Bosnia and Herzegovina captivates visitors with its blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav heritage. From Sarajevo's historic bazaars to Mostar's iconic Old Bridge, this Balkan gem offers stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and some of Europe's most affordable travel experiences.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Trebević Cable Car & Bobsled Track
The 9-minute cable car ride to Trebević mountain above Sarajevo is thrilling for all ages. At the top, the graffiti-covered 1984 Olympic bobsled track is fascinating for children and teenagers — a unique post-Olympic adventure landscape.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Kravice Waterfalls Swimming
The 25-meter crescent waterfall with turquoise natural pools is perfect for family swimming. Safe shallow areas for young children, with deeper pools for confident swimmers. Bring a picnic for the shaded areas along the riverbank.
Duration: Half day
Vrelo Bosne Park & Carriage Rides
Accessible by tram from central Sarajevo, this beautiful park at the source of the Bosna River offers horse-drawn carriage rides along tree-lined paths, duck feeding, and cycling. Calm, safe environment perfect for toddlers and younger children.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Sarajevo City Walking History Tour
Free walking tours from the Sebilj fountain explain Sarajevo's remarkable history — from Ottoman bazaar to WWI assassination site to WWII and beyond. Children 8+ engage well with the dramatic history, particularly the Franz Ferdinand story.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Sarajevo Zoo
Compact but well-maintained zoo in the forested hills above Sarajevo, home to bears, wolves, deer, and birds native to Balkan forests alongside exotic species. A relaxed afternoon activity before or after exploring the old town.
Duration: 2 hours
Horse Riding on Bjelašnica Mountain
Guided horse riding on Bjelašnica mountain meadows through alpine scenery. Suitable for beginners and older children. A memorable family experience on the 1984 Olympic mountain with panoramic Sarajevo views.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Jajce Town & Waterfall
The fairy tale town of Jajce has a waterfall flowing right through the town center, medieval fortress to explore, and the enchanting Pliva Lake watermills. Safe, walkable, and endlessly photogenic — children love the waterfall, mills, and fortress.
Duration: Half day
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Radon Plaza Sarajevo
Large modern five-star hotel with the best family facilities in Sarajevo including an indoor pool — perfect for children when weather turns rainy. Spacious rooms, connecting room options, good breakfast buffet, and free parking.
Family features: Indoor pool, children's menu, spacious rooms, connecting rooms available, free parking
Hotel Marriott Sarajevo
Reliable international brand with spacious rooms, central location, and professional service that caters well to families. Ground-floor restaurant serves varied menu. Walking distance to all Baščaršija attractions.
Family features: Spacious rooms, family-friendly restaurant, central location, connecting rooms on request
Pino Nature Hotel, Bjelašnica
Mountain eco-hotel ideal for active families — skiing in winter, hiking and biking in summer, outdoor activities year-round. Family rooms with bunk beds, organic restaurant with children's options, and fresh mountain air.
Family features: Family rooms, outdoor activities, skiing access, organic children's menu, mountain setting
Hotel President Sarajevo
Well-located mid-range hotel with larger rooms than most similarly priced options, friendly staff experienced with families, and a ground-floor restaurant. Walking distance to old town.
Family features: Good location, restaurant, helpful staff, reasonable price for families
Apartment rentals (Sarajevo Old Town)
Self-catering apartments in Baščaršija and central Sarajevo offer kitchen facilities for feeding younger children familiar foods, more space than hotel rooms, and local neighborhood experience. Widely available on Airbnb and Booking.com.
Family features: Kitchen facilities, more space, washing machine, local neighborhood feel
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Most Bosnian restaurants are very welcoming toward children — staff will improvise highchairs and share menus with drawings or English descriptions without being asked
Ćevapi (grilled meat in bread) and pljeskavica (Balkan burger) are almost universally loved by children — simple, mild, and finger-food friendly
Burek from bakeries makes a perfect cheap, filling family snack at $1.50-2 per portion — great for children who want something quick while parents explore
Many restaurants offer a 'dječiji meni' (children's menu) with pasta, grilled chicken, and chips at $5-8
Park restaurants at Vrelo Bosne and outdoor seating areas allow energetic children to move around without disturbing other diners
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Landmine safety is paramount — keep children on paved paths and marked trails at all times in rural and mountain areas without exception
Bosnia is very affordable for families — even premium restaurants rarely cost more than $40-50 for a family of four with drinks
Public trams in Sarajevo are children's delight and a practical way to explore the city — children under 6 often ride free
Pack sun protection for Herzegovina — Herzegovina summer heat (35-40°C) can be intense for children, particularly around Mostar