š Bosnia & Herzegovinaļ½A Hidden Gem in Eastern Europeā¼ļø
Among European travel destinations, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is truly off the beaten path. Its full nameāBosnia and Herzegovinaāmight be unfamiliar to many, but its capital will ring a bell: Sarajevo! š Must-Visit Spots šø Mostar Stari Most (Old Bridge): Spanning the Neretva River, this 16th-century stone bridge stood for over 400 years before being destroyed in the 1993 Bosnian War. Rebuilt in 2004, a small plaque reads "Donāt forget ā93"āa poignant reminder to cherish peace. Mostar Old Town: Wander slowly through Turkish-style architecture and centuries-old landmarks. Blagaj Tekke (Dervish Monastery): A 15-km drive from Mostar. This stunning karst spring gushes crystal-clear turquoise water beneath a cliffside monastery. Old Bazaar (Kujundžiluk): Cobblestone lanes lined with artisan shops selling traditional carpets, copperware, and local eateries. š Sarajevo BaÅ”ÄarÅ”ija: The cityās vibrant Turkish quarter, famed for its coppersmith street. Soak in local life and hunt for souvenirs! Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque: An iconic Ottoman masterpiece and filming site for the classic Yugoslav movie "Walter Defends Sarajevo". Eternal Flame (VjeÄna vatra): A memorial on Ferhadija Street honoring Sarajevoās WWII liberators. City Hall (VijeÄnica): A breathtaking Austro-Hungarian building once serving as the National Library. Latin Bridge: Where Archduke Franz Ferdinandās assassination sparked WWIāshort in length, immense in historical weight. š Travel Tips š” Currency: Use the local Convertible Mark (KM). Carry sufficient cashāmany places (accommodations, bus stations, some restaurants) donāt accept cards. š” SIM Cards: Buy at newsstands or small supermarkets (slightly pricier). š” Food Notes: Dishes tend to be salty (blame the cheese!), and salads are often served freshācucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, onions. š” Winter Alert: Wood-burning stoves for heating give the air a distinct smoky scent. #Travel #EuropeTravel #HiddenGems #BosniaAndHerzegovina #Sarajevo #Mostar #EasternEurope