6 Aug 2024
Photo: Kan Badrinath
Bosnia and Herzegovina, a gem in the heart of the Balkans, offers UAE travellers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality. It is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts. The cobbled streets of Bosnia, known as the "Jerusalem of Europe," has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous civilisations.
Getting to Bosnia and Herzegovina
Flying from Dubai to Bosnia couldn’t be easier. Only a short 5–6 hour flight and you will be immersed in history. You can fly with Flydubai from only 2,900 AED return.
Where to stay in Sarajevo
The 5-star Hotel Holiday Presidential Suite
The Presidential Suite at Hotel Holiday Sarajevo epitomises luxury and sophistication. This expansive suite features a lavishly appointed bedroom with a king-sized bed, a spacious living area with elegant furnishings, and a separate dining area ideal for hosting intimate dinners. You can indulge in top-notch amenities, including a state-of-the-art entertainment system, a private whirlpool bath, and panoramic city views from large windows.
The suite also includes exclusive access to the hotel's premium facilities, such as the fitness centre and the tranquil spa. For dining, the Presidential Suite offers a private dining option where you can enjoy gourmet meals crafted by the hotel's chefs, or they can opt for the exquisite cuisine available at the on-site restaurant. It also sleeps up to four people so bring the whole family.
Price: from 1,600 AED per night
Source: booking.com
The 4-star Residence Inn by Marriott
Residence Inn by Marriott Sarajevo is a welcoming oasis. Designed for both short and extended stays, this modern hotel offers spacious suites that feel like a home away from home, complete with fully equipped kitchens, comfortable living areas, and cosy beds. The hotel’s facilities include a 24-hour fitness centre for staying active, a stylish lounge area, and an indoor pool for relaxation.
Every morning, you can start your day with a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, featuring a variety of fresh and delicious options. The Residence Inn also offers a convenient grocery delivery service, allowing you to stock up on essentials or enjoy a meal in the comfort of your own suite.
Price: from 600 AED per night
The 4-star Hotel Sana
Hotel Sana features elegant rooms that blend modern style with cosy touches, each equipped with plush bedding and free Wi-fi. You can enjoy a range of amenities, including a well-equipped fitness centre to stay active and a relaxing lounge area for unwinding after a day of exploring. The on-site restaurant serves a diverse menu, featuring both local Bosnian favourites and international dishes, ensuring that every meal is a delightful experience. For a more relaxed dining option, you can enjoy coffee and light snacks at the hotel’s café.
Price: from 420 AED per night
Source: booking.com
What to do in Sarajevo
Learn about the Siege of Sarajevo
No visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina would be complete without acknowledging the city's more recent history. The Siege of Sarajevo, which lasted from April 5, 1992, to February 29, 1996, during the Bosnian War, is one of the longest and most harrowing sieges in modern warfare. This 1,425-day siege was a defining period for Sarajevo. The city's population faced relentless shelling, sniper attacks, and severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.
The War Tunnel Museum
The War Tunnel Museum, also known as the Tunnel of Hope, is a poignant reminder of Sarajevo's struggle for survival. Constructed in 1993, the tunnel ran beneath the Sarajevo Airport, providing the besieged city with a critical supply route.
Measuring just over 800 metres in length and about 1.6 metres in height, this narrow passageway enabled the transport of food, weapons, and humanitarian aid, as well as the movement of people in and out of the city. Walking through the preserved section of the tunnel, you can feel the claustrophobic conditions that thousands of Sarajevans endured.
The museum's exhibits, including personal belongings, photographs, and video testimonies, offer a harrowing yet inspiring look into the resilience and ingenuity of Sarajevo's residents.
Fancy a day trip from Sarajevo to Srebrenica?
If you want to experience even more history, we recommend you hire a car and explore the city of Srebrenica, steeped in rich history. Start in the morning and be back in time for dinner.
Where to stay in Mostar
The 5-star Hotel MEPAS
This luxurious hotel combines modern elegance with a touch of local charm. The spacious rooms and suites are carefully designed with contemporary décor, high-speed internet and uninterrupted views of the cityscape. You can unwind and rejuvenate in the hotel’s high-quality facilities, including a serene spa, a well-equipped fitness centre, an indoor pool, and even a bowling alley.
If you choose to dine in the hotel, there are a delightful array of options. The on-site restaurant serves a delectable mix of international cuisine and local specialties. With its exceptional service and prime location, Hotel Mepas provides a perfect blend of comfort and convenience
Price: from 700 AED per night
Source: booking.com
The 4-star Kriva Ćuprija
Hotel Kriva Ćuprija is a charming boutique hotel, perfect for history fanatics who want to fully immerse themselves in the city’s heritage. Set in a beautifully restored 16th-century stone building, this hotel offers a unique and intimate experience. The rooms are cosy and inviting, each furnished with traditional Bosnian décor and modern amenities like free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Some rooms even boast balconies with breathtaking views of the old town and the nearby Radobolja River. The hotel's facilities include a delightful terrace where you can relax and soak in the picturesque surroundings, as well as a wine cellar that offers tastings of local vintages. Dining at Hotel Kriva Ćuprija is a culinary treat; the on-site restaurant serves authentic Bosnian dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, allowing you to savour the rich flavours of the region.
Price: from 490 AED per night
Source: booking.com
The 3-star Pansion Oscar Summer Garden
Pansion Oscar Summer Garden offers a delightful retreat with a touch of personal charm. This welcoming guest house is known for its cosy atmosphere and friendly service. Many rooms offer private balconies with lovely views of the lush garden or the surrounding hills. You can enjoy a range of amenities, including a beautifully landscaped garden perfect for relaxing, and a small outdoor pool ideal for a refreshing dip.
Each morning, the guest house serves a hearty breakfast featuring a selection of local and continental options. In the evenings, the garden transforms into a lovely dining area where you can savour homemade Bosnian dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
Price: from 410 AED per night
Source: booking.com
What to do in Mostar
Wander Through Baščaršija
Baščaršija, Sarajevo's old bazaar, is a vibrant, living museum where the past and present coexist. Established in the 15th century by the Ottomans, it remains a bustling hub of activity. As you meander through its narrow alleyways, you will encounter an array of traditional shops selling handcrafted goods, from copperware and carpets to jewellery and ceramics. The aroma of freshly brewed Bosnian coffee and sizzling cevapi (Bosnian Kebab) fills the air, inviting you to pause and soak in the atmosphere.
The Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, a stunning example of Ottoman architecture, stands proudly in the heart of Baščaršija.
Photo: Hongbin
The Latin Bridge
The Latin Bridge, a modest yet historically significant structure, played a pivotal role in shaping the 20th century. It was here, on June 28, 1914, that Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife, Sophie, were assassinated, sparking a chain of events that led to the outbreak of World War I. Standing on the bridge, you can almost feel the weight of history and the magnitude of that moment. Nearby, the Sarajevo Museum 1878–1918 provides deeper insights into the events surrounding the assassination and the impact it had on the world.
The Stari Most
In Mostar, the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) is iconic. Built by the Ottomans in the 16th century, the bridge was a masterpiece of engineering and an emblem of the city's cultural diversity. Tragically, it was destroyed during the Bosnian War in 1993, but it's reconstruction in 2004 marked a step towards remembrance and acceptance.
Today, Stari Most is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its graceful arch once again spans the Neretva River, inviting visitors to witness the beauty of both the bridge and the spirit of the people who rebuilt it.
Each year, the traditional diving competition from the bridge draws spectators from around the world, showcasing the enduring bravery and traditions of the local community.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a land full of history. Each stone, bridge, and building tells a story, inviting you into a past that has shaped not only the country but the world. You will find that history in Bosnia and Herzegovina is not just something to learn but something to feel and connect with on a profoundly human level.
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