During my Bosnia and Herzegovina visit, I explored Sarajevo, a city where East meets West through its mosques, churches, and vibrant bazaars, and Mostar, famous for its iconic Stari Most bridge and charming old town. Each city offered a unique atmosphere, Sarajevo with its soulful past and lively streets, and Mostar with its postcard-perfect views and riverside cafés. In this post, I’ll share more about my journey through these two captivating destinations and why Bosnia and Herzegovina deserve a spot on your travel list.
About Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country that beautifully blends history, culture, and natural beauty, yet still feels like a hidden gem in Europe. From the lively streets of Sarajevo, where East meets West through mosques, cathedrals, and bustling bazaars, to the enchanting town of Mostar with its iconic Stari Most bridge, every corner tells a story of resilience and charm. The country carries layers of history from Ottoman influences to Austro-Hungarian architecture, and this mix makes wandering through its cities feel like stepping into a living museum.
What I loved most about Bosnia and Herzegovina was its authenticity, which felt more genuine compared to other, more tourist-heavy destinations. The warmth of the people, the delicious food (you must try cevapi), and the dramatic landscapes of rivers, mountains, and old towns made the journey unforgettable. It’s a place where culture and nature meet effortlessly, and although it’s often overlooked, it truly deserves a spot on every traveller’s European itinerary.
Sarajevo
Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a city that instantly captivates with its mix of cultures and deep history. Walking through the streets, you’ll notice how East truly meets West—mosques, churches, and synagogues stand side by side, reflecting the city’s diverse heritage. The heart of Sarajevo lies in Baščaršija, the old bazaar, where you can wander through narrow lanes filled with traditional shops, sip strong Bosnian coffee, and taste local delicacies like cevapi. The city has a warm, welcoming energy, making it easy to feel at home while exploring its historic charm.
Beyond its vibrant streets, Sarajevo carries powerful reminders of its past. From the moving stories of the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum, which played a vital role during the siege in the 1990s, to the iconic Latin Bridge, where the assassination that sparked World War I took place, the city blends resilience with beauty.
Surrounded by mountains, it also offers incredible views and a cosy atmosphere, especially in the evenings when the city lights glow against the hills. Sarajevo is not just a destination—it’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave.
The Sarajevo tram is one of the oldest in Europe. It began operating in 1885 with horse-drawn trams, and interestingly, cities like Vienna and Budapest followed by introducing their own tram systems afterward.
Attractions
Bascarsija
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a living postcard, Baščaršija in Sarajevo is exactly that. This centuries-old Turkish bazaar is a sensory adventure. The sound of copper being hammered into coffee sets, the smell of freshly baked somun bread, and the sight of colourful lamps twinkling in every corner.
Every little alleyway tells a story, and somehow you’ll always end up finding something you didn’t know you needed (yes, even that handmade tea set you’ll probably never use but couldn’t resist). It’s not just a market, it’s the heart and soul of Sarajevo, where history, culture, and warmth come together in the most beautiful chaos.
We stumbled upon a random ice cream shop, grabbed an ice cream, and wandered around the streets, picking up a few souvenirs before heading to our next destination.
Gazi Husrev Beg's Mosque
Tucked right in the heart of Baščaršija, Gazi Husrev Beg’s Mosque stands like a timeless masterpiece — calm, graceful, and deeply spiritual. The moment I stepped into its courtyard, surrounded by marble fountains and the soft echo of pigeons fluttering above, everything suddenly felt slower, quieter. It’s amazing how a place built in the 16th century can still radiate so much serenity.
The mosque’s Ottoman architecture is simply stunning; elegant domes, intricate details, and that golden sunlight filtering through the arches just add to its charm. Even if you’re not religious, there’s something so peaceful and grounding about being there.
Details
Location : Sarači 8, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Business hours : Daily (9.00am - 12.30pm | 2.00pm - 4.00pm | 5.15pm - 7.30pm)
Asim Ferhatović Hase Olympic Stadium
Who would’ve thought a stadium could hold so much history? The Asim Ferhatović Hase Olympic Stadium (also known as Koševo Stadium) isn’t just a sports arena; it’s where Sarajevo’s heart once roared during the 1984 Winter Olympics. Standing in the open stands, I could almost picture the energy, the cheers, the snowflakes falling as the world watched this small but mighty city shine. These days, it’s quieter, hosting local matches and concerts, but that Olympic spirit still lingers in the air. It’s one of those places that makes you pause and think about how much this city has been through, yet how proudly it continues to stand, stronger than ever.
Food
Djulagin Dvor
Tucked away in the heart of Mostar’s old town, Džulagin Dvor feels like stepping into a quiet piece of history. This beautifully restored Ottoman-era house blends traditional Bosnian charm with a cosy, modern touch. From its charming courtyard filled with greenery to the intricate wooden details that whisper stories of the past, every corner feels like a scene from a postcard.
When in Bosnia, one dish you simply can’t miss is Ćevapi, the country’s pride and joy when it comes to comfort food. These juicy, grilled minced meat sausages are usually served with freshly baked somun bread, chopped onions, and a dollop of kajmak (a creamy dairy spread) or ajvar (a roasted pepper sauce). It’s simple, hearty, and absolutely addictive.
Details
Location : Đulagina 10, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Business hours : Sun - Thu (9.00am - 11.00pm) | Fri - Sat (9.00am - 1.30am)
Accommodation
Hotel Exclusive
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| ( Photo credit to Booking.com ) |
If you’re looking for a comfortable stay in Sarajevo that perfectly balances convenience and cosiness, Hotel Exclusive in Sarajevo is a great pick. Located just a short drive from the airport, it’s an ideal choice for travellers who want an easy start or end to their Bosnian adventure. The hotel gives off a modern yet homely vibe — spacious rooms, warm lighting, and friendly staff who make you feel genuinely welcomed from the moment you check in.
What I love most is how peaceful it feels after a long day exploring the city. You can unwind in their restaurant with a hearty local meal or simply enjoy a quiet evening in your room overlooking the city. It’s not in the middle of the busy old town, but that’s part of its charm, a calm retreat away from the buzz, yet close enough to reach all the main attractions within minutes.
Details
Location : Safeta Zajke 420, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Cost per night : RM359++
Mostar
Mostar is one of those places that feels straight out of a fairytale, a charming blend of history, culture, and heartbreakingly beautiful scenery. The iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) stands proudly over the emerald-green Neretva River, connecting not just two sides of the city but also centuries of stories.
Walking through the cobblestone streets, you’ll be surrounded by Ottoman-style architecture, cosy cafés, and local artisans selling handcrafted souvenirs that capture the spirit of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
It’s easy to lose track of time here, sipping Bosnian coffee by the river, watching daring locals dive off the bridge, or simply soaking in the golden glow of sunset as it hits the stone walls.
Mostar may be small, but it leaves a big impression, a perfect mix of old-world charm and modern vibrancy that lingers long after you’ve left.
Unfortunately, it was raining when we visited, so we were only able to spend half a day here.
Okie dokie! That’s a wrap for my Bosnia and Herzegovina post. It’s been a while, and now it’s finally time to blog about the last country from my Balkans trip — Slovenia! Can’t wait to share it with you all soon.
Travel Vlog
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#ShiniInBosniaHerzegovina
For more photos, search the hashtag #ShiniInBosniaHerzegovina on Instagram. There, you can also find additional details about my personal experiences during the trip.
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