Sarajevo
Eastern Europe and the Balkans · Bosnia and Herzegovina
Did you know?
- The city is nicknamed Jerusalem of the Balkans for its religious diversity.
- Markale Market sells fresh produce.
- A cable car rises to Trebević above the city.
See also
Mostar
Bosnia and Herzegovina43.33°N 17.80°E · 60 m
Overview
Sarajevo blends Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian heritage. Yugoslav history adds another layer to the city visitors explore today.
Languages: Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian
Why go?
Sarajevo is a cosmopolitan European capital with a unique Eastern twist, nicknamed 'Jerusalem of the Balkans' for its long history of religious and cultural diversity. The city has 420,000 citizens in its urban area and is very tourist-friendly, especially the pedestrian Old Town. Locals are friendly, and the city offers a fascinating blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav heritage.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) is 6 km southwest of the city, served by buses and taxis. The main bus station (Autobuska stanica Sarajevo) next to the railway station offers direct international services to Belgrade (7 hr), Zagreb (8 hr), Budapest (12 hr), and other cities. Tram line 1 connects the bus station to the Old Town for 1.60 KM.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
The Old Town is walkable; trams and trolleybuses serve farther neighborhoods like Ilidža. Tram line 3 and trolley line 105 are useful. A single tram ride costs 1.60 KM. Free maps are available from the tourist office. Avoid driving in the Old Town due to narrow, steep streets.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
Sarajevo has hot summers (record 41°C) and cold, snowy winters. Rain is possible year-round, with about 75 days of precipitation annually. The best time for outdoor activities is late spring through early autumn. Winter offers skiing and a magical snow-covered Old Town.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Budget accommodations cluster in the Old Town. Haris Youth Hostel offers dorms from 18 KM and private rooms from 40 KM. Hostel City Centre has dorms for 30 KM. Motel Jasmin provides a double with breakfast for 60 KM. Many hostels are within walking distance of Baščaršija.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Čevapi at Petica Ferhatović cost 6 KM. Bosnian coffee at Miris Dunja is 2 KM. Ascinica ASDŽ serves vegetable-based home-cooking. The Sarajevo Brewery offers local beer. For fresh produce, visit Markale Market. Budget meals are generally under 12 KM.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Visit the Sebilj fountain (free), Latin Bridge, Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque (5 KM, includes library-museum), Tunnel of Hope (15 KM), War Childhood Museum (10 KM). Take the cable car to Trebević (30 KM return). Relax at the Spring of Bosna river park (2 KM entry).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Safety
Land mines remain in hills around the city; stay on paved paths. Pickpockets operate in crowded areas, especially on public transport. Air pollution in winter can affect breathing. Avoid neighborhoods like Alipašino Polje and Švrakino at night. Traffic accidents are common.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connectivity
Four mobile operators: BH Telecom, m:tel, HT Eronet, and Haloo. BH Telecom offers a Tourist SIM with 5 GB for 20 KM. WiFi is available in many hostels and cafés. The area code is +387 33; postal code 71000.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Etiquette
When visiting mosques, dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees; women should wear a headscarf). Sarajevo is multicultural and generally tolerant. Avoid sensitive discussions about the war or ethnic politics unless initiated by locals.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Health
Tap water is safe to drink but may taste chlorinated. Pharmacies (Apotheka) are common. Poliklinika Dr Al-Tawil in Importanne Centre offers quick medical tests. Strong sunlight requires usual precautions: hat, sunscreen, and shade.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Konjic (43 km southwest) offers Tito's bunker and white-water rafting. Mostar (a 2-hour drive) is famous for its old bridge. Belgrade (200 km northeast) is a lively capital. Jablanica (20 km west of Konjic) has a notable necropolis.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- buy
Alta Shopping Center
Shopping centre in the commercial district of the city, with 70 stores. Famous for the Lego store inside.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
BBI Center
Second largest shopping centre in Sarajevo, after the City Center with 125 stores. It won the ICSC European Shopping Centre Awards in 2011.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Baklava Shop Sarajevo
A wide selection of baklava in many flavours (walnut, almond, hazelnut, pistachio, etc.), where the baklavas containing orah (walnut) are considered to be the most traditional ones.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- drink
Bosanska kafana "Index"
Bosnian coffee.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Bosmal City Center
Shopping centre on the south bank of the river with 50 stores.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- drink
Cafe Slastičarna "Palma"
Coffee and pastry shop, located in the part of town called Hrasno, started in 1970. In 1985 "Palma" received the CD -Diplomatic Consular Code.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- drink
Café de Paris
You might not have expected to find an IPA in the Balkans, but Café de Paris serves a selection of craft beers from Sarajevo microbreweries. They also have a range of very smooth local rakijas (try the quince). Riverside, outdoor seating looks out upon impressive architecture from the Austro-Hungarian times.
Recorded price: Craft beer 3–4 KM
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Dariva Canyon
An 8 km long promenade from the historic centre of Sarajevo to the Goat's Bridge, following the canyon of the Miljacka. The promenade is very picturesque, and the pedestrian-only route offers magnificent natural views which have been appreciated since the Austria
Recorded price: Free
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Four mobile operators; BH Telecom tourist SIM with 5 GB for 20 KM. Free maps at tourist office. WiFi available in most hostels and cafés.
Culture
Dress modestly when visiting mosques; headscarves often provided. The city is multicultural; be respectful when discussing the war.
Health
Tap water is safe to drink. In winter, air pollution can be bad; carry medication if you have respiratory issues.
Local transport
Trams and buses cost 1.80 KM per ride; tickets can be bought from kiosks. Taxis are cheap but agree on price or use meter.
Money
Currency: Bosnian convertible mark (KM). ATMs widely available. Euros often accepted at 1€ = 2 KM. Credit cards accepted in shopping centres and upscale restaurants, but cash is needed in small cafés and souvenir shops.
Safety
Land mines in hills: stick to paved surfaces. Pickpockets in crowded areas and public transport. Air pollution a concern in winter. Avoid the Novi Grad municipality areas at night.
Transport
Trams and trolleybuses: 1.60 KM per ride. Tram line 1 connects bus station to Old Town. Taxis require navigating in Bosnian; show map.
Visa context
Visa rules depend on passport; check current entry requirements before booking.
Water
Tap water is safe to drink but may have a chlorine odour. Supply may be turned off overnight.