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.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Copper coffee set (džezva and fildžani)
Price: BAM 30-80 (~$17-46)
Handmade carpets
Price: BAM 100-400 (~$58-232)
Local honey
Price: BAM 8-15 (~$5-9)
Rakija bottle
Price: BAM 15-40 (~$9-23)
Bullet-casing pens
Price: BAM 5-15 (~$3-9)
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Markale Market
Where: Sarajevo
Hours: Mon-Sat 07:00-15:00
Kujundžiluk Bazaar
Where: Mostar
Hours: Daily 09:00-21:00
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Baščaršija Coppersmith Street (Kazandžiluk)
Markale Market
Ferhadija Pedestrian Street
Sarajevo City Center (SCC)
Kujundžiluk Bazaar
Mepas Mall
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Sarajevo City Center
Mepas Mall
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is accepted in bazaars; start at 70% of the asking price
Do not bargain in supermarkets or malls
Check copper items for hand-hammered marks
Carry small BAM notes
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Hours: Shops close early on Sundays in many towns
Payment: Cash preferred in bazaars; cards accepted in malls
Tax Free: VAT refund for non-residents on purchases above BAM 100 (~$58), with a Tax Free form
Export: Rakija and food may have limits at EU borders