ITINERARY – BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA IN 1-7 DAYS

1-7 DAYS IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA ROAD TRIP ITINERARY 

Are you planning your Bosnia road trip and wondering about the best places to visit in Bosnia-Herzegovina? Whether you stay for 1, 2, 3, 5, or 7 days – this Bosnia itinerary has got you covered.

Stunning scenery, beautiful and friendly people, cute towns, and cities – Bosnia–Herzegovina is such an underrated country.

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BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA ITINERARY – TIPS

Before jumping to the Bosnia–Herzegovina itinerary, here are a few travel tips. Find out where to go and what to see, how to get around, and more tips – plus a bit of background on the country.

Bosnia History at a Glance

The recent history of the country, and its current political system, are quite complicated, so I try to keep it short and simple:

There are three main ethnicities in Bosnia-Herzegovina: Muslim Bosniaks, Catholic Croats, and Orthodox Serbs.

Until 1992, Bosnia-Herzegovina was part of Yugoslavia’s Republic (including Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, and a few more countries). When several republics (incl. Bosnia-Herzegovina) strived for independence, it led to a war! Bosnian Serbs, supported by the Serbian government, fought against this independence. On the other side, there were tensions between Croats and Bosniaks that also led to war in 1993. Bosnia-Herzegovina had suffered the most from the wars in former Yugoslavia.

When Bosnia-Herzegovina became independent, the country was divided into different entities:

• The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• the Republic of Srpska (in the north and east of the country) 
• plus the district of Brcko.

In the Republic of Srpska, you will find mostly Bosnian Serbs. In the southern part (which is actually Herzegovina), there are mostly Catholic Croats. And in the rest of the country, there are mostly Muslim Bosniaks.

BUT, you will find different ethnicities in each part of the country. Before the war outbreak, it was quite common to have mixed marriages, and the different religions lived quite well together. This changed after the war broke out in the 1990s! Nowadays, the wounds have not entirely healed, and there are still tensions.

Since Bosnia-Herzegovina (I might shorten this sometimes and call it Bosnia, though it is not the politically correct name) was ruled by the Ottoman Empire, you will find a lot of Turkish influence in the country – also in Herzegovina. So, while the political situation is complex, you might not realize the differences from place to place.

Money in Bosnia

• The local currency is the Bosnian Mark/Convertible Mark (BAM/KM).
• Bring cash – most of the time, you cannot pay by (credit) card.
• 1 KM is about 0,51€ (as of January 2024).
• ATMs are not available everywhere, only in larger cities. You can find exchange offices in popular tourist places.
• Bosnia-Herzegovina is probably one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe. Food, accommodations, fuel, and activities… I can hardly think of any other capitals in Europe that offer so much for so little money. So, a vegetarian lunch (in a restaurant) including a drink is about 3-7€, and it’s not much more for a meat dish (of course, it depends on what exactly you order).
• WiFi: Most restaurants, coffee shops, and hotels offer free WiFi in their public spaces. 

Solo Female Travel in Bosnia-Herzegovina

As a solo female traveler, I am always aware of my surroundings. In Bosnia-Herzegovina, I traveled with my little dog. 

When I traveled to Bosnia-Herzegovina, I felt completely safe and secure. In fact, I can’t remember having a negative experience while there. Compared to other popular travel destinations, crime rates in Bosnia-Herzegovina are relatively low, especially when it comes to foreigners.

So, if you’re worried about safety concerns, fear not! Bosnia-Herzegovina is a safe travel destination that shouldn’t hold you back from experiencing all it has to offer.

However, like in any city or touristy area, pickpocketing can be a concern. So, be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas.

If you plan to hike in the mountains, stay on the marked paths as some areas are still not cleared of landmines.

Other than that, you’re free to enjoy all the wonders and beauty that Bosnia-Herzegovina has to offer without worrying about your safety.

Food in Bosnia-Herzegovina

Turkey influences food in Bosnia: This means a lot of beef, lamb, poultry, and wheat products. You will also find a lot of pizza and pasta dishes – Vegetarians or vegans might struggle (I did).

You can drink tap water – at least, I did. Double-check with your host about the water in your area.

How to Get Around in Bosnia

Public transportation: 

Overall public transportation in Bosnia is not the most extensive and reliable. However, I wish that I had used some public transportation in Bosnia. Especially since the trains from Sarajevo to Mostar are supposed to offer great views.

Trains and buses run from major tourist destinations/cities but public transport in Bosnia-Herzegovina does not give you the flexibility you might be looking for. 

Bosnia–Herzegovina Road Trip: 

I road-tripped in Bosnia-Herzegovina with my own car (crazy, I know, and probably would not do it again). The scenery is amazing. BUT I am not saying that it was all easy and smooth driving in this country. 

Here is what to know about driving in Bosnia:

ℹ️ Streets in Bosnia are okay – some are actually in excellent condition, while others are in bad condition. Bosnia showed me what huge potholes look (and feel) like. 

ℹ️ Drive slowly to be able to avoid the potholes. Be prepared for Bosnian drivers, who are fast and like to honk their horns (especially Sarajevo). 

ℹ️ Bosnia was the country in which I drove the least (kilometer-wise). I actually saw three bad accidents, though I probably only drove around 500 km in total (luckily, I passed them when the ambulance was there and did not see them happen).

ℹ️ There are very few toll roads, but you can skip them and not pay much for tolls.

ℹ️ Gas prices are quite low (one of the cheapest in Europe), so fill your petrol up here. Gas stations often accept credit cards but ask in advance.

ℹ️ Be prepared to drive on mountain roads. Some are narrow, and some are great and easy to drive. 

ℹ️ Parking in Bosnia is interesting – many people park anywhere they want. I saw people with parking tickets on their windshields, though.

ℹ️ Except for Sarajevo and Mostar (and probably Banja Luca), finding parking spots is often quite easy. By European standards, quite cheap and often even free.

ℹ️ I know, some other bloggers reported being pulled out by the police and being asked for bribes. But no, I was never pulled out by the Bosnian police. I was not asked to pay any bribe. 

RENT A CAR IN BOSNIA HERE

If you’re planning to rent a car in Bosnia-Herzegovina, here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Make sure you have a valid driver’s license and a credit card for the rental deposit.
2. Book your rental car in advance to secure the best price and availability.
3. Familiarize yourself with the local driving laws and regulations.
4. Keep in mind that roads in Bosnia can be narrow and winding, so drive cautiously.
5. Use GPS or a map to help navigate the roads, especially if you’re not familiar with the area.
6. Make sure you have sufficient insurance coverage, including third-party liability insurance.
7. Don’t leave valuables in the car, especially when parked in unattended areas.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a safe and hassle-free rental car experience in Bosnia-Herzegovina. 

BOOK YOUR RENTAL CAR IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA HERE

ITINERARY FOR BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA (1-7 DAYS)

Okay, after all the travel tips, here are my favorite places to visit in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

1 DAY IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA

Which place to visit in Bosnia when you only have one day? Well, I have an idea. A very good one I think.

Mostar and Blagaj – 1 Day

With one day in Bosnia-Herzegovina, you might want to combine a trip to these two places in a day: Blagaj and Mostar.

MOSTAR

If you are not in a rush, I recommend staying in Mostar for the whole day. 

Join a free walking tour in the morning, then explore the beautiful old town on your own and watch the people dive from Stari Most. Stari Most is one of the most famous attractions in Bosnia-Herzegovina and is a must-see. Though the bridge was destroyed in the war, it was rebuilt in 2004 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Mostar is touristy but still gorgeous. If you can make it happen, spend the evening in the old town as well, as it is quite charming with its cute little shops and pretty decorations on the houses. If you want to buy souvenirs, this is a good place to do it. 

BLAGAJ

Blagaj is another place to visit in Bosnia, and it is easy to get there from Mostar (by bus and car, and there are also organized tours). At the spring of the river Buna, you will find the ancient Dervish Monastery, which was built into a 200-meter-high cliff. You might have seen this image on Instagram already – and it is just as charming in real life. 

In the summer months, you can also do a boat tour and visit the cave. But if you don’t fancy a visit to the monastery itself, you can enjoy the little waterfall in front of the monastery and have lunch/drink at one of the restaurants lining the river. Here is my Mostar guide with more travel tips for you.

WHERE TO STAY IN MOSTAR

If you stay in Mostar overnight (I totally recommend it), you will have a couple of good options.

• Villa Park: I stayed here because it offered free parking and was about 1km from the main attraction (Stari Most). I was happy with my choice as the rates here are quite good and the staff was lovely. Click here to check out the rates for Villa Park.
• Hotel Mepas: This hotel is one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. It is quite close to the main attractions and perfect for those who want to indulge –click here to find out more about the hotel and the rates.
• Hostel Majdas: This family-run hostel has been rated very well amongst backpackers – affordable, friendly, and centrally located. Check out rates here.

2 DAYS IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA

What if you have two days in Bosnia-Herzegovina, add these beautiful places near Mostar to your itinerary.

Pocitelj and Kravica Waterfalls – 1 Day

Pocitelj and Kravica Waterfalls are south of Mostar and you can visit both in one day. If you are in a rush, you could even visit both of them and Blagaj in one day in Bosnia. BUT with two days in Bosnia-Herzegovina, I would not stress too much and just add Pocitelj and Kravica Waterfalls to your day 2 itinerary.

Kravica Waterfalls

The Kravica Waterfalls are one of the most beautiful places to visit in Bosnia-Herzegovina. They are located in the Veljaci village near Ljubuski and were created by the flow of the tufa (which is a variety of limestone formed when carbonate minerals precipitate out of ambient temperature water) on the Trebizat River – the waterfall is about 25-28 meters high. You can rent a boat and get very close to the waterfalls. 

Then there is another smaller waterfall. The Kocusa Waterfall is only 5 meters high, but the length of about 50 meters makes up for it. It is not as big as the Plitvice Lakes in Croatia and depending on if you want to go on a little hike and chill. From there, you can head to the next place.

• This stop will probably take between 1 – 2 hours.

Pocitelj

Pocitelj lies about 20 kilometers from Croatia and 30 kilometers from Mostar. The walled town of Počitelj evolved over the period from the sixteenth to the eighteenth centuries and it is tiny – but it is still one of the best places to visit in Bosnia. 

While it is not overly famous among Western travelers, it is quite famous with Turkish visitors, and buses bring them in large groups to Pocitelj so it gets busy here. 

If you wonder why mostly Turkish visitors flock here, my explanation would be that this village with its mosque is a perfect example of the Ottoman Empire, which ruled Bosnia for several hundred centuries.

For the best views, head to the top of Fort of Pocitelj which was built between the 15th and 18th centuries. From there, you have a great panorama – of the village, the Nevreta River, and its surroundings. There was no one to collect an entrance fee for the fort, but I am not sure if that is always the case. Either way, I think it would be quite cheap if there was an entrance fee.

On the way down, you can visit the mosque of Sisman Ibrahim-Pasa for a small entrance fee.

During the war in the 1990s, the entire historic urban site of Počitelj and all its various buildings suffered extensive war damage – but since the 2000s the government has worked on the protection of the site. 

The sellers further down have some snacks, which have a beautiful presentation. You can also buy fresh fruits, fresh juices, rugs, clothes, and many different souvenirs (they use a lot of plastic, so I made sure to always have my cotton bags with me when I went shopping). 

Down there are some restaurants (which get full once the tourist buses come) that have WiFi – and you can park your car for free.

• It takes between 1-4 hours to explore this little town.

GUIDED TOURS IN BOSNIA:

If you plan to do guided tours, you can check out several of those mentioned below. While I traveled to the places myself, a guided tour might be the perfect option for you.

• Here is a day tour of all the places mentioned above from Mostar.
• If you plan a day trip to Bosnia-Herzegovina from Dubrovnik, check out this tour.

3 OR 4 DAYS IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA

If you stay 3 or 4 days in Bosnia-Herzegovina, I suggest heading to the capital.

Sarajevo – 1 or 2 Days

Sarajevo is the beautiful, lively, capital of Bosnia. Before my trip, I had no idea what to expect. I had not done any research, nor did I see images on Instagram or Pinterest. The only thing that came to my mind when I thought of Sarajevo was the war – which is such a pity.

First of all, the war is long over. Second, the capital of Bosnia is a fun and thriving city. While it is true that the city suffered a lot from the war in the 1990s, not all of its main attractions are about the war. But you might want to visit a few places where you can learn more about the siege of Sarajevo. In one day, you can visit the old town of the city and the mosques. There are also churches (Orthodox and Catholic) and even an active synagogue that you can visit. Also, head to the Latin Bridge to find out more about World War I – the trigger for the war actually happened in Sarajevo, where Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was shot.

With one day in Sarajevo, you should head to one of the vantage points for some great views. The good news: reaching them is not too difficult or time-consuming, so doing it in one day is doable.  

Most of the sights are also close to each other (where else in the world do you have an Orthodox church, a Catholic church, a synagogue, and a mosque exist peacefully in such proximity?). With two days in the city, make sure to visit the Tunnel of Hope and explore other places in the city for more viewpoints, such as the abandoned Bob track.

Sarajevo is quite walkable, so it is easy to get around. 

• If you are in Bosnia for three days, I suggest visiting Sarajevo for one day. If you are in Bosnia for 5 days or longer, I recommend staying at least two days.
• Check out my detailed Sarajevo post with all the travel information you will need for your trip.

WHERE TO STAY IN SARAJEVO

I stayed in Sarajevo for five nights – and changed my hotel once in between.

• M´Ali Rooms: I spontaneously decided to stay a few days longer in Sarajevo and booked a room at M´Ali Rooms for a very good price. It is located directly in the old town, and within seconds, you are right where all the people are. It is a great place to stay (if you don’t want to stay in a hostel but want to watch your budget, this is a good choice). Click here to find out more about the hotel and its rates.

5 DAYS IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA

If you road trip Bosnia-Herzegovina in 5 days, I recommend adding these places to your itinerary (which you will come across from Mostar to Sarajevo).

Neretva River, Lake Jablanica, and Konjic – 1 Day

I drove from Mostar to Sarajevo, and with all the breaks, it took me almost a full day to arrive in Sarajevo.

You could do it in a few hours, but what fun is that? Okay, the views are still great but plan in enough time for breaks. This route is one of the most beautiful places in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The scenic views, the empty streets, the pretty Lake Jablanica – drive along the E 73, and you will be rewarded with great views. 

At the end of the lake (or beginning) is the pretty little city of Konjic. While it is small and not home to many sights, it is great for a stroll and taking lots of pictures. If you do not want to rush, I suggest staying here a night before continuing your journey.

In Mostar, and also north and south of it, you will find the stunning Neretva River, with a watercolor that is just gorgeous. The streets here (especially north of Mostar) were my favorites – wide and easy to drive, with the river to your side. 

It is just a short drive so you can do the whole trip from Sarajevo to Mostar in one day. Just make sure to stop here and enjoy the beauty before continuing your trip. From there, you are not too far away from Kravica – another great stop on your Bosnia vacation. 

7 DAYS IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA

If you are lucky and can stay more than 5 days in Bosnia-Herzegovina, here are a few more places to add to your Bosnia itinerary.

Rakitnica Canyon – 2 Days

Are you up for some adventures? Bosnia is the place to go – whether you like white water rafting, canyoning, mountain biking, or hiking adventure. When I drove from Bosnia to Montenegro – on the road M 18, a beautifully scenic but also bumpy road with many potholes – I realized how big adventure is getting in Bosnia. It is not that I dislike outdoor adventures, but it is not my priority when I travel, so I did not seek out these activities.

However, many spots in Bosnia are great for outdoor and adventure lovers. You can go on a canoeing trip through Bosnia’s longest and deepest canyon – Rakitnica Canyon.

If you plan to visit Montenegro, too, then go to the border and do some white water rafting before continuing your journey in (the more expensive) Montenegro, and enjoy some time in the Tara Canyon (which looked absolutely gorgeous), or you can do more activities.

CONCLUSION: 1-7 DAYS IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA

Bosnia and Herzegovina, nestled in the heart of the Balkans, captivates with its rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes. The scars of the Bosnian War are juxtaposed against picturesque towns like Mostar and Sarajevo, where centuries-old bridges and mosques echo the nation’s resilience.

Nature enthusiasts can explore the emerald waters of the Una River and the rugged beauty of the Dinaric Alps, making Bosnia and Herzegovina a compelling blend of history and natural splendor.

Bosnia-Herzegovina has won me over, and I cannot wait to re-visit and see more of its beauty and meet the incredible people who have gone through so much and yet always have a smile for visitors. Apparently, I did not get to see all the interesting places but I think if you have 5 days or even one week in Bosnia you can see quite a bit.

I believe the above-mentioned are some of the best places to visit in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and hopefully, this post has been helpful. So, whenever you visit, enjoy!