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Sarajevo City Card - official city card by Visit Sarajevo - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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A guide to Sarajevo's most important attractions

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The Old Jewish Cemetery

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Vijećnica (City Hall)

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Where to Stay

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Destination Sarajevo

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Sarajevo

Sarajevo might well be one of the most off the beaten track cities to visit in Europe, but the Bosnian capital is also one of the most fascinating cities on the continent.

Although its best known either as the site of the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, the spark that started the first world war, or for the brutal siege that levelled much of the city when Yugoslavia collapsed in the 1990s, Sarajevo is rising like a phoenix from the ashes to become a top tourist destination in the Balkans.

This is where east meets west, where cultures, cuisines, and religions collide head on, and where the convoluted history is just as intriguing as contemporary life.

It could be the most underrated city in the Balkans, so to inspire your next adventure, here’s our ultimate travel guide to Sarajevo.

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Table of Contents

How to get to Sarajevo

It might be the capital and largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but Sarajevo isn’t necessarily the most well connected of destinations. You’ll need to be a little more intrepid getting here, but it’s well worth the effort.

There are flights to many major European cities, however options are limited, although regularly expanding. Most of these are scheduled flights rather than cheaper flights with budget airlines, who have yet to really expand to Sarajevo.

Even from many major hubs such as London or Paris, you will likely need to transit through Croatia or Germany, or perhaps even Istanbul.

There are irregular trains to Mostar, and to Zagreb, and most travellers might find it best to arrive by bus if they are planning on travelling overland and including Sarajevo as part of a wider Balkans travel itinerary.

Buses are much more frequent than trains and can connect you to Mostar and to cities within the Republika Srpska to the north. There are regular international routes to most neighboring Balkan nations too.

What to expect in Sarajevo

Sarajevo is very different to most European cities, because historically, this is a city with more Eastern influences than western. The dominant religion is Islam, a fact that caused huge tensions that degenerated into ethnic conflict in the 1990s, as Christian Serbs fought Muslim Bosnians.

The war ended many years ago but the signs of destruction are still seen everywhere, be it bullet holes or cemeteries. This is a city that wants to look forward though and you’ll find that many Bosnians are willing to share their war experiences while at the same time being welcoming to foreigners.

That being said, be careful what you say about the war and what you say about Serbia.

The local language is Bosnian, which for practical purposes is very similar to Serbian or Croatian, and uses the Latin script when written. You will find that levels of English are increasing however it might be difficult to find people who speak the language proficiently.

In fact, if you don’t speak the local language then it’s more likely to meet someone in Sarajevo who speaks German than many other foreign languages.

The local currency is the Convertible Mark , however you will find that most touristy establishments would also freely accept Euros.

How to get around Sarajevo  

Sarajevo is a relatively compact city, and it’s more than possible to spend most of your time walking from one major sight to the next. Bare in mind though, that Sarajevo is also surrounded by mountains and in many places, especially the Old Town, the streets can be exceptionally hilly.

You’ll definitely need to be fit for a whole day of walking in Sarajevo but it’s a great way to see the city.

The airport and the main bus stations are all a short journey away by public transport and you can make use of the bus and the tram system to get around the city. The tram is particularly useful and very easy to navigate.

Taxis are prolific across the city, however be sure to know your address and ask the driver to put on the meter as taxis scams can be far too common.

The best time to visit Sarajevo

Sarajevo can be visited anytime of the year, especially if you’re looking for a city break, however you do need to be aware of the at the times extreme differences in temperature that come with each season.

Famously, Sarajevo hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics, and that’s because the relatively high altitude of the city ensures that the surrounding mountains see a lot of snow in the latter months of the year. It can become bitterly cold from November through to March, but for winter sports lovers it can be perfect.

In comparison, summer can be hot, with temperatures rising into the 30s. If you’re interested in hiking the surrounding mountains and seeing the city at its most colourful and active then the summer months are the time to be here. As with anywhere in Europe though, the summer season from June through to September is always going to be the busiest and most expensive time of the year to visit.

Things to do in Sarajevo 

One of the top tourist attractions in Sarajevo is Bascarsija, or the Old Town.

This is the most historic part of the city, dating back to the 15th century, and it’s here that you’ll find the most beautiful Ottoman era buildings, as well as the lively bazaar where you can find local souvenirs and excellent local food.

Gazi Husrev-Beg Mosque  

The Gazi Husrev-Beg Mosque is one of the most important landmarks in the city, and it’s here that you can admire both the Islamic and Ottoman heritage at its finest extant.

The mosque was constructed in 1532 to be the centre of religious life in the city and it still continues to this day to be the main place of worship for Sarajevo’s majority Muslim population.

Sebilj Fountain

Another historic must-see is the Sebilj Fountain, a beautiful remnant of the Ottoman era.

This wooden fountain is located in the heart of the Old Town and somehow survived for centuries from the mid 18th century when it was first constructed.

Yellow Fortress

History buffs also won’t want to miss out on a visit to the Yellow Fortress , an iconic defensive position constructed in the early 18th century.

It was built by the ottomans to defend the frontier of their vast empire against the encroaching Austro-Hungarians, although it failed to stop the city’s eventual takeover.

Sarajevo Tunnel

Located on the outskirts of the city, the Sarajevo Tunnel is a remnant of the long Siege of Sarajevo that the city suffered during the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s.

Surrounded on all sides the Bosnians had no choice but to dig what became known as the Tunnel of Hope, in order to reach the surrounded city itself. Today, part of the tunnel is preserved as a museum and a memorial  

Latin Bridge

The Latin Bridge spans the Miljacka River and dates back to at least the 16th century.

An iconic work of architecture in itself, the bridge is best known for being the location of the assassination of Arch Duke Franz Ferdinand in 1914, the momentous event that set off a chain reaction leading to World War 1.

Sarajevo Roses

Across the city, you’ll see parts of the pavement are coloured pink or red, marking the sites where locals were killed during the Siege of Sarajevo in the 1990s.

Known as the Sarajevo Roses, these simple yet moving tributes show the course of the war and the suffering endured by the local population during the long siege.

Mount Trebevic

Above the city, a well worn hiking treika leads through the hills to Mount Trebevic, which offers a sweeping panorama of Sarajevo.

The mountain top is also where the 1984 Winter Olympics bobsleigh track can be found too, although today it’s entirely abandoned in the woods alongside the path to the summit.

You can in fact follow the concrete contours of the bobsleigh track to Mount Trebevic, which makes for a unique outing from the city itself.

What to eat in Sarajevo

The cuisine that you’ll find in Sarajevo is an eclectic mix that can trace its influences across Europe and the East. The food in Sarajevo is a mix of delicacies left behind by the many empires and people that have made the city their own over the centuries, from Turkish through to Austrian.

For starters, you’ll find lots of street food across the city and while at first it might just seem like a whole lot of meat, bread and kebabs, it will soon grow on you if you’re not a vegetarian. Cevapi is the national dish, and although it’s just grilled meat and bread the locals can never get enough of it.

You can also try local favourites such as the Bosnian Pot, a delicious stew that’s rich in meat, vegetables, and spices. You can try the Boreks, a pastry left over by the Ottomans, or indulge in plenty of Baklava.

Bosnian coffee is well known for its strength, while if you’re looking for an alcoholic tipple then you won’t be in the city long before you’re plied with Rakija, the fierce spirit that’s found across the Balkans.

Where to stay in Sarajevo

Budget – Sarajevo is an inexpensive city to visit by western standards and the low costs ensure that there’s plenty of budget accommodation to be found. One of the best hostels in the city is Hostel Franz Ferdinand , named for the infamous Austrian whose death sparked a war.

Midrange – there are countless small hotels, guesthouses and Air BnB options to be found across Sarajevo. The City Boutique Hotel is an excellent option if you’re looking to stay in the Old Town, while a more central favourite is the Hotel Central Sarajevo .

Luxury – luxury options won’t be quite as prevalent as other European cities, but the luxury options that do exist are often excellent value and usually found in incredibly historic buildings. Located in the Old Town, the famed Hotel Europe is one such establishment, dating back well over a century.

Tours to do in Sarajevo

Free walking tour.

One of the best and cheapest ways to explore Sarajevo is by joining a free walking tour of the city. You’ll have the chance to see Sarajevo’s most famous sights, from the modern city centre right into the Old Town. These tours are always led by enthusiastic locals, but at the end of the day, if you don’t enjoy yourself then you still only pay exactly how much you feel the experience was actually worth.

Sarajevo War Tour

It’s hard to visit Sarajevo and not learn about the war . It was very recent, and still very much within living memory and you’ll still find scars across the city

The war history is complex and convoluted though, and many travellers find that the only real way to learn more and to attempt to understand the Siege of Sarajevo and the conflict that erupted in the 1990s is to actually learn from the locals who were there.

It’s moving and at times difficult, but a Sarajevo War Tour is one way to better understand the city and its recent history.

Franz Ferdinand Tour

Sarajevo is also well known for being the city where Archduke Franz Ferdinand, of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, was assassinated in 1914

A Franz Ferdinand tour will take you to all the sights associated with that fateful day and the repercussions after, and you’ll be able to better visualize and understand how this one event proved to be the catalyst for World War 1.

Day trips from Sarajevo

Mostar is one of the most gorgeous cities in the Balkans, and it’s found just a day trip away , lying on the turquoise waters of the Neretva River.

The city is famed for its Ottoman era bridge, and you’ll find the locals will dive from the high stone work right into the water below. The city is charming but much of it had to be rebuilt after the war in the 1990s, and like Sarajevo, you’ll still find the scars there today.

If you want to see firsthand the brutal damage that the war caused in the 1999s, then take a sombre day trip to Srebrenica .

For many, this is more of a pilgrimage or an educational outing, similar to visiting the likes of Auschwitz in Eastern Europe. Srebrenica is where many ethnic Bosnians were massacred by ethnic Serbs during the Bosnian war, and today the memorial and graves continue to move later generations.

Olympic Mountains

Sarajevo is surrounded by high mountains and in winter they become perfect for snow sports.

Take a day trip to the Olympic Mountains for superb views and outdoor activities. The mountains were the location of many of the events in the 1984 Winter Olympics, and it makes for a more relaxing change from all that war history.

Recommended tours in Sarajevo

• Modern World Longest Siege – Siege of Sarajevo Half-day Tour
• Full-Day Tour from Sarajevo to Herzegovina with Mostar, Blagaj Dervish House, Pocitelj, Jablanica, and Konjic
• Lukomir Highland Village Tour and Hike from Sarajevo
• Mostar and Herzegovina Cities Day Tour from Sarajevo
• Jajce with Pliva lakes and Travnik day tour from Sarajevo
• Private tour: Balkans dark side – Tunnel of Hope
• Understanding Srebrenica Genocide – Full Day Study Trip from Sarajevo
• Tito’s Bunker Tour
• Fall of Yugoslavia, Sarajevo War Tour
• Lukomir Village tour from Sarajevo
• Sarajevo Morning Coffee, Tea and Market tour

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Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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The Ultimate Sarajevo Travel Guide And Itinerary

• Last Updated On: December 24, 2023

Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the most complex and beautiful cities in the Balkans. I’ve been all over the Balkans (literally I have been to every country in the Balkans) and few places offer the combination of history, historical beauty, and modern significance that Sarajevo offers. Sarajevo has perhaps the most traumatic and destructive history of any European city in modern times as it was the epicenter of the Bosnian War of the 1990s.

I spent three full days in Sarajevo soaking in the culture, history, and food after an equally amazing trip to the southern capital of Mostar . I will talk about the food in great detail later but I can safely say that the best Balkan food you can find is in Sarajevo and Bosnia in general. You will not find better cevapi or burek than you will find in Sarajevo.

Just to prove I’m not lying, make sure to read my other posts about the countries in the Balkans!

• Two week Balkans itinerary: Serbia, Croatia and Montenegro
• Montenegro Coast Road Trip
• Albania and Kosovo
• N. Macedonia
• North Greece

History of Sarajevo

Sarajevo as we know it today was founded by the Ottoman Empire during the time they conquered and controlled the Balkans. The city was designed in the traditional Ottoman style with numerous Mosques, a traditional market square, a bazaar, and more.

The people of this area also converted to Islam during the Ottoman empire which gave rise to the Bosnian identity. As the Ottoman empire was collapsing in the late 19th century and nearby Serbia staked its independence, Sarajevo sought to do the same. Eventually, they came under the rule of the Austro-Hungarian empire in 1878.

During the next few decades, rapid industrialization and architectural changes took place. Many of Sarajevo’s iconic gothic style architecture was designed in these decades and many of these were built directly aside the Ottoman old town offering a beautiful contrast of East and West.

After WW1, Sarajevo became a part of Yugoslavia and saw rapid growth for the next decades with countless Communist style buildings going up in and around the old city. Communist style architecture isn’t much to write home about so I will just keep it there.

Sarajevo was known as the Jerusalem of Europe

Sarajevo was aptly named the Jerusalem of Europe prior to the Bosnian War of the 1990s. Sarajevo during the era of Yugoslavia was known as the true melting pot of Europe with all religions represented. Muslims, Catholic, Orthodox, and Jews all lived in the same city in peace. Even the demographic split between Muslim, Catholic and Orthodox was pretty even.

As you walk through the city, you’ll see the three main religions of the Balkans beautifully represented by imposing churches and mosques. For the Catholic Croatian side of Bosnia, you had the Sacred Heart Cathedral , a large Gothic era cathedral that still stands proud today. For Orthodox, you have the Cathedral Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos which is the second largest Orthodox church in the Balkans. For Islam, you have numerous mosques all over the city including the most famous Gazi Husrev-beg MOsque in the old town.

I’ve been all over Europe and it’s hard, if not impossible to find another city that displays all three religions in such a grandiose fashion. Sadly, after the war, the population of Croats and Serbs decreased significantly as demographics were re-aligned along ethnic lines.

Best time to visit Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a typical European destination which means the best weather is between May and October. The winter months from November to April can be quite cold as it is surrounded by mountains so make sure to dress accordingly. As well, the mountains also ensure the city doesn’t completely bake in the summer heat which is nice.

If you’re visiting other parts of the Balkans like neighboring Serbia, Croatia, or Montenegro , make sure to account for the weather in those areas as well. The peak tourist months of July and August means places like Dubrovnik will be packed fuller than a Disneyland theme park.

Sarajevo is still relatively off the beaten path as far as European destinations go. Tourism has definitely increased in recent years and it has especially become popular with Middle Eastern tourists. However, even while visiting in August, it didn’t feel overwhelming as other European capitals I’ve visited.

How to get around Sarajevo

The city of Sarajevo is built in a valley surrounded by mountains. It closely follows the Miljacka River, meaning its shape is long and spread out. From the town’s city center, the newer residential parts of Sarajevo stretch for many kilometers westward towards the airport. As a tourist, you’ll likely never visit these areas since there isn’t much to see so most of your time will be in the Old Town.

The old town of Sarajevo is small and you can walk from one end to the other in 20 minutes so you don’t need to familiarize yourself with the trains.

Sarajevo Airport to the city center

From the airport, your main options are the bus and a taxi. The Sarajevo city bus costs 5 KM and takes about 45 minutes to reach the city center. Taxis are available outside the airport and are metered. A ride into the old town will be roughly 20 KM. Payment has to be in cash.

There are also many train and bus connections between Sarajevo and its major southern city of Mostar . In addition, Sarajevo to Belgrade is a popular bus route.

Where to stay in Sarajevo

Because of Sarajevo’s size and city layout, you really don’t need to research much about where to stay and where the best neighborhoods are. It is abundantly clear, stay near the old town. If you are confused, just look at a map of Sarajevo and simply stay in and around the yellow shaded area which denotes the old town.

Staying south of the river is also an option but don’t venture too far out as there really isn’t much going on outside of the old town.

Accommodation is very cheap in Sarajevo in comparison to places like neighboring Croatia . You can expect to find Airbnbs for well under $100 a night even in the summer months. The week or two surrounding the Sarajevo Film festival will see elevated prices but even then it is not that much more.

One of the best and most central places to stay is at the Hotel Europe , a five star luxury hotel located right in the heart of the old city between the Ottoman old city and the Austro-Hungarian old city.

What to do and see in Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a small city but packs a surprising amount of things to see. I didn’t even get a chance to do everything but here are some of the top sights to visit in the Bosnian capital.

Have a shisha in the city square

I love a good shisha and being in an Ottoman style old town means you have plenty of options at night. There is a small square just adjacent to the main square where there are plenty of cafes and shisha lounges. At night, you’ll see all the young locals coming here for their nightly shishas.

Make sure to visit Damask for the best shishas at night between 8pm and midnight. Prices are very reasonable and shishas are amazing. There are numerous other spots in the square offering shishas and drinks.

Sarajevo Sebilj

Sarajevo has many things to see but it’s most iconic monument is the Sebilj. This wooden fountain sits in the middle of the Old Town square and it is definitely one of its most photographed landmarks. It was built in 1753 during the Ottoman empire, providing fresh water to its citizens. One of Sarajevo’s most iconic photos is taken of this monument with the mosque and mountains in the background.

This square is also known as Pigeon square as giant swarms of pigeons congregate behind the Sebilj for people to feed. Whoever thought this was a good idea is beyond me. It’s almost as disgusting as the people that kept feeding the seagulls in front of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul . If you have a fear of pigeons, you’ll want to avoid this square completely!

Contrast between old town and city center

Sarajevo offers one of the most unique contrasts of any city in Europe. The Old City (Stari Grad) is the area east of the Ferhadija street which showcases Ottoman architecture and the city from hundreds of years ago. Everything west of Ferhadija street is the newer part of town which was built after the 1880s when the city was handed to the Austro Hungarian empire.

There is a plaque on the ground of this street marking the “meeting of cultures” which firmly divides the city between east and west.

Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque

The Gazi Husrev mosque is the largest mosque in all of Bosnia. This beautiful structure holds significant importance in the Islamic community of Bosnia. The inside is beautifully designed and is open to the public. Islam in Bosnia is probably one of the most liberal interpretations in the world. Most people in the country are not super religious and you can see it just by the way people dress and the amount of rakija consumed.

Nearby, there is also a giant watchtower with a clock that does not tell the time that you’re used to but rather is pegged to lunar time and specifically the hour of sunset.

Miljacka Riverfront and Latin Bridge

The Miljacka river runs through the city of Sarajevo and is adorned with numerous small bridges that connect the two halves of the city. The most famous bridge is by far the Latin Bridge.

This bridge was the site where Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated by Serbian extremists in 1914. This would of course trigger the events that led to World War I, the largest conflict the world had seen up to that point.

On the northern end of the bridge, you’ll find a mural and plaque that marks the spot of the assassination. You’ll even find two footsteps embossed in the ground that shows exactly where Gavrilo Princip, the assassinator stood while firing the gun.

Sarajevo Roses

It’s impossible to avoid the legacy of the war and no one in Sarajevo is trying to. You’ll find bullet holes all over the buildings ranging from apartment buildings, to commercial buildings, to hospitals, and even in the old town. There are scars of the war everywhere you go.

You’ll also find patches all over the city that were previously mortar damage that has now been filled in with red colored resin. These aptly named “Sarajevo Roses” mark spots where lives were taken during the war. You’ll find them all over the city as you walk around which serves as a grim reminder of how harrowing life was 30 years ago but also how far the city has come since.

Sarajevo Genocide Museum

The Sarajevo Genocide Museum is a must visit for travelers visiting the Balkans. It is a small museum dedicated to the plights and suffering endured by millions during the Bosnian war between 1992 and 1995. Sarajevo suffered large casualties and was under siege for three years but the worst atrocities were committed outside of the capital city. While the capital city had some form of defense against invaders, the small villages around Bosnia did not.

The museum has many images, interviews, and even diary entries from people that lost their lives to the massacres committed in the 1990s by the hands of the Serbs. I’m not going to lie, it was very tough to read some of the things at the museum but that is the whole purpose. It reminds me of my visit to the Rwandan genocide museum which shockingly enough, occurred at the same time as the Bosnian War. The parallels between the two genocides is especially extreme as it was essentially two groups of people that for all intents and purposes were the same people but due to ultra nationalist rhetoric, atrocities were committed.

The craziest thing to me about this whole conflict is that young Serbians don’t learn about these genocides in the same light that young Germans learn about World War II. In Germany, there is no denial or any sort of filtering given to WW2. Germans know they did unspeakable things and know 100% they were the bad guys. In Serbia, there are still schools of thought that deny what was done in the 1990s, as if there was another side to the story.

Trebević Cable Car

One of the best things to do in Sarajevo on a clear sunny day is to take the city’s cable car. Built in 1958, this cable car system connected the city center with the mountain Trebevic. Over the years, it’s seen numerous repairs and shut downs before finally reopening to the masses in 2018.

The ride is 8 minutes and takes you 1.2km above sea level to fantastic views of the city and surrounding landscape.

Free Walking Tour of Sarajevo

The free walking tour of Sarajevo is a must do. The tour walks around the old Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian parts of town and is a great way to learn about the city. There are tours that leave daily at 10:30am and 3pm from the Stari Grad.

The tour visits all of the big highlights of Sarajevo including the Ottoman old town, the Latin bridge, the Vijecnica, Caravanserai, and much more.

The Vijećnica  is that beautiful Neo-Moorish building in front of the river at the edge of the old town. It was once a city hall before coming a large library after WWII filled with rare books and documents. During the war, it suffered extensive and deliberate damage from the Serbian shelling and countless books were destroyed.

Nowadays, it has mostly been restored to its former glory and you can enter the building for a visit of the old library.

Old Bezistan Covered Market

In the old Ottoman town of Sarajevo, the most famous market is the covered market of Bezistan. This is similar to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul but just at a fraction of the size. While metalworkers and jewelers operated outdoors, those who made and sold textiles called this indoor market home for centuries. You can walk through the beautiful stone structure and buy any souvenirs that suit your fancy.

Off along the outside of the Bezistan Covered Market, you’ll find the open air ruins of the  Tašlihan . I thought these were Roman ruins at first but they were built in the 16th century but only ruins remain in the modern times.

Have a drink at S One Sky Lounge

For the best views of Sarajevo with a drink, make sure to visit the S One Sky Lounge. This trendy lounge offers beautiful views of the old town and is perfect for a quick drink before dinner on a sunny day. Drinks here are expensive in comparison to other bars but it’s expected as you’re also paying for the view!

Collapse of Yugoslavia Day tour

Shortly after the walking tour, I decided to join their afternoon private guided tour covering the fall of Yugoslavia and the war in Bosnia. As you’ll quickly learn, Sarajevo was the epicenter of the fight during the Yugoslavian war of the 1990s and the city was under constant siege for three years. As the city is surrounded by mountains, it was a very easy city to lay siege to as the Serbian military could easily set up shop on the mountains and rain down mortars and bullets from above.

It’s estimated there was 400,000+ bullets that came down on Sarajevo in those three years.

This tour was fantastic. Our guide was a local millennial Bosnian that lived through the war as a child and told stories of their daily struggles and what life was like in those times. The tour also talked about the history of Yugoslavia and why the conflict became what it ultimately was. I had already learned a lot about this conflict from my previous travels through the Balkans but learned even more during this trip.

One of the main causes for the atrocities committed in Bosnia was the arms embargo that was inflicted on all of Yugoslavia which wasn’t lifted when the war started. Serbians controlled the remnants of the Yugoslavian army so they had plenty of weapons but Bosnia had no way of obtaining any weapons from the outside.

Sniper Alley

The tour drove around Sarajevo to various points of interest showing what life was like during those few years. Sniper Alley was one of these areas that is now a main commercial street. During those three years, sniper alley was an extremely dangerous street that was monitored by Serbian snipers ready to shoot anyone crossing. Civilians would have to sprint across these streets or bike as fast as possible during those times.

Tunnels of Sarajevo

The tunnels of Sarajevo are a must visit for any visitor to the city. Located near to the airport, this impromptu tunnel was created during the war as a way to smuggle goods in and out of the city without the detection of the Serbians. This 800m long and 1.6m high tunnel was a lifeline to the city as literally there was no other way of obtaining basic supplies.

You can actually walk through the tunnel for a few meters retracing the steps of those that had to live through the carnage.

Best Cevapi in Sarajevo

Cevapi, or Cevapcici, is the most popular food of the Balkans. It is at the heart of every Balkan person to eat and love cevapi. I’m not Balkan but I can safely say I’ve eaten my way through all the different cevapi variations in each country. Every country has their version but none compare to the cevapi in Bosnia, and particularly Sarajevo.

This delicious meal of ground beef served in a delicious lepinja bread with onion and kajmak is one of the must try dishes in Sarajevo.

There are countless cevapi restaurants in Sarajevo and every resident has their favorite. Ask one person and you’ll get a completely different answer than someone else. These are fighting words after all.

I sampled numerous cevapi restaurants in Sarajevo and the best cevapi I had was at Cevabdzinica Zeljo . The secret to an amazing cevapi is delicious meat that has the flavor of the charcoal grill, bread that is soft but crispy, and kajmak that is rich but not super buttery.

Zeljo had the best of all of these and it was overall my favorite. The other also very respectable options are Fertahovic, Nune, and Cevabdzinica Specjial. You won’t go wrong at any of these places! Just keep in mind that a good cevapi shop does not serve alcohol because they don’t need the extra income. The menus are quite basic and you’re here just for a few simple things. If you find a restaurant serving cevapi with beer, avoid it as they are not making their own fresh cevapi.

Best Burek in Sarajevo

Burek is a way of life in the Balkans. This delicious pastry stuffed with meat, cheese, potatoes, or spinach is one of the most famous dishes you can have in the region. I’ve had Burek everywhere and I can safely say that Sarajevo has the best burek in the world. It’s even better than the burek I had in Istanbul or the ones I had in Kosovo.

The Bosnian style of Burek is unique in that it is cooked in a sac; which is a traditional round pan that is covered with piles of charcoal. Bosnian burek is also famous in that the outer crust of the burek is remarkably soft yet crunch, and is filled with toppings without falling apart.

A visit to Sarajevo without a visit to one of the many buregdzinicas is not a complete trip. The best burek in Sarajevo are at Buregdzinica Bosna and Buregdzinica Sac . Burek is a popular breakfast dish but is eaten all throughout the day. It is traditionally served with kajmak, the Bosnian version of sour cream.

So delicious.

Drink Bosnian Coffee and Eat Baklava

Bosnian coffee is a must try when visiting Sarajevo. It’s essentially the same thing as Turkish coffee but people drink it here like there’s no tomorrow. You’ll see locals hanging out at the countless cafes in the old town sipping on their coffees for hours. The best place to try this is at Cafe Divan located inside the Caravan Saray – Morica Han. This traditional style cafe was once a caravan house that housed travelers and traders from all over the world.

Nowadays, Cafe Divan is a traditional coffee house that serves tourists and locals alike. The wooden interior and abundance of trees inside the courtyard makes everything feel a few degrees warmer than on the main street.

Eat delicious Balkava at Cafe Jasmin

I’m not a big sweets person but I absolutely love Baklava. This Turkish desert is famous all over the Middle East. Since the Balkans were a part of the Ottoman empire, these countries also have a storied history of producing and consuming Baklava. While traditional Turkish baklava is made with Pistachio, Bosnian baklava is made with walnuts were are most abundantly available in the country.

You’ll find baklava literally on ever street corner but for the best, make sure to visit Cafe Jasmin or Baklava Ducan in the old city. Expect to pay 2-3 KM per piece and I would only recommend to eat 1 piece at a time as they are super rich.

Two Day Itinerary of Sarajevo

Sarajevo is not a big city and you don’t really need more than two days to see the whole city. I spent more time in this city because my partner had roots in this city and I could spend a lifetime eating burek.

Nevertheless, if you have two days in Sarajevo, this is how I would plan the trip.

Day 1 in Sarajevo

9:00am: Get an early start to the day by having breakfast at one of the many burek shops in the city. Burek is a way of life in the Balkans and you’ll find it all over the place but nothing beats the burek of Bosnia (not even being biased here). Go to Buregdzinica Bosna for the best burek you can get. There are multiple types of burek but the most popular are with meat. Get a side of Kajmak with it as well and you’ll be in heaven. Move over French croissants , this is probably one of the most savory and delicious breakfasts you’ll ever have.

10:00am: Walk towards the Sarajevo Sebilj for one of the most iconic views of the city. The city square should be bustling by now so it’s a great time to get a feel of the old city. Walk through the narrow streets and look at the crafts and goods for sale.

10:30 – 12:30: Join the free walking tour which explores a lot of the old town of Sarajevo. This is a great way to get acclimated to the city and get the historical perspective from a local.

12:30 – 13:30: Time for food again. Eat a cevapi at one of the countless cevapi restaurants in town. My favorites are Zeljo and Fertahovic but you can’t go wrong with either option. 10 pieces of cevapi will be enough for a hungry dude.

14:00 – 16:00 : Head to the Caravanserai at Morica Han to enjoy an afternoon Bosnian coffee with baklava. Lounge here and explore the old town afterwards to your desire.

18:30 : Have a drink at the beautiful S One Sky Bar while soaking in the views of Sarajevo and the nearby mountains.

20:00 – Dinner out on the town followed by a shisha session in the old town

Day 2 in Sarajevo

9:00: No day is compete without burek so just like the day before, visit your favorite burek shop to eat the best burek in the Balkans.

10:30 – 14:00 : Go on the guided Fall of Yugoslavia tour. This tour will drive you around the city visiting the most iconic spots dedicated to the war in Sarajevo including the tunnels, sniper alley, and more.

14:00 – 15:00 : Time for lunch which is just more cevapi in my books. Don’t really need to get much else besides your daily meat coma.

15:00: Visit the Sarajevo Genocide Museum dedicated to the lives lost and the mass suffering of the Bosnian people during the wars.

16:00: Take the Trebevic cable car to the top of the mountain for stunning views of the city.

Continue Reading:

Guide to visiting mostar, bosnia and herzegovina, the perfect two week itinerary for the balkan countries.

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3-Day Itinerary in Sarajevo: the best things to see in Bosnia’s capital!

Sarajevo is a city full of history and surprises. It is by far one of our  favorite cities in the Balkans  because it is so diverse and unique. This guide is for you if you’re planning a trip to Sarajevo and want to get the best out of your time there. And guess what? You can easily fit all the best things to do in Sarajevo in just 3 days!

In this guide, we’ve put together an itinerary that covers the  best things to do in 3 days in Sarajevo  so you can make your trip as memorable as possible. We have combined a bit of our personal experience with interesting tips we got from locals during our visits to create this epic 3-day Sarajevo itinerary.

Sarajevo Itinerary Day 1: Exploring the Old Town

Sarajevo is a  mix of Eastern and Western cultures , and this is one of the things that make this city so special. On one side, you have mosques, bazaars, and a clear influence of the Ottoman times. On the other, you have Catholic and Orthodox churches along with Austrian-style buildings and a modern side of town.

On the first day of your 3 days in Sarajevo, the idea is that you explore the  capital’s Old Town , which represents the Western side. Sarajevo’s Old Town is the heart and soul of the city.

Below we will guide you step-by-step through everything you need to see on this first day in Sarajevo:

The Sarajevo Sebilj and the Baščaršija region

The  Baščaršija region  is a lively pedestrian zone filled with restaurants and souvenir shops. This is the center of Sarajevo’s Old Town and a point you can use for reference when getting a taxi or searching for accommodation (more about this later!).

One of the most important attractions of the Baščaršija region is the  Sarajevo Sebilj , a wooden fountain also known as Pigeon Square (for obvious reasons). The Sebilj is one of the most famous landmarks in Sarajevo and it dates back to 1753. There is a local legend that says that whoever drinks the water from the Sebilj fountain will return to Sarajevo someday –  so make sure you have a sip just to be safe.

Wander around and do some shopping at the Old Town Bazaar

The Old Town Bazaar is one of the most popular attractions in Sarajevo and it reminds us a lot of Bazaars in Istanbul and other Ottoman-influenced cities. The market extends through the entire Baščaršija region and it is filled with souvenir shops, traditional restaurants (in fact, some of the best places to eat are here!), and coffee places. 

If you are looking to bring home some souvenirs from your trip to Sarajevo, this is the best place to get them as you will find the most variety. They also sell beautiful handmade pots and  džezva , which they use to make traditional Bosnian coffee.

PS:  Make sure you carry cash with you if you intend on buying things at the Bazaar.

Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque

You will quickly notice that the Old Town revolves around the mosque located in the center, called  Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque . Tourists can visit the mosque if dressed appropriately, outside of prayer hours. You can buy the ticket directly on-site. I really recommend doing so, the mosque is beautiful from the inside!

On a quick walk around the mosque, you can notice that many other buildings have the same name Gazi Husrev-beg. That is because there is an entire complex built to support the community – from schools to a library and museum. The Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque is a very important spot in the city, not only as an attraction but also for the locals.

Pass by the Old Bezistan Covered Market

Since you will be in the area, make sure you pass by the  Old Bezistan Covered Market . It has changed a lot throughout the years but it is an important part of Sarajevo’s history. During the Ottoman Empire, this was an important market used to trade things like fabrics and spices, even though nowadays the building is prettier from the outside than inside. 

On that same square, you can also see the  ruins of Tašlihan , which was used as an inn for merchants during the Ottoman times.

Visit the Markale for fresh local produce & see the Sarajevo Roses

The Markale is not a place many travel guides recommend visiting, but for us, checking out the local market is one of the best ways of getting in contact with the local culture. This is where you can find fresh produce directly from the farmers. We tried some amazing cheese and charcuterie in there, we can strongly recommend it.

In Sarajevo, the Markale is very worth the visit not only for the local produce but also for its historical importance. During the Siege of Sarajevo, a violent massacre happened just outside the market that caused the death of many people. The place where it happened is marked by a red symbol on the floor, called a Sarajevo Rose.

You can find the  Sarajevo Roses  throughout the entire town, they are memorials of places where attacks happened, which were in most cases mortar explosions. The exact location where the mortars exploded was then painted with red resins around to make up the memorial roses.

Stand in the middle of Sarajevo’s Meeting of cultures

Remember that I started this guide by saying that one of the most special things about Sarajevo was how the Eastern and Western cultures are able to coexist in one place?

Well, this is the exact place that marks the  encounter of both sides .

The “Meeting of cultures” is marked by a line on the floor. It is easy to spot as very often there are groups of tourists around it. If you stand in the middle and look to one side, you will see the Western side only. If you turn around, you will be facing the Eastern side. The differences between them are very clearly visible, which makes this such a strong symbol of the city.

Go for a traditional Bosnian coffee and baklava

You cannot say you have truly experienced Sarajevo until you have stopped for a traditional Bosnian coffee. The place we recommend going to is called  Coffee Dućan .

From the outside, you cannot see much but once you walk in, you will see the entire courtyard filled with tables and people having coffee and tea outside. It has a very interesting vibe and they serve true Bosnian coffee.

Kovači Martyr’s Cemetery

During the afternoon part of this first day of your Sarajevo itinerary, we recommend walking up to the  Kovači Martyr’s Cemetery . This is the main cemetery for soldiers who died during the Bosnian War and the Siege of Sarajevo.

Those were very violent times in Bosnia’s capital, with over 300 grenades per day and almost 12,000 residents deceased, including 1,500 children. If you want to learn more in-depth about the city’s history, we recommend doing a Free Walking Tour that is led by local guides who share the story of the war and much more.

Climb up to the Yellow Fortress to see Sarajevo from above

Just a few meters higher than the cemetery is the Yellow Fortress, where you can see an  ample view of the city of Sarajevo . It was built between 1727 and 1739 and it used to serve as one of the defense points against the Austro-Hungarian empire.

Entrance to the Yellow Fortress is free and you can enter from 8 am to midnight every day. There is a small cafe located at the top, but the best thing about this place is the view. Sarajevo is surrounded by hills and from here, you can get a very good idea of how the entire city is displayed.

Pro tip : The Yellow Fortress is one of the best places in Sarajevo for watching the sunset! Walk up at the end of the day if you want to catch the sunset light from the top.

Sarajevo Itinerary Day 2: Getting to know the Eastern side of the city

Since the first day of the 3-day Sarajevo itinerary was dedicated to the Western part of the city, it is now time to explore the Eastern side.

Sacred Heart Cathedral

Only a few meters after the “Meeting of Cultures” point that you have been on the first day of this Sarajevo Itinerary, you will find the  largest catholic church in Bosnia and Herzegovina  called Sacred Heart Cathedral.

The Cathedral is considered one of the most important landmarks of Sarajevo and it is even featured in the flag of Sarajevo Canton and the coat of arms of Sarajevo.

Throughout the year, there are often events happening in the square in front of the Cathedral.

See the Eternal Flame

The Eternal Flame of Sarajevo is a  memorial for the victims of World War II  and a must-visit landmark. A simple tribute, the monument has been burning since 1946, the first anniversary of the liberation of Sarajevo after it was under the control of the German Nazis for four years.

Cathedral of the Nativity of the Theotokos

In this 3-Day Sarajevo Guide, we have guided you through a Mosque and a Catholic church, so now it is time to see the  largest Orthodox Church in Sarajevo .

The Cathedral of the Nativity of the Theotokos is a Serbian Orthodox Church located in a beautiful square. The entrance is free.

Walk to the Latin Bridge

The Latin Bridge is one of the most important places in Sarajevo when it comes to world history. It was on this bridge in 1914 that a shot rang out and Gavrilo Princip assassinated Austrian Archduke Ferdinand – the  event which started WWI .

Today there is a memorial plaque at the site of the shooting and also a museum around the corner that covers all about this historical event. It is worth taking time to go stand at the very spot where the world changed forever.

Take a nice walk through Miljacka Riverfront

The Miljacka Riverfront is one of my favorite places in Sarajevo. We strongly recommend you spare some time on your schedule to just walk through the streets and take in the atmosphere of the town.

By the river, you will find many important buildings such as the  National Theatre , and some of the university buildings such as the  Academy of Fine Arts , which is a remarkable building.

Walk up to Vijećnica, the old City Hall

On one of the edges of the river, one building stands out: the Vijećnica. The building was built in 1896, during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Vijećnica has had an eventful history: it was used as the old City Hall, then the National Library, until it was severely damaged during the Siege of Sarajevo when most of the books were destroyed.

Nowadays, Vijećnica is one of the  strongest symbols of Sarajevo . It has since been fully reconstructed and reopened in 2014. It is currently used for official political and cultural events.

You can buy a ticket at the door to visit the inside.

Emperor’s Mosque

The most impressive mosque located on the other side of the Miljacka river is the  Emperor’s Mosque . The Mosque is rather small compared to other mosques, but it stands out because of its unique design and beautiful colors.

The Emperor’s Mosque is open for visits outside of praying times, provided that you are dressed accordingly.

Have a beer at the iconic Sarajevska Pivara (the Sarajevo Brewery)

We left this recommendation for the end of Day 2 of the Sarajevo Travel Itinerary on purpose – we recommend going for a visit to the Brewery in the afternoon.

Visiting the Sarajevo Brewery was one of our favorite things to do in the city. When we went, the factory itself was closed for visits but they used to offer a tour, so you should definitely check if it is available during your visit.

Whether you do the tour or not, you can always have a beer at the  Sarajevo Brewery’s bar . We cannot recommend it enough! The atmosphere of the bar is so unique, it feels like stepping back in time as soon as you pass through the doors. It is a great spot for a happy hour drink.

To wrap up this second day of the Sarajevo itinerary, we recommend going out for dinner in the Old Town. Continue reading to see the restaurants we recommend.

Sarajevo Itinerary Day 3: Learn more about the city in its museums

The last day of this 3-day Sarajevo itinerary is dedicated to learning more about the history of the city and Bosnia in general. Sarajevo is full of museums and galleries so it can be a bit daunting trying to figure out which ones are worth going to. I am sure there are many of them worth your buck, but two of them deserve specific attention.

Sarajevo War Tunnel Museum

The Sarajevo War Tunnel Museum is one of the most interesting museums we have been to during our entire time in Bosnia. As the name suggests, the museum is about the story of the  Sarajevo War Tunnel , a tunnel built under the airport during the siege that was crucial for keeping the people and the city alive.

We won’t spoil too much about what you will see there, but the War Tunnel Museum is very interactive and very rich in history. It is definitely on the top of the list of things we recommend seeing in Sarajevo, regardless if you have only 2 or 3 days in town.

Visiting the Sarajevo War Tunnel Museum will take up a bit of your time because it is not located in the city center and it is not connected to any public transport. If you will not be traveling in your own rental car, the best way to get to the museum is to either organize the trip with a taxi or  go on a tour. The taxi company we used is called Crveni Taxi (number +387 033 760 600) and you can arrange for the driver to wait for you or come pick you up at a certain time.

Gallery 11/07/95 or Srebrenica Gallery

The second museum we strongly recommend visiting is the  Gallery 11/07/95 , located in the same square as the Sacred Heart Cathedral. This museum takes you on a journey via photos and videos through the Srebrenica massacre that happened on 11/07/95.

This is a very impactful museum, but it is very well made and it is a story that is worth knowing so it hopefully does not ever repeat itself. In addition to the main exhibition, they often have additional showings which vary throughout the year. You can expect to spend a couple of hours in the gallery as the exhibition is extensive.

Finish your day going up to Mount Trebevic

To wrap up your experience in Sarajevo, the last item on our list of best things to do is  go up to Mount Trebevic . Located on the opposite side of the river as the Yellow Fortress, from the top of Mount Trebevic you also get a nice overview of Sarajevo from a different angle.

You can go up by  cable car  or hiking (we recommend the first!). Sarajevo hosted the 1984 Winter Olympic Games which was a big deal to the Bosnian people, they celebrate it until this day. One of the most iconic places during the 84 Games was the bobsled track built on top of Mount Trebevic. Nowadays, the track is abandoned but you can still walk through a part of it. It is now full of graffiti paintings.

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This wraps up our recommendations of the  best things to do in Sarajevo in 3 days . We truly believe that if you follow our Sarajevo Itinerary, you will get to know the most important places in the city and learn many things about its history in the meantime.

Tours in Sarajevo

If you want to know more about Sarajevo, the best thing to do is get a tour as the guide will be able to give you insights from a local perspective, which is very unique.

These are the best options if you are looking for a tour to visit Sarajevo:

• Do a self-tour  by downloading the free app Guide2Sarajevo. It is provided by city tourism and will give you information on each site you visit. It is very useful.
• Book a guided tour   via Get Your Guide 
• Join the  Free Walking Tour  that happens every day in Sarajevo. They have a couple of different tour options – see which one you like best.

How many days do you need in Sarajevo?

We recommend staying  at least three full days  in Sarajevo if you really want to visit the best things the city has to offer.

Sarajevo is a large city, with a lot to see and do. You can still fit in most of the attractions listed in this Sarajevo Itinerary if you only have 2 days in the city but know you will be missing out on some of the things (especially the museums, which take time).

We visited Sarajevo during our road trip through Bosnia –  check here our full Bosnia itinerary .

What is the best month to visit Sarajevo?

The best months to visit Sarajevo are from April to October. During this time, temperatures are mild and the city is filled with things to do. The peak months for tourism are July and August, which is when the city is at its fullest. I recommend avoiding those months because it can get a bit too hot, so it is not that comfortable to walk outside all day.

My favorite month to visit Sarajevo is September , as it has the perfect summer-like weather and far fewer crowds than August.

If you’re planning a winter trip to Sarajevo, make sure you pack warm clothes as it gets really chilly. During the winter, you can combine your visit to Sarajevo with a ski trip as there are a few snow slopes around the city.

How to get to Sarajevo?

If you will be coming from abroad, the easiest way to get to Sarajevo is to fly into town via Sarajevo International Airport. Bosnia has three other airports that you can check for flight options – read more about them in our  Bosnia airport guide .

If you will be coming from one of the other Balkan countries, you can also prefer to drive to Sarajevo. This is what we normally do since we live in Slovenia. Read more about  how is it to drive in Bosnia and Herzegovina .

Need to rent a car for your trip? Get a quote here!

If those options do not suit your budget or schedule, check the options available for public transport (we often use  Omio  or  Rome2Rio  to check the best alternatives) or  book a tour to Sarajevo on Get Your Guide .

Do you need a car to move around in Sarajevo?

No, the great majority of things we recommended you to visit on this Sarajevo Itinerary can be  visited by foot . The Old Town and Baščaršija are very small, so you will rarely need a car or public transport. In fact, the only attraction on this list that you will not be able to walk to is the Sarajevo War Tunnel Museum.

Finding parking in the center of Sarajevo is not easy, especially for a foreigner. If you will be visiting Sarajevo with a vehicle, we recommend reserving an accommodation that offers a parking place. See some options below.

Where to stay in Sarajevo?

The best place to stay in Sarajevo is  close to the Old Town . This way, you can be sure that you will be able to explore the best attractions in the city on foot.

Here are our recommendations for places to stay in Sarajevo:

• Apartment Sanny : This is the place where we stayed during our last trip to Sarajevo and we can definitely recommend it. The apartment was perfect for 4 people, with two rooms and two bathrooms. The location was amazing and our friendly host let us keep the car in her personal covered garage, which was perfect.
• Hotel Story : A 4-star hotel located in the heart of Sarajevo. This hotel is a great option for couples and families, with great comfort and an impeccable location.
• Apartmani 071 : Simple and functional, perfect for couples. Located steps away from the Old Town, this accommodation offers free parking which is very convenient.

If you want to know more about the different neighborhoods, check out our  detailed guide on where to stay in Sarajevo !

Where to eat in Sarajevo?

No travel guide is complete without proper food recommendations, right?

Sarajevo has some of the  best and most affordable food  we have eaten during our Balkan adventure. Everywhere we stopped to eat, we were always so satisfied and surprised by the flavors – even if they were the simplest of places.

Here is our top list of places to eat in Sarajevo:

• Inat Kuća  – Our favorite restaurant for dinner. The atmosphere is amazing, we got a table right by the river, and the menu is filled with traditional Bosnian recipes. Everything we had was delicious.
• Željo 2  – This is the best place for having čevapi in Sarajevo. Čevapi is the traditional Bosnian barbecue (you can see it in the picture above) and you have to try it at least once while in the country.
• Čevabdžnica Nune  – Another great option for having čevapi, would be second on our list of preferences.
• Buregdžnica Bosna  – The best place in Sarajevo for eating burek, a traditional pastry-filled dish that is to die for. Our favorite ones are the meat and the potato (but you should ask for whatever is freshly made cause that will be the tastiest).
• Nanina Kuhinja  – Small but great place for eating typical Bosnian food. Located in the Old Town, it is one of the few places where you can get alcoholic beverages with your meal.
• Staklo  – If you are looking for a cheap and homemade meal, this place will be just right for you. It is easy to pass by it unnoticed because the front is very small but the food we had was amazing and incredibly affordable.

Where to go for a drink in Sarajevo?

When it comes to drinks, it is important to mention that in the Baščaršija region, most restaurants do not serve alcoholic beverages (with a few exceptions).

During our trip, these were our favorite places for having a drink in Sarajevo:

• Fabrikka Bar:  Located inside a small alley, this small bar serves amazing craft beer. The best thing about Fabrikka is that it is quite isolated so it is not as noisy as the other places. We loved the vibe here so much that we came back a couple of times in 3 days.
• Vučko Gastro Bar : Another great pub for having a happy hour drink in the afternoon.
• Sarajevo Brewery : If you want to have a local beer in style, there is no other place to go than Sarajevo Brewery.

Sarajevo is a great destination for those who want to experience Eastern European culture and history. With its mix of modern and traditional things to do, 3 days in Sarajevo are guaranteed to be full of memorable experiences. We highly recommend visiting the attractions mentioned above as well as exploring the city on foot.

Don’t forget to indulge in the amazing food and drinks Sarajevo has to offer! Enjoy your trip!

Organizing your trip

To help you plan your trip to Bosnia, we have put together our favorite planning resources: 

• Flights : Get affordable flights to Bosnia on  Skyscanner.com . 
• Travel insurance : Make sure you are protected during your trip. We use  VisitorsCoverage  whenever we are traveling abroad. 
• Renting a car : We always use  Discover Cars  to get the best car deals. 
• Accommodation : Find the best hotels and apartments on  Booking.com . 
• Activities : Get fun ideas of what to do and buy unique activities with  Get Your Guide.
• SIM Card : Stay connected during your trip with  Airalo.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. This means that we get a small commission from any purchase you make, at no additional cost to you!

Edin (Edo for friends like you) is the Slovenian half of Mauka. Even though Edo was born in Novo Mesto (Slovenia), he has Bosnian origins and has spent most of his life exploring the Balkan Region. Now, with Fernanda, he has expanded his travel borders to explore more of Europe, South America, and the rest of the world. He is the technical master behind the blog, but he also adventures as a writer when it comes to giving tips about destinations he is passionate about.

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Hi We would be grateful if you could guide us (a senior Muslim couple from Pakistan) how to spend four nights in Sarajevo in a mediocre budget, not missing most of the sites. A clean, pocket friendly place to stay. Please suggest expenditure per day in Dollars including food and transportation. We are planning to travel from Belgrade to Sarajevo by Bus. Conversion rate from US Dollar to local currency?

I would say that the blog nicely covers quite some things to do in Sarajevo, as an additional, 4th day, I would maybe suggest a day trip to Mostar or a day trip to Mostar, Blagaj and Konjic . You can read more about where to stay in Sarajevo in our dedicated post Where to Stay in Sarajevo in 2023 (All Budgets) where we give some ideas for different budgets and locations.

The expenditure depends a bit on where you will be eating, you can spend as little as 2-3$ for a meal or if you would like to have a nice dinner you can pay 15-20$ or more. Same goes for the transport, if you will be taking local trams the price will be less then a dollar per ticket, while taxis start at around 1.5$ to start and additional 0.75$-1$ per km.

Currently 1$ is worth 1.83 Bosnian Marka – I would suggest you always have some cash on you in local currency, as not all of the places will have options to pay with a card.

Hope you have a great stay in Sarajevo and Belgrade.

Best, Fe & Edo

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