Bosnia and Herzegovina
The old-world charm of coastal Croatia, minus the cruise crowds
Estimated daily budget
€25–50
Estimated 7-day budget (flights excluded)
€175–350
Why it's an alternative to Croatia (Dubrovnik)
Walled old towns and Ottoman-Venetian architecture, at a fraction of the price and foot traffic.
Mostar and Sarajevo have the same Balkan-Ottoman charm that made Dubrovnik famous, without the cruise-ship queues or the coastal Croatia price tag.
We're not saying they're identical — they share the core experience you're after, with their own differences.
Must-see spots
Mostar
Its 16th-century Ottoman bridge, Stari Most, is one of the most photographed sights in the Balkans.
Sarajevo
A capital where Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and modern influences sit side by side.
Kravice Falls
Tropical-looking waterfalls in the middle of Europe, still relatively undiscovered.
Things to do
- • Cross the Mostar bridge at sunset
- • Get lost in Sarajevo's old bazaar
- • Swim beneath Kravice Falls
- • Hike the Dinaric Alps
- • Try cevapi and burek from a local stand
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Croatia (Dubrovnik)
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Croatia (Dubrovnik) 🇭🇷
7-day cost
€175–350
7-day cost
Typically much higher (check current prices)
Crowds
Very low — barely any international tourism yet
Crowds
High during peak season
The experience
Walled old towns and Ottoman-Venetian architecture, at a fraction of the price and foot traffic.
The experience
The original — hence the fame, and the price tag
Estimated total incl. flights
vs Croatia (Dubrovnik)
You save approximately €838 (~70%)
Estimated budget for 7 days
Flights not included. These are rough estimates and can vary depending on dates and travel style.
What stands out
- +Striking history and architecture
- +Beautiful nature (canyons, rivers, mountains)
- +Very cheap
- +Warm hospitality
Worth knowing
- –No real coastline of its own
- –Public transport is limited outside cities
- –War history is still visible in some areas
Best time to visit
Continental climate with warm summers and cold winters; snow in the mountains.
Who it's for
- 👤 Budget travelers who want history and architecture
- 👤 Nature lovers (canyons, rivers, mountains)
- 👤 Anyone after an authentic, off-the-beaten-path corner of Europe
Safety
Safe for tourists; stay on marked trails, as some areas still have unexploded landmines from the war.