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Welcome to one of the most underrated countries in Europe- one that is characterized by a mix of landscapes and a blend of cultures. Bosnia & Herzegovina is a true hidden gem of a country, and so many cool places to offer.

We spent a week exploring the highlights of the country, from the breathtaking nature to the cute towns, and the delicious cuisine to a unique coffee culture.

In this guide we're going to go over our favorite places to visit in Bosnia & Herzegovina, the best ways to get around, and all the things you need to know before you go. So without further ado, let's jump right in to our Complete Guide of Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Where is Bosnia & Herzegovina?

Bosnia & Herzegovina is located in the Balkans of Eastern Europe. The countries that border it include Croatia to its north and west, Serbia to its East, and Montenegro to its south.

How to Get to Bosnia & Herzegovina

Being in the center of the Balkans, there are a few ways that you can travel to Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Flying into Bosnia & Herzegovina

The main airports of Bosnia & Herzegovina are Sarajevo (the capital),  Banja Luka (the second biggest city). and Tuzla (the third largest city).

Cities that fly direct to Sarajevo include Abu Dhabi, Belgrade, Dubai, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Konya, London, Vienna, and Zagreb.

Cities that fly direct to Banja Luka include Basel, Belgrade, Berlin, Brussels, Dortmund, Gothenburg, Hamburg, Malmo, Memmingen, Milan, Mulhouse, Nuremberg,  Stockholm, and Vienna.

You can also fly direct to Tuzla via the cities of Basel, Berlin, Cologne, Dortmund, Eindhoven, Frankfurt, Friedrichshafen, Gothenburg, Karlsruhe/Baden, Malmo, Memmingen, Nuremberg, Stockholm, and Vienna.

Taking a Bus to Bosnia & Herzegovina

If you find yourself traveling to nearby countries of Bosnia & Herzegovina, the best way to visit may be by traveling there by bus. Check below for some of the most popular routes:

• Dubrovnik to Mostar Bus
• Sarajevo to Mostar Bus
• Kotor to Mostar Bus
• Belgrade to Sarajevo
• Zagreb to Sarajevo
• Split to Sarajevo
• Podgorica to Sarajevo
• Belgrade to Tuzla
• Zagreb to Tuzla
• Belgrade to Banja Luka
• Zagreb to Banja Luka

Taking a Day Trip to Bosnia & Herzegovina

My first time in Bosnia was actually on a day trip from Dubrovnik! The popular Croatian city is actually just minutes from the border, and only a couple of hours from Bosnia & Herzegovina's most beloved city, Mostar. Many of the tours include the highlights of the areas, which were truly some of our favorite spots in the whole country.

Want to book a tour to Bosnia & Herzegovina from Dubrovnik? Here are a few that you can choose from:

Entry Requirements for Bosnia & Herzegovina

Whenever traveling somewhere new there are things you need to know before entering- whether it be related to visas or Covid. Here is what you need to know to enter the country of Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Visa Entry Requirements for Bosnia & Herzegovina

Most people do not require a visa to enter Bosnia & Herzegovina, and can stay for up to 30 days without any extra paperwork. You can check the official list to see whether if you need a visa or not, and the documentation necessary in order to apply for one if necessary. 

Covid Entry Requirements for Bosnia & Herzegovina

Like many other countries in the Balkans, the covid-relates restrictions weren't as strict as other areas of Europe. Covid tests and vaccines are no longer mandatory. Bosnia & Herzegovina is open without any restrictions due to Coronavirus.

Local Adjustments for Bosnia & Herzegovina

When traveling there are things that you may forget about, that could be different from where you're coming from. Here are a few of the "local adjustments" to keep in mind when traveling to Bosnia & Herzegovina.

What Language Do They Speak in Bosnia & Herzegovina?

The official language in Bosnia & Herzegovina is Bosnian, which is almost identical to the surrounding countries that have Slavic languages.

Do They Speak English in Bosnia?

In bigger cities of Bosnia & Herzegovina there are plenty of people that speak English, so you shouldn't have any problem communicating if you don't know Bosnian. However, if you do go to smaller towns, it definitely helps to pick up some of the basics, or to have Google Translate handy.

What is the Official Currency of Bosnia & Herzegovina?

The currency used in Bosnia & Herzegovina is the Bosnian Mark. Currently (April 2023) the euro and the dollar are approximately double the value of the Bosnian mark, meaning every 1 USD/Euro is equal to about 2 Bosnian Marks.

Does Bosnia Use European Plugs?

Bosnia & Herzegovina does use the same outlets as the rest of Europe, which fit plug types C & F. The standard voltage in Bosnia & Herzegovina is 230 V with a standard frequency of 50 Hz.

Is Water Drinkable in Bosnia?

The water throughout Bosnia & Herzegovina is generally safe to consume. Therefore, you can drink straight from the tap if you'd like, as well as order tap water from restaurants.

Tipping in Bosnia & Herzegovina

The tipping culture in Bosnia & Herzegovina is very similar to other European countries. Although it is not mandatory, it's pretty standard for people to tip an average of 10% in sit-down restaurants.

Places to Visit in Bosnia & Herzegovina

Now that you know the basics for visiting Bosnia & Herzegovina, here are the top places to visit throughout the country.

Sarajevo

One of the best places to visit in Bosnia & Herzegovina is without a doubt the capital. Sarajevo has a sad past, but is full of charm and history. We spent two days enjoying the stunning architecture, large bazaar, and the delicious restaurants there. Stay tuned for a full article about Sarajevo coming soon!

Want to find a place to stay in Sarajevo? Just check the map below for the different accommodation options:

Mostar

Mostar is hands down our favorite city in all of Bosnia & Herzegovina. This is definitely the most popular destination to visit, as it's an easy day trip from the famous city of Dubrovnik in Croatia. Mostar has the most beautiful old town, characterized by a grand bridge connecting through the center. 

We loved Mostar so much that we decided to write a full article about everything you need to know. Don't miss out!

Want to look for accommodation in Mostar? Just check the map below for the different options:

Banja Luka

Located in the north of the country, Banja Luka is the second biggest city in Bosnia & Herzegovina. A beautiful blend of Christianity and Muslim, you can enjoy cathedrals, mosques, and fortresses alike here. There is also a large pedestrian street, market, and some colorful street art to check out while in town.

Want to look for a hotel in Banja Luka? Simply refer to the map below for the different options:

Tuzla

Tuzla is the third largest city in Bosnia & Herzegovina, and also one of the most important industrial hubs in the country. This place dates back to the 16th century, and is known for its salt lake in the Central Park. The charming old city has plenty to offer from its color center to the large lakes that you can visit.

Looking for a place to stay in Tuzla? Just check the map below:

Other Places to Visit in Bosnia & Herzegovina

Now that you know the top places to visit in Bosnia & Herzegovina,  here are some of the smaller places worth checking out.

Jajce

This is definitely one of the cutest towns in Bosnia & Herzegovina, and well worth a visit, especially to break up your trip if you're going from Banja Luka to Sarajevo. Jajce is a charming town perched in a hill, sitting above a giant waterfall.We came here for a couple of hours to climb up to the top, have a bite to eat, and of course to admire the gorgeous waterfall from down below.

Want to take a tour to Jajce? We've picked out a few for you to check out:

Konjic

Konjic is perfectly located between Sarajevo and Mostar. The cute town is characterized by its picturesque bridge, and the beautiful mountains surrounding it. Located right on the river, there are plenty of fun activities to do here, and it was the closest city to spend the night before going to do the Outlaws Door hike (which we'll talk a bit more about later in the article).

Want to spend a night in Konjic? Just refer to the map below for accommodation options:

Lukomir

Lukomir was one of those spots that truly took our breath away in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Tucked away in the mountains, this tiny village will take you hundred of years back in time. The drive here alone made us feel like we were in a Balkan fairytale, and the views surrounding the village were just outstanding. 

We highly suggest doing this as a tour if you can, as when we went it was completely empty. We would have loved to hear about the history here, and imagine that being led by a local definitely would've been the way to go.

Want to check out tours that include a trip to Lukomir? We've found some for you listed down below:

Blagaj

Just 10-15 minutes outside of Mostar you can find one of our favorite spots in the area. Blagaj is a small village perched along the Neretva Canyon. One of the main highlights of visiting Blagaj is the Dervish House, which is now 600 years old. This historic Sufi monastery was built into the cliffs on the water, and has a mausoleum, as well as an old Turkish bath. In addition, it makes for one of the most Instagrammable spots in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Another highlight of Blagaj is the fortress, which is a 45 minute hike to the top, and gives you beautiful views of the village and river down below.

Want to visit Blagaj on a tour? Here are a few that you can choose from from both Sarajevo and Mostar::

Pocitelj

Located just 30 minutes from Mostar, this ancient settlement has turned into a full open-air museum. Climb through this small town and each step you'll be able to really absorb the culture of Bosnia & Herzegovina. Pocitelj has cute souvenir shops, restaurants with authentic food, and a fort at the top with breathtaking views of the river and countryside below. This is one of our favorite day trips from Mostar, and can also be found as part of some of the day trips from Dubrovnik to Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Want to take a tour from Mostar or Dubrovnik that includes Pocitelj? Here are a few options:

Una National Park

This is another area of the country where the nature will truly leave you speechless. Una National park is full of mountains, greenery, and some of the countries most beautiful waterfalls. You can visit here on a day trip from Banja Luka, or add it to your road trip if you are visiting Bosnia & Herzegovina from Plitvice Lakes, which is just over the border.

Tara Canyon

Tara Canyon is a spectacular place that can be admired from both Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro. This canyon is the largest in Europe, and the second largest in the world after the Grand Canyon. While we visited here from Montenegro, and found some stunning viewpoints, we heard that you can also go rafting on the side of Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Things to Do in Bosnia & Herzegovina

Now that you know all of the great places to visit in Bosnia & Herzegovina, here are some activities that you can check out.

Chase Waterfalls

One of our favorite things to do in Bosnia & Herzegovina was to visit its beautiful nature. This country has some of the most impressive waterfalls that we've witnessed in Europe, and there are definitely some for the bucket list.

Kravica Falls

This was our favorite part of all of Bosnia & Herzegovina. Kravica Falls is an enormous set of falls found in the south of the country, just by Croatia. It is taken care of very well, and has plenty of amenities for people to enjoy while they are there. You can swim, have a bite to eat, or simply relax and take in the beauty of the area.

Kravica Falls can be visited by car, or by tour from either Mostar or Dubrovnik.

Want to join a tour to Kravica Falls from Mostar? Here are a few options:

Want to join a tour from Dubrovnik to Kravica Falls? Here are a few that we've found:

Štrbački buk Bosnia

Earlier we mentioned Una National Park, and one of the best parts of the park are the waterfalls inside of it. Štrbački buk waterfalls are actually located right next to the border of Croatia, pretty close to the famous Plitvice Lakes. So it's no wonder that there lies so much beauty in the this area.

Martin Brod Waterfalls

Just down the river from the main waterfalls in Una National Park lie a few smaller falls. There are several that are dotted along the river, and are definitely something to check out while in the area.

Hike Outlaws Door

If you're looking for one of the most amazing things to do in Bosnia & Herzegovina when it comes to nature, then this is it. Outlaws door is a full day hike, as it takes a few hours each way, and leads you to an incredibles round gate made of stones. We actually had incredibly bad luck with the weather, so after two attempts decided to leave this for a future trip.

However, we did tons of research, and spoke with a local about exactly how to get there, which we will share on our Google Maps document! (It is much trickier than we originally thought).

Stop by Arslanagic Bridge

Located all the way in the south of the country, is an adorable town to check out with a large picturesque bridge crossing the river. This is definitely something you can easily add to your itinerary as a quick stop if you're traveling by car between Mostar and Dubrovnik.

Explore the Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun

Located in Visoko, around 35 kilometres north of Sarajevo, lies a truly peculiar landscape. The Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun is a giant hill covered in greenery that has the shape of a pyramid. Some say this may actually reveal the world's oldest pyramid, but it actually isn't confirmed. Nevertheless, it's definitely a super unique place to check out!

Want to visit the Pyramid of the Sun? Here are some tours from both Mostar and Sarajevo

Check Out the Pješčane Piramide

The Balkans have some pretty spectacular landscapes, and this is surely one of them. This unique geomorphologic phenomenon can be found near the village of Dančići, not far from Miljevina in the south of the country.

Discover the Caves of Bijambare

Located just 40 minutes from the capital, this stunning cave complex is definitely one of the best day trips from Sarajevo. Walk deep through the stalagmites and stalactites, and also walk around the caves on the outside for the natural windows formed overlooking the valley down below.

Want to checkout the Caves of Bijambare? Here are a couple of tours that you can join:

Stop By the Ornamented Mosque

While most countries in Europe have magnificent cathedrals, Bosnia & Herzegovina actually has more mosques than anything. One of the most beautiful ones is located in Travnik. The outside doesn't look like anything special, but the inside is super cute and colorful. We also really liked the charming vibes of this tiny town.

Trek to a Heart Shaped Lake

Did you know that there is a heart shaped lake in Europe? Well, it's not actually located in Bosnia & Herzegovina, but the trek to get there starts in it. Starting close to the southern border, you can trek through the mountains over the border to Montenegro to find this true hidden gem. We didn't have the time to do so, but we did do the homework of how to get there! Download our Bosnia & Herzegovina Map and you'll be able to see the exact location and details.

How to Get Around Bosnia & Herzegovina

Bosnia & Herzegovina is quite bigger than the countries that surround it. Many of the places we experienced we found were much more easily reached by car, so we highly suggest getting a rental if you'd like to explore all of the great nature that the country has to offer.

Book a rental car in Bosnia & Herzegovina:

If you'd like to just visit the large cities like Sarajevo and Mostar, you can definitely find buses that run daily, for very affordable prices. Here are a few of the most popular routes that you can book in advance:

• Sarajevo to Mostar
• Banja Luka to Mostar
• Mostar to Sarajevo
• Mostar to Banja Luka
• Sarajevo to Banja Luka
• Banja Luke to Sarajevo

Local Food & Drink in Bosnia & Herzegovina

The cuisine in Bosnia & Herzegovina is quite similar to Serbia. Being located inland, this country specializes much more on meat (particularly lamb or beef) rather than fish, and includes heavier foods. Here are some of the top dishes and beverages to try while in Bosnia & Herzegovina:

• Cevapi: This is a staple in Bosnia and Serbia. Minced meat are created in the form of sausages, and often served with thick bread.
• Burek: Similar to Greek Spanakopita, this flaky pastry is stuffed with spinach and cheese.
• Sarma: These pickled cabbage rolls are stuffed with minced meat, and are also popular in Romania.
• Klepe: These are Bosnian dumplings, which are filled with meat and boiled.
• Baklava: This dessert is also typical in Greece and Turkey- thin flaky layers of phyllo dough layered with honey and walnuts.
• Ottoman Coffee: Just like the Turkish, coffee is a big part of the culture, and It's very different than how Western Europeans drink their coffee. 
• Shisha: As half the population are Muslim, you'll find much more hookah bars than you will bar for drinking. 

Is Bosnia Safe to Visit Now?

The country of Bosnia & Herzegovina has a sad history, and a lot of areas can feel pretty eerie. After such a devastating war, it's no wonder people are hesitant to visit. However, we can definitely say that times have changed, and overall we felt very safe in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

One thing to note is that there is a high population of gypsies throughout the country, particularly in the more popular areas such as Mostar. Always keep an extra eye on your belongings, and try not to interact, as their intentions are not always the best.

Other Things to Know About Visiting Bosnia & Herzegovina

Now that you know almost everything you need to know about Bosnia & Herzegovina, we're going to share some final details. 

Weather in Bosnia & Herzegovina

Bosnia & Herzegovina experiences 4 seasons, with very hot summers, and super cold and snowy winters. This country also has a lot of mountains, which can get pretty cold, even in the summer months.

The Best Time to Visit Bosnia & Herzegovina

We think that the best time to visit Bosnia & Herzegovina is in early summer, or late fall. This way you can enjoy the waterfalls and mountains with decent weather, but also avoid larger crowds and extreme heats in the dead of summer.

How to Pack For a Trip to Bosnia & Herzegovina

There is a ton of variety in Bosnia & Herzegovina! Here are some things we suggest bringing:

• Sunscreen
• Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
• Sneakers (for the hikes)
• Zippered Bag or Backpack - take a look at these backpacks for travelers!
• Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
• Bathing Suit (for the waterfalls)
• Long dresses to skirts to cover up in the mosques
• Shawl or dress with sleeves (also for the mosques)
• Drone (We use the Mavic Mini Pro 3 because it's super light and doesn't sacrifice quality)
• Action Camera (we use the Insta 360 X3 because it's small & waterproof)
• Travel Adapter (we use Tessan travel adapters as they are affordable and reliable)

We found that Bosnia & Herzegovina was quite unique compared to the surrounding Balkan countries. With its blend of cultures and religions, it surely is a one of a kind destination, and one to add to the bucket list. We spent a week there, and definitely wished we had one more to explore more deeply.

Planning on visiting nearby countries? We spent three full months around the Balkans, and are providing new travel guides for different locations each week. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter in order to stay updated with new blogs, and exclusive discounts for our products and services.

Ready to book your trip? Well, let us help! With Scratch Your Mapa Travel Planning you can now stress less and enjoy more, save money, and even have a customized itinerary. Want to know all of the different packages we offer? Take a look at our travel planning services page.

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