This Balkan beauty, a 2019 Lonely Planet pick, is a young nation with a storied past. Ready to explore? Let’s dive in!
A Budget Traveler’s Dream
Imagine a land where your coffee costs just around €0.50, a quick meal around €2.50, and a full-course dinner for two at a nice restaurant around €15. Accommodation is equally affordable: hostels around €10 and standard hotel rooms around €35. This budget-friendly haven is Bosnia and Herzegovina, or “BiH,” a country where your travel dreams can thrive.
Sarajevo: The Heart of Bosnia
The capital, Sarajevo, is a city buzzing with life, its cafes and pubs resonating with music and laughter. Sarajevo, where the infamous event that triggered World War I, the Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, took place. Take a cable car to the top of the hills overlooking the city, or enjoy a riverside meal in the charming town of Mostar. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a Balkan treasure, often called the “backyard” of the European Union, boasting World Heritage sites and landscapes as stunning as those in Croatia or Italy! 
A Cultural Melting Pot
Sarajevo stands out as the only European city where four major religions and cultures intertwine harmoniously. Mosques, Catholic churches, Orthodox churches, and synagogues coexist side by side. The influences of the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empires, along with the Yugoslavian era, have shaped a vibrant and unique culture here.
A City Marked by History
The 1990s Bosnian War left deep, unforgettable scars, with many still bearing witness to the conflict’s traces. Sarajevo is often referred to as “half city, half cemetery”, but nowadays it’s a place of peace where people are making the most of their lives.
A Journey of Discovery
Embark on a tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina, one of Europe’s most affordable destinations. Discover its breathtaking scenery and historical depth.
Ride a Cable Car
For about €10, soar over the city in a cable car, taking in the view of the “Balkan Powder Keg”. The juxtaposition of green forests and the red rooftops is quite spectacular. The cable car station is located on the slope across from the Sarajevo City Hall. At the top, you’ll discover the former ski slopes from the 1984 Winter Olympics, now adorned with vibrant graffiti.
Sacred Heart Cathedral
The Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bosnia’s largest Catholic church, built between 1884 and 1889 in Gothic and Romanesque styles, is a testament to the city’s deep-rooted faith. In Sarajevo, you’ll find a captivating mix of religious structures.
City Hall and Latin Bridge
The ornate City Hall, built during the Austro-Hungarian occupation, boasts colorful stained glass and detailed mosaics. Like many city halls, it’s a popular spot for romantic photoshoots. The Latin Bridge, a national symbol, stands peacefully despite its historical significance as the site where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated. During the Yugoslavia period, it was called Princip Bridge.
The Eternal Flame
The Eternal Flame in the old town center serves as a lasting memorial to the WWII martyrs.
Coppersmith Street
Coppersmith Street is where you experience Sarajevo’s heart and soul. Shops here preserve Ottoman-era craftsmanship. Find intricate copperware and even artifacts made from war remnants. The street was also a filming location for the famous movie Valter Defends Sarajevo.
Mostar: A River of Beauty
Dating back to the 15th century, Mostar is a city that has been shaped by three different empires, leaving a rich cultural legacy. The UNESCO World Heritage city offers picturesque scenery and vibrant energy. As night falls, Mostar’s Old Bridge glows with its ancient stories. This city, known as “the jewel of southeastern Europe,” is a must-visit.
Old Bridge
Mostar, meaning “bridge keepers,” is famed for its ancient stone bridge. Built in the 15th and 16th centuries, Mostar has transformed into a popular tourist destination. The Old Bridge area mixes Turkish, Mediterranean, and Western European architecture, a testament to the city’s cultural diversity. In 2005, Mostar’s Old Bridge was added to the World Heritage List.
Delicious Local Flavors
Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant next to the bridge with the beautiful river shimmering like emerald. Try URBAN taste of orient, ranked #1 in Mostar on Google.
The Thrill of Bridge Diving
Summer in Mostar is an ideal time to watch the spectacular diving shows. Divers leap from heights up to 27 meters.
Millennium Cross
Like Sarajevo, Mostar bears the scars of war. The Millennium Cross on the hilltop stands as a symbol of resilience. From the top, enjoy a panoramic view of the old town.
Tekija Mosque
This beautiful Ottoman-style mosque is nestled between the cliff and the river. The landscape is picture-perfect from across the water.
Beyond the Cities
Višegrad
This small town by the Drina River is not just visually stunning, but steeped in history. Its somewhat chaotic architecture gives it a unique charm. The Bridge over the Drina is a testament to classical Ottoman architecture, famously featured in the Nobel Prize-winning novel by Ivo Andrić.
Sutjeska National Park and Heart-Shaped Lake
The most romantic spot in Bosnia and Herzegovina is perhaps the heart-shaped lake in Sutjeska National Park, one of the oldest national parks in the country. The park is home to one of Europe’s last two remaining primeval forests, with trees over 300 years old and spruce trees soaring up to 63 meters!
Must-Try Bosnian Dishes
Bosnian cuisine is known for its delicious flavors. Be sure to try ćevapi, grilled meat rolls often served with somun bread, and burek, a flaky pastry filled with meat, potatoes, spinach, or cheese.
In Sarajevo, check out restaurants like Klopa, near the Sacred Heart Cathedral, and Dveri, in the bustling Baščaršija district. Don’t miss Nanina for traditional Bosnian stews and soups.
