This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Banja Luka.
Guess what? Banja Luka is also named and spelled Banjaluka - It is the same destination. Goodbye confusion.
Banja Luka is a great city, full of life and culture. It's the second-biggest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina and is situated in the north of the country. The Vrbas river crosses the city and is surrounded by hills. The landscape is very nice, and you'll get really nice weather during summer time -- you can enjoy the river flow in the Banja Luka valley with the mountains in background.
The city is very vibrant and rich in culture. Before emerging in the amazing nightlife, walk around the city to explore the main museums -- Museum of Bosanska Krajina and the Museum of Modern Art of Republika Srpska, the cultural centre of Banski Dvor, the nice Krajina square, and the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. In the city centre you'll also find the Kastel, a medieval castle and one of the most emblematic places of the city -- on weekends it will be crowded, but the views of the river and the surroundings are amazing. Just outside the city you can find a lot to do -- pools and thermal springs, parks and forests, the river where you can find waterfalls and also try rafting or fishing, or just go for a hike in the canyon between Banja Luka and the nearby town of Jajce.
It's easy to get to Banja Luka -- the train will be the easiest and cheaper way to get here; by car you'll have some difficulties reading the Cyrillic signs and by airplane you won't find a low-cost company.
The hostels in Banja Luka are nice and not full with tourists and backpackers, but Banja Luka's hostels are a really nice place for getting to know some travelers and find people to go out into the outstanding nightlife of the city. You will be able to find cheap hostels in the center of the city with good quality.
Written by local enthusiast for Banja Luka hostels
CoffeeMarks