The traditional cuisine of the region includes obvious Turkish influences, with lots of meat dishes.

National specialities:
• Bosanski lonac (Bosnian meat and vegetable stew).
• Halva (crushed sesame seeds in honey).
• Cevapcici are sausages that are popular, as are hamburger-like patties called pleskavica, served with pita bread.
• Burek (filled pastries).
• Baklava is a popular dessert – sweet nuts and honey in pastry.

National drinks:
• Brandy is very popular, especially the homemade plum brandy called rakija.
• Turkish-style coffee and yogurt drinks are prevalent.

Legal drinking age: 18.

Tipping: Tipping is customary for taxis, as well as in hotels and restaurants; the bill is often rounded up.

Bosnia & Herzegovina’s nightlife, particularly in Sarajevo, is widely reputed to be excellent. In the capital, the cosmopolitan atmosphere is tangible. The city apparently has more cafes per capita than any other European city and a relaxed cafe culture is prominent. There are many opportunities for nightlife activities, from cinemas and clubs to opera and theatre performance. There are also frequent festivals, showcasing such popular pastimes as jazz and film.

Traditional purchases include woodcarvings, brass coffee-pots, ceramics, handmade carpets, woollen goods, wines, folk-art, tapestries, embroidery and leather boxes.

Shopping hours: 0800-2000.