City trip through Bosnia and Herzegovina
Your city trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina will be an incomparable experience. My home country is rich in history, culture and breathtaking nature.
Imagine strolling through the streets of a city and admiring the architecture, and just a few minutes later you are standing in the middle of beautiful nature. Bosnia and Herzegovina will enchant you with its history, culture and natural beauty. Each city has its own charm and offers a variety of experiences that I would like to share with you.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: City trip to Sarajevo
Start your trip in the capital Sarajevo, where East meets West. Sarajevo is a living history museum where the influences of the Ottoman Empire and the Habsburg Monarchy blend harmoniously. Here are some sights that you should definitely visit on your city trip to Sarajevo. You can find more inspiration in my previous post about the top sights in Sarajevo.
Bascarsija
The old bazaar Baščaršija is the ideal starting point for your trip through Sarajevo. Stroll through the narrow streets lined with traditional shops and cafes. Here you will find handmade artwork, copperware and carpets - the perfect souvenirs to take a piece of Sarajevo home with you.
The story of Baščaršija
Baščaršija was once the largest trading centre in the Central Balkans and the economic heart of Sarajevo. At that time, there were about 12,000 shops there and merchants from Florence, Venice and Dubrovnik lived in local trading colonies.
In October 1697, the army of the Habsburg Prince Eugene of Savoy stormed Sarajevo, destroying much of the city and abruptly ending Baščaršija's golden era. After reconstruction, Baščaršija was again destroyed by fire in 1857. This fire marked the present-day border between Ferhadija Street, the intersection of East and West, and the much-reduced Baščaršija.
Gazi Husrev-Beg Mosque
This 16th-century mosque is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the peaceful courtyard and ornate interior. Due to its size and beauty, Begova Mosque is one of the most important examples of Islamic religious architecture in the Balkans.
It is one of the most important cultural monuments of the extensive legacy of Gazi Husrev-Beg and had a huge impact on the urban development of Sarajevo. The interior of the mosque exudes an artistic atmosphere and I recommend you visit it and enjoy its spirituality.
Near the mosque are the Madrasa and the Clock Tower. This is the only public clock in Bosnia and Herzegovina that shows time according to the lunar calendar. There are only two such clocks in the world: one in Big Ben in London and the other in the Clock Tower in Sarajevo. Not surprisingly, the clock mechanism comes from London.
Latin Bridge
This bridge takes its name from Latinluk, a Catholic district of Sarajevo on the left bank of the Miljacka River. The Latin Bridge was known as the Principle Bridge from 1918 to 1993, in honor of Gavrilo Princip, who killed Franz Ferdinand, heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, and his wife Sophie a few meters from the bridge.
The assassination in Sarajevo was the trigger for the First World War. There is a museum nearby where you can learn about this event during your city trip through Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Yellow and White Fortress
To get to these stone fortresses, you'll need to climb steep, winding paths - so hopefully you're in good shape. The largest fortress is Bijela Tabija, which offers sweeping views of the city and the city entrance. Bijela Tabija is strategically positioned to protect a large urban area at all times.
Perhaps the most popular fortress, especially during Ramadan, is Žuta Tabija. Its walls are lowest towards the town. There are many restaurants in the area, and the well-connected roads offer ample parking - a good option if you don't want to walk.
Dariva Promenade and Kozija Ćuprija
Dariva is located at the eastern entrance to Sarajevo, between Bentbaša and Kozija Ćuprija. This promenade is the oldest in Sarajevo and has an interesting history. Diplomats stationed in Bosnia and Herzegovina planted more than 200 linden trees along the eight-kilometer-long avenue, known as the "Alley of Ambassadors."
If you like climbing, you will especially like this part of Sarajevo. Next to the promenade is the Dariva rock, a popular destination for many climbers. Not far from there is the Babin Zub rock, where the history of mountaineering in Sarajevo began.
Begs Village and Bijambare
Bijambare is a protected area surrounded by dense coniferous trees that offers a great escape during hot summer days. There is also a cave there that visitors can explore.
In addition, there are several beautiful meadows, which are crossed by two streams and form some small, really charming lakes. The landscape there is simply breathtaking. Bijambare is family-friendly and is only 40 km from Sarajevo.
Begs Village is a small community that is very popular with nature lovers and is a great place for family gatherings thanks to the pure air, stunning scenery and many recreational opportunities.
Visitors who want to get a glimpse of real country life can help harvest medicinal mushrooms and herbs, mow grass, herd sheep on farms, and get involved in fishing, knitting or preparing winter supplies – even if only for a short time.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: City trip to Konjic
Konjic is a small town between Sarajevo and Mostar with a rich history and beautiful nature. That is why I have included it in the guide for your city trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Birthplace of Zuko Džumhur
Zuko Džumhur was a well-known writer and travel writer from Konjic. His birth house is a monument to his open mind and wide soul, which allowed him to see the world as one big courtyard. The house is furnished with original furniture made by Konjic woodcarvers in the traditional style. The museum exhibits numerous caricatures, paintings, awards, manuscripts (both published and unpublished) and even Zuko's clothes.
Ethno-Eco Village "Raj u Raju"
This paradise can be found near the town of Konjic. From Sarajevo it is about sixty kilometers to the Ethno-Eco Village "Raj u Raju". Take the M17 route (Sarajevo - Mostar) to Ćelebići and turn towards the settlement of Idbar. After another five kilometers you will reach your destination.
Located at the foot of Mount Prenj, this settlement is the perfect starting point for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, fishing and rafting on the Neretva River.
Guests have access to free parking, Wi-Fi, a kids' club, a tennis court, a fitness center, a play area and an outdoor swimming pool. Bicycles can also be rented.
The village has 17 bungalows with breathtaking views of the Idbar River. The restaurant serves traditional delicacies made from organically grown ingredients.
Tito's Bunker
If you are interested in history, this attraction is a must for you. The old nuclear bunker and military command center, known as Atomic War Command or Tito's Bunker, is located near Konjic. In Konjic you can book guided tours that will make your visit unforgettable.
The bunker was built as a shelter from nuclear bombs for Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito and up to 350 members of his inner circle. The complex includes living quarters, meeting rooms, offices, strategic planning rooms and other areas. Until the collapse of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, the bunker was a closely guarded state secret.
Here you will find a link with further ideas for your city trip to Konjic in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: City trip to Mostar
Mostar impresses with its cultural diversity, architectural beauty and the symbolic meaning of its bridge – all of which make the city a fantastic destination on your city trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Mostar's Old Town
Mostar's Old Town stretches on both sides of the impressive Old Bridge and is home to numerous buildings from the Ottoman era and other periods. Strolling through the streets you will discover charming buildings, small restaurants and shops.
The Christian Basilica in the Cim district and the Karadjoz-Beg Mosque are also significant sights that showcase the city's diverse religious and cultural facets. The tour is varied and fun for the whole family. There are lively cafes, small boutiques, souvenir and craft shops, and quiet riverside squares, in addition to the historical and architectural highlights of Mostar's Old Town.
Koski Mehmed's family
This mosque has a special historical significance and dates back to the Ottoman period. It is a popular destination for tourists traveling through Herzegovina. It is the only mosque in Mostar that has preserved its original color and wall decorations. Although it was under UNESCO protection, it lost its minaret in 1993, and its courtyard and dome were also damaged.
Mostar's Tower of Peace
The church's bell tower, also known as the Tower of Peace in Mostar, is 107 meters high and offers a breathtaking view of the entire city. The observation deck can be reached either by climbing 370 steps or comfortably by elevator.
This building houses the largest library of its kind in all of Herzegovina, containing 50,000 ancient manuscripts from the East and West. In addition to modern exhibitions, the monastery also houses an impressive collection of paintings by Italian masters from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Skywalk Fortica
This glass walkway offers breathtaking views of the city below. The entire walking area is about 35 meters long and the skywalk reaches a height of about 15 meters.
For adventurers, the main attraction of the Fortica Sports Adventure Park is the zip line, which offers a fantastic view of Mostar. At 510 meters above sea level, the zip line stretches over two wires, each one kilometer long. The end point is on the rocky cliffs of the climbing area, while the starting point is right in front of the mountain hut and the skywalk.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: City trip to Travnik
If you want to explore the diverse heritage and beautiful surroundings of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Travnik is a great destination for your city break.
Travnik has a rich history that makes it particularly interesting. In the 15th and 16th centuries, it was the capital of the Ottoman province of Bosnia and was known as the "City of Viziers". At that time, it served as an important administrative and military center under Ottoman rule.
The Fortress of Travnik
This fortress is one of the most beautiful and best preserved defensive structures of the Bosnian Kingdom. It was built either in the first or second part of the 14th or 15th century. It may have been commissioned by King Tvrtko II Kotromanić or King Stjepan Dabiša, based on architectural style and other clues.
Above the city entrance there is said to have been a stone slab on which the name of Tvrtko II Kotromanić, the Bosnian king, was mentioned.
Birthplace of Nobel Prize winner Ivo Andrić
The Ivo Andrić Memorial Museum is located on the top floor of a traditional Bosnian building and offers a permanent exhibition on the life and literary works of Ivo Andrić. There is also the versatile "Open Literary Studio", which offers literary workshops, seminars, lectures, chamber music and other events and is supervised by a senior curator.
The permanent exhibition includes the room where Ivo Andrić was born, a room dedicated to his book “Travnička troika” (The Chronicles of Travnik), a photo archive and a library with Andrić’s works in Bosnian, as well as numerous translations of his works into other languages.
The colorful mosque in Travnik
One of the most famous and significant historical and cultural sites in Central Bosnia is the Šarena Mosque in Travnik, which is also considered a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This mosque, also known as Sulejmanija Mosque, impresses with a beautiful interior characterized by arched panels above the windows and magnificent wall paintings above the mihrab.
What is particularly unique is that the minaret of this mosque is on the left side instead of the right.
About this link Find more ideas for your stay in Travnik on your city trip through Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Other cities for your Bosnia and Herzegovina city trip
For your city trip through Bosnia and Herzegovina you can explore other places such as Jajce with its waterfall and fortress, Bihać on the beautiful Una River, Neum on the coast or Visoko with its pyramids.
On my website HolidaysInBosnia I have also published articles about these cities.