Bosnia and Herzegovina is a beautiful country in Southeast Europe, known for its rich culture and history. Like any place, understanding its local customs and etiquette will help you connect better with locals and show respect for their traditions.
Greetings
Greetings in Bosnia and Herzegovina are warm and friendly. A handshake is the most common way to greet someone, regardless of gender or age. Locals often add eye contact to show sincerity. If you’re close to someone or have met them multiple times, you may receive hugs and cheek kisses, similar to what you’d see in other European countries.
The number of kisses varies by region, but it’s usually one or two. When in doubt, wait for the other person to guide you.
While in professional settings, keep things formal with a handshake, a simple “dobar dan” (“good day”) works well. When meeting older people or people in positions of authority, it’s respectful to say “gospodine” for a man and “gospođo” for a woman before their last name.
Dress Codes
Bosnian people take pride in dressing well, especially in cities like Sarajevo or Mostar. You’ll notice locals dressing smartly when going out, whether it’s for coffee, dinner, or just a casual stroll. Casual clothes are accepted, but try not to look too sloppy, even when sightseeing.
In mosques and churches, you’ll want to cover up properly. For mosques, women should wear a scarf to cover their hair when entering, and both men and women should avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless shirts. If you’re visiting monasteries or churches, wearing modest clothing also applies, as it shows respect for the religious sites.
Public Behavior

Respect for personal space is important in Bosnia and Herzegovina. People stand relatively close when speaking, especially among friends and family, but in general, people value their private space, especially on public transportation or in queues. Try not to cut in line, and wait patiently for your turn. It’s best to avoid raising your voice unless it’s an emergency; public arguments can be frowned upon and considered disrespectful.
It’s normal for someone to offer you help if you look confused or lost. Bosnian hospitality is very real, and people genuinely want you to feel welcome. Locals often invite travelers for a cup of coffee or even invite them into their homes. If you get such an invitation, don’t be surprised, but accepting is greatly appreciated, as it shows openness and respect.
Eating and Drinking Etiquette
In restaurants or cafes, it’s common to greet the staff with a simple “dobar dan” before being seated. If eating at someone’s home, your host may offer you more than one serving, as feeding guests well is a sign of great hospitality. It’s polite to leave a small amount of food on your plate, indicating you’re full and satisfied rather than leaving a completely clean plate.
Coffee culture is huge in Bosnia and Herzegovina. You’ll see locals sipping coffee, especially “Bosnian coffee,” which is similar to Turkish coffee. It’s a sign of friendship and connection, so if someone invites you for a coffee, it’s a good idea to accept. Just make sure you take your time; coffee is a social activity, so rushing through it would seem rude.
As for alcohol, it’s widely available in bars, cafes, and restaurants. Beer and rakija (a local fruit brandy) are popular, but not everyone drinks alcohol, especially in areas where Muslim communities are larger. Always check with your company before assuming everyone will drink.
Religious Practices
Bosnia and Herzegovina is diverse when it comes to religion. Islam, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Catholicism are the major religions practiced here. In cities like Sarajevo, there are mosques, churches, and synagogues—and they all coexist peacefully. If you’re near a mosque during one of the five daily prayer calls, it’s good to remain respectful and avoid making loud noises.
During Ramadan (the holy month for Muslims), many Muslims will fast from dawn until sunset. While it’s not necessary for non-Muslims to fast, it’s respectful to avoid eating or drinking openly in areas where Muslims are fasting, especially if you’re indoors with locals.

On Sundays and religious holidays like Christmas or Orthodox Easter, Christian communities expect a certain level of respect and quiet in public areas. If you are visiting on these days, you may find certain places closed or communities gathering for prayers.

Public Displays of Affection
While hand-holding and casual contact like hugs are accepted, especially between friends or family, overt displays of affection, like kissing or hugging passionately in public, are frowned upon. Conservative areas may have stricter unwritten rules, so when in doubt, keep things low-key.
Same-sex relationships are generally accepted in larger cities, but public display of affection for LGBTQ+ couples in more rural or conservative areas may receive uncomfortable stares. It’s best to be cautious and observe the local atmosphere before showing affection publicly.
Gifts and Invitations
If you’re invited to someone’s home, it’s customary to bring a small gift. A box of chocolates, some flowers, or a bottle of wine are all good ideas. Make sure you don’t bring an even number of flowers, as that is tied to funerals and is considered unlucky. An odd number, like three or five, is the way to go!

If you’re attending a formal event, dress smartly and be punctual. Guests in Bosnia aren’t typically expected to bring elaborate gifts for dinner invitations, but offering to bring something can come across as good manners, even if the host refuses the offer.
Body Language and Non-Verbal Communication
Bosnians can be expressive when they talk, using lots of hand gestures. It’s normal for someone to touch your arm during a conversation to show friendliness, but if you’re uncomfortable with it, maintaining a polite distance is fine and will be understood.
One of the interesting cultural quirks is nodding and shaking heads. In many parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a nod may actually mean “no,” and a shake of the head might mean “yes.” This differs from what travelers might be used to, so it helps to pay attention to the context.

Respect for History and War
The country has a complicated history, especially regarding the Bosnian War in the 1990s. Avoid making jokes or inappropriate comments about the war or the ethnic conflicts during this time. Many people still have personal or family connections to the events, so it’s a highly sensitive topic.
If you’re visiting memorials or sites related to the war, behave quietly and avoid loud, disrespectful actions like taking silly photos. Locals appreciate respectful conversations about history but only if approached with care and understanding.
Final Tips
The people of Bosnia and Herzegovina are welcoming and friendly, so long as you show respect for their customs and culture. Asking questions and showing an interest in their history or traditions will go a long way in building positive interactions.
Learning a few basic phrases such as “hvala” (thank you), “molim” (please), and “izvolite” (you’re welcome) can also impress locals and make your experience more fulfilling.
At the end of the day, being open-minded and respectful will make your trip much smoother. The country’s complex culture, combined with its people’s warmth, creates an enriching travel experience if you remain mindful of the customs and traditions.
Leave a reply