Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Boat Trips
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Boat Trips
All Boat Tours
Best Things To Do
1. Abandoned Bobsleigh Track
xplore Sarajevo’s abandoned bobsleigh track from the 1984 Winter Olympics. Spared from destruction during the war, the track is now a canvas for vibrant graffiti and a unique blend of history and art.
2. Historic Latin Bridge
Visit the Latin Bridge, where the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 triggered World War I. This unassuming bridge is one of the most historically significant spots in Europe.
3. Wander Sarajevo’s Old Town
Discover the charm of Sarajevo’s Old Town (Baščaršija), a maze of cobblestone streets filled with local crafts, cafes, and the iconic Sebilj Fountain. This area reflects the city’s rich Ottoman heritage.
4. Explore Sarajevo’s Museums
Sarajevo is home to several museums, from the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Genocide Museum. For something different, visit the Museum of Optical Illusions or the VR Museum.
5. The Tunnel of Hope
The Tunnel of Hope, built during the Siege of Sarajevo, allowed vital supplies to reach the city. Today, it’s a powerful reminder of resilience and survival, offering an immersive look into the city’s wartime past.
6. The House of Spite
The House of Spite earned its name when the owner refused to let it be demolished, having it moved stone by stone across the river. It stands today as a symbol of defiance and Sarajevo’s quirky spirit.
7. Sarajevo City Hall
Sarajevo’s City Hall (Vijećnica) is an architectural masterpiece, blending Moorish design with Sarajevo’s history. Inside, you’ll find a museum detailing the building’s dramatic history.
8. Trebević Mountain Adventure
Ride the cable car up Trebević Mountain for panoramic views of Sarajevo and surrounding mountains. The summit offers hiking trails and serene nature, making it a perfect escape from the city.
9. The Yellow Bastion
Perched on a hill, the Yellow Bastion is an 18th-century fort offering breathtaking views of Sarajevo, especially at sunset. It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
10. Skiing in Sarajevo
Sarajevo’s Olympic heritage includes affordable skiing, with slopes on nearby mountains like Jahorina and Bjelašnica. These areas offer excellent runs for both beginners and experienced skiers.
Best Things To Do
1. Abandoned Bobsleigh Track
xplore Sarajevo’s abandoned bobsleigh track from the 1984 Winter Olympics. Spared from destruction during the war, the track is now a canvas for vibrant graffiti and a unique blend of history and art.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking as the track is located on Trebević Mountain.
2. Historic Latin Bridge
Visit the Latin Bridge, where the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 triggered World War I. This unassuming bridge is one of the most historically significant spots in Europe.
Admission is free; best visited with a historical tour for added context.
3. Wander Sarajevo’s Old Town
Discover the charm of Sarajevo’s Old Town (Baščaršija), a maze of cobblestone streets filled with local crafts, cafes, and the iconic Sebilj Fountain. This area reflects the city’s rich Ottoman heritage.
Visit early to avoid crowds and enjoy a traditional Bosnian coffee in one of the local cafés.
4. Explore Sarajevo’s Museums
Sarajevo is home to several museums, from the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Genocide Museum. For something different, visit the Museum of Optical Illusions or the VR Museum.
Many museums are closed on Mondays; check opening hours in advance.
5. The Tunnel of Hope
The Tunnel of Hope, built during the Siege of Sarajevo, allowed vital supplies to reach the city. Today, it’s a powerful reminder of resilience and survival, offering an immersive look into the city’s wartime past.
The museum tour lasts around 1 hour; guided tours provide more detailed insights.
6. The House of Spite
The House of Spite earned its name when the owner refused to let it be demolished, having it moved stone by stone across the river. It stands today as a symbol of defiance and Sarajevo’s quirky spirit.
Located near the City Hall, this site is best visited as part of a walking tour.
7. Sarajevo City Hall
Sarajevo’s City Hall (Vijećnica) is an architectural masterpiece, blending Moorish design with Sarajevo’s history. Inside, you’ll find a museum detailing the building’s dramatic history.
Entry costs around 5 KM; it’s open daily, with guided tours available.
8. Trebević Mountain Adventure
Ride the cable car up Trebević Mountain for panoramic views of Sarajevo and surrounding mountains. The summit offers hiking trails and serene nature, making it a perfect escape from the city.
Cable car tickets cost around 20 KM round trip; ideal for a half-day trip.
9. The Yellow Bastion
Perched on a hill, the Yellow Bastion is an 18th-century fort offering breathtaking views of Sarajevo, especially at sunset. It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Bring a camera for the stunning sunset views; it’s a short but steep walk from the Old Town.
10. Skiing in Sarajevo
Sarajevo’s Olympic heritage includes affordable skiing, with slopes on nearby mountains like Jahorina and Bjelašnica. These areas offer excellent runs for both beginners and experienced skiers.
Ski passes are budget-friendly, starting around 30 KM per day. Best time to visit is December to February.
Top Tips
1.
A Troubled Past
Sarajevo was the heart of the Bosnian War (1992-1995), and this history deeply affects the city today. Be sensitive to the topic and consider joining a guided tour to learn more.
2.
Sarajevo City Card
The Sarajevo City Card offers free access to public transportation and entry to top attractions, making it a great value for visitors.
3.
Languages Spoken
Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian are official languages in Sarajevo, but they are mutually understandable, so communication is generally easy.
4.
Where to Stay
For an authentic experience, stay in the historic Bascarsija Old Town. Alternatively, the New Town offers more modern, luxury accommodation options.
5.
Year-Round Destination
Sarajevo is great to visit in any season, offering hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter, along with vibrant local festivals year-round.
6.
Varied Climate
Summers can reach up to 40°C, while winters are cold with regular snowfall, so pack accordingly depending on the season.
7.
Public Transport
Sarajevo has a well-connected tram system and frequent buses, making it easy to navigate the city and explore beyond.
8.
Currency and Payments
Cash is the norm in Bosnia. The local currency is the Bosnian Mark, but the Euro is widely accepted in many places.
9.
Taxi’s
Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt are unavailable in Sarajevo. Traditional taxis are the best option for getting around the city.
10.
Tipping Etiquette
A 15% tip is customary in restaurants, as wages in Bosnia are generally lower than in Western Europe.