Top Destinations in Bosnia: A Muslim Traveler’s Guide

Bosnia, also known as Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a gorgeous country surrounded by nature’s best: beautiful mountains, calm rivers, and even access to private beaches! 

More importantly, it is a Halal-friendly country, with Muslims making up more than half the population of Bosnia. Hence, when it comes to hotel accommodations and food choices, you will find selections that will not only fit your palate but also your budget. 

Wondering where you should stop by in Bosnia? Here are our top picks:

1. Sarajevo

Image credit: Hongbin on Unsplash

Where most places are divided by religion, Sarajevo’s rich heritage welcomes all. This is the only European city where you can find an Orthodox church, synagogue, and mosque just a few hundred meters away from each other.  

Other than its harmonious culture, Sarajevo is also the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and like any other city, you will find restaurants, malls, and attractions all within the vicinity. 

There are mosques located on every corner, so a praying facility is always within walking distance. 

Top Attractions: 

• Baščaršija: admire the Ottoman architecture and Sebilj fountain
• Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque: largest mosque in the country
• Tunnel of Hope: A historic site constructed in the 1990s to protect citizens during the Bosnian War
• Trebevic Mountain: take a cable car up to the mountains for a scenic view of Sarajevo 

Where To Eat:

Buregdžinica Bosna

Halal: Yes
Recommended Dishes: Minced Meat Börek (pie) with yogurt
Address: Bravadžiluk 11, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Operating Hours: 8 am - 11 pm daily

2. Mostar 

Image credit: Ilse on Unsplash

Mostar is filled with historical insights worth discovering, embracing a laidback culture where you can pay someone to jump off its iconic bridge (don’t worry it’s safe). 

Feel at home with the Adhan played across the city periodically and nearby mosques to pray.

You can travel to Mostar by train from Sarajevo as it is the fastest and cheapest route. You will also get a gorgeous Neretva River view on the left side of the train.

Top Attractions:

• Stari Most: also known as The Old Bridge, and how Mostar got its name
• Kujundžiluk Street Bazaar: a 500-year-old tradition where artisan shops display local products on a cobblestone road

Where To Eat:

Aščinica Saray 

Halal: Yes
Recommended Dishes: Cevapi, Zeljanica (pie with spinach and cheese)
Address: Karađozbegova 3, Mostar 88000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Operating Hours: 7 am - 11 pm daily except Sundays 

3. Bihac 

Dive deep into nature at Bihac, an idyllic city filled with historical buildings such as castles and towers. It also has one of the cleanest rivers, the Una River, where you can swim, go white water rafting, and even drink from it!

There are several war remnants throughout the town, a reminder of the past and hopes that the city will remain peaceful for a long time. 

The lush greeneries of its national park and islands make Bihac a rare gem that can’t be found anywhere else, especially when most parts of the world are filled with man-made pollution.  

Top Attractions: 

• National Park Una: perfect place to go hiking and enjoy the waterfalls 
• Ostrožac Castle: 13th-century fairytale-like castle 
• Japod Islands: Eco-tourism villages for a tranquil getaway 

Where To Eat: 

Restoran Hajat

Halal: Yes
Recommended Dishes: Pizza Capricciosa
Address: Vazduhoplovne grupe 28, Bihać 77000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Operating Hours: 7 am - 11 pm daily 

4. Bjelasnica

Popularly known for its ski resorts, Bjelasnica is a mountain where thrill seekers go to play—think mountain biking or hiking the highest peak at over 2,000 meters.

It was also once used to host the 1984 Olympic Winter Games and remains a popular Olympic Ski Centre. Even if you are not the adventurous type, you will enjoy your time here admiring the winter landscape Bjelasnica has to offer.  

Top Attractions: 

• Village of Lukavac: go picnicking in a park, explore museums and unique buildings 

Recommended Restaurant:

Hotel Han Bjelasnica (the restaurant is within this hotel)

Halal: Yes
Recommended Dishes:  Begova Čorba
Address: Babin do bb, Sarajevo 71220, Bosnia and Herzegovina

4. Travnik 

Image credit: Petar Ubiparip on Pixabay

Travel back in time to the medieval era of the Bosnian Kingdom, where Travnik was once a place where the Ottoman royals reigned. Also known as “the castle on the hill,” this Old Town holds a rich heritage and historical culture. 

Now a quaint town that is vibrant with local delicacies, you will enjoy spending time in this slow-paced town and may occasionally stumble upon a street food festival. If you are a history buff looking for a suburban place away from the hustle and bustle, Travnik is one you should check out.  

Top Attractions: 

• Ornamented Mosque: known for its brightly-colored paintings on its walls and Ottoman architecture
• Stari Grad Castle: the most well-preserved castle with a majestic view of Travnik town

Recommended Restaurant: 

Ćevabdžinica Hari

Halal: Yes
Recommended Dishes: Cevapi (apparently the best in the country!)
Address: Donja čaršija bb, Travnik 72270, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Operating Hours: 7 am - 11 pm daily

5. Srebrenica

Bosnian War remnants can be found throughout the country, but Srebrenica is one town that holds the deepest memories of them all. Here is where the greatest massacre lies, as well as damages from the World War II era.

This is also where the Srebrenica Genocide in 1995 took place, where 8,000 of our Muslim brothers and sisters from Bosnia were killed. 

Despite it being more of a dark tourism, the town remains peaceful and sends an important message to everyone that 

Top Attractions:

• Srebrenica Genocide Memorial: a reminder of the lives of 8,000 people affected
• Guber Water: a spring known to have healing properties 

Recommended Restaurant:

Aščinica Korzo

Halal: Yes
Recommended Dishes: Cevapi, Chicken fillet
Address: Svetog Save bb, Bratunac 75420, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Operating Hours: 
Monday: 7 am - 10 pm
Tuesday - Friday: 7 am - 9 pm
Saturday: 7 am - 7 pm
Closed on Sundays

Before You Go

Ready for an adventure but not sure where to start? Our Bosnian Halal Tour Packages make it convenient for you to explore! Mosque visits are included, and we’ll find the best Halal restaurants near you.

In the meantime, check out our list of souvenirs you can bring home from Bosnia.

Happy traveling!