10 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Bosnia & Herzegovina

Planning a trip to Bosnia & Herzegovina? Excellent choice. This small, heart-shaped country in the Balkans is like Europe’s best-kept secret — affordable, stunning, friendly, and full of surprises (the good kind, not the “I forgot my passport” kind).

Before you hop on a plane, here are ten things you absolutely should know — so you can travel like a local, avoid the rookie mistakes, and enjoy BiH to the fullest.
To plan your trip stress-free, whether you’re looking for the best flight deals, accommodation, or need to rent a car to explore the countryside freely, I recommend checking out Expedia.com.

1. Coffee Is Not a Drink — It’s a Ritual

If you’re used to grab-and-go coffee, prepare for a cultural shock. In Bosnia, coffee is an event.
A proper Bosnian coffee comes in a tiny džezva with a sugar cube, a rahat lokum, and enough time to catch up on every detail of your life. Don’t rush it. Sit, sip, and enjoy the therapy session you didn’t know you needed.

2. You’ll Eat Better Than You Planned — A Lot Better

Ćevapi, pita (burek, sirnica, krompiruša, we could go on…), grah, sogan-dolma, hurmašice… Bosnian cuisine is delicious, hearty, and dangerously addictive.
Also, portions are generous. Like “are you sure I didn’t order this for two people?” generous.

Speaking of food, if you stop in Jablanica for lunch, make sure you know what to order by reading our guide on Top 5 Bosnian Dishes.
Want to try the best local food with a guide who knows all the hidden spots? We highly recommend this Sarajevo Food & Culture Tour. It’s the best way to taste everything in one day!

3. Cash Is Still King while Visiting Bosnia & Herzegovina

Cards work in many places, but not everywhere — especially in smaller towns, markets, or mountain villages.
Always carry a bit of cash (Bosnian Convertible Mark — BAM). Your future self will thank you when buying fruit from a local grandma who has been selling plums since before the internet existed.

4. Trams, Taxis, and… Steep Streets

Sarajevo’s tram system is the oldest in Europe after London and very charming — until you realize you took it the wrong direction.
Taxis are affordable, public transport is reliable, but some old towns (like Mostar, Počitelj, or Travnik) have streets steep enough to make your smartwatch congratulate you for the workout.
If you want to experience Sarajevo through the eyes of a professional local guide, this full-day adventure brings you from Ottoman bazaars to Trebević and the Tunnel of Hope — all in one unforgettable journey.

**5. Bosnians Are Friendly — Sometimes Too Friendly**

Expect strangers to help you, offer coffee, food, or directions without being asked.
And be prepared to answer questions like
“Where are you from?” → “Do you like Bosnia?” → “Why aren’t you staying longer?”
It’s hospitality mixed with curiosity — the Bosnian way.

6. You’ll Hear Three Languages… But Everyone Understands Everything

Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian — three names, one mutually understandable language.
You don’t need to worry about learning them, but knowing a few words will make you a legend:

Hvala — Thank you
Merak — The untranslatable feeling of pure enjoyment
Zdravo — Hello

7. Nature Here Is Unreal

Mountains, turquoise rivers, waterfalls, lakes, medieval fortresses on cliffs — Bosnia is absurdly beautiful.
If you enjoy hiking, rafting, canyoning, or simply staring at nature like it’s your therapist, you’re going to love it here.
For example, embark on a magical day trip from Sarajevo to explore the medieval castles of Vranduk, Tešanj & Srebrenik — complete with a traditional Bosnian lunch and a free drone-video of your adventure that will leave your Instagram in awe!

8. History Is Everywhere — Literally

Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, Yugoslav, Medieval… BiH has layers.
Sarajevo alone is a living museum — you can walk from a mosque to a Catholic cathedral, then to an Orthodox church and a synagogue, all within a few minutes.
It’s also where WWI started — yes, the Franz Ferdinand one.
If you want to feel Sarajevo’s strength and resilience, join this Tunnel of Hope tour — you’ll walk through the historic wartime tunnel and hear moving stories of survival, all guided by someone who brings real heart to its powerful past.

9. The Weather Likes to Keep You Guessing

In Sarajevo, you can experience all four seasons in one week.
In Mostar, summer feels like you’re being roasted by the sun itself.
On the mountains, you might need a jacket even in July.
Pack wisely — Bosnia likes surprises.
You can also explore the highlights of Herzegovina including Mostar, Konjic, Blagaj, Pocitelj, and Kravica Waterfall on a full-day tour from Sarajevo, and experience the whole beauty of this country.

10. It’s Safe, Affordable, and You’ll Want to Return

Bosnia & Herzegovina is one of the safest countries in Europe, incredibly budget-friendly, and full of soul.
People come once… and somehow end up returning, usually with friends.
It’s the kind of place that stays with you — the scenery, the food, the warmth, the stories.
And if you’re wondering how affordable a trip here really is, check out my guide ‘Bosnia and Herzegovina on a Budget: How Much Does a Trip Cost in 2025?’ to plan your adventure without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Bosnia & Herzegovina is not just a trip — it’s an experience.
A mix of culture, nature, humor, hospitality, and food that makes you question why tourists aren’t already flooding the place.

Go slow, stay curious, eat everything, drink coffee like a local, and let Bosnia surprise you.