Where to Stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Your guide to the best areas and accommodation types
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Best Areas to Stay
Each neighborhood has its own character. Find the one that matches your travel style.
The historic Ottoman quarter in the heart of Sarajevo, featuring cobblestone streets, traditional architecture, and the city's main cultural attractions.
- Walking distance to major attractions and museums
- Authentic atmosphere with traditional cafes and restaurants
- Wide range of accommodation from hostels to boutique hotels
- Excellent public transportation connections
- Vibrant nightlife and dining scene
- Can be noisy, especially on weekends
- Limited parking and narrow streets make car access difficult
- Prices slightly higher than other neighborhoods
The picturesque area surrounding the famous Stari Most (Old Bridge), with traditional stone houses and stunning views of the Neretva River.
- Steps away from the iconic Old Bridge and main sights
- Charming traditional guesthouses with river views
- Atmospheric dining options along the river
- Compact area perfect for exploring on foot
- Extremely crowded during peak summer months
- Can feel touristy with persistent souvenir vendors
- Limited accommodation options compared to Sarajevo
- Noise from nearby bars and restaurants in summer
The modern business and shopping district of Sarajevo, featuring contemporary hotels, shopping centers, and government buildings.
- Modern hotels with international standards
- Excellent shopping and dining options
- Quieter than the Old Town but still central
- Better parking availability
- Close to museums and parks
- Less atmospheric than historic quarters
- 15-20 minute walk to Baščaršija
- More chain hotels, fewer boutique options
Bosnia's premier ski resort located 30km from Sarajevo, offering mountain hotels and chalets with winter sports facilities.
- Direct access to ski slopes and hiking trails
- Fresh mountain air and scenic views
- Good value compared to Alpine resorts
- Family-friendly facilities
- Year-round activities available
- Limited nightlife and dining variety
- Essential to have a car or arrange transfers
- Some hotels only open during ski season
- Can feel isolated outside peak season
The capital of Republika Srpska, offering a more laid-back atmosphere with tree-lined boulevards, parks, and a mix of Austro-Hungarian and modern architecture.
- Significantly cheaper than Sarajevo or Mostar
- Less touristy with authentic local experience
- Pleasant riverside promenade and green spaces
- Growing selection of modern hotels and hostels
- Fewer international tourists and less English spoken
- Limited accommodation variety compared to major cities
- Fewer major tourist attractions
- Less developed tourism infrastructure
Accommodation Types
From budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, here's what's available.
Growing hostel scene especially in Sarajevo and Mostar, offering dorms and private rooms with social atmosphere. Many are housed in renovated historic buildings.
Best for: Solo travelers, backpackers, and budget-conscious young travelers
Family-run establishments offering personal service and home-cooked meals. Common in smaller towns and rural areas, often providing the most authentic local experience.
Best for: Travelers seeking local interaction, those visiting rural areas, and food enthusiasts
Widely available through Airbnb and Booking.com, ranging from basic to luxury. Excellent option for families or longer stays, often well-equipped and competitively priced.
Best for: Families, groups, longer stays, and self-caterers
The most common accommodation type in cities, ranging from renovated socialist-era hotels to newer builds. Standards vary, so check recent reviews.
Best for: Most travelers seeking comfort with good value
Emerging category in Sarajevo and Mostar, often in restored historic buildings with unique character. Limited in number but offering personalized service and design-focused interiors.
Best for: Couples, special occasions, and travelers prioritizing unique atmosphere over amenities
Traditional wooden lodges and modern chalets in mountain areas like Jahorina, Bjelašnica, and Vlašić. Seasonal operations common, with many focused on winter sports.
Best for: Skiers, hikers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking mountain retreats
Booking Tips
Insider advice to help you find the best accommodation.
Accommodation in Sarajevo and Mostar fills quickly during July-August and winter holidays. Book 2-3 months ahead for best selection. Ski resorts require even earlier booking for Christmas and New Year periods.
Sarajevo and some other cities are built on hills. What looks close on a map might involve steep climbs. Read reviews mentioning accessibility and check Google Street View before booking if mobility is a concern.
Breakfast quality varies enormously—from continental spreads to just coffee and bread. Some guesthouses include excellent homemade meals, while budget options may offer minimal breakfast. Check reviews for specifics.
Many family-run guesthouses and smaller hotels offer better rates or upgrades when contacted directly. They may also provide airport transfers or local guidance not advertised online.
Tourism infrastructure is still developing, and property standards can change. Focus on reviews from the past 6-12 months, particularly regarding cleanliness, WiFi quality, and hot water reliability.
If driving, confirm parking availability and costs beforehand. Old town areas often have no parking, requiring use of public lots. Some hotels charge €5-15 daily for parking.
While major hotels accept cards, smaller guesthouses may prefer cash (either BAM or Euros). Confirm payment methods when booking directly to avoid surprises at check-in.
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When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability.
Book 2-3 months in advance for July-August city stays and December-February mountain accommodations. Popular hostels and best-value hotels sell out earliest. Prices increase 20-40% during peak periods.
April-June and September-October offer excellent availability with 1-2 weeks advance booking sufficient. Prices drop 15-25% from peak, and you'll have better selection for last-minute bookings.
November and March (excluding ski season) see lowest prices and abundant availability. Book just days ahead for best deals, with potential for negotiation on longer stays. Some mountain properties close entirely.
Bosnia and Herzegovina rarely sells out completely except during major events or holidays. However, the best-value properties book up first, leaving pricier or lower-quality options for late bookers. Two weeks advance booking strikes a good balance for most of the year.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information.