Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Balkans are some of the magnificent destinations that are on many travelers’ lists, thanks to their historical richness and natural beauty. Especially, the Bosnia and Herzegovina sightseeing places list is quite extensive, offering an ideal travel route for those wanting to explore the region 🤗. In this article, I will talk about must-see places in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Balkan tour planning tips, and mobile app suggestions that you can use in this region.
Where is Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Bosnia and Herzegovina is located in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula, bordered by Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro. The country’s unique climate is a mix of Mediterranean and Continental climates. In other words, you can feel both the warmth of the seaside and the coolness of the mountainous areas in one place. If you’re visiting this region for the first time, examining where Bosnia and Herzegovina is and its surroundings will give you an idea of how to prepare for your trip.
Does Bosnia and Herzegovina Require a Visa?
Good news for travelers from Turkey: Bosnia and Herzegovina does not require a visa for Turkish citizens! As long as you have your passport with you, you can stay for up to 90 days. So, you can easily plan your trip without worrying about whether Bosnia and Herzegovina requires a visa. This is a huge advantage for travelers who don’t want to deal with visa processes.
Currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Current Expenses
The currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Bosnia and Herzegovina Convertible Marka (BAM). Doing some research about the currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina before your trip will help you manage your daily expenses. Fortunately, Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally an affordable destination, making it attractive for travelers. It’s both budget-friendly and full of places to explore!
How to Get to Bosnia and Herzegovina: Flight Tickets and Other Options
The easiest way to get to Bosnia and Herzegovina is by plane. There are direct flights from Istanbul to Sarajevo, which makes the journey much easier. Flight ticket prices to Bosnia and Herzegovina vary depending on the season; booking in advance can help you find better prices. I bought a ticket for around 1,150₺ one week in advance. Alternatively, you can plan a Balkan tour and travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina by land, allowing you to explore different countries in one trip.
Places to Visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country filled with historical and natural beauties. The places to visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina list is quite extensive. Cities like Sarajevo, Mostar, Travnik, and Jajce captivate visitors with their historical and natural riches.
- Sarajevo: With historical sites like Bascarsija, Gazi Husrev Bey Mosque, and Latin Bridge, Sarajevo is truly one of the cultural capitals of the Balkans. Walking through the streets of Sarajevo and feeling the city’s cultural essence is a perfect starting point for those wanting to learn more about the region’s history.
- Mostar: Located by the Neretva River, with a stunning view of the Mostar Bridge, Mostar is a mesmerizing place. Mostar is on the UNESCO World Heritage list and is a must-see in any Bosnia and Herzegovina travel guide. You can’t leave without climbing the bridge for a photo!
- Travnik and Jajce: With Ottoman-era buildings, Travnik attracts you with its nature and atmosphere. Jajce, famous for its waterfall and historical ruins, is a favorite for nature lovers. These regions offer excellent options for those wanting to see both the historical wealth and natural beauty of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Recommended Places to Visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina
1. Blagaj Tekke (Blagaj Dervish House)
Blagaj, near the city of Mostar, is famous for its mesmerizing tekke located at the source of the Neretva River. This historical dervish house from the Ottoman period creates a mystical atmosphere combined with the surrounding natural beauty. Located right next to the natural spring, this spot is perfect for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.
2. Sutjeska National Park
Sutjeska National Park, one of the oldest national parks in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a paradise for nature lovers. While exploring the stunning landscapes of the Tjentiste area, you can also access several hiking trails. The Perucica Forest within the park is one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved primeval forests.
3. Jajce Waterfall and Historical City
Located near the center of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jajce stands out for its historical and natural riches. The Jajce Waterfall, cascading from a height of 20 meters, is stunning. Additionally, the city contains historical structures from both the Roman and Ottoman eras.
4. Kravica Waterfall
Located southeast of Mostar, the Kravica Waterfall is one of the most beautiful natural spots in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This breathtaking waterfall is a perfect place to cool off on hot summer days and enjoy nature. You can also picnic in the lush surroundings and swim in the area.
5. Visegrad and Drina River Bridge
Visegrad is famous for its historical bridge, a stone bridge from the 16th century that is an important structure from the Ottoman period and is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This bridge over the Drina River offers both a historical symbol and a breathtaking view combined with the surrounding nature.
6. Kalinovik
Located in the southeast of Bosnia and Herzegovina, this small town is less known but impressive. Kalinovik is surrounded by beautiful mountain views and historical ruins, offering a peaceful environment, especially for those who enjoy hiking.
7. Rakitnica Canyon
Near Mostar, the Rakitnica Canyon is a unique place for nature lovers to explore. The canyon is famous for its striking rock formations and lush greenery. You can hike through the canyon and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Neretva River.
8. Trebinje
Although Mostar and Sarajevo are better known, the city of Trebinje is located in the southeastern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, close to the Croatian border. The city is famous for its narrow streets, historical bridges, and old stone houses. Also, the vineyards surrounding Trebinje produce some of the region’s best wines.
9. Blidinje Nature Park
One of the largest natural parks in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Blidinje is ideal for winter sports enthusiasts. In the summer, you can enjoy hiking, cycling tours, and nature walks. The park is notable for its rich plant life and mountain scenery.
10. Prokoško Lake
Located in the center of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Prokoško Lake is a place waiting to be discovered with its enchanting natural beauty. Surrounded by high mountains, you can hike around this lake and enjoy a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
11. Pocitelj Village
This Ottoman-era village located south of Mostar has an impressive atmosphere with its historical stone buildings and narrow streets. Pocitelj is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List and offers a captivating medieval village vibe.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a place worth exploring not only for its large cities but also for its undiscovered villages and natural wonders. These unique destinations provide travelers with rich experiences both culturally and naturally. If you don’t want to visit traditional tourist spots, you can have a peaceful and authentic holiday in these hidden gems.
Bosnia and Herzegovina Food Recommendations
Discover some local flavors in Bosnia and Herzegovina at beautiful restaurants that tourists often miss:
Ćevabdžinica Željo (Sarajevo)
- Cuisine: Bosnian cuisine, Ćevapi
- Highlights: Bosnia’s famous street food ćevapi is served here in its most delicious form. This dish, served with kajmak and onions, adds a rich flavor to the soft and tasty meat, and is enjoyed by the locals with great pleasure.
- Price Range: Medium-high
- Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/phfF5M9rDrH3w7iDA
Petica Ferhatović (Sarajevo)
- Cuisine: Bosnian cuisine, Ćevapi
- Highlights: Bosnia’s famous street food ćevapi is served here in the most delicious way. The cevapi served with kajmak and onions is very popular among the locals.
- Price Range: Low-medium
- Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FGGgTF6Quegqrxj48
Avlija (Sarajevo)
- Cuisine: Bosnian cuisine
- Highlights: Avlija offers a great opportunity to try traditional Bosnian dishes, such as ćevapi and Bosnian pie, served in a modern style. It is famous for both meat dishes and pie varieties.
- Price Range: Medium
- Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UgqoNzYzT3dwXvJe7
Sač (Sarajevo)
- Cuisine: Bosnian cuisine, Pie
- Highlights: If you’re a fan of Bosnian pies, Buregdžinica Sahat Kula is the place for you. The restaurant is famous for its fresh and delicious pies, especially those filled with cheese and onions, leaving an unforgettable taste. The traditional recipes used make every bite a rich experience of Bosnian cuisine.
- Price Range: Low – Very affordable, offering a filling meal.
- Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mMzHwDQBgA1YtrfY8
Apps You Can Use in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Technology plays a big role in travel! Some apps can make your holiday in Bosnia and the Balkans easier and more enjoyable:
– https://getbybus.com/en/ : The most useful bus website across the Balkans
GetByBus is a platform that allows you to search, compare, and purchase intercity and international bus tickets across Europe, especially in the Balkans. On GetByBus.com, you can purchase tickets for transportation services in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, and many other European countries. The platform provides a wide range of bus routes and an easy reservation process.
– https://buskarta.ba/ – Bosnia and Herzegovina bus app
Buskarta is a card system used for public transportation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. On Buskarta.ba, you can find various information about the Buskarta system, learn how to get your card, and where it can be used. It is a practical solution, especially for those wishing to use public transport in large cities like Sarajevo.
GetByBus Features:
- Route and Bus Schedule Search: Easily search for available bus routes by selecting departure and arrival points. It offers many options for both city and intercity routes.
- Online Ticket Purchase: GetByBus allows you to buy bus tickets directly online, making it easy and secure to get your tickets before traveling.
- Price Comparison: Helps you find the best option by comparing the prices and services of different bus companies.
- Detailed Information: The bus reservation pages provide detailed information on departure and arrival times, travel duration, stopovers, and any available onboard services.
- Additional Services: GetByBus also offers other travel options such as train routes, ferry lines, and airport transfers, making travel planning even easier.
- Mobile Compatibility: As GetByBus is mobile-friendly, you can easily plan your travel and purchase tickets using a smartphone or tablet.
GetByBus is a popular platform among travelers who travel by bus in the Balkans, offering access to an extensive transportation network.
– https://www.balkanviator.com/en/ : Bus, ferry, and taxi services
Balkan Viator is a transportation platform where you can search and book bus, ferry, and taxi services in the Balkans. Accessed through Balkanviator.com, this platform is especially useful for travelers and locals looking to find and plan local transportation options easily.
– https://www.rome2rio.com : Worldwide transportation recommendation app
Rome2Rio is a comprehensive travel planning platform that allows you to easily search and compare transportation options worldwide. Available on Rome2Rio.com, this platform provides a variety of transportation modes such as flights, trains, buses, ferries, taxis, and car rentals, showing users the fastest or most cost-effective way to travel from point A to point B.
Rome2Rio Features:
- Route Search: By entering your departure and destination, Rome2Rio will show you alternative travel methods, transfer options, and travel times, making it easy to compare your travel options.
- Variety of Transportation: The platform covers various modes of transport, including flights, trains, buses, ferries, taxis, and car rentals, offering the flexibility to choose the best combination.
- Price Information: Along with transportation options, estimated costs are provided, helping you plan your trip within your budget.
- Map-Based Usage: The platform shows the entire route on a map for easy navigation.
- Worldwide Coverage: Rome2Rio provides travel information for destinations worldwide, making it a great resource for planning trips to new places.
– https://busticket4.me/ Balkan Bus Search Application
Busticket4me is a platform offering bus ticket search, comparison, and purchase services for intercity and inter-country bus routes in the Balkans. It provides convenience to travelers, especially those traveling between Balkan countries like Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, Albania, and North Macedonia. This platform, accessible through Busticket4me.com, aims to make your travel easier and more cost-effective with a broad transportation network.
Busticket4me Features:
- Bus Route Search: You can search for available bus routes by specifying your departure and arrival points. The platform allows you to compare information like travel time, ticket prices, and departure times.
- Online Ticket Purchase: You can purchase bus tickets directly online. The platform offers tickets from various bus companies in one place, making it easy for users to make reservations.
- Flexible Travel Planning: Busticket4me provides detailed information on departure and arrival points, as well as travel times, so you can plan your trip in the most convenient way.
- Multiple Language Options: The platform offers services in multiple languages, easily meeting the needs of both local and international travelers.
- Comprehensive Transport Network: It covers a wide range of cities and routes, particularly in the Balkans. This allows travelers to easily reach many cities and countries in the region.
- Customer Support Services: Busticket4me offers customer support services to assist users in case of any issues or questions. This feature is a significant advantage in terms of the platform’s reliability.
- Mobile-Friendly Use: The website is compatible with mobile devices, making it easy to use during travel or for spontaneous planning.
Busticket4me is a time-saving and cost-effective platform for those traveling by bus in the Balkans. It stands out as a popular choice in the Balkan region, especially for facilitating intercity travel and offering the option to compare bus routes.
– xe.com – XE Currency: This app will be very useful for quickly converting currencies and checking the current exchange rates between Bosnian Convertible Marka and Turkish Lira.
XE Currency is a popular platform that provides information on exchange rates worldwide. Accessible both through the website (xe.com) and the mobile app, XE Currency offers real-time exchange rate tracking, currency conversion, and various financial tools. It is a practical and reliable resource for international traders, travelers, investors, and anyone dealing with currency exchange.
XE Currency Features:
- Real-Time Exchange Rates: The platform provides real-time information on hundreds of exchange rates worldwide. Users can easily access the current exchange rate for any currency.
- Currency Converter: It allows users to quickly convert different currencies. For example, you can use XE Currency to convert between BAM (Bosnian Convertible Marka) and Turkish Lira.
- View Historical Rates: XE Currency provides historical data on exchange rates. Users can review charts and data for specific exchange rates over time to analyze trends.
- Personalized Rate Tracking: Users can add their preferred currencies to favorites and set alerts for specific exchange rate values. This feature is useful for users who want to stay informed about rate changes.
- Offline Access: The mobile app retains the most recent exchange rate, allowing currency conversion even without an internet connection. This feature is especially useful while traveling.
- International Money Transfers: In addition to currency conversion, XE Currency also offers international money transfer services, helping users send money across countries at lower costs.
- Multiple Language Support: The platform offers services in different languages, making transactions easier for users worldwide.
- Mobile Compatibility and App: XE Currency offers a mobile app for iOS and Android devices, making currency conversion and rate tracking accessible on mobile.
XE Currency is a very useful platform for those looking for reliable exchange rate information and financial transactions. It provides real-time information for travelers, investors, and anyone dealing with currency exchange, making global financial operations easier.
– Make Your Travels Smooth with PackPoint: Smart Packing Based on Weather and Activities!
PackPoint is a smart travel planning and packing app that helps travelers organize their packing lists based on weather, travel duration, and activities. This app is designed to make packing easier, and it is available for both iOS and Android devices. It is highly functional for both personal and business trips.
PackPoint Features:
- Personalized Packing List: PackPoint generates a personalized packing list based on details like the destination, travel duration, and purpose (business or vacation). This feature provides a unique list for each trip.
- Weather-Based Item Suggestions: The app checks the weather at your destination and adjusts the packing list according to the forecasted conditions. It suggests extra clothing or raincoats for cold or rainy weather.
- Customization Based on Activities: Users can add planned activities (such as swimming, hiking, or business meetings), and PackPoint will include the necessary items for those activities on the list.
- Saveable Lists: You can save the packing lists you create and reuse them for future trips. This feature saves time for frequent travelers.
- Shareable Lists: You can share your packing list with others, so travel companions can access the list too. This feature is particularly useful for group travels.
- Ideal for Professionals and Amateurs: Both frequent business travelers and casual vacationers can easily use PackPoint.
- Premium Features: The paid version offers more customization options, including additional activity types, listing options, and widgets.
- Mobile Compatibility and User-Friendly Interface: PackPoint’s interface is very simple and user-friendly. It works seamlessly on mobile devices, making travel planning easier.
PackPoint is a practical app that greatly simplifies the process of thinking about what to pack for your trip. Its ability to provide suggestions based on weather and activities makes it function like a smart, personal assistant.
How to Plan a Bosnia and Herzegovina Trip?
You can visit Bosnia and Herzegovina either with an individual Bosnia and Herzegovina trip plan or as part of a Balkan tour. Many tour companies organize Balkan tours during the summer months. Going with a tour might be advantageous, but planning an independent trip also allows you to set your own pace. In both cases, Bosnia and Herzegovina will offer you unforgettable memories.
Balkan Countries and Other Places to Visit
While in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you may want to explore nearby Balkan countries. Balkan countries like Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia are popular routes. During a Balkan tour, the beaches, historical sites, and cultural attractions in these countries attract travelers.
- Serbia: Known for Belgrade’s nightlife and Novi Sad’s historical streets.
- Montenegro: The Bay of Kotor and Budva Beaches along the Adriatic coast are among Montenegro’s most popular destinations.
- Albania: With its unspoiled nature, Albania is a lesser-known but fascinating destination for Balkan travelers.
Bosnia and Herzegovina Travel Blogs and Experiences
Before visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina, checking out travel blogs from other travelers can give you ideas for planning your trip. By benefiting from the experiences of Bosnia and Herzegovina travel bloggers, you can make your trip more informed. If you are visiting the Balkans for the first time, these blogs will offer very practical information.
