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The Perfect 5-Day Itinerary for Exploring Bosnia and Herzegovina


Looking to explore Bosnia and Herzegovina? This 5-day itinerary will give you a good mix of culture, history, and outdoor activities—while still giving plenty of flexibility. Bosnia and Herzegovina is known for its beautiful landscapes, welcoming locals, and deep history. Here’s how you can make the most of it in just 5 days without feeling too rushed.

Day 1: Arrival in Sarajevo

Start your trip in the capital, Sarajevo. It’s a small, but culturally rich city. Once you land, check in at your hotel or hostel, then hit the streets.

Old Town (Baščaršija)

Your first stop should be Sarajevo’s Old Town, known as Baščaršija. It’s a vibrant area with Ottoman-style buildings, cobblestone streets, and bustling markets. Be sure to grab some traditional Bosnian coffee at one of the many cafĂ©s. Try a “čevapi” as well—it’s a local kebab dish you’ll find throughout the Balkans, but it’s especially good here.

Latin Bridge

History buffs won’t want to miss a visit to the Latin Bridge, where the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 triggered World War I. There’s a small museum nearby where you can learn more about this pivotal moment in history.

Sacred Heart Cathedral

After taking in the Ottoman side of the city, check out the Sacred Heart Cathedral. It’s a beautiful Catholic church in the heart of Sarajevo and is a peaceful place to take some photos and relax before you grab dinner.

Mount Trebević Cable Car

In the evening, take the cable car up Mount Trebević for one of the best views of the city. It’s particularly beautiful at sunset. You’ll get a panoramic view of the buildings nestling between the valley’s lush green mountains.

Head back down and grab dinner at a local restaurant—ask for “begova čorba,” a traditional Bosnian soup made from chicken and vegetables.

Day 2: Sarajevo to Mostar

On your second day, you’ll make your way to Mostar. The bus ride takes about two and a half hours, and you won’t be bored as the journey passes through stunning rivers, valleys, and mountains. Make sure to snag a window seat.

Stari Most (Old Bridge)

Mostar is famous for its iconic 16th-century Ottoman bridge: Stari Most. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built during the Ottoman Empire and is an amazing spot for photos. If you’re lucky, you may even see locals dive off the bridge into the river below—a longstanding tradition among skilled divers. Be sure to take time to simply stroll around and enjoy the views of the bridge from different angles.

Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque

Next, head to the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque. You can climb the minaret for what is arguably the best view of Mostar. This small mosque, with its mix of Islamic and Ottoman architecture, is quiet and peaceful—making it a perfect stop if you want a break after walking around.

War Photo Exhibition

Mostar was heavily damaged during the Bosnian War in the 1990s, and many buildings still show bullet holes and shell damage. Visit the War Photo Exhibition to gain more context on the city’s tragic past. The exhibition features photos from local and international photojournalists and is a moving and informative experience.

Old Bazaar

End your day by wandering through the Old Bazaar. Here, you’ll find plenty of shops selling traditional crafts like carpets, copper coffee sets, and jewelry. Mostar is especially known for local silver filigree work. Grab some souvenirs and enjoy a Bosnian tea before heading to dinner at one of the riverside restaurants.

Day 3: Blagaj and Kravice Waterfalls

Today, you’ll venture out of Mostar to explore some of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s natural wonders. Start early so you can fit everything in!

Blagaj Tekke

A short 15-minute drive from Mostar is Blagaj, where you’ll find the beautiful Blagaj Tekke. This dervish monastery is situated at the base of a cliff, right by the source of the Buna River. The whole area oozes tranquility. Inside the tekke, the simple-style rooms offer an insight into the monastic life of dervishes. Be sure to have lunch at one of the riverside restaurants—fresh trout is the local specialty.

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Kravice Waterfalls

Next, head to the Kravice Waterfalls, which are about an hour’s drive from Blagaj. These waterfalls are a must-see if you’re in the area. The Kravice Waterfalls form a stunning 25-meter crescent around a pool of turquoise water. It’s a great spot for a swim in the summer months. The area is well-maintained, with wooden paths and easy walking trails, so you can wander around at your own pace.

After soaking in the beauty of Kravice, return to Mostar for your evening. Grab dinner, and perhaps walk along the river bank as the city lights come on for a peaceful end to the day.

Day 4: Exploring Konjic and Jablanica

Today, you’ll take a scenic road trip through the mountains, stopping at two small but notable towns on your way back towards Sarajevo. You’ll get a mix of history and nature, so be sure to charge your camera before leaving Mostar.

Konjic

First stop: Konjic. This small town is about an hour and a half from Mostar. What’s special here is the Neretva River that runs right through town. It offers some amazing photo opportunities with the old Ottoman bridge in the foreground and the surrounding mountains in the distance.

If you’ve got the time and you’re up for something adventurous, white-water rafting on the Neretva is popular in the summer. Even if you don’t raft, Konjic is a great place to stretch your legs and take in the natural beauty around you.

Tito’s Bunker

Just outside of Konjic is Tito’s Bunker, also known as the Ark D-0. This massive underground bunker was built for Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito during the Cold War. It’s a pretty surreal experience to wander the halls of this bunker, which could have housed 350 people in the event of nuclear war. Entry is guided only, so you’ll need to join a tour.

Jablanica

Next, stop at Jablanica, just around 20 minutes from Konjic. Visit the museum dedicated to the Battle of Neretva, which was one of the most significant battles during World War II. The museum is small but rich in history.

While here, don’t miss out on trying some roasted lamb at one of the local restaurants—it’s the town’s specialty.

Head back to Sarajevo in the evening and relax after a busy day. If you have energy left, you could enjoy a more relaxed dinner in the city and maybe revisit Baščaršija at night.

Day 5: Sarajevo and Surroundings

Spend your last day in and around Sarajevo. There’s plenty more to see, so mix and match based on your interests. Whether you dive into more wartime history or enjoy nature, it’ll be a great finale to your Bosnia and Herzegovina trip.

Galerija 11/07/95 or Tunnel of Hope Museum

If you’re interested in learning more about the war, start the day at Galerija 11/07/95, a memorial gallery dedicated to the Srebrenica genocide. It’s a somber but important experience. Alternatively, you could visit the Tunnel of Hope Museum, a preserved war tunnel that provided supplies to the city during the Siege of Sarajevo in the 1990s.

Sarajevo Siege Tour

If you’d rather hear more detailed personal stories, booking a guided Sarajevo Siege Tour is a good option. Local guides will share their experiences about living through the war and give you a deeper understanding of what the city went through.

Vrelo Bosne

To enjoy some nature on your last day, head to Vrelo Bosne, the spring of the Bosna River. It’s located just a short drive from Sarajevo and is perfect if you want to relax. You can take a horse-drawn carriage or walk through the tree-lined paths on a calm afternoon. It’s a perfect contrast to the history-heavy parts of the day and a peaceful way to unwind before heading back.

Farewell Dinner

For your final dinner, seek out one last taste of traditional Bosnian food. Head back to Baščaršija or venture out to the trendy Marijin Dvor neighborhood for something different. Try “sogan-dolma” (stuffed onions) or “baklava” for dessert if you haven’t already.

The trip may be coming to an end, but Bosnia and Herzegovina’s warmth and beauty will leave a lasting impression.


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