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About Federation Of Bosnia And Herzegovina
The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the two entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina and covers roughly half of the country, including the capital Sarajevo, Mostar, Jajce, Travnik, Konjic, Bihać and Neum on the Adriatic. Ottoman bazaars and Austro-Hungarian boulevards sit beside Herzegovinian stone villages, emerald rivers and the Bjelašnica and Prenj mountains. Prices are low by European standards, the Convertible Mark (BAM) is pegged to the euro, and Sarajevo and Mostar are connected by a scenic road and a daily train.
- Capital
- Sarajevo
- Largest city
- Sarajevo
- Population
- About 2.2 million (2013 census)
- Languages
- Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian
- Currency
- Convertible Mark (BAM)
- Time zone
- UTC+1 (CET), UTC+2 in summer (CEST)
Explore Federation Of Bosnia And Herzegovina by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Federation Of Bosnia And Herzegovina
The 25 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque
Kriva Ćuprija (Crooked Bridge) and Radobolja Stream
Muslibegović House
Baščaršija
Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Federation Of Bosnia And Herzegovina Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Federation Of Bosnia And Herzegovina, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Federation Of Bosnia And Herzegovina
- Days 1-2Federation Of Bosnia And Herzegovina city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Federation Of Bosnia And Herzegovina
- Days 1-3Federation Of Bosnia And Herzegovina comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Federation Of Bosnia And Herzegovina, departure
Where to stay in Federation Of Bosnia And Herzegovina
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget $35-49 (BAM 60-85)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range $81-116 (BAM 140-200)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury $203+ (BAM 350+)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Hotel Europe Sarajevo
A historic hotel from the 1880s on the edge of Baščaršija, restored as a four-star property steps from the Eternal Flame and the old bazaar.
Check rates on Booking.comHoliday Hotel Sarajevo
The landmark yellow hotel from the 1984 Winter Olympics, beside the National Museum and a tram stop, 25 minutes on foot from the Old Town.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Bristol Sarajevo
A five-star hotel in the central Marijin Dvor area, close to trams and the Miljacka river promenade.
Check rates on Booking.comRadon Plaza Hotel
A large five-star hotel and spa on the road to Ilidža and the airport, convenient for car and airport arrivals.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Federation Of Bosnia And Herzegovina
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Željo
Ćevabdžinica Petica
Inat Kuća
Park Princeva
Dveri
Zlatna Ribica
Getting around Federation Of Bosnia And Herzegovina
Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ) is the main gateway, with Mostar (OMO) and Tuzla (TZL) airports handling limited flights. Buses link Sarajevo with Mostar (about 2.5-3 hours), Jajce (about 3 hours), Travnik (1.5 hours) and Bihać (about 6 hours) from the Sarajevo Main Bus Station at Put života 8. A daily train runs Sarajevo to Mostar through Konjic. In cities, Sarajevo has trams and trolleybuses (single fare about BAM 1.80 / $1) and taxis; in Mostar the Old Town is walkable.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in USD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $12-25 (hostel dorm) | $50-75 | $116-200 |
| Food (per day) | $10-15 | $20-29 | $46-70 |
| Transportation | $2-5 | $9-15 | $23-35 |
| Activities | $3-6 | $9-15 | $17-35 |
| Daily total | $35-49 (BAM 60-85) | $81-116 (BAM 140-200) | $203+ (BAM 350+) |
Best time to visit Federation Of Bosnia And Herzegovina
Weather through the year in Bosnia And Herzegovina
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Bosnia And Herzegovina.
Best from May to June and September to October; July and August are hot but suit swimming at Kravice and the Una river.
Mostar is 8-10°C warmer than Sarajevo in summer. Bring layers for Sarajevo evenings in any season.
Essential travel tips
- Currency is the Convertible Mark (BAM, KM), pegged at 1.95583 per euro; BAM 1 is about $0.58. Euros are accepted in some tourist shops but at a poor rate.
- Citizens of the US, UK, EU, Canada and Australia can stay up to 90 days without a visa; the passport should be valid for the whole stay. Hotels register foreign guests with the police; guests staying in private rooms should keep the registration slip.
- Carry cash. Many cafés, ćevapi grills, bus kiosks and small guesthouses do not take cards. ATMs are common in Sarajevo, Mostar and larger towns.
- Use the daily set lunch (dnevni meni) for the best value: usually BAM 8-15 (~$5-9) for soup and a main course.
- Intercity buses are the main public transport. Buy tickets at the bus station window or on the bus; carry small notes.
- Stay on asphalt or marked paths when hiking: unexploded landmines remain in some rural areas. Check the BHMAC mine-action site (bhmac.org) before leaving marked routes.
- Tap water is safe to drink in Sarajevo and most towns.
- Visitors should dress modestly in mosques: cover shoulders and knees, and women carry a scarf for the hair. Remove shoes at the door.
Safety information
Stay on marked paths and paved roads in rural and mountain areas; landmines from 1992-95 remain in some regions. The BHMAC mine-action site is bhmac.org.
Use licensed taxis or the Bolt and inDriver apps; agree the fare before getting into a street taxi.
Watch bags in crowded places such as Baščaršija, Ferhadija and the Stari Most area in Mostar.
Carry a photocopy or phone photo of your passport; the original stays at the hotel safe.
Emergency numbers: police 122, fire 123, ambulance 124, general emergency 112.
Do not drink and drive: the legal limit is 0.03% blood alcohol.
Mountain weather changes fast on Bjelašnica, Prenj and Čvrsnica; carry a rain shell even in summer.
Bring comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation; hospitals outside Sarajevo and Mostar are basic.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina safe to visit?
Generally yes: violent crime is low and Sarajevo and Mostar are safe with normal precautions. The main hazard is landmines in rural areas, so stay on marked paths. Emergency numbers: police 122, ambulance 124, fire 123, general 112.
What is the best time to visit?
May to June and September to early October offer mild weather and fewer crowds; July and August are hot, especially in Mostar.
What currency is used?
The Convertible Mark (BAM), pegged at 1.95583 per euro; BAM 1 is about $0.58.
How do I get from Sarajevo to Mostar?
A daily train (about BAM 12-18) and frequent buses (BAM 22-32) take 2.5-3 hours.
Explore Federation Of Bosnia And Herzegovina by city
The cities below have their own guides — hotels, attractions and where to eat, in depth.