Bosnia & Herzegovina: What to Know Before You Go

Cuisine Highlights

• Ćevapi, minced beef kebabs in somun flatbread with kajmak and onion
• Burek, flaky phyllo pastry spirals filled with meat, cheese, or spinach
• Bosanski lonac, traditional slow-cooked meat and vegetable stew
• Bosnian coffee, thick, unfiltered, poured from džezva; not to be rushed
• Rakija, plum, quince, or pear brandy at every social occasion

Traditions & Festivals

• Sarajevo Film Festival (August), one of Europe's most prestigious film events
• Ramadan in Sarajevo, beautiful atmospheric celebrations in the old bazaar
• Mostar's Stari Most bridge-diving competition (July), tradition dating centuries
• Sarajevo is nicknamed "Jerusalem of Europe" for its diverse religious sites

Language & Communication

Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian are mutually intelligible and all official. English is widely spoken in Sarajevo and tourist areas.

Bosnia has a complex recent history, be sensitive about the 1990s war when the topic arises.

Cultural Etiquette

• Coffee culture is sacred, sitting for Bosnian coffee is a social ritual, not a grab-and-go
• The country is multicultural: respect Muslim, Orthodox, and Catholic traditions
• Tipping 10% is standard and appreciated
• Bosnia is very affordable and incredibly hospitable to travelers