Sarajevo

Travel Guide
Sarajevo
Once a Winter Olympics host city, then a war zone, this city has emerged as a lovely historic spot. Visit the nearby snowy wonderland too.

Sarajevo welcomed the world to the beauty of its snow-covered environment as host of the 1984 Winter Olympics. However, 8 years later residents found themselves in the midst of a fierce 4-year war. See how Sarajevo has been reconstructed and is once again a charming mountain town with historic sites, 20 museums and numerous natural wonders.

In Sarajevo’s Old Town, walk along narrow streets surrounding the central square of Baščaršija. Look for unique places to shop, eat or drink. Notice the tall Sebilj, the city’s last remaining public fountain kiosk. In the Museum of Sarajevo 1878-1918 near the Latin Bridge, read about Archduke Ferdinand’s assassination, which triggered the start of World War I. Poignant photos at Gallery 11/07/95 document the modern genocide in nearby Srebrenica.

The neo-Moorish Town Hall (Vijećnica) was built in 1896 during the city’s Austro-Hungarian rule, purportedly completed with just a three-brick variation from the architect’s projection. Although it was destroyed during the war, you can now visit the gleaming 2014 reconstruction. Look inside for its stained-glass ceiling dome.

Contrasting with this historic part of the city are modern buildings, including the Sarajevo City Center and the Avaz Twist Tower skyscraper, signs of the city’s ability to recover from an extended siege and bombings. Walk through part of the Sarajevo Tunnel or Tunnel of Hope under the airport just as Bosnians traveled back and forth for years during the city’s siege by Serbians.

Head south to ski at Mount Bjelašnica or Jahorina on the same slopes where Phil Mahre and Debbie Armstrong won Olympic gold medals in 1984 when Sarajevo was part of Yugoslavia. Watch paragliders soar over Bjelašnica’s green slopes in summer.

North of Sarajevo, visit Bijambare Cave to see subterranean mineral formations. To the west, Vrelo Bosne features streams and lakes filled with islands and fish.

Reach Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, by flying to the international airport, about a 20-minute drive west of the Old Town.

Where to stay in Sarajevo

Great restaurant situated in the main touristy and pedestrian street, in the center of Sarajevo.
This is my favorite dish here - chicken wok with fresh squazeed fruit juice.
Here you can also try Bosnian coffee.

Old Town Sarajevo

4.5/5(69 area reviews)

Historic sites, coffeehouses, and shopping are some highlights of Old Town Sarajevo. Make a stop by Eternal Flame or Sacred Heart Cathedral while you're exploring.

Old Town Sarajevo
Very good sendwiches and different types of pancakes and other desserts.
I like to come here because it's a quiet place. The music it's not loud and interior is wonderful. 
#food #sarajevo

Novo Sarajevo

While visiting Novo Sarajevo, you might make a stop by sights like National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Vrelo Bosne Park.

Novo Sarajevo
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Novi Grad Sarajevo

4/5(17 area reviews)

While Novi Grad Sarajevo might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Ilidza Thermal Riviera and Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.

Novi Grad Sarajevo
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Pejton

When in Pejton, you can plan a visit to Ilidza Thermal Riviera and Bosna River Spring, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Pejton
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Alipašin Most

5/5(1 area review)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Alipašin Most and surrounding area, you can visit Vrelo Bosne Park and Grbavica Stadium.

Alipašin Most
Hotel Hills Congress & Termal Spa Resort
Hotel Hills Congress & Termal Spa Resort
5 out of 5
Butmirska cesta 18, Sarajevo
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥11,598 per night from May 22 to May 23
¥11,598
per night
May 22 - May 23
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Sarajevo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Ilidza Thermal Riviera and Sarajevo Tunnel ...
8/10 Very Good! (130 reviews)
"Beautiful place to stay!"

Reviewed on May 7, 2024

Hotel Hills Congress & Termal Spa Resort
Residence Inn by Marriott Sarajevo
Residence Inn by Marriott Sarajevo
4 out of 5
Skenderija 43, Sarajevo
The price is ¥14,067 per night from May 18 to May 19
¥14,067
per night
May 18 - May 19
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Sarajevo. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (455 reviews)
"Nice hotel"

Reviewed on Apr 29, 2024

Residence Inn by Marriott Sarajevo
Courtyard by Marriott Sarajevo
Courtyard by Marriott Sarajevo
4 out of 5
Skenderija 1, Sarajevo
The price is ¥18,687 per night from May 17 to May 18
¥18,687
per night
May 17 - May 18
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Sarajevo. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (248 reviews)
"Really nice hotel. Nice views from room and sky deck. Staff is friendly and nice."

Reviewed on May 3, 2024

Courtyard by Marriott Sarajevo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aparthotel Centar Sarajevo
Aparthotel Centar Sarajevo
4.5 out of 5
Muamera Omerbegovica 14, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Sarajevo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Bosnian Parliament Building and Ali ...
9/10 Wonderful! (79 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on Nov 18, 2023

Aparthotel Centar Sarajevo
Residence Prime Luxury
Residence Prime Luxury
3 out of 5
8 Ferhadija, Sarajevo
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Sarajevo. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Eternal Flame and Chamber Theater ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (30 reviews)
"This is a wonderful little ensuite. It is clean and comfortable. The staff were friendly. The location is ideal, as it is central to many things, which makes it convenient. It was outstanding value for money. Highly recommended."

Reviewed on May 1, 2024

Residence Prime Luxury
River Walk Sarajevo
River Walk Sarajevo
2 out of 5
Nova Butmirska cesta, bb, Sarajevo, Federacija Bosne i Hercegovine
Stay at this aparthotel in Sarajevo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Ilidza Thermal Riviera and Sarajevo Tunnel ...
River Walk Sarajevo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Sarajevo

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
69
" "5 - Excellent 71.1340206185567%
4 - Good
26
" "4 - Good 26.804123711340207%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 2.0618556701030926%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Mar 20, 2020

Most SIM cards don’t work here. So check yours before coming.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Oct 26, 2019

Little or maybe a lot run down, air pollution. They need a change

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 25, 2019

Must see it.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 20, 2019

We loved Sarajevo but the dinning situation wasn’t that great. Most places were coffee bars and the bakeries only had sweets instead of nice sandwiches and little pizzas like we have had in other places. We really had trouble finding a good meal.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 12, 2019

SO glad we went to Sarajevo. Fascinating city for culture, history, sights and experiences. Great food. Try the bureks. See Tito's bunker on the way if you are traveling from Mostar.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 2, 2019

Peaceful city with amazing people. I love the old city, national museum, telefric and mountain area..

Cities near Sarajevo