Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Locavy ratings
Party
3/5
Sightseeing
Top 20
5/5
Relaxation
3/5
Value
4.5/5
Transport Links
4/5
Experiences
4/5
Party
3/5
Sightseeing
Top 20
5/5
Relaxation
3/5
Value
4.5/5
Transport Links
4/5
Experiences
4/5
At a glance
With its complex history, significant landmarks, stunning natural beauty, and diverse activities, Sarajevo is an exceptional year-round city break destination.
Party
While Sarajevo isn’t known for a wild party scene, the old town features many lively bars with great atmospheres for a fun night out. Notably, Zelenih Beretki Street is home to several excellent venues worth exploring.
Sightseeing
Sarajevo boasts some of Europe’s most iconic sights, notably the historic Latin Bridge, which changed the course of history. A ride on the cable car up Trebević Mountain offers panoramic views. Don’t miss the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the impressive City Hall, and the quirky House of Spite.
Relaxation
While Sarajevo isn’t typically seen as a relaxation spot, a day trip to one of Bosnia’s stunning waterfalls offers a peaceful escape. Additionally, embracing the city’s vibrant café culture is a perfect way to unwind and experience local life.
Value
Sarajevo is an incredibly affordable destination, making it one of Europe’s cheapest capitals. To save even more, consider getting the Sarajevo City Card for discounts on transport and attractions.
Transport links
Fly
Train
Drive
Fly
Sarajevo Airport, 9 km west of the city, is Bosnia’s largest with many connections. To reach the city center, take the airport bus or opt for an affordable taxi.
Train
Taking the train is a great way to travel across Bosnia, with the Sarajevo to Mostar route being especially scenic and renowned for its beauty across Europe.
Drive
Renting a car is ideal for exploring Bosnia’s waterfalls, medieval towns, and scenic landscapes, with quiet roads outside the cities. However, Sarajevo’s traffic is chaotic, so it’s best to use public transport within the city.
Experiences
Sarajevo offers unforgettable experiences, from exploring the graffiti-covered 1984 Olympic Bobsleigh Track to uncovering the city’s complex history through guided tours. For adventure, skiing in the nearby Olympic mountains is a must.
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.
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.
10 Things You Need to know
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.
6.
Varied Climate
Summers can reach up to 40°C, while winters are cold with regular snowfall, so pack accordingly depending on the season.
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.
7.
Public Transport
Sarajevo has a well-connected tram system and frequent buses, making it easy to navigate the city and explore beyond.
3.
Languages Spoken
Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian are official languages in Sarajevo, but they are mutually understandable, so communication is generally easy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
10.
Tipping Etiquette
A 15% tip is customary in restaurants, as wages in Bosnia are generally lower than in Western Europe.
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.