Bosnia and Herzegovina travel guide

Bosnia and Herzegovina Tourism | Bosnia and Herzegovina Guide

You're Going to Love Bosnia and Herzegovina

Boasting an incredible natural environment that is packed with dense mountains and curving rivers, Bosnia And Herzegovina breathes for the great outdoors. Summer months invite hiking around rugged trails, while the winter period draws skiers from across the globe. The country has a dynamic cultural aura that has developed across the separation of Yugoslavia and is palpable as you interact with locals.

What to do in Bosnia and Herzegovina

1. Visit the Stari Most

An iconic symbol of Bosnia And Herzegovina recognized across the world, Stari Most is a breathtaking arched bridge. Originally constructed in the 16th century, it had to be rebuilt after an attack during the Croat-Bosniak War.

2. Unpack the Heritage of Sarajevo

The city was significantly important at the commencement of World War I and also suffered an elongated siege during the Bosnian War. The scars of the painful periods are still evident; however, an emerging spirt now rises from the past.

3. Swim Underneath Kravica Waterfall

A gorgeous lake sits at the base of the thundering waterfall and offers a picturesque place to relax. The 80 ft waterfall flows strongest during winter, although it is a year-round spectacle.

4. Go White-Water Rafting

Embrace your inner adventurist and race down one of the many rivers (Neretva, Tara, Vrbas, Drina, and Una) on a shooting raft. Bosnia And Herzegovina is renowned for being one of the best places in the world to experience the blood-pumping adventure sport.

5. Gaze at the Medieval Beauty of Počitelj

The historic village has preserved architectural influences from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Ottoman Empire, and Venetian rule. Stone-roofed houses and silo forts provide a glimpse into the lives of ancient times.

1. Visit the Stari Most

An iconic symbol of Bosnia And Herzegovina recognized across the world, Stari Most is a breathtaking arched bridge. Originally constructed in the 16th century, it had to be rebuilt after an attack during the Croat-Bosniak War.

2. Unpack the Heritage of Sarajevo

The city was significantly important at the commencement of World War I and also suffered an elongated siege during the Bosnian War. The scars of the painful periods are still evident; however, an emerging spirt now rises from the past.

3. Swim Underneath Kravica Waterfall

A gorgeous lake sits at the base of the thundering waterfall and offers a picturesque place to relax. The 80 ft waterfall flows strongest during winter, although it is a year-round spectacle.

4. Go White-Water Rafting

Embrace your inner adventurist and race down one of the many rivers (Neretva, Tara, Vrbas, Drina, and Una) on a shooting raft. Bosnia And Herzegovina is renowned for being one of the best places in the world to experience the blood-pumping adventure sport.

5. Gaze at the Medieval Beauty of Počitelj

The historic village has preserved architectural influences from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Ottoman Empire, and Venetian rule. Stone-roofed houses and silo forts provide a glimpse into the lives of ancient times.

When to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina

It is recommended that you travel between May and September if you plan on being outside and exploring the country's natural beauty. The snow season peaks in February and March when clear skies boost visibility on the mountains.

How to Get to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Entry Requirements

Citizens of European Union states, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and the United States, among other countries, can enter visa-free and stay for up to 90 days.

Plane

Sarajevo Airport welcomes the majority of international services, with most travelers taking direct services from Belgrade with Air Serbia or Zagreb with Croatia Airlines. Lufthansa offers a 1h 25min flight from Munich to Sarajevo for roughly 390 BAM (222 USD).

Car

Ensure that you are carrying car ownership documents or rental agreements as well as a Green Card liability insurance. Border crossings from Croatia, especially close to the Neum Corridor, experience significant congestion during summer months and can take multiple hours.

Bus

Direct bus services link Sarajevo to Belgrade (7h), Zagreb (8h 20min), Split (7h 30min), Ljubljana (9h), and Kotor (8h 30min). Ticket prices generally cost between 50-60 BAM (28-34 USD) for these routes.

Entry Requirements

Citizens of European Union states, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and the United States, among other countries, can enter visa-free and stay for up to 90 days.

Plane

Sarajevo Airport welcomes the majority of international services, with most travelers taking direct services from Belgrade with Air Serbia or Zagreb with Croatia Airlines. Lufthansa offers a 1h 25min flight from Munich to Sarajevo for roughly 390 BAM (222 USD).

Car

Ensure that you are carrying car ownership documents or rental agreements as well as a Green Card liability insurance. Border crossings from Croatia, especially close to the Neum Corridor, experience significant congestion during summer months and can take multiple hours.

Bus

Direct bus services link Sarajevo to Belgrade (7h), Zagreb (8h 20min), Split (7h 30min), Ljubljana (9h), and Kotor (8h 30min). Ticket prices generally cost between 50-60 BAM (28-34 USD) for these routes.

Popular airports in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Popular airlines serving Bosnia and Herzegovina

Lufthansa
Good (4,581 reviews)
SWISS
Good (919 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,275 reviews)
Air France
Good (969 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (481 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,917 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,118 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,481 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (834 reviews)
LOT
Good (680 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,153 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (917 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (830 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (703 reviews)
Eurowings
Good (197 reviews)
Norwegian
Good (146 reviews)
Pegasus Airlines
Good (398 reviews)
Air Serbia
Good (135 reviews)
Ryanair
Good (3,444 reviews)
Aegean Airlines
Excellent (491 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Hotels are rather affordable throughout the country, but there can be substantial variances in comfort between ones built recently and those built during the socialist period.

Where to stay in popular areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Most booked hotels in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Hotel Aziza
4 stars
Excellent (9.1, Excellent reviews)
RM 335+
Malak Regency Hotel
5 stars
Excellent (9, Excellent reviews)
RM 480+
Residence Inn by Marriott Sarajevo
4 stars
Excellent (9, Excellent reviews)
RM 516+
Swissotel Sarajevo
5 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
RM 1,037+
Hotel Hills Congress & Termal Spa Resort
5 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
RM 401+
Hotel Holiday
4 stars
Excellent (8.2, Excellent reviews)
RM 444+

How to Get Around Bosnia and Herzegovina

Public Transportation

Extensive bus networks are available throughout the majority of cities, while Sarajevo has a 6-line tram system. The trams are mainly focused on connecting the east and west sides of Sarajevo, with a ticket costing roughly 1.60 BM (0.90 USD).

Trains

Daily services link Sarajevo to Mostar and provide a stunning view of Bosnia And Herzegovina's spectacular regional landscapes. Modern air-conditioned trains operate the route and 2nd class tickets can be bought for approximately 12 BAM (7 USD).

Bus

Intercity buses are available between all the major cities and fares can be as low as 10 BAM (6 USD). Timetables to smaller towns can be unreliable and it is best to visit the bus terminal to book your trip.

Public Transportation

Extensive bus networks are available throughout the majority of cities, while Sarajevo has a 6-line tram system. The trams are mainly focused on connecting the east and west sides of Sarajevo, with a ticket costing roughly 1.60 BM (0.90 USD).

Trains

Daily services link Sarajevo to Mostar and provide a stunning view of Bosnia And Herzegovina's spectacular regional landscapes. Modern air-conditioned trains operate the route and 2nd class tickets can be bought for approximately 12 BAM (7 USD).

Bus

Intercity buses are available between all the major cities and fares can be as low as 10 BAM (6 USD). Timetables to smaller towns can be unreliable and it is best to visit the bus terminal to book your trip.

The Cost of Living in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Groceries are cheap with a loaf of bread and carton of eggs costing roughly 4 BAM (2.30 USD). A 30-day prepaid SIM card with 7GB of data can be bought for around 15 BAM (8.50 USD). Bosnia And Herzegovina is a mostly cash operating country and has ATMs readily accessible in cities such as Mostar, Sarajevo, and Banja Luka.

Popular cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina