Bosnia & Herzegovina Travel Guide: Best Things To Do, Where To Stay + Tips
Planning a trip to Bosnia & Herzegovina? This travel guide covers the best things to do, where to stay, and everything you need to know before visiting.
It’s one of the most underrated destinations in the Balkans, with a mix of history, culture, and some of the most beautiful natural spots in the region.
Where Is Bosnia & Herzegovina + How To Get There
Bosnia & Herzegovina is located in the Balkans, bordering Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia.
Most travellers visit:
As a day trip from Dubrovnik
As part of a Balkans road trip
Or by staying in Mostar or Sarajevo
If you’re short on time, day tours are the easiest option. If you have longer, staying overnight gives you a completely different experience.
Best Things To Do in Bosnia & Herzegovina
These are my favourite experiences and the ones I’d genuinely recommend prioritising:
Explore Mostar Old Town
Mostar is one of the most unique towns in the Balkans. The Old Bridge is the main highlight, and if you’re lucky you might even see locals diving from it.
The whole town has a really distinct feel, with cobblestone streets, small market stalls, and a mix of cultures that you don’t really get anywhere else.
Swim at Kravica Waterfalls
This ended up being one of my favourite spots.
Kravica Waterfalls is a huge natural amphitheatre of cascading water surrounded by greenery, and in summer you can actually swim there. It feels way more relaxed and less crowded than other waterfall spots in the region.
Visit Blagaj Tekke
Blagaj Tekke is a monastery built right into the base of a cliff, next to a bright blue river.
It’s one of those places that doesn’t feel real in photos and is definitely worth adding if you have time.
Explore Sarajevo
If you have more time, Sarajevo gives you a deeper look into Bosnia’s history and culture.
The city has a really unique mix of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian architecture, and you can feel the layers of history everywhere you go. It’s also known for its food scene and café culture, so it’s a great place to slow down a bit.
How Long to Spend in Bosnia & Herzegovina
This really depends on how you’re travelling, but Bosnia is one of those places where even a short visit can be worth it.
1 day: Best done as a day trip from Dubrovnik. You’ll usually visit Mostar and Kravica Waterfalls. It’s a long day, but a really easy way to see the highlights.
2–3 days: This is a much better pace. Stay in Mostar, visit Kravica Waterfalls, and add somewhere like Blagaj Tekke.
4+ days: Add Sarajevo to your itinerary for a deeper look into Bosnia’s culture and history.
If you can, I’d really recommend at least one night in Mostar. It feels completely different once the day trip crowds leave.
How to Get Around Bosnia & Herzegovina
Getting around Bosnia is relatively straightforward, but it’s not as set up for tourism as places like Croatia.
Tours: The easiest option if you’re short on time or coming from Croatia. Everything is organised for you, including transport and border crossings.
Car rental: Best option if you want flexibility and are doing a Balkans road trip. Roads are generally fine, just allow extra time for border crossings.
Buses: A budget-friendly option between cities like Mostar and Sarajevo, although they can be slower and less frequent.
If you’re crossing from Croatia, you’ll need your passport and should allow extra time in peak season.
Where to Stay in Bosnia & Herzegovina
Mostar
This is the best base for most people.
Staying near the Old Town means you can explore early in the morning or in the evening once it’s quieter. It’s also the easiest place to base yourself for visiting Kravica Waterfalls and Blagaj.
Sarajevo
Best if you’re interested in history, culture, and a more city-style stay.
Sarajevo has a completely different feel to Mostar and is worth visiting if you have the time.
Near Kravica Waterfalls
A good option if you want something quieter and more nature-focused, but most people choose to stay in Mostar instead and visit as a day trip.
Visiting From Croatia
If you’re staying in Dubrovnik, Bosnia is one of the most popular and worthwhile day trips you can do.
The drive to Mostar takes around 2.5 hours, but this can be longer depending on border traffic.
If you don’t want to rent a car or deal with logistics, day tours are by far the easiest option. They usually include transport, multiple stops, and free time in Mostar.
This is exactly how I visited and it made the whole experience super easy.
Important Things To Know
You’ll need your passport if crossing from Croatia
Border wait times can vary, especially in summer
Bosnia is much more affordable than Croatia
Cash is useful, especially in smaller towns
Some attractions have small entry fees
Tips for Visiting Bosnia & Herzegovina
Bring swimmers and a towel if you’re visiting Kravica Waterfalls
Wear comfy shoes, especially in Mostar where the streets are cobbled
Try the local food in Mostar, it’s honestly so underrated
If you can, stay overnight instead of rushing it as a day trip
Is Bosnia & Herzegovina Worth Visiting?
Yes, especially if you’re already travelling through Croatia or the Balkans. It’s less crowded, more affordable, and offers a completely different cultural experience.
