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Shopping in Bosnia can be just as fun as sightseeing and experiencing the culture of the place. If you’re thinking of souvenirs to collect from your vacation in Bosnia, your options are endless. Traditional items like handmade carpets, woodcarvings, ceramics, brass coffee pots, and so on should be at the top of your list. Shopping malls, bazaars, and boutique shops are popular in towns and cities. We have put together a list of the 8 best places to shop in Bosnia that you just can’t miss. Have fun shopping!
8 Best Places To Shop In Bosnia
Sarajevo City Centre (SCC)
Sarajevo City Center is a large shopping mall in Bosnia for luxury and leisure shopping. Located in the capital city of Sarajevo, it also includes an entertainment complex and a five-star hotel tower. This popular Bosnian shopping destination features well-known brands in sports, fashion, and technology. The shopping mall is 49,500 square metres in size and has 80 stores. You can also spend time with your children in the entertainment centre on the third floor (Playland) and fourth floor (laser, bumping cars, children’s playroom, simulator games, and so on). The outlet mall is also home to 15 restaurants operated by Westin Hotels & Resorts.
Location: Vrbanja 1, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Old Bazar Kujundziluk
You can visit a flea market at the Old Bazar Kujundziluk in Mostar. In this Ottoman-era market, the old bazaar offers everything ranging from porcelain pots to Turkish ornaments to handcrafted souvenirs. Rustic-style buildings line the cobblestone street, exuding the Ottoman lifestyle. There are many shops, cafes, and restaurants on both sides of the street. Explore the colourful shops, eat at a small cafe, or stop by the mosque on your way out. Indulge in local favourites at the bazaar, one of the most famous shopping places in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Location: 8RQ8+F47, Mala Tepa, Mostar 88000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Alta Shopping Centre
The Alta Shopping Centre is a strikingly vertical, winding shopping street that is a famous three-dimensional structure in Bosnia. This shopping centre in Sarajevo’s Central Business District has six levels of retail space, including a lower-level market and two subterranean parking levels. It is one of the best shopping places in Bosnia, with 24,000 square feet of retail space. You can shop for major branded fashion, home goods, dining & personal care products. It has many different stores selling various exhibits and products, the most important of which are clothing shopping and fashion stores with international and local brands. Alta also has several restaurants distributed throughout the centre. Additionally, this outlet mall also provides free parking to its shoppers.
Location: Alta Shopping Mall, Franca Lehara 2, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Markale Food Market
Markale (Gradska Trznica) is an air-conditioned indoor market in Sarajevo city and is situated in an Austro-Hungarian hall. This marketplace in Bosnia is famous for fresh meats, seasonal fruits and vegetables, cheeses and smoked meats. Markale derives its name from the German word Markthalle, which means “a selling place”. The city originally built the hall at the end of the nineteenth century to provide a central location for selling products. The three arches in front of the building’s entrance are more reminiscent of a Renaissance theatre than a market. Locals have been shopping at the city market for over a century. It’s also a pleasant place to stroll around, take in the atmosphere, and buy fresh produce to eat.
Location: Mula Mustafe Bašeskije 4a, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Tuzlanka Shopping Mall
Tuzlanka, located in the city of Tuzla, is among the best shopping outlets in Bosnia. You can find great promotional offers on clothing shopping and accessories. Playroom Jungle Kids at the outlet mall guarantees fun and games for children. In the mall, you can relax and enjoy a meal at one of the many bars and restaurants. You can also unwind with a cup of coffee at Cafe Sydney or feast on delectable cuisine at Mamma Mia. Don’t miss out on visiting this famous shopping centre in Bosnia, which features 6 restaurants and cafe bars, over 50 fashion brands, and 10 stores for children. This massive five-story outlet mall in Bosnia is well worth the visit!
Location: Univerzitetska no. 16, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bascarsija Bazaar
The oriental Bascarsija Bazaar in Sarajevo is a bustling marketplace and among the top places to shop in Bosnia. It is located in Stari Grad, north of the Miljacka River. You can explore the labyrinths where artisans sell their wares directly from their workshops. Fine handmade shawls, professional jewellery, ceramic products, Turkish coffee grinders, and food are available in the bazaar. This is a one-of-a-kind shopping experience where artisans create their works right in front of you. Look for the country’s famous copper products, such as coffee pots, plates, etc. However, be wary of counterfeits and try to buy from vendors who constantly shout out prices for their goods for better deals. There is also the popular Kaffa Cafe where you can relax and eat after shopping. So, head out for a local shopping rendezvous.
Location: Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Mepas Mall
Among other multilevel places to shop in Bosnia is the Mepas Mall for a modern shopping experience. The shopping centre has a dozen shops selling clothes, electronics, home decor, groceries, and accessories. The mall has a variety of restaurants and coffee bars too. Look out for brands such as Zara, New Yorker, McDonald’s, Swarovski, and others. The modern shopping hub has an in-house movie theatre – CineStar Mostar, with 3D projections for the ultimate cinema experience. Plus, kids can enjoy their time in the Jungle, in a children’s playroom or go for sports activities in the Bowling Centre. Children can also have fun in the indoor amusement park within the shopping centre.
Location: Kardinala Stepinca, Mostar 88000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Grand Centar Shopping Mall
Finally, there is Grand Centar, which is one of Bosnia’s most popular shopping destinations. The shopping centre’s interior design and layout are noteworthy. The mall, which opened in 2009, is 10,700 square metres in size and houses 41 commercial buildings. A parking area of 8000 square metres is available for visitors’ convenience. Many stores sell electronics, toys, gifts, fashion clothing, and other items. A culinary experience is also available at several restaurants and cafes. A lovely garden complements the opulence of the decor in the shopping centre in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Location: Butmirska Cesta 14, Ilidža 71210, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnian Souvenirs & Gifts: Bosnian Coffee Sets, Coffee Grains, Rahat Lokum (candy), Copper & Metalwork, Lavender Products, Hand-knit Socks, Ottoman-style Lanterns, Metal-worked Jewellery, Rakija.
