This Bosnia and Herzegovina travel guide has the following sections below.
There will be also a new dimension on this page. Following up on the artificial intelligence (AI)-generated post about Seville, we are going to use another AI model in this Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) page.
B&H will use another breakthrough AI model, which is able to generate high-quality images from text. This is fantastic for people with absolutely no painting skills like truly yours.
The picture above was generated using “Old bridge in Mostar in impressionist van Gogh style”.
- Why Visit
- Covid-19 Restrictions
- When to Visit
- Safety
- Top 3 Things
- Accommodation
- Costs
- Overall Rating
- More Information About Spain
If you are arriving on a flight at the Sarajevo airport, you have two main options how to get to the city center. (1) taxi. (2) public bus. Unfortunately, the public bus is not departing from the airport. The nearest bus stop is on a major road approximately 10 minutes walking distance from the airport.
You would leave the airport building, go to the main road in front of you and turn right. Walk through a waving road along the neat houses and you will hit the main busy road. If driving to the city center you want to travel to your left.
The bus took about 40 minutes and was clean with helpful local passengers.
Why Visit?
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country located in the Balkans, known for its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and diverse history. This Bosnia and Herzegovina travel guide highly recommends visiting before it becomes more popular and crowded.
One of the top attractions in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the capital city of Sarajevo. This historic city has a rich cultural heritage and was once an important center of trade, culture, and education. Visitors can explore the Old Town, which is home to a variety of architectural styles, including Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and traditional Bosnian. In the Old Town, you can visit the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the oldest mosque in the city, and the Sarajevo Cathedral, a beautiful Catholic church.
Another must-see destination in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) is Mostar, a city located in the Herzegovina region. This charming city is home to the Old Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a symbol of the city and the country. Visitors can also take a stroll through the city’s historic center, where they will find beautiful Ottoman-style buildings and traditional bazaars.
To see a totally different face of B&H, go to Trebinje. It is in the Republika Srpska (not part of Serbia) and this small town has a very different feel from Sarajevo, Mostar or the Croatian tourist behemoths of Split and Dubrovnik. This place has a Serbian character with incredible hospitality. Time is flowing slowly here around the river, hills and Orthodox churches. Still relatively quiet as the tour buses concentrate on the adjacent must-see’s in B&H and Croatia. A great opportunity to spend a day or two here, take a deep breath after a million of tourists in Dubrovnik or the overcrowded Mostar bridge, and have some excellent local food.
Covid-19 Restrictions
As of January 2023, none.
When to Visit
An all-round destination. Spring and fall are best.
Safety
No issues, felt safe everywhere.
Top 3 Things
(1) Sarajevo (this Bosnia and Herzegovina travel guide: MUST SEE)
Sarajevo, the capital and largest city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a destination that should not be missed. Known for its rich history and culture, this city has something to offer for everyone.
history and culture mix
It is different from from the Italian-style Split and Dubrovnik. Calmer and more conservative with a Muslim culture, it is one of the key cities to visit in the Balkans to learn this diverse region. It is also one of the few places where churches, mosques and synagogues are next to one another, earning the city its “Jerusalem of the Balkans” name.
One of the first things you’ll notice when you arrive in Sarajevo is its stunning architecture. The city is home to a mix of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and modern styles, making it a truly unique destination. The Old Town, also known as Baščaršija, is a must-see. This area is filled with winding streets, traditional markets, and beautiful mosques, including the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, which is the largest and oldest mosque in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Just take it easy and walk around the Old Town. Yes, there will be thousands of tourists but this unique blend of Ottoman and Austrian architecture is stunning. After Turks invaded Sarajevo in late 15th century, it became a trading and cultural center. During the decline of the Ottoman empire in the nineteenth century, Austria-Hungary ousted the Turks in 1878. A subsequent investment and construction boom created many Belle Epoque buildings in the Old Town.
1914
It was also in Sarajevo in June 1914 where the Austrian archduke Ferdinand was assassinated, which started the First World War. He was killed in his car when crossing the river in the city center. Remarkable that this small bridge started a major military conflict, which ravaged Europe for four years and collapsed the Austria-Hungarian, German and Russian empires.
Another must-see is the Sarajevo Tunnel. This tunnel was built during the Siege of Sarajevo in the 1990s, and it served as a vital lifeline for the city during the war. Today, it serves as a museum, and visitors can walk through the tunnel and learn about the history of the city during this difficult time.
try Cevapi and burek
The city is known for its traditional Bosnian cuisine, which is a blend of Turkish, Mediterranean, and Central European flavors. Some popular dishes to try include cevapi, a type of sausage made with ground beef and lamb. Also do not forget burek, a savory pastry filled with meat, cheese, or spinach.
In addition to its rich history and culture, Sarajevo is surrounded by beautiful mountains. There are plenty of hiking and skiing opportunities nearby. One popular destination is the Olympic Mountains, which were the site of the 1984 Winter Olympics. You can take a cable car to the top of the mountain for breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding area.
(2) Mostar
Train sarajevo-mostar
If you are going to Mostar from Sarajevo, take the train. It is departing from the main Sarajevo train station, which is walkable from the city center. My train was on time, clean, comfortable and safe. You can buy tickets in person in the arrivals hall, some English spoken. The train ride is picturesque, costs approximately $5 one way and takes less than 2 hours.
The departure times from Sarajevo are: 07:15-09:05, 16:49-18:44. Check the departures for your day, especially if it is Sunday.
mostar old town
Mostar is a compact and walkable town.
One of the first things you’ll notice when you arrive in Mostar is its Old Town, also known as Stari Grad. This area is filled with winding streets, traditional markets, and beautiful Ottoman-era buildings. The Stari Most, which spans the Neretva River, is the most iconic and recognizable landmark of Mostar. The bridge was built in the 16th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This is the bridge depicted on thousands of travel ads and, accordingly, heavily crowded with tourists. Be careful when it is raining, pretty slippery. You will also notice some locals jumping from the bridge into the river below. And yes, they will come and ask for your donation before they do.
Another must-see is the Old Bazaar, also known as the Kujundziluk. This traditional market is filled with shops selling traditional Bosnian crafts, such as pottery, copperware, and textiles. Visitors can also find a variety of restaurants and cafes in the Old Bazaar, offering traditional Bosnian cuisine and local specialties.
Mostar is also home to a number of historical and cultural sites, including the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque and the Muslibegovic House. The Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque is one of the most beautiful and important Ottoman-era monuments in the city and is open to visitors. The Muslibegovic House is an 18th-century Ottoman-era house that has been converted into a museum, showcasing the traditional way of life in Mostar.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Mostar is surrounded by beautiful mountains and offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and white-water rafting. The Neretva River, which runs through the city, is a popular spot for rafting and offers a unique way to explore the city and its surroundings.
(3) Trebinje
Trebinje, a city located in the southern Herzegovina region is a hidden gem that should not be missed. Known for its stunning Old Town, beautiful monasteries, and stunning natural surroundings, this city is a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
One of the first things you’ll notice when you arrive in Trebinje is its Old Town. The Old Town is filled with winding streets, traditional markets, and beautiful Ottoman-era buildings. The most iconic and recognizable landmark of the Old Town is the Tvrdoš Monastery, a stunning 16th-century Orthodox monastery that is open to visitors. The Monastery is surrounded by lush gardens and offers beautiful views of the city and the surrounding area.
Another must-see is the Hercegovacka Gracanica, a beautiful medieval Orthodox church located on a hill overlooking the city. The church is known for its stunning frescoes and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can also find the Trebinje’s old city clock tower, it is one of the most important landmarks of the city and it is a great spot to take in the views of the city and the surrounding area.
Accommodation
Given a steady influx of tourists over the years, you will find a wide spectrum from international hotels to family-based accommodations. Especially in the latter ones you will be greeted with the traditional Balkan hospitality.
Costs
Excellent price-value relationship. Bosnia and Herzegovina is less popular than the Croatia or Montenegro. Visit before it the crowds and higher prices arrive.
Overall Rating
Highly recommended by this Bosnia and Herzegovina travel guide. A serene and atmospheric destination with interesting culture mix and welcoming people.
More Information About Balkans
Beyond this Bosnia and Herzegovina travel guide, there will be some more Balkan posts.
In the meantime for more history, excellent food and balmy weather, Southern Spain Itinerary is a high-level overview of the Andalusia region. Seville, Granada and Cordoba have more detail about those cities.
