Sarajevo travel guide
Sarajevo Tourism | Sarajevo Guide
You're Going to Love Sarajevo
Sarajevo will capture your heart with its beauty, history and a sense of old-world European charm, convalescing in a modern city. Start at the Yellow Fortress to take in sweeping, panoramic views of the city before you head down for a viewing of the Olympic Bobsled. Tour the city's old mosques and cathedral's and finish the evening at Zlatna Ribica.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Sarajevo
1. Take In the City's Historical Architecture
Don't miss the Latin Bridge, the Academy of Fine Arts, the Orthodox Cathedral and the old Emperor's Mosque.
2. Check Out the Vibrant Nightlife
Nightlife around Sarajevo is youthful and trendy. Check out spots like Baghdad Cafe, which is a hookah bar as well as a dance club.
3. Stroll Around Old Town
Old Town is a real draw for travelers, with it's town squares, cobbled streets, craft stores and churches standing side by side with mosques.
4. Take A Sarajevo War Tour
Learn about the history of Sarajevo and its decade-long conflict. You can also visit several strategic sites that are for soldiers and citizens alike.
5. Sample the Best of Sarajevo's Cuisine
Local cuisine includes delicacies like burek, which are special meat pies, and ćevapi, minced-meat sausages served with fresh bread, raw onions and kajmak, a type of sour cream
What to do in Sarajevo
1. The Light At The End Of The War
While walking through the city it's hard to believe that, just 20 years ago, this region was torn apart by civil conflict. During the Bosnian War and the siege of Sarajevo, an underground tunnel known as "The Tunnel of Hope" was constructed to bypass Serbian forces which had left millions of civilians trapped without food, provisions, or a safe way out of the war-torn city. The tunnel, which once stretched 800 meters, has now been converted into a museum where you can walk 25 meters of the journey to understand the desperation that caused its construction.
2. Cornerstone Of The Medieval City
One of the most prominent tourist attractions is the imposing White Fortress overlooking the old Sarajevo city center. Though the exact date of the structure is unknown, based on writings and architectural clues historians date its construction to somewhere between the 14th and 15th centuries. Its location atop the Sarajevo valley gave it a perfect vantage point during the Middle Ages, when sieges were frequent. After years of neglect, the site is now being restored to its original glory.
3. Mediation Through Architecture
Over the years Bosnia and Herzegovina have known many different rulers, names, and borders. The old Town Hall, which sits by the Miljacka River, serves as an important symbol of peace between nations after being completely destroyed and rebuilt in the early 21st century. The House of Spite is so named due to a former owner, who agreed to make way for the new Town Hall only on condition that the Austro-Hungarian authorities pay him in gold coins and move his house brick by brick to the other side of the river. They complied, and now you can view one of the greatest examples of Austro-Hungarian architecture right across from that ancient home, which now serves as a restaurant preparing local Bosnian dishes.
4. The Old Ottoman Bazaar
For centuries this region was part of the vast Ottoman Empire, which stretched from Iraq all the way to eastern Europe. You can still feel the middle eastern influence at this old bazaar located right next to other popular attractions like the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque and the Old Clock Tower. Buy some fragrant oriental spices, taste some delectable Turkish delights, or purchase artisan metal handcrafts forged right in the nearby square. The Bačarija is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and feel the once prominent Ottoman culture in Sarajevo.
5. Best New Hiking Trails In Europe
Hikers and nature lovers alike will love the new network of well-marked paths stretching from Albania to Slovenia along the Dinaric Alps. The beautiful views near Sarajevo inspired both Outside Magazine and National Geographic to take note of the Balkans' unique beauty and potential as a world tourist destination. Due to the 360-degree mountains surrounding Sarajevo, you could start in the eastern edge and follow the cliffs to completely circle Bosnia's capital city in just a day.
1. The Light At The End Of The War
While walking through the city it's hard to believe that, just 20 years ago, this region was torn apart by civil conflict. During the Bosnian War and the siege of Sarajevo, an underground tunnel known as "The Tunnel of Hope" was constructed to bypass Serbian forces which had left millions of civilians trapped without food, provisions, or a safe way out of the war-torn city. The tunnel, which once stretched 800 meters, has now been converted into a museum where you can walk 25 meters of the journey to understand the desperation that caused its construction.
2. Cornerstone Of The Medieval City
One of the most prominent tourist attractions is the imposing White Fortress overlooking the old Sarajevo city center. Though the exact date of the structure is unknown, based on writings and architectural clues historians date its construction to somewhere between the 14th and 15th centuries. Its location atop the Sarajevo valley gave it a perfect vantage point during the Middle Ages, when sieges were frequent. After years of neglect, the site is now being restored to its original glory.
3. Mediation Through Architecture
Over the years Bosnia and Herzegovina have known many different rulers, names, and borders. The old Town Hall, which sits by the Miljacka River, serves as an important symbol of peace between nations after being completely destroyed and rebuilt in the early 21st century. The House of Spite is so named due to a former owner, who agreed to make way for the new Town Hall only on condition that the Austro-Hungarian authorities pay him in gold coins and move his house brick by brick to the other side of the river. They complied, and now you can view one of the greatest examples of Austro-Hungarian architecture right across from that ancient home, which now serves as a restaurant preparing local Bosnian dishes.
4. The Old Ottoman Bazaar
For centuries this region was part of the vast Ottoman Empire, which stretched from Iraq all the way to eastern Europe. You can still feel the middle eastern influence at this old bazaar located right next to other popular attractions like the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque and the Old Clock Tower. Buy some fragrant oriental spices, taste some delectable Turkish delights, or purchase artisan metal handcrafts forged right in the nearby square. The Bačarija is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir and feel the once prominent Ottoman culture in Sarajevo.
5. Best New Hiking Trails In Europe
Hikers and nature lovers alike will love the new network of well-marked paths stretching from Albania to Slovenia along the Dinaric Alps. The beautiful views near Sarajevo inspired both Outside Magazine and National Geographic to take note of the Balkans' unique beauty and potential as a world tourist destination. Due to the 360-degree mountains surrounding Sarajevo, you could start in the eastern edge and follow the cliffs to completely circle Bosnia's capital city in just a day.
Activities & attractions in Sarajevo
Nature & Outdoor Activities
Other activities
Where to Eat in Sarajevo
If you're hungry, don't miss Petica, where you can dig into creamy kajmak and all-beef ćevapi starting at BAM3.5
When to visit Sarajevo
Sarajevo experiences four distinct seasons. Summer is the best with temperatures at 85°F. However, fall is incredibly pleasant as well, with temperatures hovering around 72°F.
How to Get to Sarajevo
Plane
Located 3.8 miles from the city center is the Sarajevo Airport. To travel to the city center, use Bus #36. Purchase a ticket for BAM1.60 at the kiosks or shell out BAM1.80 to buy from the driver.
Train
International trains coming in from Croatia have been discontinued as of March 2017. However, there is a journey from Mostar and Čapljina to Sarajevo. Tickets cost BAM11. Trains arrive at Railway Station Sarajevo.
Car
Book a private car from companies like GEA Tours for BAM70. If you're traveling from Belgrade to Sarajevo, get on the A3/E75. Take Route 20, Route 136 and Route 26 before getting onto the M19.
Bus
Sarajevo's main bus station is called Autobuska stanica Sarajevo and is located right next to the train station. International tickets must be bought online. A one-way trip from Vienna costs around BAM86.
Airlines serving Sarajevo
Where to stay in Sarajevo
Bačarija – Thriving and alive, there are plenty of shops, eateries and bars in this neighborhood. You can also check out the local markets that pop up through the day.
Popular Neighborhoods in Sarajevo
Babića bača – One of the oldest neighborhoods in Sarajevo boasts beautiful public and residential gardens, picturesque stone bridges overlooking ponds and gorgeous sacred mosques.
Skenderija – Sitting on a hill is this neighborhood, which is famous for its significance as a sports and culture hub. The 194 Winter Olympic Games was held here.
Where to stay in popular areas of Sarajevo
Most booked hotels in Sarajevo
How to Get Around Sarajevo
Public Transportation
Residents and travelers alike rely on the GRAS public transport in Sarajevo. Tickets cost BAM1.8 and there are also unlimited day passes available.
Taxi
Taxis in Sarajevo can be taken from various points around the city. Flat rates start at BAM1.50 and it is BAM1.62 for each mile after that.
Car
There are several rental company options like Minell or AutoEurope. Depending on the company, rental prices start at BAM189.
The Cost of Living in Sarajevo
Shopping Streets
Check out the Alta Shopping Center or Sarajevo City Center if you love to find deals at malls. Otherwise, potter around Old Town for one-of-a-kind wares from open-air bazaars.
Groceries and Other
A quart of milk in Sarajevo costs BAM1.35 and a dozen eggs will run you about BAM2.55.