Balkans Tips: Things You Need To Know Before your Balkans Trip

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Last Updated on June 4, 2025 by sydabroad

Looking for the best advice for traveling the Balkans? Then keep reading for the top Balkans tips! 

I spent about a month solo traveling through the Balkans during what I would call my adult gap year. I traveled around Australia and New Zealand during the first part of the year, and then I spent a little over four months traveling around Europe. And one month of this unforgettable trip was spent in the Balkans.

In this guide, I’m sharing all of the little tips and tricks you should know before traveling around this part of Europe. When I was planning my trip to the Balkans, I found limited resources, especially for solo female travelers. I mean, there were some, but not nearly as many as for destinations in Western Europe like Rome or Paris. 

During my trip, I visited Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia (and I had previously visited Croatia). So, this guide is based on my experience in these destinations. We’ll go over currency in the Balkans, how to get around, where to stay, language barriers, border crossings, packing for your Europe trip, and more.

Overall, the Balkans are a gorgeous place in Europe, and if it isn’t on your bucket list already, it should be! Alright, let’s get into the top Balkans tips you need to know before you visit.

Looking for more Balkans guides?

• The Ultimate 3 Weeks Balkans Travel Itinerary
• The Best Things to Do in Shkodër, Albania
• How to Spend 1 Day in Tirana, Albania
• The Ultimate Guide to Split, Croatia
• 13 Best Things to Do in Ohrid, North Macedonia

Where are the Balkans? 

The Balkans, or Balkan Peninsula, is a region in Southeastern Europe. It’s made up of these countries: Albania, Greece, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Bulgaria. 

However, this does vary depending on who you ask. Technically, Slovenia, Romania, and Turkey are partially considered part of the Balkans. 

The Balkans are known for their diverse cultures, complex history, and stunning landscapes. You can find mountains, lakes, and pristine beaches; there is something for everyone to enjoy here. 

It’s a gorgeous region that’s still relatively untouched compared to many places in Western Europe. You can expect off-the-beaten-path adventures such as the hike from Valbona to Theth in Albania, charming old towns like Ohrid or Kotor, and amazing food!

I also love how affordable the Balkans are compared to Western Europe. If you are visiting from a Western country, your money goes a long way!  

Balkans Tips and Tricks 

Currency in the Balkans 

The currency varies depending on which country you visit. While some countries are on the euro (like Montenegro, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo), many have their own currency. 

Currencies in the Balkans: 

Albania: Albanian Lek (ALL) 

Bulgaria: Bulgarian Lev (BGN) 

Croatia: Euro (EUR) 

Greece: Euro (EUR) 

Kosovo:  Euro (EUR) 

Montenegro: Euro (EUR) 

North Macedonia: Macedonian Denar (MKD)

Romania: Romanian Leu (RON) 

Serbia: Serbian Dinar (RSD) 

Slovenia: Euro (EUR) 

However, keep your euros because many places actually do accept euros. For instance, Albania uses the Albanian Lek, but many places in Albania accept euros. 

Also, when I was in Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina, I noticed all of the little shops and restaurants in the old town accepted euros. Mostar is a popular day trip destination, so many people are visiting from nearby places that often accept euros. 

Make Sure You Have Cash

In a majority of places you go nowadays, you don’t need cash. However, this is not the case for the Balkans. You need cash and will use it in most Balkan countries. In places like Albania, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and North Macedonia, I paid for almost everything in cash: transportation, hostels, meals, and souvenirs.

In Greece and Croatia, card payments are more widely accepted. But know that when in the Balkans, have cash with you at all times. You’ll find ATMs and currency exchange shops in the city centers. 

I suggest asking your accommodation which ATMs and currency exchanges they recommend; they will give you suggestions with the lowest fees, most reliable, etc. 

Pro-tip: If you are American and looking for a good travel debit card, I recommend the Charles Schwab debit card. This card reimburses foreign transaction fees, it’s an incredible card for traveling!

Don’t drink the tap water! 

Croatia is fine, and so is mainland Greece, and a few islands. But other than that, avoid the tap water in the Balkans. Especially if you are from the West. Our Western stomachs are not used to the water here. And getting sick from the water has to be one of the worst travel experiences. 

A few of my friends drank the river water in Northern Albania, and they ended up getting very sick. The locals always drink it, and it was truly some of the clearest water I’ve ever seen. But at the end of the day, you don’t know what’s been in that water, so avoid it and stick to bottled water or a LifeStraw. 

Budget for traveling the Balkans

Again, this will depend on the country you visit, but overall, it’s a very affordable part of Europe to travel. Hostels typically cost anywhere from €12 to €30 per night, and there are plenty of free activities in all of these countries. From charming old towns to explore, gorgeous beaches, lakes, and beautiful hikes. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to have a good time in the Balkans. 

Transportation in the Balkans is also very affordable, for buses from country to country, expect to pay anywhere from €15 to €35, and local transport in the cities is even cheaper — you honestly won’t need it much if you stay in central locations, you’ll be able to walk just about anywhere. 

Expect to pay a couple of euros for street food and at local cafes. Nicer meals will be anywhere from €10 to €25. Keep in mind that places like Croatia and Greece are more expensive. 

Where to stay in the Balkans?

If you are solo traveling in the Balkans, I highly suggest staying in a hostel. This is a great way to meet other travelers, join group activities, and they are incredibly budget-friendly. I stayed in hostels during my entire Balkans trip, and they were all wonderful. 

When looking for hostels in Europe, I suggest using Hostelworld to book. Make sure to look at the reviews! I always search for budget-friendly options that are centrally located, clean, and have great reviews. I typically opt for female-only dorms, although I did stay in a few mixed dorms in the Balkans and never had an issue. 

I always love using Hostelworld to book hostels and Booking to book boutique hotels when traveling.

Hostel recommendations in the Balkans:

Belgrade, Serbia: Good People Hostel

Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina: Balkan Han Hostel 

Tirana, Albania: Trip’n’Hostel and Trip’n’Hostel Chill Zone 

Shkodër, Albania: The Wanderers Hostel 

Kotor, Montenegro: Montenegro Hostel 4U

Ohrid, North Macedonia:  Sunset Lake Hostel

On the other hand, if you are more of a mid-range traveler, you can find lovely little boutique hotels in the Balkans. Whether you’re after a waterfront getaway along the Adriatic coastline or a charming property nestled in a charming old town, there are plenty of boutique properties in all of the Balkan countries. 

Check out the ultimate hostel packing list here✈️

Booking Buses in the Balkans 

Okay, buses are the primary way you’ll travel around the Balkans (unless you decide to rent a car or hire a private driver). Trains are very popular in Western Europe; there are very few in the Balkans (aside from the gorgeous train ride from Sarajevo to Mostar, which I highly recommend you do!). So, you’ll book buses to get from one destination to the next. 

The buses in the Balkans are simple to book, but there are some things to know beforehand. First off, be patient. The bus journeys are usually quite long, some are up to 10 hours. Maybe longer, depending on cancellations and delays. 

Be prepared for delays and to potentially arrive later than expected. During my month in the Balkans, I had relatively no delays; a few bus journeys took a bit longer than expected, but overall it was fine. 

Have Cash for buses

In most Balkan countries, you have to pay a bus station fee and a luggage fee. These are small fees (no more than a few euros) that you will pay to your driver or someone at the bus station. Just be prepared and have some small bills and coins. 

The luggage fee will always be collected by your driver before loading your luggage onto the bus. Even if you have booked your ticket online ahead of time, you will still need to pay these fees. 

Booking buses in the Balkans online vs. in person. 

So, where do you book your bus tickets in the Balkans? You can book them online with sites such as Flixbus, Bookaway, Omio, and GetbyBus. I’ve used all of these, and they are super reliable. Alternatively, you can purchase bus tickets at the station in person. 

I always suggest booking them online ahead of time, especially if you are traveling during the summer months. Solo traveling can be hard to plan because it’s always a balance of having some sort of a set plan and leaving room for spontaneous travel. 

That being said, if you are dead set on an itinerary, book your buses as early as you can. On the other hand, you can book buses more last minute, but you just might have limited options. I booked most of my buses ahead of time, but there were a few I booked the day before or the day of, and it turned out fine! 

Note: Some tickets are required to be printed. If this is the case, you see it on your online ticket and then just ask your hostel or hotel to print out the ticket for you. It’s not that common, but I did have to print my ticket once for a bus from Kotor to Shkodër. It’s annoying, but just keep an eye out for this. 

How to get around the Balkans

As mentioned above, buses will be the primary way to get around the Balkans. When you’re in the city, I found that by staying in the old town, you’re really close to a lot, within walking distance. 

You can also use taxis and public transport in some cities. Renting bikes is also a popular option, for instance, in Shkodër, Albania. If you’re in places like Ohrid or Kotor, you can walk just about everywhere. 

It is helpful to have local taxi companies on hand in case you need one. I suggest asking your accommodation for these recs, and they’ll also book a taxi for you if you need. 

Renting a Car in the Balkans

Renting a car in the Balkans is also always an option. This will give you more freedom and flexibility during your trip. 

Keep in mind, though, that the roads can be rough and the traffic and driving can be chaotic. I would only suggest renting a car if you are very confident in your driving skills. Otherwise, stick to buses and public transport. 

On the other hand, you can also hire a driver if you don’t want to rely on public transport. If you’re in a group, hiring a private driver won’t be too pricy, and you’ll get to your destination much quicker. 

Border crossings in the Balkans

Crossing the borders can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. It really depends on which border you’re crossing and how busy it is. From my experience, I never had to wait too long. I think the longest I had to wait at a border crossing was about an hour. 

Make sure you have your passport with you at all times during your bus trips. The way crossing borders via bus typically works in the Balkans is that you will stop before you cross, get out of the bus with your passport, and wait in a line for your passport to be checked. 

You’ll then get back on the bus and cross the border. Sometimes you will have to get back out of the bus; it really just depends. Overall, I thought the process was pretty smooth. I never had any bad experiences, and it was pretty efficient. 

Book ahead of time during the busy season

The summer months in the Balkans can get quite busy. If you are set on a plan and an itinerary, I’d suggest booking everything ahead of time, including your transportation, hostels, and any major activities like the Valbona to Theth hike in northern Albania. 

Even though the Balkans are still less touristy than Western European countries, things can get booked up in June and July. I booked some hostels and activities weeks in advance, and other times I ended up booking things last minute, like the day before or so.

Pro-tip: although it’s great to have a plan, I really suggest leaving some flexibility in your itinerary if you’re solo traveling to make new plans with new friends! This is the best part of solo traveling 

Traveling the Balkans as a solo female traveler 

I found traveling the Balkans no less safe than any other ordinary place in Europe. The main thing you need to be aware of is pickpockets, but to be honest, you’re more likely to get pick-pocketed in places like Barcelona or Florence (I did see a lady try to pick-pocket a man in Florence).

The Balkans is a great place for solo female travelers. People are warm and hospitable, I found it easy to meet other travelers, and places are generally less touristy with just as much beauty and history to explore. 

Some things to keep in mind when solo traveling anywhere are to dress modestly and respect local customs, be kind, trust your gut, avoid walking alone late at night, learn a few local phrases, and always use a trusted taxi/ride share service. 

Pro-Tip: I always have a Birdie safety alarm with me just in case. I think every woman should have one of these when traveling or not. I also always share my location with friends and family back home and let them know my plans. You can read more about solo traveling here. 

Internet and SIM Cards in the Balkans

I’m a big fan of eSIMs when traveling. During my time in the Balkans, I used Airalo, and it was great. I purchased their EuroLink SIM that covered almost all the countries I visited in Europe — one of the best Balkans tips! You can also purchase eSIMs for each country. 

Every hostel had wifi, and many cafes did as well. I found the service to be fine, especially in the major cities. Expect spotty service and limited wifi in more remote places, such as northern Albania.  

Additional FAQs | Balkans Tips for Your Balkan Trip

What is the best way to get around the Balkans?

As mentioned earlier in this guide, the best way to get around the Balkans is by bus, especially if you’re visiting multiple countries. 

Bus routes are extensive, affordable, and often more convenient than trains or flights. I suggest using Flixbus, GetbyBus, Omio, or Bookaway to compare routes and book your buses in the Balkans. 

If you’re short on time or want to visit more remote areas, consider renting a car. Just keep in mind that crossing borders with a rental car can sometimes come with extra paperwork or fees. 

Book your bus in the Balkans here 🚌

Is it safe to visit the Balkans now?

Yes! The Balkans are very safe for travelers, including solo female travelers. While the region does have a complex and turbulent history (particularly during the 90s), tourism has flourished in recent years. 

Locals are warm and welcoming and proud to share their culture with visitors. Obviously, like in any destination, keep an eye on your belongings and be mindful at night in unfamiliar areas. Overall, the Balkans are as safe, if not safer, than many popular destinations in Europe.

I personally felt safe traveling the Balkans for a month as a solo female traveler. And to be honest, I was rarely ever alone because I ended up meeting friends at hostels along the way. 

What is the Balkans famous for? 

The Balkans region is famous for its diverse cultures, old cities, and beautiful landscapes. The Balkans is home to some of Europe’s oldest cities, such as Dubrovnik, Croatia, and Kotor, Montenegro. Its diverse culture also makes it a standout region to explore. You’ll experience a mix of Mediterranean, Ottoman, Slavic, and Balkan traditions, with each city having its own unique charm. 

This area of Europe is also known for being a very affordable place to travel. Transportation, accommodations, food, and activities and often much more budget-friendly than Western European cities. 

Best Balkan countries to visit

The best Balkan countries to visit are based on your preference and travel style. If you are looking for pretty beaches and a tropical getaway, consider Greece, southern Albania, or Croatia. If you are looking for a mix of charming old towns and places to enjoy on the water, you can visit North Macedonia or Montenegro. For culture and history, visit Bosnia & Herzegovina or Serbia. 

To be honest, you can’t go wrong with any place you decide to visit. Each country in the Balkans will have something for everyone to enjoy. 

What to pack for visiting the Balkans 

Packing can be a little tricky for this region because the Balkans covers a variety of different climates and landscapes. You’ll have to adjust your packing list depending on which countries you’re visiting and what time of year you are going. 

Here are some things to pack, no matter what destination you plan on visiting. 

• Pack layers: even in the summer. Mountain towns will be cooler, and obviously, the beach towns down south will be very warm. 
• Comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking a lot. Make sure to pack good walking shoes and even hiking shoes if you plan on doing any intense hiking. 
• Swimwear: If you’re heading to the coast, don’t forget swimwear, a towel, and SPF. 
• Reusable water bottle: Always a travel essential. 
• Universal travel adapter: Love this one from Amazon
• Portable charger: I never go on a trip without this one. 

I have a full post with more about packing for Europe here. Check it out if you need some packing inspo! 

Which month is best for the Balkans?  

The Balkans are a year-round destination, and the best time to visit depends on what kind of experience you’re after. 

Late spring to early summer (May-June): This is one of the best times to visit. The weather is warm but not too hot, and crowds are smaller compared to the busy summer months. 

Summer (July-August): Expect hot weather and lots of tourists, especially in popular spots like Croatia and Greece. If you don’t mind the heat and the crowds, summer is a great time to visit. Honestly, the countries mentioned in this itinerary are still relatively “off the beaten path,” so even in the summer months, they still aren’t as busy as places in Western Europe. 

Fall (September-October): During the fall, the weather is pleasant, and there are fewer tourists. It’s a great time to explore both the cities and nature. 

Winter (December-February): If you are into skiing or cozy winter getaways, winter is a great time to visit. Countries like Bulgaria and Romania have fantastic ski resorts, and you can’t forget about the markets around Christmas time! 

I hope you enjoyed this article with all of the best Balkans tips! If you have any questions about traveling to this beautiful area of Europe, comment below or DM me on Instagram. And check out my Balkans itinerary here if you’re planning a trip!

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