Bosnia-Herzegovina is a little-known gem in Europe. Yet this Balkan country has it all: an extremely rich history, a fascinating culture, beautiful landscapes, astonishing architecture and delicious cuisine. Follow this guide to find out what to visit in Bosnia-Herzegovina for a successful stay.
1. Mostar
With its striking Ottoman center pierced by minarets, Mostar is perhaps the most beautiful city in Bosnia. But the city is best known for its Unesco-listedStari Most. This superb stone bridge was built in the 16th century by the Ottomans over the Neretva river, then bombed by the Croats during the Bosnian war of 1993, before being rebuilt in 2004 on the initiative of Unesco. Bosnians like to dive from the bridge into the cold water of the river, which doesn't exceed 10°C. Stroll through the town's narrow streets, enter its mosques and sit down at one of the many restaurants to sample delicious Bosnian cuisine, mainly grilled.
What to book: Discover Mostar's history by booking this guided tour. You'll learn about local legends and your guide will give you recommendations for places to visit during your stay.
2. Sarajevo
If you're looking for places to visit in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Sarajevo should be at the top of your list. It, too, is home to a small, traditional Ottoman center called Baščaršija, with Turkish Turkish delight stores, Persian carpet stalls and cafés serving Turkish coffee. And don't miss Sarajevo's bazaars, inherited from the oriental tradition. A more modern city center has grown up around it, consisting mainly of Austro-Hungarian buildings. Despite all these treasures, Sarajevo remains a little-known destination, which makes it all the more worthwhile to visit. A guided tour is also highly recommended, to understand how the First World War began in this city, or to discover the secrets of the Bosnian war that struck the city in the 1990s. Finally, don't forget to admire the aging heritage dating back to the 1984 Sarajevo Olympic Games.
What to book: Discover Sarajevo's rich history, cultural heritage and architectural wonders by booking this great walking tour through time and cultures: an unforgettable experience!
3. Blagaj
Blagaj is a small village very close to Mostar, so it's ideal to combine these two visits. As part of your Balkan tour, you'll want to visit the tekké, a traditional Sufi convent. Nestled deep in the rock, overlooking a crystal-blue river, it's featured on postcards from all over the country. Although inhabited by religious dervishes, the tekké is open to tourists. You can also take a boat trip on the river or enjoy a coffee on one of the village's pleasant terraces. Allow around half a day to visit Blagaj.
To book: If you've only got a day to spare, venture into Herzegovina: we recommend booking this day trip to Blagaj, Počitelj and the Kravice waterfalls.
4. Sutjeska National Park
Sutjeska National Park, in the south-east of the country, is home to one of Europe's last remaining primeval forests, i.e. a forest that has not been profoundly altered by man. It should therefore be on the itinerary of anyone looking for a place to visit in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The national park is also the country's oldest, and home to its highest peak: Mount Maglić, culminating at 2,386 meters above sea level. It's the ideal destination for escaping mass tourism by hiking along the Sutjeska River. Its impressive scenery is dominated by mountains forming almost vertical columns. Bears and wolves can also be spotted here, with the highest concentration in the country.
5. Kravica waterfalls
The Kravica waterfalls are often compared to the Iguaçu Falls, except that they are much less crowded, making them a good alternative to overly touristy destinations. Like their Brazilian cousins, the Bosnian cascades form an arched waterfall gushing out of a dense, green forest. You can even swim in this heavenly setting, especially as the water remains refreshing even in summer, which can be very hot in the south of the country. So, if you're looking for a place to visit in Bosnia-Herzegovina, they're a must. It's also a place that will appeal to van travel enthusiasts, since there are camping sites not far away.
To book: If you've only got a day to spare, venture to Herzegovina: we recommend booking this day trip to Blagaj, Počitelj and the Kravice waterfalls.
6. Banja Luka
Banja Luka is Bosnia's second-largest city, as well as the capital of the Bosnian Serb Republic, one of the three entities that make up Bosnia. The city's architecture isn't as beautiful as Sarajevo or Mostar, but it's still an interesting place to explore Bosnian culture. Its gastronomic scene is one of the best in the country. It also organizes a number of festivals and concerts, and boasts a lively nightlife thanks to a large student community.
7. The Srebrenica genocide memorial
History buffs looking for something to visit in Bosnia-Herzegovina will appreciate the Srebrenica Genocide Memorial. This is themain memorial to the war that struck Bosnia between 1992 and 1995, and commemorates the Srebrenica genocide, in which over 8,000 Bosnian Muslims lost their lives in the space of just a few days in July 1995. The site consists of memorials, a museum, a cemetery and a documentation center, which you can visit by booking this day tour to the Srebrenica Memorial from Sarajevo.
Please note if you'd like to opt for a personalized travel itinerary in Bosnia, we recommend you request your free quote right here. A tailor-made, responsible trip, direct with the best local agencies, awaits you!
8. Jajce
What to visit in Bosnia-Herzegovina? Jajce is located in the northern half of the country, between Banja Luka and Sarajevo. The town lies at the confluence of several watercourses tumbling down waterfalls, around which charming little houses have sprung up to form a picturesque town center. It is also home to a number of interesting historical monuments. Jajce has thus applied for Unesco World Heritage status, and is currently on its tentative list.
What to book : Travnik and Jajce are two must-see cities during your stay in Bosnia-Herzegovina. We recommend this tour , which includes a visit to the waterfalls and mills of Jajce, as well as Travnik, which dates back to the Ottoman period.
9. Počitelj
Počitelj is a town very close to Mostar, so the two visits tie in well. Some call it the most beautiful village in Bosnia. It's perched high above the Neretva River. Its old Ottoman stone houses are surrounded by the ruins of Turkish fortifications built in 1444. Although damaged during the Bosnian war, the village has retained an unusual charm. Today it is relatively unvisited, and therefore remains all the more authentic.
To book: If you only have a day to spare, venture into Herzegovina: we recommend booking this day trip to Blagaj, Počitelj and the Kravice waterfalls.
10. Višegrad
What to visit in Bosnia-Herzegovina? The town of Višegrad, in the east of the country, is above all famous for its Mehmed-Pacha-Sokolović Bridge, a Unesco World Heritage Site since 2007. This architectural work even inspired the Yugoslav literary masterpiece The Bridge over the Drina (1945), written by Nobel Prize winner Ivo Andrić. The city was the scene of massacres during the Bosnian-Herzegovinian war, and therefore occupies an important place in the country's history, which explains its many monuments and other sculptures.
11. Rafting
Rafting in Bosnia-Herzegovina is an excellent idea, as it is perhapsone of Europe's best spots for white-water sports. With its rapids, transparent waters and lush green banks, the Neretva River is the perfect choice. The various service providers offer a range of excursions to suit all levels, from family outings to real sporting challenges.
Safety and tourism in Bosnia: what you need to know
Bosnia-Herzegovina's wars have left their mark on people's minds, so many wonder about its safety, which may also explain why it remains an underrated destination. In reality, Bosnia-Herzegovina is not a dangerous destination. There are, however, marginal cases of petty crime, such as pickpockets and car crime. Beyond that, the main danger is that the country has not been cleared of mines. It is therefore essential to follow the marked hiking trails.
Petit Futé tip: Take advantage of a discount by booking your travel insurancehere , and leave with peace of mind!
So, are you tempted? Take a look at our airfares and book now !
