✓ Handpicked Luxury Stays in Budget on 🏡 booking.com
Bosnia and Herzegovina has long been my favorite, with great many sights to see. Jam-packed with popular tourist attractions, picking what to see in Banja Luka may be difficult for tourists with limited time.
A Banja Luka blog is all you need to decide amongst the top things to do in Banja Luka.
An itinerary of 3 days is good to see the most popular tourist attractions in Banja Luka. But if you can spare couple of days more that’s even better, you can take the sights more slowly. Here are the best things to see in Banja Luka along with a list of the most interesting things to do in Banja Luka:
1. Kastel Fortress
If you like to be active and explore things on your own, then make some time for Kastel Fortress.
The visitor center, at the entrance, will help you get started and answer any questions. The fort played a pivotal role in city’s defence against the offending armies.
Quick Facts:
- A the remains of old Roman fortifications used to be here before the fort was built.
2. Ferhat Pasha Mosque
A historical mosque topped with beautiful domes located in central Banja Luka.
The interiors of the mosque are quite impressive as well. The historical mosque has been a well kept structure.
Quick Facts:
- Brought to life by the architect Mimar Sinan, historical mosque is a classic example of fine Ottoman architecture.
- The historical mosque was built somewhere around 16th-century.
- The historical mosque was opened on 1579.
Without a doubt this wonderful historical mosque is one amongst the top things to do in Banja Luka.
Address: Kralja Petra I Karađorđevića, Banja Luka 78000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
3. Banski Dvor
Banski Dvor is a complex playing host to cultural and artistic events.
The center holds a variety of aorkshops, artistic presentations and musical performances. Check out online to see the events happening here.
Quick Facts:
- Brought to life by the architect Jovanka Bončić-Katerinić, cultural center is a classic example of fine Eclecticism in architecture.
- The cultural center was opened on 1931.
Address: Trg srpskih vladara 2, Banja Luka 78000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
4. Christ the Savior Orthodox Cathedral
Christ the Savior Orthodox Cathedral is a beautiful Cathedral situated in Banja Luka.
The cathedral’s importance is further underscored by the presence of the tomb of the patron saint. The Church’s front façade has majestic stone columns, beautiful sculptured religious figures and high arched stained glass windows.
Quick Facts:
- A fine example of Byzantine Revival architecture, the cathedral is a center of Orthodox faith.
- The cathedral was opened on 1929.
An incredible sight, Christ the Savior Orthodox Cathedral scores high in the list of the best things to do in Banja Luka.
Address: Trg srpskih vladara 3, Banja Luka 78000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
6. Museum of Contemporary Art of Republic of Srpska
If browsing through quirky art displays interests you, Museum of Contemporary Art of Republic of Srpska is the one you should head to.
The museum presents well the contemporary works of the local as well as the international artists.
The collection is speread out amongst the art pieces belonging to quirky installations, electronic art experiences and experimental photography. The multimedia exhibits with a clever mixe of sound and light is a must watch.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Museum of Contemporary Art of Republic of Srpska features include local modern artwork.
- Museum of Contemporary Art of Republic of Srpska is housed in a beautiful building what used to be train station.
Address: Trg srpskih junaka 2, Banja Luka 78000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
7. Mariastern Abbey
Quick Facts:
- It is also the seat of Roman Catholic diocese of Banja Luka.
- The abbey was opened on 1925.
- It is Franz Pfanner who is credited with found this gem of a site.
Add it to your Banja Luka trip if you have time.
Address: Slatinska 1, Banja Luka 78000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
8. Museum of the Republika Srpska
Museum of the Republika Srpska is an ethnography museum showcasing the people and culture of Banja Luka region.
Get to know about the beliefs, religious practices and the everyday life of the people who once populated the area. Everything that defines a civilisation, an era can be found here – traditional clothing, decorative items such as jewelry, household items such like furniture, and crafts such as pottery.
Address: Đure Daničića 1, Banja Luka 78000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
9. Cathedral of Saint Bonaventure
Cathedral of Saint Bonaventure is a majestic Cathedral standing tall in the city of Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Church’s front façade is comprised of majestic stone columns and beautiful sculptured sculptures of holy figures. The inside of the cathedral is adorned with a dazzling array of intricate frescoes depicting important Christian events.
Quick Facts:
- Brought to life by the architect Alfred Pichler, cathedral is a classic example of fine Modern architecture.
- Belonging to the Roman Catholic faith, today this cathedral is a seat of the Banja Luka Bishopric.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Banja Luka trip.
Address: Kralja Petra I Karađorđevića 80, Banja Luka 78000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
10. Park Petar Kočić
A small but pretty park located in the neighborhoods of Banja Luka city.
Address: Banja Luka 78000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
11. Park Mladen Stojanović
Park Mladen Stojanović is a beautifully landscaped park spread over a large area in Banja Luka.
This fabulous park was developed with the sole aim to promote the good health of the citizen.
Sit on a bench and meditate or bring your favorite book or simply sit and enjoy a relaxing afternoon. Spring is the season when hundreds of flowers are on full blossom.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Banja Luka trip.
Address: Dr. Mladena Stojanovića, Banja Luka 78000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Thanks for reading this travel blog, hope now you know plenty of must see places in Banja Luka. All in all, whether you are a backpacker, a solo traveler, slow traveler, a female traveler or a couple there are plenty of interesting things to do in Banja Luka for everyone.
And it’s not difficult to create an itinerary that includes some of the best tourist attractions in Banja Luka. If you have any questions or suggestions on sightseeing in Banja Luka, I would love to hear them in the comments section below.