Things To Do
in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina sits at the crossroads of Central Europe and the Balkans, where rugged mountains cradle river valleys and compact historic towns. Its cities blend Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav legacies, creating a rich architectural tapestry from mosques to Austro-geometric façades. The country is renowned for its warm hospitality, hearty cuisine, and dramatic natural scenery—from the Old Bridge in Mostar to pine-clad slopes of Jahorina.

Travelers here can explore ancient bazaar streets, tranquil springs, and lush national parks while discovering a resilient, welcoming culture.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Sarajevo
morning
:

Begin your journey in the heart of Sarajevo, where you can stroll through Baščaršija, the old bazaar, and admire the Ottoman architecture. Visit the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque and take in the tranquility it offers. Don't forget to try a traditional breakfast of 'burek' at one of the local bakeries.

afternoon
:

Continue your exploration by visiting the Historical Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which provides insights into the country's rich past. Enjoy a leisurely walk along Wilson's Promenade, taking in the scenic views of the Miljacka River. Make a stop for lunch at a cozy restaurant that offers delicious local cuisine.

evening
:

As night falls, discover Sarajevo's vibrant nightlife by having dinner at a restaurant that features a mix of traditional and modern Bosnian dishes. Consider visiting a local bar to taste some of the country's famous beers or rakija. The atmosphere is lively, offering a glimpse into the city's social scene.

day 2
Visiting Mostar
morning
:

Travel to Mostar, a city renowned for its iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge). Once there, wander through the cobbled streets of the old town, where you'll find charming shops selling handmade crafts. Enjoy a traditional Bosnian coffee at a café with views of the bridge.

afternoon
:

After lunch, take the opportunity to visit the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, which offers stunning panoramic views of the city. Explore the nearby Blagaj Tekke, a historical Dervish house set against a stunning cliff with the Buna River flowing below. It's a serene spot perfect for contemplation.

evening
:

As the sun begins to set, return to the old bridge area to watch the sunset reflect off the Neretva River. Have dinner at a riverside restaurant while enjoying local delicacies such as grilled fish or lamb. The illuminated bridge in the evening creates a magical atmosphere that enhances your evening experience.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$7-12
🥗Mid-range three-course meal for two$25-40
🧃Bottled water (1.5L)$1-2
🚕Taxi 5 km in city$4-8
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$70-120

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich history and culture
  • Stunning natural scenery and affordable travel
  • Limited public transport in rural areas
  • Some tourist sites can be crowded in peak season
  • "Dobar dan" - Good day
  • "Hvala" - Thank you
  • "Molim" - Please/You're welcome
  • "Gdje je toalet?" - Where is the toilet?
  • "Koliko košta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Ja govorim malo bosanski" - I speak a little Bosnian

Places to Visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Visit one of these nice places.

Stari Most (Old Bridge), Mostar

Iconic Ottoman-era bridge spanning the Neretva River with dramatic reflections and a lively waterfront.

Sebilj Fountain, Baščaršija, Sarajevo

Carved wooden fountain in the old bazaar, a classic Bosnian photo subject against cobbled lanes.

Vrelo Bosne Park & Spring

Lush forested park at the source of the Bosna River, ideal for landscape and portrait photography.

Blagaj Tekija

Dervish monastery perched beside tall cliffs and a turquoise spring by the Buna river.

Culinary Guide

Food in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnian cuisine blends Ottoman, Mediterranean, and Central European flavors with hearty meats, fresh bread, and aromatic coffee.

Bosnia and Herzegovina Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Ćevapi

Grilled minced-meat fingers served with somun bread, chopped onions, and a pepper relish.

Must-Try!

Burek

Flaky pastry filled with meat, cheese, or potatoes; best enjoyed hot from a baker.

Begova čorba

A rich chicken and vegetable soup, often finished with a swirl of yogurt.

Bosanski Lonac

A slow-cooked layered stew of meat and vegetables in a clay pot.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Baščaršija Market (Sarajevo)

Historic bazaar with street stalls offering grilled skewers, pastries, and fresh produce.

Markale Market

City market: find dairy, fruit, and regional specialties amid a lively urban scene.

Climate Guide

Weather

Bosnia and Herzegovina features a varied climate: continental in the plains with hot summers and cold winters, and alpine conditions in the high mountains with higher precipitation; coastal influence is limited but weather can change quickly in the Dinaric Alps.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A warm handshake with eye contact; say 'Dobar dan' or 'Zdravo' when meeting someone.

Religious Sites

Respectful dress; remove shoes if required; speak softly near mosques, churches, and cemeteries.

Photography

Ask permission for private homes or sacred sites; avoid photographing people without consent.

Safety Guide

Safety

Petty crime in tourist areas is the main concern; keep valuables secure and use common-sense precautions at night. Travelers should follow local guidance in rural areas and dam/test sites; emergency services 112 work across BiH.

Tipping in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

5-10% at restaurants if service is not included; round up taxi fares and offer a small tip to guides.

Payment Methods

Cash in BAM is widely accepted; cards are common in cities; ATMs are abundant; some rural vendors may prefer cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Winter

Snow-capped mountains and crisp air; great for skiing on Jahorina, Bjelašnica, or Igman; cities are cozy and festive.

Spring

Rising temperatures and blooming landscapes; ideal for hiking in Prenj and Vlašić with thinning crowds.

Summer

Warm to hot days with cooler evenings in the mountains; perfect for rafting on the Neretva and outdoor patio dining.

Autumn

Mild weather with harvest colors in forests around Trebinje and Vlašić; fewer crowds and great photography light.

Nightlife Guide

Bosnia and Herzegovina at Night

Nightlife centers on Sarajevo’s Baščaršija and Downtown with cozy riverfront cafés, live Sevdah music, and rooftop bars; in Mostar and Banja Luka you’ll find clubs, modern bars, and waterfront lounges.

Hiking in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Prenj Mountain Trails

Remote and scenic trails with alpine flora and panoramic views.

Bjelašnica Summit Routes

Classic hikes and ski routes near Sarajevo with scenic overlooks.

Velež Mountain Trails

Ridgelines and forested paths near Mostar.

Airports

How to reach Bosnia and Herzegovina by plane.

Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ)

Main international gateway to Bosnia and Herzegovina, 9 km from the capital with connections to Europe and beyond.

Mostar International Airport (OMO)

Smaller airport serving regional flights near Mostar; transfers to city center and nearby attractions.

Banja Luka International Airport (BNX)

Main airport for the Biha region; convenient for northern destinations and nearby parks.

Getting Around

Walkability

Most of the historic centers like Sarajevo and Mostar are very walkable, with dense pedestrian zones in Baščaršija and the old towns; public transit covers larger towns, but buses and taxis are common for longer distances.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Bosniaks

Majority in many areas; urban centers host diverse communities.

Serbs

Significant minority in certain regions and communities.

Croats

Concentrated in parts of central and southern regions.

Other

Small communities including Roma, and expats in bigger cities.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport, with enthusiastic matches in every city.

Basketball

Strong local leagues; national teams perform well in regional competitions.

Skiing

Winter sport on Jahorina, Bjelašnica, and Igman; cross-country options in the mountains.

Transportation

Traffic

City traffic can be congested during rush hours; public transport includes buses and trams in some cities; private taxis are widely available; driving in mountainous areas requires caution especially in winter; long-distance travel is often more convenient by bus or train where available.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are widely available; look for burek with cheese, vegetarian stews, and fresh salads; communicate 'Bez mesa' (no meat) when ordering.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in BiH is decentralized; major cities have modern clinics and hospitals; foreigners should have travel health insurance; emergency numbers: 112; doctors may require payment at service; private clinics are common in Sarajevo and Banja Luka.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina.