The incredible capital city in Europe that’s crying out for more tourists

If sun and sand aren’t calling your name as you think about booking your next getaway, this hidden landlocked gem is crying out for more tourists and should be added to your list.

As crowds steadily return to popular , Caribbean islands, breathtaking U.S. national parks, Iceland’s waterfalls, Santorini, and resort towns in Mexico have all seen record levels of tourism.

However, there’s much more to this vast, beautiful world than what we see on and in glossy magazines. Sarajevo, dubbed the “Jerusalem of Europe” is rich in , architecture and stunning views. For the best value for money, bypass the crowded tourist hotspots this year and instead, venture to one of Europe’s most underrated countries.

A hidden gem among lesser-known countries to visit is certainly Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Balkans. While many are familiar with the city of Mostar in Bosnia and its renowned Old Bridge, the rest of the country remains

The capital city , is particularly worth a visit, boasting a unique blend of grand Soviet-era buildings and shopping centres. Sarajevo, is one of a few major European cities to have a mosque, Catholic church, Eastern Orthodox church, and synagogue within the same neighbourhood, earning its “Jerusalem of Europe” title.

If the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand outside a sandwich shop rings clear from school history lessons, you can see the exact street where was sparked in 1914.

Now Moritz Schiller’s Delicatessen on Franz Josef Street in Sarajevo, has been replaced by the Museum of Sarajevo 1878-1918.This museum explores the resistance to the occupation as well as the Austro-Hungarian annexation of Bosnia.

To see where the archduke and his wife were assassinated, head to the Latin bridge, a striking piece of Ottoman architecture that stretches over the Miljacka river.

The Gallery 11/07/95 is also a popular choice for history buffs, a memorial art gallery located dedicated to preserving the memory of the Srebrenica genocide. Other highlights in Bosnia include the numerous national parks and natural landmarks including the breathtaking Sutjeska National Park on the Montenegrin border.

The park features the includes the country’s highest peak of Maglić, at over 7,828 ft, on the border with Montenegro. The nature reserve is also one of the last two remaining primeval forests in Europe. The park is also home to the infamous Battle of the Sutjeska in 1943 during World War II.

There are stunning mountains and waterfalls to explore, particularly the spectacular Kravica waterfalls. Another standout feature is the country’s incredibly hospitable people, who tourists say are always ready to assist and warmly welcome tourists.

Moreover, Bosnia and Herzegovina is famed for its mouth-watering cuisine. Particularly, meat lovers will be delighted by the array of grilled dishes on offer. Ćevapi, considered Bosnia’s national dish is made up of little meatballs shaped like sausages, this dish is seen as the fish and chips of the region.

As one of Europe’s most underappreciated gems,and generally safe with well-maintained roads, it’s a fantastic place to embark on a road trip and discover its stunning locations at your own pace. For a two-week long trip through the Balkans you can A start in Dubrovnik heading to Mostar, then to Sarajevo, and then to Kotor, Montenegro.