Are Shops Open on Sunday in Bosnia?
It depends on where you are. In Sarajevo and Mostar, most ordinary retail shops are closed on Sundays. In Banja Luka, many shops can open because Republika Srpska uses different rules.
SHORT ANSWER
Sarajevo and Mostar: usually closed. Banja Luka: often open.
The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has a Sunday retail-closing rule. Republika Srpska does not have the same entity-wide ban, so shop hours are set locally.
SARAJEVO & MOSTAR
Most ordinary shops are closed on Sundays
Since 15 November 2024, Article 18 of the Federation's Internal Trade Law has required retail outlets to close on Sundays. Sarajevo and Mostar are in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, so this is the rule most visitors notice there.
In March 2026 the Federation government rejected requests for exemptions from several municipalities and cities, including Stari Grad Sarajevo, Visoko and Konjic. The Sunday rule is therefore still active in 2026.
WHAT CAN STILL BE OPEN?
There are useful exceptions
The law lists exemptions including bakeries, flower shops, souvenir shops, traditional-craft shops and retail located in or forming part of train and bus stations, airports, petrol stations, hospitals, hotels, cultural and religious sites, museums and nature parks.
Practical tip: if you need basic food or drinks in Sarajevo on a Sunday, a bakery or a shop at a petrol station is often a better bet than a normal supermarket.
BANJA LUKA
Banja Luka follows a different system
Banja Luka is in Republika Srpska. There, the Trade Law leaves weekly opening hours to local governments rather than imposing the Federation's entity-wide Sunday closure. Many shops can therefore open on Sundays, although individual hours vary.
This is why a simple answer such as “shops in Bosnia are closed on Sunday” is misleading: Bosnia and Herzegovina has different retail rules in its two entities.
MALLS, CAFÉS & RESTAURANTS
Retail closure does not mean the city shuts down
The Federation rule is specifically about retail outlets. Cafés, restaurants and other non-retail businesses are governed separately and may operate on Sundays. In shopping centres, retail stores may be closed while restaurants, cinemas or other services follow different hours. Check the venue you plan to use.
PLAN AHEAD
Buy supermarket groceries on Saturday
If you are staying in Sarajevo or Mostar, the easiest rule is simple: do your normal supermarket shopping by Saturday evening. Sunday is still a good day for cafés, restaurants and sightseeing, but it is a poor day to rely on a regular supermarket or shopping mall for retail purchases.
SOURCES
Where we checked this
FAQ
Quick questions
Are supermarkets open on Sunday in Sarajevo?
Most ordinary supermarkets are closed because Sarajevo is in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Are shops open on Sunday in Mostar?
Most normal retail shops are closed for the same reason.
Are shops open on Sunday in Banja Luka?
Many can be. Local authorities set shop opening hours in Republika Srpska.