Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a city where history and culture meet in the most fascinating way. Surrounded by the green Dinaric Alps and flowing along the Miljacka River, it’s a place where Ottoman charm blends with Austro-Hungarian elegance.
With about 275,000 residents, Sarajevo is both lively and welcoming, offering us a mix of old-world atmosphere and modern city life.
Best Time to Visit Sarajevo
If we love warm weather and outdoor activities, May to September is ideal. Streets buzz with festivals, cafés spill out into the squares, and the views are at their greenest. For winter lovers, December to February offers snowy mountain slopes nearby, perfect for skiing. July and August can be crowded, so booking early is wise. Spring and autumn also bring fewer tourists and lower prices, making them great for a more relaxed trip.
Getting to Sarajevo
Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ) is around 12 km from the city center. A taxi ride costs about $15 USD, while bus line 31E is a cheaper choice at $2 USD. We can also reach Sarajevo by train or long-distance bus from cities like Mostar, Belgrade, or Zagreb. The train ride from Mostar, in particular, is famous for its breathtaking scenery along the Neretva River.
Getting Around the City
The Old Town is best explored on foot, but for longer distances, trams and buses are efficient and budget-friendly. A single ticket costs around $1 USD and is valid for both trams and buses. Tickets can be bought at kiosks or from the driver (slightly more expensive). Taxis are metered—always check the meter is running before we set off.
Top Attractions and Entrance Fees
1. Baščaršija (Old Bazaar) – Free entry. A lively Ottoman-era marketplace with cobblestone streets, shops, and cafés. Perfect for souvenirs and local snacks.
2. Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque – $3 USD, open daily 9:00–18:00. Built in the 16th century, this mosque is an architectural masterpiece and still an active place of worship.
3. Latin Bridge – Free. A beautiful Ottoman-era stone bridge spanning the Miljacka River. Built in the 16th century, it showcases elegant arches and historic craftsmanship, blending seamlessly into the city's rich architectural heritage.
4. Sarajevo City Hall (Vijećnica) – $5 USD, open 10:00–18:00. A stunning Austro-Hungarian building with a rich history and exhibitions.
5. Yellow Fortress – Free. A short uphill walk rewards us with the best panoramic view of the city, especially at sunset.
Food and Local Flavors
Sarajevo is a food lover’s dream. You can savor zeljanica (a savory spinach and cheese pie), krompirusa (flaky potato-filled pastry), and grah (a rich, slow-cooked bean stew with smoky paprika). Don’t miss ajvar (a roasted red pepper and eggplant spread) served with fresh bread, or tufahije (poached apples stuffed with walnuts and topped with whipped cream) for dessert.
A sit-down meal in a local restaurant usually costs $7–10 USD, while street snacks like cheese burek can be as cheap as $2 USD. Don’t forget to enjoy a cup of Bosnian coffee, served in a traditional copper pot with a piece of desert.
Where to Stay
Accommodation suits every budget:
- Budget hostels – from $12 USD per night
- Mid-range hotels – around $40–60 USD per night
- Boutique stays in Old Town – from $80 USD and up
Staying in Baščaršija means we’ll be close to most attractions, while areas like Marijin Dvor offer a quieter, modern feel.
Day Trip Ideas from Sarajevo
If we have extra time, we can explore nearby gems:
- Mostar – Famous for its Old Bridge and only a 2-hour train ride away.
- Vrelo Bosne – A beautiful park and spring source, just 12 km from the city. Entry is $1 USD.
- Olympic Mountains – Jahorina and Bjelašnica offer hiking in summer and skiing in winter.
Practical Tips for Visiting Sarajevo
- Currency – Bosnian Convertible Mark (BAM). 1 USD ≈ 1.8 BAM.
- Language – Bosnian, but many people speak English in tourist areas.
- Dress Code – Modest clothing is appreciated when visiting sacred sites.
- Water – Tap water is safe to drink.
- Walking Shoes – Many streets are cobblestoned, so comfortable shoes are a must.
Why We Should Experience Sarajevo
Sarajevo isn’t just a city—it’s a living story of survival, diversity, and warmth. Walking its streets, we see Ottoman markets beside Austro-Hungarian facades and we meet people whose kindness leaves a lasting impression.
Dear Lykkers, if you were in Sarajevo right now, would you spend the afternoon exploring the Old Bazaar or watching the sunset from the Yellow Fortress? Let’s share our dream itineraries and inspire each other’s next trip!
