Is Bosnia and Herzegovina Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Bosnia and Herzegovina has generally safe neighborhoods, especially in tourist-populated areas. Street crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is relatively low. However, it's recommended that you stay cautious as a solo female traveler. Make sure you are aware of your surroundings at all times, especially at night and in less crowded areas. Use common sense when catching taxis and where possible, book through a reputable company. In terms of cultural respect, it's always best to dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention. Lastly, be aware of land mines in rural areas from the recent war.

Safety rating

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How safe is Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally a safe destination for solo female travelers. However, you should exercise caution especially when walking alone at night. While major cities like Sarajevo are relatively safe, it's always best to avoid dimly lit and deserted areas. Most locals are incredibly helpful and hospitable, but as with any place, it's important to stay vigilant and follow your instincts.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally quite reliable and widespread, covering almost all parts of the country. Buses and trams are the most common modes of transport and are often preferred by locals and tourists alike. While pickpocketing in crowded places can happen, it's not a common occurrence. Late-night transport options may be limited in smaller towns. As with any form of public transport, being aware of your surroundings and keeping an eye on your belongings is recommended.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

Bosnia and Herzegovina generally maintains a respectful culture towards women. Although street harassment occasionally happens, it is not a prevalent issue. As a traveler, you may experience occasional stares, especially in the more conservative and rural areas. However, overall, this country is considered safe for solo female travelers. Just make sure to exercise usual caution and discretion.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally a safe country for travelers, including solo female travelers. Though petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag-snatching can occur, especially in tourist areas and on public transportation, these incidents are relatively uncommon. However, travelers should always take precautions in maintaining their personal safety and safeguarding their belongings.

Is Bosnia and Herzegovina worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 43 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.3/5

Safety

4.3/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.8/5

Sarajevo, Family travel

I stayed in Sarajevo for 3 days and always felt safe, even at night. The people are welcoming and the city has a calm and relaxed atmosphere. I stayed in an apartment in the center, a perfect location to get around on foot: almost everything is within walking distance. I recommend visiting Baščaršija (the old town), the Tunnel of Hope, the cable car that goes up Mount Trebević (amazing views), and simply getting lost among the streets full of history. The War Museum disappointed me a bit because of how it is maintained, so I would skip it. For food, I absolutely recommend Ćevabdžinica Željo and trying local desserts like baklava. In general, it's a low-cost trip, perfect if you want to see a different city, full of culture and with a touching past. The itinerary was flexible, so no rushing, just relaxed exploration.

Posted: May 11, 2025
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Aya

Aya

Italy

Jajce, Family travel

I stayed in Jajce for a few days and I always felt safe, even at night. The people are welcoming and the city has a calm and relaxed atmosphere. I slept in an apartment in the center, which was a perfect location to get around on foot: almost everything is within walking distance. Overall, it’s a low-cost trip, perfect if you want to see a different city, full of culture and with a beautiful landscape. The itinerary was flexible: no rushing, just relaxed exploration.

Posted: May 11, 2025
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Mostar, Family travel

Oh my God I honestly haven't seen a more beautiful city. It was so beautiful. Everything was perfect. The food the beauty the people literally everything. The energy was amazing. There were still visible consequences of war on many buildings but people were happy. It was cheap. So amazing.

Posted: April 26, 2025Experienced: July, 2023
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Banja Luka, Group travel

It's so safe, The food is first class even at the local shops, You can do anything you want in the city, Some hill areas were restricted when I gone hicking, so I probably don't know much about that,

Posted: April 11, 2025
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Ava

Ava

Moldova

Mostar, Solo travel

Jumped off the historic bridge with thousands of people watching after 8 practice jumps. Bathing suit up my butt, drowned rat hair, didn't buy a drink for the rest of the day. Great town, great people!

Posted: February 11, 2025
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Sarajevo, Family travel

I felt safe in Sarajevo but I don’t know if that’s because i was with my family or not but I think it’s a calm city. I didn’t feel particularly alarmed. Just be aware of your surroundings but I wouldn’t say that it’s dangerous to solo travel here.

Posted: January 31, 2025
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Çiçek

Çiçek

Turkey

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Group travel

The Bosnian cuisine is delicious but I think it depends on person’s taste .Ice cream,meatballs should be tried . I feel safe but there are some popular destinations and you can get scammed and robbed.

Posted: January 23, 2025
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Sarajevo, Family travel

Food was good, people were nice. TIP If u want to buy something in a local street store better ask someone local if he / she can buy it for you. Because when they hear turist price is double😆 .......

Posted: January 9, 2025Experienced: July, 2024
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Simona

Simona

Montenegro

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Solo travel

The trip to Visoko was my first solo trip 😊. I felt very safe and the locals were very willing to help with everything. The pyramids and parks are really something special and I would like to come again

Posted: January 4, 2025Experienced: April, 2024
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Michele

Michele

Germany

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Solo travel

People are super friendly as vegan or veggy almost impossible to eat out :D people smoke cigarettes everywhere also inside which I don't mind. Lots of nice hiking and citys like Sarajevo, mostar and small cute downs!! Many stray dogs

Posted: December 31, 2024Experienced: August, 2024
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Is Bosnia and Herzegovina safe for women?

Safety index

3.8 /5

Based on 12 local experiences

Crime index

1.9 /5

Based on 12 local experiences

Banja Luka

I haven't been around much. But as far as I know, it's safe and secure for a night walk, travelling alone, and most of the people are kind and understanding. It's all good and fun and I'm curious to meet new people.

Posted: April 10, 2025
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Marija

Marija

City of Čapljina

Čapljina is a small town where everyone knows everyone. It’s really safe, people walk around at night without worry, and there’s not much crime. It’s the kind of place where you’ll often see kids playing outside or people just enjoying coffee in town. Nothing much ever happens here – in a good way.

Posted: April 6, 2025
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Meet locals in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Esma

Esma

About Me

Hi ✨ I am Esma, currently living and working in Sarajevo (BiH). Traveling and discovering new places, meeting new people, and tasting food are some of my greatest joys, especially when it comes to desserts 🍨🍫🍬. Exploring different cultures and trying new activities keeps my life exciting, and I love sharing these experiences with others, as I like to hear and read about other people's travel experiences.

Speaking

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Manju

Manju

About Me

Heyy, This is Manju. Been doing nothing much lately, but interested in outing n stuffs. Travelling to somewhere interesting in Banja Luka is on my next check list. So feel free to chat or meet n we have some fun, what do you say? Interested in meeting like minded n open hearted ppl. Ready for a coffee n chat?

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Vilma

Vilma

Sarajevo

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I’m a 28 year old that moved to Sarajevo back in 2023 but have been living here on and off ever since then. I’ve previously hosted/hung out with other female travelers from Host a Sister Facebook group and made great friendships ever since. I actively practice Ashtanga Yoga and look for ways to make meaningful connections whether locally or whilst travelling.

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Rea

Rea

Banja Luka

Can host for:

7 days

About me

Hi!, My name is Rea and I'm interested in art, books, backpacking, cycling, dancing, fashion, food & cuisine, health, hiking, languages, live music, nature, nightlife, photography, rafting, running, science, shopping, sightseeing, swimming, solo travel, writing, sunbathing, events & social, education, culture, cinema, camping, caving, business and architecture

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Aubrey

Aubrey

About Me

Hi! I’m Aubrey, I’m a social worker in the Midwestern US. When travelling, I love sampling local coffee and tea, hiking, and touring religious sites like cathedrals and mosques. At home, you can find me at the library or taking long walks on our beautiful monon trail! I hate being bored, so I’m always ready to jump into something new!

Speaking

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Alexia

Alexia

About Me

Hey, I’m Alexia! An adventurous Aussie who loves exploring new places and experiencing different cultures. I’ve traveled to 24 countries and counting, with a passion for off-the-beaten-path destinations. My next big adventure? A six-week trip across the U.S., followed by a month of travel in Europe before settling somewhere new. Always up for great conversations, good food, and making new travel friends

Speaking

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Safety in Bosnia and Herzegovina