Europe's ‘best value' weekend getaway is an underrated gem with £40 flights

Metro

15 hours ago

If you're after a weekend getaway that won't bulldoze your bank account, head to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This fascinating country, known as the 'Heart of the Balkans', has just been crowned one of Europe's best-value city break destinations.
Holidaymakers can enjoy a two-night trip for around £150, new research from Monzo has found, based on the spending habits of 4.8 million customers across Europe between June 2024 and June 2025.
But the price isn't all it has going for it.
From breathtaking Ottoman architecture and cobbled streets to stunning landscapes and rich but troubled history, here's everything there is to see and do in this under-the-radar gem.
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Compared to popular European destinations like Spain and Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina remains authentic and underexplored.
Hordes of tourists haven't caught onto its beauty, just yet.
Sarajevo, the capital, is often described as a living museum. Its architecture mixes Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav influences, with mosques, synagogues, and churches standing side by side.
Visitors can wander through Baščaršija, the old bazaar, where traditional coffeehouses and artisan shops sell souvenirs, Bosnian coffee, and local crafts.
A short stroll is Latin Bridge, infamous as the site where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914, an event that sparked World War I.
Beyond its storied capital, a visit to the southern city of Mostar is a must.
Straddling the Neretva River, which is a spectacular shade of emerald green, Mostar is known for its iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), a UNESCO World Heritage site originally built in the 16th century during the Ottoman era and reconstructed in 2004 after being destroyed in the bloody Bosnian War of the 1990s.
Many travellers treat Mostar as merely a pitstop between Sarajevo and the more popular Croatian coastline (you can drive between the two), but doing so would be a disservice to this truly fascinating place.
Metro's Travel Editor Alice Murphy spent a long weekend in Mostar and described it as the country's most charming city. She recommends: Staying in the Old Town Hotel, a romantic base that's perfect for exploring the ancient alleyways and wartime museums.
Climbing the minaret of Mostar's old town mosque for a breathtaking view of the Stari Most. This is where the iconic photos of the bridge are taken.
Taking a day trip to Kravice, where you can swim in waterfalls and the blue-green lake.
Visiting the Museum of War and Genocide Victims. The exhibitions give a powerful and at times emotional glimpse into the conflict and ethnic cleansing that decimated the country in the 1990s.
Hanging around the streets around the Old Bazaar after dinner; if you're lucky, you'll catch an impromptu performance by local musicians. They're rowdy, raucous and can last all night.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a nature lover's paradise.
The country has an abundance to explore, with standouts including Una National Park, famous for its waterfalls and crystal-clear rivers. Located in the northwest, it's perfect for hiking, kayaking and wildlife spotting.
In the southeast, Sutjeska National Park is home to some of Europe's last remaining primeval forests, including Perućica, one of the oldest and largest intact forests on the continent.
It also features Maglić, Bosnia and Herzegovina's highest peak at 2,386 metres, ideal for adventurous hikers.
The best time to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina depends on your personal preference.
Late spring to early autumn (May to September) offers warm weather, which is ideal for tourists wanting to take in the sights or hike in the mountainous areas.
Summers can be hot, especially in the south, where temperatures can peak around 36C. It's also the most popular time to visit, so prepare for (small) crowds.
The country transforms into a winter paradise from December to February. You can expect frosty temperatures and heavy snowfall, particularly in the mountainous regions.
It's perfect for skiing and snowboarding. Many travellers will head to resorts in the Dinaric Alps, like Jahorina and Bjelašnica, which became popular after the 1984 Winter Olympics.
Spring and autumn are probably the best times to visit for sightseeing. There are fewer crowds and mild weather.
Festivals like the Sarajevo Film Festival in August also attract travellers seeking a more cultural experience.
Sarajevo International Airport is the country's biggest airport and offers direct flights to many European cities, including London, Paris and Istanbul.
Monzo data shows that good value flights can be found with low-cost airlines, especially when booked in advance.
You can typically find good deals. For example, a return flight from London Stansted to Sarajevo starts from £40 this October, according to Skyscanner.
There are plenty of cheap accommodation options once you're there, too. The average price of a hotel in Sarajevo is around £59, but you can find options for even less. For example, rooms at the Hotel Hayat Hills start from £41 per night. More Trending
For travellers already in the Balkans, overland travel is easy by bus or car from neighbouring countries like Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia. The scenic routes take you through mountains, forests, and historic towns, adding to the adventure.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, public transport is affordable and extensive, with buses connecting major cities and towns. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Cammeo operate in larger cities, but don't expect Uber or Bolt to work.
If you want to explore the mountainous areas or a national park, you're best off renting a car. Skyscanner data says the average price per day is around £81, but you can find some options for as little as £27.
Spending just £150 over a weekend trip in Bosnia and Herzegovina might sound too good to be true, but prices are much lower compared to other European destinations.
A Bosnian coffee usually costs between £1-2, and alcoholic drinks are cheap too. Sarajevo has some of the cheapest beer prices in Europe, with a pint costing £1.75.
A meal typically comes in between £3 and £8 if you're eating at local restaurants, while a meal for two in a mid-range restaurant (three courses) can cost between £15 and £44, according to financial company Wise.
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