The Solo Travel Guide To Bosnia (2024)

Bosnia and Herzegovina may not be the first location to pop into your mind for a European holiday, but a solo trip to Bosnia will blow your mind. Bordered by Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro, Bosnia offers a unique opportunity for travellers to explore the Balkan Peninsula. A tumultuous past will forever haunt the country, but over the last several years, safety, accessibility, and tourism have increased, making it a serene gem for escaping the swaths of tourists in countries like France and Spain. 

Stretched along the Adriatic Sea, Bosnia is a spectacular blend of mountains, ragged canyons, and magical beaches. I didn’t know what to expect from the adventure, but taking a solo Bosnia trip made me reassess the potential of the European continent. The capital, Sarajevo, has a historic Old Town, buzzing street energy, and a mixture of architectural styles, with the Bascarsija being a must for a cultural afternoon visit. 

Taking the plunge to solo travel Bosnia is the start of an epic journey. You’ll traverse craggy peaks, meet warm locals in remote villages, and educate yourself about a period when harmony in the country seemed impossible. At times I felt overcome with emotion. Bosnia is such an awe-inspiring world where nature remains robust and wild and locals are friendly– it’s difficult to imagine the country and people being anything other than peaceful. 

Planning a solo trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina? Here’s where you’ll find:

1. Everything You Need To Know Before A Solo Trip To Bosnia
2. How To Get To Bosnia As A Solo Traveller 
3. Tips For Finding Cheap Flights To Bosnia
4. Do I Need A Visa For My Trip To Bosnia?
5. How Do I Book A Solo Trip To Bosnia?
6. How To Book Hostels and Hotels in Bosnia
7. Travel Insurance For A Solo Trip To Bosnia
8. SIM Cards in Bosnia
9. Is Bosnia a Good Place to Travel Solo?
10. How Much Does A Solo Trip To Bosnia Cost?
11. Is Bosnia Safe For A Solo Female Traveller?
12. Best Places For Solo Travel In Bosnia
13. How Do I Make Friends When Solo Travelling Bosnia?

Everything You Need To Know Before A Solo Trip To Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia may have a harrowing past and although political issues still exist, it’s a safe country to travel to. The most significant challenge in the country is staying clear of unexploded landmines from the war. These dangers are found in remote areas, so if you’re venturing off main roads, it’s best to travel during daylight, avoid going too remote, and consider meeting with a tour guide for safety. 

When arranging a solo trip to Bosnia, consider the time of year, the activities you want to do, and the parts of the country you most want to visit. May and June are beautiful months where the sun is prevalent but not too hot, and early September offers a warm start to the autumn season. Picturesque mountains meet rolling hills and vast green spaces where nature thrives, filling the hearts of hiking lovers. 

How To Get To Bosnia As A Solo Traveller

One of the joys of Bosnia? Flights are affordable. If you’re willing to have a couple of layovers, you can find prices for under £100. Flights are one of the annoyingly expensive parts of travelling, but adding a few hours and taking a less ‘convenient’ flight can save you hundreds. 

Taking less convenient flights can be a pain but when it means making big savings, why not consider it an extra adventure? The flights above are vastly different in time and price, but if you’re spending a full 90 days in Bosnia, it’s worth going for the longer option. 

Tips For Finding Cheap Flights To Bosnia and Herzegovina

The ability to source cheap flights has never been easier. With airline rewards, comparison websites, and constant deals, finding cheap flights to Bosnia is a breeze. Over the last decade of solo travelling, I’ve found so many ways to save money on flights, here’s a few ideas:

Use Comparison Websites

I’ve trusted Skyscanner to show me the best deals in minutes with their easy website. In seconds, I can input data like the dates I want to travel, the cabin class, and the number of layovers I’m willing to experience! Results show in moments detailing the best, cheapest, and fastest options for wherever I want to go.

Set Up Flight Alerts

Flight alerts save you a rise in cortisol by alerting you of cheap flight deals for your destination so you don’t have to keep checking for updates. Allowing notifications to go to your phone, even when you’re at the office, in the shop, or getting your hair done, you are never far away from the top flight deals. 

Avoid Baggage Fees

Some airlines, particularly budget ones, have strict baggage allowances and apply additional fees for travellers exceeding the limit. This is far from ideal, so the best way to avoid this is to check the limits on the airline’s website. After packing your bag, check the weight. If it’s over the limit, it’s time to unpack some non-essentials!

Do I Need A Visa For My Trip To Bosnia?

A visa to solo travel Bosnia from the UK isn’t necessary if you hold a valid passport with validity for three months after you plan to leave. For stays longer than three months, you need to contact the Bosnian authorities and explore the most suitable options for your plans in the country. Make sure you get stamped on both your entry and exit so you don’t face problems trying to leave the country and travel elsewhere. You can find out more about Bosnia’s entry requirements on the official UK GOV website here. 

How To Book Hostels And Hotels In Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia has epic accommodation options, especially hotels and they are surprisingly affordable! If you’ve always wanted to wake up with a green mountain view in the morning, followed by traditional, sweet Uštipci and coffee, Bosnia is your answer. I love staying in diverse accommodation options but don’t want to blow too much of my budget, so I use Booking and Hostelworld to source the best prices.

The flexibility of both websites is unbeatable, showing accommodations at different prices, ratings, and proximities. Using comparison websites like Booking and Hostelworld makes finding accommodation effortless, and it’s one of the ways I’ve managed to save so much money when booking my trips. 

>> READ: 24 Ways To Get Cheap Hotel Deals in 2024

Currency, Plugs And The Best Ways To Get Around 

Bosnia is a cheaper option than Croatia, with the Bosnia-Herzegovina Convertible Mark being the country’s currency rather than the euro. As your trip draws closer and you start packing and arranging funds, consider using a prepaid travel card and cash so you always have a backup payment method.

Buses are the easiest way to get around Bosnia and you can pay cash at a kiosk. Don’t forget to also include adaptors for plugs C and F in your backpack. If you’re struggling with what to pack for your solo Bosnia trip, explore my girls’ packing guide.

Best Travel Insurance For A Solo Trip To Bosnia

You may be wondering if it’s worth investing in travel insurance for your solo adventure. The younger me would’ve brushed off insurance as something non-essential, but now I’m older and wiser, I can’t imagine travelling without it. Insurance gives me the comfort and reassurance of having someone to speak to if I have any issues on my trip. 

There are a hundred reasons why travel insurance is worthwhile for the avid explorer, and you can read about the best travel insurance for solo female travellers here. But for now, let’s explore my top three travel insurance companies:

SafetyWing

SafetyWing insurance covers everything I can imagine for a solo Bosnia trip. Coverage includes motor accidents, sickness, delays, emergency return flights home, injuries from sports and activities and so much more. For an affordable but extensive travel insurance option, travellers won’t be disappointed by SafetyWing, and online assistance is available to answer any queries, anytime. 

Check out SafetyWing insurance here

Outbacker

Get thorough coverage for less with Outbacker insurance. Emergency assistance is available 24/365, for support whenever, wherever. Those looking to earn while travelling benefit from working holiday coverage, and standard features like coverage for over 200 sports and activities, safe, fast, and secure booking, and an instant policy delivery so there’s no waiting around for letters to be delivered. 

See if Outbacker is the right option for you here

World Nomads

Trusted by renowned companies like Hostelworld and Eurail, World Nomads is a dependable name in the industry. The volume of coverage is impressive, with unique options like emergency dental treatment, pregnancy, medical evacuation, and insurance for natural catastrophes. 

Learn more about World Nomads here 

Best eSIM For Travelling To Bosnia and Herzegovina

A part of my job is producing online content for my blogs and socials, so I need to stay connected even when travelling. I also feel safer carrying my phone so I can easily navigate back to my accommodation, stay aware of the time of day and when it will get dark, and call for help if necessary. 

I’m not willing to pay the awfully high price of daily data roaming charges, so I use Airalo. The company offers eSIMs for more than 200 countries and regions, with incredible offers for Bosnia starting at just £4. With choices for various data amounts and durations, you can select the plan best suited to you without any hidden fees. Keep connected on your journey and discover Airalo’s eSIMs for Bosnia here.

Is Bosnia A Good Place To Travel Solo?

With a moderately low crime rate, endless things to do, and increased tourist presence in the last few years, Bosnia is a great place to travel solo. As with any country, petty crimes like pickpocketing still happen, but this tends to happen during the height of the summer season. Limit the risk of bag snatching and pickpockets by keeping belongings close and valuables out of sight. 

By respecting Bosnian culture and remaining vigilant, you can feel as safe as ever in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Croatia has a developed tourist infrastructure, so if you’re travelling across the border, expect to see some differences. I ate out alone a lot and didn’t have any incidents that made me feel uncomfortable, though it was a little strange to experience the odd person asking for money in the street. 

Should I Go To Bosnia On My First Solo Trip?

Taking your first solo trip to Bosnia is a brave move! The country is less travelled than its neighbour Croatia, but this shouldn’t put you off! You may feel more confident leaving Bosnia for a future solo adventure after first taking trips to other parts of Europe. The language barrier and lower tourist presence may be off-putting to first-time travellers, but once you touch down and meet other backpackers in hostels, you will settle in.

The capital city Sarajevo had a bustling energy and lots of friendly locals, some of whom spoke a little English! Relatively small in size, the colourful, multicultural jewel of the Balkans is safe for solo travellers with abundant accommodation options to choose from. The city is far removed from the tragedy of the 90s but still nods to its history with lots of museums and historical landmarks. 

I took time to research Bosnian culture and history on the run-up to my trip to know more about the country’s past and what to expect upon landing. Something huge I noticed as I navigated the country was the respect towards elders. Bosnian people were cheerful, approachable, and friendly with tourists and each other– a fresh and pleasing sight. 

Is Bosnia Expensive For A Solo Traveller?

Bosnia is one of the more affordable European countries with cheap accommodation, food, activities, and flights. Any trip overseas will be as expensive or cheap as you want it to be, and for budget travellers, it’s easy to cut costs in Bosnia. Travelling during peak times, dining at fancy restaurants and taking part in many paid activities will see your budget skyrocket. Instead, I like to cut costs by using comparison sites for flights and accommodation and balancing my spending (hard but doable). 

How Much Does A Solo Trip To Bosnia Cost? 

I’ve spent a decade adventuring the globe. From the rainforests of Asia to the diversity of America, one of the ways I’ve managed to travel far and wide is by keeping a tight budget for my trips. Read my travel money tips guide here to learn all about how I spend so much time out of the UK each year! For Bosnia, I focused on paid and free entry attractions, ate delicious Bosnian street food, and opted for fun hostels over luxury hotels. 

One month in Bosnia

Budgeting may seem restrictive but it doesn’t have to be! Taking buses instead of taxis provides more of an authentic experience that’s cheaper and makes me feel so much like a local! Staying in hostels is a gateway for blossoming friendships with other travellers and can save hundreds for your Bosnian break. It’s tempting to do and see everything in Bosnia, and if you have the budget, go for it! If not, make a list of must-sees and might-sees, visiting places based on how much of your budget is available. 

Is Bosnia Safe For A Solo Female Traveller?

Back not so long ago in the 90s, Bosnia wouldn’t have been a safe place to solo travel as a female, but thankfully, times have moved forward. The country is safe for any solo traveller, with the biggest threat being unexploded landmines in the remote countryside. These can be avoided by sticking to trails, hiking during daylight hours, and avoiding straying too far from the beaten path. 

Regardless if it’s your first or tenth solo trip abroad, it’s always wise to err on the side of caution. For me, this means not walking around at night alone, keeping my phone close in case of emergencies, and trusting my gut if something doesn’t feel right. In general, Bosnia is an overwhelmingly safe place for tourists.

Locals are warm-hearted towards travellers and I felt like they were grateful that foreigners wanted to visit their country. If you have any reservations about solo travelling, read my tips for solo female travellers to ease your nerves and kickstart your excitement for an extraordinary adventure!

Which Part Of Bosnia Is Best For Solo Female Travellers?

Sarajevo

A blend of historic and modern architecture makes Sarajevo an interesting place to explore. Home to the Avaz Twist Tower, the country’s skyline is a marvel, offering visitors plenty to admire waking the narrow streets. As Bosnia’s capital, Sarajevo is the perfect place to learn about the war and events of the 1990s that shaped the country into what it is today. The Siege of Sarajevo Museum, The Yellow Fortress, and the Museum of Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide are heart-wrenching but unmissable.

• • Best Hotel: Hotel Sana
  • Best Hostel: Hostel Kucha
  • Book activities & tours for Sarajevo

Where Are The Best Places For Solo Travel In Bosnia?

Bosnia isn’t a particularly big European country, making it simple (and cheap!) to travel to various towns and cities. For solo travel, a few locations stand out for how safe I felt, the activities available, and the general vibe. Let’s get into my top picks, shall we?

Mostar

Venturing to Mostar will reward you with an increased tourist presence (great if you’re feeling a little apprehensive), characterful stone buildings, picturesque views of the Neretva River, and a relaxed atmosphere. The small but impressive town could have been taken from a children’s fairytale book, with vibrantly green hills, pretty houses, and cobblestone streets perfect for a dusk stroll. 

• Best Hotel: Hotel Pasha
• Best Hostel: Hostel Nina
• Book activities & tours for Mostar

Blagaj

If I had to choose one word to describe Blagaj, it would be dramatic. It was one of my favourite places in Bosnia, framed by towering mountains, and home to the popularly visited Blagaj Tekke. The Sufi Dervish monastery is simply incredible to witness in person. To elevate your adventure further, explore the cave on a boat ride to learn the monastery’s history and absorb its sheer magnitude and mystic beauty. 

• Best Hotel: Villa Velagic
• Book activities & tours for Blagaj

Počitelj

When I return to Bosnia in the future, I know I will travel back to Počitelj. The town is small but mighty, with an enticing beauty drawing worldwide visitors each year. The medieval walled village is a marvel to explore but has a heart-breaking history from the war. Once nearly abandoned, Počitelj has been vastly rebuilt over the last two decades, blossoming into a town with an air of charm and joy. 

• Best Hotel: Neretva View
• Book activities & tours for Počitelj

Kravica Waterfall

All natural wonders grab my heart, and Kravica Waterfall is no exception. With proximity to Dubrovnik across the border and under an hour from Mostar, Kravica Waterfall needs to be added to your itinerary! The entrance fee is the equivalent of around €10, making it a cheap yet rewarding day out. Water cascades down forest-green cliff sides into a huge pool of some of the cleanest, turquoise water I have ever witnessed. 

• Best Hotel: Apartment Kravica
• Book activities & tours for Kravica Waterfall

Trebinje

The serene city of Trebinje is far away from the energetic nature of other European cities, offering peace and relaxation in Bosnia’s south. After hiking mountains and valleys, and swimming in crystal waters, I melted into the laid-back atmosphere of Trebinje. Some of my fondest memories are of drinking Bosniac coffee in little cafes and devouring slice after slice of baklava.

• Best Hotel: RAS
• Book activities & tours for Trebinje

Travnik

If there’s one thing you do in Travnik, visit Stari Grad, Old Town. As one of the oldest towns in Bosnia, visitors can relish the rich heritage and history of the well-preserved landmark, learning about the structure’s past in the museum. But don’t forget to explore the castle grounds! You’ll be in awe of the expansive views and peacefulness when visiting outside of popular visiting times. 

• Hotel: Hotel IUT
• Hostel: Hostel Tron
• Book activities & tours for Travnik

How Do I Make Friends When Solo Travelling To Bosnia and Herzegovina?

When I first began solo travelling the world, I didn’t know what to expect or how I would adapt to ever-changing situations. Fast forward 10 years to now, and one of the biggest and most enjoyable aspects of backpacking has been the beautiful souls I’ve met on my adventures. Making friends isn’t always easy as I talked about in my guide to solo travelling, but it can make things so much more fun! Here are my tips to help you connect and make friends on your Bosnian venture:

Join A Group Tour

What better way to meet people from around the world than a group tour? Especially if you’re feeling nervous, group tours can boost your confidence in minutes, with fun activities to break the ice. If you’re not sure of the tours available, why not ask for information in your hostel and see if anyone from your dorm wants to join you? 

Put Your Phone Down

I know how easy it is to bury yourself in your phone when you feel nervous or insecure but that’s not a good way of making friends! Lean into your insecurities and push past them by opening up to fellow travellers in your dorm and bonding over the highs and lows of solo travelling.

Hang Out In Communal Areas

Hostel communal areas are an epic way of meeting others quickly! Hostels are usually the preferred accommodation for solo backpackers, and they can be found all around Bosnia, from the centre of Mostar to the outskirts of Travik.