https://ph.trip.com/moments/detail/kotor-20835-137280865?locale=en-PH
ALAINA DUNCANUnited States

The hidden gems of the three Balkan countries! Secret spots tourists can't find are all here

Who’s still squeezing into the popular Balkan attractions? This local-only list of off-the-beaten-path spots helps you avoid 90% of the crowds! From the banks of the Danube to the mountains and seas, every place holds a surprise~😎 The joy of Zemun, Serbia, starts at the "Cable Car" café by the Danube☕️. Pick an outdoor seat, watch the white swans lazily glide across the river, and glance up to see the Romanian charm on the opposite bank. While tourists crowd the main street, only locals understand the slow pace here! Don’t miss the sunset whiskey at Kalemegdan Fortress in the evening🏰. The old city walls bathed in warm golden light, sipping local whiskey while overlooking the old town and the Sava River—this vibe beats any trendy spot by far. Hungry? Find “Grandpa Cevapi’s stall” and get a grilled meat roll for 500 dinars, with pickled cucumbers and onions—a local flavor loved since childhood🌮. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s surprises are hidden in Mostar and Jajce! You must visit the “Family Grill” near the Old Bridge (search “Domaci Rostilj”)🥓. Grilled beef with freshly baked bread, and the owner will even teach you to say “Hvala (thank you)” in Bosnian—way better than touristy restaurants. When visiting Jajce’s waterfalls, avoid the main path and follow locals along the muddy trail on the right🏕️. Passing through forests and streams, you’ll reach the pool by the waterfall, where the mist on your face is incredibly healing! You can also try plum brandy “Šljivovica” at a local distillery and hear the owner’s stories about the brewing process, full of authentic charm🎁. Montenegro’s mountain and sea secrets are even more amazing! Climb 10 minutes up from the north gate of Kotor Old Town to a viewpoint locals call the “Secret Balcony”🌌, where you get a full view of the heart-shaped bay—few people know about it. To avoid crowds in Budva, head south to a secret beach with crystal-clear water🌴, where only locals sunbathe. In the evening, go to the “Sea Breeze Gin Bar,” order a glass of local red wine, and listen to the owner play and sing folk songs—the romance of the Balkans is all here🍷. Even local drivers rarely recommend these places. Which one do you want to rush to first? Let’s chat in the comments~ Originality of the article: 85%
View original text
*This content is provided by our partner and translated by AI
Posted: Oct 26, 2025
Submit
0
Mentioned in this post
Attraction

Old Town of Kotor

5/52 reviews
Kotor
Details
Show more
Related Trip Moments
Durmitor National Park

🇲🇪✨ Montenegro – A Jewel of the Adriatic

Shahin Alom - RU
Saint Tryphon's Cathedral

🇲🇪 One-Day Montenegro Guide — Coastal and Historic Highlights

Belinda S.G
Old Town of Kotor

Kotor Old town เมืองที่ตกหลุมรักมากๆ🫶🏻

Jusmine|JP
Old Town of Kotor

Or is this the cat city? Kotor Montenegro🇲🇪

Jusmine|JP
Đurđevića Tara Bridge

Balkan Four-Country Tour Travel Must-See

成功小火雞
Kotor Town Walls

Kotor Citywalk, the Adriatic Sea secret spot everyone’s talking about

caeryn_6476
Old Town of Kotor

A Medieval Treasure by the Adriatic in Kotor

Dinda.Pratiwi
Our Lady of the Rocks

Top 5 Attractions in Kotor: A Halloween Adventure

Belinda S.G
Old Town of Kotor

Kotor Old Town

Stella.Roberts@32
Bay of Kotor

The beautiful and historical Kotor, Montenegro

Autism Family Travel Guide
Saint Tryphon's Cathedral

Kotor truly surprised me — in the best way✨

Natallia V.
Old Town of Kotor

Your shortcut to magical Kotor! This trip is all about the medieval vibes of Kotor’s Old Town—think peaceful sunrises, cobbled streets, and views that seriously flex on your Instagram stories 🏰✨ Must-See in Kotor: Old Town of Kotor (CQFC+VF9, Kotor, Montenegro) Open all day, all year—so you can plan your adventure without the FOMO. Early riser hack: Set your alarm! The Old Town is dreamy at sunrise. Streets are empty, shops closed, and local cats run the show—pure, uncrowded fairy tale. The city walls are open, so start your climb early for panoramic views over the Bay of Kotor—no sweaty crowds blocking your shots or your path! 📸 Afterwards, reward yourself: grab a coffee at a tucked-away café in one of those quiet squares. The whole place still feels yours, and you get to savor that medieval buzz in peace. How to get around: Stick to your feet! Old Town is a car-free maze—everything’s walkable, so comfy shoes are a game changer. For nearby areas, try the local buses from the Kotor bus station or taxis if you're in a hurry. Food recs: Hit up a local bakery for fresh burek or cheese pastries. For lunch, look for family-owned konobas (taverns) dishing up grilled seafood and risottos. Quick tips: Euros are used everywhere, card accepted in most spots. Summer is hot; bring a hat, water bottle, and sunscreen. No visa needed for most travelers under 90 days—check your country’s requirements! #KotorOldTown #MedievalMagic #MontenegroMoments #TravelTips #WanderWithMe

Val14