Some cities amaze us, other places we fall in love with for their sheer natural beauty, and then there are countries like this, where I couldn’t even tell you one single thing I don’t like about it, let alone all the reasons to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina.
With my third visit already being planned out, I think it’s time I put pen to paper on all the reasons to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina, and why this Balkan country really deserves a lot more attention. With under a million visitors a year it’s madness to me this incredible hidden gem in Europe is one of the least visited countries on the continent when, in my opinion, it’s one of the best places on earth.
From lakes that look photoshopped to grand architecture rising up hills, turbulent and tragic history to some of the most welcoming people you will meet; Bosnia and Herzegovina is a confusing yet captivating country. Whether you are after adventure activities, an affordable escape, or to understand more about the past conflicts of the Balkans, here are just a few of the reasons to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Perfect for road trips
On my first trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina, three of us piled into a car, pointed to places on the map and just drove across surprisingly well-developed roads, well, for the most part.
What we didn’t quite anticipate was just how damn often we would be stopping the car to stand in awe of the natural beauty that is packed into Bosnia and Herzegovina. The lakes are a mesmerising shade of blues and greens, towering mountains collide with clouds and tiny villages, and bridges of all shapes and sizes link together roads that offer just as much to enjoy as the attractions themselves. If you are looking for a great value, adventure-filled road trip then Bosnia and Herzegovina is a real winner.
So many of the best moments of our trip were in tiny villages with confused locals, little cafes that welcomed us like old friends and multiple other places I could never name or find on a map again. If you revel in getting lost and new discoveries then my friends, this is your next road trip destination!
Mostar, both old and new
Mostar is the typical postcard-perfect picture of Bosnia and Herzegovina that graces nearly all tourist advertising for the country. Stari Most, the old bridge which isn’t that old having been reconstructed post-conflict, draws in day-trippers from cruise trips and is where most people chose to spend their short trips to the country.
Honestly, it’s not had to see why when so much of the country is still yet to be explored by the masses and the relatively affordable food, especially in Mostar new town, makes this a pretty good value city break. Away from the crowds on the bridge, where daredevil divers jump into the freezing waters below, this city has a really charming and peaceful way of life.
In the new part of Mostar, where few tourists stray, countless restaurants serving up first-class food and surprisingly extensive cake menus are complemented by cool bars and cafe culture. Gigantic Yugoslavian monuments sit amongst overgrown grass, old derelict banks sport bullet holes and street art and locals go about their day to day life pretty uninterrupted from visitors. Meanwhile, in the old town which is pretty packed by day, once the sun sets and the daytrippers depart it becomes a magical land of cobbled streets glowing in orange hues and multicoloured lanterns. Come for Mostar if you will, but make sure you stay for everything else!
