Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Bosnia and Herzegovina

Accommodation

15-35 BAM ($8-19) per night

Hostel dorms in Sarajevo's Baščaršija area, budget guesthouses in Mostar's old town, private rooms in family homes

Food & Dining

15-30 BAM ($8-16) per day

Burek from bakeries, ćevapi at local grill spots, supermarket supplies for self-catering, occasional street food

Transportation

5-15 BAM ($3-8) per day

City trams in Sarajevo, local buses between cities, occasional shared minivans to rural areas

Activities

5-20 BAM ($3-11) per day

Free walking tours in Sarajevo, bridge viewing in Mostar, hiking in surrounding hills, museum visits

Eat lunch at local 'aščinica' canteens where office workers eat - typically 50% cheaper than tourist restaurants

Use public buses instead of taxis between cities - usually saves 60-80% on transport costs

Shop at local markets for breakfast supplies - burek and yogurt costs about 3-5 BAM versus 15+ BAM at cafes

Book accommodation directly with properties rather than through booking sites - often 10-20% cheaper

Visit museums on their free days (typically first Sunday of month) - saves 5-15 BAM per attraction

Taking taxis everywhere instead of using Sarajevo's excellent tram system - costs 3-5x more for short trips

Eating only in Sarajevo's touristy Baščaršija restaurants - prices are typically 100-150% higher than local areas

Changing money at airports or hotels - rates are usually 15-25% worse than city exchange offices

Booking day tours from hotels without shopping around - hotel commissions tours typically cost 30-50% more