Things to Do in Bosnia and Herzegovina

About Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina doesn't hide its history. Ottoman minarets rise through mountain mist, medieval fortresses watch over green rivers, and three cultures share the same streets. You'll hear the call to prayer, then church bells, then smell Turkish coffee brewing next to Austrian bakeries. The country reveals itself slowly. Watch the Neretva cut through Mostar's old stone. Breathe pine air in the Dinaric Alps. Listen to sevdah music echo off Sarajevo's cobblestones at night. Time moves slower here. Modern life hasn't rushed in yet—which gives you space to understand what this place has survived and what it became after. Villages treat guests like family, mountain views have drawn poets for centuries, and coffee with a stranger often ends in friendship. The scars are visible. But so is what came next.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Rent a car for maximum flexibility exploring rural areas and mountain regions. Buses connect major cities reliably but can be infrequent to smaller destinations. Book intercity bus tickets in advance during summer. Taxis are affordable but always agree on fare beforehand or ensure the meter runs.

Money: The convertible mark (BAM) is the only accepted currency. ATMs are widely available in cities but scarce in rural areas—withdraw cash before heading to mountains or small villages. Credit cards accepted in hotels and restaurants in tourist areas, but carry cash for markets and local eateries.

Cultural Respect: Remove shoes when entering homes and some traditional restaurants. Dress modestly when visiting mosques, Orthodox churches, or Catholic churches—cover shoulders and legs. Avoid discussing the 1990s war unless locals initiate the conversation. Learn basic greetings in Bosnian to show respect for local culture.

Food Safety: Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country. Try local specialties like ćevapi and burek from busy establishments with high turnover. Avoid street food that's been sitting out in summer heat. Local honey, dairy, and preserved meats from mountain regions are excellent and safe purchases.

When to Visit

Bosnia and Herzegovina offers distinct seasonal experiences, each with unique advantages. Spring (April-May) brings mild temperatures of 15-20°C, occasional rainfall (80-100mm monthly), and blooming landscapes—ideal for hiking with 20% lower accommodation costs than peak season. Summer (June-August) delivers warm weather (20-28°C), minimal rainfall (60mm monthly), perfect for outdoor activities, but expect peak pricing and crowds, especially in July. The Sarajevo Film Festival (mid-August) attracts international visitors, boosting prices 30-40% above off-season rates. Autumn (September-October) offers the best value with temperatures around 15-22°C, impressive fall foliage, moderate rainfall (90mm), and prices 25% below summer peaks—optimal for photographers and cultural ensoiasts. Winter (November-March) transforms the country into a snowy wonderland with temperatures often below 5°C, heavy snowfall in mountains (perfect for skiing at Jahorina and Bjelašnica), and rock-bottom prices 40-50% below peak season. The Sarajevo Winter Festival (February) adds cultural richness to the cold months. Adventure travelers should visit May-September for hiking and rafting, while budget-conscious visitors will find exceptional value November-March, though some mountain accommodations close. Cultural tourists can visit year-round, with spring and autumn offering the perfect balance of weather, costs, and crowds.