Bosnia and Herzegovina

Renting a car is your best bet for exploring Bosnia and Herzegovina's scattered gems—from the turquoise canyons of Neretva to the primeval forests of Perućica. The country's winding roads connect medieval cities like Mostar and Sarajevo to lesser-known treasures in the east, around Foča and Visegrád, but you'll want flexibility to venture off the main routes.

Stay connected without the sting of roaming charges by grabbing an eSIM before you arrive. Signal can be spotty in the highlands and remote trekking areas like Lukomir, so download offline maps through Hello's trip planning feature. This way, you can navigate confidently even when your phone loses service.

Public transport exists but is slower—buses connect major cities, though schedules can be unpredictable. If you're not driving, consider combining guided tours for specific destinations like Kravice Waterfalls or Srebrenica to maximize your time. Budget 50–80 BAM (roughly $28–45 USD) daily for food and local transport if you're using buses and taxis. Use Hello's expense tracker to monitor spending in BAM and stay within your daily budget as you hop between destinations.

Start in Sarajevo, where Ottoman-era Baščaršija bazaar pulses with life and the iconic Sebilj Fountain—built in 1753—sits at the heart of the old town. Local legend claims drinking from it guarantees your return; whether you believe it or not, the ritual is worth experiencing. Take the cable car up Mount Trebević for sunset views that'll steal your breath.

From there, head south to Mostar to cross the UNESCO-listed Stari Most, the 16th-century Ottoman bridge that's become a symbol of the country's resilience. On warm days, you'll spot locals diving into the Neretva River below—a rite of passage for visitors brave enough to join them.

Detour to nearby Počitelj fortress, Kravice Waterfalls' crystalline pools, and the spiritual Blagaj Monastery before pushing east. If you have time, venture to Trebinje, just 30 kilometers from Dubrovnik, where mountains ring a scenic lake and Austro-Hungarian ruins dot the landscape. Use Hello to organize your itinerary and split accommodation costs with travel companions as you move between towns.

Bosnian coffee isn't just a beverage—it's a ritual. Sit in any local café, order a small cup of strong, finely ground coffee served in a traditional copper pot, and watch the world pass by. It's the perfect prelude to exploring a new city.

For meals, seek out traditional dishes like ćevapi (grilled meat rolls), burek (savory pastry), and fresh trout by the old mills of Una Park. Prices are refreshingly low: a hearty meal rarely exceeds 20 BAM ($11 USD). Wine regions, particularly in Krajina, offer excellent local varieties worth tasting—many wineries offer tastings at minimal cost.

When traveling with friends, use Hello's expense splitting feature to divide meal costs fairly, especially when ordering family-style dishes meant for sharing. The country's culinary scene blends Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Mediterranean influences, so every region offers distinct flavors. Don't miss homemade goat pies and grilled lamb if you venture to the Tara River Canyon for rafting—local guides often include traditional dinners in tour packages. Keep a budget of 50–80 BAM daily for food, and you'll eat exceptionally well.

May through June and September through October offer perfect temperatures for exploring cities and hiking marked trails. Summer (July–August) brings crowds to popular spots like Mostar and Sarajevo, while winter transforms the highlands into a quieter, snow-dusted landscape—beautiful but less accessible for casual visitors.

Pack light, layered clothing. Conditions shift rapidly between lowlands and highlands, and you'll want flexibility as you move between sunny river valleys and cooler mountain elevations. Comfortable walking shoes are essential—Baščaršija's cobblestone alleys and fortress stairs demand sturdy footwear.

If you're hiking, stick strictly to marked trails; landmines from the war remain in unmarked areas. Download offline maps and use Hello's trip planning to mark safe routes before heading out. Grab a few Bosnian phrases—locals genuinely smile wider when visitors make the effort. Finally, sort out entry requirements ahead of time: EU citizens enter freely, while many other nationalities receive a 90-day visa on arrival, but it's worth confirming your specific situation before you travel.