Things to Do in Sarajevo, Bosna i Hercegovina / Босна и Херцеговина

Sarajevo, the captivating capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, stands as one of Europe's most historically rich and culturally diverse cities. Known as the 'Jerusalem of Europe,' this remarkable city seamlessly blends Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav influences, creating a unique atmosphere where East meets West. The city's Old Town, Baščaršija, with its cobblestone streets, traditional bazaars, and historic mosques, tells the story of centuries of multicultural coexistence. Sarajevo gained international attention as the host city of the 1984 Winter Olympics and later during the devastating siege of the 1990s, but today it has emerged as a vibrant destination that honors its complex past while embracing a hopeful future. Visitors can explore war museums and memorials alongside beautiful religious sites, sample incredible Bosnian cuisine in traditional restaurants, and experience the warmth of local hospitality that has made Sarajevo famous throughout the Balkans.

Top Things to Do in Sarajevo

Explore Baščaršija Old Bazaar

Wander through Sarajevo's enchanting Ottoman-era old bazaar, where traditional craftsmen still work in copper, silver, and wood. The area features historic mosques, traditional coffee houses, and authentic souvenir shops selling handmade items. This pedestrian-friendly quarter represents the heart of Sarajevo's cultural identity and offers glimpses into the city's 500-year Ottoman heritage.

Booking Tip: Free to explore independently, though guided tours cost 15-25 EUR. Best visited in morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. Look for local guides who can provide historical context and recommend authentic craft shops.

Take a War History Tour

Learn about Sarajevo's recent history during the 1992-1996 siege through visits to key sites, tunnels, and memorials. These powerful tours provide insight into how residents survived the longest siege in modern warfare and showcase the city's remarkable resilience. Many tours are led by war survivors who share personal stories and historical context.

Booking Tip: Tours cost 20-40 EUR and last 3-4 hours. Book with operators who employ local guides with personal experience. Tunnel Museum entry is included in most tours, individual tickets cost 10 BAM.

Visit Historic Religious Sites

Explore Sarajevo's incredible religious diversity by visiting the Gazi Husrev-bey Mosque, the Sacred Heart Cathedral, the Old Orthodox Church, and the Old Synagogue, all within walking distance. This unique concentration of different faiths in one area exemplifies Sarajevo's multicultural heritage. Each site offers distinct architectural styles and historical significance spanning different periods of the city's development.

Booking Tip: Most sites charge 2-5 BAM entry fee. Dress modestly for religious sites and respect prayer times. Combined tickets available for 15 BAM. Best visited during morning hours when sites are less crowded.

Experience Traditional Bosnian Food Scene

Discover Sarajevo's incredible culinary heritage through traditional dishes like ćevapi, burek, and Bosnian coffee served in authentic copper sets. The city's food scene reflects its multicultural history with Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Balkan influences. Local restaurants and street food vendors offer authentic experiences at very reasonable prices.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost 25-40 EUR per person and last 3-4 hours. Look for small group tours that include traditional coffee ceremony and visit local markets. Individual meals cost 5-15 EUR at traditional restaurants.

Explore Surrounding Mountains and Olympic Sites

Visit the beautiful mountains surrounding Sarajevo, including former Olympic venues from the 1984 Winter Games on Jahorina and Bjelašnica mountains. These areas offer hiking, scenic views, and remnants of Olympic infrastructure, plus opportunities to experience Bosnia's natural beauty. The mountains provide a peaceful contrast to the urban historical sites and showcase the country's stunning landscapes.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost 30-50 EUR including transportation. Best from May to October for hiking, winter for skiing. Look for small group tours that combine Olympic sites with nature walks and traditional mountain village visits.

Getting There

Sarajevo International Airport is located 12km from the city center, with direct flights from major European cities including Istanbul, Vienna, Belgrade, and Frankfurt. The airport shuttle bus costs 3 BAM and runs every 30 minutes, while taxis cost around 15-20 BAM to the center. Alternatively, many travelers arrive by bus from neighboring countries, with excellent connections from Zagreb (8 hours), Belgrade (6 hours), and Split (7 hours), with tickets costing 20-40 EUR. Train connections are limited but scenic, particularly the route from Budapest.

Getting Around

Sarajevo's compact city center is easily walkable, with most major attractions within a 2km radius. The city operates an efficient tram and bus system with tickets costing 1.80 BAM per ride or 5 BAM for a day pass, available from kiosks or drivers. Taxis are affordable and reliable, typically costing 5-15 BAM for trips within the city center - use official taxi companies or ride-sharing apps. For exploring surrounding areas, rental cars are available from 25 EUR per day, though public transportation and organized tours often provide better value for tourist destinations.

Where to Stay

Baščaršija (Old Town)

Marijin Dvor (City Center)

Ferhadija Street Area

Ilidža (Near Airport)

Vratnik (Historic Quarter)

Kovači (Museum Quarter)

Food & Dining

Sarajevo's dining scene is a delightful blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Balkan cuisines, with ćevapi being the undisputed king of local street food. Traditional restaurants called 'aščinica' serve hearty local dishes like bosanski lonac and klepe at very reasonable prices (5-12 EUR per meal). The Baščaršija area offers the most authentic dining experiences, from traditional coffee houses serving Bosnian coffee in copper sets to restaurants specializing in grilled meats and fresh bread. For international cuisine, the Marijin Dvor area has modern restaurants and cafes, while local bakeries throughout the city serve fresh burek and other pastries perfect for breakfast or quick snacks.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Sarajevo is from May to September when temperatures are pleasant (20-25°C) and outdoor activities are most enjoyable. Spring (April-May) offers mild weather and fewer crowds, while summer provides the warmest temperatures and longest days, perfect for exploring both the city and surrounding mountains. Fall (September-October) features comfortable temperatures and beautiful autumn colors in the surrounding hills. Winter can be cold and snowy but offers a magical atmosphere, especially around New Year, and access to nearby ski resorts, though some mountain excursions may be limited.

Insider Tips

Exchange money at official exchange offices rather than banks for better rates - the currency is convertible mark (BAM), roughly 2 BAM = 1 EUR

Try Bosnian coffee slowly in the traditional style - it's served with sugar cubes, Turkish delight, and is meant to be sipped over conversation for at least 30 minutes

Many museums and attractions close on Mondays, and some religious sites have restricted hours during prayer times - plan accordingly and always dress modestly when visiting mosques and churches

Things to Do in Sarajevo