Bosnia Bridges

Bosnia

So many fairy-tale-esque towns and villages to visit, not to miss: Sarajevo and Mostar!

Where To Stay &Why:

Sarajevo

Old Town Accommodations Home - Dzemal and his hospitable mother make you feel so warm and welcome, like you're visiting relatives from out of town. They will offer you Bosnian coffee and advice on where to visit. I had a spacious private room with a key, and a gorgeous lookout from the outside terrace. Note: ask about the heating in the winter, as I visited this cozy home in August.

Mostar

Deny Rooms - not to reject his rooms before you get there, actually the young man's name is Deny (pronounced Deh-nee) who welcomes you Bosnian style, with Bosnian coffee, family like chatter and a quick overview where to go and what to see. Deny also offers group tours to his guests to special and less known places of Bosnia, and I would take the same tour again without a hesitation. Bring swimming gear, photo gear, water and expect to stay the day out, immersed in nature, culture, and more! Sigh...


What To See:

Sarajevo

1. Kamarya Point of View - on the way here you will find a lookout that is the treasure for any photographer. If you choose to shoot the sunset or sunrise, do expect it to be chilly, even during the hottest time of the summer. But don't worry, that's why Kamarya Cafe will warm you up with tea, coffee, cakes and a gorgeous view behind glass. This place is CLASS and away from tourist attractions.

2. Hunkar Mosque - remarkably gorgeous gardens that eventually lead to the prayer hall. If you find "Sarajevo Prayer Times" on Google, you can better orient yourself when the mosque doors will be open. Some mosques stay open for all at all times, however some are only open during the 5 prayer times of the days, so to make your trip worth it, check the timings! Built in 1457, one of the oldest standing built in Ottoman style mosque.

3. Streets - walk away from the touristy attractions (away from Sebilj) in the direction of Mihrivode neighborhood and explore the traditional door designs and heart-breakingly, the many recent tombs along the way.

4. Museum of Crimes Against Humanity - will tear you up inside, and squeeze all the tears out of you, and thus you'll feel humanity left within you. The tragic stories of survivors told on video are truly unbelievable, but in need of our knowing. This story will move you.

Mostar


1. The trademark of the town is the Old Mostar Bridge and if you want a unique viewpoint of it from afar, visit the Koskin-Mehmed Pasha's Mosque, with little to no tourists and get the absolute best shots in any weather.

2. Try to take a tour to the close by town Pocitelj, which also has a gorgeous lookout from its old fort onto the river and Bosnian mountains. If you stay in Deny's rooms, he will take you there and tell you its entire magical story.