Sarajevo Travel Guide (Sarajevo Region/Bosnia and Herzegovina/Balkans/Europe)

Introduction to Sarajevo
List of Places to Visit in Sarajevo
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Sarajevo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Sarajevo
Best Things to Do in Sarajevo: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Sarajevo
Food and Drink Scene of Sarajevo
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Sarajevo: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Sarajevo: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Sarajevo
Best Time to Visit Sarajevo
Do’s and Don’ts of Sarajevo
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Sarajevo
- Health in Sarajevo
Getting to Sarajevo: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Sarajevo
Where to Go Next from Sarajevo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Sarajevo

Located in the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo is a city that seamlessly blends the East and West. Known for its rich history, cultural diversity, beautiful landscapes, and warm hospitality, Sarajevo is a must-visit for anyone traveling to the Balkans or Europe. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best things to do, see, eat, drink, and experience in Sarajevo.

List of Places to Visit in Sarajevo

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Sarajevo has a rich and complex history that is reflected in its many landmarks, museums, and historical sites. Here are some must-visit places that capture the essence of Sarajevo’s history and culture:

Bascarsija: The old town of Sarajevo is a maze of narrow streets, historic buildings, workshops, cafes and shops. Here you can find out on the history of the city, shop for souvenirs, and sample delicious Bosnian cuisine.
Sarajevo City Hall: Also known as the Vijećnica, the Sarajevo City Hall is a magnificent Austro-Hungarian building that has an impressive interior adorned with paintings, sculptures, and a grand staircase.
Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque: This Ottoman-era mosque is one of the most beautiful landmarks in Sarajevo. Visitors can enter the mosque and admire the intricate details of its interior design.
Sarajevo Tunnel Museum: The Tunnel of Hope was a lifeline during the siege of Sarajevo that lasted from 1992 to 1995. The museum includes an audio-visual display, photographs, documents and objects that reflect the heroic spirit of Sarajevo’s people during war.
Sarajevo Assassination Museum: The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife in Sarajevo was one of the pivotal events that led to World War I. The museum tells the story of the assassination and its consequences for the world.

Natural Attractions of Sarajevo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Sarajevo is surrounded by mountains and is therefore known for its beautiful landscapes and outdoor adventures. Here are some places to visit in Sarajevo for those who love nature and the outdoors:

Mount Trebević: The magnificent mountain offers the best views of Sarajevo, and is a popular destination for hiking, cycling, and skiing in the winter months. The Olympic bobsled track from the 1984 Winter Olympics is also located here.
Skakavac Waterfall: This beautiful waterfall is only a 30-minute drive from Sarajevo and is surrounded by lush green forests. The waterfall is 98 meters high and is a popular spot for picnics and short hikes.
Vrelo Bosne Park: Located at the foot of Mount Igman, Vrelo Bosne Park is a tranquil oasis with crystal-clear streams, lakes, and waterfalls. Visitors can rent bikes or enjoy a leisurely stroll around the park.
Bijambare Cave: This underground cave system is located about 30 kilometers from Sarajevo and is one of the best-preserved caves in the region. Visitors can explore the caves with a local guide and view impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sarajevo

Sarajevo boasts many hiking and biking trails that offer stunning views of the city. Here are a few popular routes for outdoor enthusiasts:

Trebević Hiking Trail: This hiking trail starts from the famous yellow fortress and takes you through a dense forest to the top of Mount Trebević. The trail is well-marked and takes around 2-3 hours to complete.
Igman Mountain Biking Trail: This mountain biking trail starts from the Sarajevo Olympic Bobsled Track and takes you through the beautiful Igman Mountains. The trail is challenging but rewards you with incredible views of Sarajevo.
Bukovik Mountain Hiking Trail: This trail is perfect for a day hike and offers spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The trail is not too challenging, and it takes around 5-6 hours to complete.

Best Things to Do in Sarajevo: Activities and Tours

Sarajevo offers a range of activities and tours that cater to all interests and ages. Here are some of the best things to do in Sarajevo:

Try Local Food: No visit to Sarajevo is complete without sampling the local cuisine. Some of the must-try dishes include cevapi, burek, and tufahije. Numerous restaurants, street vendors and cafes offer these dishes.
Take a Walking Tour of the Old Town: A guided walking tour is an excellent way to explore the old town and learn about the city’s history and culture. Many tours offer a visit to museums and landmarks while also allowing for plenty of time to explore at leisure.
Visit the Olympic sites: Sarajevo hosted the Winter Olympics in 1984, and many of the Olympic sites still exist today, such as the bobsled track and Jahorina and Bjelasnica ski slopes. These locations provide a great opportunity to take in scenic views while enjoying winter sports.
Try Shooting Range activity: Sarajevo has a long tradition of sports shooting, and many shooting ranges offer activities for tourists. This guided activity is a unique way to experience the local culture and try something new.
Visit the Panorama Shop: This shop offers an excellent selection of handmade traditional souvenirs from Bosnia. The shopkeeper can explain the significance of each item, making it a great place to bring home authentic Bosnian products as gifts for friends and family.

Week-Long Itinerary for Sarajevo

Day 1: Explore the Old Town Day 2: Visit the Sarajevo Assassination Museum Day 3: Hike to Mount Trebević Day 4: Visit Olympic sites Day 5: Bike in the Igman Mountains Day 6: Discover natural parks; Vrelo Bosne and Skakavac Waterfall Day 7: Shopping in souvenir shops.

Food and Drink Scene of Sarajevo

Must-Try Dishes

Bosnian cuisine is flavorful, unique, and hearty. Here are some typical dishes to sample while in Sarajevo:

-Cevapi: A popular Balkan grilled meat dish made of minced beef or lamb, served with flatbread and often topped with chopped onions and sour cream. -Burek: A pastry filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. Can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. -Tufahije: A Bosnian dessert made with baked apples, stuffed with walnuts, raisins, and sugar, served with whipped cream.

Local Beverages

Bosnia is known for its coffee culture, and many cafes in Sarajevo serve delicious coffee. Here are a few other beverages to try:

Rakija: A popular fruit brandy that is made from plums, grapes, or apricots. It is typically served as a shot and is enjoyed before and after meals.
Bosnian beer: Sarajevo Brewery has three main types of beers: Sarajevsko Pivo, Sarajevsko Light, and Sarajevsko Radler, all of which are worth a try.

Where to Stay in Sarajevo: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Sarajevo has a range of accommodation options that cater to all budgets and needs. Here are a few recommendations:

Hotel Europe: This luxury hotel is located on the banks of the Miljacka River and offers elegant rooms, a restaurant, and a spa.
Hostel Ljubicica: A budget hostel in the heart of the old town. It has a friendly staff and offers a comfortable stay with all the necessary amenities.
Guesthouse Halvat: A beautiful guesthouse in the charming neighborhood of Bistrik. Clean, quiet and comfortable rooms.

What to Buy in Sarajevo: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Sarajevo is famous for its traditional souvenirs, handmade crafts, and locally produced products. Here are a few ideas on what to buy in Sarajevo:

Bosnian coffee: Bosnian coffee is an excellent souvenir to bring back home from Sarajevo. Visitors can purchase both raw and roasted coffee beans and a traditional set of a narrow-necked pot, water glass, sugar cubes, and Turkish coffee cup.
Handicrafts: Sarajevo is known for its traditional handicrafts, such as copper coffee sets, woolen carpets, pottery works, and souvenir magnets. Visitors can find these items in the souvenir shops in Bascarsija.
Bosnian Wine: Bosnian wine is known for its unique taste and high quality. The wines are produced from local grape varieties, such as žilavka and blatinica. Visitors can purchase wine bottles at vineyards like Tvrdos and Vino Brkic.

Local Culture and Customs of Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a city with a rich cultural heritage, and its people are known for their hospitality. Here are a few customs and traditions to keep in mind while in Sarajevo:

Respect Local Customs and Traditions: When entering a mosque, women should wear a headscarf and men should if possible cover the legs. Visitors should remove shoes before entering a private home or guest house.
Learn Basic Bosnian Phrases: Bosnians appreciate it when visitors try to speak their language and are generally quite friendly. Basic phrases like “Hello” - “Zdravo”, or “Thank you” - “Hvala”, can go a long way.
Be Respectful of Religious Sites: Sarajevo has many religious sites, including mosques and churches, that are important to the local people. Visitors should be respectful and avoid loud noises when visiting these places.

Best Time to Visit Sarajevo

Sarajevo can be visited throughout the year, each season offering a unique experience. The best time to visit depends on individual preferences. Here’s an overview:

Spring (April - June): An excellent time to visit, as the weather is mild and the city is in full bloom. Nature lovers will enjoy taking hikes and exploring the parks.
Summer (July - August): The busiest time in Sarajevo, with many outdoor events and activities, such as festivals and open-air concerts. It’s also the perfect time for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the summer vibe in the cafes and bars.
Autumn (September - November): A good time to visit for those who prefer low crowds. The autumn foliage offers picturesque views, and the weather is mild enough for hiking trails.
Winter (December - March): Ideal for winter sports, Sarajevo is popular for skiing, snowboarding, and sledding. The winter season also adds a cozy atmosphere to the snowy city.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sarajevo

Do:

Try Traditional Food: Bosnian cuisine is delicious and unique, and sampling local dishes is a must-do experience.
Bring Your Walking Shoes: Sarajevo is best explored on foot as many landmarks and attractions are located within walking distance.
Take part in Local Culture: Learn about the customs and traditions of the Bosnian people and participate in cultural events.

Don’t:

Neglect to Dress Appropriately: Respectful attire should be worn when visiting religious sites, and overly revealing clothing should be avoided.
Ignore the Rules of the Road: As Sarajevo is a busy city, it’s important to obey traffic signals and directions.
Expect a Western-Style City: Sarajevo has its distinct culture and traditions which visitors should embrace.

Safety and Health

Safety in Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a generally safe city to visit, and the chances of becoming a victim of a serious crime are low. However, as with any large city, visitors should take precautions and remain vigilant in busy areas, tourist sites, and marketplaces. Pickpocketing and petty theft are common, so it’s essential to keep valuable items out of sight. If you are traveling alone, avoid isolated areas, and stick to well-illuminated paths.

Health in Sarajevo

Sarajevo has a well-organized health care system, and almost all hospitals and clinics have English speaking staff. Visitors who need medical attention should go to Sarajevo’s Public Health Institute or Sarajevo University Clinical center.

Getting to Sarajevo: Transportation Options and Logistics

Sarajevo has a well-connected transport network that includes international airports, buses, trains, and taxis.

Airports Near Sarajevo

Sarajevo International Airport: The primary airport in Sarajevo is only 12 kilometers from the city center, with many international airlines flying into Sarajevo.

Bus Stations Near Sarajevo

Sarajevo Central Bus Station: The central bus station is located in the city center and offers connections to other cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina and abroad.

Other Options

Trains: Sarajevo’s train station is connected to other major cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Budapest, Vienna, and Zagreb.
Taxis: Taxis are widely available in Sarajevo, and they are affordable. However, visitors should use licensed taxis or reputable companies to avoid overcharging.

How to Get Around in Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a city that is best explored on foot: many landmarks and attractions are located within walking distance of one another. However, public transport is cheap, reliable, and plentiful. Sarajevo offers tram lines and bus services that connect different parts of the city.

Where to Go Next from Sarajevo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Sarajevo is well-located to explore other parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Here are some excellent options for further adventures:

Mostar: One of the most famous tourist destinations, it is home to the Stari Most bridge, an iconic symbol of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Sutjeska National Park: Located in the south of Bosnia and Herzegovina, this park offers incredible views of untouched nature and experiences, including hiking trails and river rafting.
Višegrad: This picturesque town is known for its Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge. The bridge spans the Drina river and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Conclusion

Sarajevo is a city that offers everything - an abundance of natural beauty, fascinating history and culture, delicious food, and warm hospitality. With this comprehensive guide, visitors can easily plan and ensure a successful and memorable visit to the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina.