Bosnia on a Budget: The Ultimate Guide for Broke Backpackers

WHEN TO GO:

Spring (March to May)

  • Pros:
    • Mild weather, perfect for hiking and outdoor activities
    • Fewer tourists, making it easier to explore popular attractions
    • Lower prices for accommodations and tourist services
    • Beautiful blooming flowers and greenery
    • Festivals like the Sarajevo Spring Festival and Banja Luka Festival
  • Cons:
    • Some attractions may still be closed after winter
    • Some roads may be closed due to snow and ice
    • Limited daylight hours

Summer (June to August)

  • Pros:
    • Warm weather, perfect for swimming and water activities
    • Festivals and events like the Sarajevo Summer Festival and Mostar Summer Festival
    • Stunning nature, with lush greenery and warm sunshine
    • Longer daylight hours
    • Opportunities for hiking, camping, and outdoor adventures
  • Cons:
    • Peak tourist season, with higher prices and crowds
    • Heatwaves and humidity
    • Limited availability of accommodations

Autumn (September to November)

  • Pros:
    • Comfortable temperatures, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities
    • Harvest festivals and events, like the Sarajevo Autumn Festival
    • Scenic landscapes, with changing leaves and golden colors
    • Fewer tourists, making it easier to explore popular attractions
    • Lower prices for accommodations and tourist services
  • Cons:
    • Some attractions may start to close for winter
    • Limited daylight hours
    • Rain and fog may occur

Winter (December to February)

  • Pros:
    • Low prices for accommodations and tourist services
    • Skiing and snowboarding opportunities in the mountains
    • Festive atmosphere, with Christmas markets and decorations
    • Hot springs and thermal spas for relaxation
    • Fewer tourists, making it easier to explore popular attractions
  • Cons:
    • Cold weather, with snow and ice
    • Some attractions may be closed due to weather conditions
    • Limited daylight hours
    • Some roads may be closed due to snow and ice

BEST ITINERARIES:

1 Week Itinerary:

  • Day 1-2: Sarajevo
    • Explore Baščaršija
    • Visit Gazi Husrev-bey’s Mosque
    • Walk through the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum
    • Visit the Latin Bridge
    • Enjoy traditional Bosnian cuisine
  • Day 3-4: Mostar
    • Visit the Old Bridge
    • Explore Kriva Cuprija Bridge
    • Wander through Mostar Old Town
    • Visit the Neretva River
    • Take a walking tour
  • Day 5: Medjugorje
    • Visit the Catholic pilgrimage site
    • Attend a mass or prayer session
    • Explore the surrounding hills and villages
  • Day 6-7: Banja Luka
    • Explore the city
    • Visit the Banja Luka Castle
    • Walk through the Kastel Fortress
    • Enjoy the Vrbas River

2 Weeks Itinerary:

  • Day 1-3: Sarajevo
    • Explore Baščaršija
    • Visit Gazi Husrev-bey’s Mosque
    • Walk through the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum
    • Visit the Latin Bridge
    • Enjoy traditional Bosnian cuisine
    • Visit the Sarajevo National Theatre
    • Explore the Yellow Fortress
  • Day 4-6: Mostar
    • Visit the Old Bridge
    • Explore Kriva Cuprija Bridge
    • Wander through Mostar Old Town
    • Visit the Neretva River
    • Take a walking tour
    • Visit the Mostar Museum
    • Enjoy a traditional Bosnian coffee
  • Day 7-8: Medjugorje
    • Visit the Catholic pilgrimage site
    • Attend a mass or prayer session
    • Explore the surrounding hills and villages
    • Visit the Medjugorje Museum
  • Day 9-11: Banja Luka
    • Explore the city
    • Visit the Banja Luka Castle
    • Walk through the Kastel Fortress
    • Enjoy the Vrbas River
    • Visit the Banja Luka Cathedral
    • Explore the Republika Srpska Museum

1 Month Itinerary:

  • Week 1: Sarajevo
    • Explore Baščaršija
    • Visit Gazi Husrev-bey’s Mosque
    • Walk through the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum
    • Visit the Latin Bridge
    • Enjoy traditional Bosnian cuisine
    • Visit the Sarajevo National Theatre
    • Explore the Yellow Fortress
    • Take a day trip to the Olympic Mountains
  • Week 2: Mostar
    • Visit the Old Bridge
    • Explore Kriva Cuprija Bridge
    • Wander through Mostar Old Town
    • Visit the Neretva River
    • Take a walking tour
    • Visit the Mostar Museum
    • Enjoy a traditional Bosnian coffee
    • Take a day trip to the Kravice Waterfalls
  • Week 3: Banja Luka
    • Explore the city
    • Visit the Banja Luka Castle
    • Walk through the Kastel Fortress
    • Enjoy the Vrbas River
    • Visit the Banja Luka Cathedral
    • Explore the Republika Srpska Museum
    • Take a day trip to the Kozara National Park
  • Week 4: Jajce, Travnik, and Visoko
    • Visit the Jajce Waterfalls
    • Explore Jajce Old Town
    • Visit Pliva Lake
    • Visit the Travnik Castle
    • Explore Travnik Old Town
    • Visit the Visoko Pyramids
    • Explore the surrounding countryside

TRANSPORTATION:

Getting there

Bosnia and Herzegovina has train connections with several neighboring countries, including Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro. Here are some tips on how to get to Bosnia by train from these countries:

  • From Croatia: You can take a train from Zagreb or Split to Sarajevo. The journey takes around 6-8 hours, depending on the route and type of train. Check schedules and book tickets on the Croatian Railways website (www.hzpp.hr).
  • From Serbia: You can take a train from Belgrade to Sarajevo. The journey takes around 6-8 hours, depending on the route and type of train. Check schedules and book tickets on the Serbian Railways website (www.zeleznicasrbije.com).
  • From Montenegro: You can take a train from Podgorica to Sarajevo. The journey takes around 4-6 hours, depending on the route and type of train. Check schedules and book tickets on the Montenegrin Railways website (www.zeljeznica.me).

Public Transportation in Bosnia

  • Buses: Buses are the most popular form of public transportation in Bosnia. They connect major cities and towns, and are relatively affordable. You can check schedules and book tickets at bus stations or online.
  • Trains: Trains are less frequent than buses, but offer a scenic way to travel. You can check schedules and book tickets on the Bosnian Railways website (www.zfbh.ba).
  • Minibuses: Minibuses are shared taxis that operate on fixed routes. They are a convenient way to get around cities and towns.
  • Taxis: Taxis are widely available, but can be more expensive than public transportation.

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Hostels

Hostels are a great option for solo travelers or those on a tight budget. Here are some affordable options in Bosnia:

  • Sarajevo:
    • Hostel Sarajevo: Starting from €10 per night
    • Hostel.ba: Starting from €12 per night
  • Mostar:
    • Hostel Mostar: Starting from €10 per night
    • Pellegrino Hostel: Starting from €12 per night

Budget Hotels

If hostels aren’t your thing, budget hotels are a great alternative:

  • Sarajevo:
    • Hotel Astra: Starting from €20 per night
    • Hotel Europa: Starting from €25 per night
  • Mostar:
    • Hotel Pellegrino: Starting from €20 per night
    • Hotel Kriva Cuprija: Starting from €25 per night

Camping

For the adventurous types, camping is a great way to experience Bosnia’s natural beauty:

  • Sarajevo:
    • Autocamp Sarajevo: Starting from €5 per night
  • Mostar:
    • Autocamp Mostar: Starting from €5 per night

Airbnb

Airbnb is another great option for budget-friendly accommodation in Bosnia:

  • Sarajevo:
    • Private room: Starting from €10 per night
    • Entire apartment: Starting from €20 per night
  • Mostar:
    • Private room: Starting from €10 per night
    • Entire apartment: Starting from €20 per night

FOOD:

outhwatering aromas of sizzling meat and freshly baked bread. My stomach growled in anticipation, and I couldn’t wait to indulge in the local cuisine.

My culinary adventure began with a traditional Bosnian breakfast, complete with strong coffee, flaky pastry, and a selection of cheeses and meats. The creamy kaymak was a revelation – I was hooked from the first bite!

Next up, I devoured a plate of čevapi, those irresistible grilled minced meat sausages served with a side of flatbread and onions. The flavors were bold and rich, with a subtle smokiness that left me craving more.

But the real star of the show was the burek – flaky layers of phyllo dough wrapped around a savory filling of meat or cheese. It was the perfect snack to fuel my explorations of the city.

As I explored the markets, I discovered a treasure trove of sweet treats. The baklava was a highlight – a sweet pastry filled with nuts and honey that was impossible to resist. And the Turkish delight? Let’s just say I developed a serious addiction!

TOP THINGS TO DO:

Sarajevo:

  1. Baščaršija: Explore the historic old town and its cobblestone streets.
  2. Gazi Husrev-bey’s Mosque: Visit one of the largest mosques in the country.
  3. Sarajevo Tunnel Museum: Learn about the city’s history and the tunnel that played a crucial role during the war.
  4. Latin Bridge: See the spot where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated.
  5. Sarajevo National Theatre: Catch a performance at this historic theater.

Mostar:

  1. Old Bridge: Admire the iconic bridge and its stunning surroundings.
  2. Kriva Cuprija Bridge: Visit this smaller but equally beautiful bridge.
  3. Mostar Old Town: Explore the cobblestone streets and historic buildings.
  4. Mostar Museum: Learn about the city’s history and culture.
  5. Neretva River: Take a stroll along the river and enjoy the scenery.

Hikes:

  1. Mount Trebević: Hike to the top of this mountain for panoramic views of Sarajevo.
  2. Mount Igman: Explore the beautiful trails and scenic views of this mountain.
  3. Sutjeska National Park: Hike through the stunning natural beauty of this national park.
  4. Čvrsnica Mountain: Hike to the top of this mountain for breathtaking views.
  5. Prenj Mountain: Explore the scenic trails and stunning views of this mountain.

Other Destinations:

  1. Medjugorje: Visit this famous Catholic pilgrimage site.
  2. Jajce: Explore the historic town and its waterfalls.
  3. Travnik: Visit the old town and its castle.
  4. Visoko: Explore the ancient pyramids and historic sites.
  5. Sutjeska National Park: Hike and enjoy the stunning natural beauty.

Events and Festivals:

  1. Sarajevo Film Festival: Attend this prestigious film festival.
  2. Mostar Summer Festival: Enjoy music, theater, and dance performances.
  3. Baščaršija Nights: Experience traditional music and food in Sarajevo’s old town.
  4. Jajce Folk Festival: Watch traditional folk dances and music performances.
  5. Sarajevo Jazz Festival: Enjoy jazz music performances from around the world.

BACKPACKING bosnia COSTS:

Accommodation:

  • Hostel dorm: €10-€15 per night ( approx. $11-$17 USD)
  • Budget hotel: €20-€30 per night (approx. $22-$33 USD)
  • Camping: €5-€10 per night (approx. $6-$11 USD)

Food:

  • Fast food/street food: €3-€5 per meal (approx. $4-$6 USD)
  • Mid-range restaurant: €10-€15 per meal (approx. $11-$17 USD)
  • Grocery store: €20-€30 per week (approx. $22-$33 USD)

Transportation:

  • Bus ticket: €5-€10 per journey (approx. $6-$11 USD)
  • Train ticket: €10-€20 per journey (approx. $11-$22 USD)
  • Taxi ride: €10-€20 (approx. $11-$22 USD)

Attractions:

  • Museum entry: €5-€10 per person (approx. $6-$11 USD)
  • Historical site entry: €10-€20 per person (approx. $11-$22 USD)
  • Guided tour: €20-€30 per person (approx. $22-$33 USD)

Other expenses:

  • Miscellaneous souvenirs: €20-€50 (approx. $22-$56 USD)
  • Other incidentals: €50-€100 (approx. $56-$112 USD)

Total estimated cost per day:

  • Broke backpacker: €15-€20per day (approx. $16-$21USD)
  • Budget-conscious backpacker: €30-€50 per day (approx. $33-$56 USD)