29 Best Places to Visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In this article, you will find all the best places to visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina – a fascinating country in the Balkans. There are also links to detailed guides with more information about top destinations in Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the most underrated countries in Europe.

Hidden in the shadow of more popular neighbors, especially Croatia and Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina also has a lot to offer and is worth your time and effort to get there.

While the majority of tourists go only to Sarajevo and Mostar, you will find many other interesting cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

I put together a list of the best places to visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina that will hopefully inspire you to travel to this amazing country.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of my favorite places to visit. From the very first time I traveled there, I fell in love with the country, and I keep returning whenever I can, sometimes even a few times per year. While I mostly spend my time in Sarajevo, I’m always on a hunt for new things to see in Bosnia. 

I was lucky to explore Bosnia a bit, but there are still a few places I have to go to – that’s why I asked fellow bloggers and travelers for help. Together, we created the most comprehensive list of places to visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina so you can plan your perfect trip there.

Is it safe to travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina?

But before I tell you about places to visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina, let’s start with the most important thing – safety.

As we all know, Bosnia and Herzegovina was at the very center of the cruel Yugoslav War in the 1990s and made it to the news around the world often at that time. Learning about Sarajevo history only is heartbreaking, but the whole country was a scene of the tragic events.

That said, the war ended over 30 years ago, and even if you can still see numerous remnants around, Bosnia’s safety is not an issue for travelers anymore.

Getting around and sightseeing, especially in the most popular locations, is just fine. Use your common sense, remember the normal precautions, and you will be good. Well, I should mention my passport was stolen from my backpack in the old town of Sarajevo, but I don’t blame the city for it, as this could have happened just about anywhere.

There is just one thing that you should be cautious about when visiting Bosnia – landmines from the wartime. The clearing is underway, but there are still a few thousand mines located all over the country, most often in remote areas.

So keep in mind that wandering freely in the forest or field is not always the best idea in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Even mountains around Sarajevo are not the safest area, but going to the well-known places like the abandoned bobsled track is all good.

Best places to visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina

But let’s leave the serious stuff behind and talk about the best places to visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina, shall we?

Sarajevo

The capital of the country and one of the most fascinating cities in Europe, Sarajevo, is a must when you visit Bosnia and Herzegovina!

This is literally where East meets West, and a distinctive sign on the street tells you exactly when that happens. Within a few minutes’ walk, you can find the Catholic cathedral, the Orthodox cathedral, the mosque, and the synagogue.

For such a low-key city, Sarajevo has been at the center of turbulent history too many times: that’s where World War I started, that’s where the 1984 Winter Olympic Games took place, and that’s where the longest siege in modern history took place. You can see the remnants of these events spread all over the city.

For me, Sarajevo is the city of sunsets – they are the most stunning here, and the amazing location, in the narrow and long valley with surrounding mountains, helps to admire the colors in the sky.

You can read more about Sarajevo in the following articles I published:

• 37 Best Things to Do in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Where to stay in Sarajevo – best Sarajevo accommodation
• Sarajevo bobsled track – how to visit and what to expect there
• 10 Sarajevo viewpoints with the best panorama of the city
• 10 Ideas for Day Trips from Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
• 50 Sarajevo Pictures that Will Inspire You to Visit Sarajevo
• Alternative Sarajevo guide
• How to get from Belgrade to Sarajevo – a detailed guide

Ilidza

Technically, it’s a suburb of Sarajevo where you can easily get by tram.

Ilidza is known for its spa and its charming park with a recreational area and a spring of the River Bosna.

To get there, you have to cross a long alley lined with trees that is closed for vehicles, and only every now and then, a carriage from the Austria-Hungary times passes by (if you don’t feel like walking, you can take the carriage for the ride; the price should be around 10 marks).

In Ilidza, you will also find old, fancy hotels from the turn of the 19th and 20th century – in one of them, the Archduke Franz Ferdinand spent his last night before being assassinated on 28th July 1914 (this event is known as the beginning of World War I).

Jahorina Ski Center

In 1984, Sarajevo hosted the Winter Olympic Games, remnants of which you can still find throughout the city and its surroundings (such as the Sarajevo bobsled track and the Igman ski jumping hills). One of the places that still operates is Jahorina Ski Center, located 30 km away from the capital.

In the winter time, this is the best place to go skiing in Bosnia and Herzegovina. When that’s not possible, you can hike in the beautiful area, surrounded by nature.

Mostar

Mostar is a legend and probably the best-known city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Most of us have seen pictures of the Ottoman Old Bridge hanging above the turquoise waters of the Neretva River.

Sadly, Mostar was also a scene of the cruel war and even the famous bridge, built in the 16th century, was destroyed on 9th November 1993.

The (rebuilt) Old Bridge and its beautiful surroundings made it to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005. The best place to admire the area is from the minaret of Koskin-Mehmed Pasha’s Mosque – climbing up can be a bit thrilling, but it’s worth the view!

Mostar is more than just the Old Bridge, so be sure to see other parts of the city as well, especially the Sniper’s Tower and the park with the statue of Bruce Lee!

While the majority of tourists visit Mostar as one of Dubrovnik day trips, it is worth spending much more time there!

You can read more about Mostar in following articles I published:

• 25 Amazing Things to Do in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Street Art in Mostar – the Outdoor Gallery in the Iconic City
• 10 Perfect Day Trips from Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Day Trip from Sarajevo to Mostar – Your Ultimate Guide

Blagaj

Located not far from Mostar, Blagaj is known for the Buna River spring (which flows directly from the rocks) and the Dervish monastery built in 1520.

Both of these are located next to each other, creating a very photogenic spot, especially when you stand across the river from the monastery.

While you’re there, you can also visit the Dervish house to admire well-preserved Ottoman and Dervish remnants and see the place from another perspective.

Pocitelj

It’s actually easy to miss Pocitelj when driving to/from Mostar – the town is glued to the hill, and the stone buildings might disappear in the lush green vegetation.

The peak of prosperity for Pocitelj came between the 16th and 18th centuries, and you can find remnants of the medieval and Ottoman architecture here.

It feels like time has stopped in this fortified town. If you’re lucky, you can have the place mostly to yourself, and that’s the best way to fall in love with Pocitelj.

For such a small town, there are surprisingly many sights to see: houses, a mosque, and the ruins of the fortress. From the last one, you can admire views of Pocitelj and the surrounding area.

Kravica Waterfall

This is one of the most beautiful natural landmarks in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Located close to the border with Croatia and not far from Mostar, Kravica Waterfall is a popular attraction and a summer getaway for both tourists and locals. As soon as you see the place, you will understand why – the area is just stunning!

In the summertime, Kravica is a busy spot, but it can be a blessing on a hot day. You can easily spend a few solid hours here: swimming, relaxing, and just enjoying the place. There are bars and restaurants on the spot, so you don’t need to worry about such trivial things.

Medjugorje

Less than 40 years ago, Medjugorje was just a tiny village with a small Croat population in the Herzegovina region. But in 1981, six children playing on a hill saw an apparition of the Virgin Mary and now Medjugorje is a city catering to 1,000’s of Catholic pilgrims a year. The Catholic Church hasn’t accepted Medjugorje as a sacred site and the Pope has not visited, but Popes have sent envoys to visit and it certainly doesn’t stop the pilgrims from coming.

At the center of town is the large church with seating for 100’s. The church also has outdoor seating and confession booths in multiple European languages. In the garden behind the church are statues and mosaic grottos.

The most famous statue is the “Statue of the Risen Christ”. This bronze statue attracts pilgrims because it has been “crying” for some time. First, a liquid started dripping from his knee. On my recent visit, there were infrequent drips coming from the left hip of Jesus, with pilgrims trying to catch them in a napkin.

The energetic can hike up Apparition Hill, where there have been multiple visions of Mary after the original discovery by the children. Dozens of gift shops in town sell any sort of relic you want from rosary crosses to life size Virgin Mary statues.

Even if you are not Catholic, Medjugorje makes an interesting stop on a Herzegovina itinerary.

Contributed by Lisa from The Hotflashpacker

Stolac

The sleepy town of Stolac can be found on the road from Mostar to Montenegro and Dubrovnik on the banks of the Begrava River in Bosnia (BiH).

Right in the centre of town is Čaršija Mosque with it’s captivating full frontage mural. The mosque, along with most of Stolac’s historical buildings, was destroyed in the fighting of 1993. It has been painstakingly and beautifully rebuilt from original material.

Take a pretty upstream riverside walk to Ćuprija Mosque and the cute stone Inat Ćuprija bridge with it’s three stone mill-races. Downstream from Čaršija Mosque a switchback track leads up to the ruined Vidoška Fortress and great views.

The Mostar road passes through the striking Radimlja Necropolis, 3km west of Stolac. Make time to look at the 110 grave markers. They are an unforgettable sight.

6.5km west of town, Badanj Cave has paleolithichorse drawings dated as 16,000 BC. Don’t be fooled by the small size of the site as this is one of few similar sites in the whole of Europe and by the way, a good spot for a BYO picnic.

War is never far from the surface in BiH and 33.2 km from Stolac on the road to Ljubinje is a stark reminder in the bombed out village of Žegulga.

Contributed by Jan from Budget Travel Talk

Trebinje

A little gem located not far from Dubrovnik, Trebinje is such a pleasant city to visit.

With the population of a bit over 30.000, no one is in a hurry here. You can spend an enjoyable time just wandering around the old town with its Ottoman architecture, or relaxing in one of the cafes in the shade of the plane trees for which Trebinje is known.

For the best view of the town, head to the Nova Gracanica monastery (copy of the monastery with the same name from Kosovo) – it’s located on the hill that offers a beautiful panorama of Trebinje and surroundings.

You can read more about Trebinje in my article “Visit Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina – a pleasant Balkan getaway”.

Travnik

Located in the very center of the country, Travnik is a surprisingly pleasant city, worth spending at least a day in.

Dating to the beginning of AD, the period of prosperity in Travnik occurred between the end of the 17th century and the mid-19th century, when the town was the capital of the governors of Bosnia.

Today, you can visit the impressive fortress, which offers an amazing view of the city and its surroundings, and admire numerous buildings from the Ottoman era.

Travnik is the only city in Bosnia and Herzegovina with two clock towers. It is also known for its colorful mosque, one of the most distinctive in the country.

It is also said that the best cevapi in Bosnia and Herzegovina can be found in Travnik – I’m a vegetarian, so I can’t confirm it, but the smell of the grilled meat was present all over the center.

I spent two days in Travnik and enjoyed them a lot – it was such a perfect place to slow down and enjoy the place.

You can read more about Travnik in my article: “Visit Travnik – the Heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina”.

Jajce

Another interesting yet underrated place to visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina is Jajce. It has everything you wish for in a great tourist destination: a picturesque location, great historical sites, and beautiful nature around it, yet not many people visit this charming town. Jajce has a long and interesting history, evident in its numerous attractions. The area was inhabited already in ancient times, but the peak of prosperity came in the Middle Ages when Jajce was the capital of the independent Kingdom of Bosnia. 

Besides numerous historical monuments, the town is also known for its natural spots. The Jajce waterfall is a picturesque highlight of the town, but the Pliva lake just outside of the town is worth visiting too. 

Due to its importance and both historical and natural sights, Jajce is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. 

You can read more about Jajce in my article: “What to See in Jajce, Bosnia and Herzegovina”.

Visegrad

The small town near the border with Serbia is known for its beautiful, UNESCO-listed bridge over the Drina, honored in Ivo Andric’s Nobel-winning novel “The Bridge over the Drina”. This outstanding piece of architecture is well worth a trip to Visegrad, and even if you come here only for the bridge, you won’t be disappointed.

Fans of Ivo Andric will also appreciate the artificial town dedicated to the writer, Andricgrad, a weird and quirky place, but still worth visiting.

You can read more about Visegrad in my article: “Visegrad, Bosnia and Herzegovina – See the Iconic Bridge on the Drina”.

Srebrenica

Srebrenica is a sleepy town with a picturesque location among the hills, and nothing indicates the tragedy the place went through not so long ago. The whole world learned about it during the 1990s Balkan War, when the declared haven was attacked, and over eight thousand men and boys were killed.

In the nearby Potocari, you can visit the Srebrenica-Potočari Genocide Memorial and Cemetery, where you can pay respect to the victims and learn more about the Srebrenica genocide. 

Bihac

The main reason tourists decide to visit Bihac is the nearby Una National Park, famous for its pristine nature and beautiful waterfalls. But the city itself also has some interesting monuments you might want to see. 

Bihac was first mentioned in 1260, and only two years later, it was named “free royal city” by King Bela IV. Despite the long history, not many old monuments have remained until today – Bihac was destroyed a few times over the centuries. Today, you will find most of the old remnants right in the center of the city, a pleasant area with the river Una flowing through it. 

Some of the places worth seeing in Bihac are the Fethija Mosque (built as a Catholic church in the 13th century), Captain’s Tower (the only remnant of the old city walls), the impressive ruin of the 19th-century St. Anthony’s Church, and Turbe – the Ottoman mausoleum.

You can read more about Bihac in my article: “Bihac, Bosnia and Herzegovina – the Getaway to Una NP”.

Una National Park

Una National Park is the youngest of the three national parks in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Established in 2008, the park has plenty to see and do, and it’s one of the country’s leading natural attractions.

A region characterized by clear rivers, ancient forests and karst formations, Una National Park, boasts a tremendous variety of wildlife.

In addition to all this natural wealth, there’s also a fascinating cultural-historical side to Una National Park from archaeological sites to religious buildings.

One great spot in the park is Martin Brod, located at the confluence of the Una and Unac Rivers. The name of the area means ‘Marta’s Boat.’

According to a local tale, the area is named after a young girl, who fell in love with a curly-haired man who lived on the opposite side of the river.

Marta’s disapproving parents refused their love, and one day when Marta was sneaking across the river to meet him, she tragically drowned while crossing the river to reach her lover.

But the key must-see sight in the park its the Štrbački Buk Waterfall.

Štrbački Buk, a collection of spectacular waterfalls and cascades which is the place to be for all photographers as it’s the tallest waterfall you can access in the national park.

Contributed by SJ from Chasing the Donkey

Ostrozac

Located only a short drive away from Bihac, most tourists skip Ostrozac Castle, but it’s one of the most fascinating places to visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The semi-abandoned fortress is really impressive, and exploring it is so much fun.

The Ostrozac Castle was first mentioned in 1286, but the place was expanded to its impressive size after the Ottomans conquered it in 1579. In the late 19th century, the castle was sold to the mayor of Bihac, who added a neogothic palace to the premises.

Today, the Ostrozac Castle is a National Monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina, but parts of it are in relatively poor condition due to damage from the 1990s Balkan War.

When you visit the castle, you are free to explore all its premises, including the destroyed part (which is the most interesting one). There are also numerous sculptures scattered throughout, which only add to the place’s quirky vibe.

You can read more about Ostrozac in my article: “Ostrozac Castle – the Hidden Gem of Bosnia and Herzegovina”.

Konjic

Located about halfway between Mostar and Sarajevo, Konjic is a pretty little town most tourists haven’t heard of. But that doesn’t mean you should skip it!

Konjic is most known for being the location of Tito’s bunker. During the 1950s, Josip Tito, the ruler of Yugoslavia, had an impressive underground bunker built as an escape in case of nuclear attack. The idea was that he and some of the elite could hide out down there and survive the aftermath, if such a crisis occurred. Today you can take a tour to see it just on the outskirts of Konjic.

If you’re more into outdoor activities, you can find several rafting tours in Konjic along the Neretva River, as well as hiking trails and waterfalls.

The town itself is cute and calm. You could easily enjoy a few hours wandering through the local fresh market to buy some local produce, strolling along the river and admiring the old bridge, and relaxing at a cafe with a pretty view of the town.

Contributed by Ali from Ali’s Adventures

Lukomir

For a visit to a place in which time stands still, Lukomir should be on your list. Situated high above the tree line in the mountains above the Olympic ski jump venue outside of Sarajevo, Lukomir is so remote that the Serbs deemed it of no strategic value during the 1990s war. As such, it is an intact time capsule.

Home to semi-nomadic Muslim herders, the village’s buildings are low-slung with steep pitched roofs to accommodate the region’s heavy snowfall. Most of the residents relocate during winter to the city, but during the summer when you visit, life goes on in the way it has for hundreds, if not thousands of years.

It’s best to visit Lukomir with an organized tour, as the access is rugged. Click here for more details.

Don’t miss the ancient medieval stecci gravestones in the cemetery at the edge of town. You’ll also want to climb the ridges and perhaps hike the cliffside trail for incredible, high-altitude viewing of the Rakitnica Canyon, part of the Dinaric Alpine range.

Locals will want to invite you in for a coffee, or to view their hand-crafted knitted goods. There is a small “restaurant” in the village where you can enjoy a taste of local burek served with a fresh, liquid yogurt drink. Overnight stays can be arranged as well, in a comfortable communal building with basic amenities.

Contributed by Betsy from PassingThru

Sutjeska National Park

Located near the border with Montenegro, this is the largest and the oldest national park in Bosnia and Herzegovina, established in 1962. If you enjoy hiking through the mountains and are looking for breathtaking scenery, this is the place for you. Even if you only drive through the area, you are in for a treat with the stunning views along the way. 

In Sutjeska National Park, you will find the highest mountain in Bosnia and Herzegovina – Maglic, with an elevation of 2,386 meters. One of the most iconic spomeniks (WW2 memorials from the former Yugoslavia) in the country – Tjentiste Monument, commemorating the 1943 battle of the Sutjeska – is located in the park. 

Banja Luka

The second largest city in the country and the capital of Republika Srpska, Banja Luka might not be among the best places to visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but it has its moments.

With its picturesque location, surrounded by hills, and history dating back to ancient times, there are a few interesting sites, such as the reconstructed Ferhat Pasha Mosque (originally built in 1579), the medieval Kastel fortress, and the beautiful Cathedral of Saint Bonaventure (originally built in the 19th century). Banja Luka is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous clubs and parties. 

Krupa Waterfalls

Probably the most beautiful place near Banja Luka, located only 25 km away from the city. The waterfalls might not be very big, but they surely are beautiful.

Created by the Krupa River (which springs not too far from here), the cascades flow rapidly before connecting with the nearby Vrbas River. There are also old wooden houses, a wooden bridge, and a traditional watermill, which together with the waterfalls create a picturesque scene.

To get here, you need to leave the main road for a bit, but the place is definitely worth the detour.

Vrbas River Viewpoint

If you drive between Banja Luka and Jajce, don’t miss the Vrbas River viewpoint, on the side of the road. The vista you get here is truly breathtaking, with the winding river down below and green/rocky mountains all around. I was there on a cloudy day, and it was still beautiful, so I can only imagine how stunning it must be with sunny weather. 

The view here looks very similar to that of the famous Pavlova Strana in Montenegro. Unfortunately, there are no signs pointing to the view, so pay attention when driving so you won’t miss the stop. 

Brcko

Bosnia and Herzegovina is divided into three administrative units: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republika Srpska, and the small District of Brcko.

Located on the border with Croatia, this small city isn’t often on travelers’ radar, but it has a nice center with buildings that reflect the Habsburg legacy. The most impressive one is the City Hall, built in the Moorish style in 1892; it is still considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the area. 

Visoko

Less than 40 km away from Sarajevo, you can visit Visoko, a small town that at first doesn’t seem very special. It is, however, home to the alleged Bosnian pyramids. When you look carefully at the hills surrounding Visoko, some of them indeed resemble a pyramid in shape.

A Bosnian businessman claims the hills were formed by human and supernatural forces, and that the pyramids in Visoko are, in fact, the largest human-made ancient pyramids on Earth. Whether it’s true or not, Visoko is an interesting place to visit and a great day trip from Sarajevo.

Prokosko Lake

One of the most beautiful places to visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina is Prokosko Lake, located high in the mountains in the central part of the country, around 80 km from Sarajevo.

Due to its elevation of 1635 meters, getting here is a bit of a challenge, as the gravel road leads to the place. But once you get there, you will be greeted by a stunning sight: a crystal-clear lake on the plateau, surrounded by beautiful mountains, with old wooden houses scattered around. Despite its remote location, this is a popular place to visit, especially among locals and on weekends. 

Vjetrenica cave

This is the largest cave in Bosnia and Herzegovina, located near the border with Croatia, 80 km from Mostar and 65 km from Dubrovnik. In 2024, the place was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its biodiversity (it is, in fact, the most biodiverse cave in the world).

So far, a bit over 7 km of the cave has been explored, with the longest channel being 2,47 km long. Visitors can see only 600 meters of the cave, but it is a stunning part, with numerous beautiful formations along the way. 

Tuzla

A few years ago the military airport in Tuzla opened up to Europe’s budget airlines making it possible to start or end your trip in Bosnia in the small town of Tuzla.

It is only 3 hours away from Sarajevo, but it is a destination in its own right that is worth to visit for a day or two.

Tuzla is one of Bosnia’s most multicultural cities and the third largest in the country.

It is famous for its salt lakes and one of them is in the center of the city offering a great place to swim in summer.

The old town is small, but beautiful and a great place to wander through the colorful streets and visit one of the mosques.

Few foreign tourists decide to stay in Tuzla and therefore it feels like a hidden gem. Your visit will be a very local experience.

There are plenty of popular restaurants to try Bosnian food and people are very friendly.

If you prefer off the beaten path places, Tuzla will be a very worthwhile city to explore.

Contributed by Ellis from Backpack Adventures

Tara Canyon

One of the longest and deepest canyons in the world, the Tara Canyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must see destination for outdoor lovers. The final sections of the canyon form the border between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro.

Due to the canyon’s location and depth, the best way to experience the canyon is from the water, on the Tara River.

The Tara River cuts through the canyon and is a popular destination for white water rafting in the summer months.

With crystal clear blue water, dense forest to the water’s edge, sheer cliffs and waterfalls to see along the way, hopping in a raft to float down the river is a rewarding and memorable experience.

There are a number of rafting companies with accommodation set up on both sides of the border alongside the river.

The rafting season runs from April till October, with the highest water flows between April and June for extreme adventure seekers.

The best time for families is between July and September when the lower water levels offer a gentler trip down the river.

Contributed by Rachel from Adventure and Sunshine

Map of the best places to visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina

To help you locate each of the place mentioned in the article, I created a map of the best places to visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina. You can access it here or by clicking on the picture below.

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