balkan travel support

Balkan Travel Support ®  Onbezorg d ontdekken voor de volwassen reiziger

Persoonlijke  reisondersteuning

Je staat er voor open om een reis naar Zuidoost-Europa te maken, maar je weet niet waar je moet beginnen. Of je hebt geen zin/tijd om alles zelf uit te zoeken. Plan dan een gratis kennismaking. We lopen samen door je wensen heen en ik zorg voor een reisplan dat voor jou werkt. 

Volledig gepersonaliseerd, uniek en vraaggestuurd 

Geen standaardpakket, altijd een plan dat bij jou past. Gebaseerd op 10 jaar reizen en netwerken in de Balkan & actuele kennis en  waardevolle contacten.

Goed voor de lokale bevolking, en jouw portemonnee

Jouw euro ondersteunt eerlijke, lokale ondernemers en organisaties in de Balkan. Combineer dit met een betaalbare vakantie en je hebt een mooie win-win!

Reizen met vertrouwen, ontdekken zonder stress

Vanaf de kennismaking, tijdens je reis en tot je weer veilig thuis bent, ondersteun ik een onbezorgde reis.

Voor reizen naar

Kroatië 🇭🇷

Bosnië-Herzegovina 🇧🇦

Servië 🇷🇸

Montenegro 🇲🇪

Albanië 🇦🇱

Noord-Macedonië 🇲🇰

Slovenië 🇸🇮

Bulgarije 🇧🇬

Niek in Nederland, Nikola in de Balkan.

In 2013 besloot ik een enkele reis te boeken naar de Balkan, met Novi Sad in Servië als standplaats. Deze keuze heeft me de afgelopen 10 jaar gevormd tot wat ik nu ben: een Nederlander met een tweede thuis. Mijn liefde voor de Balkan is groot, en dan vooral voor de enthousiaste en gastvrije mensen. Tel daar een grote diversiteit in natuur en cultuur bij op, en je hebt een fantastische omgeving om in rond te reizen. Oh, en heel goed betaalbaar, ook niet onbelangrijk :)

Via Balkan Travel Support hoop ik je te prikkelen om op een nieuwe, volledig gepersonaliseerde manier de reis richting Zuidoost Europa te maken. Ik open de juiste deuren voor je en ondersteun samen met échte, lokale experts uit mijn netwerk jouw vakantie zodat jij kunt ontdekken en vooral; genieten! 

"Wie goed doet, goed ontmoet"

Reispakket op maat (vanaf 100,- pp/dag)

Voor complete reizen van 5 dagen of langer

Uitgebreide reisplanning (vanaf 300,-)

Voor volledige gepersonaliseerde reizen van 5 dagen of langer

Reispakket: Weekend weg (vanaf 400,- pp)

We kiezen samen de perfecte stad en ik maak een complete reis op maat

Lokale tour (vanaf 140,-)

Met een lokale gids een middag op stap, of een andere activiteit van m...

Snel advies & Tips (vanaf 10,-)

"waar zullen we morgen heen gaan" "weet jij een leuk restaurant"  "wat is de leukste buurt" "welke taxi is betrouwbaar"  "ik wil graag een local ontmoeten"  "wat is er hier vanavond te doen"  "welke auto moet ik huren" "ik eet vegetarisch, waar kan ik goed eten" hele logische vragen waar je vaak veel waardevolle tijd aan verliest tijdens je reis. stuur mij je vraag (tussen 8.00 en 18.00 uur) en ik antwoord binnen een uur. na het ontvangen van mijn antwoord bepaal je zelf wat je mijn input waard vond, met een minimum van 10,-   dit mag trouwens ook voorafgaand aan je reis.   stuur me een appje, en je hoort snel van me, whatsapp reisondersteuning op afstand (vanaf 95,-).

Ik reis met je mee! Op afstand dan hè :) Als je op pad bent kan het fijn zijn om iemand onder de knop te hebben. Via Whatsapp kun je me gewoon appen of bellen tussen 9.00 en 18.00 uur, iedere dag van je reis. Ik los problemen op of geef je het advies waardoor je meteen door kunt, binnen 30 minuten! Uiteraard zorgen we voor vertrek dat je "internet-proof" bent. Zo kom je niet voor vervelende verrassingen komt staan met hoge telefoonkosten (vooral belangrijk in niet-EU landen), en kun je deze service gebruiken wanneer je wilt. Meer info? Neem gerust contact op!

15-21 Dagen

Mijn netwerk.

Reizen met vertrouwen

Als je voor Balkan Travel Support kiest, kies je voor mijn warme netwerk van professionele, gastvrije en vooral lieve mensen. Ik zal altijd proberen een mooie verbinding te zoeken met een lokale gids, kunstenaar, restauranthouder, muziekliefhebber, sportheld, geschiedenis-guru, yoga lerares, culinaire kenner, agrariër, outdoor specialist, B&B uitbater: noem het maar op. 

Niek's Rakija: het verhaal

Veilig reizen door de Balkan

€500,- donatie aan Stichting Kinderhulp Bosnië

• 22 nov 2023

De Balkan door de ogen van Ingrid & Vincent

Fotoverslag uit Bosnië-Herzegovina

• 28 sep 2023

Reisverslag: Nyree & Bente in Novi Sad!

Balkan in Beeld & Geluid

Aangename verrassing op het hoogste punt van Servië

Letu Štuke - Bože zdravlja (Official Video)

Vlatko Stefanovski & Andrijana Janevska - Zajdi zajdi...

Mountainbiken in Golija, Servië

Zaim Imamović - Mujo kuje konja po mjesecu

Hike richting de Dinara (hoogste punt van Kroatië)

D.K.Heroes- Pitao sam malog puža

Former Yugoslavia From Above - Europe Travel Documentary

LUXURY BALKAN

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At Luxury Balkan Travel Club, we specialize in European travel! We provide concierge assistance, extensive destination knowledge, seamless convenience, and round-the-clock support. Our strong partnerships with high-end accommodations and tour operators enable us to tailor our clients’ experiences, especially for those with discerning tastes and elevated standards. As we expanded, our interests and expertise encompassed design, art, and communication. We take pride in our ability to connect leaders in style, design, and knowledge within an exclusive network of members. Together, we deliver value and cultivate uniqueness in realms that radiate sophistication. Our meticulously curated collection of lifestyle recommendations brings together luxury brands and enthusiasts of the finer things in life.

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We know from experience that a well-appointed hotel close to the best sightseeing and dining options contributes significantly to the enjoyment of your tour.

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21 Insanely Useful Balkan Tips to Travel the Region Hassle-Free

The Balkans

The Balkans are quickly becoming one of the most sought after regions in Europe.

As overtourism peaks in many Western European cities, much of the Balkans is still relatively under-touristed (shy of a few destinations in Croatia and Greece).

With Instagram, travel blogs, and travel magazines are finally showing off the beauty of this formerly underappreciated region, tourists are arriving in the Balkans in droves – but not all of them are prepared for some of the, shall we say, quirks of traveling the region.

Stephanie and I have been living in the Balkans for the last 3+ years and running this blog for nearly 2 — and today, we’ll share with you all of our essential Balkan tips so you can plan a hassle-free trip to the region.

Our Top 21 Balkan Tips

Buses are the name of the game here.

We have a lot of readers ask us about trains in the Balkans, to which we say: proceed with caution. Outside of Slovenia, trains in the Balkans are pretty unreliable.

While some countries have a decently developed rail system, like Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, they are often beset with delays. Other countries, like North Macedonia, have very little in the way of rail connections (usually just linking them to other capitals in the region).

In the summer, trains can be a decent choice if you really don’t like buses. However, outside of that peak season, timetables can get really crazy. For example, a train ride from Sofia to Belgrade was about 14 hours with two transfers, whereas a bus ride was about 7 hours with no transfers and one lunch break.

In general, we suggest buses over trains, though you may want to make some exceptions to this, such as when going from Bucharest to Brasov to visit Bran Castle.

You’ll want to have local currency on hand if taking buses

It’s important to always have some small coins in the local currency on hand if you’re planning to bus around the country.

Most bathrooms in buses and train stations are pay-per-use, and nearly every roadside bathroom stop a bus will make will have a bathroom fee as well. This is usually about the equivalent of 25-50 cents in the local currency.

Generally, only local currency is accepted, so euros won’t help you here. The exception is at bathrooms near borders, where they will usually take currencies from both sides of the border, and sometimes even euros.

Lastly, some countries charge a baggage fee when taking buses: I remember this to be true for Bosnia & Herzegovina as well as Montenegro. Generally, the fee is about the equivalent of 1 euro per bag. Nothing to break the budget, but be aware of it so you don’t think you’re getting scammed: it’s a perfectly legitimate fee.

However… beware of taxis!

One of our biggest tips for traveling the Balkans is to be cautious with taxis. Unfortunately, Balkan taxi drivers have an unsavory reputation that’s rather well-deserved. While it’s likely that your trip to the Balkans will go smoothly, it’s also almost certain that at some point during your trip, you will overpay for a taxi ride or two.

Most taxi drivers are kind people working hard, but there are enough scam artists (and sometimes even entire scam taxi companies, like in Sofia), that you should be careful.

To prevent this, we try to use whatever taxi app is most commonly used in the city. In Bucharest, we use Uber; in Sofia, we use TaxiMe; in Belgrade, we use CarGo; in Athens, we use Beat. Other cities have different apps, which you should research before arrival, as unfortunately, Uber isn’t universally available in the Balkans.

When taxi apps aren’t possible, here are three tips to avoid scams.

• Register your ride with the taxi company by calling and ordering the taxi. Alternately, if language barriers are an issue, have someone at your accommodations or restaurant call on your behalf. We did this when arriving in Belgrade without WiFi – we stopped in a local hotel by the bus station and they were happy to call us a taxi.
• When it’s not possible to register a ride, keep your eye on the meter to make sure it starts, stops, and doesn’t jump rates at an alarming rate along the way. Have a set amount in mind where you know you’re overpaying and you can refuse to go further if you notice the meter is rigged.
• Carry small cash bills so you can pay without having to worry about getting the correct change back from your driver — they can sometimes act as if they don’t have change. It’s rare for taxis to take cards.

Another tip is to generally avoid taxi drivers outside of major landmarks and transit points unless you know that the lines are monitored (for example, it’s safe to take a taxi from Sofia Airport or Sofia Bus Station, but not from Sofia Train Station).

Research visas if necessary

There are twelve countries in the Balkans and each has different visa policies which the exception of Slovenia and Greece which are part of the Schengen zone. There are also three EU countries which are non-Schengen: Bulgaria, Romania, and Croatia.

Depending on your nationality, you may need to acquire visas. For people with generally ‘strong’ passports (US, UK, EU, Australian) you likely won’t need a visa for anywhere in the Balkans with the exception of Turkey.

For people with less passport privilege, you can usually leverage a valid multi-entry visa from the US, Schengen, or UK in order to allow you into non-Schengen countries without needing a separate visa.

We can’t hope to cover every country and nationality of traveler in this article, so we urge you to do your own research… I know of a handful of seasoned travelers who got totally caught off-guard by needing a Turkish visa, so don’t let this be you! (And if you do need a Turkish e-visa, be sure to print it!).

Don’t try to cover too much on your Balkan trip

Being active in many Balkans travel groups, we often see people post questions online that look like this:   I have ten days to travel the Balkans and I want to see twelve cities in five countries. What’s the best itinerary for this?

To which my answer is always:  Please don’t do this. You’ll hate your trip. You’ll spend half the time on buses, and you won’t see anything. Slow down.

My #1 Balkans tip is that it’s always better to go deeper into a single place than try to spread yourself too thin. Here are my recommendations for the maximum number of times you want to switch cities or countries for the amount of time you have.

One Week Trip:  Best off with two cities plus a day trip. Stick to one or two countries. One city is better than two if you want to get to know the place.

Two Week Trip: Put a cap at four cities plus one or two individual day trips. Stick to three countries or less.

Three Week Trip:  A maximum of five cities plus day trips. By week three you will be exhausted and ready to slow down. Stick to a maximum of four countries, but less is better!

Four Weeks or More:  Keep your itinerary loose and give yourself the option to slow down. You may fall in love with a city and want to spend more time there. Don’t expect to cover the entire peninsula in a month.

Not every bus timetable online is accurate

It’s really common for bus routes online to be wrong, especially when it comes to seasonal information or local schedules between cities. While sites like Rome2Rio, Omio, and BalkanViator can be useful, they’re not always up-to-date.

Don’t rely solely on bus times you see online. We suggest you go to the bus station yourself, call and ask, or ask a local. Unless you can physically purchase your tickets online (which is rarely the case!), there’s a chance that the online schedule posted isn’t up to date.

Yes, you should tip in the Balkans

If you’re from a country without a tipping culture, that’s cool, but please be sure to tip when you visit the Balkans!

Many locals in the tourism industry basically survive off tips, as the wages don’t really match the increasing cost of living, especially in major cities and places impacted by tourism. Factor in paying tips into your trip budget. If the service is truly awful, you are not compelled to tip, but we generally advise planning to tip when sitting down to eat, taking a taxi, or staying in a hotel. Here is roughly what to tip around the Balkans:

Restaurants &   Bars:  Tip 10% for good service

Taxis:  Round up to the nearest amount that makes sense. i.e. Pay 400 dinar for a 350 dinar cab fare ($4 USD vs. $3.50 USD for a tip of 50 cents) or Pay 5 leva for a 4.20 leva cab ride (2.50 euros for a 2.10 euros cab ride)

Massages, Salons, etc.:  10% for good service or more for excellent service

Housekeeping:  $1-3 USD per day

Tour Guides:  Approximately 10% of the tour price. For free tours, start around $5 USD per person.

You can’t always use credit cards, so be prepared with cash

You will be able to use credit cards at many restaurants, hotels, and other spots in major cities that cater to tourists. However, credit card usage is not universal. Generally, I’ve found that credit card usage is increasing, especially in major capitals around the Balkans, but in smaller cities it’s rarer.

As with the rest of the Balkans, a good rule of thumb is to always ask ahead of time. Between places that don’t take cards, the occasional card reader issue or malfunction, and needing to leave a tip in cash, you’ll always need to have some cash on you. 

Note that American Express is not accepted in most of the Balkans, so if you only have AmEx, you’ll definitely want to make sure you have extra cash on you.

WiFi in the Balkans is generally good, but there are exceptions

Overall, traveling the Balkans for the last few years, I’ve found the WiFi is generally pretty excellent. Especially in Bulgaria and Romania, where you’ll find lightning-fast connections are basically the norm.

However, I’ve found that Greece consistently has some of the worst WiFi in all of the Balkans and all of Europe, to be honest.

Turkey as well has some WiFi issues, and there are some political issues that prevent access to several sites you’re probably used to accessing, such as Wikipedia and Booking.com.

Be sensitive to regional issues and politics

It may be one region, but there are millions of different political opinions here.

Thousands of years of conquering, rebellion, oppression, occupation, and wars created a tinderbox that literally led to the start of World War I, with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand (it’s not often mentioned that Austro-Hungary was occupying Bosnia & Herzegovina, as well as much of the Balkans, at the time).

Between the different feelings about the fall of communism, Kosovo independence, the Balkan wars, the Macedonia name debate, and how Yugoslavia came apart, we find that it’s better to listen and learn than to interject with your own limited understanding as an outsider.

If you pay attention, you may find things are always more complicated than they appear on the surface.

The Balkans, generally, are great for solo female travelers

Personally, I’ve never been hassled in the Balkans for being a woman traveling alone. Unlike Morocco, Belize, Nicaragua, parts of America, etc., I don’t get harassed here. I’ve never experienced catcalling or even hassling to try to get me into their shop (except in the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, and even then, it was very light-hearted and friendly).

Being a woman traveling alone anywhere can be challenging at times, but I’d recommend the Balkans as one of my favorite places to solo travel. Of course, Steph and I are both white cis-gendered women, and we speak from a place of privilege.

We cannot speak to personal experiences traveling as a woman of color or LGBT traveler, but having friends of color both male and female who have traveled or lived in the region, we know their experiences differ from ours. Unfortunately, racism and homophobia exist in the Balkans, and from our experience in Bulgaria, we feel it is heightened compared to other countries in Europe.

We don’t say this to dissuade people of color or LGBT people from visiting the region, but to encourage you to seek out resources written by people from your community to see if traveling the Balkans is safe for the intersections of your identity and what you personally feel comfortable with.

Don’t only visit capitals

If you just do the Balkan capitals, you’ll miss out on some of the best cities in the Balkans! Some of my favorite places are the smaller towns and villages. We suggest pairing them with visits to the capitals to see a bit of each side.

For example, add Subotica to Belgrade when in Serbia, or add Bansko to Sofia when in Bulgaria. Trebinje makes a delightful add-on to Mostar and Sarajevo, and Ohrid is a must-see when visiting Skopje.

Squat toilets are not entirely uncommon

If you thought squat toilets were only for Asia… think again.

You’ll often find squat toilets at bus stops and at small off the beaten path sights that aren’t super prepared for tourists, such as at Saeva Dupka cave in Bulgaria.

Even in big cities like Istanbul, many public toilets are squat toilets. It’s not the end of the world, even if they’re not our favorite, but be prepared to use one (and that’s why we always include some toilet paper and wet wipes on our Balkan packing lists!).

English is relatively widely spoken, but a little local language goes a long way

The rule of thumb for most of the Balkans is that until the fall of Communism, Russian was the most common foreign language taught in schools. After the fall of Communism, most schools switched to teaching English.

Thus if someone is under 30, it’s likely they at least studied English at some point. People in large cities who work in the service and tourism industries tend to speak good to great English since they use it so often.

However, for the rest of the population, they may or may not use much English so it may be rusty. Be patient and learn a few words of the local language as a courtesy. We recommend learning at least hello, goodbye, thank you, and please in the local languages.

However, be aware that the more off the beaten path you get, the less English you’ll find. We recommend having a local SIM card or having the Google translation of the country you’re visiting already downloaded in your phone.

Learn a bit of Cyrillic if visiting countries which use this alphabet

If you plan to spend a lot of time in countries with a Cyrillic alphabet, such as Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Serbia, learning Cyrillic could be quite useful (and it’s not nearly as hard as you think).

If you get off the beaten path, you’ll often find menus in only the local language…. which is difficult enough until you realize that it’s also in another alphabet. Being able to read Cyrillic means you’ll be able to identify common food words across languages – ajvar, kartofi, cevapi, etc. – and it’ll also help you at bus stations in the above-mentioned countries, where often the only signage is in Cyrillic.

If you’ll visit Kosovo and Serbia back to back, start with Serbia

So many people have this one backward, so let’s clear it up.

It’s actually quite simple. If you want to visit Serbia and Kosovo on the same trip back-to-back, you must start with Serbia. You’ll get a Serbia entry stamp on your passport. Then you can cross the border into Kosovo.

If you start with Kosovo, you won’t get a Serbian entry stamp and Serbia will consider you to have crossed into their country illegally.

Regardless of your political beliefs about Kosovo, you don’t want to get on the wrong side of the Serbian border control (or any border control, for that matter).

I have heard that if you can enter Serbia with an identity card instead of a passport (like many EU citizens can), it is OK to enter Kosovo first because there is no stamp. However, having an American passport and not being able to test this out firsthand, it’s still something I would generally advise against

If you want to visit Kosovo first and then Serbia, we suggest you leave via Kosovo back to Montenegro or North Macedonia, and then visit Serbia. I have done this twice and had no issues with Serbian border control either time I visited after visiting Kosovo a few weeks before with Kosovo stamps in my passport.

If you choose to visit Serbia, then Kosovo, and then head to another country without crossing back into Serbia, this is technically OK; however, you risk Serbia considering you to have overstayed your visa and not letting you back into the country down the road, so we’d suggest visiting Serbia, visiting Kosovo, entering back into Serbia, and then leaving via a Serbia-controlled border.

Complicated? Yes. But that’s traveling in a post-conflict region for you!

SIM cards do not work between non-EU countries

If you’ll only be spending time in the EU countries that make up the Balkans, you don’t have to worry: Croatia, Slovenia, Greece, Romania, and Bulgaria all are part of the EU and as a result, if you have an EU phone plan with roaming enabled, you can use your EU SIM with no extra charges.

I used my Bulgarian SIM in Greece without an issue recently. You just need to check a setting to allow roaming, which varies by carrier.

However, since most of the Balkans aren’t in the European Union, you’ll need to get different SIM cards when traveling between them. Each experience has been pretty painless, but each country has its own quirks. For example, I had to list my father’s name to get a sim card in Athens, despite the fact that I am over thirty years old!

Since data is so cheap, we recommend getting new cards rather than roaming in non-EU countries, unless you have a generous international plan.

For example, we paid 300 RSD (about $3 USD)  for  Serbian sim cards  with 3 GB of data. If you don’t have an unlocked phone and use international roaming from the US or Canada, the plans will work fine in the Balkans, but it’ll be pricy — usually about $10 USD a day. Just note that it may cost you significantly more than getting your company to unlock your phone ahead of time, so think ahead of time before deciding what to do!

You’ll be changing money frequently

It’s Europe, right? Shouldn’t they all take Euros? Nope, not necessarily. You can only use your Euros in Slovenia, Greece, Montenegro, and Kosovo. Romania, Bulgaria, and Croatia, while EU countries, all have their own independent currencies.

Always make sure to have the right  Balkan currency  on me and leave currency from other places back in your hotel, unless you plan on exchanging.

Money in the Balkans can get tricky. I once had an ATM in Mitrovica, Kosovo spit out Serbian dinars, which no one in the rest of Kosovo would take (which uses the euro). I left Macedonia with extra denar and couldn’t find an exchange in Albania who would make the trade. I once exchanged money with a hostel employee who gave me Serbian dinars for my Bosnian marks at a fair rate, since she was going home to Bosnia for the weekend.

Throughout the Balkans, you’ll find the Romanian Lei, Bulgarian Lev, Croatian Kuna, Bosnian Convertible Marks, Albanian Lek, Turkish Lira, plus the four places which use Euros. It’s a lot to keep track of, and you’ll have a lot of opportunities to run into bad exchange rates or to pull out the wrong cash.

Confused? We don’t blame you. Read our Balkan money guide (below) before you go!

Read:  Balkan Currency Guide: What You Need to Know about Balkan Money

If you plan to rent a car, be sure you can make border crossings with it

The idea of a Balkan road trip is a popular bucket list item… but people don’t realize that it’s a bit more complicated than just hopping in a rental car and going!

If you plan on renting a car in the Balkans and driving across a border, you have to call ahead and check with your rental company to make sure you A) can actually cross the border with the car and B) you have the correct insurance set-up to cover you in case of an issues.

One summer, Stephanie booked a rental car for three weeks with the intention of taking it from Sofia to Ohrid to Sarande to Kotor to Prishtina and back. Oh, how naive she was!

When she called ahead to check, they told her they only allowed border crossings into Serbia, Romania, and Greece. Luckily she was able to cancel and did the trip by bus instead, but it was a last-minute change she had to make.

Now we know that it’s easier to get permission to take a rental wherever you want if you start in Skopje, that taking a rental into Kosovo is a nightmare regardless of where you start or end your trip, and while  driving in Serbia  is delightful the gas prices there can blow a hole in your budget.

While road tripping the Balkans is always worthwhile, do be aware that it gets infinitely more complicated if you’re not bringing your own car, and prepare to dedicate a few hours to researching rental cars (we have our best Balkan tips for renting a car here, including multi-country-friendly car rental companies) rather than just booking the cheapest one and going.

Smoking indoors is hit and miss in the Balkans

We personally don’t care whether or not you smoke. Both Stephanie and I at one point in our lives were smokers, and we’re not the type to judge. However, one thing that troubles us and many other travelers to the Balkans is the prevalence of indoor smoking.

We know that many people travel with different health needs. Some are allergic to nicotine, some are pregnant (like Stephanie at the moment), some are traveling with small kids, some get migraines around smoke (like me), some have asthma, and some just don’t plain like the smell. If smoking indoors doesn’t bother you, great! You’ll have a fantastic time basically anywhere in the Balkans.

If you’re sensitive to indoor smoke, take extra caution in the countries where smoking indoors is more prevalent: Greece (although someone living in Greece recently told me they are cracking down on this), North Macedonia, and Serbia, where I find the indoor smoking the worst. Parts of Croatia have this problem as well, I’ve heard. I was in Albania and Kosovo recently and had no issues with smoking inside, but it was summer, so I’m aware this could change in the colder months.

Smoking is quite common in other Balkan countries like Romania and Bulgaria, but generally speaking, smokers are seated outdoors or in a specific, separate smoking section like a heated terrace in the winter. We don’t mind smoking at all — to each their own! — but indoors, it can get overwhelming. It’s something you should note if you are planning to spend a significant amount of time in the Balkans, especially if you are visiting as a digital nomad who needs to spend a lot of time in coffee shops.

While traveling the Balkans is very safe, travel insurance is still key

Travel insurance is a must-have for traveling around the Balkans. While we’ve been lucky enough not to need to make a claim while traveling abroad, there are horror stories of people who didn’t have travel insurance getting into an accident and having insane bills as a result.

Travel insurance covers a variety of situations, from small inconveniences like petty theft like pickpocketing to trip cancellation to lost luggage to catastrophic coverage such as medical evacuations, repatriation, and medical emergencies. Make sure you have a policy that covers both.

We both have used World Nomads, paying out of pocket for our coverage, for three years and it’s the only company we recommend to other travelers. We’re satisfied with their extensive coverage, ease of renewing on the road, and clear explanations of what is and isn’t covered.

Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here.

Originally from California, Allison has been living in Bulgaria for the last two years and is obsessed with traveling around the Balkans. She has been published in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, Matador Network, and the Huffington Post. She loves befriending dogs, drinking coffee, geeking out about wine, and cooking food from around the world.

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The Ultimate 2-Week Balkans Itinerary: 3 Perfect Routes

Last Updated on January 2, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

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When it comes to planning a Balkans itinerary, it can be difficult to know where to start. As one of the least-visited regions in Europe, there is much of the Balkans that remains undiscovered to most foreign travellers.

This makes travelling in and around the countries that made up former Yugoslavia, Bulgaria and Albania a perfect place to get off the beaten path while also sticking to even the tightest of budgets.

The Balkan region has something to offer any type of traveller — from thriving, metropolitan cities, to sprawling bucolic idyll, ancient Greek and Roman ruins to pristine blue seas and inviting beaches.

However, with so much on offer in the area, the prospect of piecing together a route can seem slightly overwhelming. The itineraries below will, hopefully, take some of the guesswork out of planning and help you see the highlights of the Balkans over the course of a fortnight!

Table of Contents

Planning a Balkans Trip

Best time to visit the balkans.

One of the biggest things you’ll need to consider for your trip to the Balkans is the time of year in which you plan to visit the region. All Balkan countries experience four seasons — from cold, snowy winters to hot and muggy summers. Also, many places in the Balkans tend to book out far in advance in the summer high season, especially along the Adriatic and Black Sea coasts.

Personally, I think that the best time to visit the Balkans would be in the shoulder seasons. Either in March-May or September-November.

In regards to the weather, with the exception of a handful of cold snaps early on, we found the weather to be mild and pleasant — averaging about 20ºC (68ºF) with abundant sunny days.

I tend to think that travelling in the shoulder seasons would be ideal for the more active traveller as well. There are a wealth of mountains and outdoor activities for the nature lover in the Balkans and the milder weather would make it all the more pleasant to enjoy these.

Planning your itinerary in the winter might prove fruitful as well, however, as many countries (especially Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia) offer world-class skiing at a fraction of the cost to their Western European counterparts.

Trip Length

Though the area of the Balkans seems small, these countries are incredibly diverse and complex and one could easily spend years in the region and barely scratch the surface. In fact, even after spending over three months exploring the Balkans, we feel that there was still so much we missed out on and are desperate to return and see more.

That being said, we understand that the majority of people don’t have an unlimited amount of time in which to devote to a Balkans itinerary. So, if you’re keen to dip your toe into exploring this amazing and diverse region, we would recommend going for two weeks at a minimum.

When planning a two-week Balkan itinerary, there are several things you might want to keep in mind. First off, especially if it’s your first time visiting the region, is that you need to take it slow.

If you can only spend two weeks in the Balkans, try to limit your travels to two or three countries at maximum. While travellers may think the only thing to see in certain Balkan countries is their capital or most popular city, there are a number of beautiful and interesting places to visit in each country and that takes time.

If you have more than two weeks to spend, all of the itineraries in this article can easily be combined or added to in order to suit any trip length. The only limit is your imagination!

Finally, have you considered taking out travel insurance for your Balkans trip? If you’re travelling on a budget and are only after travel medical insurance it’s worth checking out SafetyWing’s nomad insurance.

Getting Around the Balkans

If your visions of travelling through Europe include a lot of train travel, it’s time to give you a harsh dose of reality: the train network is extremely lacking in the Balkans. Therefore, if you are going to be relying on public transit while visiting the corner of Southeastern Europe, you’re going to be spending a lot of time on the bus.

Intercity buses in the Balkans are frequent and affordable throughout the region, but there can be some idiosyncrasies depending on where you are visiting and when. Not all bus routes are listed online, for instance, and those that are can sometimes be inaccurate or out of date.

The best way to make sure that you’re aware of all potential bus routes is to either check at the station or ask someone at your accommodation. This will usually point you in the right direction.

If a particular bus route is erratic, there is also another public transit option that is quite popular among Balkan travellers and that is the minibus. There are a few transfer companies that organise door-to-door intercity transfers in small, privately owned vans.

These do cost more than a traditional bus, however, they operate more frequently and at more agreeable hours than many intercity routes and have the added convenience door-to-door pick-up and drop-off.

If you are interested in using a minibus as transport in the Balkans, they can normally be arranged by your accommodation or privately through a quick Google search. Just type “city A to city B minibus transfer” and you will surely find something.

If you aren’t planning on using public transport to get around and are keen to embark on a Balkan road trip itinerary, then there are a few things you should keep in mind about driving in the Balkans . First and foremost, make sure that your car has the proper insurance so you are able to cross the border.

Most Balkan countries are outside of the Schengen area and therefore have different laws concerning international car travel, so make sure to check with your rental car company to ensure you are able to visit all of the countries on your itinerary.

Generally speaking, roads in the Balkans are fairly well-maintained, especially those going between the large cities. The exception to this, however, is Albania where there isn’t as much money to invest in the infrastructure and the roads can be quite precarious.

Balkan drivers can also be a bit aggressive, so make sure that you are comfortable driving defensively if you want to go on a Balkan road trip.

Accommodation

As mentioned earlier, if you’re not travelling in the high season it’s not essential to book accommodation more than a few days in advance. However, if you happen to find yourself in the Balkans between the months of June and August accommodation can be in a lot higher demand, especially along the coast.

If you are travelling in the high season, we highly recommend booking accommodation as far in advance as makes sense for your travel style – typically a couple of weeks to as much as a couple of months in advance.

If you’re on a budget, then these are some of the accommodation options that we recommend in the Balkans:

• Booking.com – You can generally book anything from budget guesthouses to luxe hotels on this platform throughout the Balkans (and the rest of the world!).
• Hostelworld – Balkan hostels  are some of our favourite hostels in the world as they are often run by locals and tend to be smaller than the typical larger Western European hostels
• Airbnb – a great budget option if you’re travelling as a couple or with friends as private rooms can be cheaper than two dorms.

Balkan Highlights Itinerary

This Balkan itinerary will see you visiting the highlights of the central Balkan nations of Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Both countries have long and complex histories, incredibly diverse and vibrant cities, and friendly and hospitable residents. One thing is certain, however: you will leave longing to come back and see more.

Days 1-3: Belgrade, Serbia

There is really no better major city to begin a sojourn through the Balkans than in Belgrade , the capital of Serbia and the former capital of Yugoslavia.

Belgrade is an incredibly special city that, though certainly a bit rough around the edges and not traditionally beautiful, has a tendency to charm travellers off their feet. There aren’t a ton of typical tourist sites to see here, but it is worth spending at least three days exploring and getting to know the Serbian capital.

Spend your first day exploring the Dorcol and Skardalija neighbourhoods of the city – the oldest part of Belgrade with a range of different architectural styles and fascinating history. Take the time to visit the Kalemegdan Fortress Park which sits above the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers.

And, of course, no visit to Belgrade is complete without experiencing its infamous nightlife.

On your second day, tour the St Sava Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world. Visit the Nikola Tesla museum and geek out over the inventions of this celebrated scientist and maybe sample a craft beer or two in one of Belgrade’s many pubs.

On the third day in the city, opt to visit the Zemun neighbourhood – which used to be separate from Belgrade entirely and was a part of Austria-Hungary. You could also take the time to wander around Novi Beograd or venture a bit further out and visit the Museum of Yugoslavian History.

Where to Stay in Belgrade

Garni Hotel Opera – Located in the city centre, this is a great hotel if you have a higher budget when visiting Belgrade. They come very highly rated, are within walking distance to all of the best attractions, they have several clean and comfortable rooms available, and breakfast is included in the nightly rate.

El Diablo Hostel – If you’re travelling to Belgrade on a budget, then this hostel is the best place to stay. This place has an incredible atmosphere, a wonderful and helpful local staff, clean dorms and private rooms, and they also organise social events in the evenings. 

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Belgrade!

Day 4: Novi Sad, Serbia

Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city, is an excellent place to visit for a day trip from Belgrade, especially if you want to see a bit more of Serbia. Easily reached in a bit over an hour via bus or train from Belgrade, spending one day in Novi Sad is a wonderful idea.

Selected as the European Capital of Culture 2021, Novi Sad is finally getting the attention it deserves on the international tourism scale. Famous already for its notorious EXIT music festival each summer, Novi Sad also has a beautiful old town that is worth wandering through and a thriving cafe culture.

One of the main sites to see in Novi Sad would be the Petrovardian Fortress which sits atop the banks of the Danube. The city also has a great nightlife and arts scene which ensures that you won’t be bored for a day trip.

Day 5: Belgrade to Sarajevo

The fifth day of this itinerary should be treated as a travel day as you make your way from the capital of Serbia to the capital of Bosnia & Herzegovina: Sarajevo. Sarajevo is a delightful city to visit, but it does take basically a full day to get there.

There are buses that leave from Belgrade’s main train station and arrive at the East Sarajevo bus station, which is a fair distance from the city centre – however, it’s easy to hop in a taxi and make it to the old town.

Once you arrive in Sarajevo, simply spend your evening wandering around, getting your bearings or maybe snacking on some burek or classic Sarajevski cevapi.

Where to Stay in Sarajevo

Hotel VIP – This hotel, located in the Old Town, is within a stone’s throw of all of Sarajevo’s best sites. They have a range of comfortable and clean rooms available, a restaurant on site, and a fantastic breakfast included in the nightly rate. 

Hostel Franz Ferdinand – A great hostel for solo and budget travellers. They have a range of dorms and private rooms with helpful staff and breakfast included.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Sarajevo!

Days 6-7: Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Sarajevo is a wonderful city to explore and it has a completely different feel to it than Belgrade. With two days here, you can take the time to visit the city’s many museums and learn about its place in history…from Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian rule to the devastating siege in the 1990s.

Though the war ended here more than 20 years ago, there are still reminders of the devastation that Sarajevo saw scattered throughout the city and it is incredibly important to educate yourself on this contentious matter.

Other interesting sites in Sarajevo include the bazaars of the Old Town, the Latin Bridge (the site where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, which many historians believe was an inciting incident to the beginning of the First World War), and the Yellow Fortress. To learn more about the war od the ’90s, make sure to visit the heartbreaking War Childhood Museum.

On your second day in the city, it can be worth heading out to learn more about the siege of the 1990s by taking a tour the visit the War Tunnel Museum or even riding the cable car up to the abandoned bobsled tracks from the 1984 Winter Olympics. Today they are covered in graffiti and can be fascinating to walk along.

Also, take the time to visit the harrowing 11/07/95 Gallery to learn more about the horrors of the Srebrenica Massacre in 1995.

Days 8-9: Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

After spending time in the Bosnian capital, it’s time to head south to one of the country’s most popular tourist cities: Mostar.

Mostar is perhaps most famous for the iconic, Stari Most, or Old Bridge, which was reconstructed in 2004 after being destroyed by Croatian forces during the Balkan Wars in 1993. Before then, the same bridge had connected the two sides of Mostar for over 400 years.

While Mostar is becoming ever more popular purely because it is incredibly picturesque, small, and walkable, it is important to learn about the history and culture that has shaped this Bosnian city.

Take the time to go on a tour of Mostar in order to learn how the city is still very much ethnically divided today and to try and understand the horrors that residents have had to live through.

On your second day, you can also venture out to visit the lovely Kravice Waterfalls and Blagaj Monastery, along with many other historic sites.

Where to Stay in Mostar

Hotel Eden – This hotel is excellently located in the Old Town, has a number of great rooms available and also has a free breakfast each morning.

Hostel Majdas   – This small hostel located close to everything in Mostar is one of the best hostels in the entire region. Run by incredibly hospitable owners, the rooms are clean and comfortable, they organise day tours of Mostar and the surrounding area, and a hot and delicious breakfast is included in the nightly rate.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Mostar!

Days 10-12: Dubrovnik, Croatia

Now that you’ve been relatively off the beaten tourist trail in the Balkans, it’s time to visit arguably the most popular destination in the region: Dubrovnik . Yes, Dubrovnik is touristy but it’s for a reason – it is absolutely beautiful!

You can reach Dubrovnik from Mostar in about 3 hours, so if you get an early start you will have lots f time to devote to exploring a bit on your very first day.

On the 11th day of this itinerary, take the time walk the city walls (get there early!) and explore all of the highlights of the Old Town. And on your final day in Dubrovnik, take the time to dig a little bit deeper, head to the lovely nature reserve on Lokrum Island or spend some time working on your tan by lounging on one of Dubrovnik’s many beachy areas.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

Boutique Hotel Porto   – Located within easy reach of the old town, this boutique hotel is perfect for a plush stay in Dubrovnik. They have plenty of lovely rooms and amenities like free parking and an on-site restaurant.

Old Town Hostel   – This hostel, located in the centre of the old town, is perfect for those visiting Dubrovnik on a budget. They have several dorms and private rooms to choose from and great common areas.

Not quite what you’re looking for?  Click here to browse other options in Dubrovnik

Days 12-14: Kotor, Montenegro

The final stop on this Balkans itinerary is the lively town of Kotor in Montenegro.

Kotor is a popular day-trip option from Dubrovnik, however, we believe it is an incredible city that deserves more time than just one simple day.

Your first day in this beautiful place can be spent wandering through the charming cobbled streets of the Old Town and walking the famed city walls. It is also worth hiking around the surrounding hills to gain some truly spectacular views of Kotor and the harbour below.

Your second day in Kotor can be spent either exploring more of the city itself or venturing a little bit farther afield to the nearby town of Perast. This is a smaller and less touristy area of coastal Montenegro, however, it is incredibly beautiful and very much worth visiting.

If you have a little bit more time, you could also opt to continue on to the lively coastal town of Budva or the beautiful town of Bar. From the latter, you can also take a train (considered to be one of the most scenic in Europe) back to Belgrade and make this trip a circular route.

Where to Stay in Kotor

Hotel Monte Cristo – This hotel is located in the centre of the Old Town and has a number of great, clean, and comfortable rooms on offer. They also have breakfast included in the room rate and a helpful staff to give you recommendations about Kotor.

Old Town Kotor Hostel   – Located, as the name suggests, in the Old Town, this hostel is a fantastic base for exploring Kotor. They have a very friendly staff who organise social events, clean facilities, affordable breakfast options, and a range of both dorm and private rooms.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse the best options in Kotor!

Central Balkans Itinerary

If the draw of the Balkans for you lies in getting considerably off the beaten path and exploring nations like Albania, North Macedonia and Kosovo, then this is the itinerary for you!

Like the route listed above, one of the most logical starting points of any trip through the Balkans is in Belgrade. So if you’re following this itinerary through the Central Balkans, then make sure to start with a few days exploring the Serbian capital.

Days 4-5: Skopje, North Macedonia

From Belgrade, it’s time to hop on a bus (or into your hire car!) and head to the capital city of North Macedonia: Skopje. Skopje is an interesting city, one that has seen some massive renovations in the past decade.

There are many interesting things to see in Skopje, such as the statue of Alexander the Great, the Kale Fortress, and the Stone Bridge. There are numerous monuments to historical figures in the country’s history littered throughout the capital, as well, most of which were erected within the past fifteen years or so.

Another great thing to do in Skopje is to take a day hike and enjoy the natural scenery surrounding the capital. Spending the day hiking to the Matka Canyon, for instance, is very popular amongst visitors to the North Macedonian capital.

Where to Stay in Skopje

Hotel Old Konak – This centrally located hotel is a fantastic base for exploring Skopje. It has a number of clean, comfortable rooms available and breakfast is also included in the nightly rate.

Shanti-Hostel   – Located in the centre of town, this hostel has great common areas, is clean and comfortable, and has both private and dorm beds available. They also have friendly staff to ensure your visit to Skopje is a great one.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Skopje!

Days 6-7: Ohrid, North Macedonia

After spending time exploring the capital, it’s time to head to one of the most beautiful towns in North Macedonia: Ohrid. Situated on the banks of the eponymous Lake Ohrid , this wonderful town is a great place to visit, recharge your batteries, and enjoy the beautiful lakeside scenery and relaxed way of life.

It is worth riding a bicycle by the lake to take in the scenery away from the (albeit minimal) tourist crowds. Visit the main attraction in the city, the Church of St John the Theologian, take the steep hike up to Samuel’s Fortress which offers spectacular views of the city, and ensure you don’t miss the Ancient Theatre of Ohrid.

There are a number of other beautiful hikes you can do in and around Ohrid if you are keen to explore some of the mountainous terrain of the Balkans, along with some watersports available on the lake itself.

Where to Stay in Ohrid

Villa Jordan  – This hotel, located directly on the lake, is one of the best places to stay in Ohrid. Their clean, spacious, and comfortable rooms include lake views, there is a pool and other recreational facilities, and there is a fantastic breakfast included in the nightly rate. 

Old Town Hostel   – A great option for both budget and solo travellers alike. Centrally located, they have a great local staff who are keen to help out their guests with anything, they have many rooms available, and great common areas to meet others. 

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to see the best hotel deals in Ohrid!

Days 8-10: Tirana, Albania

After enjoying the order and beauty of the previous towns and cities mentioned in this particular itinerary, it’s time to head to the wonderful chaos of the Albanian capital: Tirana .

Tirana isn’t always everyone’s favourite city, with its lack of traditional tourist sites and visible outward beauty. However, visit this city with an open mind and speak with locals and you are sure to have an amazing visit to this underrated Balkan destination.

Tirana has a thriving cafe culture and one could easily spend a day hopping from one cafe to another, enjoying some of the best coffee in the region. There are also a number of interesting museums and historical sites to visit which will help you learn more about Albanian history and isolation.

Where to Stay in Tirana

Hotel Antigone – This hotel located in Tirana’s city centre is a great option. They have a number of clean rooms available, a restaurant and bar on site, and breakfast is included in the room rate.

Trip’n Hostel   – This small hostel run by a friendly and helpful local staff has a great atmosphere and fantastic common spaces to meet other travellers. They also have a range of dorm and private rooms available.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Tirana!

Day 11: Berat, Albania

As one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Albania, spend your eleventh day of this itinerary on a day trip to historic Berat. Driving, Berat is only located only about 1.5 hours from Tirana, however, it may take a bit longer if you’re on the bus so make sure to get an early start.

Once in Berat, make sure to explore its UNESCO-listed historic centre and hike up to the incredible castle. Here, you can get excellent views and also enjoy the charming, village-like atmosphere.

Berat is one of those places that is simply a joy to wander through and get a bit lost in. It makes for the perfect place to expand on your experience of Albania when you don’t have a whole lot of time.

Days 12-13: Prizren, Kosovo

After spending some time exploring beautiful Albania, it’s time to venture even more off the established tourist trail and head to Kosovo.

Prizren is the second-largest city in Kosovo and also one of the most beautiful, which makes it a perfect addition to this Balkans travel itinerary.

It has a more laid-back pace of life than the capital of Pristina and there are a number of lovely historic sites to visit in the city as well. The picturesque old town is filled with beautiful mosques, bridges, and the Prizren Fortress which offers great views over the rest of the city.

It is quite small in size, so you can see a great portion of the sites in just a day or two. Take the time to really get to know Prizren during your time here and maybe take advantage of a day trip or hike nearby.

Where to Stay in Prizren

Hotel Edi Imperial – This small hotel is a great place to base yourself in Prizren. Located in the Old Town, they have a few cosy and clean rooms on offer, a helpful staff, and a great breakfast included in the nightly rate.

Ura Hostel – This hostel has a fantastic and hospitable local staff who are keen to show off the best of what Prizren has to offer. They have both dorm and private rooms available and clean and comfortable facilities. 

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Prizren!

Day 14: Pristina, Kosovo

End this route through the Central Balkans in the capital city of Kosovo: Pristina. Kosovo sees very few visitors as Balkan countries go but this is a huge shame as this young nation has a lot to offer travellers.

It might seem like there isn’t much in Pristina, however, this is another city that needs time to get to know and appreciate. Take the time to get lost in its streets, visit some of its fantastic historical sites, a enjoy its thriving cafe culture.

Pristina also has some great restaurants that would be a great introduction to Kosovan food, which is unique to that of other countries and draws from a number of influences. It is also a fantastic base to go on some day trips to other, smaller towns and villages in Kosovo where few tourists ever venture.

Where to Stay in Pristina

Hotel Prima – This hotel is in a prime location for exploring Pristina. They have a few great clean and comfortable rooms available and also have a free breakfast that is included in the nightly rate. 

Oda Hostel – Situated in a great location, this small hostel has a friendly and involved staff that have a ton of great recommendations and organise evening social events. They have a few rooms on offer for visitors. 

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Pristina!

Coastal Balkans Route

Those who are after beautiful coastal scenery but still want the atmosphere and travel challenges associated with the Balkans, then this itinerary is for you! Winding through Croatia, Montenegro and Albania, this is a great route for those who want the perfect mix when it comes to Balkan travel.

Days 1-3: Dubrovnik, Croatia

There really is no better place to begin an itinerary such as this one than in the Pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik. Though it can be an expensive destination to visit (especially when compared to the prices in the Balkans elsewhere), spending your first few days exploring Dubrovnik is a pure joy.

This is going to be the busiest place you visit on this particular itinerary, but if you spend more than a day in Dubrovnik, you will be able to find ways to avoid the crowds.

Days 4-6: Kotor, Montenegro

From Dubrovnik, continue along the Adriatic to the beautiful town of Kotor in Montenegro. There’s a lot to do in Kotor and it’s especially great for those who want to be a bit active during their holiday.

You can get your heart rate pumping by climbing up to the iconic fortress which offers beautiful views over the Bay of Kotor!

Spend two days in Kotor enjoying all that the town has to offer before moving onto our next destination – wonderful Albania!

Days 7-9: Tirana, Albania

After spending time in and around Kotor, it’s time to cross the border once more and head to Albania, where we’ll spend the remaining week of this itinerary. Begin your time in Tirana and plan to spend two days exploring the Albanian capital before moving south and exploring more of this beautiful country.

Day 10: Berat, Albania

From Tirana, hop on a bus (or in the car) and begin making your way south – including a stop in the lovely town of Berat, where we’ll be spending the night.

Known as the “Town of a Thousand Windows,” Berat is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is noted for its historic castle and countless Ottoman-style houses lining the picturesque streets.

Spend a day exploring the joys of Berat and make sure to get a good night’s rest, because there are even more great places to visit tomorrow!

Where to Stay in Berat

Hotel Bila Nino  – This cosy little hotel in the centre of Berat is a great, comfortable option for those after a mid-range stay. They have several lovely rooms and an inviting terrace and garden on site.

Berat Backpackers Hostel  – Those after a good budget choice in Berat will like this hostel. They have a great location for exploring the town and plenty of dorms and private rooms to choose from

Not quite what you’re looking for?  Click here to browse more Berat hotels!

Days 11-12: Gjirokaster, Albania

From Berat, head even further south to the historic town of Gjirokaster. This is another of the well-known UNESCO-listed towns and has an incredible collection of Ottoman-era stone houses and a grand old bazaar to explore.

Gjirokaster is also the birthplace of the infamous and brutal dictator Enver Hoxha, who ruled Albania from 1941-1985 and made it one of the most isolated and oppressed countries in Europe during his rule.

It can take about 3 hours to get from Berat to Gjirokaster, but depending on bus timetables, this can vary in how long it will take to reach the town. Therefore, plan to spend at least one full day exploring all this incredible town has to offer.

Where to Stay in Gjirokaster

The Stone Sky Hotel  – A delightful hotel in the old town of Gjirokaster, they have several great rooms on offer, a fab breakfast available in the morning and an on-site restaurant.

Stone City Hostel  – Backpackers will love this highly-rated hostel in a central location. There are several types of rooms available and excellent common areas along with day trips arranged.

Not quite what you’re looking for?  Click here to browse more Gjirokaster hotels!

Days 13-14: Sarande, Albania

Though we’ve spent a bit of exploring the inland areas of this area of the Balkans, it’s time to end your itinerary in the coastal town of Sarande – located in the south of Albania not too far from the border of Greece.

Sarande itself is nice enough to explore – with a lovely beach and views of the gorgeous Ionian Sea and even the island of Corfu in the distance – but it’s also a great base to see some incredible scenery of fascinating ancient ruins.

So during your time in Sarande, ensure that you take a day trip to Butrint. which is home to an archaeological park filled with excellently preserved Greek ruins. You can also make a stop in Ksamil, which is home to one of the region’s few beautiful sandy beaches.

This is a great place to end your fortnight in the Balkans, however, you could venture into Greece if you have a bit more time. The island of Corfu is only a stone’s throw from Sarande or, if you’d like to visit Mainland Greece , you can head further onto places like Meteora or even all the way to Thessaloniki .

Where to Stay in Sarande

Hotel Kanes   – Offering several rooms with views over the Ionian Sea, this hotel has plenty of amenities like free parking and even an airport shuttle.

Saranda Backpackers  – Great for backpackers looking for a lively seaside atmosphere, this hostel has a great location right on the waterfront. There are several rooms to choose from and fantastic common areas, as well.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Sarande hotels!

Mapping out the perfect Balkans travel itinerary can be a daunting process, with so many wonderful places to explore in this diverse region. Make sure to devote an adequate amount of time to each destination you visit and you will ensure that your Balkan trip is the best it can be!

Are you planning to visit the Balkans? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments

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About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Hi Maggie, Thanks for your travelogue and suggestions. You are doing a great public service which is greatly appreciated. We are planning to travel from Ljubljana to Split to start our Balkan trip in Nov/Dec this year. We plan on stopping at a number of places along the way before making our way from Kotor to Tirana, then from there south to Corfu and onwards to Thessaloniki. We want to do the entire trip by bus and train and have been looking at travel options in Rome to Rio. I’m not sure how accurate the website is. What is your advice on public transport in winter, Are buses in the Balkans reliable and what about in Albania and into Greece? I heard that the roads are a bit iffy in Albania. Thanks again.

I’m so happy you’ve found this information helpful! Sounds like you’re planning a great trip 🙂 In general, buses are reliable in the Balkans, though some routes may have fewer connections in the winter. I don’t think you should really encounter a problem. I wouldn’t rely completely on what Rome2Rio says, but it can be a good overview of what routes exist. Generally, your best bet is to see the connections available while at the bus station itself (or by asking around – perhaps at your accommodation). Hope this helps and you have a wonderful time!

It is interesting – only te Western part of Balkans is covered. I wonder what is the reason? Probably Greece is widely covered, but there are Southern parts, that are not so popular. Bulgaria is not mensioned at all too. Even Turkey has its part on the Balkans!

It’s impossible to incorporate such a vast region in only a few 2-week itineraries. We do have dedicated itineraries for Bulgaria: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/bulgaria-itinerary/ , Mainland Greece: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/greece-mainland-itinerary/ and Turkey: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/turkey-itinerary/ so I assure you, these countries are not forgotten or overlooked in our eyes!

Hello…want to travel to the balkans with my group of well travelled friends around 15 seniors in good health.., with interest in culture history n cuisine. we are Indian nationals of Xtian origin….so we have visa issues which we organise with your support data…these are the countries.. Serbia, Bostnia &Herzegovina,Kosovo Albania, Macedonia , Montenegro. We need a slow pace trip n not rush , days can be 15 or more. Thnx n regards Wynoma Thnx wynoma

Sounds like you’ve got quite a trip planned, Wynoma! Hope you have a great time.

Thank you for your email, sounds awesome. What would it cost me to do this tour.(BALKANS) 2 people traveling, sharing accommodation.

Hi Vanessa, glad you found this article helpful! We have actually written a detailed price guide to help you figure out your travel costs. You can find it here: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/balkans-travel-budget/ Hope you’re able to plan a great trip!

Hi Maggi, We are a travel enthusiast couple from India . Could you please help me to plan a route for these destinations by public transport . Flying in to Tivat – Montenegro -Kotor, Montenegro-Tirana, Albania-Berat and Gjirokaster -Sarandë -Butrint-Skopje, Macedonia- Ohrid, Macedonia-Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina-Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina-Novi Sad, Serbia- flying out of Belgrade, Serbia. I have 3 weeks plus and we don’t want to rush every day with suitcases so day trips wherever possible are preferable. We don’t mind doing some if not all these destinations, though from your itinerary account they all seem fabulous. Thanks

Hi Aradhana, sounds like you’re planning quite the trip. Bus timetables and public transport in the Balkans can be hard to plan, but you can check up on a lot of routes by using BalkanViator.com. However, this isn’t always 100% accurate and it’s a good idea to check the routes at the bus stations when you’re there on the ground. Hoe you have a great trip!

Hi Maggie Great site – I really enjoyed reading about your journeys. We are planning a trip to the Balkans in September. Unfortunately, and unusually for us, it has to be a little less ‘off the beaten path’ as I broke my leg and ankle badly last year and my hiking and stair walking abilities are much compromised. That said, we are planning to see some of Bulgaria, Romania, a quick pass through Zagreb before going to Bosnia and then on to Montenegro. We have been to the Istrian Coast of Croatia and a bit of inland Croatia but are not planning to go down the dalmation coast (I did this many years ago). We’ll be driving ourselves – we’re pretty comfortable with this as we’ve driven around Turkey and Morocco and Spain and Italy. We have about 6 weeks for this trip. Things we are keen to see include Brasov, drive the transfargarian road, Sarajevo, Mostar, Durmitor NP, Perast, Trebinje and anything ancient! Have you got any recommendations? Do you think we are trying to do too much? We also hope to duck over to Bari from Dubrovnik and spend an additional week in the Lecce area (depending on finances :-/ ) Thanks in anticipation Rana

Hi Rana — sorry to hear about your injury but it sounds like you’re planning quite the trip nonetheless! We have quite a bit of information about a lot of places in Bulgaria and Bosnia & Herzegovina if you want to check out our destination pages for those: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/tag/bulgaria/ & https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/tag/bosnia/ Hope these help and you have a great time in the Balkans!

Hi Maggie! Thank you so very much for all of this excellent information. I scored a round trip ticket to Belgrade from JFK for $193 – how could I NOT DO THIS??? In APRIL?? I will be visiting solo and your advice has helped me feel super excited instead of nervous. I have been taking Bosnian/Croatian language for a year and my teacher here will hopefully be able to arrange meet-ups with family he has still in the area. But I’m much happier being overly prepared than underprepared!

Thanks for your comment, Helena! Sounds like you snagged a great flight deal and I hope you have a great trip to the Balkans. I’m so glad that our advice has been helpful for you 🙂

Hello Maggie, Your itineraries sounds very exciting! I plan to do a solo travel in the Central Balkans for 2 weeks in September. Is it a good idea to travel solo? Thanks

Hi Shini, glad you like the itineraries and sounds like you have a great trip planned! September should be a great time to visit the Balkans. In my own experience, travelling solo was safe and easy in that area of the world. It was always easy to meet other people and I never felt like my personal safety was at risk. Hope you have an amazing time, I’m sure you will love it 🙂

Thanks for the reply!

Hi Maggie. Great page! I am likely going to mirror your Central Balkans itinerary in July 2019. Can you expand on how you traveled in between destinations? And how you managed booking the transportation? Thanks!

Hey, Greg, thanks for your comment! Your best option when it comes to travelling between destinations is to take the bus — it is more often than not the only public transport option, as well. If you want to make absolutely sure that you get a seat, I recommend heading to the bus station to book your place a day or two before you intend to travel. Some bus companies may have online booking, but in our experience, it can be unreliable. Hope that helps and you have a great trip!

Hi Maggie. At the end of 2017 my wife and I sold our house, most of our furniture and our car and embarked on a year long travel in Europe. Our plan is to stay a month at a time in one location (to both save via a month long discount and immerse ourselves at least a little in the culture) central enough in various countries and take day or overnight trips to nearby sites. So far we have spent a month in southern Spain and are concluding a month in southern France. Next up is Greece. As you know we will then need to spend 3 months outside Schengen countries and our thought was to do that in the Balkans. I could not have read your Balkans piece at a better time! As an authority on the area where would stay if you were to spend a month in 3 locations including Romania, Bulgaria and the Adriatic Balkans? Just so you know we have taken a tour of the Adriatic Balkans with Road Scholar that included Montenegro north to Slovenia and loved all of it. We know very little about Romania and Bulgaria. We have been using Airbnb to find lodging.

I look forward to any advice you can throw our way.

Cheers, Wayne

Hey Wayne! That sounds like an absolutely amazing journey and I hope you’re having a great time! As for a place to settle for a bit outside of the Schengen area, Sofia can be quite a good option — people generally have mixed opinions about the city but we, personally, loved it — and it has a great restaurant and arts scene and a lot of really interesting things to do. Plovdiv is also a great option in Bulgaria, it is definitely prettier than Sofia and has a lot of ancient Thracian ruins as well. It’s also located close to a lot of Bulgaria’s best wine country.

In Romania, our favourite city we visited there was Cluj-Napoca and it definitely feels very livable and vibrant. However, if you’re keen to do a few more day trips, it might be better to base yourselves somewhere like Brasov, which is closer to a lot of the “highlights” of Transylvania.

I hope this helps!

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Yes. Compared to many Western European countries, traveling in the Balkans is often more budget-friendly, offering affordable accommodation, food, and transportation options.

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What is the most popular Balkan food?

Ćevapi, a type of grilled minced meat, is widely popular across the Balkans. Other favorites include Burek, a pastry with meat or cheese, and Ajvar, a roasted red pepper and eggplant spread.

Is the Balkans safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, many parts of the Balkans are safe for solo female travelers. All the locals are friendly and ready to help you if you get lost or need help. Since you are still in a foreign country, we recommend that you do not go out late at night alone and keep your personal belongings safe.

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 Citizens of the European Union Member States, citizens of countries that signed Schengen Agreement and citizens of Andorra, Montenegro, Lichtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Serbia, Holly See & Switzerland can use their Identity Cards as a travel document to enter, exit and pass over BiH.

Foreigners who have multiple Schengen visa or European Union member state visa or residence permit of the Schengen Agreement country or European Union member state, if for such passport holders visa is required, can stay up to 15 days in Bosnia and Herzegovina without visa under condition that they enter in BiH from the Schengen Agreement country, European Union member state or from the country with which BiH has an agreement on readmission in force – Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia,…

Diplomatic, service or ordinary passport holders accredited with the Department of Diplomatic Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and who have been issued a special card, are visa exempted for entry/transit/stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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To obtain a visa for Bosnia and Herzegovina, the following documents should be personally submitted in the Embassy:

• Valid passport (should be valid at least 90 days after the visa expiry date)
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• Consular Fee according to the Price List of Consular Services payable to bank account: 6030.05.73897 Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Please include additionally NOK 140,00 for the expenses of registered mail in Norway, or NOK 160,00 in the Republic of Iceland

In addition to above the following items should be presented depending on reasons for applying:

A. If you are travelling for the business purpose:

– Letter from employer stating the purpose of your trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina – Invitation Letter (Form 4) issued upon a Request for Verification of the Invitation Letter from a domestic or foreign legal person (registered in BiH) from Bosnia and Herzegovina, verified by the Field Office of the Ministry of Security of BiH. The letter should contain details of the invitee, including the passport number as well as a declaration that the inviter is going to provide provide room, apartment or other means of stay, cover costs of hospitalisation and medication, provide support and pay for all other costs that may occur during the stay of the foreigner in Bosnia and Herzegovina, pay for costs of placing the alien under supervision, voluntary leaving of the country or forced expulsion, as well as all other costs of the alien exiting from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

B. If you are travelling as a tourist:

– Travel itinerary with details of accommodation and board or a copy of a return flight ticket. – Copy of a bank statement – proof of sufficient funds to cover expenses during your stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina

C. If you are visiting friends/family:

– Invitation Letter (Form 5) issued upon a Request for Verification of the Invitation Letter from a citizen or a foreigner (who is legally residing in BiH) you intend to visit, verified by the Field Office of the Ministry of Security of BiH. The letter should contain details of both the inviter and of the invitee, including the passport number as well as a declaration that the inviter is going to provide provide room, apartment or other means of stay, cover costs of hospitalisation and medication, provide support and pay for all other costs that may occur during the stay of the foreigner in Bosnia and Herzegovina, pay for costs of placing the alien under supervision, voluntary leaving of the country or forced expulsion, as well as all other costs of the alien exiting from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Note: Applications should be made at least one month before your intended departure date. BiH’s fees cover only a part of the work necessary to process your application. Because processing fees are only for handling your application, you will not get your money back, even if your application is refused.

IMPORTANT: Foreigners can be asked at the point of entry into Bosnia and Herzegovina to present all relevant documents on the basis of which a visa was issued. A visa does not guarantee entry into Bosnia and Herzegovina!

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Why travel to Moscow

Contrasts: 12th century monasteries and some of the tallest skyscrapers in Europe can be found side-by-side in this complex and captivating city. The diversity of this mega-city is astounding. Only a few steps away from the solemn red facade of the Kremlin and the sounds of righteous church bells, a buzzing night scene and alternative-fashion boutiques can be found.

Culture: In Moscow only the best goes. Be it a theatre, restaurant or gallery, the standards are certain to be world-class. The Bolshoi ballet company is reputed to be even better than the Mariinsky’s and “MMOMA” (Moscow’s museum of modern art) exhibits works of art as profound as any that could be found in the famed MOMA.

Convenience: Unlike the rest of Russia, it’s easy enough to get by with just English in Moscow and, driving excepted, it is surprisingly safe: the murder rate is lower than in some of America’s major cities.

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It would take more than two days to walk around the perimeter of the biggest city in Europe, Moscow. Many of its inhabitants barely know what’s beyond the few blocks around their flat and there are so many attractions that it’s almost impossible to know where to start. If there is such a thing as an antidote to boredom, Moscow City is it. The mind-boggling range and diversity of things to do, places to eat, parks, historical monuments and more means that a vacation in Moscow has a wealth of activities to offer for every type of traveler, from young families to retirees.

Reasons to Vacation in Moscow in 2022

The Bolshoi theatre is familiar to almost everyone as Russia’s grandest theatre, but what people don’t know is that there are many more bolshoi (big) sites in Moscow that are worth travelling all the way to Moscow to see. For more than 100 years, the world’s biggest bell has been hidden behind the Kremlin’s walls and inside Moscow’s main park (which is bigger than some countries!) there is the world’s largest outdoor ice-rink. Travelers that visit Moscow can stay at the Izmailovo, Europe’s biggest hotel, then eat at the largest and most historic McDonald’s in Europe and after that have fun at the largest European indoor theme park!

Ancient Past & Stunning Architecture:

As those who travel to Moscow will see, just because Moscow is a city of record-breaking, glitzy high-rises doesn’t mean that there is no history. On the famous Arbat street, time-worn, wooden storehouses and century-old churches are squashed up against grey, soviet blocks which are then towered over by 21st century office-blocks. Unlike its much younger sibling, St Petersburg, Moscow’s roots stretch way back to the 12th century. Within the walls of the Kremlin, the city’s oldest building the Cathedral of Assumption can be admired in all its 500+ years of age.

Culture & Convenience

For a foreigner who has never visited Russia, Moscow is the perfect stepping stone into this great land of mystery. From the country’s best classical ballet troupes to snow-white troikas trotting through the parks, all the highlights of Russian culture can be had in Moscow without any of the complications that would be expected in other, less developed regions of Russia.

Cheap as Caviar

In Moscow, everything is bargain when with the current foreign exchange rates being what they are. Even caviar doesn’t seem so dear when the exchange rate is at 60rub to the dollar, so go on indulge yourself! Take your 2022 vacation in Moscow and have the best of both worlds, with European luxury at very affordable prices.

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

We had a great time both in Moscow and St Petersburg. Your travel agency was excellent in coordinating the whole trip. Everything worked like clockwork. The guides assigned to us were very nice and friendly. They had a great knowledge of their subjects. The cars and the drivers were great. The hotels were good and the itinerary was good. All in all, it was a wonderful experience. It was nice dealing with you and your company. Thank you very much for a great Russian experience. Have a great future ahead

• 31 reviews of Express to Russia Moscow Tours in Moscow

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Home > Where To Stay In Moscow – Best Hotels In Moscow Included!

Where To Stay In Moscow – Best Hotels In Moscow Included!

Written by our local expert SJ

Sarah-Jane has lived in Croatia for 10+ years. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids.

Written by travel writer Ivan Tannenberg . Ivan is an independent traveler, history junkie, and techno-geek. 

In this post, I’ll try to answer the question ‘where is the best place to stay in Moscow?’ as best as I can!

Russia’s sprawling capital, one of the must-visit cities in the country , has long been known as an expensive city for hotel rates. While the situation has improved significantly over the past several years, the authorities are still adding accommodation in Moscow to suit every taste and budget .

Moscow is rapidly becoming a city that caters to a well-heeled clientele and travelers on a tight budget . After several trips to Moscow, I’ve noticed that many people tend to stay near the Kremlin. It is definitely convenient but adds up quickly. In this post, I’ll try to answer the question ‘where is the best place to stay in Moscow?’ as best as I can!

Central District

• Kitay-Gorod:  The very heart of Moscow, arguably the best area to stay in Moscow for tourists
• Basmanny: Best place to stay in Moscow with kids
• Krasnoselski:  Home to several railway stations and other transportation options
• Presnensky: This area to stay in Moscow if you’re short on cash
• Tverskoy: A central Moscow nightlife district and the best place to stay in Moscow to experience the night scene
• Zamoskvorechye:  Historic district in central Moscow, just across the Moskva River from the Kremlin

Western District

• Dorogomilovo: Nice area of Moscow to stay for Stalinist architecture and other monumental buildings

Eastern District

• Izmailovo:  Quieter area home to gorgeous historic architecture and markets

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Best Accommodation In Basmanny District, Moscow

1. mercure hotel baumanskaya – 4 stars.

This hotel is a short walk from Baumanskaya metro station, the Epiphany Cathedral at Yelokhovo, and the Yauza River. This quiet and small hotel has free WiFi, and it didn’t feel like staying in a branded hotel (Accorhotels).

The interior is done up in a modern style, while the rooms are equipped with plentiful amenities. The hotel restaurant offers a delicious variety of international cuisine. Additionally, there is a wide variety of dining establishments in the area nearby.

The staff is friendly and fluent in English (unlike many other hotels in Moscow). All public areas in the hotel were designed to provide effective wide-spectrum air cleaning, so lung disorder sufferers are sure to breathe easily here. Complimentary bottled water in rooms is likewise provided for those staying at this hotel, which is one of the best places to stay in Moscow, Russia’s capital for couples and families.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

2. Pokrovka 6 Hotel – 3 Stars

This small but lovely hotel occupies an attic in a building with oddly shaped rooms. Located some 12 minutes’ walk from the Red Square and just 7 minutes from the Kitai-Gorod metro station, Pokrovka 6 Hotel has its clean and up-to-date rooms decorated in light and bright colors.

Chistoprudny Boulevard and the area around it are filled with several excellent restaurants, so make sure to visit some of them.

Best Accommodation In Krasnoselsky District, Moscow

3. hilton moscow leningradskaya – 5 stars.

This typical Hilton hotel is situated in one of Stalin’s Seven Sister skyscrapers and has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Although it is close to the busy Leningradsky and Kazansky railway stations, the hotel’s Moscow city area is not grotty. Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya provides easy access to all major transportation hubs with several business centers and various governmental institutions around.

I have stayed here many times and always had excellent service from pleasant and helpful staff. As one of the top Moscow hotels, it also has very comfortable beds, a swimming pool, restaurants, and bars and is a short ride from the Red Square, one of the absolute top sites in Moscow.

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Best accommodation in presnensky district, moscow, 4. red brick hotel – 3 stars.

While there are plenty of mid-range hotels in Moscow’s historical center, the Red Brick Hotel is my favorite one. Located within walking distance of Kitai-Gorod metro station and the Pryanik Museum, the hotel has some of its rooms decorated with brick walls and, in general, look very stylish. Some of the rooms may be smaller than in other hotels around, but they were recently renovated and are very cozy.

The staff was accommodating and knowledgeable, and they even offered me some valuable tips for exploring the area around . I enjoyed their food in a casual atmosphere, great value for money.

If you’re searching for where to stay in Moscow as a tourist, this district and hotel is always a good choice!

Best Accommodation In Tverskoy District, Moscow

5. four seasons hotel moscow – 5 stars.

I will be honest; Four Seasons Hotel is one of the best hotels in Moscow. Overlooking the Manezhnaya Square is just three minutes walk from the Red Square and the State Historical Museum.

Okay, this hotel near Red Square Moscow is not very far from the Kremlin walls. Still, with 180 elegant rooms, monumental Stalinist architecture, and over-the-top amenities, it offers a wide range of excellent facilities and the best service.

6. Arium Hotel – 4 Stars

With 60 small no-frills rooms, this accommodation in Moscow is not just a hotel or a B&B, but the owners refer to it as an attractive hotel for business and savvy travelers alike! Located in the Tverskoy District (with exceptional city access and cool and trendy bars in the area), Arium Hotel features a restaurant that serves Caucasian cuisine and a 24-hour gym. The rooms come with complimentary free WiFi. They also provide a roundtrip airport shuttle for a surcharge.

Additionally, the Tverskoy District is also home to renowned Tverskaya Street, the main boulevard and one of Moscow’s best streets. It’s a magnificent road to walk on, flanked by impressive buildings and countless shops. The country’s most expensive street is Russia’s counterpart of other famous boulevards like Oxford Street or the Champs-Élysées.

7. Vagabond Hostel – Moscow Budget Accommodation

With a cool and catchy business name, the Vagabond hostel was founded by two nomads who have a reputation for being avid travelers. Their hostel is yet another fantastic place to stay while backpacking Moscow, where you can relax, chat with fellow backpackers and find travel buddies to hang out with. If you’re looking for things to do at night in Moscow, your fellow guests will be able to give you some tips.

It is a really well-thought-out hostel that features a kitchenette, extra luggage storage for your backpacking gear , a shared lounge, and bathrooms. Situated just two metro stops away from Belorusskaya railway station (where Aeroexpress trains from Sheremetyevo arrive) near the monument of Pushkin, this hostel is definitely not to be missed while in Moscow.

Additionally, Vagabond Hostel lies in a popular nightlife area in Moscow, too. So, if you’re trying to figure out where to stay in Moscow for nightlife, this would be a great choice. This is arguably the best place to stay in Moscow for backpackers and budget travelers.

Best Accommodation In Zamoskvorechye District, Moscow

8. swissotel krasnye holmy – 5 stars.

Located just a stone’s throw away from Paveletskaya metro station and Paveletsky railway terminal, where trains from Domodedovo airport arrive, Swissotel Krasnye Holmy is a top-notch hotel with a mind-boggling 360-degree panoramic view of Moscow and the river. It takes a couple of seconds to get to the top of the 34-story tower to enjoy dinner and a view on the rooftop terrace .

This area of Moscow is tranquil despite the proximity of the railway station. The hotel has clean and contemporary rooms and suites, a fitness center, a sauna, and outstanding service.

9. Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow – 5 Stars

One of the most luxurious hotels in Moscow, the Hotel Baltschug Kempinski building dates back to 1898. Situated in the middle of Baltschug Island, the hotel is within walking distance of major tourist attractions in Moscow, including the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and the Red Square. Just cross the bridge to find yourself near the best places to visit in Moscow, Russia.

From the moment you step into the lobby, you will be welcomed by the courteous omnipresent staff. Within seconds, you feel remarkably relaxed and comfortable, like a home away from home. The Kempinski hotel has 225 opulent rooms decorated with curtains and other soft furnishings made from sumptuous fabrics. If you’re figuring out where to stay in Moscow, who’s luxurious and high-end, this is a superb choice.

10. Comrade Hostel – Moscow Budget Accommodation

Perhaps one of Moscow’s best hostels for socializing is its central location, proximity to a wide range of tourist attractions, and accommodating English-speaking staff. Located on the third floor of a historical building in the Russian capital’s very heart, the Comrade Hostel is really clean.

While the lack of an elevator may cause some inconvenience, you shouldn’t worry. Ask the staff to help with your luggage , and they will gladly do just that. The hostel offers laundry and self-catering facilities.

Best Accommodation In Dorogomilovo District, Moscow

11. radisson royal hotel moscow – 5 stars.

Set in one of the wealthiest Moscow neighborhoods, next to Kutuzovsky Avenue and the Russian Government’s main office, this high-rise is one of the two Joseph Stalin skyscrapers you can actually get into. And it is well worth the effort.

Like its sisters, the Radisson Royal Hotel Moscow, formerly known as the Hotel Ukraine, is unique in its grandeur. The interior underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2010. Now, the hotel is regarded as one of the best in Moscow.

Besides its spectacular collection of arches, stained glass windows, and a painted ceiling, the hotel also has a restaurant serving delicious mouth-watering food. A fleet of all-weather luxury tourist boats cruises the Moscow River even in the dead of winter, definitely one of those cool things to do in Moscow.

• One Week In Moscow Travel Itinerary

Best Accommodation In Izmailovo District, Moscow

12. vega izmailovo hotel – 4 stars.

One of the most budget-friendly Moscow accommodation options, the Izmailovo complex comprises five interconnected blocks, which are very popular with big groups of travelers. Each of the five blocks has its own name, but service and prices are often quite similar.

Although not necessarily located in the central Moscow districts, the hotel is situated right beside Partizanskaya metro station. It takes about 20 minutes to reach Red Square by metro. The Izmailovo Kremlin and the area locals call the Vernissage (an otherwise large shopping area and the flea market) were just a bonus to staying at this hotel .

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Other Good Hotels In Moscow

13. loft hotel h11.

If you’re traveling with kids , the Loft Hotel in Basmanny is the best central Moscow hotel. This low-key hotel in the center of town is ideal. Basmanny is an area in Moscow known for its chilled vibe and clean, safe streets.

14. Hotel Nikolsky Red Square

Just a five-minute walk to Moscow’s heart near the Kremlin and Red Square, this is where to stay in Moscow if you are short on time and don’t want to spend time commuting to the key sights.

15. Invite City House

This boutique hotel is where to stay in Moscow if you’re on a budget and want a simple room (breakfast included), but you are okay to take a subway ride to and from the city center.

More Cheap Hostels In Moscow

• City Hostel
• Godzillas Hostel
• Napoleon Hostel
• Good News Hostel

When choosing where to stay in Russia’s capital Moscow, comparing prices at various hotel search engines and booking apps is always important. Also, consider what Moscow is known for and try to stay close to the main attractions.

Thus, if you plan a trip to Moscow, I recommend using price-comparison search engines such as Booking.com or Ostrovok.ru.

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just on a practical note, there are no budget or 3* hotels close to the Kremlin.

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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