Bosnia and Herzegovina is sadly one of the forgotten countries when people plan a trip to Europe. As an underrated country in the Balkans, it's often stuck in the shadow of more popular neighboring destinations in Western Europe. However, this article will give you helpful info on the best places to visit in Bosnia and help you discover its unique beauty and hidden gems it holds.
Europe plays host to many popular tourist destinations. However, over in the Balkan region, you'll find Bosnia. Some of you might not even know this country exists as it generally goes under the radar. For the most part, its neighbor - Croatia - steals all the travel headlines. But, Bosnia is a charming place with some stunning seas and beautiful cities.
The chill brother of the Balkans. The best thing about Bosnia is the people. People are very friendly and hospitable. Like Albania, Bosnia is one of the few Muslim majority countries in Europe, therefore its culture and traditions are pretty unique. Bosnia has the charm and beauty of the other Balkan countries but adds its own Islamic flavour.
From the perfectly triangular mountains that dominate the South-Eastern angle of the country, with almost no inhabitants and very little traffic, to the picturesque villages where minarets and bell towers are always in a competition for the tallest building, to the canyon-like scenery along the rivers right outside of Sarajevo, to the green mountains near the Montenegro border crossing at Hum cut in half by the river Drina, Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe for a road trip.
It definitely earns the title of Instagram-Worthy country in Europe, and very few people visit Bosnia compared to other nearby places. Yes, if you're from the US, then it is a bit of a long-haul flight but it’s worth a few hours in the sky! This country is a beautiful touristic destination due to its natural beauty, rich culture and history, and affordability. So, if you wish to know more, read on!
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country nestled in the Balkan region. In our opinion, it has one of the best visually impressive corners in the whole of Europe. Firstly, you'll be able to experience a delightful fusion of East and West in one place. Secondly, unspoiled natural gems, historical sites, waterfalls, lakes, and rivers are just a fraction of this country's offers.
Therefore, if this seems to be intriguing, take a moment to enjoy your coffee and read about the most beautiful places to see in Bosnia. Once you've decided, it's time to schedule your flight and prepare for your trip to Europe. If you plan to make it a longer one, make sure you find a way to keep your belongings safe while you're gone.
An excellent way to do this is to rent out a storage unit with all the features that you need, such as enough space, close distance from where you're staying, etc. Once you take care of your belongings and book a flight, it's time to explore and enjoy your journey!
So, without further ado, here are the ten best places to visit in Bosnia.
1. Jahorina
Whether you're a winter and ski lover, or a summertime hiker, Jahorina is a must-visit mountain resort in Bosnia. Jahorina is a part of the Dinaric Alps and a perfect destination for those who love to ski, snowboard, hike, or sled. Jahorina ski resort is one of the most visited spots in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Jahorina hills covered in snow as one of the best places to visit in Bosnia.
Its lifts and pistes are the center of the stage for most visitors and the nearby attractions. The most visited are the Orlovaca cave and the town of Pale.
2. Travnik
Travnik is a pre-15th century town with well-preserved structures from the Ottoman period. You'll see several mosques, traditional residences from that period, and Sahat Kula with two clock towers. Travnik is situated on one of the highest peaks in Bosnia called Mt. Vlasic. Therefore, once you're here, enjoy other activities like hiking, sledding, and skiing, depending on your visit.
3. Sarajevo
Sarajevo is a beautiful city, and Bosnia is one of the best countries for budget travelers with museums and more things to do. In Sarajevo, they have pink concrete that was used to fill in holes from shells. They are now called pink roses and serve as a reminded of what happens when neighbours fight.
One site that’s often overlooked despite being located within the Sarajevo city limits is the Tunnel Museum. It explains very well the siege of Sarajevo, the struggle and strength of its people, and the mechanisms they used to survive. It’s a very touching place, despite being hard to reach without private transportation.
Sarajevo is the capital and the biggest city of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It's often called the Jerusalem of Europe, as Sarajevo was the 15th-century Ottoman citadel that has developed into a highly modern city. When thinking of Sarajevo, think about striking mosques looming over beer bars, aromatic Turkish restaurants surrounded by enchanting bazaars, fantastic parks and arched stone bridges, modern art museums, etc.
What once was a war-torn city has become a city with plenty of lively areas worth exploring. When in Sarajevo, be sure not to miss the following - Ferhadija Street for unique shopping, the old town called Baščaršija, Sarajevo War Tunnel, Gallery 11/07/95, War Childhood Museum, Sarajevo City Hall, Latin Bridge, and so on.
As you might've already seen, the county has a vast exploring potential. Therefore, we must warn you'll most likely end up prolonging your visit. We found out from promoversmiami.com that they had customers who caught their services and moved to this part of the world. They decided to do so because of the natural beauty, affordable lifestyle, and a completely different way of living.
So, beware, more amazing places are about to come your way! Still in Sarajevo, a underrated building is the City Hall (Vijećnica), destroyed during the 1992 siege and rebuilt faithfully to its original neo-moresque aspect.
4. Banja Luka
Banja Luka is the second-largest city in Bosnia. This town is mainly known for its cafe culture, as there are around 1000 different cafe bars and restaurants. So, this is a place where you will be content to lay back, relax, and watch the world go by with delicious coffee and narghile.
Banja Luka won't leave the explorers disappointed either. The most well-known attractions are the medieval Kastel Fortress, the Orthodox cathedral, and Ferhadija Mosque.
5. Una national park
If you plan on exploring the beautiful waters and lakes of Europe, be sure not to miss Una National Park. The park was established in 2008 to protect the Unac, Krka, and Upper Una rivers, flora and fauna, archeological sites, and waterfalls. This area is one of the most biodiverse zones in the Balkans, so it's definitely worth checking out if you're a nature lover.
6. Jajce
Jajce is a picturesque walled city home to the Pliva Waterfall located in the city center. The waterfall is 17 meters high and can easily rival Niagara waterfalls due to its turquoise pools made of convergence of two rivers. In the town of Jajce, you can explore the beautiful lakes and gorges of Bosanska Krajina, underground catacombs and fascinating museums, the citadel, and Bosnian-style homes.
7. Mostar
There's a place called Mostar that has a river running through the city and some wonderous architecture and bridges to walk across. If there's one place you can't miss when visiting Bosnia, it's Mostar. Mostar, a medieval city of Bosnia and Herzegovina is located on the banks of the Neretva River. Mostar is a strikingly beautiful town.
Ottoman mosques with wide avenues and buildings from the Austro-Hungarian period are mixed in its streets. It is currently one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country. Mostar is one of the prettiest cities in the whole country. It's best known for the fascinating bridge called Stari Most that arches across the Neretva River in the old town's center. The enchanting town of Mostar is one of the best places to visit in Bosnia, for sure.
The town was originally built in the 1500s, but it was destroyed during the war. However, now it's the most iconic monument in the country and the highlight of everyone's Bosnian travels. Near the Stari Most is the Muslim quarter, one of the most beautiful places in Mostar. In the Kujundziluk Bazaar you will find typical products and crafts.
Halfway between Mostar and Sarajevo there’s Konjic, a middle-sized town famous for its Ottoman bridge. What you need to visit there is Tito’s bunker, built by the former leader of Yugoslavia as a shelter for the country’s ruling class in the case of a nuclear attack. It’ll take you back in time to 60 years ago.
8. Tuzla
Tuzla might not be on the top of everyone's must-visit list, but it definitely should be. If you want to get to know the real and raw Bosnia and Herzegovina, this colorful and confident town will show you just that. The city is home to the country's most prestigious literary festival called Meša Selimović.
Additionally, you can enjoy sunbathing on the edge of salt lakes, a remnant of the ancient Pannonian Sea, or enjoy sightseeing through the old town with minarets and stone squares.
9. Počitelj historic village
Just thirty minutes away from Mostar there's Počitelj, one of the best places to visit in the Balkan peninsula. This half-abandoned, half-inhabited village boasts ancient Ottoman houses buried in the green hills over the bluest river, with a fort and a mosque dominating the panorama. Seeing the sunset from the top of the castle is the most romantic thing ever!
Treat yourself with local dried fruits bought from an old lady, or with a Turkish čaj at the delightful roadside cafe.
The historic village of Počitelj was established in early 1383. It's now a popular tourist destination for those who enjoy hiking. The hike trails in the area will allow you to enjoy the scenic view of the village and the Neretva River. Also, there are historical sites you shouldn't miss, like Kula, Hajji Alija, Sahat Kula, and Gavran Kapetanović house.
10. Blagaj
And the final place on our must-visit when in Bosnia list is Blagaj, a tiny village that's 15 minutes away from the city of Mostar. Blagaj is home to Bosnia's most photographed sites - The Velagić house and monastery, which are both built into the side of the cliff right above the green Buna River.
11. Trebišnjica
Trebinje, is a lovely riverside settlement with an Ottoman bridge, an old bazaar, and pekare that will satisfy your appetite with delicious food for three marks.
The two towers of the bridge can be visited. In one works a museum about the history of the city and in the other a photographic exhibition about the Balkan War. Several of the mosques of the Ottoman period have survived and open their doors to the public, such as that of Koshi Mehmed Pasha, the Karadjoz-bey and that of Vucjakovica dzamija.
The takeaway
And there you have it. These were the ten best places to visit in Bosnia. We are sure you'll enjoy the unique and rich culture this country has and its natural beauties. Once you've checked all the must-visit places in Bosnia, visit Serbia for more wonderful experiences on your travels.