel

  • Winter: Mountain regions and traditional winter celebrations



Serbia

  • Capital: Belgrade

  • Landscape: River plains, forests, rolling hills

  • Character: Energetic, expressive, and unapologetically alive

What to do:

  • Explore Belgrade’s fortress at the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers

  • Experience the nightlife along river barges

  • Visit monasteries and historic towns in central Serbia

Serbia excels at urban culture, music, food, and late nights.


Best for: Urban travel, nightlife, events

  • Spring & Summer: Festivals, river life, and outdoor culture

  • Fall: Food, cultural events



Slovenia

  • Capital: Ljubljana

  • Landscape: Alpine mountains, emerald rivers, caves, lakes

  • Character: Central European efficiency with Balkan warmth

What to do:

  • Hike or kayak in Triglav National Park

  • Visit Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj

  • Explore Postojna Cave or Škocjan Caves

Slovenia is ideal for travelers who love nature, sustainability, and clean, well-connected cities.


Best for: Outdoor travel, eco-tourism

  • Summer: Lakes, hiking, and alpine activities

  • Winter: Skiing and winter sports

  • Spring & Fall: Nature-focused travel with fewer crowds



Insider Travel Tips.


Take your time. Slow travel is essential. Immerse yourself fully. 


Respect history. It’s important to be mindful and practice active listening when discussing history as many conversations may be shaped by recent events. 


Indulge in cafe culture. Sitting down, enjoying a coffee, and taking in the current moment with friends and family is second nature. 


Talk to locals. Meaningful conversations can create long lasting memories and provide authentic insight into daily life. Don’t be afraid to approach a local, but ensure you are doing so respectfully.


Takeaway.


The Balkans aren't just a place on a map.They’re a collection of stories, landscapes, and lived experiences. Traveling here means engaging with history, embracing differences, and allowing yourself to be surprised. This is where Europe feels most authentic. Most human. Most home.