Balkans solo-traveling
Posted by NathanLipetzMTG@reddit | AskBalkans | View on Reddit | 16 comments
I'm thinking about traveling solo to the Balkans soon, for a month or so, coming from Berlin (I live there but I'm Canadian). I know someone in Croatia, and have friends from Albania and Bosnia (who now live elsewhere), so I can get some advice on where to visit within those countries, but I'm more curious about where to visit in Serbia, Bulgaria and North Macedonia. So far on my list is are: Belgrade (Serbia), Sofia & Plovdiv (Bulgaria), Skopje (North Macedonia). Is there anywhere else you would suggest? I'm most interested in history, especially ancient ruins and castles. I would prefer to dodge overcrowded tourist trap areas when possible. Thanks for the help
kasiofan@reddit
Think twice before traveling solo in certain areas of Balkans.
NathanLipetzMTG@reddit (OP)
Which areas would you avoid? I plan to try to stay mostly in major cities.
RegionSignificant977@reddit
I haven't been everywhere but it's safe enough in the Balkans. Even tourist traps are not that common as in more popular tourist destinations.
NathanLipetzMTG@reddit (OP)
The only thing I've been told to avoid is wondering off/exploring outside of major cities in Bosnia due to unexploded landmines (Canada's gov travel website also says this). I'm not concerned about traveling in Europe tbh. Maybe there are risks, but I have never felt unsafe here and I've been to most of the highest crime rate/considered "dangerous" cities in Europe. For example, I really liked Marseille and people seem to suggest that being the total scum of Europe.
RegionSignificant977@reddit
Even in small towns/villages people are fine, even friendlier than in major cities. You have to wander in the fields\woodlands to find unexploded landmines. Even small roads between villages are mine free.
I doubt that there is a place like Marseille in Balkans. It should be safer.
RegionSignificant977@reddit
Why?
geizige-vorhaut2289@reddit
Serbia has recently restored a lot of medieval castles along the Danube
Golubac is probably the most interesting. Ram also recently got reconstructed and Fetislam too. Problem is that they are a bit further away from Belgrade so it’s difficult to seamlessly incorporate it in an itinerary. However if you do go there you can see some pre-historic Lepenski Vir sites that date back to 9500BC. There’s also Sremska Mitrovica (Sirmium) which was one of the capitals of the Roman Empire and has loads of ruins from that time all across the city.
NathanLipetzMTG@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the advice, this is really helpful! I'll look into all of this and see what I can fit into my plans
nikaeliiii@reddit
Plovdiv, Bulgaria! The oldest Habitated city in Europe!
NathanLipetzMTG@reddit (OP)
I had that on my list but realized I can't go to Bulgaria during this trip. Unfortunately I've run out of time I can travel in the Schengen zone. I'll still be able to do Croatia cause it's the start of the trip before my 90 days runs out.
RegionSignificant977@reddit
Look at Mostar in Bosnia. It's closer to Croatia.
Plovdiv is awesome but I can see how it will be difficult for you logistically in your current trip.
NathanLipetzMTG@reddit (OP)
I've got Mostar on my list already! It looks super cool. Still gotta talk to my friend from Bosnia about other cities in the country beyond that and the capital too.
profesionalac-na-kub@reddit
Send me a dm of your general info so i know you are not a lunatic. We mught got someone in north Serbia for you.
NathanLipetzMTG@reddit (OP)
Messaged! Hopefully I'm not a lunatic, thanks for helping
Elmalukat@reddit
Ohrid for North Macedonia It is lovely town, in the border with Albania.
NathanLipetzMTG@reddit (OP)
Just looked that up, sure does look lovely. I'll add it to my list