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Bosnia and Herzegovina is probably not the first destination that comes to mind when planning a European getaway.
I mean, it doesn’t have the world-famous Haussmann-designed cities of France, the scenic coastal routes of Italy and delectable food, nor the sun-drenched coastlines of Spain.
In fact, Bosnia only has about 20 kilometers of coastline on the Mediterranean, but that doesn’t matter. It has something of Europe’s top tourist hotspots not now: pristine beauty, not yet marred by the hustle and bustle on social media, and affordable prices.
If you still associate the name ‘Bosnia’ with a long-resolved war from the 1990s, be prepared to be baffled:
Bosnia goes mainstream… Ish?
Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of those European hidden gems that I think we’ve been talking about for a while Travel off the pathbut it never really got the recognition it deserves.
Already in 2023 we have been singing its praises, from highlighting how beautiful the gorge-crossed, lush nature is to the fascinating clash of cultures: this is probably the only country in Europe where you Orthodox churches, Catholic cathedrals and towering Ottoman mosques within just a few meters of each other.
Only recently was this southeastern paradise confirmed as one of the fastest-growing destinations across the pond, with tourism officially surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2025 and attracting approximately 1.96 million visitors.
It doesn’t sound like much, but this was once one of the lesser-known countries in Europe, often – rightly or wrongly – associated with war and sectarian conflict.
Bosnia is so safe right now
In that respect, Bosnia is now probably safer than the average European country, with cities such as Sarajevo and Banja Luka reporting significantly less urban crime than Paris, Milan and London, a limited terrorism risk and a generally peaceful environment for visitors and everyday life.
Unless, of course, you venture into the controversial zones of the ‘Republika Srpska’, the semi-breakaway, ethnic Serb entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Been recently? Vote for Bosnia via the live update Safety index for travelers:
Before you head abroad this summer, regardless of destination, check whether there are any travel warnings in place at your point of arrival using the Travel Advisory Checker.
Stop sleeping on Sarajevo
Bosnia and Herzegovina is best known for its cultural melting pot of a capital, beautiful Sarajevo, where you’ll find 19th-century bazaars, Austro-Baroque architecture and Ottoman mosques all in one place.
It is one of the best destinations in Europe for cheap food and accommodation, with ćevapi lunch deals averaging around USD 6, and overnight stays in hotels in the center costs as low as USD$45.
Bosnia is not a member of the European Union, nor of the ever-expanding Schengen Zone, and so has yet to undergo the full process of euroization and gentrification that parts of Croatia – or even Romania – have experienced in recent years.
The Bosnian Riviera is only about 20 kilometers long and wedged between two coastlines in Croatia, and it’s not exactly the place you go for a shiny Euro summer unless you like casinos and guzzling down rakija like it’s water from sunrise to sunset.
Did you know that Bosnian nature is so incredibly beautiful?
Instead, head to Kravica, a beautiful series of waterfalls a little further inland, perfect for swimming in the warmer months, and backed by a handful of traditional eateries serving grilled meats and fresh seafood.
By the way, Bosnia is hugely underestimated when it comes to nature Una National Park with emerald green riversforest-lined paths passing through untouched landscapes, and waterfalls galore, and the Perućica Forest Reserve, one of the last remaining primeval forests in Europe.
The jewel in the Balkan crown, however, is the storybook city that stole my heart: Mostar, an Ottoman time capsule built entirely in limestone, with minaret towers rising above red-tiled roofs, and that iconic arch bridge over the crystal-clear Neretva River.
In search of the absolute best Turkish coffee place in town? Try Divanhana: very authentic Bosnian interiorwith floor-to-ceiling carpets, intricate décor and Ottoman flair.
Check the travel rules before you fly
Europe is dramatically changing its travel rules this year, impacting millions of holidaymakers who are swapping Florida for a holiday in the Mediterranean.
Whether it’s mandatory fingerprints or new online visas, taking your passport to the airport may no longer be the only requirement in your travel routine.
The last thing you want this summer is to be denied entry, or worse, turned away at a border. So make sure you use the Entry Requirement Checker to ensure you have all your documents and paperwork in order.
What is holding Bosnia back from becoming fully mainstream?
Like the Sarajevo times reported, the country has recorded a steady year-on-year growth in the number of tourists since the times of the pandemic, Despite still are one of the most difficult destinations to reach in the Balkans, especially for Americans.
The Sarajevo Times notes that the main persistent problem is airport management models, and a conversation that is routinely avoided: concessions.
When Zagreb, Croatia, placed its airport under a concession, The number of passengers increased astronomicallyNot to mention that the Yugoslav-era infrastructure was quickly modernized. The airports in Belgrade (Serbia) and Pristina (Kosovo) underwent similar reforms.
In Bosnia, on the other hand, airports are still functioning without major breakthroughs in investment. The good news is that American investors are interested in managing airports in Bosnia, with Haris Fazlagić, chairman of the Sarajevo Canton Tourist Board, himself acknowledging that tourists “just want direct flights to reach their destination faster.”
How to reach Bosnia this season
Foreign visitors, especially those coming from Western Europe or abroad, rely heavily on direct and affordable flights, and often instead fly into larger airports such as Dubrovnik in Croatia, and take a 3 to 5 hour bus before reaching their destination in Bosnia.
Unlike Belgrade in Serbia, Dubrovnik in Croatia or Athens in Greece, all of which offer non-stop connections to the United States and are connected to all major European airports, Bosnia lacks that major national hub.
The largest international airport is located in Sarajevo, the capital, and it serves an estimated 39 destinations during high season, largely within Europe.
There is an even smaller airport that serves Mostar, but unless you’re traveling via Munich or Rome and flying straight from there into this picture-perfect medieval town, chances are this won’t be your entry point into Bosnia.
All this said, while aviation in Bosnia still lags behind regional competitors, this has not held the country back or dampened demand. the most impressive achievement now.
