The Very Best Things to do in Sarajevo
Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a city rich in history, culture, and stunning landscapes. It’s a fabulous European destination for many reasons! The beautiful blend of east and west, the delicious food, incredible nature surrounds the city, and it’s also way less crowded than other European capitals, not to mention gentle on the purse strings! We have put together a list of some of the very best thongs to do in Sarajevo. We have included some practical tips and local knowledge to help make your trip unforgettable.
Here are some of the very best things to do in Sarajevo
1. Visit Baščaršija (Old Bazaar) – This historic Ottoman market area is the heart of Sarajevo. Wander through narrow, cobbled streets lined with traditional shops, cafés, and mosques. Don’t miss trying a “ćevapi” (grilled meat), a local delicacy.
2. Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque – One of the largest and most important mosques in Bosnia, dating back to the 16th century. It’s a beautiful example of Ottoman architecture, with a peaceful courtyard and lovely interior.
3. Sarajevo Tunnel Museum – A must-visit for history enthusiasts. This museum is located at the site of the Sarajevo Tunnel, which played a crucial role during the Siege of Sarajevo in the 1990s. You can walk through the original tunnel and learn about the city’s resilience. It’s very near the airport, so perfect if you have a late flight home.
4. Latin Bridge and the Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand – The site of the assassination that triggered World War I. You can visit the bridge and the nearby museum that tells the story of the event. Crazy to think that one event in this city caused one of the worst wars of all time.
Sarajevo is Full of History
5. Vrelo Bosne (Spring of the Bosna River) – A peaceful escape from the city, located just outside of Sarajevo. You can walk, bike, or take a horse-drawn carriage to the spring that feeds the Bosna River, surrounded by beautiful nature.
6. Yellow Bastion – Offering panoramic views of the city, this historic fortification is a great spot to take in the scenery, especially at sunset. You can walk up here from the centre in around 30 minutes.
7. The Sarajevo Roses – These are marks in the pavement where mortar shells landed during the Siege of Sarajevo. They’ve been filled with red resin as a memorial to the lives lost during the conflict. A sombre but powerful tribute to the city’s recent history. Look put for them as you wander the city.
Not done yet? Here are more things to do in Sarajevo
8. Sarajevo City Hall (Vijećnica) – This stunning Austro-Hungarian building is now a library and a museum. It’s one of the most beautiful examples of neo-Moorish architecture in Sarajevo.
9. Mount Trebević – If you enjoy outdoor activities, take a cable car or hike up to Mount Trebević for panoramic views of Sarajevo, especially the green hills and surrounding mountains. In the winter, you can even ski here. The 1984 winter Olympics were held in Sarajevo, a cable car ride up Mount Trebević allows you to walk back down to old bobsleigh track. Awesome for photographers, history fans and hikers.
Sarajevo is Surrounded by Nature
10. War Childhood Museum – This museum tells the stories of children who lived through the Siege of Sarajevo. It’s a powerful and moving experience, highlighting the human cost of war.
11. Avlija (Sarajevo’s Courtyards) – Explore some of the beautiful traditional courtyards that are dotted around the old town. These spots give you a glimpse into Sarajevo’s Ottoman past and a chance to enjoy the quieter side of the city.
12. Pionirska Dolina (Amusement Park & Zoo) – If you’re traveling with kids or just want to enjoy some fun activities, this is a good place to visit. Located on Trebević Mountain, it’s an amusement park with a zoo, cable cars, and a few attractions.
13. Bascarsija and Local Coffee Culture – Enjoy Sarajevo’s coffee culture by sipping traditional Bosnian coffee in a local café. It’s more than just a drink – it’s a social experience, and you’ll find many places offering it in Baščaršija. Even if you don’t like traditional Bosnian coffee (it’s not to everyone’s taste) there are hundreds of coffee shops around the city
14. National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina – A great place to learn more about the region’s history, culture, and art. The museum has a range of exhibits, from prehistoric artifacts to Islamic art and more.
15. Svrzo’s House – A beautiful Ottoman-era house in the heart of the old town, where you can see how Sarajevo’s wealthier families lived centuries ago. It’s a great spot for history buffs interested in the city’s heritage.
Sarajevo is an intriguing mix of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav influences, which is reflected in its unique architecture and rich history. Whether you’re into history, nature, or food, the city offers something for every kind of traveller.
The Weather in Sarajevo
Sarajevo experiences a continental climate, with distinct seasons. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect throughout the year. Being Scottish, we’re obsessed with the weather forecast!
Spring (March to May)- Weather: Spring in Sarajevo is mild, though temperatures can vary. March is still quite cool, with average highs around 9°C (48°F), but by May, temperatures rise to around 18-20°C (64-68°F).- Rain: This is a relatively rainy season, especially in April and May, so you might experience showers.-
What to pack: Layered clothing, a light jacket, and an umbrella.
Summer (June to August)- Weather: Summers are warm, with temperatures averaging 25-30°C (77-86°F), but it can occasionally climb above 35°C (95°F) during heatwaves. Nights are cooler, especially in the mountains surrounding the city.- Rain: While it’s generally dry, thunderstorms are common in July and August, particularly in the afternoons.
What to pack: Light clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses. A light jacket for cooler evenings is also a good idea.
It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the weather when planning things to do in Sarajevo
Autumn (September to November)- Weather: Early autumn (September) is still quite warm, with temperatures around 18-22°C (64-72°F), but by November, it can drop to 8-12°C (46-54°F).- Rain: The rain increases again, especially in October and November.
What to pack: Layers, including sweaters, and a waterproof jacket for rain.
Winter (December to February)- Weather: Winters in Sarajevo are cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Average highs in December and January are 0-3°C (32-37°F), and it can get much colder at night, with temperatures as low as -5°C (23°F) or lower. Snow is common, especially in January and February, and the surrounding mountains often get a lot of snow.- Rain/Snow: Snowfall can be heavy, particularly in the higher elevations around the city.
What to pack: Warm clothing, including a heavy coat, gloves, and scarves. Waterproof boots are also recommended due to snow and slush.
Sarajevo’s mix of mountainous terrain and city life makes the weather even more interesting, with the temperature dropping significantly as you move higher into the surrounding hills.
When to Visit Sarajevo
The spring is perhaps the very best time to visit Sarajevo. The weather is bright and sunny but not too hot and the days are long. Summer can get scorching hot, autumn can be a little rainy and there is snow in the winter. If you’re not bothered about the weather, visit Sarajevo at any point. It is not a city that is busy with tourists so crowding is not an issue. Some attractions close in the winter so it’s always better to check in advance.
What Currency is Used Here
The convertible mark is the currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is divided into 100 pfenig or fening and locally abbreviated KM. Designed to replace the multiple currencies circulating in the region. The “KM” (short for “konvertibilna marka”) was pegged to the German mark initially. You will get about 1.70KM to a Dollar and roughly 2.00KM for 1 Euro. For the most up-to-date exchange rates, click HERE.
Is Sarajevo Safe
Yes, Sarajevo is a safe city. It is not a busy tourist town so there are not the usual scams designed to liberate your hard earned holiday money. The locals and warm, friendly and welcoming. Don’t confuse curtness for bad manners, it is just how it is. Take the same precautions you would in any city and you will be perfectly safe.
The most worrying aspect of Sarajevo, and the entire Balkans, is the driving. Not all roads have pavements and driving is often erratic. Make sure you take care and stay alert if walking or driving. If you rent a car, take out full insurance and plan your route well.
Sarajevo’s Complicated History
Sarajevo has a fascinating and complex history that blends different cultures, religions, and political upheavals. It’s always a good idea to have a basic knowledge of a place before you visit. This is particularly relevant for Sarajevo as there has been a lot happen in living memory. Here’s an overview of its major historical moments:
Early History
- Roman and Byzantine Influence: Sarajevo’s location in the heart of the Balkans meant it was a crossroads for various civilizations. It was once part of the Roman Empire and later the Byzantine Empire. The area’s significance continued through the Middle Ages, as it was strategically positioned along important trade routes.
- Ottoman Period (1463–1878): The most significant chapter in Sarajevo’s history began with the Ottoman conquest in the 15th century. The city became a vibrant cultural and commercial center under Ottoman rule. During this time, Sarajevo saw the construction of many key buildings, such as mosques, bridges, and public baths. The Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, built in 1531, remains one of the most important landmarks from this period.
Austro-Hungarian Empire (1878–1918)
- In 1878, after the Russo-Turkish War, Bosnia and Herzegovina was formally occupied by the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This period brought significant modernization to the city — the construction of new European-style buildings, railways, and public institutions.
- Sarajevo became the scene of one of the most pivotal events in world history in 1914: the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary and his wife, Sophie. Their deaths at the hands of Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb nationalist, sparked the outbreak of World War I.
Yugoslavia (1918–1992)
- After World War I, Sarajevo became part of the newly formed Kingdom of Yugoslavia. The city grew in the interwar years, though tensions between different ethnic and religious groups simmered beneath the surface.
- During World War II, Bosnia was invaded and occupied by the Nazis. Sarajevo, like much of Yugoslavia, became a site of intense resistance.
- After the war, Marshal Tito established socialist Yugoslavia, and Sarajevo became part of the Socialist Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The city saw economic growth, urbanization, and development, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s.
The Siege of Sarajevo (1992–1995)
- The most painful chapter in Sarajevo’s modern history came with the outbreak of the Bosnian War in the early 1990s, following the collapse of Yugoslavia.
- Sarajevo was under siege for nearly four years, from 1992 to 1995, by Bosnian Serb forces. It was one of the longest sieges in modern military history.
- The city suffered constant shelling and sniper fire, with civilian areas deliberately targeted. Over 11,000 people were killed, and many more were wounded. The city’s infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and cultural landmarks, was severely damaged.
- The siege ended with the signing of the Dayton Agreement in 1995, which ended the war in Bosnia and divided the country into two entities: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska.
Post-War Period (1995–Present)
- After the war, Sarajevo began the difficult process of rebuilding and healing. The war left deep scars, but the city has shown incredible resilience and recovery.
- The city now stands as a symbol of multi-ethnic unity despite its tragic past. Its diverse cultural heritage — blending Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav influences — is a source of pride for Sarajevans.
- Sarajevo hosted the Winter Olympics in 1984, and despite the devastation of the 1990s, it remains a city of great historical and cultural significance.
Modern Sarajevo
- Today, Sarajevo is a vibrant city that honors its history while embracing modernity. The mix of cultures and religions (Islam, Orthodox Christianity, Catholicism, and Judaism) gives the city a unique atmosphere.
- Tourism has increased, with visitors coming to see the remnants of its Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Socialist past, as well as to experience its lively arts scene, great food, and the warmth of its people.
Sarajevo’s history is marked by resilience, multiculturalism, and a remarkable ability to endure through times of hardship. The city’s cultural diversity, while sometimes a source of tension, remains one of its greatest strengths.
Finally, Here are a Few Bosnian Phrases to Try Out
Bosnian is the most commonly spoken language in Bosnia Herzegovina. Like most languages in the Balkans, it is not easy for English speakers. However, the locals really appreciate any attempt at their language and are always happy to help you out. Here are a few basic Bosnian phrases to get you started.
Dobar dan (DOH-bahr dahn) or Zdravo (ZDRAH-voh) / Hello
Hvala (HVAH-lah) / Thank You
Da (dah) and Ne (neh) / Yes and No
Molim (MOH-leem) / Please
Dovidenja (doh-vee-JEH-nyah) or Cao (chaoo) / Goodbye
Where to go next
Ready for another adventure? Why not try some of Albania’s incredible beaches?
Final note: Things change in the Balkans all the time and there is not much information online in English. We would definitely advise checking with a local where possible. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful.
Have you visited Sarajevo or Bosnia already? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop us a message below, we would love to hear from you!
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