![Backpacking Bosnia And Herzegovina Travel Guide [UPDATED FOR 2026]](https://theroamingrenegades.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/backpacking-in-bosnia-herzegovina-things-to-do-accommodation-transport-368x552.jpg)
An Ottoman gem where east meets west, Mosques
Chapters
An Ottoman gem where east meets west, Mosques share the same streets as grand Austro-Hungarian buildings and narrow cobbled bazaars transport you back into the 16th century. Of course, scars of recent history exists, but rather than being scary it made the country more sincere in it’s warmth and friendliness.
We were instantly taken a back by Bosnia, I am not even sure what I expected of it to compare that to what we found. I guess we just thought it would be another Eastern European country to explore, with ancient churches and gothic architecture alongside a few remnants of the war. But no, it took us totally by surprise!
As people who, especially Shorty throughout this childhood, have visited Turkey on numerous occasions it was like stepping though a door from west to east. From the European culture we had become accustomed to thought this journey and others before and straight into the hot and bustling streets of Turkey. From the medieval old towns into an Ottoman bazaar, it was a strange and thrilling experience.
Often when you cross so many borders in a similar region the differences can be so subtle you almost don’t notice them. The language might pretty much be the same, as it is in almost all of the former Yugoslavian countries, but the atmosphere was very different to that of Croatia.
Over in Dubrovnik you should be forgiven for forgetting you are in what was Yugoslavia, its old town with the white limestone bricks and orange tiles roofs wouldn’t look out of place in the Mediterranean, it has an undoubted Western feel even for somewhere in Eastern Europe.
Bosnia however goes entirely the other way, it somehow seems to skip over Eastern Europe and land you right into the Ottoman heartlands. The cobbled streets, impossibly detailed and put together in such a way that walking over them is actually quite a challenge, the wooden houses and shops that give these streets their intimate and claustrophobic feel in their characteristic whitewash. The bazaars sell anything and everything, from traditional wares to fresh food, escaping here without making a purchase is quite a feat!
As the smoke from the grills fills the air, whipping around the shishas as the therapeutic tones of the call the prayer from the towering minarets that punctuate the sky you are transported to a 16th-century Ottoman town. The hustle and bustle take you with it as people shout from the market stalls and the local’s chatter before heading off to pray.
Our Favourite Backpacks
I have honestly never been anywhere else like Bosnia. There is undoubtedly a hit of sadness still here. The ruins of Mostar are a testament to the horrors of the past that made this country so well known to us. But the locals are some of the most friendly we have ever encountered, they warmly welcome you into their strange, wonderful and unique country with open arms.
We went to Bosnia really only to see the country and leave, but in truth we left our hearts in Bosnia. A part of us will always remain and it will always be with us. We even ended up staying much longer than we expected, we really didn’t want to leave in the end (especially for Serbia for whom we had heard such bad things!)
Sort Your Tours & Tickets Out
Best Place to Organise Your Tour & Much More
A great site to check out if you’re looking to book tickets or organise a tour is Viator
Viator often offers different tours to other companies, ones that aren’t otherwise available or have tickets still on sale when they have sold out. It’s the company we trust the most when it comes to booking top quality, unique and exciting tours when travelling.
Bosnia is such a rewarding country to visit and in truth, we only touched the surface, it has so much more to offer in both culture, history and adventure and we will most definitely be returning one day for a longer visit!
Have you ever delved into the history and culture of Bosnia?
Book Your Accommodation
Booking.com
Over the course of the last 10+ years of travelling, we’ve used Booking.com to book probably around 90% of our accommodation. These days you can book anything from a luxury resort to budget hotels and even hostels and rentals similar to Airbnb.
Plus, if you make an account, you get access to their ‘Genius’ loyalty program… and DISCOUNTS. Everything is laid out super easy so you know what you’re getting, and honestly, I’m just a really big fan of the platform over other major providers.
Organise Your Trip Here
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Yo, I’m Nic (they/them), one-half of The Roaming Renegades.
I’m an adventure (and halloumi) obsessed traveller with a passion for hiking mountains, exploring cities, watching Arsenal win, moshing out to Rammstein in random European fields and getting hopelessly lost on a motorbike somewhere in Asia! I am also a proud member of the LGBT+ community.
I’ve explored 80 countries, lived in Australia and New Zealand, and spent months wandering Southeast Asia, South America and Eastern Europe, all while trying to avoid growing up!
Did it work? I dunno, but my back hurts, and I still collect Pokémon cards! Who wants in?!
Bosnia is high up on my list! Great post, thanks for sharing. Happy travels 🙂
Thank you. I am sure when you visit you will fall in love as we did.