Bosnia and Herzegovina Holidays

Bosnia and Herzegovina holidays are your ticket to medieval Old Towns, mountain-meets-city views and some of the most underrated food and culture in Europe, all without the crowds of better-known hotspots.

Bosnia and Herzegovina Holiday Highlights

• Where East meets West – Ottoman history, Austro-Hungarian charm and Balkan energy all in one place

• Mountains on your doorstep – Sarajevo sits surrounded by dramatic peaks perfect for hiking and winter sports

• Brilliant value breaks – enjoy great hotels, food and activities for a fraction of Western Europe prices

• Coffee culture galore – slow down and sip strong Bosnian coffee like a local

The best things to do in Bosnia and Herzegovina

From history-packed streets to mountain escapes, Bosnia blends culture and nature in a way few destinations can match.

Sarajevo Old Town (Baščaršija)

A maze of cobbled streets, copper workshops and traditional cafés. This is where you’ll find the famous Sebilj Fountain, buzzing markets and some of the best local food spots in the city.

Latin Bridge

A small but historically huge landmark – the site linked to the start of World War I. Today it’s a peaceful riverside spot surrounded by cafés and museums.

Trebević Mountain

Just minutes from Sarajevo, take the cable car up for panoramic views over the city and abandoned Olympic bobsleigh tracks from the 1984 Winter Games.

Gazi Husrev-bey Mosque

One of the most important Ottoman-era buildings in the Balkans, showcasing beautiful Islamic architecture right in the heart of the Old Town.

Kravica Waterfalls

A true natural highlight – turquoise cascades surrounded by greenery where you can swim in summer. Often compared to a mini Plitvice without the crowds.

Mostar & Stari Most Bridge

A postcard-perfect Ottoman stone bridge over the Neretva River. Watch locals dive from the bridge in summer or stroll the cobbled streets below.

Sarajevo Cable Car

Ride from the city up to Trebević for one of the best value scenic views in Europe – especially at sunset.

Where to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina

From city-centre comfort to spa-style escapes, Sarajevo offers a surprising mix of stays for every type of traveller.

Central Sarajevo stays

Stay close to Baščaršija and the main sights for easy exploring on foot. These areas are ideal if you want cafés, museums and nightlife right on your doorstep.

Spa & leisure hotels

Expect indoor and outdoor pools, Turkish baths, wellness centres and family-friendly facilities – perfect for relaxing after sightseeing or ski days.

Modern city apartments

Stylish aparthotels with kitchen facilities and extra space, ideal for longer stays or travellers who want flexibility.

Scenic hillside stays

Hotels slightly outside the centre offer peaceful surroundings, mountain views and easy access to nature spots like Trebević.

Good to know about Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Currency – Bosnian Convertible Mark (BAM), but euros are often accepted in tourist areas

• Coffee culture – expect strong, slow-served Bosnian coffee (it’s a whole ritual, not a quick drink)

• Blend of cultures – mosques, churches and synagogues sit within walking distance in Sarajevo

• Compact city – most of Sarajevo’s main sights are walkable

• Best time to visit – spring and early autumn for mild weather and fewer crowds

Local Bosnia lingo

A few simple phrases go a long way when exploring Bosnia and Herzegovina:

• Hello – Zdravo / Merhaba

• Thank you – Hvala

• Yes – Da

• No – Ne

• How much is it? – Koliko košta?

• Cheers – Živjeli

• Good – Dobro

• Goodbye – Doviđenja

Bosnia and Herzegovina Hotels 2026/2027

Bosnia and Herzegovina does value brilliantly. You'll find city hotels with spas, apartment-style stays and family-friendly options that often cost less than similar hotels elsewhere in Europe.

Families

Hollywood – indoor and outdoor pools, a spa with hammam and a playground with games for kids make this a solid family choice.

ibis Styles Sarajevo – colourful and modern, with a kids' club, Turkish bath and family-friendly atmosphere.

Residence Inn by Marriott Sarajevo – spacious rooms with kitchenettes plus a playground and wellness facilities.

Couples

Hotel President Sarajevo – river views, stylish interiors and selected rooms with private hot tubs create a more romantic feel.

Bosmal Arjaan By Rotana – sleek suites, spa treatments and modern facilities make this ideal for couples wanting something a little more polished.

Hotel Monti Spa & Wellness – mountain surroundings and spa treatments add a peaceful escape from city life.

Groups

Old Town – right in Sarajevo's historic centre near Baščaršija, making it easy for groups to explore cafés, nightlife and attractions on foot.

Hollywood – plenty of facilities and space for larger groups who want entertainment on-site.

Bosmal Arjaan By Rotana – larger suites and city access work well for social trips.

Value

Aparthotel Centar Sarajevo – fully equipped kitchens and city tours make this a smart option for flexible travellers.

Hotel Cosmopolit – a comfortable city base if you're planning to spend most of your time exploring.

Bosnia and Herzegovina Holidays – Travel Guide

Things to do for families

• Sunnyland Sarajevo – an alpine-style adventure park with attractions, play areas and one of the region's longest mountain coasters. Great for keeping the little ones entertained.

• Trebević Cable Car – jump aboard for panoramic city views before exploring mountain walking trails and open green spaces.

• Sarajevo Zoo (Pionirska Dolina) – a family-friendly day out with animals, playgrounds and picnic spots.

• Kravica Waterfalls – ideal for summer visits where families can enjoy nature walks and cool off by the water.

• Olympic history spots – Sarajevo hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics, and old ski areas and sporting landmarks still make fun places to explore.

Things to do for couples

• Baščaršija evening strolls – Sarajevo's Old Town is at its best after sunset, with glowing lanterns, cosy cafés and traditional restaurants.

• Sunset from Trebević Mountain – panoramic views over the city and surrounding mountains make this a brilliant date-night spot.

• Bosnian coffee experiences – sit in a traditional café and slow things down with strong local coffee and handmade sweet treats.

• Mostar day trip – wander riverside streets and cross the iconic stone bridge for one of the most romantic settings in the Balkans.

Things to do for groups

• Sarajevo food tours – try local favourites like ćevapi, burek and baklava while hopping between cafés and restaurants.

• Winter sports trips – nearby Olympic mountains like Jahorina and Bjelašnica offer skiing and snowboarding during winter.

• River rafting adventures – Bosnia has some of Europe's best white-water rafting, especially around the Neretva River.

• Old Town nightlife – bars, live music venues and late-night cafés create a lively but relaxed social scene.

Things to do on a budget

• Explore Baščaršija for free – Sarajevo's atmospheric Old Town costs nothing to wander.

• Walk across Latin Bridge – one of the city's most important historic sites.

• Visit Sarajevo's viewpoints – plenty of panoramic spots around the city are completely free.

• Local bakeries – grab fresh burek pastries and coffee without spending much.

• Markets and bazaars – browse traditional crafts, copper goods and souvenirs without stretching your budget.

More destinations near Bosnia and Herzegovina

Looking to turn your Bosnia holiday into a bigger Balkan adventure? These nearby destinations are easy to combine:

• Croatia – beaches, islands and historic cities like Dubrovnik and Split.

• Montenegro – dramatic mountain scenery and stunning coastline around Kotor Bay.

• Serbia – buzzing city breaks in Belgrade mixed with traditional Balkan culture.

• Slovenia – lakes, mountains and charming cities with an outdoorsy feel.

• Hungary – thermal spas, grand architecture and lively city breaks in Budapest.

• Albania – one of Europe's rising stars with beautiful beaches and fantastic value.

• Greece – sunshine, islands and classic Mediterranean holidays just a short hop away.