BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

Welcome to Bosnia & Herzegovina! This captivating Balkan nation is a land of stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and a resilient spirit. From the historic Ottoman architecture of Mostar to the vibrant capital of Sarajevo and its dramatic mountains, prepare to explore a country where East meets West in a unique and poignant way.

Region: Southeast Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula

Capital: Sarajevo

Official Language: Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian

Level of Travel Safety: Exercise a high degree of caution due to the continued presence of unexploded landmines, particularly in rural areas away from major roads and tourist sites. Petty crime is common in urban areas.

A map of Europe with Bosnia and Herzegovina highlighted in green.

Why Visit Bosnia & Herzegovina?

East Meets West: Sarajevo’s Ottoman bazaars blend seamlessly with Austro-Hungarian architecture, offering a cultural mix unlike anywhere else in Europe.

Breathtaking Nature: Explore dramatic landscapes—from the turquoise Neretva River to the Dinaric Alps.

Affordable Travel: Enjoy low prices without sacrificing comfort, making it ideal for budget-conscious explorers.

A scenic town with a bridge over a turquoise river, surrounded by hills.

Historical Depth: Sites like the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum and Mostar’s Old Bridge recount the country’s resilience and complexity.

Warm Hospitality: Locals are known for being friendly and welcoming, especially in small towns.

Adventurous Activities: White-water rafting on the Tara River, skiing in Jahorina, and hiking to Kravice Waterfalls.

A picturesque church and houses nestled within a dense forest, with mountains in the background.

Essential Trip Information

Entry rules vary by nationality. Check visa eligibility and requirements via the official site: https://www.mvp.gov.ba

EU, U.S., UK, Canadian, Australian, and many other passport holders can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days.

Passport must be valid for at least 90 days beyond your departure date.

Immigration may request proof of accommodation, return ticket, and sufficient funds.

Visa-on-arrival is not available. Apply in advance if required.

The national currency is the Bosnia and Herzegovina Convertible Mark (BAM), but Euros (€) are accepted in many tourist areas.

Best Ways to Handle Currency

  • Before Your Trip: Exchange a small amount; ATMs offer better rates than airport exchanges.

  • During Your Trip: Use ATMs at major banks (like Raiffeisen, UniCredit). Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, but carry some cash (~US$30–50) for smaller towns.

  • What to Avoid: Currency exchange kiosks in tourist hotspots (high fees), and dynamic currency conversion—always choose to be charged in BAM.

  • Official languages: Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian

  • English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, especially by younger people.

  • Helpful phrases:

    • “Hvala” (Thank you)

    • “Izvinite” (Excuse me)

    • “Gdje je…?” (Where is…?)

Bosnia is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates.

Be cautious in rural or mountainous areas due to unexploded landmines from the war—stay on marked paths.

Watch for pickpockets in busy markets or public transport.

Emergency number: 112 (works for police, ambulance, and fire services)

No vaccinations required.

Tap water is safe to drink in most cities.

Pharmacies (“apoteka”) are well-stocked, especially in larger towns.

Travel insurance recommended, especially if hiking or skiing.

Public transport: Efficient in cities like Sarajevo and Banja Luka.

Buses: Most common mode for intercity travel.

Train travel is limited but scenic between Sarajevo and Mostar.

Taxis are cheap but confirm the meter is used.

Driving is possible but road signage can be poor—GPS or offline maps recommended.

Walking: Ideal in old towns like Sarajevo and Mostar.

Bosnia & Herzegovina is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Hostels/guesthouses (US$15–40/night)

  • Mid-range: 3-star hotels (US$40–80/night)

  • Luxury: 4–5 star hotels (US$90–150+/night)

Food

  • Street food & bakeries (burek, cevapi): US$3–7

  • Casual restaurants: US$10–20/person

  • Upscale dining: US$25–40/person

Drinks

  • Local beer: US$2–3

  • Wine (glass): US$3–5

  • Coffee: US$1–2

Transportation

  • Local buses/trams: US$1–1.50 per ride

  • Intercity buses: US$10–20

  • Taxis: US$2–5 for short distances (metered)

  • Car rental: US$25–45/day

Money-Saving Tips

  • Try burek and local fast food—delicious and cheap.

  • Visit museums on free-entry days or with the Sarajevo City Card.

  • Travel by bus instead of taxis for intercity routes.

Explore Bosnia & Herzegovina

The vibrant capital, known as the “Jerusalem of Europe,” offers a captivating blend of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian architecture, bustling bazaars, and poignant historical sites. It’s located in the central part of the country.

Famous for its iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), a UNESCO World Heritage site, Mostar enchants visitors with its cobbled streets, Ottoman-era buildings, and a rich cultural tapestry. It is situated in the southern part of the country, in Herzegovina.

A historic royal town boasting a stunning waterfall in its very center, ancient fortress, and fascinating catacombs. Jajce is located in the central part of Bosnia.

The former capital of the Ottoman governors, Travnik is home to a colorful mosque, an imposing fortress, and the birthplace of Nobel laureate Ivo Andrić. It’s situated in Central Bosnia.

Home to the mesmerizing Blagaj Tekke, a Dervish monastery built into a cliff face beside the source of the Buna River, offering a serene and spiritual experience. It’s located near Mostar, in Herzegovina.

A stunning fortified medieval village with a commanding view over the Neretva River, showcasing Ottoman-era architecture and a rich history. It is situated south of Mostar, in Herzegovina.

A natural paradise renowned for its emerald-green Una River, spectacular waterfalls like Štrbački Buk, and diverse flora and fauna, perfect for rafting and nature lovers. Located in the far west of Bosnia.

The second-largest city, known for its Kastel Fortress, beautiful Vrbas River, and a more relaxed atmosphere with plenty of green spaces and vibrant nightlife. It’s in the northwest of the country.

 Famous for the Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, immortalized in Ivo Andrić’s novel “The Bridge on the Drina.” It’s located in the eastern part of Republika Srpska.

A magnificent natural wonder often compared to a miniature Niagara, featuring a series of tufa waterfalls cascading into a crystal-clear lake, ideal for swimming in summer. They are located in Herzegovina, southwest of Mostar.

Smart Travel

Key Advantages:

  • Lowest Prices
  • Fewer Crowds
  • Authentic Local Vibe
  • Winter Sports (excluding peak)
  • Cozy Atmosphere

Main Drawbacks:

  • Cold Temperatures
  • Shorter Days
  • Limited Outdoor Activities (non-ski)
  • Some closures

Key Regions:

  • Sarajevo: Enchanting snowy capital with festive markets and a unique historical ambiance.
  • Mostar: Iconic bridge against a winter backdrop, fewer tourists, serene atmosphere.
  • Travnik & Jajce: Historical towns often blanketed in snow, offering a tranquil experience.
  • Banja Luka: Charming city, quieter, good for exploring fortresses and local cafes.

Key Advantages:

  • Ideal Weather
  • Manageable Crowds
  • Reasonable Prices
  • Festivals & Events
  • Blooming Landscapes (Spring) & Autumn Colors (Autumn)

Main Drawbacks:

  • Spring Mud Season (rural areas)
  • Unpredictable Weather (Spring/Autumn)
  • Some higher elevations may still have snow (Spring)

Key Regions:

  • Sarajevo: Pleasant for walking tours, cafe culture, and exploring museums without intense heat.
  • Mostar: Perfect for enjoying the Old Bridge and exploring the historic bazaar comfortably.
  • Blagaj & Počitelj: Dervish house and medieval village are stunning with lush spring foliage or autumn hues.
  • Una National Park: Ideal for rafting and exploring waterfalls before summer crowds.
  • Konjic & Neretva River: Great for outdoor adventures like rafting and hiking in comfortable temperatures.
  • Mid-Summer (June-August)
  • Christmas and New Year Holiday Period
  • Peak Ski Season (February-March)

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Planning Your Trip

Warm hospitality: Locals are friendly and eager to help. A handshake or nod goes a long way.

Religion: A mix of Islam, Orthodoxy, and Catholicism—dress modestly in religious sites.

Shoes off: In homes, always remove shoes.

Tipping: 10% at restaurants; rounding up is common at cafes.

Language: Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian widely spoken. Many young people know basic English.

Coffee Culture: Strong Turkish-style coffee is an art—don’t rush it. Invite for coffee = sign of respect.

Don’t mention the war lightly. Be sensitive around recent history—locals appreciate thoughtful curiosity.

Bosnia & Herzegovina is very affordable compared to Western Europe.

Accommodation: Hostels (US$15–30), mid-range hotels (US$50–90), luxury (US$120+).

Food:

  • Street snacks (burek, cevapi): US$2–5
  • Sit-down meal: US$10–20
  • Fine dining: US$35–50

Transport: Buses/trains (US$5–15), car rental (US$35–50/day).

Activities: Museums (~US$2–5), tours (US$15–40), rafting (~US$30).

Daily Budget:

  • Budget: US$50–70 (hostels, street food, buses)

  • Mid-range: US$100–150 (hotels, guided tours, rental car)

  • Luxury: US$250+ (top hotels, private guides, fine dining)

Free Wi-Fi: Widespread in cafes, restaurants, and hotels.

SIM Cards: Buy at airports or kiosks. Options: BH Telecom, m:tel, HT Eronet. 10–20 GB plans: US$10–15.

eSIMs: Airalo, Nomad, and other providers work well.

Highly recommended for any traveler—covers medical care, transport issues.

Healthcare: Affordable by Western standards, but upfront payment may be needed.

Activities: If skiing, rafting, or hiking—check your plan includes adventure sports coverage.

Winter travel: Delays are possible due to snow in mountain regions—insurance helps avoid extra costs.

From Ottoman-style guesthouses to budget hostels:

Hotels:

  • Luxury: Hotel Europe (Sarajevo), Mepas Hotel (Mostar).
  • Mid-range: Hotel Bristol (Sarajevo), Villa Anri (Mostar).

Hostels:

  • Hostel Franz Ferdinand (Sarajevo) or Hostel Miran (Mostar)—social and budget-friendly (~US$15–25/night).

Guesthouses/Pensions:

  • Authentic stays in towns like Jajce or Blagaj (US$30–60/night, often with breakfast).

Airbnb/VRBO:

  • Great for apartments in Sarajevo or countryside villas.

Tip: Book early in summer for popular destinations like Mostar.

Bosnia’s transport network is improving, but rural areas require planning.

Buses:

  • Most reliable for intercity travel (e.g., Sarajevo to Mostar: ~US$10, 2.5 hours).
  • Buy tickets at stations—online booking is rare.

Trains:

  • Scenic but slow (Sarajevo to Mostar route is worth it for views).
  • Limited routes; check schedules in advance.

Car Rentals:

Recommended for flexibility, especially to visit remote villages or national parks.

  • Roads can be narrow; drive cautiously in mountainous areas.

Taxis/Rideshares:

  • Affordable in cities (US$2–5 for short trips). Use metered taxis or apps like Mojo Taxi (Sarajevo).

Walking:

Cities like Mostar and Sarajevo’s Baščaršija are best explored on foot.

Handy Tips

Bosnia & Herzegovina uses the Bosnia and Herzegovina Convertible Mark (BAM).
Bills come in KM10, KM20, KM50, KM100, and KM200 denominations; coins include KM1, KM2, KM5, and smaller fening coins (10, 20, 50 fening).

  • Exchanging Currency: Avoid exchanging at airports or hotels due to poor rates. Use local banks or ATMs (widely available in cities) for better exchange rates.

  • Using Cards: Visa and Mastercard are accepted in most urban areas, especially in restaurants, hotels, and shops. Carry cash for smaller towns, taxis, and rural vendors.

  • Tipping Etiquette: Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory.

    • Restaurants/Bars: Round up or leave 10% if service is good.

    • Taxis: Round up to the nearest mark.

    • Hotel Staff: Around US$1–2 per bag for porters; US$2–5/day for housekeeping.

    • Tour Guides: US$5–10 per person for group tours.

Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian are official languages. English is increasingly spoken, especially among the younger population and in the tourism industry.

  • Useful phrases:

    • “Gdje je najbliža autobuska stanica?” – Where’s the nearest bus station?

    • “Koliko košta?” – How much is it?

    • “Mogu li dobiti račun?” – Can I get a receipt?

Pro Tip: A friendly smile and an attempt at the local language go a long way—locals are warm and welcoming.

Bosnia & Herzegovina is generally safe for travelers, though you should stay alert in busy tourist spots and be cautious when hiking near former conflict zones (unexploded landmines still exist in remote areas).

  • Emergency Contacts:

    • 112: All emergencies (police, medical, fire)

    • 122: Police

    • 124: Ambulance

  • Embassies: Most embassies are located in Sarajevo—keep your embassy’s contact information saved.

Bosnia uses 230V/50Hz electricity with Type C and F plugs (two round pins).
International travelers from the U.S. will need a plug adapter and possibly a voltage converter for high-power appliances.

Tap water is safe to drink in most parts of the country, especially in urban centers like Sarajevo, Mostar, and Banja Luka.
When hiking in remote areas, carry bottled water or use a filter bottle to be cautious.

Shops and services may close or have limited hours on:

  • 1 Jan: New Year’s Day

  • 1 Mar: Independence Day (Federation of Bosnia & Herzegovina)

  • 1 May: International Workers’ Day

  • 25 Nov: Statehood Day (Federation of Bosnia & Herzegovina)

  • Religious holidays: Catholic (e.g., Christmas), Orthodox (e.g., Easter), and Islamic (e.g., Eid) holidays are observed depending on region.
    Note: Holiday observance may vary between the Federation and Republika Srpska (two main political entities).

Shops: Typically open 08:00–20:00 Monday to Saturday. Many close by 14:00 on Sundays.

Malls: Larger malls in cities like Sarajevo open until 22:00.

Markets: Local markets (pijacas) usually run early morning till early afternoon.

Pharmacies: Some are open 24/7 in major cities—look for “apoteka”.

Ćevapi: Grilled minced meat sausages served with somun bread and raw onions.

Burek: Flaky filo pastry filled with ground meat or cheese (also try the potato or spinach versions).

Begova Čorba: Hearty chicken and okra soup, often called “Bey’s soup.”

Sogan-dolma: Onions stuffed with minced meat and rice in a tomato-based sauce.

Grilled Trout: Especially fresh from mountain rivers—seasoned simply and grilled whole.

Sarma: Cabbage rolls filled with meat and rice, slow-cooked in a tomato broth.

Pita sa sirom: Cheese-filled pastry, usually enjoyed as a snack or light meal.

Japrak: Grape leaves filled with minced meat and rice, a favorite during holidays.

Klepe: Bosnian-style dumplings filled with meat, topped with garlic yogurt sauce.

Sudžukice: Spicy beef sausages, often pan-fried or grilled.

Tufahija: Whole baked apples stuffed with walnuts and sugar, soaked in syrup.

Baklava: Rich, sweet pastry layered with nuts and drenched in syrup.

Hurmašice: Semolina cookies soaked in lemony syrup—dense and melt-in-your-mouth.

Rahatlokum: Traditional Turkish delight, often rose or lemon-flavored.

Tulumba: Fried dough soaked in syrup—crispy on the outside, soft inside.

Alcoholic:

  • Vranac Wine: Full-bodied red wine popular throughout the Balkans, rich and earthy.

  • Žilavka Wine: White wine from Herzegovina—dry, mineral-forward, and excellent with seafood.

  • Rakija: Traditional fruit brandy (plum, pear, or grape)—served as a welcoming gesture.

  • Sarajevsko Pivo: Iconic local lager brewed in Sarajevo since 1864.

  • Nektar Beer: A light and crisp pale lager from nearby Banja Luka.

  • Hercegovačko Pivo: Less common but smooth and refreshing, ideal in summer.

Non-Alcoholic:

  • Bosnian Coffee: Served in a džezva pot with sugar cubes—similar to Turkish coffee, with a ritual of its own.

  • Boza: Thick, fermented drink made from corn or wheat—slightly tangy and sweet.

  • Rose Hip Tea: Popular in mountain villages—tart and vitamin-rich.

  • Elderflower Juice: Homemade and floral—served cold in summer.

  • Sok od Šipka: Pomegranate juice, often homemade and very refreshing.

Ottoman & Austro-Hungarian blend: Cities like Sarajevo and Mostar are known for their East-meets-West architecture.

Latin Bridge (Sarajevo): Site of Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s assassination (1914).

Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque: 16th-century mosque in Sarajevo’s old town.

Orthodox & Catholic churches: Found side-by-side with mosques and synagogues.

Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge (Višegrad): UNESCO World Heritage Site over the Drina River.

Srebrenica Memorial Center: A sobering and essential visit.

Stećci: Medieval tombstones scattered across the countryside.

Traditional Music: Listen to sevdalinka—emotive and poetic.

Craft traditions: Copperware, rugs, and wooden items are handmade in places like Baščaršija.

Hospitality culture: Guests are sacred—you’ll be offered coffee, sweets, and stories.

Old Bridge (Stari Most), Mostar: Watch locals dive into the Neretva River from this iconic arch.

Sarajevo’s Baščaršija: Historic bazaar area—great for coffee, shopping, and people-watching.

Tunnel of Hope, Sarajevo: Moving museum from the Bosnian War era.

Jahorina & Bjelašnica: Ski resorts once used in the Winter Olympics—also good for summer hiking.

Kravica Waterfalls: Near Ljubuški—great for a picnic or swim.

Rafting on the Neretva or Una Rivers: For thrill-seekers.

Trebinje: Charming town with Mediterranean vibes—close to Dubrovnik but quieter.

Ilidža Thermal Springs: Spa and wellness destination near Sarajevo.

Live music & cafés: Sarajevo has a vibrant café culture—many offer live sevdah music (traditional Bosnian blues).

Cinema & festivals: The Sarajevo Film Festival in August is a regional highlight.

Café Tito: Sarajevo’s nostalgic bar-museum hybrid—drinks among Tito memorabilia.

City Pub (Sarajevo): Lively music, great crowd, and solid local beers.

Rock Bar Underground: Hidden gem with gritty decor and an alternative vibe.

Aquarius Vils: Summer riverside club with DJs and light shows in Banja Luka.

Sky Lounge (Hotel Hecco Deluxe): Rooftop cocktails with panoramic Sarajevo views.

Jazzbina: Basement jazz bar in Sarajevo with live gigs and strong drinks.

Craft Room: Great selection of Bosnian craft beers in a relaxed setting.

Trezor Nightclub: Electronic music mecca—housed in a converted bank vault.

Hemingway Bar (Mostar): Stylish cocktail bar near the Old Bridge.

Neretva River Bars: Chill riverside spots, especially magical during sunset.

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