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The Balkan countries are located in southeastern Europe and are filled with a rich history and national parks. But with countries’ troubled past, you might wonder “are the Balkans safe for solo female travel?”
If you are a woman traveling alone like myself and considering a trip to a part of the Balkans, this post is for you.
I will share all my experiences in the countries I visited and the levels of crime I experienced in every single country.
Are the Balkans Safe For Solo Female Travel?
Of the Balkan countries, I have visited Croatia, Slovenia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina. And I will just cut to the chase and give it a firm yes, I felt safe!
Mind you there are still things to consider, so I will go more into detail about my experience. My biggest safety concern is always about public transportation and the safety of being able to walk around alone at night.
In all three of these countries in the Balkans Region, I had no safety issues at night or in transit!
What Are the Balkan States?
The Balkan states are made up of the following countries:
- Serbia
- Slovenia
- Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Croatia
- Montenegro
- Albania
- Kosovo
- North Macedonia
There is quite a bit of history in this part of the world that if you were born after the year 2000 you might not ever really know about.
The former Yugoslavia formed with six countries, (Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Slovenia) was the largest federation Socialist Federal Republic.
Over a period of a decade starting in 1990, these countries would leave and break up the republic known as Yugoslavia. There was a lot of political conflict and mistrust among the people and the government.
For a long while it was not safe for Balkan travel throughout these countries. That is no longer the case these days, and especially not the case in the countries I visited including Croatia, Slovenia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Different Currencies Across the Balkan Peninsula
A Quick Guide to the Local Currency for the Main Balkan Countries
- Serbia – Serbian Dinar (RSD)
- Slovenia – Euro (EUR)
- Bosnia & Herzegovina – Bosnian Convertible Mark (BAM)
- Croatia- Croatian Kuna (HRK)
- Montenegro- Euro (EUR)
- Albania – Albanian Lek (ALL)
- Kosovo- Euro (EUR)
- North Macedonia – Macedonian Denar (MKD)
Bosnia & Herzegovina – Safe Travel in Sarajevo
I was a little nervous at first about traveling solo in Bosnia-Herzegovina, but after I arrived I was surprised at how comfortable I was.
Balkan travel in the summer months is going to be very warm. I visited Sarajevo in high season (July), and it was very hot and not super crowded, which added to the overall feeling of safety.
On my journey, I tend to stay in the city’s center, in this case, an old town. As a solo woman traveling and a newbie to Balkan solo traveling, I felt it is most logical to stay where most tourists stay.
The streets are very crowded and lively, but I never felt as though people were walking me or paying much attention.
Sarajevo offers a palette of activities to delve into, so staying at least 3 nights is an absolute must.
One of the best things I did when visiting Sarajevo was taking a day trip tour to Mostar. There is so much to see all around Bosnia, so if you have the time use it here.
Tips for solo travel in the balkans
- I don’t drink very much alcohol when I am traveling alone, I want to be alert.
- If I am going to a new area I save the route in Google maps offline and find places such as hotels on the main roads along the way. In a pinch, a hotel is a great place to go if you are lost. Hotel staff will know how to help!
- I keep all useful info such as my accommodations and emergency contact info on a separate piece of paper. A smart tip is to have that paper in a pocket, in case you lose your bag or phone.
How to Get Around Safely in Sarajevo
Getting to the old town of Sarajevo from the airport will take approximately 30 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic.
As buses are infrequent to and from the airport. I would highly recommend taking a rather affordable taxi, ranging between 15 and 20 euros.
Talk to the taxi driver in advance, as some might try to charge you more since you are not a local.
Another option is to find out whether your hotel could organize an airport pick-up, which may bring you peace of mind, as a solo traveler.
Transit information
- Click Here for the local bus schedule. Information on each bus station and the bus route is included.
- Click Here for the local tram schedule and stop information.
- For the best rental car company click Here. If you are considering a wide range of Balkan Travel I recommend renting a car! The road conditions can become very scary in heavy rains if you are traveling outside the city.
- Arrange an airport transfer Here.
Top Tourist Attractions in Sarajevo
If you are visiting Sarajevo alone, there are plenty of attractions you may want to see and experience. I glided around all of these locations on my own and felt perfectly safe and taken aback by the beauty of Sarajevo.
- Visiting the Bašcaršija! Here is the old town marketplace, filled with shops and eateries. Traditional Bosnian food and local shops can be found throughout this area. If you are a woman traveling alone who likes cooking, your resources lie within this heaven of aromas throughout this area.
- Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque– This is a 16th-century mosque located in the heart of Sarajevo. It is the largest mosque in all of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Worth visiting regardless of your religious beliefs. It is the most popular place to visit in Sarajevo.
- Taking pictures of the Latin Bridge. I strolled along the river Milijcka with my selfie stick and tripod and took a million pics! You could never feel lonely in such an atmosphere!
- Cable Cars! The entire city has a wonderful viewpoint, accessible by riding the cable car. It costs approx 10 euros. It’s well worth the fare.
- Visiting the Sacred Heart Cathedral. This magnificent church is also in the center of Sarajevo. It’s an impressive Neo-Gothic Style Church.
- Sarajevo Brewery! I will be honest with you, I travel to eat and drink. So I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to check out this Brewery, built-in 1864! You can feel safe as a solo woman checking out this Brewery!
Most Popular Tours in Sarajevo!
Every traveler is different. I am not a single woman traveling who loves museums. Especially when they are war museums. I don’t need to re-live or be reminded of the horrors that somewhat recently were the reality. If you do enjoy museums, Sarajevo has some good ones:
Balkan History Tours
Srebrenica Genocide History Tour– The Srebrenica Genocide is a terrible part of history. To best understand everything that happened in the Balkan region, it’s a good idea to book a tour with this local family.
Get More Information on the Tour HERE.
Sarajevo Tunnel Museum – The tunnel was constructed between March and June 1993. This was during the Siege of Sarajevo in the midst of the Bosnian War.
Get More Information on the Tour HERE.
For the Museum Lover
National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina -This museum specializes in museological, scientific, educational, and publishing activities.
Svrzo’s House – Learn about Sarajevo’s past, starting in prehistoric settlements at Butmir through the Illyrian and Roman settlements to medieval Bosnia, the Ottoman period, the Austro-Hungarian period and modern times.
Best Accommodations in Bosnia for Solo Women
Accommodations are very important when traveling solo. I understand that a hotel can be the most expensive part of the trip, so you want to keep it within the budget. Personally, spending more on a hotel in the city center is always worth it.
If you end up staying further from the center it can majorly impact your trip altogether. Staying in an area that has few shops, bars, and restaurants can make you feel lonely and isolated.
Top Sarajevo Hotel Picks
- Hotel Old Sarajevo– I stayed in this wonderful Bosnian boutique hotel located in the old town. It came with free wifi and a delicious breakfast. They serve real cooked egg omelets and these amazing potato pasties. Traditional breakfast is also an option on the table. The staff is incredibly helpful. If you want to feel spoiled in Sarajevo, go for it! I highly recommend this hotel.
- Malak Regency Hotel – If you are looking for a fancy luxury hotel in Sarajevo, this is the one for you. It’s located centrally and has lots of amenities. It’s not overly priced for a 5-star hotel. I have heard a couple of fellow solo travelers praising it, so I have decided to give you this tip.
- Hotel President Sarajevo This upscale hotel is sitting on the edge of the Old Town of Sarajevo. Enjoy the onsite restaurant and nearby shops.
Best Balkan Cuisine in Sarajevo
Bosnia, in general, might pose some challenges for vegetarians and even more so, for vegans! Personally, I eat fish and no other meat, so I have no problems finding delicious local food. Be mentally prepared if you a woman who enjoys veggie-based cuisine! Another local insight is payment culture. Most places only accept cash.
- Karuzo is the best and most vegan-friendly restaurant in Sarajevo. It’s cash only, and you NEED a reservation. If you don’t have one, you will be turned away. This place has fresh and delicious home-cooked meals.
- Klopa is a nice choice for a healthy and casual meal. The pizza is very good! You will find this place in the center of the old town, very close to the Cathedral.
- Apetit is a highly-reviewed restaurant on the edge of the old town. The stylish interior adds up for an even more exquisite experience. Food portions are enormous, so hungry female solo travelers – this is your place!
Slovenia – Safe Travel in Ljubljana
I traveled solo to Slovenia in the month of October, which I think is the best time to visit this Balkan country!
Slovenia is one of those European countries that often escapes the mass tourism of its western European neighbors.
Nestled between Austria, Hungary, Croatia, and Italy, it definitely should be on your solo female travel bucket list!
I traveled by bus from Zagreb to Ljulibana on my own with no issues at all. The best part of traveling through the Balkans is how inexpensive things like the buses and trains are.
How to Get Around Safely in Ljubljana
Walking alone at night is always my biggest safety concern, but in Ljubljana, I felt completely safe and secure. Please use common sense of course and don’t walk around intoxicated alone.
The best way to get around in Ljubljana is just to walk. It is one of the smaller towns I visited in the Western Balkans.
You can easily walk through the historic old town in a matter of hours. If you are planning to visit the Ljubljana Castle there is a special tram that will take you to the top if you don’t feel like hoofing it on foot.
Transit information
- Click Here for the local bus schedule. Information on each bus station and the bus route is included.
- For the best rental car company click Here. If you are dreaming of driving through the Balkan mountains you will want to rent a car that can withstand the mountainous terrain!
- Arrange an airport transfer Here.
Top Tourist Attractions in Ljubljana
Ljubljana Castle– A grand medieval castle perched atop a hill overlooking the city, it’s well worth your solo trek up to the top! You will find a museum, restaurants, and the most magnificent views of Ljubjana!
Triple Bridge – Three picturesque bridges that span the river and connect one side of town with another.
Prešeren Square – Named after Slovenia’s most famous poet, this bustling square is Ljubljana’s central gathering place and the perfect spot to people-watch on a sunny day.
Tivoli Park – This sprawling green space in the heart of the city is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll or a picnic lunch.
Metelkova – This haven of alternative culture is an ever-changing web of street art and graffiti, galleries, clubs, bars, and cafes that make it one of the most popular spots in town.
Dragon Bridge – One of the city’s most famous landmarks, this bridge boasts four dragon statues at each of its corners.
Ljubljanica River – Take a river cruise or simply enjoy the view from one of the many bridges that span this winding waterway through the city.
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elizabeth says
Great dining tips! Super helpful information