Bosnia & Herzegovina

Sarajevo in One Day

Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a city like no other. Known as the Jerusalem of Europe, it is one of the few places in the world where mosques, churches, and synagogues stand side by side.

Sarajevo is a city of rich history, breathtaking nature, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. From its Ottoman-era streets and Austro-Hungarian architecture to the remnants of the Yugoslav era, Sarajevo tells a unique story at every corner.

Whether you’re interested in history, food, nature, or nightlife, Sarajevo has something for everyone. This guide will take you through all the must-visit places, best restaurants, outdoor adventures, and hidden gems that make Sarajevo one of the most fascinating cities in Europe.

Baščaršija – The Ottoman Old Town

The heart of Sarajevo is Baščaršija, the city’s old bazaar built in the 15th century by the Ottomans. This lively marketplace is filled with cobblestone streets, traditional shops, historic mosques, and authentic Bosnian restaurants.

📍 Location: City Center
💰 Entrance Fee: Free
⏳ Recommended Time: Half-day

🚶 Things to Do:

  • Visit the famous Sebilj Fountain, a wooden water fountain in the center of Baščaršija
  • Explore the Coppersmith Street (Kazandžiluk), where artisans still craft traditional copper goods
  • Shop for handmade souvenirs, carpets, and Bosnian coffee sets
  • Try Bosnian coffee at one of the authentic kafanas (traditional coffee houses)

Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque

Built in 1530, the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque is the largest and one of the most important mosques in Bosnia. It represents classic Ottoman architecture and remains an active place of worship today.

📍 Location: Baščaršija
💰 Entrance Fee: ~3 BAM (€1.5)
⏳ Recommended Time: 30-45 minutes

🚶 Things to Do:

  • Admire the stunning Islamic calligraphy and decorations
  • Visit the courtyard and fountain, a peaceful retreat in the city center
  • Climb the minaret for an amazing view of Sarajevo

Latin Bridge – The Assassination of Franz Ferdinand

The Latin Bridge is one of Sarajevo’s most famous historical sites. It was here, on June 28, 1914, that Gavrilo Princip assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand, sparking World War I.

📍 Location: Near Baščaršija
💰 Entrance Fee: Free
⏳ Recommended Time: 20-30 minutes

🚶 Things to Do:

  • Visit the memorial plaque marking the assassination site
  • Walk across the bridge and enjoy the view of the Miljacka River
  • Explore the Sarajevo Museum 1878-1918, which explains the events that led to WWI

Sacred Heart Cathedral & The Meeting of Cultures Spot

Sarajevo is one of the few cities in the world where you can see Islamic, Catholic, Orthodox, and Jewish heritage within a few minutes of walking.

📍 Location: Near Ferhadija Street
💰 Entrance Fee: Free
⏳ Recommended Time: 30 minutes

🚶 Things to Do:

  • Admire the stunning Neo-Gothic architecture of the Sacred Heart Cathedral
  • Take a photo at the “Sarajevo Meeting of Cultures” marker, where East meets West
  • Visit the Old Orthodox Church, one of the oldest religious buildings in Sarajevo

The Sarajevo Siege & Modern History

Sarajevo Tunnel Museum (Tunnel of Hope)

During the Siege of Sarajevo (1992-1995), the city was completely surrounded by enemy forces. The Sarajevo Tunnel, dug under the airport, was the only lifeline connecting Sarajevo to the free Bosnian territory.

📍 Location: Near Sarajevo Airport (~12 km from the city center)
💰 Entrance Fee: ~10 BAM (€5)
⏳ Recommended Time: 1-1.5 hours

🚶 Things to Do:

  • Walk through a preserved section of the 800-meter-long tunnel
  • Watch a short documentary about the Sarajevo Siege
  • See artifacts, weapons, and photographs from the war

Yellow Fortress – The Best View of Sarajevo

The Yellow Fortress (Žuta Tabija) is one of the best viewpoints in Sarajevo, offering a spectacular sunset view over the city.

📍 Location: 15-minute walk from Baščaršija
💰 Entrance Fee: Free
⏳ Recommended Time: 1 hour

🚶 Things to Do:

  • Enjoy a panoramic view of Sarajevo’s rooftops and mountains
  • Visit the nearby White Fortress (Bijela Tabija) for an even higher viewpoint
  • Have a cup of tea or coffee at the café on top of the fortress

Vijećnica – Sarajevo City Hall

The Sarajevo City Hall (Vijećnica) is one of the most beautiful Austro-Hungarian buildings in Bosnia. Originally built in 1896, it was destroyed during the war in 1992 but has since been fully restored.

📍 Location: Near Baščaršija
💰 Entrance Fee: ~6 BAM (€3)
⏳ Recommended Time: 30-45 minutes

🚶 Things to Do:

  • Admire the intricate Moorish-style architecture
  • Explore the exhibition on Sarajevo’s history
  • Take stunning photos of the colorful interior

Food and Drink – What to Eat in Sarajevo

Ćevapi – The Most Famous Bosnian Dish

Sarajevo is famous for its delicious ćevapi, small grilled sausages served in somun bread with onions. The best places to try them are:

🍽️ Where to Eat:

  • Ćevabdžinica Željo
  • Petica Ferhatović
  • Hodžić

💰 Price: ~10 BAM (€5) per portion

Other Traditional Bosnian Dishes

🥘 Begova čorba – A thick chicken soup with okra (~5 BAM / €2.5)
🥖 Burek – A delicious pastry filled with meat, cheese, or potatoes (~4 BAM / €2)
🍰 Tufahija – A sweet baked apple stuffed with walnuts and sugar (~5 BAM / €2.5)

Bosnian Coffee – A Must-Try Experience

Drinking Bosnian coffee is a ritual. It’s served in a copper džezva with sugar cubes and a piece of lokum (Turkish delight).

📍 Best Cafés:

  • Miris Dunja
  • Ministry of Ćejf
  • Café Sevdah

💰 Price: ~3 BAM (€1.5)

In the first part, we covered Sarajevo’s historic sites, war history, and food scene. Now, let’s explore Sarajevo’s outdoor adventures, day trips, nightlife, and hidden gems. Whether you want to hike the Olympic mountains, enjoy Sarajevo’s vibrant nightlife, or take a day trip to stunning nearby locations, this guide has everything you need to plan your perfect visit.

Trebević Mountain – A Quick Escape from the City

Trebević Mountain is one of Sarajevo’s most accessible natural escapes, located just a 15-minute drive from the city center. During the 1984 Winter Olympics, it was home to the bobsled track, which is now an urban art attraction.

📍 Location: 8 km from Sarajevo
💰 Cable Car Price: ~15 BAM (€7.5) one-way, 20 BAM (€10) round trip
⏳ Recommended Time: Half-day trip

🚶 Things to Do:

  • Take the Sarajevo Cable Car for breathtaking views over the city 🚡
  • Walk along the abandoned Olympic bobsled track, now covered in graffiti 🎨
  • Go hiking or mountain biking through the forest trails 🌲
  • Stop for a coffee or meal at one of the mountain restaurants

Vrelo Bosne – Sarajevo’s Most Beautiful Park

Vrelo Bosne, located at the foot of Mount Igman, is a stunning natural park and the source of the Bosna River. It’s perfect for walking, cycling, or taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the tree-lined paths.

📍 Location: 12 km from Sarajevo
💰 Entrance Fee: ~2 BAM (€1)
⏳ Recommended Time: 2-3 hours

🚶 Things to Do:

  • Walk or bike through the tree-lined avenues 🚴
  • Take a horse-drawn carriage ride for a traditional experience 🐎
  • Enjoy the beautiful waterfalls and streams 💦
  • Have lunch at a riverside restaurant, serving fresh fish and local specialties

Sarajevo’s Olympic Mountains – Jahorina, Bjelašnica, and Igman

Sarajevo was the host city of the 1984 Winter Olympics, and its surrounding mountains are still popular for skiing, snowboarding, and hiking.

Jahorina – The Best Ski Resort Near Sarajevo

📍 Location: 30 km from Sarajevo
🎿 Best Time to Visit: December – March (for skiing), May – October (for hiking)
💰 Ski Pass Price: ~50 BAM (€25) per day

🚶 Things to Do:

  • Go skiing and snowboarding on Olympic-level slopes 🎿
  • Try night skiing for a unique experience 🌙
  • Hike to Gola Jahorina, the highest peak, for amazing views

Bjelašnica and Igman – A Mix of Skiing and History

📍 Location: 25 km from Sarajevo
💰 Ski Pass Price: ~40 BAM (€20) per day

🚶 Things to Do:

  • Ski in winter or hike in summer 🏔️
  • Visit Igman’s war memorials, which mark major battles from WWII and the Bosnian War
  • Enjoy traditional mountain food like grah (Bosnian bean stew) and domaći hljeb (homemade bread)

Nightlife and Evening Activities in Sarajevo

Sarajevo has a lively nightlife scene, with trendy bars, traditional pubs, and live music venues.

Best Bars and Clubs in Sarajevo

🍹 City Pub – A popular bar with live music and a great selection of local beers
🎶 Sloga Club – A mix of live rock, pop, and electronic music
🍷 Cinemas Sloga – A stylish lounge with cocktails and DJ nights

Where to Watch the Sunset in Sarajevo?

🌅 Yellow Fortress (Žuta Tabija) – The most famous sunset spot, offering a magical view over Sarajevo
🌇 Avaz Twist Tower – The tallest building in Sarajevo, with an observation deck on the top floor

Final Thoughts – Why You Should Visit Sarajevo

Sarajevo is one of Europe’s most fascinating cities, offering a perfect mix of history, culture, nature, and food. Whether you’re exploring its Ottoman bazaars, hiking its Olympic mountains, or learning about its war history, Sarajevo leaves a lasting impression.

Top Reasons to Visit Sarajevo:
✔️ Incredible history – From the Ottoman Empire to the Siege of Sarajevo
✔️ Unique mix of cultures – A city where East meets West
✔️ Amazing food – Try ćevapi, burek, and Bosnian coffee
✔️ Stunning nature – Hike, ski, or explore Sarajevo’s beautiful mountains
✔️ Affordable travel – One of the most budget-friendly capitals in Europe

Would you visit Sarajevo? Let us know your thoughts! 😊