A Guide to the Best Things to do in Banja Luka in 2023
Banja Luka is the second largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina after the capital, Sarajevo. It is the capital city of the region’s primarily Serb-governed part of Bosnia. It has seen a lot of reconstruction after the civil war of the 1990s. As a result, it is now one of Bosnia’s more modern and exciting cities. Unlike Sarajevo, it is worth visiting for a different experience.
It was a significant military base for the Ottoman Turks after 1527. As a result, it was awarded many landmarks, like its Ferhat Pasha Mosque, which is still considered one of the area’s most impressive models in Islamic construction.
The city of Banja Luka was undiscovered, reflected in the limited number of tourists. It was also highly compact, with most places in our Banja Luka guide in the city centre within walking distance. So if you’re new to the Balkans and the way of life – it is an excellent place to come and discover the customs, away from the business of Sarajevo or Mostar.
Banja Luka has a rich cultural heritage, with many museums, theatres, grand buildings, cathedrals, mosques and a National Library. In addition, the natural beauty of the city’s surroundings makes it a fabulous option for your trip to Bosnia. There are over 10,000 tree species and thermal springs and spas you can visit nearby. Our guide shares the best things to do in Banja Luka and the best Banja Luka attractions.
How to get to Banja Luka
It is situated close to the border with Croatia. Banja Luka is accessible via Zagreb and Northern Serbia by bus.
When you fly into BiH through low-cost airlines like Ryanair or WizzAir, you will likely land in Banja Luka. We flew here, but it is worth noting that it is an extremely SMALL airport that does not open every day!
The international airport is situated 25km to the north of the city’s centre or 30-40 minutes by road. You can catch a shuttle bus or a Taxi to reach the city.
Is Banja Luka worth visiting?
Instead of just travelling through, we recommend spending 2-3 nights in Bosnia’s second-largest city. It’s pretty different from Sarajevo and is a must-see for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Bosnia. You feel like you’re travelling somewhere special, and there are numerous Banja Luka attractions to have a great trip.
14 Best Things to do in Banja Luka
Museum of the Republika Srpska
The Museum of the Republic of Srpska has archaeological, natural and ethnological exhibitions and has lots of information in English. Expect to learn about something other than the Bosnian war here. Instead, you can learn about Banja Luka from the Stone Age to 1945. There is also a section dedicated to optical illusions where you can take pictures from different perspectives, which can be pretty amusing. However, it did feel slightly random.
Helpful information to visit:
- On weekdays, the RS Museum is open from 08.00 am until 08.00 pm and on Sundays and Saturdays between 10.00 am and 02.00 pm.
- The price for tickets is 1 KM for each person! Pretty cheap.
Banj Brdo
One of the best Banja Luka attractions is Banj Brdo, a 431-meter hill, part of the Bjeljavina mountain. On the hill’s top is the monument to the fallen Krajina soldiers, designed by Antun Augustincic and dedicated to soldiers who died in the People Liberation War in Bosanska Krajina.
You can view the entire city in Banja Luka from this place, which is pretty cool. However, to reach it, a twisting road leads to the monument!
FABRIKA Coffee
When you arrive in Banja Luka, you will soon notice that FABRIKA COFFEE is everywhere, and drinking coffee here is one of the best things to do in Banja Luka.
The coffee shop has been hailed as a premium local brand of premium coffee. The coffee, always freshly roasted, is made up of carefully selected Arabica and Robusta varieties.
We recommend joining the locals and going out for a coffee. It is trendy and affordable, and the coffee is WONDERFUL. So do as the locals do!
Vrbas River
To see the natural beauty of Banja Luka, visit the Vrbas river, which is a vibrant green river that runs through the centre of Banja Luka. The city lies on the river’s banks, which provides a peaceful space to wander around and enjoy the stunning natural beauty.
The name “Vrbas” comes from the local word meaning ‘willow’. This is due to the many canopies that line the river’s banks and offer shade to stroll peacefully along the river. There are also a variety of cafes that are quiet along the river, which is perfect for taking a break from coffee and getting away from the city centre’s hustle.
The river is also a great place to canoe, kayak and walks along the river’s basin, and it is one of the best things to do in Banja Luka.
Ferhat Pasha Mosque
Ferhat Pasha Mosque, also called The Ferhadija Mosque, is a mosque located in the town of Banja Luka and one of the most significant achievements of Bosnia-Herzegovina’s late 16th-century Ottoman Islamic architecture. The mosque was destroyed in 1993 and rebuilt and inaugurated on May 7, 2016.
With its traditional Ottoman style, the mosque was likely designed by a student from Mimar Sinan. It is a vibrant, beautiful mosque, and you can visit and tick off one of the best things to do in Banja Luka. Just remember to dress appropriately and see out of prayer times.
Cathedral of Christ the Saviour
The Orthodox Cathedral is another symbol of the city. It is right in the centre, surrounded by grassy lawns. The cathedral was built in the classic eastern Orthodox style in the 1920s. Unfortunately, it was damaged in its time in the Second World War and was reopened in 2009.
The interior decor is exquisite and is adorned with gold detail and intricately painted decorations, while the exterior tower is impressive and grand. The cathedral is accessible to all visitors, but the dress code is respectful.
Shop on Gentleman’s Street
Being one of Bosnia’s most modern and vibrant cities, Banja Luka is an ideal spot to indulge in shopping. Veselin Maslesa Street is Banja Luka’s main pedestrian street and a perfect area to walk around, go in the shops and watch all the locals wander around (especially in the evening). Therefore, the street’s nickname, Gospodska, means ‘Gentleman’s Street’.
The best time to go shopping in Banja Luka and wander is in the evening when there are pretty lights and a great atmosphere. The city is home to a variety of international brands along with local chains and a variety of chic eateries and cafés that contribute to the city’s stylish and trendy vibe.
Gradska Trznica Market
The present-day “Market” of Banjaluka was legally and officially established on August 26 1927.
Many vendors gather each day to sell on their stalls agricultural products of the country with fresh fruits and vegetables, honey, cheeses, and fresh flowers. The upper part of the leading market area is dedicated to homeware and clothing stores. There are also stalls selling sportswear equipment.
Like all markets, it’s a fantastic chance to check out what’s in season and to get an insight into the local food scene. Market hours begin at 6 am in the winter and 5 am in the summer months and are closed in the early afternoon.
Museum of the Contemporary Arts
One of the best museums in Banja Luka is the Museum of the Contemporary Arts which opened in 1971 in the former railway station.
The museum was first christened “the Art Gallery of Banja Luka. The opening of the Gallery was preceded by a campaign with the help of Yugoslavian and international artists to show respect for and solidarity with the people of Banja Luka after it was devastated by a devastating earthquake on the 26th and 27th of October 1969.
To show solidarity with the city devastated by the earthquake, renowned Yugoslavian artists and art historians, as well as their people who were friends with Banja Luka, collected around 750 artworks to aid the city. These works were used to create the Gallery and its core collection.
Today, you will see artists’ work from Banja Luka and the surrounding region and gain a better understanding of the area. The Museum of Contemporary Art is open daily from 10 am to 8 pm. Admission is cost-free and it is one of the best things to do in Banja Luka.
Good to know: they have a virtual tour of the Gallery on their website if you want to see what to expect.
Spa Srpska Toplice
At the base of Banj hill, next to the bank to the right of Vrbas, there are numerous thermal mineral water sources. The town of Srpska Toplice, where these springs are located on hundreds of acres, sits approximately 5 kilometres to the south of the centre of Banja Luka.
The number of archaeological artefacts found at this site suggests that the early Romans were aware of and utilized the curative properties of these waters. There are a few pools, and it has a lot of potential to be a great spot. We enjoyed it anyway (but they need more bins for the litter).
The water is sulfate-based, alkaline and muriatic earth and has a temperature range of between 24 and 34 degree Celsius! Visiting is one of the most unique things to do in Banja Luka.
Kastel Fortress
One of the best activities in Banja Luka is wandering around the Kastel Fortress. There has been a fortress since the Romans first built a structure, but evidence suggests Neolithic people also lived there.
The fortress lay close to the city centre of Banja Luka and was an important fortification for military purposes and also an important strategic point in the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman wars. Some of the things you can see in the fortress are a Roman Sarcophagus, a stone arch, walls, and beautiful panoramas of the river above the fortifications.
Contrary to other fortifications of the region, Kastel Fortress isn’t perched on top of a hill or mountainside. Instead, it is situated in the middle of the city, on the banks of the Vrbas river. It could be because the castle was not designed to defend the town from intruders but rather to guard its most valuable asset: the road.
Today, it is one of the best places to wander around, and in the summer, several events are inside – including concerts. Very cool and of the best things to do in Banja Luka.
Banski Dvor Cultural Centre
One of the best things to do in Banja Luka is to head to the Banski Dvor Cultural Centre, which is over the way from the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. The building was constructed in the 1920s to serve as a palace for the town governor; Banski Dvor is now an arts and culture centre that hosts shows, concerts and lectures.
The structure is elegant and grand, with many of the spacious rooms in the traditional 1920s neo-renaissance styles, like the chandeliers and high ceilings. The building is accessible to visitors, even with no current events.
Eat some Local Dishes
We spent quite a long time (more than most) in Banja Luka, and we did not waste an evening eating out and trying the local food. Therefore, we can recommend the following two restaurants for different experiences. Please note that if you are vegetarian or vegan, you will have to get creative, as most dishes are more suitable for meat or fish eaters!
Banjalučki Splav
We loved this place because of the laid-back ambience and the fantastic river view. The menu is excellent, with a choice of dishes at very reasonable prices. It is unique to eat on a boat, if nothing else. Eating here was one of our best things to do in Banja Luka.
Kazamat
Kazamat is among the oldest eateries in Banja Luka and probably the most popular one with tourists. However, despite the popularity, we felt the prices were affordable, and the food was excellent.
It did feel exceptional eating on the castle grounds and seeing the river from our outside table, but the inside was also spectacular. You can try all the Bosnian delicacies, including the Banja Luka Cevapi.
Krupa na Vrbasu and the Krupa Waterfalls
One of the days trips from Banja Luka is to Krupa na Vrbasu, a tiny town just 25km or a half-hour drive to the south of Banja Luka. The Krupa is a small river that joins the Vrbas inside the canyon. You will find a stunning scene of rambling rivers, canyons, and historic water mills.
The town is famous for its “Krupa falls”, the waterfalls running through it. Indeed, the clear and crystal-clear water flowing down from the traditional watermills makes for a beautiful sight. Near the waterfalls, you can buy freshly ground wheat or even eat some trout from the farms below.
Enjoy a swim in the beautiful Krupa Waterfalls, walk up to the old watchtowers (Greben) to get breathtaking views of the Vrbas Canyon and visit the historical Krupa na Vrbasu Serbian Orthodox Monastery. There is also the option to participate in various outdoor activities, such as rafting on the Vrbas river.
We hope you found our guide to the best things to do in Banja Luka useful. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the country, especially for those travellers who want to get off the beaten track!
Read our guide to: The Best Things to do in Sarajevo
Photo Credits: averagelives.com