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The Top Things to See and Do in Sarajevo

The Old Town of Sarajevo reveals a layered, diverse history

The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina has been at the centre of major historical events, namely the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 and the horrors of a four-year civil war that played out until 1995. Today, however, Sarajevo is the political, social and cultural centre of the country, known for its celebration of peaceful religious coexistence. Here’s our list of the top things to see and do.

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1. Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque

sarajevo tourist attractions

2. Latin Bridge

Skyline of the old town at the sunrise in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

3. Kovači Memorial Cemetery

Cemetery, Memorial

4. Sarajevo Tunnel Museum

The tunnel in the Tunnel Museum also known as Tunel spasa constructed in 1993 during the Siege of Sarajevo in the midst of the Bosnian War. Image shot 05/2009. Exact date unknown.

5. Jewish Museum

Among the numerous museums devoted to aspects of Sarajevo’s rich history, one of the best is the Jewish Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, housed in the 16th-century Old Synagogue, next door to the current, contemporary place of worship. Escaping persecution in other parts of Europe, Sarajevo was happy to welcome Jewish arrivals in the late 1400s. The museum exhibits diverse items that belonged to the community, and is a great introduction to this fascinating aspect of Sarajevo’s story.

6. Eat ćevapi

Architectural Landmark

When hunger pangs strike, there’s only one thing for it: a plate of ćevapi, the national dish of Bosnia. Grilled minced beef is fashioned into elongated meatballs, like small sausages, and a portion consists of several, served in a pitta or flatbread with onions and sauce. A cheap dish, which was simple to make for rebels and outlaws, ćevapi evolved into a local staple during the centuries of Ottoman occupation. You’ll find it widely served in restaurants, and it’s also a popular street food, if you fancy lunch on the hoof.

7. Sarajevo City Hall

Building, Architectural Landmark

Sarajevo skyline at night with city lights

One of the most stunning architectural examples from Austria-Hungary’s era of imperial rule (1878–1918) is the town hall, or Vjećnica, as it is known locally. Built in 1898, it suffered sustained damage from Serbs during the civil war in the 1990s, hence the extensive recent refurbishment. Original specifications were observed and copied for each replacement detail, and the result is impressive. Interiors are resplendent with intricate carvings, painted patterns and beautiful stained glass, as well as archways, windows and staircases featuring exquisite geometric elements.

8. Baščaršija

Architectural Landmark, Market

Sarajevo’s Old Town is its historic core, lined with architecture dating back to the 15th century. Just as it was at that time, the area is a market and bazaar as well as the cultural heart of the contemporary city. Woven with narrow cobbled streets, it is a district of small shops full of character, blending Eastern European and Turkish influences. Key among its focal points is the main square with its postcard-famous fountain in the middle – it’s a must-see sight, if you can find it amid the hundreds of pigeons flapping about. With a great selection of traditional restaurants, cafes and coffee houses, this is an inviting area to stroll around and explore.

9. Reminders of the war

Walking around Sarajevo, you can’t fail to notice the scars of the civil war, the bullet holes and the shell-blast damage. The tragedy that played out is still relatively recent, and the nation continues to rebuild. Walls display grim evidence of gunfire and explosions. As its unofficial name, Sniper Alley, suggests, the area around the garish-yellow Holiday Inn was one of the most dangerous in the city, bristling with snipers and offering very little opportunity for shelter. The main thoroughfare, Zmaja od Bosne, is now a commercial street, but it feels eerie once you learn the details of its bloody recent past.

10. Sacred Heart Cathedral

The Jesus Sacred Heart Cathedral interior in Sarajevo,Bosnia and Herzegovina.The Nave and the Altar, at the central aisle.

11. Saint Joseph's Church

If you find yourself in the Marijin Dvor area, seek out Saint Joseph’s, with its gemlike, restored stained-glass and elaborate marble altars. Sandwiched between the thundering traffic of the Maršala Tita and the gleaming concrete and plate glass of the Alta Shopping Center, the church feels like a relic of a distant century, with its mullioned windows, neo-romanesque arches and white stone walls. In fact the church was finished in 1940, and was architect Karel Pařik’s last major work; the square outside the church is called Trg Karla Paržika in his honour.

Sebilj Fountain, Bascarsija district, Sarajevo Old Town, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Water-dispensing kiosks, or sebilj, used to stand at many of Sarajevo’s crossroads. This iconic landmark, a small domed pavilion of wood and stone built in 1753, is the city’s last surviving sebilj . It was replaced more than 100 years ago after being damaged by fire. Four centuries of Ottoman rule have left their distinctive mark on the city’s architecture, so architect Alexander Wittek’s revival is perfect for this well-known meeting point in Sarajevo’s 15th-century Baščaršija market. Food stalls and cafes surround this pigeon- and tourist-thronged pedestrian square.

Looking for travel inspiration outside of Bosnia and Herzegovina? Head to nearby Croatia and explore the Dalmatian Coast on our eight-day adventure . Alternately, browse our collections of Epic Trips , Mini Trips and Sailing Trips to find your next exciting destination.

Phoebe Taplin contributed additional reporting to this article.

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view of sarajevo bosnia and herzegovina skyline on a sunny day with a minaret prominent. old town is packed with some of the best things to do in sarajevo

15 Spectacular Things to Do in Sarajevo

Surrounded by mountains, the lively and scenic Sarajevo is known for–but not defined by–the scars of its past. Explore enough of the best things to do in Sarajevo, and you’re bound to fall in love with many, many sides of the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Though Sarajevo wears its recent, bloody history more subtly than nearby Mostar does, you can still feel it oozing underneath the surface.

But that being said, Sarajevo simply has so much other history competing for attention, that the breakup of Yugoslavia becomes one chapter of the narrative, rather than the dominating storyline.

Go to Sarajevo. Whether you’re touring mosques, sampling delicious food, discovering offbeat Sarajevo attractions, or staring out over the impressive landscape, it is impossible to be bored in this fascinating city.

Here are the best things to do in Sarajevo!

gift shops in sarajevo old town

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The Best Things to Do in Sarajevo

Get oriented with a walking tour..

While visiting Sarajevo can be lots of fun, it’s also undeniable that it is a complicated city–and the best way to meld old and new together when you first arrive is by getting started with a walking tour.

This popular tour will take you to some of the most interesting places to visit in Sarajevo, helping you get oriented with the city while learning everything from historical facts to how to get around.

Book your Sarajevo walking tour today!

kate storm holding an umbrella when exploring old town, one of the best things to do in sarajevo

Check out the famous Sebilj Fountain.

Want to make sure you return to Sarajevo?

Legend says that if you drink from this iconic fountain, you always will.

Even if you don’t plan to take a drink, though, the fountain’s iconic status as one of the most famous landmarks in Sarajevo combined with its location in the lively Baščaršija Square means that you should absolutely still stop by.

close up of sebilj fountain, one of the best places to visit in sarajevo bosnia and herzegovina

Visit the Sarajevo War Tunnel.

How could this not make the top of any list?  Sarajevo’s War Tunnel is famous: dug underneath the airport to allow for transfers of goods and people during the siege of Sarajevo, this tunnel has now been made into a museum.

Not only can you walk a small piece of the tunnel (it’s shorter than I imagined–I couldn’t stand up straight!), the museum also has footage and relics from the war.

The museum was more impactful than I imagined it would be: in the footage of the men digging the tunnel, there were all ages shown.

I was drawn to the young ones, though–the early-to-mid-twenties men who were busy digging tunnels to assist a war effort.

They reminded me of my dad, who was a similar age at the time but living a vastly different life (building a career, playing with me), in no small part due to the luck of being born in the USA instead of in Sarajevo.

The tunnel is located a bit outside of the city center, so likely won’t be walkable from where you’re staying. If you’d rather not worry about transportation, a tour like this is a great option.

Book your visit to the Sarajevo War Tunnel.

interior of sarajevo war tunnel, one of the best things to see in sarajevo

Explore the Old Town of Sarajevo.

Beautiful and walkable, Sarajevo’s Old Town is packed with restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions alike–you can find many of the best things to see in Sarajevo by exploring this neighborhood on foot.

Wherever you turn in the Old Town, people are selling everything from teapots to Bosnian SIM cards .

Wandering aimlessly through Sarajevo’s Old Town is a fun way to relax when visiting Sarajevo.

cafes in sarajevo old town

Sample some baklava.

Sarajevo’s baklava is some of the best that we’ve seen–which is not surprising since it is a traditional dessert in the former Ottoman Empire.

While we’ll never turn down a chance to sample baklava throughout the former Ottoman Empire, there’s no doubt that a trip to Sarajevo is incomplete without at least one serving of baklava.

white plate with 2 triangles of baklava

Walk across the Latin Bridge.

Before the siege of Sarajevo, the city was already famous for another war: the start of World War I.

Steps away from the Latin Bridge, Arch Duke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian empire, was assassinated, kicking off a global conflict that quite literally changed the world.

This is a place that you can feel history beating down on you, and crossing the Miljacka River via this historic bridge belongs on any list of what to do in Sarajevo.

latin bridge on a cloudy day

Watch the sunset from the Yellow Fortress.

Built between 1727 and 1739 and also referred to as the Yellow Bastion, the Yellow Fortress was originally used for defense.

Today, however, it’s better known for being one of the best places to watch the sunset in Sarajevo!

sunset from the yellow fortress, one of the best things to do sarajevo bosnia

Grab a treat at a Bosnian cake shop.

Our Airbnb host was the first person who used the phrase “cake shop” with us, but we heard it several times in Sarajevo–it would appear that Bosnians eat cake the way Italians eat gelato, and the cakes are delicious.

Look for the Sarajevo roses.

The explosions of mortar that came crashing onto Sarajevo during the siege left their mark all over the city–frequently, on the concrete ground.

The shells would cause a spreading pattern on the concrete, said to look like flowers. As a memorial, many of these were filled with red resin and named Sarajevo’s roses.

We only noticed one on our own, which was at the War Tunnel, though it is said that more than 100 were filled in at some point–be sure to keep an eye out for them while you’re working through your list of things to do in Sarajevo!

Tours are available that will take you to them, and if you’re interested, it’s worth going soon: the roses are slowly disappearing as the asphalt in the city is replaced over time.

one of the sarajevo roses filled with red mortar as seen from above

Take a day trip to Mostar (and beyond).

After Sarajevo, the scarred-yet-beautiful city of Mostar is one of the best places to visit in Bosnia.

This popular day trip will take you not only there, but also to Konjic and Blagaj, allowing you to explore some of the most interesting places in Herzegovina in a single day.

Book your day trip to Mostar today!

view of mostar bosnia from across the river, how to use airbnb can come in handy in the balkans

Visit the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque.

This mosque, in the center of the Old Town, dates to the 1500s and was gifted to the city (along with a large parcel of other lands and structures) to Sarajevo by Ottoman war hero Husrev-beg upon his death.

Both the interior and exterior of the mosque are exquisitely beautiful, and open to tourists during certain parts of the day. 

interior worship area of Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque

Visit the Gazi Husrev-beg Madrasa.

The madrasa, or Koranic secondary school, that was founded by Gazi Husrev-beg is both beautiful, and a wonderful place to learn more about his personal history–a history that is tightly tied up with the history of Sarajevo.

This is one location that we left feeling like we had definitely learned information about a city that we were unlikely to ever have found on our own, without knowing what we were looking for

The tickets are just a few marks, and you can purchase a combination ticket for the madrasa and the mosque listed above.

stone walls of Gazi Husrev-beg madrasa

Stare down on Sarajevo from Mount Trebevic.

Reachable by cable car, taxi, or a long hike, Mount Trebevic is the most easily accessible mountain from Sarajevo’s Old Town, and it boasts beautiful views and plenty of corners to explore–including Sarajevo’s famous bobsled track that was built for the 1984 Winter Olympics.

The track is decorated with ample amounts of graffiti and is more or less abandoned today, but it’s still one of the most popular places to visit in Sarajevo.

red mount trebevic cable car with sarajevo in the background, one of the fun things to do in sarajevo bosnia

Sample some cevapi.

Our Airbnb host in Mostar swore that the best cevapi in the world was in Sarajevo.

The dish consists of small sausages served with bread and raw onions–we found it tasty, but a little plain and not mind-blowing.

We left with the impression that we’d be happy to eat it again, but only once in a while (and, in the time since our Sarajevo travels, that has proven accurate)!

Either way, it’s well worth trying when visiting Sarajevo.

plate of traditional bosnia cevapi on a silver plate

Check out the impressive Sarajevo City Hall.

Named Vijećnica, Sarajevo’s City Hall is widely considered to be one of the most impressive buildings in the city and is well worth a visit as you explore Sarajevo.

photo of sarajevo skyline at night, white text reads "spectacular things to do in sarajevo"

About Kate Storm

Image of the author, Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

10 thoughts on “15 Spectacular Things to Do in Sarajevo”

That baklava looks divine! Lovely photos, the old town looks so charming.

It was delicious! I would love another one right now. 🙂

Ah sarajevo…you know…its good that people start visiting the city. Here in Europe there is a lot of..well…the war is 20 years ago but still present in a lot of minds so Sarajevo is not exactly at the top of their bucket list. What a shame. good guide!

Ah sarajevo…you know…its good that people start visiting the city. Here in Europe there is a lot of..well…the war is 20 years ago but still present in a lot of minds so Sarajevo is not exactly at the top of their bucket list. What a shame. good guide!

Thanks, Norman! I agree, it’s a shame that the war keeps Sarajevo from being more popular. But, who knows–maybe Bosnia & Herzegovina will be the next Croatia and make a huge comeback as a tourism destination. Sarajevo is a remarkable place!

Great Post!!! I truly believe that there is much more to explore new places. The world has incredible beauty which makes us visit new places for sure.

Went to Sarajevo by accident and spent my birthday there. Let me tell you that it was memorable. Could not be better. Mostra visit was fabulous. Our tour guide was the best. Hope to return one day

It is an incredible city! What a fun place to celebrate a birthday. 🙂

This is a wonderful overview of all the things that make Sarajevo such a uniquely special location. We spent my husband’s birthday there last year and were so moved by the physical reminders of the years of conflict but also in awe of the city’s sense of pride, dynamism and strength. We visited Sarajevo as part of a longer Balkans road trip; Bosnia was our favourite country by far!

Sounds like an incredible trip! We have spent quite a bit of time in the Balkans but never on a multi-country road trip (we’ve only done road trips in Croatia and Slovenia). Hoping to fix that in the next couple of years!

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Must-see attractions in Sarajevo

sarajevo tourist attractions

War Childhood Museum

This affecting museum had its genesis in a 2013 book edited by Jasminko Halilović, in which he asked a simple question of survivors of the Sarajevo siege:…

Galerija 11/07/95

This gallery uses stirring photography, video footage and audio testimonies of survivors and family members to create a powerful memorial to the 8372…

War damaged National Library, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo City Hall

A storybook neo-Moorish striped facade makes the triangular Vijećnica (1896) Sarajevo's most beautiful Austro-Hungarian–era building. Seriously damaged…

Sarajevo Cable Car

Reopened in 2018 after being destroyed during the war, Sarajevo's cable car once again shuttles people on a nine-minute ride, climbing 500m to a viewpoint…

Centred on what foreigners nickname Pigeon Square, with its ornate gazebo-like Sebilj drinking fountain (built in 1891), Baščaršija is the very heart of…

The beginning of the Sarajevo Tunnel, an 800m stretch under the airport.

Tunnel of Hope

During the 1992–95 siege, when Sarajevo was surrounded by Bosnian Serb forces, the only link to the outside world was an 800m-long, 1m-wide, 1.6m-high…

National Museum of BiH

Bosnia's biggest and best-endowed museum of ancient and natural history is housed in an impressive, purpose-built quadrangle of neoclassical 1913…

History Museum of BiH

Somewhat misleadingly named, this small yet engrossing museum occupies a striking, still partly war-damaged 1960s socialist-modernist building originally…

Gazi Husrev-beg Museum

The 1537 Kuršumlija Madrasa building is distinctive for its pointed chimneys and the lead roof from which it takes its name. Although built as a religious…

Despić House

You'd never guess from its Austrian-looking exterior, but this is one of the oldest surviving residential buildings in central Sarajevo. Inside, it's a…

Sacred Heart Cathedral

Fronted with twin-spired clock towers and rose windows above the stone portal, this neo-Gothic 1889 Catholic cathedral has a colourful interior and fine…

Old Orthodox Church

While the final form of this outwardly austere stone church dedicated to the archangels Michael and Gabriel dates to 1730, it was founded considerably…

Brusa Bezistan

Built in 1551 as a silk-trading bazaar, this elegant two-storey building is topped with six green-metal domes and encircled by shops. It's now a branch of…

Jewish Museum

More religiously open-minded than most of Western Europe in its day, the Ottoman Empire offered refuge to the Sephardic Jews who had been evicted en masse…

Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque

Bosnia's second Ottoman governor, Gazi Husrev-beg, funded a series of splendid 16th-century buildings, of which this 1531 mosque, with its 45m minaret, is…

Yellow Fortress

One of the most appealing yet accessible viewpoints gazing over Sarajevo's red-roofed cityscape is from this bastion, built in the 18th century as part of…

Emperor's Mosque

Across the river from the old city, this large stone mosque was built in 1565 to replace Sarajevo's very first mosque, a wooden structure built in 1457…

Museum of Crimes Against Humanity & Genocide 1992–1995

Nothing is sugar-coated in this confronting museum covering the many atrocities that took place throughout Bosnia during the 1990s war. Video footage…

Vrelo Bosne

Ever popular with local families, this extensive park is home to a patchwork of lush mini-islands at the cliffed mouth of the Bosna River. The classic way…

Svrzo House

An oasis of whitewashed walls, cobbled courtyards and partly vine-draped dark timbers, this 18th-century house-museum has been brilliantly restored and…

Baščaršija Mosque

Sitting behind a curtain of mature trees and a triple-arched porch, this elegant octagonal mosque has been providing solace within the bustle of the…

Muzej Sarajevo 1878–1918

On 28 June 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie were shot dead in their car by 18-year-old Gavrilo Princip directly outside this building…

Alija Izetbegović Museum

Located in two 1730s stone towers linked by a section of Vratnik's former walls, this two-room museum explores the background to the 1990s conflict and…

Latin Bridge

Of all the crossing points of the Miljacka River, this pale-stone triple-arched bridge is the most famous. It was known throughout the Yugoslav era as…

Many of the works in this thought-provoking contemporary art gallery were collected as donations for Bosnia during the 1990s conflict. The collection…

Musički Paviljon

Forming the centrepiece to a pretty park just across the river from the old town, this distinctive former bandstand was originally built in 1913, though…

Art Gallery of BiH

Behind a sturdy Austro-Hungarian facade this small but inspired three-level gallery hosts a changing series of exhibitions. The top floor has a semi…

White Fortress

Although it's thought to have had its origins in the Middle Ages, this bastion was substantially strengthened and incorporated into the walls built to…

Ashkenazi Synagogue

This 1902 neo-Moorish building is both a community centre and the main place of worship for Sarajevo's much-diminished Jewish community. Don't be put off…

Kovači Graveyard

Overloaded with the white gravestones of those killed during the 1990s conflict, this steeply contoured cemetery is the final resting place of the country…

Clock Tower

This elegant stone tower sports an Islamic prayer clock, which is adjusted daily so that dusk is the moment when the hands appear to show 12 o'clock. It…

Central Post Office

This glorious 1913 Succession-style building has a particularly memorable interior with a glass ceiling, brass counter-grilles and striking chandeliers…

Cathedral of the Nativity of the Mother of God

Sarajevo's Orthodox cathedral (dedicated in 1872) has a soaring interior space, a vast gilded iconostasis (a gift from the Russian royal family) and two…

Academy of Fine Arts

Originally built in 1899 as an evangelical church, this riverfront academy resembles a mini version of Budapest's magnificent national parliament building…

Festina Lente

The 2012 Festina Lente footbridge crosses the Miljacka River with an Escher-esque 'loop-the-loop' in its centre. The name means 'Hurry Slowly', an…

This ornamental drinking fountain, looking more like an enclosed oriental gazebo, dates from 1891 and marks the centre of Baščaršija's central square.

16 Best Things to do in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (2023)

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sarajevo tourist attractions

There is a fascinating variety of things to do in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s thriving capital city.  From the captivating Old Town to the deep scars of its devastating history, Sarajevo captivated us from the moment we walked its streets. After exploring Sarajevo on our Balkans road trip we’ve put together our sightseeing guide to Sarajevo: it’s our 16 favourite sights and the best things to do in Sarajevo. Enjoy!

Things to do in Sarajevo

Table of Contents

Best Things to do in Sarajevo

1  | explore baščaršija, sarajevo’s old town.

In the heart of Sarajevo’s Old Town, the 15th Century Old Bazaar is a maze of cobbled streets filled with shops selling metals, jewellery, pottery and souvenirs. The shop fronts spill out onto the narrow streets and the gleaming copper stalls and traditional coffee sets catch the eye at every turn.

Browse the traditional handicrafts, indulge in the local coffee, Bosnian ice cream or the traditional Cevapi dish and admire the architecture from a time gone by. The Old Town is one of our favourite things to do in Sarajevo and a highlight of any visit to the city.

sarajevo tourist attractions

Best Things to do in Sarajevo tip: One of the best ways to explore Sarajevo is by walking tour. This is one of the best in the city and gives a fascinating insight into the history and culture of the city. The tour lasts around 3.5 hours and is one of the best ways to experience Sarajevo – check prices now!

Book your walking tour now

Where to Stay in Sarajevo

Sarajevo has a great choice of modern hotels across the city. We opted for hotels close to the Old Town for our stay and we’d recommend this location for a visit to Sarajevo. Our Sarajevo hotels picks are:

  • Residence Inn Sarajevo:  a stylish and modern hotel close to the Old Town. Larger rooms are great for families and rooms are equipped with kitchens – check prices now!
  • Hotel VIP:  excellent boutique hotel with a great location on the edge of the Old Town and close to the Latin Bridge with spacious and clean rooms – check prices now!
  • Hotel Garni Konak: close to the Old Town and Bey’s Mosque in the pedestrian area of Sarajevo. A great reasonably priced option – check prices now!

Click here for the best Sarajevo hotel prices

2  | Walk among the pigeons at the Sebilj Fountain

One of Sarajevo’s most recognisable landmarks the Moorish wooden Sebilj Fountain is a must see in the city. Legend has it that those who drink from the fountain twice will return to Sarajevo but we didn’t try the water to test the theory! As well as attracting tourists, the pseudo Ottoman style fountain is also a pigeon magnet and the area is often referred to as Pigeon Square.

sarajevo tourist attractions

3  | Enjoy a Bosnian Coffee

Drinking Bosnian coffee is a rite of passage in Sarajevo’s Old Town. Arriving with the Ottoman influences from the Orient, Bosnian coffee is symbolic of the country. A walk through the streets of Baščaršija shows illustrates the importance of Bosnian coffee in everyday life: behind the storefronts, coffee beans are ground by hand with a huge pestle and traditional coffee sets are for sale among the copper creations.

Best Things to do in Sarajevo tip:  if you like your coffee sweet then Bosnians have a special way of adding sugar to their coffee. They add a sugarcube to a few spoonfuls of coffee foam and then pour the coffee over both. Some even rest the coffee soaked sugar cube in their mouth and drink the coffee through the sugar for an extra kick!

Things to do in Sarajevo

4 | Watch the Vječna Vatra, The Eternal Flame

Sarajevo has a devastating past. Vjecna Vatra, Sarajevo’s Eternal Flame, is a memorial to the military and civilian victims of World War II in Sarajevo. The open flame burns continuously symbolising that they will never be forgotten.

Things to do in Sarajevo

5 | Stand on the spot that started World War I at the Latin bridge

Rising solemnly over the Miljacka River in Sarajevo the Latin Bridge holds a remarkable place in world history. On June 28, 1914, the Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, the next in line to the Austro-Hungarian throne, and his wife Sophie were assassinated as they passed by the Latin Bridge with their motorcade triggering a chain of events which lead to World War I. It’s incredible to stand on the Latin Bridge and realise the huge significance of the events that took place here had on world events.

Things to do in Sarajevo

6 | Relive the reality of the Sarajevo Siege at the Sarajevo War Tunnel

The Sarajevo Tunnel was built by the Bosnian Army during the Siege of Sarajevo to link the city with other Bosnian-held territory. It allowed food, weapons and aid to be transported into the city and was a lifeline for Sarajevo. Today, the tunnel and its museum offer a fascinating insight into the history of the city.

Sarajevo Under Siege War Tour

We highly recommend a visit to the Sarajevo War tunnel which is included in the Sarajevo Under Siege Tour. This incredible tour takes visitors on a guided tour of Sarajevo and details the destruction and rebuilding of the city. Sniper’s Alley, the War Tunnel Museum, Trebevic mountain, the Jewish Cemetary and the Yellow fort are included in the tour – check prices now!

Book your war tunnel tickets here

7 | Admire the quirky architecture at Vijećnica, Sarajevo City Hall

Vijećnica was designed in 1891 by the Czech architect Karel Pařík but he stopped working on the project due to the criticism he faced from officials. The building was destroyed in the war and was completely rebuilt. The exhibitions include reenactments of the Hague Criminal Court and a basement museum.

Things to do in Sarajevo

8 | Understand the past at Gallery 11/07/95

Gallery 11/07/1995 is an exhibition to commemorate the Srebrenica tragedy where more than 8,000 Muslim men and boys were killed in the worst atrocity on European soil since World War II. The heartbreaking museum contains images, videos and audio documenting the events that took place in the small town of Srebrenica. The museum is one of the most devastating places we’ve visited on our travels and really brought to life the events of the past.

Things to do in Sarajevo

9 | Watch the sunset at Žuta Tabija, The Yellow Fortress

Built in the early 1700s, The Yellow Fortress is one of the most popular viewpoints in Sarajevo and, every evening crowds gather at the fortress to watch the sunset. Not much remains of the fortress but the spectacular views of Sarajevo make this a must see.

Best things to do in Sarajevo tip:  there’s a low key cafe at the Yellow Fortress which is perfect for sunset drinks or quenching your thirst after making the climb from the city centre!

10 | Walk among the past at a Sarajevo cemetery 

Overlooking the city, the Alifakovac Cemetry and the Old Jewish Cemetery are the final resting place for many high profile locals.

The Alifakovac Cemetry dates from the 15th Century and is located in one of the oldest settlements in Sarajevo. The cemetery is named after Ali Faqih, an Islamic scholar who served as a witness when Sarajevo’s deed of endowment, a document which marks the beginning of Sarajevo, was signed.

The weather-beaten Old Jewish Cemetry dates back to 1630 and contains almost 4,000 tombs. It’s strategic hillside location resulted in it being held by Bosnia Serbs during the war on Bosnia and Herzegovina. The cemetery suffered extensive damage from the front line fighting and almost 70 landlines had to be removed before the Old Jewish Cemetry was accessible after the end of the war.

Things to do in Sarajevo

11 | Gazi Husrev-beg ‘Beys’ Mosque

The Classic Ottoman style 16th Century Bey’s Mosque is an architectural highlight in Sarajevo. The interior is adorned with text from the Koran and the mosque exudes serenity and beauty.

Things to do in Sarajevo

12 | Ride the Gondola to Mount Trebević

From 1959, the beautiful Mount Trebevic was serviced by a gondola which ferried passengers from Sarajevo to the lush green mountain. The gondola service came to an abrupt halt on March 2, 1992, when its guard, Ramo Biber, became the first victim of the Siege of Sarajevo.

From 1992 to 1995 bullets and mortars rained down from Trebevic Mountain claiming thousands of victims in the centre of Sarajevo and, even after the Siege of Sarajevo ended, it took years to rid Trebevic of landmines. In April 2018 the gondola came back in operation and visitors have returned to Trebevic to explore its scenery and hikes and 32 gondolas decorated in the colours of the Bosnian flag and the Olympics make the 2km ride from the city centre.

13 | Retrace the 1984 Winter Olympics at the bobsleigh track 

Sarajevo was awarded the 1984 Winter Olympics and a bobsleigh and luge track was constructed at the top of Mount Trebevic. The track was used as an artillery position by Bosnian Serb forces during the Siege of Sarajevo and suffered some damage but its still possible to walk the length of the track today. The track is covered in graffiti and surrounded by overgrown grass but its historical and sporting significance make it a poignant place to visit. After visiting we watched some coverage of the 1984 Winter Olympics and the contrast was startling to see.

Best things to do in Sarajevo tip:  the bobsleigh and luge track is a short walk back down the mountain from the gondola station.

14 | Admire the most beautiful mosque in the Balkans at the Emperor’s Mosque

The 1457 Emperor’s Mosque was the first mosque to be built after the Ottoman conquest of Bosnia and was dedicated to the Sultan, Mehmed the Conqueror, who conquered Constantinople. The mosque is one of the most beautiful Ottoman mosques in the entire Balkans and its river location makes for a stunning setting.

Things to do in Sarajevo

15 | Explore Katedrala Srca Isusova, The Sacred Heart Cathedral

The Neo-Gothic Sarajevo Cathedral is the largest Cathedral in Bosnia and Herzegovina and boasts beautiful stained glass windows and vaulted ceilings. A statue dedicated to Pope John Paul II, who visited Sarajevo in 1996 and 2003, sits in the front square of the cathedral.

Things to do in Sarajevo

16 |  Understand the wounds of the past with the Sarajevo Roses

Walking around Sarajevo it’s impossible to miss the blood like stains marking the city pavements. During the Siege of Sarajevo, the city was bombarded by hundreds of shells hitting its streets every day and which left crater-like holes all over the pavements. The craters were filled with red resin in memory of the casualties and are known as Sarajevo Roses. The roses are slowly disappearing from the city streets as Sarajevo rebuilds and regenerates.

Things to do in Sarajevo

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35 Things To Do In Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina

what to do sarajevo

Table of Contents

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My favourite new city I visited this year is easily Sarajevo. It’s beautiful, cultural, charming and unbelievably well-preserved. Although there are plenty of things to do in Sarajevo, it’s a lovely city to do not very much at all. Sitting outdoors and drinking coffee with the locals is enough!

Sarajevo is where east meets west. You’ll discover the rich history of Islam and Judaism, and soak up the history encompassing Ottoman rule, the Hapsburg Monarchy, Yugoslavia and the bloody fight for independence. The last century has seen assassination, genocide, war and peace. It may seem like names and numbers in books but, when you come here and meet the locals, the history springs to life. You won’t leave Bosnia & Herzegovina without experiencing a strong range of powerful emotions, I can assure you!

Read next: is Sarajevo worth visiting?

mosque old market sarajevo things to do

Sarajevo is my favourite city in the Balkans and will always hold a little piece of my heart. Here, people who had endured hideous cruelty showed me great kindness. On the other side of the coin, I witnessed the very worst of humanity while learning about the history. I will likely be forever changed, only slightly. That’s the point of travel, surely? So, let’s get stuck into my Sarajevo travel guide…

SARAJEVO ESSENTIALS Accommodation : Booking.com / Hostelworld Getting there : flight / car / bus Sarajevo activities : GetYourGuide / Viator

THINGS TO do sarajevo bosnia

Read next: my Balkans itinerary for 2-8 weeks

How to get to Sarajevo

By air: Sarajevo International Airport is just 9km from the city and can be reached in 15 minutes by car or taxi (approx €10). There’s also a bus that takes around 30 minutes costing just 5 BAM (€2.50). I use Skyscanner to get the best-value flights, using the ‘whole month’ search feature to see the cheapest dates to fly. By land: after completing my Montenegro itinerary , I visited Mostar before Sarajevo and caught a bus between the two cities for €12, purchased at the station. I like to use Flixbus when travelling in Europe but it only connects Sarajevo with certain cities like Zagreb (8 hours, €20) and Vienna (13 hours, €50). For other routes, book local buses at the main bus station .

How to get around Sarajevo

Walking: the old centre of Sarajevo is walkable; in fact, the bazaar area is pedestrianised. It’s easy to see most of the main Sarajevo tourist attractions on foot. By bus, tram and trolleybus: for a few places like the National Museum and History Museum, you can catch tram 3 destined for Ilidža. Baščaršija stop is the nearest to the old city. Tickets for Sarajevo public transport can be purchased for 1.40 BAM (€0.70) from kiosks and drivers. By taxi: although the usual apps aren’t available, you can hail taxis on the street or phone them (numbers listed in this guide ). To avoid scams, ask for a price beforehand and check the meter is on.

Where to stay in Sarajevo

Anywhere near Baščaršija or Korvaci Street is a great location close to most of the main things to do in Sarajevo. Here are some specific places to stay:

  • Hostel – the best-rated hostel is Infinity Boutique with a homey apartment feel. Hostel Ljubicica is also a good choice.
  • Budget hotel – stay at Bed and Breakfast Vijecnic for a comfy base and fantastic central location. Check availability from €27 .
  • Mid-range hotel – pick Heritage Hotel Gate of Sarajevo for beautifully designed rooms, a hotel bar and a public swimming pool just 10m away! Check availability from €50 .
  • Splash out hotel – Hotel Hills Thermal Spa Resort is a great place to stay with spa treatments, swimming pools, restaurants and bars onsite for €90 a night, while Swissotel Sarajevo is THE most luxurious hotel in town with a great location and unrivalled restaurant and spa facilities (€130a night).
  • Budget apartment – I had a lovely time staying at Apartment Dove owned by the friendly local family upstairs. Although it’s up quite a steep hill from Baščaršija, I’d still recommend it. It’s great value for a solo traveller like myself. Check availability from €20 . Other highly-rated and well-located options are Enjoy Apartments and Aparthotel Centar .
  • Browse all hostels on Hostelworld and hotels and apartments on Booking.com .

Things to do in Sarajevo

Here’s what to do and see in the wonderful capital of Bosnia & Herzegovina…

Baščaršija places to visit sarajevo

Baščaršija is the central market area and my favourite place in Sarajevo. It’s bustling with locals and tourists enjoying the cafes, shopping for traditional products and souvenirs, and generally soaking up the atmosphere of this historic marketplace dating back to the 1500s. Foodies take note, this is the best place to eat! Modest restaurants serve Bosnian favourites like burek (flaky pastry with savoury fillings) and cevapi (ground meat sausages served with bread and chopped onion). The locals certainly have a sweet tooth reflected by the many slasticarnas (cafes) serving cakes, baklava and other local delicacies, washed down with Bosnian coffee. Keep reading for my restaurant suggestions towards the end of this post!

Sebilj fountain

Start your Sarajevo sightseeing at Sebilj , a wooden fountain built in the 18th century that unofficially marks the old city centre. The square around it is dubbed Pigeon Square! Can’t think why? An old legend says that anyone who drinks from the fountain will return to Sarajevo. Unfortunately, I didn’t drink BUT hope I’ll be returning anyway!

Buy souvenirs on Kazandžiluk, the oldest street in Sarajevo

Kazandžiluk street shopping what to do sarajevo

Easily the most fascinating street in Sarajevo (not to mention the oldest), is Kazandžiluk . It’s an indicator of how well-preserved Sarajevo is. Many traditional markets around the world have been lost to touristy t-shirts and fridge markets. Yes, there’s some of this in Baščaršija yet Kazandžiluk has managed to retain its authentic nature and craft: metalworking. First formed in the 16th century on the land of a wealthy artisan and goatherder, the street is named after craftspeople who made ketals for the army. In the Ottoman period, they started producing metal coffee pots and table trays amongst other items, some of which are still produced on Kazandžiluk today.

Metal tea sets

Shoppers will think one of the best things to do in Sarajevo is wander Kazandžiluk, browsing for bargains. Be warned that most of the traditional shops are cash-only. I found one accepting card but the prices were higher than its neighbours. That’s the story of how I lived on pasta and eggs for my last 24 hours in Sarajevo because I spent my last 60 BAM on a tea set!

Meeting of Cultures point

Meeting of cultures attraction in sarajevo bosnia herzegovina

This historic point is marked on the ground where modern Ferhadija shopping street meets Sarači, a market street since 1531 when Ottoman governor, Gazi Husrev Bey, ordered 60 shops to be built. Although the pavement sign is here, a more impressive comparison can be seen on the street behind where the ancient Tašlihan ruins (once an inn for merchants) sit beside modern Hotel Europe . Sarajevo is known as a city where east meets west and there are few sights more obvious than businessmen drinking Italian coffee on the hotel terrace, overlooking ancient Ottoman ruins.

Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque (and complex)

Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque

Gazi Husrev Bey is a name you’ll hear cropping up repeatedly. This Ottoman governor was best known for his successful conquests expanding the empire into Hungary and parts of Croatia (though as I learnt while living there, strongholds like Klis Fortress – now a popular stop for Game of Thrones fans – stopped them from capturing cities like Split ). You can wander in his complex for free and see the Mosque and tomb from the outside. Paid-for things to do in Sarejvo’s mosque complex include:

  • Going inside Gazi Husrev-beg’s Mosque (3 BAM or 5 including the museum) – this is definitely worth it to soak up the decadence. Women must cover their hair but you can borrow a scarf for free from the ticket office.
  • Gazi Husrev-beg’s Museum (3 BAM or 5 including the mosque) – this small museum in an attractive old school house is a useful place to learn about the history of Sarajevo under Ottoman rule.
  • Gazi Husrev-beg’s Library (3 BAM) – I wondered if this would be a stuffy old library and I was wrong. I was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful, well-preserved books and the informative stories about Islam in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Ceiling of mosque

Gazi Husrev-beg’s Bezistan (indoor marketplace)

The final place to visit in Sarajevo to appreciate the scale of Gazi Husrev-beg’s empire is the Bezistan . At this indoor marketplace built in the 1500s, local merchants would meet merchants from Venice and Dubrovnik to do business. It was part of a larger complex including the nearby caravanserai, a type of roadside inn for traders (now the Tašlihan ruins). The Bezistan wasn’t my favourite place. It’s developed a modern feel in recent years selling fake handbags, shoes and accessories so I preferred browsing the more traditional market stands on Kazandžiluk.

See the world’s only lunar clock

Lunar clock

On the free walking tour, we visited the Old Sarajevo Clock Tower and our guide got us to guess why the time is wrong. When none of us could, he explained it’s the world’s only lunar clock based on the movement of the sun and moon, linked to Muslim and Jewish prayer times and the end of their fast (sundown). Back in the day, the lunar clock striking midnight indicated when it was time to eat. Our guide explained that, because many people lived far from the clock and couldn’t see or hear it, a man with a canon was positioned at the Yellow Fortress on the hill with a view of the clock. When it struck 12, he would launch the canon alerting the city that they could eat. As a foodie, I was amazed by this man’s dedication to dinner! What a shame my soulmate wasn’t born in my lifetime… 😉 Another fun fact about the clock is that it was built by the same company that made Big Ben in London. These are the only two remaining clocks in the world with this mechanism.

Visit other religious houses

Whether you’re religious or not, the many houses of worship in Sarajevo indicate the city’s diversity and tell tales of its past. A few more places to visit in Sarajevo include…

Cathedral Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos

sarajevo tourist attractions

The gigantic Cathedral Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos is known for its ornate interior and stained glass. Beside it is a giant outdoor chessboard where locals play. For a fun thing to do in Sarajevo, join them! Entry is 2 BAM. Apparently, you’re not allowed inside wearing shorts or short dresses/skirts.

Old Orthodox Church

As the name suggests, the Old Orthodox Church is one of the oldest monuments in Sarajevo with an impressive interior and a small yet rich museum of cultural artefacts. The hidden courtyard is a peaceful oasis in the busy city. It’s certainly worth poking your head inside.

Ashkenazi Synagogue

Ashkenazi Synagogue is the main house of worship for Sarajevo’s Jewish community. Built in Moorish style, it’s just as attractive inside with beautiful wall and ceiling art.

It’s open from 10am-2pm with a 2 BAM entry fee, Men must wear a kappa.

Sacred Heart Cathedral

Sacred heart cathedral places to visit sarajevo

Sacred Heart Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Sarajevo built during Austro-Hungarian rule and designed by Hungarian architect, Josip Vancaš. Outside, you’ll see a statue of Pope John Paul II who visited in 1997 after the war to spread the message of peace and tolerance.

Grand Emperor’s Mosque

I wandered through the Grand Emperor’s Mosque complex en route to Sarajevo Brewery, south of the river. Built in 1457 as the first mosque following the Ottoman conquest of Bosnia, it has a tranquil riverside setting and more of a ‘local’ feel than Gazi Husrev-beg’s in busy Baščaršija. Although I didn’t go inside the mosque because a ceremony was happening, it’s free to enter the complex and feels welcoming to tourists.

Visit City Hall (Vijećnica) for history, culture & modern art

City hall things to do sarajevo

A visit to City Hall is one of the best things to do in Sarajevo to better understand the history and culture of the city. During Serbian occupation in the 1990s, it was burnt down along with two MILLION books in what our guide called ‘culturcide’. My visit in 2022 marked 30 years since the event and, thanks to the Austrian government and European Commission, it was fully restored, and reopened in 2014.

Inside city hall

Entry is 10 BAM and the audio guide is a further 4 BAM (purchased on the app store for €2). I would recommend the guide because, without it, you’re just walking around a pretty building without any explanation. However, there are some history exhibits upstairs and a war tribunals gallery downstairs where you can learn with or without the guide.

Latin Bridge & Sarajevo assassination location

Latin bridge

After visiting City Hall, cross the river and walk along the opposite bank past the Grand Emperor’s Mosque . Cross back to the city side via the Latin Bridge and you’ll reach the location of the Sarajevo Assassination that triggered WWI. When Arch Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie, were assassinated by a Serbian sniper on 28 June 1914, the Austro-Hungarian Empire launched war on Serbia. Other European nations were drawn in and the first major world war began.

Franz ferdinand Assassination spot

It’s here that the footprints of the sniper, Gavrilo Princip, can be seen. If you think this seems like a strange way to commemorate a murder, you’d be right. These were built when Sarajevo was part of Yugoslavia, largely controlled by Serbia. Even today Princip is considered a hero or villain depending on one’s political stance. Just a 20-minute drive away in the Srbska Republic part of the capital (lived in by the Bosnian Serbs rather than Bosniaks), there’s a park named after him.

Wander down Ferhadija street

Ferhadija street places to visit sarajevo

To the west of the Meeting of Cultures point is Ferhadija , the main shopping street in Sarajevo. Grand Austrian mansions house commercial shops, while small stands sell local snacks and pomegranate juice. There are some great restaurants in this part of town.

Ride the cable car into the mountains

Mt. Trebević cable car

For a fun thing to do in Sarajevo, take a ride on this cable car that gains more than 1,100m of elevation in seven minutes. It’s not just a tourist attraction because locals also love to take it. Tourists will pay 15 BAM one way or 20 return. It takes you to the top of Mt. Trebević (which can also be reached by car, taxi or hiking) boasting fantastic views, walking trails and the chance to visit…

The abandoned bobsleigh track of the 1984 Olympics

1984 olympic bobsleigh track sightseeing sarajevo bosnia

This is a fascinating place to visit in Sarajevo that’s become a cult location for travellers who love quirky places . The bobsleigh track of the 1984 Olympics was abandoned just eight years later when war broke out in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Used by snipers, bullet holes can be seen in the structure today. Nowadays, it’s thankfully transformed. Instead of being a dark and scary place, it’s splattered with colourful graffiti and visited by tourists. Looking at this photo of me smiling while walking along it, I can’t help but think how locals would have dreamed of this moment during the horrific siege of 1992-96.

Note – rather than visit the bobsleigh track, Yellow Fortress and Tunnel of Hope separately, there’s a tour that includes them. More about this later.

Tunnel of Hope

Tunnel of hope

Another of the fascinating things to do in Sarajevo is visit the Tunnel of Hope . While the capital was surrounded by the Bosnian Serb Army and cut off from the rest of the world, it was the only escape route as well as a means of smuggling in food and weapons. Our guide (in her 50s) escaped down it during her youth. Even writing this out months later gives me goosebumps. Entry is 10 BAM, cash only (no Euros accepted). Since it’s hard to get there by public transport, I would suggest going as part of a tour .

Walk out of town & see the Eternal Flame

Head past the Meeting of Cultures point down Ferhadija Street and you’ll pass the Vječna Vatra memorial to the victims of the Siege. A continuously burning flame promises they won’t be forgotten. The street continues down to Veliki Park where there are a couple more memorial statues. It’s a good place to escape the touristic city centre and see local life.

Sunset at the Yellow Fortress (Žuta Tabija)

Yellow fortress places to see sarajevo

The most beautiful vantage point in Sarajevo is the Yellow Fortress . Each night, people congregate to see sunset over the city and hills. It’s impossible not to feel reflective and think about all that this captivating city has been through. Saying that, it’s not a sombre thing to do in Sarajevo. People of all ages and nationalities rub shoulders over a few beers with music playing. Don’t miss it! Tip – although I never made it there, I hear Kamarija is a great cafe near the fortress with unrivalled views.

Pay your respects at Kovači Cemetery

Kovači Cemetery

En route to the Yellow Fortress, you’ll pass Kovači Cemetery dedicated to lost soldiers during the 1990s War. The sea of identical white graves stretches as far as the eye can see. You’ll also find the tomb of Alija Izetbegović, the first president after Bosnia & Herzegovina became independent following Yugoslavian rule.

Look for Sarajevo roses

If you see red paint splatters on the ground, know they’re not random. Sarajevo roses are all that remains of wartime shelling (it was estimated that 300 shells were fired each day). It was said that the marks looked like roses so they were filled in with red resin as a kind of memorial. Many are disappearing as pavements in the city are replaced. See them while you can!

Tours in Sarajevo

Without taking local-led tours in Sarajevo, you won’t learn much about its history. Because the war is so recent, you get a first-hand account. It’s not often you travel places where this is the case, so make use of it.

Free walking tour

There are a few free walking tours in Sarajevo but after comparing reviews on FreeTour.com, I went with the Meet Bosnia free walking tour which departs at 10.30am and 3pm daily. It mainly explores Baščaršija (the old town), Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque and the assassination spot. You’ll want to return to all these places in depth but the tour gives a fascinating introduction to Bosnia & Herzegovina and the history of Sarajevo. Better yet were the personal insights. Our guide in his 30s recalled waiting at home as a child while his mother risked her life to fetch water during the Siege. To learn from locals who’ve lived the history is invaluable. You can leave a tip if you enjoy the tour, which I think you will.

For a more specific tour, take a half-day Siege walking tour

Fall of Yugoslavia tour

Bobseligh track fall of yugoslavia tour

Following my free walking tour with Meet Bosnia, I decided to take their Fall of Yugoslavia Tour focussing on the war. We visited the Yellow Fortress, the abandoned 1984 Olympic park at the top of Trebevic hill and the Tunnel of Hope (10 BAM entry fee not included), accompanied by our guide who had escaped down the tunnel herself. The tour was informative, fascinating and heartbreaking. As well as gaining a better understanding of the war, it’s a time-efficient way of seeing several important attractions in Sarajevo during half a day (although you may wish to return to Trebevic hilltop via the cable car as this is a fun activity). Choose the 9.30am or 2pm tour costing 50 BAM (€25).

Srebrenica tour

The saddest thing to do in Sarajevo, but arguably the most important, is a trip to Srebrenica. This is the location of the heartbreaking genocide on Bosniak Muslims at the hands of the Bosnian Serb army. The Srebrenica tour with Meet Bosnia (€60) is the best way to visit. Bring tissues and steal yourself for a difficult day understanding what’s often called the worst war crime since WWII.

Cultural things to do in Sarajevo – museums & galleries

In my opinion, the three museums below are the most poignant and powerful in Sarajevo.

Museum of Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide

If you’ve been to the genocide museum in Mostar, you can skip this similar museum. Otherwise, it’s definitely worth visiting the Museum of Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide to understand what happened to Bosnian Muslims in the 1990s.

Gallery 11/07/95

If you don’t have time for a day trip to Srebrenica, this is the number one place in Sarajevo to learn about the heartwrenching killing of 8,000 Muslim men on the 12th of July 1995. Entry is 10 BAM and the audio guide a further 4 BAM; I don’t think there would be much point visiting without the guide.

Childhood War Museum

Childhood War Museum

This is one of the best museums I’ve been to. Using objects owned by children during wartime (donated now they’re adults), it tells stories in a way not dissimilar to Zagreb ‘s Museum of Broken Relationships – but far more tragic. The War Childhood Museum was founded by Jasminko Halilović, author of War Childhood which features one-sentence memories from adults who survived the war as children. You can leaf through this book after making your way around the museum. The exhibits change each year. My Airbnb host, a wartime child himself, mused that he ought to donate some of his own personal items. I hope he does.

I would recommend going when you’re in the right mood for these heart-wrenching museums and doing something totally fun and frivolous in between. It seems wrong to think of yourself, but they really are very distressing.

Other museums if you have time:

  • Jewish Museum – to learn about the history of Judaism in B&H beginning when Jews were forced to flee Spain and Portugal in the late 1400s, it’s worth visiting this small museum inside an old synagogue. Entry is just 3 BAM (cash only).
  • National Museum – I decided against going here since the main draw of the holy Jewish Haggadah is not on display in 2023. Check the reviews before you go as they’re a bit mixed. It’s a trek from town (a 30-minute walk from Baščaršija or you can take the tram). Entry is 8 BAM.
  • History Museum – beside the National Museum, this place also has mixed reviews. It mainly focusses on the Siege and I hear this exhibit is under renovation for 2023 so it’s best to check the reviews before going. Entry is 7 BAM.
  • TIP – if you do visit the National Museum and/or History Museum, be sure to visit the nearby Tito cafe covered in retro decor glorifying the former leader of Yugoslavia .
  • Museum of Sarajevo 1978-1918 – beside the royal assassination spot, this one-room museum focusses mainly on this historic event. Entry is 2 BAM.
  • Despić House – this historic mansion is worth a visit to see how wealthy families once lived. I didn’t go here myself as I’d visited several similar in Mostar and Albania .

Foodie things to do in Sarajevo

Well, it wouldn’t be travel without food, would it?

Local food things to do sarajevo

I really enjoy hearty Balkan cuisine and there are lots of great restaurants to try it. Here are a few foodie activities in Sarajevo to keep you busy and full…

Eat famous burek

Famous burek

Although I had become slightly sick of burek whilst living in Croatia, I couldn’t resist trying it at this buregdzinica (burek house) famed for serving the best in the city. Sač serve delicious burek: flaky pastry filled with potato, cheese, meat or spinach. I paid 6.50 BAM for a cheese and spinach pie including a side of yoghurt to dip. Yum!

Sweet Corner!

Turkish sweet shop sarajevo

The point where east meets west may delight you in more ways than one. Near the Sarajevo Meeting of Cultures point, you’ll find countless shops serving Turkish sweets. Whole windows are groaning under the weight of colourful confectionary. You can’t miss them! There are so many varieties to choose from (although they largely all taste the same) and they’re very affordable.

Find famous baklava

Baklava ducan

Baklava Dućan is one of the most famous shops in the old market area. Sweet, delicious baklava filled with pistachio and infused with honey is served in different shapes and sizes from 3.50 BAM. I chatted with the friendly staff about the city while tucking into these amazing desserts.

Browse Markale food market

This indoor market in a sunny yellow Austro-Hungarian building is the ultimate place to shop for typical goods and observe local life. Although it’s a vibey place now, it was the site of a bombing and a memorial plaque can be seen on the street. The Markale food market Google pin will take you to the outdoor section on the street behind but this pin on Ferhadija street takes you to the indoor section. Nearby, don’t miss Tepsija , a burek shop recommended by our walking tour guide .

Have a drink at Morića Han (one of the last remaining inns)

If you’re not familiar with the word caravanserai , it refers to roadside inns where travellers could rest after their journey. I may not be a market trader in Ottoman times but, as a tired backpacker in need of coffee, I’d argue its purpose hasn’t changed much! Morića Han is one of the last of its kind. Set inside an atmospheric courtyard tucked away from the city centre, head to the Google pin for Caffe Divan to find it. For a relaxing thing to do in Sarajevo, while away a few hours here over 2 BAM (€1) Turkish coffee and (very sweet) tea alongside typical desserts.

Coffee at cafe divan what to do sarajevo

Sample tons of teas at Čajdžinica Džirlo

Tea lovers shouldn’t miss this spot. Teahouse Džirlo have every type of tea under the sun as well as cafe cats! What more could you want? Teas cost around 4.5 BAM, served in beautiful copper kettles. It’s on Kovači which is a cute street near Baščaršija. It’s the one you’ll need to take when heading up to the Yellow Fortress so take some time to enjoy it before you start the climb.

Have a pint at historic Sarajevo Brewery

Sarejvo brewery

Not only is this the country’s biggest brewery but it’s a historic landmark because locals would make the perilous journey to fetch water here during the Siege. Today, it’s back to production and tourism as usual. However, I had a strange experience as I tried to enter the main complex and an intimidating man escorted me off the premises and into the museum and gift shop. The woman on the desk told me it was the only part of the brewery I could access, so I paid 10 BAM to visit the museum which was the most disappointing I’ve EVER been to. For a pint, ignore the actual factory and head next door to Brewery HS . Sadly, it was closed when I tried to go despite the times on Google and the door (which differed from each other) saying it was open. Although my experience was a fail, several locals told me it’s a cool venue to check out. They suggested just having a pint as the food is apparently overpriced and not too amazing. Opening times: according to the sign on the door, 11.30am-11.30pm, Mon-Sat.

Drink speciality coffee

Ministry of Ćejf coffee shop

Third-wave coffee has come to Sarajevo, thankfully for people like me who haven’t yet learnt to love Turkish coffee. Coffee snobs, don’t miss:

  • Ministry of Ćejf – great third-wave coffee in a lovely cafe with cute cats! I didn’t think the food was great (I had a just-okay sandwich and a smoothie bowl without much substance) but the coffee is fantastic
  • Fabrika Coffee – a cool spot in the centre, although a sustainability nightmare (plastic cups to drink in) like most places in the Balkans.

Enjoy international food

If you’ve had enough of Balkan food (and after 5 months, I had), there’s some decent world cuisine in Sarajevo. I enjoyed…

  • Falafel Restaurant – hummus, baba ganoush, falafel, salad and pita for 11 BAM.
  • Šah Mat Burger – with brioche buns and juicy patties, these are the best burgers in town. The fries were even better!

Find cool bars

One place I wanted to check out and didn’t have time for was Zlatna Ribica . Apparently, this place is decked out from floor to ceiling with quirky 1900s clutter. Although I’m sad I missed it, maybe it’ll give me a reason to return to Sarajevo one of these days!

Tips for visiting Sarajevo

  • Many traditional cafes and eateries only accept cash but most modern places accept card.
  • Sadly I didn’t find any fee-free ATMs. Try a few to assess the fees; there’s a Nova Bank and Sberbank in the centre. I would suggest travelling with Revolut or Wise bank cards so you don’t rack up additional charges. UK travellers can also use Starling and Monzo.
  • If leaving by bus, you’ll need to save some local currency. It was 4 BAM for luggage and a few BAM (I forget exactly) for the station fee. I would hold back another 4 just in case!
  • The city centre is flat but most locals live up on the hills. Before you book accommodation, check if it’s up a hill. You might want to ask the host because Google Maps claimed the journey to my apartment was flat which was far from true. Pack decent footwear and sun protection in summer!

Where next?

I don’t recommend leaving Bosnia & Herzegovina without a trip to Mostar. With the feel of a big village, it’s completely different to Sarajevo though you will find a similar, lively Ottoman-style market. The many things to do in Mostar include taking day trips to Blagaj Tekke (a 600-year-old Ottoman house in beautiful settings), Kravice Waterfalls and charming Počitelj   village.

In a rush? Take a day trip from Sarajevo to all these places in a day

mostar bosnia and herzegovina

I hope you have a better idea of what to do in Sarajevo and you have a memorable and meaningful time there!

More Balkans destinations

Bosnia & Herzegovina borders Croatia , Montenegro and Serbia , all incredible places to include in your itinerary for the Balkans . Browse more Balkans blogs:

  • What to do in Belgrade, Serbia
  • Is Belgrade worth a visit?
  • The top attractions in Pristina, Kosovo
  • The ultimate Albania itinerary
  • Things to do in Tirana, Albania
  • Is Albania worth visiting?
  • Hiking in Theth, Albania
  • Guide to Kotor, Montenegro
  • 5-10 day Montenegro itinerary
  • Things to do in Skopje, North Macedonia
  • 2 week Romania road trip
  • Things to do in Brasov, Romania
  • Things to do in Timisoara, Romania
  • How to spend 2 days in Sofia, Bulgaria

Thanks for reading!

For more travel content, follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

TRUSTED RESOURCES FOR VISITING BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA Getting around by air – I use Skyscanner and search by month to see the cheapest dates. Driving in Europe – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals in European countries (and all around the world). For hotels and self-catering apartments, I use Booking.com . You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. Browse tours and Mostar activities on GetYourGuide and Viator . Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and budget tips from my 10+ years on the road!

sarajevo tourist attractions

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

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Top 13 Things to do in Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Ah, Sarajevo! What a city you are, I’ve never been so delighted and heartbroken all at once, but with you, it certainly was an interesting experience.

I was in Sarajevo back in September for three days, and this interesting Balkan city was the first leg of my trip, and in this post, I’ll write few out of the many interesting things to do in Sarajevo – the underrated city of Europe and the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina .

Truthfully, with little shame on my part, I did not exactly plan my trip to Sarajevo – not even a little bit! The only thing I planned ahead of time is the amount of time I’ll be spending in the city before taking off to Zagreb, where the awesome peeps over at BIG BERRY eventually picked me up to enjoy Slovenia under their care.

While googling things to do in Sarajevo  (because that’s always the first and last resort), I did not exactly found anything interesting Sarajevo tourist attractions and didn’t even bother to read further.

I thought that it is just one of those beaten up after war cities that Eastern Europe is well known off. Well, I was not wrong (but right at the same time). Sarajevo is like any other Eastern Europe cities – the war is evident from the walls of the city.

However, there is one little thing I did not expect… The fact that this town is full of tales I did not know nor did not realize how relevant it is to what I already know about the world’s history. I’m not a huge history buff, but I’m interested in it – mainly European history. It beguiles me almost equally as the local cuisines.

I don’t know much, but I know the main facts, and after visiting Sarajevo attractions, I tell you, you’ll start to question everything you learned from school.

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Table of Contents

Interesting Things to do in Sarajevo

interesting things to do in sarajevo

Participate in Neno and Friends free walking tour

Neno and friends’ free walking tour is the first thing the receptionist from The Doctor’s House Hostel, the hostel I stayed during my trip to Sarajevo, recommended to me.

She said that it is free and by far the best, and everyone who went with Neno and friends around the city enjoyed the walk while exploring Sarajevo tourist attractions . Neno, the guy himself, was our guide during this tour and is a local of Sarajevo, and if you know a little bit about Bosnia and Herzegovina’s past, then you probably know that not even 20 years ago, Sarajevo was under attack.

I don’t remember much news about this war since I was only five when it ended. However, for an eleven years old boy which Neno was at the time of the war, it was vivid.

He lived his younger years under such awful circumstances, and he lived until this day to tell his tale. Nowadays, Neno and friends organize a free walking tour that starts at the National Theatre at 10:30 A.M.

Keep in mind though that this tour is for free, and the guides are doing it without pay, and the tour is all about explaining Sarajevo’s past and culture! It takes about 2.5 hours, and Neno and friends will take you around Sarajevo and show you some of the city’s iconic sites. If you enjoyed the tour, don’t forget to give tips!

They don’t necessarily expect it, but the tour is tip-based, and that’s how they somehow get paid. It would be a Nice gesture, especially if you liked the tour.

Read also:   Top 10 Day Trips from Sarajevo

Sarajevo’s history

Learn about Sarajevo’s past through photographs

If there’s something I learned about wars from Sarajevo’s history is that it brings nothing good but only sorrow. It is a fact, and it is something that should not be forgotten.

When I arrived in Sarajevo, in the hostel, there was a talk that spreads around fast. It is about what to see in Sarajevo, this one gallery that is rather famous for making people cry… No kidding . It is Galerija 11/07/95 – the gallery of sorrow, I must say.

It is intriguing and a must-visit if you stumble upon the city and should be a priority in your things to do in Sarajevo itinerary. Why is it so important to visit this gallery? Upon visiting this place, I was a person not so interested in anything but only seeing pretty beautiful things during my travels.

However, after my visit to this gallery, I was awakened – my eyes opened to the world’s reality about the fact that humans will kill just for about everything and anything. I was devastated. I was heartbroken. I broke down.

If my experience is as such, why do I recommend this to you? Well, I want you to feel what I felt. I want you to feel devasted, heartbroken, and broken down. This is the moment you’ll feel how human you are still. One of the must-see Sarajevo tourist attractions for knowing the tragic city history.

Read also:   Europe in October: 10 Best Places to Visit

Take a visit to the Sarajevo tunnels

Take a visit to the tunnels

The Sarajevo Tunnels, located just a bit far off from the city, is a tunnel constructed during the war in 1993 to serve as a connection between Sarajevo and Sarajevo Airport, the latter being the place controlled by the United Nations.

The tunnel was used as a transport system to deliver relief goods brought by the U.N to the locals of Sarajevo who are hiding and under threats by the Serbians – they could not leave the city unless they want to face death. What’s interesting about this place that I could convince you to visit it? History.

Also, people unite to build this tunnel with whatever tools they could use or come up with. In a state of crisis such as that time in history, you’ll learn about the few moments when people worked together to help the masses as much as they can – even if it means they are risking their lives.

For me, that is interesting. It is interesting to see the moments in history where we, as humans, act like humans. Not for us, but also for others

Read also:   Top 10 Castles in Bosnia and Herzegovina to Visit

Bobsled site located in Trebević mountain

Check out the once world-famous Olympic Bobsled site

So, despite all the depressing things I mentioned above, this one is some of the fun things to do in Sarajevo: Visiting the bobsled site located in Trebević mountain overlooking the city of Sarajevo. What is this site anyway, and why should you visit it?

Well, if you don’t know, Sarajevo was the Winter Olympic location for 1984, and it took about a year to construct it. That’s little time for how big it is, but don’t worry; it is quite sturdy! Nowadays, the bobsled track in Sarajevo is used by young people as a canvas for their graffitis, and some artworks are great, while some are what the heck.

But you’ll certainly see some great ones, and then walk around the site is cool. You can even go hiking to the abandoned Sarajevo bobsled site from Sarajevo city if you must. What’s even more interesting ? Yeah, yeah, it is about the history and the war but hears me out!

As mentioned above, this bobsled was used during the Sarajevo Winter Olympics in 1984 – that said, this site was already built when the Seige of Sarajevo took part in history… It is fascinating how intact the whole site is! It is severely damaged, and you’ll see that when you visit, but the whole place is still intact. Impressive.

Read also:   Winter in Europe: Top 21 Winter Destinations in Europe

interesting things to do in sarajevo

For the curious minds – Do you know when and where World War I started?

I was pretty surprised by this fact myself! Okay, I was not exactly aware of how World War I started, but it was interesting to learn it from the place where it all started. Back in 1914, Bosnia and Herzegovina was part of Austria-Hungarian Empire, a union between Austria and Hungary  governing most of Eastern Europe and was with great powers – something people are quite hungry for, just out of observation.

During that time in 1914, Franz Ferdinand, the Archduke of Austria-Hungary, was visiting Sarajevo with his wife, Sophie, when something unexpected happens; After their public appearance and meeting, the couple was killed by Gavrilo Princip by throwing a grenade at the car the couple was riding – thus ending their lives.

They were assassinated near the Latin Bridge, and in there you’ll find a museum where you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about this time in history. And because of this, my friends, this street corner of Sarajevo became an iconic site as it became the exact place that started the 20th century – World War I and eventually the rise and fall of Yugoslavia.

[message_box bg=”#hex or http://imageurl”]→ Where to stay: Best hotels in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina  [/message_box][gap height=”15px”]

things to do in sarajevo

See Sarajevo from Above. She’s stunning!

After you visit the Bobsled site and if you’re there either by hiking or by an organized tour – you should not miss one of the Sarajevo tourist attractions, the hilltop aerial view of Sarajevo! I went to the Winter Olympic site via an organized tour by the awesome The Doctor’s House Hostel, and our guide took us somewhere around Tebević Mountain.

He did mention that it is must not miss and should certainly be one of the top things to do in Sarajevo if you visit. He took us there for a short detour since it is on the way. If you’re hiking , I’m sure you can find it rather easy from the map! Exploring Sarajevo has been fun, indeed.

Try Bosnian coffee

Try Bosnian coffee

Ah, coffee! It is such a tease to write about coffee right now as I try to quit drinking it, and I’m having some serious caffeine withdrawal as I write this article. What to do in Sarajevo? Must-try Bosnian coffee here.

Yes, how can I not recommend coffee to anyone who will visit Sarajevo? That’d be cruel of me. Right? Anyway, if you’re curious about what is Bosnian coffee, then let me explain to you a little bit of, guess what, history! Hah! Back in time, around the 17th century, the Ottoman or the Turkish Empire arrived in Sarajevo and shared their culture and beliefs to the locals; thus, you’ll see tons of Turkish influence around the city.

Here is where Bosnian coffee came from, it is pretty much just like the Turkish coffee – strong, tasty, and with a touch of sugar, sweet. They even prepare it just like the Turks do! So, if you haven’t been to Turkey but stumble upon Sarajevo, then you’re in luck because you get to taste a bit of Turkey during your visit, as well!?

Read also:   Top 20 Cheap European Holiday Destinations and Countries to Visit

things to do in sarajevo, Eastern Europe

You haven’t been to Sarajevo without tasting Rakija

If you have been around Eastern Europe , you most probably have heard about rakija, and I no longer can fool you of trying it, am I right? But I’m sure you secretly loved it. So, to newbies who will visit the Balkans , be adventurous because let me tell you, rakija is awesome, especially drank with fellow travelers and backpackers alike.

What is this anyway? Well, it is strong alcohol! It is a fruit brandy and widely popular around the Balkan area; thus, you’ll stumble upon this strong drink with a whopping 40% of alcohol. Sounds fun! You should try it but with caution.

Read also:  Best Cities in Europe to Visit: Top Weekend Getaways in Europe!

Sarajevo Brewery Museum

Don’t forget to sample the local brews!

There’s no denying that each country has their versions of beers, so it is not a surprise that Bosnia and Herzegovina produce its beers. I’m always about supporting the local community of each place I visit, and one way do that is to work your way through by sampling some of the country’s fine local brews!

Sarajevo has an interesting back story, which you’ll learn if you take Neno’s and Friend’s walking tour, about the oldest brewery in the city. The Sarajevo Brewery Museum or Sarajevska Pivara, opened its door to the public to share its story about how the brewery survived history without stopping its production.

People need brewskies under any circumstances, right? Anyway, although the idea of pubs in Sarajevo is still new, you’ll find great bars where you can hang out for a pint for a low price. If you’re on a budget, which makes Sarajevo the perfect destination for you, then local grocery shops have a variety of beers you can choose from. Here are some of the Bosnian beers to try while exploring Sarajevo tourist attractions:

  • Sarajevsko Pivo (the famous one)
  • Premium Crno pivo
  • Tuzlanski Pilsner

things to do in Budapest

Eat Ćevapi with a pint of local brew. It is good. Trust me.

Ah, food! If you have read some of my previous travel guides, such as the things to do in Budapest post, then you probably can tell that I like to give tips on what to eat. Well, that’s because, in my opinion, food plays an important part when it comes to truly having an awesome experience.

That said, what is Ćevapi and why you should try it? It is a sort of skinless sausage typically made with beef and is usually cooked on the grill. Often served with a type of flatbread (like pita), chopped white onions, and sour cream. It is delicious! I’ve seen locals dig this Ćevapi as well, and they drink yogurt while they eat it – I tried, it is fab.

If you’re not fond of yogurt or you find it weird, then eat it with beer because that combination is even more fab, in my opinion. Bosnian food is meaty, greasy, and heavily spiced, and normally, I find food like these to be a perfect match with a cold beer. So, try it!

Read also:   The 15 Culinary Destinations in Europe That Will Make You Hungry! (Foodie Vacations)

Sample Sarajevo's delicious local restaurants

Sample Sarajevo’s delicious local restaurants

There are tons of restaurants in Sarajevo, and I’m certain you will find one that will cater to your diet. Also, if you’re a vegetarian , you’ll find tons of restaurants that serve vegetarian dishes, so don’t worry! You’ll be okay in Sarajevo even though the local cuisine is meaty; there’s always a place for everyone to eat.

With that said, it should be in your top things to do in Sarajevo and one of the Sarajevo tourist attractions to eat your way through the city. It is a must. Bosnian food has strong Turkish influence, but in time, the locals put a touch of their flavor in their cuisine, making it Bosnian and unique on its own. Plus, the food I’ve eaten is a bombshell of flavor.

I highly recommend sampling the local delicacies! You will not be disappointed. You might be wondering if eating out in Sarajevo will damage your budget.

Well, wonder no more because I tell you now, it is cheap in Sarajevo or Bosnia and Herzegovina in general! If you’re in a budget, you’ll feel like a rich man in this city. Anyway, here are some of the restaurants I recommend you should hunt if you visit Sarajevo:

Aščinica Hadžibajrić F. Namika

Recommended by Neno and Friends Free Walking tour, and it is not far out from Vijećnica, or Sarajevo City Hall, where the tour eventually ends. The restaurant is fairly small, and there are no big signs, so make sure to find this place through the address.

The restaurant is quite similar to a buffet where you can choose whichever you fancy, and the dishes are prepared according to traditional recipes, thus making your experience truly unique.

Address: Ćurčiluk Veliki 59, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina Opening hours: 7 AM – 6 PM

Ćevabdžinica Special

I stumble upon this restaurant with two Turkish guys I’ve met while visiting Galerija 07/11/95 by asking locals for a recommendation. The restaurant is easy to find and is located in the old town near the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque.

The restaurant mostly serves typical Bosnian food such as Ćevapi, Veal Steaks, and other grill foods. It was good, and the Turks approved, although they said it does taste similar to what they have in Turkey.

Address: Ćurčiluk Veliki 11, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina Opening hours: 7 AM – 11.30 PM

Dva Jablana

Dva Jablana is possibly the best restaurant in Sarajevo I’ve been to. The lady and her husband who run the place are so friendly, though they don’t speak English, they are accommodating.

Plus, the food was beyond tasty! This restaurant was just two blocks away from the hostel I was staying in and was recommended to me by the owner herself. I don’t find that much information about this restaurant online, but if you ever stay over at The Doctors House Hostel, I highly suggest you pay this restaurant a visit.

Address: Zaima Šarca 9, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina

I recommend you to stay at this hostel in Sarajevo!

If you’re on a budget but seeks a hostel where you’ll find yourself comfortable, then I highly suggest staying over at The Doctor’s House Hostel – a beautiful hostel that is clean and quiet.

Also, the beds are comfortable, and there’s a curtain on each bunk for additional privacy. Not to mention, it is not far from the top sites to see in Sarajevo! Only one thing, though, you do need to hike a steep hill to get here and as what the receptionist mentioned:

“It takes a few minutes to go down, but about ten minutes to go back up.” Truthfully, the hike didn’t bother me though, at one point, I swore to myself that I need to start doing some physical activities because, well, it was a steep hill and after few beers and the casual party cigarettes, it can be a bit of a challenge.

Update: Unfortunately, The Doctor’s House Hostel closed down. We’ll find another option for you guys on the next update!

things to do in sarajevo

Food for thoughts you might want to keep in mind

While I dub Sarajevo as an underrated city in Europe , you also have to remember that there are reasons why the city or the country is not as well-known, unlike its neighbors.

Not long ago, twenty years to be exact, the country went under some of the history’s saddest moments. The city was heavily damaged during the war, and since it hasn’t been that long ago, the city is slowly recovering from that events.

Being that said, I found Sarajevo beautiful on its own and although it made me sad looking at war beaten buildings that still exist around the city – it serves as a reminder that even the suppressed get back to its feet, moves on in life, smile to the world, and fight to live.

I can’t promise you you’ll love it as much as I did, Sarajevo is incomparable to bigger cities of its neighboring countries, but if you look past by its appearance – you’ll see what I mean, and it will grow into you.

Also, diversity is a huge thing in Sarajevo; you’ll find Mosques, Synagogues, different sorts of Christian Churches, and other religious minorities here and there. And Sarajevo is not a big city! It is, in fact, tiny, so to find such diversity was impressive. In Sarajevo, there’s a place for everyone despite your religion, your ethnicity, or color.

Overall, my personal experience in Sarajevo was great. It opened my eyes to a whole new perspective on learning tidbits of new information about history I did not know.

Who knew the city would have such an impact on me? I mean, I did not even do that much research beforehand! I’m happy though that I didn’t think otherwise these things won’t come in as a surprise. Do I recommend you visiting Sarajevo and explore Sarajevo attractions? Absolutely.

At least once in your life, you should see a city as diverse as Sarajevo. Many interesting Sarajevo tourist attractions might drive you to visit this city. And you’ll be surprised too.

Check out these activities in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Sarajevo’s Old Town, food scene, art, and architecture? Visit in summer or winter for the full experience! Read this post now or pin it for later read. #bosnia #sarajevo #europe #naturalwonders #traveldestinations #traveltips #bucketlisttravel #travelideas #travelguide #amazingdestinations #traveltheworld” width=”490″ height=”800″>

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About me

Evan Kristine a.k.a Pretty Wild World is a professional travel blogger with over 10 years of experience in content creation. Originally from the Philippines, she's been living in Finland for 15+ years working as a chef and entrepreneur in Tampere, Finland.

She's an expert in Finland travel and explores the country often sharing her insights and tips in this blog and social medias. She also splits her free time either going for weekend getaways in Europe or galavanting to different European destinations on her holidays. All her useful Europe travel guides are also in this blog!

Evan Kristine is also the food blogger behind at The Kitchen Abroad and on her free time, she enjoys decorating her 75m2 apartment and shares her experience over at Solía Avenue .

A true master of her own life and despite her busy schedule juggling life as a chef, blogger, and entrepreneur, she still finds time to read 50+ books a year and indulge in several hobbies like hiking, working out, yoga, and painting.

26 thoughts on “Top 13 Things to do in Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina)”

You must have learned a lot about war and the bad faces of war from your visit to Sarajevo. If I have to visit, I will want to see the Gallerija 11/07/95, the gallery of sorrow. Also, the Sarajevo tunnel, the tunnel built for transporting relief goods during the war would be an interesting scene.

Absolutely. My trip to Sarajevo certainly was an eye opener.

I think I would be able to enjoy the walking tour. Not only can you see the place up close and personal but you also get to interact with the locals. It’s a more intimate tour than the usual group tour package offered by travel agencies.

Absolutely. Free walking tours are great because the guides are literally so knowledgable about each cities and you often get more than what you’ll pay for.

That description is so true this is so underrated let alone known. This is a nice find for a place.

Thanks Grayice.

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Home > Places > Bosnia and Herzegovina > Top 10 Things to Do in Sarajevo: A Guide to the Best Attractions & Activities in the City

January 3, 2023

Top 10 things to do in sarajevo: a guide to the best attractions and activities in the city, architecture , culture , guide , history.

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About Sarajevo

Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina and is known for its rich history and unique culture. Located in the heart of the Balkans, Sarajevo has long been a melting pot of different cultures and influences and is home to a diverse population of people from various ethnic and religious backgrounds. The city has a rich history that dates back to ancient times and has been inhabited by a number of different cultures over the centuries.

Sarajevo is perhaps best known for its role in modern history as the site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914, which sparked the First World War. However, the city has much more to offer beyond this tragic event. Sarajevo is home to a number of cultural and historical landmarks, such as the Sarajevo Cathedral and the Bascarsija, the city’s vibrant main square and marketplace. The city is also home to a number of museums, galleries, and cultural centers that showcase the city’s rich history and diverse culture.

Being surrounded by mountains, Sarajevo is also an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Overall, Sarajevo is a unique and fascinating city that offers something for everyone. Its rich history, diverse culture, and beautiful natural surroundings make it an ideal destination for travelers who are looking for an authentic and memorable experience.

Map of Sarajevo

Explore the old town.

The Old Town (Stari Grad) is a historic neighborhood in Sarajevo that is known for its winding streets, colorful houses, and historic landmarks. It was founded in the 15th century by the Ottoman Empire and has a rich history that reflects the city’s diverse cultural heritage. Some of the must-see sites in the Old Town include the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, which was built in the 16th century and is one of the largest and most important mosques in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is an architectural masterpiece and a popular tourist attraction, with its beautiful minarets and grand interior.

The Sebilj fountain is another popular spot in the Old Town and was built in the 18th century. It is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists and is a great place to sit and relax while soaking up the atmosphere of the Old Town of Sarajevo. The Latin Bridge, which was the site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914, is also located in the Old Town and played a significant role in the outbreak of World War I. Today, it is a very popular point of interest and a poignant reminder of the city’s past and the events that followed.

Walk by Miljacka River

The Miljacka River flows through the city of Sarajevo and is a popular spot for a leisurely stroll or picnicking. Along the river, you can find a number of parks, restaurants, and cafes, as well as a number of historic landmarks. The Sarajevo City Hall (Vijecnica) is one of the most iconic buildings in the city and was built in the late 19th century in the neo-Moorish style. It is a beautiful and imposing building, attracting many visitors and the eyes of bypassers.

The National Theatre, which was built in the early 20th century, is another popular landmark along the river. It is a popular venue for cultural events, such as concerts, plays, and ballets, and is a beautiful example of Art Nouveau architecture.

The Miljacka River is also home to a number of other important landmarks, such as the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Church of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel.

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The Sarajevo War Tunnel

The Sarajevo War Tunnel was a crucial lifeline for the city during the Siege of Sarajevo in the 1990s. The tunnel was built by Bosnian soldiers and civilians during the war and was used to smuggle supplies into the city, which was surrounded by Serbian forces. The tunnel was an engineering feat, as it was dug by hand through solid rock and was over 800 m / 2 620 ft long. Today, the tunnel is open to the public as a museum, and visitors can learn about its history and see exhibits about the war. It is a powerful reminder of another important historical event of the city’s past and the resilience of its people.

Visit City Museum

The Sarajevo City Museum showcases the city’s rich history and cultural heritage, with exhibits covering topics such as the Ottoman Empire, World War I, and the Siege of Sarajevo. The museum is located in the Old Town and is a great place to learn about the city’s past. It features a variety of artifacts, documents, and photographs that provide insight into the city’s history, as well as interactive exhibits and educational programs.

Appreciate The Olympic Mountains

The Olympic Mountains are located just outside of Sarajevo and offer breathtaking views of the city and surrounding area. They are named after the 1984 Winter Olympics, which were held in Sarajevo. These games put the Olympic Mountains on the global stage and helped to establish the region as a premier destination for winter sports. The notable points of interest from the Olympic Games in the Olympic Mountains include the Jahorina Olympic Center, which served as a hub for sports and cultural events, and the various ski slopes and trails that were used for the Winter Olympics.

Overall, these mountains are known for their beautiful natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. The mountains are a popular spot for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities, and offer a variety of trails and slopes that cater to different skill levels. They are also home to a number of ski resorts, which offer a range of amenities such as ski rentals, ski schools, and après-ski activities. The Olympic Mountains are a must-see destination for anyone visiting Sarajevo, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re looking to hit the slopes, take a leisurely hike, or simply take in the stunning views, the Olympic Mountains are sure to delight you.

The Sarajevo Cathedral

The Cathedral of Sarajevo is a beautiful Orthodox church located in the heart of the city. It was built in the late 19th century and is known for its ornate interior and beautiful stained glass windows. The cathedral is a popular place for tourists to visit, and is also an important site for the city’s Orthodox community. It is a beautiful example of Byzantine architecture, with its gold-plated dome, intricate frescoes, and elaborate iconostasis. The cathedral is an active place of worship and is a key part of the city’s cultural and spiritual life.

The Sarajevo Brewery is a popular attraction for beer lovers, as it offers tours and tastings of its locally produced beers. The brewery was founded in 1864 and is one of the oldest in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is located in a historic building in the Old Town, and visitors can take a tour of the brewery to learn about the brewing process and taste a variety of beers. The brewery is known for its high-quality beers, which are made using traditional methods and ingredients.

Enjoy The Bascarsija

The Bascarsija is the city’s vibrant main square and marketplace and is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. It is a great place to find souvenirs, try local food, or simply soak up the atmosphere. The Bascarsija was founded in the 15th century and has long been a central hub of commerce and cultural life in Sarajevo. It is a bustling and lively place, with street vendors selling a variety of goods, including handmade crafts, jewelry, and traditional Bosnian food. The Bascarsija is also home to a number of historic landmarks, such as the Clock Tower and the Copper Workshop, which are popular tourist attractions.

Face the Gallery 11/07/95

It is dedicated to the victims of the Srebrenica genocide , which occurred in July 1995 during the Bosnian War. The genocide was a horrific event in which over 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were killed by Bosnian Serb forces in the town of Srebrenica, located in eastern Bosnia. The massacre is considered one of the worst atrocities in modern European history, and the Gallery 11/07/95 serves as a reminder of the importance of peace and reconciliation.

The gallery features a range of exhibits and displays, including photographs, documents, and personal artifacts, that provide insight into the events of the genocide and its aftermath. In addition to its exhibits and educational programs, the Gallery 11/07/95 also serves as a cultural center, hosting a variety of events and activities such as lectures, workshops, and concerts. It is a place of reflection and remembrance and is an important part of Sarajevo’s cultural landscape.

Climb Yellow Fortress

The Yellow Fortress is a historic fortification located on a hill overlooking the city of Sarajevo. It was built in the late 17th century and offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area. The fortress is a popular spot for tourists and offers a glimpse into the city’s past. It was originally built as a defensive structure, but today it is a peaceful and tranquil place, with beautiful gardens and paths for visitors to explore. The fortress gets its name from the yellow stone that was used to construct it, which is native to the area and is known for its durability and resistance to weathering. Despite its military purpose, the fortress was also used for other purposes throughout its history, such as a storage facility for weapons and other supplies, and as a prison at various times.

In addition to its military and practical uses, the fortress has also played a role in the city’s cultural and social life, serving as a popular spot for picnics and other leisure activities, and as a venue for events such as concerts and festivals. The fortress is a popular spot for tourists and offers beautiful views of the city and the surrounding area. Visitors can climb to the top of the fortress and take in the breathtaking views, or explore the gardens and paths that wind through the grounds.

The museum at the fortress is a great place to learn about the city’s history and the role that the fortress played in it. It features a variety of artifacts, documents, and photographs that provide insight into the city’s past, as well as interactive exhibits and educational programs. Overall, the Yellow Fortress is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Sarajevo, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Brace Eternal Fire

Located in the center of Sarajevo, the Eternal Fire is a monument that has been continuously burning since 1946. It is a flame that symbolizes the city’s resistance and resilience and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. The Eternal Fire was originally lit as a tribute to the victims of World War II, but has since become a symbol of hope and peace for the city. It is fueled by natural gas and has been burning continuously for over 75 years, making it a unique and enduring part of Sarajevo’s cultural identity. The Eternal Fire is an important part of the city’s memorial landscape and is a testament to Sarajevo’s enduring spirit in the face of adversity.

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sarajevo

Sarajevo City Guide

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There are many individuals to whom Sarajevo owes a debt of gratitude, but the fo...

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Sightseeing

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Sarajevo Haggadah

Sarajevo Haggadah

Without a doubt, the most valuable piece in the collection of the National Museu...

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From five-star hotels to affordable hostels

From five-star hotels to affordable hostels

“Destination Sarajevo” can truly boast a wide range of accommodation, from luxur...

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City transport

City transport

Should you decide on public transport, there are tram, trolleybus, bus and minib...

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5 reasons to visit Sarajevo this winter

5 reasons to visit Sarajevo this winter

If you are wondering whether you should visit Sarajevo this winter, the answer would be - definitely!

Ski centers around Sarajevo

Active holidays

Ski centers around sarajevo.

The city of Sarajevo and surrounding mountains have hosted the 1984 Winter Olympic Games and ever since have become a synonym for top winter fun.

A guide to Sarajevo's most important attractions

A guide to Sarajevo's most important attractions

That Sarajevo occupies an area that has long been inhabited is testified to by the many remains left by the Butmir Civilization, Illyrians, Romans, th...

Sarajevo's Olympic spirit

Sarajevo stories

Sarajevo's olympic spirit.

The story of the Olympics in Sarajevo started in Athens on May 18, 1978, when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) chose Sarajevo over Sapporo an...

A stroll through Paržik's Sarajevo

A stroll through Paržik's Sarajevo

In 1878, Sarajevo was beginning to look like a European city, and the architects arriving from all over the monarchy had much to do with this.

Sarajevo Light Festival

Sarajevo Light Festival

The first edition of the Sarajevo Light Festival was opened in the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the Statehood Day of Bosnia and Herze...

Where to drink salep in Sarajevo

Where to drink salep in Sarajevo

One of the biggest pleasures of winter is to sit in some of Sarajevo’s charming places while sipping salep topped off with cinnamon, a drink tha...

BH Telecom eSIM

Sarajevo.travel

Bh telecom esim.

The eSIM card, integrated with the user's device, contains all the data as the classic SIM card, but is much simpler to use.

Sarajevo City Card

Sarajevo City Card

Unlock the unique experience and an unforgettable sense of Sarajevo with the Sarajevo City Card to access numerous attractions, public transport and e...

2. Sarajevo Tourism Summit

2. Sarajevo Tourism Summit

Business Concierge Center in collaboration with the marketing agency Topcom Sarajevo, proudly announces the 2nd Sarajevo Tourism Summit, the most significant internationa...

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Ashkenazi Synagogue

Ashkenazi Synagogue

The Aškenazi Synagogue was built in 1902 for Sarajevo’s Jews, who began to arrive in greater numb...

Stećci

Stećci (sing. stećak) are stone tombstones that pre-date the Ottoman period, some of which are so richly decor...

Morića Han

Morića Han (inn) is Sarajevo’s only remaining caravanserai, a place where merchant caravans could find a...

The Old Orthodox Church

The Old Orthodox Church

The Old Orthodox Church in Sarajevo, which is dedicated to Archangels Michael and Gabriel, is one of Sarajevo&...

Vijećnica (City Hall)

Vijećnica (City Hall)

Vijećnica is the most extravagant building constructed in Sarajevo during Austro-Hungarian occupation and serv...

Sarajevo Meeting Of Cultures

Sarajevo Meeting Of Cultures

“Sarajevo Meeting of Cultures” is the message of an inlaid marker on Ferhadija St., near Gazi Husr...

Yellow Fortress

Yellow Fortress

The Yellow Fortress is one of the fortifications that made up the defensive wall of the old town, Vratnik. Sin...

Baščaršija

It is thought that during the Middle Ages there was a settlement and smaller trading area, called Stara Varo&s...

White Fortress

White Fortress

The White Fortress, which is situated atop a hill that offers a fantastic view of Sarajevo and its surrounding...

The Latin Bridge

The Latin Bridge

A ledger from 1541 makes the first mention of a bridge located on the spot where the Latin Bridge is found tod...

Baščaršija Mosque

Baščaršija Mosque

Havadža Durak Mosque, better known as Baščaršija Mosque, is located on the main square of Saraje...

Vječna Vatra (Eternal Flame)

Vječna Vatra (Eternal Flame)

Vječna Vatra is a memorial to those who liberated Sarajevo during World War II and was first unveiled during a...

Gazi Husrev Bey's Mosque

Gazi Husrev Bey's Mosque

Gazi Husrev Bey’s Mosque, or Bey’s Mosque, as it is known locally, was built in the center of Ba&s...

The Cathedral of Jesus’ Sacred Heart

The Cathedral of Jesus’ Sacred Heart

The Cathedral of Jesus’ Sacred Heart was built in 1889 in the Neo-Gothic style and is the seat of the Ar...

The Franciscan Church and Monastery of St. Anthony of Padua

The Franciscan Church and Monastery of St. Anthony of Padua

When the original Church of St. Anthony was built in 1882, it was the only Catholic church in Sarajevo and it...

sarajevo tourist attractions

from this category

Olympic Pool Sarajevo

Olympic Pool Sarajevo

This enclosed 50m Olympic-size swimming pool is the ideal recreational facility for children and adults alike.

Fox In A Box RoomEscape

Fox In A Box RoomEscape

Fox In A Box Room Escape offers visitors the chance to spend their free time in a totally different way -- by...

Sunnyland

Sunnyland is a unique amusement park for children and adults from around the region and the main feature is th...

Thermal Riviera Ilidža

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This complex, which has indoor and outdoor thermal pools, plus many other activities, offers fun and recreatio...

Where to Stay

Novotel Sarajevo Bristol

Novotel Sarajevo Bristol

Novotel Sarajevo Bristol is one of Sarajevo’s most well known ho...

Hotel Baština Lula

Hotel Baština Lula

Hotel Baština Lula is located in the heart of Baščar&sca...

Hotel Sokak

Hotel Sokak

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Hotel Courtyard by Marriott

Hotel Courtyard by Marriott

Another brand by the well known Marriott Hotel chain was opened in Sar...

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Hotel Radon Plaza

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Klopa

Klopa is an international restaurant where you will enjoy the excellen...

Buregdžinica ASDŽ

Buregdžinica ASDŽ

If you want to try one of the most popular local dishes – pita (...

BarSa

The interesting interior of this restaurant will get your attention if...

Buregdžinica Oklagija

Buregdžinica Oklagija

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Pivnica HS

History, tradition and quality all in one place – this is the be...

Libris

Libris Café offers an innovative concept in a local spirit with...

Coffee2Go

Coffee2Go is a chain of coffee shops that is known to many for serving...

Žuti kutak

A charming corner with a pleasant ambience that is dominated by the sm...

Coloseum Club

Coloseum Club

This is a unique place in Sarajevo which offers fun for music and danc...

Baklava Dućan

Baklava Dućan

This shop specializes in hand-made traditional sweets that are made fr...

Coppersmiths Huseinović Muhamed, Ismet & Ismir

Coppersmiths Huseinović Muhamed, Ismet & Ismir

Huseinović Coppersmith Workshop offers traditional hand-made copper so...

Optika Oculto

Optika Oculto

Committed to every customer, the Optika Oculto Team offers a different...

Bosnian Kingdom Shop

Bosnian Kingdom Shop

Unique apparel inspired by BiH's centuries of history, culture and tra...

Franz & Sophie - World of organic tea

Franz & Sophie - World of organic tea

Franz & Sophie is a unique place where you can find organic teas f...

LisicaLisica Showroom

LisicaLisica Showroom

If you’d like to have a unique handmade copper of brass piece, m...

Eurofarm Centar

Eurofarm Centar

Complete health care, with 20 years of experience, in the fields of ge...

Eye Clinic Svjetlost

Eye Clinic Svjetlost

We offer only the best for your eyes: world class experts and latest t...

Saraj Dent

Saraj Dent is characterized by its team of expert doctors and dental a...

Insider City Tours & Excursions

Insider City Tours & Excursions

The best way to get to know Sarajevo is with Insiders. Their Specialti...

Eat, Pray, Love

Eat, Pray, Love

Duration: 4 hour / Price: 60.00 KM per person

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Free Walking Tour of the Old Town

Free Walking Tour of the Old Town

Duration: 2 hour / Price: Free

If you are in Sarajevo for the first time, or simply want to find out more about the capital city of... More

Gourmet Tour

Gourmet Tour

Duration: 4 hour / Price: 70.00 KM per person

During this tour you will enjoy traditional Bosnian food and flavors while exploring and learning ab... More

Jewish Tour

Jewish Tour

Duration: 4 hour / Price: 50.00 KM per person

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Sarajevo Assassination

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Duration: 3 hour / Price: 38.00 KM per person

The Sarajevo Assassination is an incident that left an indelible mark on the history of Sarajevo. More

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sarajevo tourist attractions

The people of Sarajevo: intelligent and primitive, greedy and beautiful, tired and young, very young and insane, rich and miserable, vital and ill, tall and worn out, angry and passive, dubious and geniuses, the diaspora and street punks, fans of Željo and Sarajevo, children and grownups, faithful and unfaithful, powerful and pious – all in all, almost four-hundred thousand city atoms. And to be frank, there is no end to it. You either love Sarajevo or you don’t.

Aleksandar hemon, writer.

sarajevo tourist attractions

Destination Sarajevo

sarajevo tourist attractions

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Sport and Recreation

Places to eat, accommodation.

sarajevo tourist attractions

Moving around town

Additional information, tourist information, arriving to sarajevo.

  • Interactive Map
  • Legislation

sarajevo tourist attractions

Bascarsija and Sebilj Fountain

Bascarsija (tur. – the main market) was established in the 15th century by Isa-Bey Ishakovic, the founder of Sarajevo, and Ghazi Husrev-Bey who left an exquisite endowment as a legacy to the city.

In addition to these two benefactors, some other regents and wealthy merchants contributed with their donations. With rise of the Empire, the city progresses as well. Thus, Bascarsija was finished by the end of the 16th century, and the city soon after witnessed its golden age. Along with Istanbul, Thessaloniki, Edirne and Athens, it became one of the 5 largest cities in the Balkans, the city of trading and wealthy and powerful community.

The square spread into several trading and craftsmen alleys, it comprised 45 markets and over 80 crafts. Tiny cobbled alleys intertwined and spread towards mosques, inns, bedestans, hamams, schools and tekkes, fountains, caravanserai…

The first water supply system was built in the mid 15th century, and significantly extended in the 16th century. By the end of the Ottoman period, there were 156 spouts and several stone fountains built mainly as an endowment.

Sebilj Fountain is a symbol of Sarajevo. A legend says: “Whoever drinks water from any of Sarajevo’s fountains and spouts will come to Sarajevo”. The Sebilj Fountain was built in 1753.

The need to construct a new building for the city administration came along with the Austro-Hungarian conquerors. The area of a medieval village (Brodac), where Isa-Bey’s Ishakovic established the city itself in the 15th cwas identified as ideal for the new government. The Austro-Hungarians bought off several buildings and two inns and designated Alexander Wittek as the main architect. He chose the pseudo-Moorish style for one of the most expensive projects in the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the time. Allegedly, Wittek was a perfectionist so he even projected the number of bricks that would be used to build the City Hall with a variation of only 3 bricks.

This grand architectural project was completed in 1896. Wittek did not live to see the completion. Due to his perfectionism, he could have not accepted the fact that the City Hall’s Auditorium did not have enough light. He considered this irreparable, had a nervous breakdown and committed suicide. Ciril M. Ivekovic took over the work, and found a simple solution and designed a glass-dome.

During the siege of Sarajevo, this cultural and historical monument was burnt down, along with the collections of the National and University Library (which was at the time seated within the City Hall). The City Hall was recently renovated (2014) and remains one of the most impressive attractions in Sarajevo. It is a symbol of education, hope, art, culture, history, beauty

sarajevo tourist attractions

Museum of Sarajevo Assassination and Latin Bridge

At the junction of the Apel key and Franjo Josip streets (today Obala Kulina bana and Zelenih beretki streets), Gavrilo Princip, a high school student and a member of Mlada Bosna, a secret organization established by the Black Hand movement completed the organization’s gloomy plan on June 28th, 1914. Gavrilo assassinated the Austro-Hungarian heir to the throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie. The Austro-Hungarian Monarchy considered Serbia to be involved and sent their ultimatum on July 23, 1914. The First World War commenced soon after.

The Austro-Hungarian Monarchy set a monument dedicated to Franz Ferdinand and Sophie Hohenberg, just across the assassination spot, on Latin Bridge. The monument was removed when the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenians was established. A year after removing the monument, a new museum “Museum of Sarajevo Assassination” was opened. The museum portrays the Austro-Hungarian rule, the new administration system, new way of living, crafts, economy, architecture, development of science and arts.

Ilidza & Airport Area

Monumental Complex ˝Tunnel of Salvation˝

The war tunnel was constructed during the 1425-day long siege Sarajevo (1992 to 1995 siege) to connect two free territories. The entrance and exit of the tunnel are two houses situated at the opposite sides of the airport.

Thus, the tunnel connected Dobrinja and Butmir settlements, and was named “Objekat D-B”. Tunnel construction was initiated in 1993 and completed the same year. The tunnel is 720 meters long, 1.50 meters high. In 1994, narrow rails and mine carts were added to facilitate transportation of food and medicine.

Humanitarian aid was delivered through this tunnel, and wounded soldiers sent out of Sarajevo over Igman mountain. Politicians and world-known reporters such as Susan Sontag used this tunnel to come to Sarajevo and offer their support to the war-torn city. Today, this unique museum structure is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.

sarajevo tourist attractions

European Jerusalem

For over four centuries, Sarajevo has been the city of multiculturalism. In one single street, one can step into a mosque, synagogue, Catholic or Orthodox church.

With the construction of the Sephardic Temple in the old town, along with the Old Orthodox Church and Ghazi Husrev-bey’s mosque a multicultural ambiance was created. This multicultural mosaic was enriched with the New Orthodox Cathedral built in the late Ottoman era, and the Catholic Cathedral built in early Austro Hungarian era.

Natural Sites & Mountains

Bijambare Caves

Bijambare Speleological Area is a protected natural site located northeast of Sarajevo on Sarajevo-Tuzla Highway (approximately 40 km from Sarajevo).

Bijambare Speleological Area is a protected natural site located northeast of Sarajevo on Sarajevo-Tuzla Highway (approximately 40 km from Sarajevo). Bijambare Caves is a speleological complex surrounded by thick conifer forest, two brooks, small lakes, several springs and a great variety of mushrooms, medicinal herbs and some rare endemic species. The area is ideal for outdoor picnics, hunting, fishing, hiking, speleological research.

sarajevo tourist attractions

Bjelasnica and Igman

Bjelasnica and Igman mountains are very popular winter resorts located only 25 km from Sarajevo.These two mountains were the host of the 14th Winter Olympic Games in 1984, featuring Alpine and Nordic skiing and ski jumping competitions.

The mountain range stretches over 300 kilometers and features the mixture of the Mediterranean and Continental climate. Bjelasnica is thus known to have all four seasons in a single day. The Meteorological Observatory was built at the mountain’s top in 1984.

Bjelasnica and Igman are covered in a thick snow cover (135 cm) for approximately 200 days a year. The mountains have around 25 kilometers of very good skiing trails, hotel accommodation and other amenities. Bjelasnica’s skiing slopes start at the highest peak (2067 meters) and finish at Babin do (1266 meters).

Skakavac Waterfall

Skakavac Waterfall is located 12 km north of Sarajevo, above the Nahorevo Village. It is a 98-m high waterfall, the second tallest in Europe.

It is a part of a Natural Park and it takes a 3-hour thrilling walk through the fir, beech, spruce, and ash tree forest. The waterfall is surrounded by endemic flora and fauna species and is great for mushroom and medicinal herbs picking. It is an oasis of peace and relaxation for all nature lovers, athletes, mountain bikers, photographers, hikers.

sarajevo tourist attractions

Vrelo Bosne

A three-kilometer long plane-tree and chestnut tree alley which runs from Ilidza will take you to a beautiful natural monument – Vrelo Bosne. The alley has 726 trees planted in 1894 and it is ideal for family day out long walks, bicycle and roller skate rides, jogging… The spring (Vrelo Bosne) rises at the foot of Mt. Igman and has over 60 karst springs. It is a morphological, hydrological, botanical and horticultural monument, and one of the locals’ favorite outdoor spots.

Bacevo, the main spring of drinkable water in Sarajevo, is located at Vrelo Bosne. It covers the area of 603 ha and it is a home to 26 plant species and more than 20 animal species, including some endemic species. One such, the brook trout can be found in Mala Bosna; six springs from the site of Vrelo Bosne pours into this stream.

The tree alley is also connected with Stojcevac, another outdoor spot with parks, forests, wild rose, raspberry and blackberry bushes. In a few-minute walk you can visit the archaeological site of the Church of St. Stephen the Protomartyr from the 10th century (Crkva sv. Stjepana Prvomucenika), as well as the Roman Bridge (Bridge at Plandiste) built in the Ottoman period.

Lukomir Village

There is no better way to experience how the locals lived in the old times than the Lukomir Village (1496 m). This living museum which portrays day-to-day life of the Lukomir people is only 42 km from Sarajevo.

Lukomir is also known for its stone shingle-roofed houses. Due to harsh weather conditions, the village is approachable only on skies or on foot between December and April.

Women still wear traditional handmade clothes that resemble the woven clothes dating back several centuries. Villagers make colorful gloves, socks and similar accessories from natural wool and live by selling them, raising livestock and doing mountain agriculture.

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Travelling King

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Sarajevo

Sarajevo might well be one of the most off the beaten track cities to visit in Europe, but the Bosnian capital is also one of the most fascinating cities on the continent.

Although its best known either as the site of the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, the spark that started the first world war, or for the brutal siege that levelled much of the city when Yugoslavia collapsed in the 1990s, Sarajevo is rising like a phoenix from the ashes to become a top tourist destination in the Balkans.

Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Miljacka River embankment in Sarajevo city center on a sunny spring day

This is where east meets west, where cultures, cuisines, and religions collide head on, and where the convoluted history is just as intriguing as contemporary life.

It could be the most underrated city in the Balkans, so to inspire your next adventure, here’s our ultimate travel guide to Sarajevo.

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Table of Contents

How to get to Sarajevo

It might be the capital and largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but Sarajevo isn’t necessarily the most well connected of destinations. You’ll need to be a little more intrepid getting here, but it’s well worth the effort.

There are flights to many major European cities, however options are limited, although regularly expanding. Most of these are scheduled flights rather than cheaper flights with budget airlines, who have yet to really expand to Sarajevo.

Even from many major hubs such as London or Paris, you will likely need to transit through Croatia or Germany, or perhaps even Istanbul.

There are irregular trains to Mostar, and to Zagreb, and most travellers might find it best to arrive by bus if they are planning on travelling overland and including Sarajevo as part of a wider Balkans travel itinerary.

Buses are much more frequent than trains and can connect you to Mostar and to cities within the Republika Srpska to the north. There are regular international routes to most neighboring Balkan nations too.

SARAJEVO, BOSNIA - Main entrance of the Sarajevo Railway station with taxi drivers in front. It its the central station and a hub for the Bosnian Railways

What to expect in Sarajevo

Sarajevo is very different to most European cities, because historically, this is a city with more Eastern influences than western. The dominant religion is Islam, a fact that caused huge tensions that degenerated into ethnic conflict in the 1990s, as Christian Serbs fought Muslim Bosnians.

The war ended many years ago but the signs of destruction are still seen everywhere, be it bullet holes or cemeteries. This is a city that wants to look forward though and you’ll find that many Bosnians are willing to share their war experiences while at the same time being welcoming to foreigners.

That being said, be careful what you say about the war and what you say about Serbia.

The local language is Bosnian, which for practical purposes is very similar to Serbian or Croatian, and uses the Latin script when written. You will find that levels of English are increasing however it might be difficult to find people who speak the language proficiently.

In fact, if you don’t speak the local language then it’s more likely to meet someone in Sarajevo who speaks German than many other foreign languages.

The local currency is the Convertible Mark , however you will find that most touristy establishments would also freely accept Euros.

How to get around Sarajevo  

Sarajevo is a relatively compact city, and it’s more than possible to spend most of your time walking from one major sight to the next. Bare in mind though, that Sarajevo is also surrounded by mountains and in many places, especially the Old Town, the streets can be exceptionally hilly.

You’ll definitely need to be fit for a whole day of walking in Sarajevo but it’s a great way to see the city.

The airport and the main bus stations are all a short journey away by public transport and you can make use of the bus and the tram system to get around the city. The tram is particularly useful and very easy to navigate.

Taxis are prolific across the city, however be sure to know your address and ask the driver to put on the meter as taxis scams can be far too common.

SARAJEVO, BOSNIA - Tram ready for departure on the train station stop, the Avaz Twist Tower is seen in the background. The tower is the highest in former Yugoslavia

The best time to visit Sarajevo

Sarajevo can be visited anytime of the year, especially if you’re looking for a city break, however you do need to be aware of the at the times extreme differences in temperature that come with each season.

Famously, Sarajevo hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics, and that’s because the relatively high altitude of the city ensures that the surrounding mountains see a lot of snow in the latter months of the year. It can become bitterly cold from November through to March, but for winter sports lovers it can be perfect.

In comparison, summer can be hot, with temperatures rising into the 30s. If you’re interested in hiking the surrounding mountains and seeing the city at its most colourful and active then the summer months are the time to be here. As with anywhere in Europe though, the summer season from June through to September is always going to be the busiest and most expensive time of the year to visit.

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina - cityscape of capital city Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Things to do in Sarajevo 

One of the top tourist attractions in Sarajevo is Bascarsija, or the Old Town.

This is the most historic part of the city, dating back to the 15th century, and it’s here that you’ll find the most beautiful Ottoman era buildings, as well as the lively bazaar where you can find local souvenirs and excellent local food.

SARAJEVO, BOSNIA - Tourists with pigeons near Sebilj fountain. Pigeon Square in old town is popular area.

Gazi Husrev-Beg Mosque  

The Gazi Husrev-Beg Mosque is one of the most important landmarks in the city, and it’s here that you can admire both the Islamic and Ottoman heritage at its finest extant.

The mosque was constructed in 1532 to be the centre of religious life in the city and it still continues to this day to be the main place of worship for Sarajevo’s majority Muslim population.

MOSTAR, BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA - Rooftop of Karadoz Beg mosque in Mostar, Bosnia

Sebilj Fountain

Another historic must-see is the Sebilj Fountain, a beautiful remnant of the Ottoman era.

This wooden fountain is located in the heart of the Old Town and somehow survived for centuries from the mid 18th century when it was first constructed.

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Bascarsija square with Sebilj wooden fountain in Old Town Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Yellow Fortress

History buffs also won’t want to miss out on a visit to the Yellow Fortress , an iconic defensive position constructed in the early 18th century.

It was built by the ottomans to defend the frontier of their vast empire against the encroaching Austro-Hungarians, although it failed to stop the city’s eventual takeover.

Impressive Aerial View of Sarajevo from the Yellow Fortress or Jekovac Fortress in Sarajevo, Balkans, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo Tunnel

Located on the outskirts of the city, the Sarajevo Tunnel is a remnant of the long Siege of Sarajevo that the city suffered during the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s.

Surrounded on all sides the Bosnians had no choice but to dig what became known as the Tunnel of Hope, in order to reach the surrounded city itself. Today, part of the tunnel is preserved as a museum and a memorial  

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Inside the Sarajevo Tunnel constructed during the Siege of Sarajevo

Latin Bridge

The Latin Bridge spans the Miljacka River and dates back to at least the 16th century.

An iconic work of architecture in itself, the bridge is best known for being the location of the assassination of Arch Duke Franz Ferdinand in 1914, the momentous event that set off a chain reaction leading to World War 1.

Latin Bridge in Sarajevo - Bosnia and Herzegovina - architecture travel background

Sarajevo Roses

Across the city, you’ll see parts of the pavement are coloured pink or red, marking the sites where locals were killed during the Siege of Sarajevo in the 1990s.

Known as the Sarajevo Roses, these simple yet moving tributes show the course of the war and the suffering endured by the local population during the long siege.

Markings on the streets of Sarajevo indicating where mortar shells exploded during Bosnian war in 1990s

Mount Trebevic

Above the city, a well worn hiking treika leads through the hills to Mount Trebevic, which offers a sweeping panorama of Sarajevo.

The mountain top is also where the 1984 Winter Olympics bobsleigh track can be found too, although today it’s entirely abandoned in the woods alongside the path to the summit.

You can in fact follow the concrete contours of the bobsleigh track to Mount Trebevic, which makes for a unique outing from the city itself.

Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina - Aerial view from one of the hills surrounding Sarajevo

What to eat in Sarajevo

The cuisine that you’ll find in Sarajevo is an eclectic mix that can trace its influences across Europe and the East. The food in Sarajevo is a mix of delicacies left behind by the many empires and people that have made the city their own over the centuries, from Turkish through to Austrian.

For starters, you’ll find lots of street food across the city and while at first it might just seem like a whole lot of meat, bread and kebabs, it will soon grow on you if you’re not a vegetarian. Cevapi is the national dish, and although it’s just grilled meat and bread the locals can never get enough of it.

You can also try local favourites such as the Bosnian Pot, a delicious stew that’s rich in meat, vegetables, and spices. You can try the Boreks, a pastry left over by the Ottomans, or indulge in plenty of Baklava.

Bosnian coffee is well known for its strength, while if you’re looking for an alcoholic tipple then you won’t be in the city long before you’re plied with Rakija, the fierce spirit that’s found across the Balkans.

Balkan cuisine. Cevapi - grilled dish of minced meat - with vegetables. Rustic background, flat lay

Where to stay in Sarajevo

Budget – Sarajevo is an inexpensive city to visit by western standards and the low costs ensure that there’s plenty of budget accommodation to be found. One of the best hostels in the city is Hostel Franz Ferdinand , named for the infamous Austrian whose death sparked a war.

Midrange – there are countless small hotels, guesthouses and Air BnB options to be found across Sarajevo. The City Boutique Hotel is an excellent option if you’re looking to stay in the Old Town, while a more central favourite is the Hotel Central Sarajevo .

Luxury – luxury options won’t be quite as prevalent as other European cities, but the luxury options that do exist are often excellent value and usually found in incredibly historic buildings. Located in the Old Town, the famed Hotel Europe is one such establishment, dating back well over a century.

SARAJEVO, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA - : The houses on embankment of the Miljacka river in Sarajevo city. Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Tours to do in Sarajevo

Free walking tour.

One of the best and cheapest ways to explore Sarajevo is by joining a free walking tour of the city. You’ll have the chance to see Sarajevo’s most famous sights, from the modern city centre right into the Old Town. These tours are always led by enthusiastic locals, but at the end of the day, if you don’t enjoy yourself then you still only pay exactly how much you feel the experience was actually worth.

SARAJEVO, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA - muslim woman walking in Old Sarajevo street bazaar

Sarajevo War Tour

It’s hard to visit Sarajevo and not learn about the war . It was very recent, and still very much within living memory and you’ll still find scars across the city

The war history is complex and convoluted though, and many travellers find that the only real way to learn more and to attempt to understand the Siege of Sarajevo and the conflict that erupted in the 1990s is to actually learn from the locals who were there.

It’s moving and at times difficult, but a Sarajevo War Tour is one way to better understand the city and its recent history.

SARAJEVO, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA - Damaged facaded of the Tunnel Museum of Sarajevo constructed by the besieged citizens of Sarajevo during the war

Franz Ferdinand Tour

Sarajevo is also well known for being the city where Archduke Franz Ferdinand, of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, was assassinated in 1914

A Franz Ferdinand tour will take you to all the sights associated with that fateful day and the repercussions after, and you’ll be able to better visualize and understand how this one event proved to be the catalyst for World War 1.

Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina - People walks in front of place of Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria

Day trips from Sarajevo

Mostar is one of the most gorgeous cities in the Balkans, and it’s found just a day trip away , lying on the turquoise waters of the Neretva River.

The city is famed for its Ottoman era bridge, and you’ll find the locals will dive from the high stone work right into the water below. The city is charming but much of it had to be rebuilt after the war in the 1990s, and like Sarajevo, you’ll still find the scars there today.

Panoramic aerial view of the historic town of Mostar with famous Old Bridge (Stari Most), a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, on a rainy day with dark clouds in summer, Bosnia and Herzegovina

If you want to see firsthand the brutal damage that the war caused in the 1999s, then take a sombre day trip to Srebrenica .

For many, this is more of a pilgrimage or an educational outing, similar to visiting the likes of Auschwitz in Eastern Europe. Srebrenica is where many ethnic Bosnians were massacred by ethnic Serbs during the Bosnian war, and today the memorial and graves continue to move later generations.

Potocari, Bosnia and Herzegovina - . Gazebo in site of Memorial to genocida in Srebrenica and Potocari

Olympic Mountains

Sarajevo is surrounded by high mountains and in winter they become perfect for snow sports.

Take a day trip to the Olympic Mountains for superb views and outdoor activities. The mountains were the location of many of the events in the 1984 Winter Olympics, and it makes for a more relaxing change from all that war history.

Bjelasnica The site of the XIV Winter Olympics Sarajevo

Recommended tours in Sarajevo

  • Modern World Longest Siege – Siege of Sarajevo Half-day Tour
  • Full-Day Tour from Sarajevo to Herzegovina with Mostar, Blagaj Dervish House, Pocitelj, Jablanica, and Konjic
  • Lukomir Highland Village Tour and Hike from Sarajevo
  • Mostar and Herzegovina Cities Day Tour from Sarajevo
  • Jajce with Pliva lakes and Travnik day tour from Sarajevo
  • Private tour: Balkans dark side – Tunnel of Hope
  • Understanding Srebrenica Genocide – Full Day Study Trip from Sarajevo
  • Tito’s Bunker Tour
  • Fall of Yugoslavia, Sarajevo War Tour
  • Lukomir Village tour from Sarajevo
  • Sarajevo Morning Coffee, Tea and Market tour

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Ultimate Travel Guide to Sarajevo

Found & Travel Expert

Sam, a globally seasoned traveler with a footprint across four continents and over 49 countries, is a recognized authority in travel planning. Her passion for exploration has positioned her as a leading voice in the travel community.

Travelling King offering readers insider tips and expert knowledge. Today, it's a go-to resource for thousands, providing tailor-made itineraries, tour and hotel guides, ensuring travelers enjoy seamless, memorable trips.

Sam's engaging perspective on global exploration keeps her at the forefront of travel enthusiasm. While she cherishes her adventures, returning to Adelaide and her beloved dog Odin remains a special joy.

Sam's expertise includes: - Luxury Travel: Providing insights into upscale travel experiences. - Fast Travel: Offering strategies for maximizing visits to multiple destinations in limited time. - Hotels and Destination Guides: Crafting comprehensive guides for accommodations and attractions.

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    1. Museum Of Crimes Against Humanity And Genocide 1992-1995. 958. History Museums. Admission tickets from £5. The Museum of Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide 1992 - 1995 was founded in July 2016 as an initiative to sustain the memory of all the victims of the war that lasted from 1992- 1995. The founders of the museum themselves are ...

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    Things to Do. Those who are visiting Sarajevo for the first time are usually pleasantly surprised when they see all that this destination has to offer. In order to help you avoid feeling lost among the many choices, we've selected 20 things that you should be sure to do during your stay in Sarajevo. 1.

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    11 | Gazi Husrev-beg 'Beys' Mosque. The Classic Ottoman style 16th Century Bey's Mosque is an architectural highlight in Sarajevo. The interior is adorned with text from the Koran and the mosque exudes serenity and beauty. The courtyard of Bey's Mosque.

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    The cathedral is an active place of worship and is a key part of the city's cultural and spiritual life. The Sarajevo Brewery is a popular attraction for beer lovers, as it offers tours and tastings of its locally produced beers. The brewery was founded in 1864 and is one of the oldest in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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    Let's dive into the heart of the Balkans and explore the top 10 tourist attractions that make Sarajevo a must-visit destination. Baščaršija: Sarajevo's Old Bazaar. Strolling through Baščaršija feels like stepping back in time. This 15th-century market is the historical and cultural center of the city.

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    Bjelasnica and Igman. Bjelasnica and Igman mountains are very popular winter resorts located only 25 km from Sarajevo.These two mountains were the host of the 14th Winter Olympic Games in 1984, featuring Alpine and Nordic skiing and ski jumping competitions. Location: Natural Sites & Mountains.

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