Top Things to Do in Banja Luka

If we were to describe Banjaluka in one sentence, it would probably be the city of amazing natural heritage, cultural monuments, green boulevards, some of the of the best festivals in the region and a place whose citizens would probably win a most hospitable award, if there was one. Rarely in the world, you will see people as friendly and willing to help you. Seriously. Especially when they start to invite you to their house and offer you some meal.From adventures on the water to monuments of historical importance. We will take you on a journey through Banja Luka that you will never forget. We will even share with you a story of a special boat, that exists nowhere in the world, but here. Let find out Top Things to Do in Banja Luka below.

Top Things to Do in Banja Luka

Experience Banjaluka’s gem – Dajak

At the beginning of the text, we have mentioned you that there is a special kind of boat you will find here. Being one of the Banja Luka’s most recognizable symbols, Dajak is must do thing in the city. Just image enjoying the splashes of cold Vrbas on a warm sunny day in August while sitting in the boat and enjoying some of the best views of the city. It may not be gondola in Venice, but dajak is definitely worth a try. But, because you have been reading this text for a long time, we have one additional place that we think you should go on see.
Nature in and around Banja Luka is truly breathtaking but it is at Banj brdo where you will witness the true oasis of peace and tranquillity. Throughout the entire place, you will encounter walking paths, outdoor gyms and plenty of spots where you can just rest and chill out. A monument dedicated to fallen soldiers from Krajina that died during the World War II. The entire object was made by Antun Augustincic, one of the greatest Yugoslav sculptor, and it 13 meters high and it is surely one of the city’s most unique symbols. It was made from white stone from Brač, with the unique form, and looks like a bullet heading in the direction of Krajina.

Try ćevapi

Did you know that people all around the Balkans are just crazy about this meat dish and that maybe the best ćevapi can be finned right here. The origin of the dish is oriental, probably Persian but the Ottomans were the ones who together with their army spread it around the Middle East, Balkans and Mediterranean. It’s a grilled dish of minced meat, a type of skinless sausage and it’s usually served with 2 to 4 pieces on a plate or in a flatbread , often with chopped onions, sour cream and kajmak.

Visit Ferhat Pasha Mosque – Ferhadija

Banja Luka is a very multicultural city. In a very close area, you will find an Orthodox church, a Catholic cathedral and a mosque. In fact, there are few mosques in the city, none more astonishing than Ferhadija. A legend says that Ferhad Pasha Sokolovic had a desire to build the most amazing mosque, something so big and beautiful, like nothing before or after in this part of the world would ever be.
So when three workers constructed it, the rumors spread that Ferhad Pasha wants to kill them so they would never build something as stunning again. As soon as they heard the news, they made themselves wings and flew away. All of them fell on 3 different sides of Banja Luka and as a result of this, the neighborhoods in the city got their names. Petar fell on Petricevac, Paul in today’s Pavlovac and the third builder, fell on the right bank of the river Vrbas, broke one rib and that part of the town became Rebrovac.

Try Rafting on the Vrbas

To see the true charm and beauty of Banja Luka, try rafting on the Vrbas, the city’s main river. You might not know it, but this is one of Europe’s best rivers for rafting, and many of the important Championships, like World Cup and European Cup, were held here. Just leave your busy urban everyday life behind, call a group of friends and get your daily dose of adrenaline and good energy.