top of page
MENU

TOP OF PAGE

Quick Facts

Best Time To Go

Cost & Spending

Travel Tips

Regions & Highlights

Travel Map

What To See & Do

Itineraries

What To Eat

Where To Stay

Trip Planning

ABOUT US

WeWillNomad Profile Pic 2.png

Welcome traveler!

We're Andre & Lisa, adventurers and experienced budget travelers.

We have over two decades of travel experience and since 2018 have led a full-time nomadic lifestyle.

Learn more about us!

Thank you for visiting and we hope you find value in our destination pages! ​We thoroughly research and curate all content ourselves and everything you find on this site is put together by only the two of us.

  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • Facebook
Image-empty-state.png

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA TRAVEL GUIDE

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a mountainous playground that is quickly becoming a popular tourist destination. This long-forgotten jewel of southern Europe is now third in the world in terms of tourism growth rate, and it is easy to see why. Stunning landscapes combined with historical and cultural heritage make it one of the most fascinating countries to visit in Europe.

 

In the capital of Sarajevo, you will find cobblestone streets lined by an intriguing mix of religious edifices and lively cafés. Away from the city are many other delights, such as the medieval town of Jajce, with its citadel and the Old Bridge of Mostar.

 

Adventure-seekers will most certainly not run out of things to do in the unspoiled Sutjeska National Park. Avid skiers flock to the slopes of the Bjelasnica and Igman mountains. Water adventures are also popular, with majestic rivers crisscrossing scenic destinations throughout the country.

 

DO YOU NEED A VISA FOR BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA?

<<VISA RESULT>>

<< Visa Details >>

For the latest requirements or for application click

HERE

Let iVisa take the pain out of travel planning and assist you with Electronic visas, Travel Authorizations, Visas on Arrival, and even Paper Visas. They can also help with Health Declarations and Embassy Registrations. If you're from the US, they provide a One-Stop Shop to renew your Passport securely and error-free.

⬇️ REGIONAL GUIDES ⬇️

TRAVEL GUIDE
TRAVEL GUIDE
TRAVEL GUIDE
TRAVEL GUIDE
TRAVEL GUIDE
TRAVEL GUIDE

⬇️ COUNTRY GUIDE ⬇️

  • Capital: Sarajevo
  • Currency: Convertible Mark (BAM)
  • Population: 3,324 million (2018)
  • Language: Bosnian, Serbian, Croatian
  • Religion: Muslims 50.7%, Orthodox Christians 30.75%, Roman Catholics 15.19%, others 3.36%
  • Electricity: 220V/50Hz (European plug)

 

Getting your head around the divisions within Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) takes a bit of effort. Geographically there's Bosnia in the north and Herzegovina (pronounced her-tse-GO-vina) in the south, although the term 'Bosnian' refers to anyone with BiH nationality. ('Bosniak' refers specifically to Muslim Bosnians, while simplistically put, Bosnian Croats are Catholics and Bosnian Serbs are Orthodox Christians.)

QUICK BOOKING RESOURCES

SEASONS AT A GLANCE

Most destinations have different times of the year when they’re more or less popular with tourists. 

Read more...

Peak Season

Shoulder Season

Off Peak Season

JANUARY

HOT

COLD

MODERATE

DRY

WET

FEBRUARY

HOT

COLD

MODERATE

DRY

WET

MARCH

HOT

COLD

MODERATE

DRY

WET

APRIL

HOT

COLD

MODERATE

DRY

WET

MAY

HOT

COLD

MODERATE
DRY

WET

JUNE

HOT

COLD

MODERATE
DRY

WET

JULY

HOT

COLD

MODERATE
DRY

WET

AUGUST

HOT

COLD

MODERATE
DRY

WET

SEPTEMBER

HOT

COLD

MODERATE
DRY

WET

OCTOBER

HOT

COLD

MODERATE

DRY

WET

NOVEMBER

HOT

COLD

MODERATE

DRY

WET

DECEMBER

HOT

COLD

MODERATE

DRY

WET

Climate Chart with avergae monthly temperatues and rainfall

BEST TIME TO VISIT BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

For a relatively compact country, Bosnia-Herzegovina has several microclimates, worth considering when deciding the best time to visit. Herzegovina is marked by temperate weather patterns of the Adriatic Sea further west, while the rugged mountains in the east give the region a decidedly alpine feel. Spring typically enjoys the most pleasant temperatures, with warm days that are not overly humid and cool nights. Autumn sees fewer crowds, while the winter months offer excellent – and relatively inexpensive – skiing possibilities.

 

In general, May through to October is the best time to visit Bosnia & Herzegovina as these are the warmest months but if you’re here mostly for hiking or sightseeing, the cooler spring/fall temperatures might suit you better.

 

  • April to June & October - Beat the heat, especially when exploring in Hercegovina from Mostar.

  • July to August - Accommodation fills up as the cities sizzle in the summer sun.

  • Mid-January to mid-March - Skiing gets cheaper after the New Year holidays.

BEST TIME FOR:

The best time for outdoor activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina is from May to September. With 275 hikes and 4 nature trails, there's no shortage of outdoor activities!

FIND ALTERNATIVES TO BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA?

FIND YOUR
PERFECT
DESTINATION

Advanced, real-time destination filter by visa required, region, health risk, travel budget, country value, tourist seasons, best weather and activity or sport.

gears.gif
LETS GO!

MORE POSTS ON BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

WEWILLNOMAD

WEWILLNOMAD

WEWILLNOMAD

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA TRAVEL COSTS

Bosnia & Herzegovina, like most of the region, is really budget-friendly, especially if you’re backpacking. You’ll be able to eat, drink, and stay in comfortable accommodations without breaking the bank.

80

/ 199

VALUE RANK:

FIND DISCOUNT FLIGHTS TO BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

SEARCH


TRAVEL TIPS FOR BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

GETTING AROUND

Most and towns in Bosnia & Herzegovina are walkable, including Sarajevo. You can expect to pay around $1 USD for a one-way ticket on buses, trams, or trolleybuses. If you need to take a taxi, prices start at about $10 USD and cost around $0.60 USD for every additional kilometer.

 

The main form of transportation in Bosnia & Herzegovina is by bus and you will find an extensive network of long-distance intercity and international buses. Between towns, it’s normally easy enough to wave down any bus.

 

MONEY SAVING

  • Tap water within the cities is safe to drink, but not in rural areas. Our favourite combination is the Sistema reusable bottle for hot & cold liquids with the Survival Water Filter Pro. This has got to be one of our best travel buys, not only for our budget (by eliminating the need to purchase bottled water) but also for doing our part for the environment by reducing the use of single-use plastic bottles. Not to mention that it is also very handy in the case of an emergency when potable water may not be readily available.

  • All of the major cities in Bosnia & Herzegovina are walkable, so skip public transportation.

  • Bring your tent. You can pitch your tent on public land throughout Bosnia & Herzegovina.

  • There are plenty of free parks as well as many free hiking trails around the country.

REGIONS & HIGHLIGHTS OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Major drawcards are the reincarnated antique centres of Sarajevo and Mostar, where rebuilt historical buildings counterpoint fashionable bars and wi-fi–equipped cafes. Fascinating Sarajevo is an architectural gem, with countless minarets amid the tile-roofed houses that rise steeply up its river flanks. Mostar is world-famous for its extraordinary arc of the 16th-century stone bridge, photogenically flanked by cute mill-house restaurants. The town is set at the heart of Hercegovina's sun-baked wine country, with waterfalls, a riverside Sufi-house, and an Ottoman fortress all nearby.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

The capital city of Sarajevo's antique core has a Turkic feel, delighting visitors with narrow bazaar alleys and a plethora of 1530s Ottoman buildings. The city's north and south flanks are steep valley sides fuzzed with red-roofed Bosnian houses and prickled with uncountable minarets rising to green-topped mountain ridges. Westward, Sarajevo sprawls for over 10km through bland but busy Novo Sarajevo and somewhat dreary Dobrijna. Here, dismal ranks of apartment blocks remain bullet-scarred from the 1990s Yugoslav civil war, in which the capital’s centuries-long history of religious harmony seemed to evaporate during almost four years of brutal siege.

 

Mostar's world-famous 16th-century stone bridge is the centerpiece of its alluring, extensively restored old town where, at dusk, the lights of numerous mill-house restaurants twinkle across gushing streamlets. Further from the centre a scattering of shattered building shells remains a moving testament to the terrible 1990s conflict that divided the city. The surrounding sun-drenched Herzegovinian countryside produces excellent wines and offers a series of tempting day-trip attractions.

 

Near Mostar, you will find a few day-trip opportunities, including:

  • Počitelj - A steeply layered Ottoman-era fortress village that's one of BiH's most picture-perfect architectural ensembles.

  • Blagaj - A village, whose signature sight is a half-timbered Sufi-house (tekija) standing beside the surreally blue-green Buna River, where it gushes out of a cliff-cave.

  • Kravice Waterfalls - BiH's splendid 25m mini Niagara. Some tours give you several hours here to swim in the natural pools.

 

Ostrožac Fortress is a Gothic castle in the Una Valley and one of Bosnia’s most photogenic landmarks thanks to its brick torrents and stone wall running along the valley’s edge.

 

The old royal town of Jajce in the mountainous central Bosnia is known as the “city of falling water”. It has a 17m high waterfall (which connects the rivers Pliva and Vrbas) in the city centre and many historical sights.

 

Located near Visoko, the Bosnian Pyramids are a set of four pyramids dating back to 12,000 years ago that have perfect cardinal alignment, some reaching heights of 220 meters.

WHAT TO EAT IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

The most available food in Sarajevo is Cevapi, the ubiquitous Balkan kebab. Two prominent variations exist - the "Banja Luka" Cevap, a larger kebab with a square shape, and the Sarajevo Cevap, smaller and round.

 

Some other favourites include:

  • Bosanski Lonac - Slow-cooked meat-and-veg hotpot.

  • Burek - Bosnian burek is cylindrical or spiral lengths of filo-pastry filled with minced meat. Sirnica is filled instead with cheese, krompiruša with potato, and zeljanica with spinach. Collectively these pies are called pita.

  • Hurmastica - Syrup-soaked sponge fingers.

  • Klepe - Small ravioli-like triangles served in a butter-pepper drizzle with grated raw garlic.

  • Kljukuša - Potato-dough-milk dish cooked like a pie then cut into slices.

  • Rakija - Grappa or fruit brandy.

  • Ražnijići - Barbequed meat skewers.

  • Sogan Dolma - Slow-roasted onions filled with minced meat.

  • Sarma - Steamed dolma-parcels of rice and minced meat wrapped in cabbage or other green leaves.

  • Tufahija - Whole stewed apple with walnut filling.

  • Uštipci - Bready fried dough-balls.

LGBTQ IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

I'm a paragraph. I'm connected to your collection through a dataset.

WHERE TO STAY IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

When visiting Bosnia & Herzegovina for the first time, choosing the right area or region to stay in is essential for experiencing the country's rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural landscapes. Here are some recommendations along with accommodation suggestions for each category: budget, mid-range, and luxury.


Where to Stay in Sarajevo:

Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia & Herzegovina, is known for its blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav influences, as well as its multicultural character, making it an ideal base for exploring the country's history, culture, and cuisine.

  • Budget: Hostel Franz Ferdinand - Affordable hostel located in the heart of Sarajevo's Old Town, offering dormitory and private rooms with basic amenities.

  • Mid-range: Hotel Europe - A historic hotel featuring elegant rooms, a restaurant serving Bosnian and international cuisine, and a central location near major attractions.

  • Luxury: Hotel Hills Sarajevo Congress & Thermal Spa Resort - A luxurious resort offering spacious rooms, gourmet dining options, a spa, and panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Tips: For the best value accommodation in Sarajevo, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (April to May and September to October) when prices are lower, and there are fewer tourists, but the weather is still pleasant for exploring the city.


Where to Stay in Mostar:

Mostar is famous for its iconic Old Bridge (Stari Most), picturesque Old Town, and vibrant cultural scene, offering visitors a glimpse into Bosnia & Herzegovina's medieval history and Ottoman heritage.

  • Budget: Hostel Miran - Affordable hostel located near Mostar's Old Bridge, offering dormitory and private rooms with basic amenities and a communal kitchen.

  • Mid-range: Hotel Almira - A charming hotel set in a traditional Ottoman-style building, featuring comfortable rooms, a courtyard garden, and easy access to Mostar's attractions.

  • Luxury: Hotel Mepas - A luxurious hotel offering modern rooms, gourmet dining options, a spa, and panoramic views of Mostar's skyline and surrounding hills.

Tips: For the best value accommodation in Mostar, consider staying in a guesthouse or boutique hotel in the Old Town area, where you'll find charming accommodations at more affordable prices compared to larger hotels.


Where to Stay in Trebinje

Trebinje, nestled in the picturesque valleys of the Trebišnjica River, offers a serene retreat with its charming old town, historic monasteries, and surrounding vineyards, making it a perfect base for exploring the Herzegovina region's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

  • Mid-range: Hotel Platani - A cozy hotel featuring comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving traditional Herzegovinian cuisine, and a central location near Trebinje's main attractions, including the famous Arslanagića Bridge.

  • Luxury: Hotel Leotar - A luxurious hotel offering elegant rooms, gourmet dining options, a wellness center, and stunning views of Trebinje's Old Town and the surrounding mountains from its rooftop terrace.

Tips: For the best value accommodation in Trebinje, consider visiting during the spring or fall when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities, and prices are lower due to fewer tourists.


CHOOSE ANOTHER DESTINATION

GO

RECENT BLOG POSTS

PLAN YOUR TRIP

VISA SERVICES

Let iVisa take the pain out of travel planning and assist you with electronic visas, Travel Authorizations, Visas on Arrival, and even Paper Visas. They can also help with Health Declarations and Embassy Registrations. If you're from the US, they also provide a One-Stop Shop to renew your Passport securely and error-free.

FLIGHTS
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. These are our favourite flight search engines. They index other travel websites and airlines across the globe to easily find you the best deal.

ACCOMMODATION

Booking.com is our number one resource for researching and booking accommodation. In addition to Booking.com, we have found Agoda.com to consistently returns the cheapest rates in Southeast Asia. 

TRANSPORT

DiscoverCars.com is a leader in online car rental bookings; we compare car rental deals from many companies so that you can choose which is best for your trip. 12Go connects the world door-to-door, from transfers to flights, under the same user-friendly ticket.

INSURANCE
Travel insurance can protect you against unexpected illness, injury, theft, and cancellations.

Need more help to book your trip?
Check our complete resource page for all the best companies to use when you travel. You will only find the companies we use ourselves.

Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you,

we may earn a commission if you end up making a purchase.