Sarajevo ranked top Balkan destination by US portal Quartz

The American portal Quartz has released a list of the best destinations to visit in the Balkans for 2026, naming Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as the top location. The report describes the Balkan region as one of Europe’s most underrated areas, offering diverse landscapes ranging from Adriatic coasts to mountain valleys.

Sarajevo is highlighted as a destination that justifies a trip to the region on its own, noted for its historical core where Ottoman Baščaršija, Austro-Hungarian architecture, and Jewish heritage intersect. The city is also recognized for its traditional coffee culture and remnants of Olympic infrastructure. The report suggests Mostar as a natural follow-up destination.

Other top destinations on the list include Kotor in Montenegro, Istria in Croatia, Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia, the Albanian Riviera, Mavrovo National Park in North Macedonia, Pristina, and Brač. Travel experts advise visitors to focus on two to four countries rather than attempting to cover the entire peninsula in one trip.

In related regional news, various Bosnian tourism boards, including those from Jajce, Travnik, Livno, and Tomislavgrad, participated in the Tourism Expo Sarajevo 2026 to promote local gastronomy, natural heritage, and cultural traditions.