Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country of stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cultural heritage. Even a short 1–2 day visit can offer an unforgettable experience.
If you are coming here from Montenegro, the southern part of the country, Herzegovina, is easily accessible. It offers a mix of charming towns, historic monuments, and scenic natural beauty.
Two highlights of such a brief trip are Trebinje and the iconic city of Mostar, each providing a unique insight into the region’s past and present.
Trebinje
Trebinje is a charming town in the south of Republika Srpska (one of the entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina). Trebinje lies very close to the Montenegrin border, making it an excellent option for a 1–2 day side trip from Montenegro. The distance between Trebinje and Herceg Novi is about 40 km.
Trebinje is often referred to as the Town of Sun, Wine, and Plane Trees. It is known for its warm Mediterranean-influenced climate, historic Old Town, and vineyards.
Hercegovačka Gračanica Monastery is a stunning Serbian Orthodox complex completed in 2000. It is located on Crkvina Hill above Trebinje. Because of its elevated position, the monastery offers panoramic views over Trebinje, its Old Town, and the Trebišnjica River.
The Hercegovačka Gračanica Monastery is an ideal first stop in Trebinje. Here you will immediately feel the charm of this place.
From the hill where Hercegovačka Gračanica stands, one of the most striking features in the panorama below is the elegant Arslanagić Bridge, across the Trebišnjica River.
The Arslanagić Bridge was originally built in the 16th century, during the Ottoman period. It is one of the finest examples of classical Ottoman bridge architecture in the region. Today, the bridge stands as both a cultural monument and an engineering marvel, preserving centuries of local history.
Trebinje’s Old Town is not large compared to Kotor or Dubrovnik. It is a compact historical quarter dating back to the 18th-century Ottoman history. Here you can see thick stone walls, cobbled streets, and traditional houses. It has several gates, each once part of a controlled system regulating movement and trade.
One of the important landmarks of the Old Town is the Osman-Pasha Mosque. Architecturally, the mosque blends Ottoman and Mediterranean influences.
During the Bosnian war(1992–1995), the mosque was destroyed, but it was carefully rebuilt in its original form and reopened in 2005.
One of the most atmospheric places in Trebinje is Freedom Square (Trg Slobode), a lively central square. It is located just a couple of minutes’ walk from the Old Town. Here you can see magnificent centuries-old plane trees.
The square hosts a vibrant local market, where vendors sell cheeses, honey, herbs, wine, and handmade goods. Don’t miss this place!
Mostar
Leaving Trebinje and heading northwest, you’ll reach Mostar after a scenic drive of roughly 115 km, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by car.
Herzegovina (or Hercegovina) is the historical and geographical region that occupies the southern portion of modern Bosnia and Herzegovina. Herzegovina includes territories in both Republika Srpska (like Trebinje) and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (where Mostar is the largest city).
The Neretva River is one of the most important and iconic rivers of Herzegovina, shaping both its landscape and its cities. It starts in the mountains of Bosnia and flows southward toward the Adriatic Sea.
When the Neretva reaches Mostar, it becomes the city’s defining feature, flowing right through the center and dividing Mostar into its eastern and western parts.
The Old Bridge of Mostar — known locally as Stari Most — is perhaps the city’s most powerful symbol. It is a single-arched stone bridge built in 1566 by the Ottoman architect Mimar Hayruddin. It spans the emerald Neretva River, physically and symbolically connecting the two halves of Mostar — the historically Ottoman (Muslim) east and the more European-Christian west.
During the Bosnian War, the Old Bridge was destroyed on 9 November 1993 by Croatian artillery. It was a shocking loss for locals due to its major historical and cultural value. Luckily, under the leadership of UNESCO, the bridge was reconstructed using the same building techniques and the same stones. The newly rebuilt bridge officially reopened in July 2004, and since 2005, it has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The Karađoz-Beg Mosque is one of the most prominent Ottoman-era mosques in the eastern, historically Muslim part of Mostar. Built in 1557 by Karađoz-Beg, a notable Ottoman governor, it stands as a fine example of classical Ottoman architecture in Herzegovina. The mosque features a single dome and a slender minaret, typical of the period, with elegant stonework and intricately designed details that highlight the craftsmanship of the time.
The Franciscan Church and Monastery of St. Peter and Paul is a distinguished landmark in the western, historically Croatian part of Mostar, reflecting the city’s Catholic heritage. The current church was built in 1905 on the site of earlier Franciscan structures dating back to the 15th century, after previous buildings were destroyed or damaged over time. It is one of the most visually striking religious buildings in the city.
The Bosnian War left deep scars across Bosnia and Herzegovina, and its effects are still visible in cities like Mostar. The conflict, fueled by ethnic divisions and territorial disputes following the breakup of Yugoslavia, destroyed homes, infrastructure, and cultural landmarks.
Even today, many houses in Mostar that were fully ruined during the war have not been rebuilt.
Local cuisine
Now let’s turn to the more pleasant side of visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina — its cuisine. Bosnian food is hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying, with a strong emphasis on meat, bread, and fresh local ingredients. The culinary traditions here reflect the country’s Ottoman, Mediterranean, and Central European influences, making every meal a delightful experience.
Among the most famous dishes are burek and ćevapi. Burek is a pastry filled with minced meat, perfect for breakfast or a snack. Ćevapi, small grilled sausages typically served with somun (a kind of bread), onions, and sometimes with ajvar or kajmak, are a must‑try for any visitor. Beyond these, Bosnian cuisine also features rich stews, hearty soups, and fresh vegetables, all reflecting the region’s love for bold flavors and satisfying meals. A trip to Bosnia is as much a journey for the taste buds as it is for the eyes.
Also, don’t miss Bosnian coffee – it is not just a drink, it is an important part of traditions. Served in a small džezva (copper or brass pot) and poured into tiny cups, the coffee is strong, thick, and often accompanied by a glass of water and a piece of Turkish delight or chocolate.