From the smoky scent of wood-fired ćevapi grilling in a Sarajevo ćevabdžinica to the cool, limestone hush of the Buna spring at Blagaj, Bosnia and Herzegovina feels like a stitched-together patchwork of Ottoman bazaars, Austro-Hungarian cafés, and mountain villages.

Sunlight glints off hammered copper in Baščaršija, sevdah songs drift from cafés, and wool rugs dry on low stone walls — every town seems to keep a handcrafted secret.

Whether you’re hunting for something edible, wearable, or purely decorative, these Bosnian souvenirs will help you bring a piece of the country’s layered history home with you.

1. Bosnian coffee and a džezva (coffee pot)

Why pick this up: Coffee is a ceremony in Sarajevo and Mostar — drinking it the Bosnian way is as much about the ritual as the flavor. A small set makes an immediate, fragrant reminder of slow mornings in a café.
What to look for: A brass or copper džezva with a wooden handle and a bag of finely ground Bosnian/Turkish-style coffee; look for local roasters in Baščaršija or specialty shops in Banja Luka.
Price bracket (2025): 10–100 KM (simple tins of coffee 5–15 KM; quality sets 30–100 KM).
Where to find it: Baščaršija in Sarajevo, markets in Mostar, specialty coffee shops in Travnik and Banja Luka.

2. Hand-hammered copperware (bakir)

Why pick this up: The warm sheen and embossed motifs of copper trays, coffee pots, and decorative plates scream “Old Bazaar.” They’re both practical and decorative.
What to look for: Thick, hand-hammered pieces with traditional floral or geometric patterns; patina is normal — ask vendors about polishing.
Price bracket (2025): 30–300 KM (small cups and plates 30–70 KM, large trays 150–300 KM).
Where to find it: Artisan shops and stalls around Sarajevo’s Baščaršija and Mostar’s Old Town.

3. Filigree silver jewelry

Why pick this up: Delicate filigree — fine silver twisted into lace-like patterns — is a classic Bosnian craft, perfect as a wearable keepsake.
What to look for: Traditional motifs (rosettes, crescents) and hallmarks of sterling silver; for authenticity, choose pieces labeled “srebro” (silver).
Price bracket (2025): 40–250 KM (simple earrings or rings 40–80 KM, larger necklaces or sets 120–250 KM).
Where to find it: Jewelry shops in Sarajevo and Mostar, local craft fairs and galleries.

4. Handwoven ćilim (flatweave rug)

Why pick this up: These rugs carry Ottoman-era designs and regional colors — great for a hallway runner or wall hanging that evokes rural Herzegovina and old trading routes.
What to look for: Natural wool, tight even weave, and traditional geometric patterns; ask about the village or region where it was made.
Price bracket (2025): 150–2,500 KM (small cushion-sized pieces 150–300 KM, full-size rugs 500–2,500 KM).
Where to find it: Markets and craft shops in Mostar, Stolac, Konjic and some Sarajevo antique dealers.

5. Embroidered linens and folk costume pieces (nošnja)

Why pick this up: Hand-stitched tablecloths, pillowcases, and costume accents preserve local patterns and techniques passed down through generations.
What to look for: Fine, dense embroidery in wool or linen with traditional motifs; smaller items (napkins, runners) are easier to pack.
Price bracket (2025): 40–500 KM (napkins and runners 40–120 KM, larger embroidered linens 150–500 KM).
Where to find it: Craft cooperatives in Travnik and regional craft markets; museum shops often sell quality reproductions.

6. Šljivovica and local rakija (fruit brandy)

Why pick this up: A bottle of strong, clear plum brandy is quintessentially Balkan and a flavorful souvenir to share with friends back home.
What to look for: Small-batch, locally distilled rakija (šljivovica is plum brandy); check for sealed bottles and ask about age — older rakija mellows and gains depth.
Price bracket (2025): 20–120 KM (basic bottles 20–40 KM, artisanal or aged bottles 60–120 KM).
Where to find it: Rural distilleries, markets in Banja Luka, and specialty shops in Sarajevo and Mostar.

7. Ajvar, honey and other preserves

Why pick this up: Jars of ajvar (roasted pepper relish), lutenica, and mountain honey let you taste Herzegovina and Bosnian highlands long after the trip ends.
What to look for: Glass jars with local labels; for honey, look for single-flower or mountain blends from Jahorina or Una National Park.
Price bracket (2025): 5–40 KM per jar (ajvar or jam 5–15 KM, specialty honey 10–40 KM).
Where to find it: Farmers’ stalls, local grocery shops, and markets in Mostar, Sarajevo and rural roadside stands.

8. Sudžuk, kulen and cured meats

Why pick this up: Intense, smoky, spiced sausages are a savory way to remember Bosnia’s hearth cooking and make for great picnic provisions.
What to look for: Vacuum-packed local specialties like sudžuk or kulen; check preservation and transport rules for your destination.
Price bracket (2025): 10–60 KM (small portions 10–25 KM, larger artisanal sausages 30–60 KM).
Where to find it: Butchers and markets in Banja Luka, Sarajevo and towns across Herzegovina.

9. Lavender, dried herbs and natural soaps

Why pick this up: The dry, sun-warmed hills of Herzegovina yield fragrant lavender and herbal blends used in soaps, sachets, and oils — compact, light, and easy to pack.
What to look for: Locally produced lavender sachets, herbal tea mixes, and cold-pressed soaps with clear ingredient lists.
Price bracket (2025): 5–40 KM (small soaps 5–12 KM, larger gift sets 20–40 KM).
Where to find it: Markets and small producers in Herzegovina, tourist shops around Mostar, and farm stalls near Trebinje and Stolac.

10. Hand-carved woodenware and kitchen tools

Why pick this up: Simple wooden spoons, bowls, and carved boards are both rustic and useful — their carved grain evokes mountain villages and winter kitchens.
What to look for: Solid hardwood (beech or walnut), smooth finishing, and traditional shapes; avoid varnishes that are too glossy if you want the rustic look.
Price bracket (2025): 10–150 KM (small spoons and bowls 10–40 KM, larger carved items 60–150 KM).
Where to find it: Local craft shops in Konjic and Sarajevo, roadside artisan stalls, and craft fairs in regional towns.

Pick one (or a handful) of these Bosnian souvenirs and you’ll carry home not just a thing, but a story — a café morning in Sarajevo, a mountain beehive, a singer’s last chorus of sevdah. Happy hunting and safe travels! 🌿 (And don’t forget to pack any Bosnian souvenirs according to your airline rules.)

Let me know in the comments if you have any other top ‘what to buy’ ideas!

About the Author

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!