The Ultimate Sarajevo Travel Guide
Rich in history, surrounded by nature but dogged by notoriety, it's worth looking beyond Sarajevo's difficult and embracing this must-visit destination. It's known for its Baščaršija's Ottoman-era Gazi Husrev-bey Mosque, WWI history & skiing.
But, more than that, visit Sarajevo because it's the financial, social, political and cultural center of Bosnia and Herzegovina and a prominent center of culture in the Balkans. Travel to Sarajevo is safe, and it's a fascinating place for a holiday!
Still not convinced? Check out my ultimate guide to Sarajevo, starting with a list of Sarajevo highlights that offer great reasons why you should visit this incredible city on holiday...
Top 16 things to do in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Baščaršija
- Baščaršija, Sarajevo’s old bazaar
Baščaršija (Bascarsija) is a historic market in the heart of the city center.
This old bazaar is the historical and cultural center of Sarajevo. It's is totally unique and not your average tourist attraction! Located on the northern bank of the river Miljacka, Baščaršija is home to important historic buildings too. You'll find the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque and sahat-kula here.
Sarajevo Tunnel
2. Sarajevo Tunnel, Tunnel of Hope
The Sarajevo War Tunnel is an underground tunnel with a war museum.
The Sarajevo Tunnel is also known as the Tunel spasa and Tunnel of Hope. It was built in 1993 in the midst of the Bosnian War. It helped bring people out of Sarajevo and allowed food, war supplies, and humanitarian aid into the city. The Tunnel is lined with wood and great for photography.
Sebilj
3. Sebilj, Sarajevo
The Sebilj is a Ottoman-style wooden fountain.
Located in the centre of Baščaršija square in Sarajevo, the Sebilj was built by Mehmed Pasha Kukavica in 1753. It's a kiosk-shaped public fountain, connected to the beautiful islamic tradition of water being freely available for the community.
Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque
4. Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque
Beautiful Mosque building, built in the 16th century.
It is the largest historical mosque in Bosnia and Herzegovina and one of the most representative Ottoman structures in the Balkans. Capture a photo at sunset. It's stunning!
Latin Bridge
5. The Latin Bridge
An Ottoman-style historic bridge.
The Latin Bridge strikes a beautiful form over the river Miljacka. The northern end of the bridge was the site of an assassination in 1914, which heralded the start of World War I. Today it's peaceful. The bridge was originally built thanks to a kind donation from a local.
Sarajevo City Hall
6. Sarajevo City Hall (Vijećnica)
Stunning city hall offering design, art, music and more!
It is a great example of Austro-Hungarian period architecture. Designed by a Czech architect, it includes a mixture of styles to celebrate multiculturalism. Head inside for art, music, and incredible beauty!
Trebević
7. Trebević
Trebević is a mountain offering stunning views.
Take the Trebević Cable Car up to the top of this beautiful mountain. You'll enjoy stunning photo opportunities on the way! At the top, you'll find walking paths leading through land rich in biodiversity. There's a mountain bike trail too.
Skakavac Waterfall
8. Skakavac Waterfall
A limestone waterfall that's 98 meters high!
The Skakavac waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls in the Balkans. It's a popular place to go hiking and mountain biking in the warmer months. It's 12 kilometres northeast of Sarajevo, near Nahorevo. In winter, you can find interesting frozen shapes here!
Avaz Twist Tower
9. Avaz Twist Tower
Towering building with an observation deck.
Avaz Twist Tower is named after its twisted facade. German company Schüco named the tower as one of the 10 most beautiful buildings in the world. You'll enjoy the view even more than the architecture!
National Museum
10. National Museum
The National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina
This is a treasure trove of materials and intangible heritage. From wildlife to fossils and cultural artifacts, there's something to please everyone. It's usually open until 7pm on weeknights, so you can drop in before dinner.
Morića Han
11. Morića Han
People have been coming together here since 1551.
Morića Han is a caravanserai. That means the building has served as a roadside inn where travelers (caravaners) could rest and recover from their journey. Head there for dinner or just revel in the vibe.
Sarajevo Meeting of Cultures
12. Sarajevo Meeting of Cultures
Inlaid marker on Ferhadija St
Feel a jolt as the architecture and vibe around you changes. Step over this threshold. With one step, you'll move from the Ottoman Empire to Austria-Hungary style. It's hard to describe!
Sarajevo Bobsleigh
13. Sarajevo Bobsled Track
Sarajevo Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track.
Sarajevo's abandoned Bobsled Track is a photographer's dream. This war-torn Olympic site is being overtaken by bright graffiti and beautiful nature. Take in the views, but don't stray from the worn path.
Sacred Heart Cathedral
14. Sacred Heart Cathedral, Sarajevo
Beautiful Catholic church in Sarajevo
The Sacred Heart Cathedral, or 'Sarajevo Cathedral', was built in 1889 in the Neo-Gothic style. It features a colourful interior, twin-spired clock towers and rose windows above a stone portal.
Ashkenazi Synagogue Sarajevo
15. Ashkenazi Synagogue Sarajevo
Riverside Synagogue featuring beautiful designs.
Built in 1902 for Sarajevo’s Jews, the Aškenazi Synagogue is the city's oldest religious building that was constructed in the Pseudo-Moorish style. It has historic, cultural and architectural significance.
Wilson's Promenade Sarajevo
16. Wilson's Promenade Sarajevo
Uniquely 'Sarajevo', and perfect for people watching!
At 5pm, cars are banned from this street and it comes alive! Join the locals as they ride bikes, zip along on roller blades, jog or just stroll along looking fashionable. You'll also find street-food and coffee stalls pop up here under the trees beside the Miljacka River!
Music in Sarajevo: 5 ways to experience Sarajevo's music scene
Sarajevo has a long history of pop and rock. Jazz clubs have been popular too. To hear local DJs in the electronic music scene, go to an international DJ's event and you should find a local featured as a supporting performer. Classical includes a variety of quality chamber orchestras and the Sarajevo Philharmonic. 'Sevdah' is the name of the local traditional music genre.
If you want a taste of Sarajevan artists, seek out music by:
Dubioza kolektiv (pop/rock)
Letu štuke (pop/rock)
Skroz (pop/rock)
Sarajevo Jazz Guerilla (jazz, obviously!)
Amira Medunjanin (blues)
Damir Imamovic (blues)
Divanhana (blues)
Dino Merlin (pop/rock)
Zdravko Čolić (pop/rock)
Sarajevo Philharmonic
Pop Rock Skola Sarajevo (Pop Rock School Sarajevo)
You can find music in live music restaurants and clubs across Sarajevo, plus special venues such as the Bosnian Cultural Centre.
Top 5 Instagrammable Locations in Sarajevo
Wow. This is hard! There's so many photo spots on Sarajevo. It's hard to pick shoot locations. At a pinch, I'd say the top instagrammable location in Sarajevo are:
Baščaršija (Bascarsija) including the Sebilj
Sarajevo's abandoned Bobsled Track
Sarajevo City Hall (vijecnica) - especially the interior
any restaurant or cafe where you can capture the gorgeous traditional food and coffee
Skakavac Waterfall
Popular hashtags for Sarajevo travel posts on instagram, facebook twitter and other social media include: #sarajevo , #balkan , #feelbosnia , #bosniaandherzegovina , #sarajevodestination , #sarajevogram , #feelsarajevo , #destinationsarajevo , #cityofsarajevo , #visitsarajevo , #sarajevooriginals , #sarajevobosnia , #sarajevostreets... and the location (e.g. #vijecnica & #sarajevskavijecnica ) . Consider adding related hashtags such as #ottomanarhitecture, for example.
Fun in Sarajevo: 10 Reasons you must visit Intrepid Sarajevo
Ok, let's wrap it up. I've told you about the attractions and the music. In a nutshell, you should visit Sarajevo for its:
thought-provoking history
delicious food
hiking
mountain biking
museum treasures
fun, intrepid locals
film culture
coffee culture
blacksmiths
oodles of instagram worthy sites
When you combine these reasons with the fact that it isn't the 'same old same old' destination, Sarajevo should be on your bucket list!
Share your Sarajevo Holiday Tips!
I know there are even more things to do and see in Sarajevo and I want to hear ideas from you! Comment below or head over to our Travel Fun Music Community Facebook Page , Travel Inspiration Instagram account or join the Our Travel Addict Conversations on Twitter. You can also leave tips in the comments on the Travel Fun Music YouTube Channel . Use the #travelfunmusic hashtag and it’ll show up on our website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do in Sarajevo at night?
Stroll through the old town and along Ferhadija Street.
Take photos or just enjoy the view from the Yellow Bastion (Žuta tabija).
Take the lift up to the observation deck in the Avaz Twist Tower.
Experience the unique local vegan or vegetarian food, for something different!
Pop into the National Museum. It's open until 7pm on weeknights.
Is Sarajevo safe for tourists?
Sarajevo is generally a safe city. Its people are very kind and happy to help. Crime is very low. Just beware of pickpockets on public transport, and in the tourist and pedestrian areas of Sarajevo. People are welcome from multiple religions, and there are facilities for Muslims, Christians and many other religions too.
Sarajevo history
Sarajevo as it is known today was founded by the Ottoman Empire in the 1450s upafter they conquered the area. In 1914, it was the site of the assassination that sparked World War I. From April 1992 to February 1996, the city suffered a siege during the Bosnian War and the breakup of Yugoslavia. Since then, it has morphed into a fast growing city and become one of the world's eighteen Cities of Film.
Sarajevo today
Today, Sarajevo is a peaceful and interesting place. Sarajevo today is a safe place to visit on holiday. Lonely Planet named Sarajevo as one of the top ten cities to visit in 2010, and the attractions have continued to grow since then!
What local food should I try in Sarajevo?
It's inexpensive to eat out in Sarajevo. Try a burek krompirusa, which is a pastry filled with potato. You can buy it from a bakery (pekara) or bakery that makes only bureks (a "buregdzinica").
Currency in Sarajevo
The main currency is the Bosnia-Herzegovina Convertible Mark. You can find currency exchanges in the Old Town. But, there are a lot of ATMs. Also, major credit and debit cards are accepted in most accommodation, shops, supermarkets and restaurants. You don't need to tip, but it shows appreciation for good service.
Mobile Phone Service / Roaming in Sarajevo
SIM cards are easy to buy in almost every grocery store, news stand, and post office. Don't expect to be able get your SIM card in Sarajevo Airport though, so use the 1 hour free wifi they give you wisely before you leave. The main service providers are BH Telecom, M:tel (Mtel) and HT ERONET. Prepaid SIM cards are popular. I bought a prepaid BH Telecom SIM card in Sarajevo for 5KM (about USD $3), which included 1 Gig of data. No ID was required. I bought it from a Tobacco Gift Shop. The pack included instructions in English, which made it super easy to set up.
The calling code for Bosnia is +387.
Airbnb
Airbnb is active in the country. For example, I stayed in an excellent one called 'Sophies World'.
Best places to stay in Sarajevo (Hotels in Sarajevo)
The most popular hotels in Sarajevo are:
Hotel Hills Sarajevo: Hotel Hills Sarajevo is a Congress Centre and Thermal Spa Resort. Their rooftop bar offers panoramic views.
Hollywood Hotel Sarajevo: The Hotel Hollywood is a Congress Centre style hotel with excellent inhouse sports facilities.
Hotel President Sarajevo: This hotel is very popular with business travellers, but it also offers a great location for tourists.
Getting Around Sarajevo
The main bus station is located beside Avaz Twist Tower. Sarajevo’s Railway Station offers connections to Mostar and other great locations in the country. Trams, as well as buses and taxis, operate within the city. Plus, cable cars will take you up to Trebević. Car hire is available, but the prices and other requirements (e.g. bond) are relatively uncompetitive when compared with other destinations.
Getting To Sarajevo / How to travel to Sarajevo
You can fly in via the Sarajevo International Airport ("Butmir Airport"). From the Airport, you can hire a car or take a bus or taxi into the city. The bus to the heart of Sarajevo takes about 30 minutes, but don't expect it to depart very often. It's better to plan to take a taxi from the Sarajevo Airport into Sarajevo. Some hotels offer airport transfers. There are road connections from Serbia, Croatia, and Montenegro - plan and be ready for border control procedures.
English in Sarajevo
Many people speak English in Sarajevo, especially in hotels and major venues. There's usually a mass in English language in Sarajevo's Roman Catholic Cathedral, for example. You can learn English in Sarajevo too. English clasess in Sarajevo are available in both private schools and University courses.
Sarajevo Red Light District
There isn't a red light district in Sarajevo. As with all travel, don't break local laws and be careful to avoid becoming a victim of crime.
Fun Facts about Sarajevo
In 1984 Sarajevo hosted the Winter Olympics.
There are three official languages: Bosnian, Serbian and Croatian.
The Sarajevo Sahat Tower keeps lunar time, not solar time.
The internationally renound Sarajevo Film Festival was created in 1995 during the Bosnian War.
According to the World Tourism Organisation, Bosnia and Herzegovina had the third highest tourism growth rate worldwide from 1995 to 2020.
P.S. I've also received these questions. Don't worry - I haven't forgotten you folks! I just haven't had the chance to update this article to answer them yet! Sorry!
What to wear / what to pack for a trip to Sarajevo.
How To Use Public Transportation In Sarajevo
The Perfect Sarajevo Travel Itinerary (with a map to download)
10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Sarajevo
Top 10 Free Things To Do In Sarajevo
Top 10 Things You Can’t Miss In Sarajevo
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