Why Visit Bosnia & Herzegovina? Best Things to Do, See & Experience

Bosnia & Herzegovina was the last stop on my Balkan tour, and it turned out to be the perfect finale. I’ll admit—I arrived knowing almost nothing about the country. But during my journey from Montenegro, and through time spent in its museums and conversations with locals, I gained a deep respect for Bosnia & Herzegovina and its people.

Bosnia & Herzegovina was once part of Yugoslavia, a multi-ethnic country that held together for much of the 20th century. When Yugoslavia broke apart in the early 1990s, Bosnia declared independence, which set off a brutal conflict from 1992 to 1995. The war left deep scars, but it also shaped the resilient character of the country you see today. Walking its streets, you’ll notice a blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav influences—each a reminder of Bosnia’s complex past and its remarkable ability to rebuild.

I spent four days in country, which, more the most part, felt like enough time to see the main highlights of this nation. 

Star Cities of Bosnia

Sarajevo – The capital and one of Europe’s most culturally diverse cities. Nicknamed the “Jerusalem of Europe”, it’s where mosques, churches, and synagogues stand within a short walk of each other. The city has a unique atmosphere—part Ottoman, part Austro-Hungarian, part Yugoslav. It’s also historically significant: the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 happened here, sparking World War I, and in the 1990s, Sarajevo endured a nearly four-year siege during the Bosnian War. Today, it’s vibrant, welcoming, and one of Europe’s rising capitals. 

With most of its highlights clustered close together, Sarajevo can be comfortably explored in just two days on foot.

Recommendations for Sarajevo 

1) Baščaršija (Old Bazaar) – The Ottoman-era heart of the city, full of cobblestone alleys, craft shops, and traditional coffeehouses.

2) Latin Bridge – Historic site where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, triggering WWI.

3) Sarajevo Tunnel Museum (Tunnel of Hope) – The Sarajevo Tunnel of Hope, built in 1993 during the city’s siege, was a secret lifeline that smuggled people and supplies in and out, symbolizing Sarajevo’s survival and resilience.

4) Yellow Fortress (Žuta Tabija) – Best sunset viewpoint over Sarajevo’s red-roofed skyline and surrounding mountains.

5) Srebrenica Gallery 11/07/95 – A memorial museum in central Sarajevo dedicated to the Srebrenica genocide, the darkest chapter of the Bosnian War. The name marks the date — July 11, 1995 — when Bosnian Serb forces overran the UN “safe zone” of Srebrenica and massacred more than 8,000 Bosniak men and boys.

6) Sebilj Fountain – The wooden Ottoman fountain in the heart of Baščaršija, a symbol of Sarajevo.

Mostar – The cultural heart of Herzegovina in southern Bosnia & Herzegovina, best known for its iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge). The city blends Ottoman and Mediterranean influences, with winding cobblestone streets, mosques, bazaars, and riverside cafés. During the Bosnian War in the 1990s, Mostar was heavily damaged, but much of it has since been beautifully restored. Today it’s one of the country’s most photogenic and popular destinations.

Recommendations for Mostar

1) Stari Most (Old Bridge) – 16th-century Ottoman bridge and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rebuilt after being destroyed in 1993, it’s a global symbol of resilience. Watch local divers leap into the Neretva River below — a Mostar tradition.

2) Old Bazaar (Kujundžiluk) – A lively Ottoman-era street lined with shops selling copperware, rugs, jewelry, and souvenirs.

3) Biscević House (Bišćevića Kuća) – A well-preserved Ottoman-era house turned museum. It offers a glimpse of traditional 17th-century Bosnian life, with period furniture and river views

4) Try Ćevapi – Grilled minced meat sausages served with somun bread, onions, and sour cream. A Bosnian classic.

5) Drink Bosnian coffee – Served in a copper pot (džezva) with a small cup, sugar cubes, and Turkish delight. The ritual is as important as the drink itself — slow, social, and symbolic of hospitality.

6) Partisan Memorial Cemetery – A large and unique complex dedicated to the Yugoslav partisans who died fighting in World War II

7) Međugorje (40 minutes away) – A small town that has become one of the world’s most famous Catholic pilgrimage sites. Since 1981, it has drawn millions of visitors after reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary on Apparition Hill.

Practical Tips

1) Getting Around – Bosnia & Herzegovina has a reliable and affordable bus network, making it easy to travel between cities like Sarajevo and Mostar. Taxis are rarely necessary.

2) Money Matters – The official currency is the Bosnian Convertible Mark (BAM), but you’ll find that euros are widely accepted in most tourist areas.W

3) When to Visit – Summer is a lively time to travel, but don’t be surprised if Sarajevo feels cool even in June thanks to its mountain setting. Spring and autumn are also ideal for comfortable weather.

4) Connect with Locals – Many Bosnians are open to sharing their stories of life during and after the war. Taking the time to listen adds a powerful, personal layer to your trip.

Have you visited the Balkans? If so, which country was your favorite? Leave a comment below!