Overview

Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is one of the most complex and beautiful cities in the Balkans. Steeped in history, it has witnessed some of the most pivotal moments in human history and stands at a crossroads between the East and West. The city endured immense hardship during the Bosnian War of the 1990s, making its resilience all the more remarkable. Today, Sarajevo seamlessly blends historical charm with contemporary vibrancy, offering rich culture, delicious cuisine, and an authentic European experience. As one of the least-visited capitals in Europe, it remains an affordable and crowd-free destination, perfect for those looking to explore beyond the typical tourist trail. Above all, Sarajevo invites reflection, reminding us how much we have to be grateful for in life.

City Orientation

Sarajevo’s layout is shaped by its geography, history, and cultural influences. Situated in a narrow valley along the Miljacka River and surrounded by mountains, the city has a linear structure with distinct districts reflecting historical periods. The Old City (Stari Grad) is the area east of 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, that was built after the 1880s when the city was handed to the Austro-Hungarian empire.

Sarajevo and Herzegovina are compact and made up of four municipalities: Centar, Novi Grad, Novo Sarajevo, and Stari Grad. Bašcaršija (Old Town) – Ottoman Heart is the historic heart of Sarajevo, built in the 15th century during Ottomon rule. This area features narrow cobbled streets, traditional shops, mosques, and bazaars. The Austro-Hungarian Quarter – European Influence is located next to Bašcaršija, showcasing grand 19th and early 20th-century architecture. The area features wide boulevards, neoclassical and secessionist buildings, and European-style squares. Modern Sarjevo expands westward with socialist-era apartment blocks and business districts. It was developed mainly during the Yugoslav period (20th century), with large public spaces and modern architecture. The Suburbs and Hills of Sarajevo extend into the surrounding hills, offering beautiful panoramic views of the city.

Things to See & Do

Get acquainted with the city, take a walk through the city’s historic streets in Old Town, and get a sense of the deep history found here along with Sarajevo’s captivating culture. Bascarsija is the famous Old Town neighborhood in the city dating back to the Ottoman era when it was the center of trade and commerce. Wandering through the ancient cobblestone streets is a charming experience with cozy cafes to stop in for a coffee and some baklava, colorful shops to browse for that perfect souvenir to take home, and various bars and restaurants to visit.

Old Town is set in the heart of the city and is well connected to many points of interest in Sarajev including a Catholic church, an Orthodox church, a synagogue, and several mosques, it is often referred to as “little Jerusalem”. Sarajevo Sebilj is the iconic wooden fountain that sits proudly in the marketplace in Old Town, it was built in 1753 and features a large ornate Ottoman design.

Explore the bustling 15th-century Ottoman Bazaar, the cobblestone streets within the famous marketplace date back to the Middle Ages and have been used as a place for the craftsman to trade their wares for centuries. Today shoppers will be delighted by the array of stalls and shops selling local authentic items such as jewelry, metalwork, copperware, coffee, and clothing.

Pass by some of the historic landmarks in Old Town such as the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque,and its soaring minaret dating back to 1532, it is the largest historical mosque in the country and is home to a stunning courtyard with a fountain for ceremonial washing, and some impressive Ottoman architecture. The mosque is the center of the city’s Islamic community, open for tourists to look around.

Take a relaxing stroll along the Miljacka River, which runs through the city, many bridges link the two sides of the river and seek out the best river views. On the banks of the river is where some impressive stately buildings can be seen such as the Sarajevo Fine Arts Academy, the Vijecnica, and the Inat Kuca traditional Ottoman house.

The Latin Bridge rises above the Miljacka River, one of the oldest Ottoman bridges in the city, it was the scene of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his pregnant wife Sophie were assassinated in 1914 by Gavrilo Princip. The event holds a remarkable place in world history and triggered a chain of events that led to World War I. There is a plaque to mark the spot along with a museum on the period of Austrian rule at the northern end of the bridge.

Enjoy some lunch at Inat Kuca, a national institution nicknamed the “House of Spite” as the owners refused to move when the Austro-Hungarian Empire wanted his land. The restaurant boasts a wonderful atmosphere and some of the most delicious local cuisines including klepe, begova corba, dolman, and local beer.

Check out some of the fascinating museums in the city, including Brusa Bezistan Museum where you can learn about Sarajevo’s interesting past, the Old Synagogue is now a Jewish Museum and beautifully preserved Svrzo’s House. The Museum of Sarajevo will reward visitors with abundant information and insight into the era of World War 2. The History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina gives visitors an in-depth look at the Bosnian War with several permanent exhibits.

Visit the Sarajevo War Tunnel, also known as the Tunnel of Hope. It was an integral part of the survival story of Bosniak residents during the civil war. The tunnel acted as a lifeline to residents, providing them with food, aid, weapons, and other resources while it was under siege from 1993 to 1996. The tunnel was constructed in May 1992 by the Bosnian army, and today the entrance to the tunnel is a small museum with exhibits on the tunnel's construction, and information about life during the siege, as well as a visit to a section of the meter-wide tunnel.

See the Avaz Twist Tower, the tall glass skyscraper that was built in 2008, standing 577 feet high; the modern building is a great contrast to some of the concrete Brutalist architecture in other parts of the city. Head up to the observation tower on the 36th floor and enjoy breathtaking views over the city. Visit the cafe for a drink and a bite to eat.

Take the scenic cable car ride up Mount Trebevic, which connects from the old part of the city to the mountain summit. The gondola opened back up in 2018 after being abruptly halted on March 2, 1992, when Ramo Biber, its guard became the first victim of the Siege of Sarajevo. During the siege, bullets and mortars rained down on the city from Trebevic Mountain, claiming thousands of victims in the center of the city. It took years after the siege to ride the mountain of landmines. Now visitors can safely explore the scenic area on great hiking trails and enjoy the beautiful views from the lookout point. The mountain and its surroundings are a great place for a picnic. You can travel back down the mountain on foot and see the ruins and graffiti of the 1984 Winter Olympics bobsled tracks.

Pay a visit to the Kovaci Memorial Cemetery also known as Martyr’s Cemetery overlooking the city, the final resting place for Bosniaks that were killed during the siege from 1993-1996, during this time the city of Sarajevo was hit by 329 grenades a day on average, and snipers were also active. 11,541 residents including 1,500 children were killed and 56,000 people were injured.

The Yellow Fortress (Zuta Tabija) is situated just above the cemetery overlooking the entire city. The 18th-century small fortress doesn’t look like much, but the high stone walls are where the locals gather to watch the sunset over the city. It is one of the most popular viewpoints in Sarajevo.

Cuisine

Bosnian cuisine is popular throughout the region, known for its rich blend of Turkish and Balkan influences that create a variety of flavorful and satisfying dishes. Some of these specialties have spread across the Balkans, but Bosnia remains the best place to experience them at their finest.

One must-try dish is cevapi, a grilled minced meat dish that’s a staple of Bosnian cuisine. The best cevapi can be found in the heart of Sarajevo, particularly in the many affordable yet delicious restaurants around Bašcaršija Square. Traditionally, it is served with somun, a soft, pillowy bread, and a side of chopped onions for extra flavor.

Another popular dish is dolma, which consists of vegetables stuffed with either minced meat or rice. A similar dish, japrak, features minced meat wrapped in vine or cabbage leaves, offering a slightly different texture and taste.

For a quick and satisfying bite, burek is the way to go. This flaky, meat-filled pastry is rolled into a spiral and typically served with yogurt. If meat isn’t your preference, you can also try variations with cheese, potato, or cabbage. Though not typical street food, burek is worth seeking out for its delicious, comforting flavors.