Things To Do
in Široki Brijeg

Široki Brijeg is a tranquil town in western Herzegovina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, set among rolling hills and olive groves. Located at coordinates 43.3831, 17.5927, it sits in a region rich with history and natural beauty. The town blends Croatian Catholic heritage with warm hospitality and a relaxed, village-like pace of life.

From here you can explore nearby nature parks, traditional konoba eateries, and easy day trips to Mostar, Međugorje, and the Neretva valley.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Široki Brijeg
morning
:

Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, enjoying traditional Bosnian pastries and coffee. Afterward, take a stroll through the charming town and visit the Franciscan Monastery, a significant cultural landmark. Don't forget to capture the beautiful architecture and serene gardens that surround this historic site.

afternoon
:

For lunch, indulge in hearty local cuisine at a family-run restaurant, sampling dishes like ćevapi and sarma. Post-meal, head to the nearby Kravica Waterfalls for a refreshing swim and stunning views of the cascading water amidst lush greenery. This captivating natural wonder offers perfect opportunities for hiking and photography.

evening
:

As the sun sets, return to Široki Brijeg for an evening of traditional folk music and dancing at a local tavern. Savor a variety of Bosnian grilled specialties while enjoying the lively atmosphere and engaging with the friendly locals. End your evening by taking a peaceful walk through the town, soaking in the warm glow of the streetlights.

day 2
Hiking and Nature
morning
:

Rise early to embark on an adventurous hiking trip to the surrounding hills, where you can witness breathtaking views of the valleys below. With a packed lunch in hand, explore scenic trails amidst nature, observing local flora and fauna. Take time to breathe in the fresh mountain air and appreciate the tranquility of the natural landscape.

afternoon
:

After your hike, return to Široki Brijeg for a well-deserved meal at a local restaurant featuring farm-to-table dishes. Spend the afternoon visiting the local artisan market, where you can find handmade crafts and souvenirs that reflect the rich culture of the area. Engage with friendly vendors and learn more about their craft and traditions.

evening
:

Unwind in the evening at a cozy bar, tasting some local wines and spirits while sharing stories with fellow travelers. Enjoy the relaxed ambiance and perhaps join a locals' gathering for a fun game of cards or board games. End your evening with a stroll under the starlit sky, reflecting on your day’s adventures.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$7-12
Coffee or tea$1-3
🍷Glass of local wine$3-5
🍝Meal for two at mid-range restaurant$25-35
🚗Taxi within town$3-6

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Charming small-town feel
  • Beautiful surrounding nature
  • Friendly locals
  • Delicious Herzegovinian cuisine
  • Limited nightlife within town
  • Public transportation coverage is modest
  • Language barrier in some establishments
  • Winter driving can be challenging on some routes
  • "Dobar dan" - Hello / Good day
  • "Hvala" - Thank you
  • "Koliko košta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Gdje je WC?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Govorite li engleski?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Široki Brijeg

Visit one of these nice places.

Hilltop Viewpoint over Široki Brijeg

Panoramic vantage with sweeping views of the town and surrounding hills, ideal at sunrise or sunset.

Town Square and Parish Church

Central square with traditional architecture, stone facades, and local life unfolding around you.

Neretva River Outlooks

Riverside stretches and bridges along the valley offer tranquil reflections and landscape shots.

Rural Countryside at Dusk

Fields, olive groves, and stone walls framed by golden-hour light provide warm, rustic textures.

Culinary Guide

Food in Široki Brijeg

Herzegovinian cuisine blends Bosnian flavors with Mediterranean influences, featuring hearty grills, fresh produce, and fragrant herbs. Expect savory meats, dairy, olive oil, and vibrant Ajvar relishes in many dishes.

Široki Brijeg Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Ćevapi

Grilled minced meat served with flatbread (somun), onions, and ajvar.

Must-Try!

Burek with meat

Flaky pastry filled with seasoned ground meat, a beloved savory staple.

Pita with cheese (Sirnica)

A cheese-filled pastry, often enjoyed warm with tea or coffee.

Begova Čorba

Rich chicken and vegetable soup seasoned with paprika and herbs.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Local Market

Town market offering fresh seasonal produce, cheeses, honey, and olive oil; great for sampling regional snacks.

Climate Guide

Weather

Široki Brijeg experiences a continental climate with Mediterranean influence. Summers are hot and dry, winters are cool with possible snowfall, and spring and autumn bring mild temperatures and varying rainfall.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Hospitality and dress

Greet with a polite, friendly attitude; modest dress when visiting religious sites; guests are generally treated warmly.

Safety Guide

Safety

The town is generally safe for travelers with typical travel precautions. Use common sense in crowded areas, watch your belongings in busy markets, and be prepared for seasonal weather changes that can affect road conditions in winter.

Tipping in Široki Brijeg

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% for good service is appreciated; rounding up the bill is common in casual places.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and dry with long days; carry water, wear sunscreen, and seek shade during peak hours.

Autumn

Mild daytime temperatures with colorful foliage; ideal for hiking and photography after rain.

Winter

Cool, with the possibility of rain or light snow; layering is essential and some mountain roads may be snowy.

Spring

Fresh and variable weather; enjoy blooming landscapes and comfortable hiking conditions.

Nightlife Guide

Široki Brijeg at Night

The nightlife in Široki Brijeg is modest and relaxed, centered around cozy bars and cafes where locals share coffee, light music, and conversation. For more vibrant scenes, many visitors head to nearby Mostar or Međugorje after dinner, which offer a wider range of bars, live music, and riverside nightlife during warmer months.

Hiking in Široki Brijeg

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Prenj Mountain

A popular hiking region with forested trails and panoramic views, reachable with a short drive from Široki Brijeg.

Velež Mountain foothills

Accessible hikes with varied terrain, offering viewpoints toward Mostar and the Neretva valley.

Blidinje Nature Park

Expansive highland park featuring Blidinje Lake, stone landscapes, and tranquil trails; great for day trips.

Airports

How to reach Široki Brijeg by plane.

Mostar International Airport (OMO)

Small regional airport with limited connections, typically serving regional flights; about a 1.5–2 hour drive to Široki Brijeg.

Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ)

Major international gateway about 150–180 km away; broader flight options and connections.

Split Airport (SPU)

Croatia's airport offering a range of European connections; a longer drive to Široki Brijeg but feasible for a longer itinerary.

Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)

Close to the coast with several seasonal and year-round routes; convenient for combining a coastal visit with Herzegovina.

Getting Around

Walkability

Široki Brijeg is compact and walkable in the town center, with most sights and cafes within 1–2 km. Some viewpoints require a short uphill walk or a simple hike, but trails are generally well-marked and scenic.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Croats

Predominant ethnic group in the area with a Catholic heritage; influences local culture and traditions.

Bosniaks

Smaller communities contributing to the region’s cultural diversity; respectful coexistence is common.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport in the region, with local clubs and community games contributing to a vibrant sports culture.

Basketball

Widely played in schools and community centers; indoor courts are common in towns.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light in town, with occasional congestion near the center during peak hours. Intercity buses are the primary mode of longer travel; rail service in the area is limited, so plan road travel or bus routes accordingly.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Široki Brijeg.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many konobe offer cheese pies, vegetable stews, and salads; look for dolma-free mezze and simple vegetable grills.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

There are local clinics and pharmacies in town; for major emergencies, Mostar and nearby cities offer hospitals with broader services. Carry health insurance information and local emergency numbers.

Discover Bosnia and Herzegovina

Read more in our Bosnia and Herzegovina 2025 Travel Guide.

Bosnia and Herzegovina Travel Guide