Discover Sarajevo: Top Attractions, History, and Travel Tips
Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a compact city on the Miljacka River, surrounded by the Dinaric Alps. Its center has museums commemorating local history, including Sarajevo 1878–1918, which covers the 1914 assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, an event that sparked World War I. Landmarks of the old quarter, Baščaršija, include the Ottoman-era Gazi Husrev-bey Mosque
Sarajevo (and frankly, Bosnia) was not somewhere I had considered visiting until my cousin went and shared her experience and gorgeous photos a couple of years ago.
I finally got there in September 2024 and instantly fell in love with the architecture, food, history, people and overall vibe of this Bosnian capital city.
I spent 3 days in Sarajevo and covered quite a bit of ground in that time, enjoying delicious food, visiting historic sites, and enjoying nearby nature.
Trip Details and Cost Breakdown
🚄Train
Mostar to Sarajevo €12
For all the train details and a step-by-step guide, click here
🛌Accommodation
Airbnb 3 night stay $115
🚌Transportation
The only time I used public transportation was to the airport for my departure. I took the 103 Public bus which took about 45 minutes total and cost 1.80BAM ($1.00USD)
🚠Activities
All of the sites I visited in Sarajevo were free and the only activity I paid for was the cable car to the Bobsled track, which was 20BAM one-way (approx $11.00USD). To take the cable car round trip is 30BAM (approx $17USD).
🍴Food and Drink
I did a lot of “easy” meals in Sarajevo, like Burek or grab and go from the market. I did have one “nice” dinner and went out to brunch one day.
I found food costs in Sarajevo quite low and my total spend was approximately $85.00USD for my 3 day stay including meals, snacks, bottles of water and the occasional beer.
Best Time to Go to Sarajevo
I visited Sarajevo in late September, and it was perfect for me. The weather was still warm, but mild. There was some rain, but it was very brief, and it was pleasant and sunny the majority of the time I was there.
Coming from Mostar, I was nervous Sarajevo was going to be packed with tourists, but I found that the city was easy to navigate and didn’t feel crowded at all.
I can only speak for the time I was in Sarajevo, but with a little help from Google, here is some information to help decide when the best time to go to Sarajevo is for you.
Spring (April to June)
Weather: Mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F).
Pros: Blooming flowers, green landscapes, and comfortable sightseeing weather.
Events: The Sarajevo International Guitar Festival usually takes place in May, attracting guitarists from around the world.
Summer (July to August)
Weather: Warm to hot, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 30°C (64°F to 86°F).
Pros: Ideal for outdoor activities, hiking, and exploring the city.
Events: The famous Sarajevo Film Festival occurs in August, drawing international attention and a vibrant crowd.
Cons: It can get crowded, and prices for accommodation may be higher.
Autumn (September to November)
Weather: Cool and crisp, with temperatures from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) in September, dropping to 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F) by November.
Pros: Beautiful fall foliage, fewer tourists, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Events: The Jazz Fest Sarajevo typically takes place in November, featuring performances from renowned jazz artists.
Winter (December to March)
Weather: Cold, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F).
Pros: Winter sports enthusiasts will enjoy nearby ski resorts like Jahorina and Bjelašnica.
Events: The Sarajevo Winter Festival, starting in February, offers a mix of cultural and artistic events.
Cons: Cold weather may limit some outdoor activities.
⭐Something to Consider
Ramadan: Sarajevo has a significant Muslim population, so visiting during Ramadan (the dates of which vary each year) might offer a unique cultural experience, but some restaurants and shops may have altered hours.
Public Holidays: Be aware of Bosnian public holidays, as some attractions might be closed.
Sarajevo Top Attractons
I found Sarajevo to be a great city to just wander around and take in organically. There is something to discover around every corner and many viewpoints to take in, as well as iconic bridges, and many statues and plaques honoring those who endured the Bosnian War and other atrocities.
These are some of the highlights from my too-brief stay in Sarajevo.
Baščaršija - Old Bazaar
Baščaršija is Sarajevo's old bazaar and the historical and cultural center of the city. Baščaršija was built in the 15th century when Isa-Beg Ishaković founded the city. Baščaršija is located on the north bank of the river Miljacka, in the municipality of Stari Grad
This area is primarily closed to traffic and the pedestrian streets are a wonderful maze of cobblestone streets where, you will find endless shops, restaurants, cafes, and many tourist attractions.
Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque
Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque is a mosque in the city of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Built in the 16th century, it is the largest historical mosque in Bosnia and Herzegovina and one of the most representative Ottoman structures in the Balkans
🗺️Sarači 8, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
🕰️Daily 9a-12:30p, 2p-4p, 5:15p-7:30p
I regrettably failed to align my timing, and attire, correctly to visit the inside of Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque and only visited the outside, which was gorgeous. From photos, the inside looks stunning, and this mosque holds much historical significance.
Orthodox Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos
The Cathedral Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos is the largest Serbian Orthodox church in Sarajevo and one of the largest in the Balkans. The cathedral is designated National Monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina by the KONS. The cathedral is dedicated to the nativity of the Theotokos.
🗺️Zelenih beretki 1, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
🕰️Daily 8a-5:30p
💶Donation
This baroque church is beautiful from the outside, but the inside is simply striking. It is well worth taking a few minutes to stop in and visit.
Sacred Heart Cathedral Sarajevo
The Sacred Heart Cathedral is a Catholic church in Sarajevo; commonly referred as the Sarajevo Cathedral, it is the largest cathedral in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Vrhbosna, currently Tomo Vukšić, and center of Catholic worship in the city.
🗺️Trg Fra Grge Martića 2, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
🕰️Tues-Sun 9a-5:30p, Mon-Closed
💶Donation
The Sacred Heart Cathedral is a domineering site from the outside and an ornate, stunning sight on the inside. It is well worth popping in to to take in the beautiful gold and stained glass detailing,
Kovači Cemetery
The Martyr’s Cemetery
🗺️Nadmlini 40, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Martyrs' Memorial Cemetery Kovaci is the main cemetery for those who were killed in the Yugoslav Wars from 1991 to 2001.
There are often mixed reviews/feelings about visiting cemeteries as tourists, but The Martyr’s Memorial Cemetery holds a great deal of significance and is open and welcoming to visitors. It is included on most guided tours in Sarajevo.
There are signs and indicators of where to walk, and areas that are not open to visitors.
After visiting the Martyrs’ Memorial Cemetery, head up to the Yellow Fortress for an ariel view.
Yellow Fortress
🗺️VC4P+G96, Jekovac, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
🕰️Daily 9a-11p
💶Free
For some of the best views of Sarajevo, head up to the Yello Fortress, a clifftop remnant of a defensive wall, now a popular spot for sunsets & panoramic views of the city.
The climb up is easy/moderate and well worth those sweeping views, which include the Martyr’s Cemetery below.
Žičara | Sarajevo Cable Car
The Sarajevo cable car, also known as the Trebević cable car, is a gondola lift in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, connecting the old part of the city with the mountain Trebević.
🗺️Hrvatin bb, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
🕰️Thurs-Sun 9a-5p
💶One way 20KM (approx $11) Round trip 30KM (approx $16.50)
This was one of the highlights of my Sarajevo trip.
The cable car is a great way to get to mountain Trebević (and in only 7 minutes), where you will find incredible views, hiking trails, picnic areas, and the famed 1984 bobsled track.
I chose to take the cable care up and hike back down to get a little bit of both experiences.
Sarajevo Abandoned Bobsled Track
Sarajevo Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track is a bobsleigh and luge track situated on Trebević mountain overlooking the City of Sarajevo, built for the 1984 Winter Olympics.
🗺️RCQV+W78, Unnamed Road, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
🕰️24 Hours
💶Free (if you hike) 30KM ($17) round trip via the cable car
🌐For more information about the track
The Sarajevo Abandoned Bobsled Track was the highlight of my trip to Sarajevo for many reasons.
I opted to take the cable car up, and hike down Trebević, walking the entirety of the bobsled track. There have been revitalization efforts in the past several years, but the track remains covered in street art (which I love), and stands in vast, cement, contrast to the lush green mountainside it is nestled in.
I lucked out that it was a beautiful day and there were very few other people walking the entire track, so it was a really great time to reflect on all that has happened in this city and country since the time that track was built.
Museum of Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide
⭐I did not go to the Museum of Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide because I went in Mostar.
🗺️Muvekita 11/1, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
🕰️Daily 9a-9p
💶20BAM (approx $10USD)
🌐Museum of Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide
If I had not gone in Mostar, I would have gone in Sarajevo and cannot emphasize enough how impactful and important I found this museum. It should be on every itinerary when visiting Bosnia.
Sarajevo Memorials and Statues
Vječna Vatra (Eternal Flame)
🗺️VC5C+GPH, Ferhadija, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Built in 1946, The Eternal flame is a memorial to the military and civilian victims of the Second World War in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Monument to the Murdered Children of Besieged Sarajevo (1992–1995)
🗺️VC58+MCC, Maršala Tita, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Located in Veliki park, the largest green area in the center of Sarajevo and is an ideal place to make a break amidst the greenery while taking in the sights in the center of town. This is one of several monuments and statues paying homage to lives lost in the siege of Sarajevo, and is one of the most impactful.
River Miljacka and Bridges
The Miljacka is a river in Bosnia and Herzegovina that passes through Sarajevo. Numerous city bridges have been built to cross it.
It is nearly impossible not walk along, or across, the Miljacka River when in Sarajevo. The river is a beautiful focal point in the city both by day and night. It is lined with historically and architecturally significant buildings and the unique bridges that cross the Miljacka hold much meaning and history.
Latin Bridge
Latin Bridge is an Ottoman-era bridge over the river Miljacka in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The northern end of the bridge was the site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria by Gavrilo Princip in 1914, which began the July Crisis that ultimately led to the outbreak of World War I.
🗺️Obala Kulina bana 71000, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Festina lente
Festina lente is a pedestrian bridge over the Miljacka River in Sarajevo. The bridge is 38 meters long and features an unusual looping in the middle, suggesting slowing down and enjoying the view.
🗺️Miljacka, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Sehercehaja Bridge
Šeher Ćehaja Bridge is a bridge which crosses the river Miljacka in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It can be translated as "Mayor's Bridge" from the Turkish word for mayor. During Ottoman rule, 13 bridges were built in Sarajevo; one of the most impressive ones is Šeher Ćehaja Bridge.
🗺️VC5M+GJ3, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Eiffel's Bridge
The Skenderija Bridge is a footbridge located in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina opposite the Skenderija Centre which crosses the River Miljacka. It was designed by Gustave Eiffel. The bridge is home to a small number of love locks, a phenomenon practiced by lovers on various European, Asian and Australian bridges
Where to Eat in Sarajevo
Sarajevo was the last stop on my month-long Balkans venture and while I was still loving all the amazing food the Balkans has to over, I was also craving simple comforts and did quite a bit of grab-and-go, indulged in tons of burek and other local pastries and quick-bites, and did a bit of cooking.
I did manage to get in a few amazing meals, and these were my top Sarajevo breakfast, lunches, and dinner.
Brunch Sa
🗺️Gazi Husrev-begova 61, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
🕰️Sun 9a-4p, Mon 8a-4p, Tues-Sat 7a-4p
💶€€
🥬Vegetarian Friendly
Brunch Sa is everything you want in a brunch spot: cute restaurant, friendly service, great menu, fresh food, and great price point. There is both indoor and outdoor seating. and breakfast/brunch is served all day.
Sač
🗺️Bravadžiluk mali 2, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
🕰️Daily 8:30a-11p
💶€
🥬Vegetarian friendly
Burek is amongst my top favorite foods and throughout my trip through the Balkans, I was on a mission to find the best. Sac was highly recommended by my cousin’s husband who happens to be Bosnian, and he did not let me down. The burek is fresh, delicious, and the portions are huge.
It was definitely amongst the top 3 bureks I have ever had (and I have had a lot).
Sač is absolutely a must on any trip to Sarajevo.
ASDŽ Aščinica
🗺️Ćurčiluk mali 3, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
🕰️Daily 9a-7p
💶€€
🥬 Vegetarian Friendly
ASDŽ Aščinica is a casual counter service spot that offers dine in and take away. I popped in for a quick lunch before heading on a hike and was very pleasantly surprised by how good the food was. Everything was fresh, delicious, and plentiful.
This does seem to be a popular spot for tour guides to bring groups and locals grabbing lunch, so it can get a bit crowded, but the line moves quite fast.
Restaurant Klopa
🗺️Trg Fra Grge Martića 4, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
🕰️Daily 9a-11p
💶€€–€€€
🥬Vegetarian Friendly
Restaurant Klopa was my “date night for one” spot on my last night in Sarajevo, and I am very glad it was.
Is it “authentic” or “local” cuisine? Nope.
Is it a chic, cute space that offers up delicious food with great, friendly service? Absolutely.
I almost missed out on Restaurant Klopa because there was a line outside, and I didn’t have a reservation, but luckily there was high top seating for solo diners so I skipped the line.
An added bonus, and real selling point, to this restaurant was the overall vibe. The servers were fun and friendly with lots of personality and the crowd was also friendly and warm.
For your complete guide to train travel between Sarajevo and Mostar,
click here
For your completed guide to Mostar,
click here
