Best in May
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mostar
Warm
From $53 /day
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Nestled in the heart of the Balkans, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a land where the vibrant echoes of the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian empires still resonate through cobbled streets and grand architecture. From the resilient spirit of Sarajevo to the iconic arch of Mostar’s Stari Most, you will discover a country defined by its complex history and breathtaking natural beauty. Emerald rivers like the Neretva carve through limestone canyons, leading to cascading waterfalls and medieval fortresses perched on rocky heights. Whether you are sipping slow-brewed coffee in a bustling bazaar or hiking the rugged peaks of the Dinaric Alps, the warmth of local hospitality is ever-present. This is a destination for those seeking authenticity, where every mountain pass and historic bridge tells a story of survival, culture, and transformation.
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We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
2 cities
6 guides
$53 – $66 Daily Budget
Quick Facts
Capital
Sarajevo
Languages
Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian
Currency
Convertible Mark (BAM)
1 $ ≈ 1.66 KM
Plug Type
Type F (Type C compatible)
Driving Side
Right
Dial Code
+387
Entry Requirements
Check requirements →
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1) / CEST (UTC+2 in summer)
Emergency
112 (also: 122 Police, 123 Fire, 124 Ambulance)
Why Visit Bosnia & Herzegovina
A Living History Museum
Walking through Sarajevo is like traveling through time, where you can see the spot that sparked World War I and remnants of the 1984 Winter Olympics. The country’s resilient spirit is palpable in its preserved Ottoman quarters and the poignant museums dedicated to its recent past.
Breathtaking Natural Landscapes
From the turquoise waters of the Kravica waterfalls to the deep canyons of the Rakitnica River, the outdoor scenery is stunning. You can explore the primeval forests of Sutjeska National Park or raft down the pristine Una River in the northwest.
Exceptional Value for Travelers
With an average daily budget of around $60 / 100 KM, it remains one of Europe’s most affordable destinations. You can enjoy hearty traditional meals for $5.89–$12 / 9.78 KM–20 KM and find comfortable boutique accommodation without the high price tags of neighboring countries.
The Ritual of Bosnian Coffee
Coffee is the heartbeat of social life here, served traditionally in copper pots called džezve with a side of Turkish delight. It is a slow, meaningful ritual that invites you to sit back and embrace the local concept of 'ćejf'—the art of pure enjoyment.
Cultural Fusion and Diversity
Known as the 'Jerusalem of Europe,' Sarajevo is one of the few places where a mosque, Catholic church, Orthodox church, and synagogue stand within blocks of each other. This rich mosaic of faiths and traditions creates a unique atmosphere that is rare to find elsewhere in the world.
Top Experiences
Top-rated tours and activities in Bosnia & Herzegovina
Cities & Destinations
Regions
Sarajevo and Central Bosnia
This region is the cultural and political core of the country, featuring the cosmopolitan capital of Sarajevo and the medieval royal town of Jajce. Travelers visit for the historic bazaars, the 'Tunnel of Hope,' and the nearby Olympic mountains which offer great skiing and hiking.
Herzegovina
The sun-drenched southern region is famous for the Mediterranean climate and the UNESCO-listed city of Mostar. Beyond the famous bridge, you will find the Dervish monastery at Blagaj, the historic village of Počitelj, and the wine-producing valleys surrounding Trebinje.
Una-Sana Region
Located in the northwest, this region is defined by the emerald-green Una River and its namesake national park. It is the premier destination for white-water rafting and viewing spectacular waterfalls like Štrbački Buk and Martin Brod.
Sutjeska and the Southeast
Home to the country’s oldest national park, this region offers dramatic alpine scenery and the highest peak in the country, Maglić at 2,386 meters. It is a haven for serious hikers and those wishing to see Perućica, one of the last remaining primeval forests in Europe.
Cities & Destinations:
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is during the late spring and summer months for hiking and sightseeing, or mid-winter for skiing in the Olympic mountains. The transitional months offer cooler weather and fewer crowds in historic centers.
Peak Season
Jul, Aug, Dec, Jan, Feb
July and August are the warmest months, ideal for rafting and exploring the Old Towns of Sarajevo and Mostar, though temperatures can reach 30–35°C (86–95°F). December through February is peak ski season at resorts like Jahorina and Bjelašnica.
Shoulder Season
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Spring and autumn provide mild temperatures ranging from 15–22°C (59–72°F) and vibrant landscapes. These months are perfect for outdoor activities like hiking in Una National Park without the summer heat or crowds.
Off-Peak
Nov, Mar, Apr
Late autumn and early spring are often damp and chilly. While city tourism is affordable, many high-altitude hiking trails remain inaccessible due to mud or lingering snow.
Getting Around
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a well-developed intercity bus network that connects almost every town. While the rail network is limited, it offers some of the most scenic journeys in Europe, particularly between Sarajevo and Mostar.
Bus
The primary mode of travel; companies like Centrotrans and Globtour provide reliable connections. Tickets for long distances should be purchased at stations, and small fees for luggage (~$1.18–$2.36 / 1.96 KM–3.91 KM) are often collected in cash by the driver.
Train
Scenic routes connect Sarajevo, Mostar, and Banja Luka. ŽFBH offers online ticket purchase for many services; however, Sarajevo–Ploče tickets are not sold online and must be purchased at the station. The Sarajevo–Ploče–Sarajevo service runs Fri/Sat/Sun until late June 2026.
Tram
Sarajevo features an extensive tram and trolleybus network that covers the main city corridor. Tickets can be bought from kiosks or the driver and must be validated immediately upon boarding.
Taxi
Plentiful in major cities; always ensure the meter is running. For airport transfers in Sarajevo, fixed-rate shuttles or local taxi apps like MojTaxi are reliable alternatives to unmetered street hails.
Food & Drink
Bosnian cuisine is a hearty fusion of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Balkan influences, prioritizing fresh, organic ingredients and slow-cooking methods. Meat and vegetables are typically simmered in their own juices, resulting in rich flavors that are rarely overpowered by heavy spices.
Must Try
Ćevapi
These small, grilled minced meat sausages are a national obsession, served tucked inside a pillowy somun flatbread with raw onions and creamy kajmak.
Burek
A savory, flaky phyllo pastry pie stuffed with seasoned meat; other versions called 'pita' feature fillings like cheese (sirnica) or spinach (zeljanica).
Begova Čorba
Known as Bey's Soup, this creamy chicken and okra stew is a delicate legacy of the Ottoman elite and a perfect starter for a traditional meal.
Klepe
Traditional Bosnian steamed dumplings filled with minced meat and served with a rich sauce of garlic-infused yogurt and melted butter.
Tufahija
A classic dessert made from a whole poached apple stuffed with a sweet walnut filling and topped with fresh whipped cream.
Bosanska kafa
A thick, strong, unfiltered coffee prepared in a copper džezva and served with sugar cubes and 'rahat lokum' (Turkish delight).
Rakija
A potent fruit brandy, often homemade from plums (šljiva) or grapes (loza), that serves as a symbol of hospitality across the Balkans.
Money & Costs
The country offers excellent value for travelers, with an average daily budget of ~$60 / 100 KM. While the local currency is the Convertible Mark (BAM), it is pegged to the Euro, and many hotels or tour operators may accept € at a standard rate.
Tipping
Tipping 10% is standard in restaurants for good service. In cafes and taxis, it is common to round up the bill to the nearest whole number.
Cards
Cards are widely accepted in city hotels, large supermarkets, and upscale restaurants, but cash is essential for small shops, markets, and public transport.
ATMs
ATMs are ubiquitous in urban centers and airports. Most machines support international Visa and Mastercard, though some local banks may charge a small withdrawal fee.
Culture & Etiquette
The people of Bosnia and Herzegovina are renowned for their warmth and generosity, often treating strangers like family. Respect for religious diversity and traditional customs is essential for navigating social interactions smoothly.
✓
Always remove your shoes before entering a Bosnian home or a mosque; your host will usually provide slippers for you.
✓
Accept an offer of coffee if you have the time; it is a vital social gesture and refusing it without a polite reason can be seen as cold.
✕
Avoid bringing up sensitive political topics or the details of the 1990s war unless a local initiates the conversation first.
✓
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; women should carry a scarf to cover their hair when entering mosques.
✕
Do not refer to the country solely as 'Bosnia' while in the southern region; locals there take great pride in the 'Herzegovina' part of the name.
✓
Carry some cash in the local currency, as many smaller shops and rural guesthouses do not accept credit cards.
✕
Do not wander off marked trails in remote or rural areas due to the persistent risk of uncleared landmines from the 1990s.
✓
Round up your bill in cafes or leave a 10% tip in restaurants if the service was good, as this is standard practice.
Safety & Health
The country is generally very safe for tourists, though visitors should exercise caution in rural areas due to the presence of marked landmines from the 1990s. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare.
Tap Water
Safe to drink
Vaccinations
Routine vaccinations are recommended, along with Hepatitis A and B. Travelers planning significant outdoor time in forested areas should consider a Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE) vaccine.
Common Scams
- ⚠ Pickpocketing in crowded areas like Sarajevo's Baščaršija and Mostar's Old Bridge.
- ⚠ Unmetered taxis at transit hubs overcharging tourists for short rides.
- ⚠ Distraction techniques by groups of beggars in high-traffic tourist zones.
- ⚠ Vague pricing in some traditional restaurants where 'daily specials' lack listed prices.
Travel/medical insurance is strongly recommended, and border officials may ask for evidence you can cover healthcare costs. While major cities have adequate medical facilities, rural healthcare is limited and may require medical evacuation for serious issues.
Language
The three official languages are mutually intelligible. English is widely spoken by the younger generation and in tourist centers like Sarajevo and Mostar, but it is less common in rural villages.
English Spoken: Moderately spoken
Key Phrases
| Meaning | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Dobar dan | doh-bahr dahn |
| Thank you | Hvala | h-vah-lah |
| Please | Molim | moh-leem |
| Goodbye | Doviđenja | doh-vee-jeh-nyah |
| The check, please | Račun, molim | rah-choon moh-leem |
| Yes | Da | dah |
| No | Ne | neh |
| Do you speak English? | Govorite li engleski? | goh-voh-ree-teh lee ehn-gleh-skee |
Visa & Entry
Bosnia and Herzegovina is not part of the Schengen Area, meaning visits here do not count toward your Schengen 90-day limit. The visa policy is liberal for most Western nations.
Max Stay
90 days in 180-day period
Passport Validity
3 months beyond departure
Visa-free for
EU citizens, USA, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, UAE, Qatar
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bosnia and Herzegovina safe for tourists?
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When is the best time to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina?
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Is English widely spoken in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Can I drink the tap water in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
What is the best way to travel between Sarajevo and Mostar?
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Why you can trust this guide
Jan Křenek
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
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