Banja Luka is the second largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina with around 200,000 inhabitants and is located at both sides of the Vrbas River. Banja Luka is one of seven regions of the Republika Srpska and the population is predominantly made up of Bosnian Serbs. There are many historical sights, cultural institutions to discover and lots to do. A special feature of Banja Luka is the juxtaposition of churches, mosques and synagogues.
Very well-known and popular here are the traditional cevapcici, which can be found all over the country. It is said that Bosnian cuisine is one of the best in the Balkans. There are also a number of exceptionally good bakeries and Cafés. Banja Luka has many green spaces in the city and you can also enjoy some great outdoor activities here. The hike to Banj Brdo is highly recommended. From there you have a wonderful view of Banja Luka and the surrounding region.
green streets, café culture, and calm vibes
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The airport here is very small and there are only a few airlines that fly to a handful of destinations every day. These include Vienna, Memmingen, Dortmund, Basel, Gothenburg, Belgrade and a few more. There is a small bus that goes directly to the city center and also back from there to the airport a few times a day. Tickets can be purchased directly from the bus driver and cost 10KM (5€). The journey takes around 30 minutes.
The best time to visit is during the off-season. Autumn and spring, especially May and September, are good times to travel. The temperatures are pleasantly warm and you can relax, explore the city and sit in the countless outdoor cafés and have a drink. Summer can be very hot here and December is when it rains the most.
It is a very cheap city. You can eat and drink very well here for very little money. Accommodation is also usually much cheaper here than in other cities in Europe. You pay around 1.50 – 3€ for a beer here.
One or two nights are definitely recommended to see the most beautiful corners and sights of Banja Luka.
