About Banja Luka
Banja Luka or Banjaluka is the second-largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the most populous in Republika Srpska. It is Republika Srpska's main economic, political, and administrative centre. Banja Luka is the traditional centre of the densely forested Bosanska Krajina region of northwestern Bosnia and Herzegovina. According to the 2013 census, the city proper has a population of 138,963, while its administrative area comprises a total of 185,042 inhabitants. The City Day of Banja Luka is celebrated on 22 April, commemorating the liberation of the city at the end of World War II.
Places to visit in Banja Luka
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Kastel Fortress
HistoricA fortress by the Vrbas River with layers of Roman, medieval and Ottoman history. It hosts summer concerts and festivals, so check the events calendar.
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Ferhadija Mosque
ReligiousA 16th-century Ottoman mosque that was destroyed during the 1990s war and carefully rebuilt using much of the original stone. Visitors can enter outside prayer times, and modest dress is required.
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Cathedral of Christ the Saviour
ReligiousA large Serbian Orthodox cathedral in the city center, built of striking layered stone with golden domes. Visit quietly during services, and take a look at the detailed icons and decorative stonework inside.
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Vrbas River
Nature · 28 mi from centreA clear mountain river flowing through the city, popular for rafting, kayaking and riverside walks. Book a guided rafting trip in late spring or summer, and try the canyon section south of town for the best scenery.
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Banj Brdo
ViewpointA hill overlooking the city topped with a war memorial. Hike or drive up for wide views, and bring a picnic for the surrounding woods.
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Museum of Republika Srpska
MuseumA museum covering the region's history from prehistoric times, along with ethnography and natural heritage displays. Allow about an hour for the permanent galleries, and check what temporary exhibitions are on during your visit.
Things to do in Banja Luka by type
10 tours, tickets and experiences across 2 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Day Trips & Excursions 5 experiences Banja Luka City Tour & a Magical Journey on Dayak Boat -
City tours 2 experiences Explore Banja Luka with Private Walking Tour and Wine Tasting
- 3-6 hours 5
- 1-3 hours 3
- Over 6 hours 2
Top experiences in Banja Luka
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 10 available.
Banja Luka City Tour & a Magical Journey on Dayak Boat
From $56 per adult
Jajce Medieval Fantasy
From $75 per adult
Private Wine Tasting and Tradition Tour in Banja Luka
From $60 per adult
Enjoying The River Vrbas
From $27 per adult
Explore Banja Luka with Private Walking Tour and Wine Tasting
From $53 per adult
Green paradise of Kozara National Park
From $60 per adult
Private Hiking to Janj Rainforest and Šipovo Caves
From $655 per adult
Banja Luka Rafting
From $60 per adult
Best time to visit Banja Luka
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Banja Luka is June, when average daytime highs are around 84°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Banja Luka weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 69° 49° 50%
- Thu 22 Oct 61° 48° 50%
- Fri 23 Oct 60° 37° 10%
- Sat 24 Oct 59° 40° 27%
- Sun 25 Oct 61° 44° 30%
- Mon 26 Oct 55° 49° 45%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Bosnia and Herzegovina convertible mark (BAM)1 US dollar ≈ KM1.74
- Languages
- Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian
- Calling code
- +387
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Europe/SarajevoUTC+2
- Capital
- Sarajevo
Upcoming public holidays in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- New Year's DayNova Godina
- New Year's DayNova Godina
- May Day / International Workers' DayPraznik rada
- May Day / International Workers' DayPraznik rada
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Banja Luka
These are the airports closest to central Banja Luka. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- BNX Banja Luka International Airport13 mi (21 km) from the city centre
Getting around Banja Luka
You can have your bike fixed á la minute at the Bike Servis Shop .mw-parser-output .error-deadlink{color:red;background:yellow;display:none;white-space:nowrap}[dead link] ([email protected]), in the Ul. Gundulićeva 104 - next to the football stadion. Tel. 051/301-470. Another bike shop is 5 doors down in the row of buildings.
By bus
Banja Luka has dozens of city and suburban buses. There are frequent buses to and from the bus/train station. From the main square (opposite Park Petar Kočić), take lines 6 or 10 for 2.30 KM.
Banja Luka travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Banja Luka?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Banja Luka is June, when average daytime highs are around 84°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
What is the weather like in Banja Luka?
July is usually the warmest month in Banja Luka, with average highs of 86°F (30°C). December is the coolest, with average lows of 32°F (0°C). The wettest month is typically March, with about 129 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Banja Luka?
Banja Luka International Airport (BNX) is the closest airport, about 13 miles (21 km) from the centre of Banja Luka.
What currency is used in Banja Luka?
Banja Luka uses the Bosnia and Herzegovina convertible mark (BAM). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ KM1.74.
What time zone is Banja Luka in?
Banja Luka uses the Europe/Sarajevo time zone (currently UTC+2). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Banja Luka?
You can have your bike fixed á la minute at the Bike Servis Shop .mw-parser-output .error-deadlink{color:red;background:yellow;display:none;white-space:nowrap}[dead link] ([email protected]), in the Ul. Gundulićeva 104 - next to the football stadion. Tel. 051/301-470.
What are the best places to visit in Banja Luka?
Top sights in Banja Luka include Kastel Fortress, Ferhadija Mosque, Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and Vrbas River. A fortress by the Vrbas River with layers of Roman, medieval and Ottoman history. It hosts summer concerts and festivals, so check the events calendar.
What are the top things to do in Banja Luka?
Popular experiences you can book in Banja Luka include Banja Luka City Tour & a Magical Journey on Dayak Boat, Jajce Medieval Fantasy and Private Wine Tasting and Tradition Tour in Banja Luka. Destina Holidays offers 10 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Banja Luka?
The most popular types of experiences in Banja Luka are day trips & excursions (5), city tours (2), outdoor activities & adventure (1) and transport & rentals (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
