Banja Luka

Banja Luka is located in northwestern Bosnia and Herzegovina, along the Vrbas River. It is the administrative center of Republika Srpska and the second-largest city in the country.

The best month to visit Banja Luka depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want the best weather, fewer crowds, or the best value? Following are our suggestions for each.

The best weather is a personal preference. We find the best weather for exploring a city is around 55° F and sunny. Weather in Banja Luka during the summer can be very hot, and you should consider an alternative time if you do not enjoy hot and sunny weather.

Below is a chart showing the average high and low temperatures for each month so you can decide what is best for you.

The shoulder season in Banja Luka is April, May, September, and October. For many, this is the best time of the year to visit. We spent the month of June in Banja Luka and thought the weather was cool in the morning, but pretty warm later in the day.

April and September are good months to visit Banja Luka for the best value and with few crowds. It does get cold and snows during the winter in Banja Luka so you should pack accordingly if you visit during the Holidays.

We recommend staying near Gospodska Street, the city’s central pedestrian zone. This area provides easy access to major landmarks, markets, restaurants, and cafes.

Use the interactive map below to filter accommodations by location, budget, and amenities.

Banja Luka International Airport (BNX), also known as Mahovljani Airport, is an airport located 18 km north-northeast of Banja Luka.

The Banja Luka railway station is located at Prote Nikole Kostića, Banja Luka 78000, Bosnia & Herzegovina. The station provides service between Sarajevo and Zagreb, but few other destinations.

Bosnia and Herzegovina uses a single time zone, denoted as Central European Time (CET: UTC+01:00). It also observes summer time, shifting to Central European Summer Time (CEST: UTC+02:00).

Bosnia-Herzegovina Convertible Mark

Bosnian is the official language of Banja Luka, but English is widely spoken in the tourist areas.

Citizens from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia don’t need a visa to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina if they stay 90 days or less. For more information on visa-free travel in Bosnia and Herzegovina, check out our article on traveling visa-free.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s electrical outlets are Type C, F, and L. They have a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Travelers from the United States will need an adapter.

If you have many items to plug in, we recommend a travel power strip with multiple USBs and standard plug-ins. Using a power strip, you will only need one adapter to plug the strip into the wall.

Travelers will want a SIM card for Bosnia and Herzegovina. You can get either a local SIM card or an eSIM card.

To get a local SIM card, you have to find a local cellular service provider, often stand in line for assistance, show your passport, and complete some paperwork. The SIM cards work great, but purchasing them is somewhat inconvenient. This option is best if you need more than 5GB of data.

We use eSIMs exclusively because they can be purchased through an app prior to arrival in a new country and activated when you hit a cell tower in the country. We use Airalo eSIMs. They work great, and I recommend them if you plan to use less than 5 GB of data during your stay or if you need internet immediately on arrival.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a limited train system, and rental cars or private transfers are often required when visiting the country.

For a comparison of rental car offers from large, international brands and smaller regional brands, we recommend Discover Cars.

Banja Luka offers a variety of architectural and cultural landmarks worth exploring:

• Ferhat Pasha Mosque
• Cathedral of Christ the Saviour
• Banski Dvor
• Kastel Fortress
• Gospodska Street

You’ll find plenty of traditional Bosnian dishes throughout the city:

• Banjalučki ćevapi
• Sarma
• Punjene paprike
• Cheese or spinach pita
• Tufahija or baklava

Yes. Banja Luka is generally budget-friendly, with low prices for food, lodging, and transport.

Banja Luka is easy to navigate, especially in the city center, which is walkable and compact. Taxis are inexpensive and widely available, and public buses serve the broader area. If you want to explore nearby countryside or wineries, renting a car is a good option.

Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds, making them ideal times to visit. Summer is warm and lively, with outdoor festivals and river activities, while winter brings a quieter, cozy vibe—especially if you’re a fan of traditional food and relaxed travel.