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Nestled within a picturesque valley is the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sarajevo is an energetic capital city whose scars from its tragic past are still visible. Some of the most significant events from the 20th century took place in this very city, making it a fascinating destination for history lovers. It’s also famous for being the point where East meets West.
But there’s so much more to Sarajevo. From charming old towns to an abandoned winter Olympic park, there’s something for everyone in this colorful city. I visited during Ramadan, and the sounds of calls to prayer and the end of the day will be some of my favorite memories of my Eastern Europe trip.
In this article, I have compiled a comprehensive list of Sarajevo’s best things to do.
Top Things to Do in Sarajevo
1. Baščaršija (The Old Town)
Dating back to the 15th century, Baščaršija is Sarajevo’s old bazaar, made up of narrow cobbled streets which are flanked by some of the oldest buildings and monuments in the city. Baščaršija is both the historical and cultural center of the lively capital. Housing structures from the Ottoman era, it’s easy to see why it’s the most popular attraction in Sarajevo.
The name Baščaršija is of Turkish origin and translates to ‘main marketplace.’ One of the main attractions in Baščaršija is a wooden fountain in the heart of the bazaar known as the Sebilj. This unique structure dates back to 1753; legend has it that anyone who drinks from this fountain will return to Sarajevo one day.
Another stand-out monument is Sahat-kula, a restored 17th-century clock tower that stands majestically next to Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the largest mosque in the country.
One of the best things to do in Baščaršija is simply wandering down the narrow streets, marveling at the range of handicrafts on display, from metals to jewelry, pottery to souvenirs.
The old bazaar is also a great place to sit and enjoy a Bosnian coffee.
2. Latin Bridge
Arching over the River Miljacka in the heart of the city is an Ottoman bridge with a huge history.
The Latin Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in Sarajevo and received its name after being the link to the Catholic quarter of the city, which was known as ‘Latinluk’ in Ottoman times. But that’s not the reason why the bridge is so famous.
In 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife were assassinated by Gavrilo Princip at the northernmost tip of the Latin Bridge. The assassination sent shockwaves throughout Europe, which ultimately led to the start of World War I. Therefore, This bridge is one of the most historically significant in the world.
There is a small plaque on the bridge, which denotes the exact location of the assassination.
3. Tunnel of Hope (War Tunnel)
Underneath the city, linking the neighborhoods of Dobrinja and Butmir, is an extensive tunnel that dates back to 1993. The Bosnian Army constructed the tunnel when Sarajevo was under siege during the Bosnian War. The residents of Sarajevo were trapped and had no way of escaping or receiving any aid. The tunnel allowed essential supplies such as food, weapons, and medical aid to be transported in and out of the city and people to escape.
The tunnel starts in Sarajevo, at what was formerly a residential house known as the ‘House of the Kolar family.’ It’s on the city’s outskirts, close to Sarajevo International Airport.
On a visit to the tunnel, you can watch a short film and see various items found in the tunnels before exploring the narrow tunnel itself.
4. Museum of Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide
In the heart of Sarajevo stands a museum covering the atrocities of the Bosnian war, which took place between 1992 and 1996. Artifacts, photography, and video footage give a glimpse into this dark period in Bosnia’s history. The museum doesn’t sugar-coat the horrors that took place; therefore, this isn’t a museum for young children or the faint-hearted.
The museum was put together by a combination of survivors and young researchers to keep the memory of all victims alive. It’s privately owned by survivors and receives no government funding.
Being only a 5-minute walk from the Latin Bridge, the museum can easily fit into your itinerary. It’s open daily from 9 am to 9 pm, and the entrance fee is 10 BAM (€5) per person.
5. Sebilj Fountain
Standing proudly within Sarajevo’s old town is Sebilj Fountain, a wooden fountain that dates back to the Ottoman era. This impressive fountain, built by Mehmed Pasha Kukavica in 1753, symbolizes Sarajevo. A local legend states, “Whoever drinks water from any of Sarajevo’s fountains and spouts will come to Sarajevo.”
The fountain can be found in Bascarsija Square, sometimes called ‘Pigeon Square’ due to the high concentration of pigeons that like to unwind here.
6. Vijećnica (City Hall)
Gazing over the River Miljacka’s banks is one of Sarajevo’s most iconic buildings. Vijećnica, also known as Sarajevo City Hall, first opened its doors in 1896 while Bosnia was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Its beautiful pseudo-Moorish architecture was selected as a tribute to the city’s Muslim heritage.
Over its lifetime, Vijećnica has transitioned from a city hall to a parliamentary house and then to the National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Vijećnica housed an extensive collection of 1.2 million books when functioning as a library. Unfortunately, following the Sarajevo siege, only 15% of the collection was saved after the building was torched.
Today, after being painstakingly restored to her former glory, Vijećnica is a city hall that houses two museums: a museum documenting the Siege of Sarajevo and an international contemporary art collection known as ‘Ars Aevi.’
PRO TIP: If you want to get a photo with the #sarajevo sign, you’ll need to take your photo from the opposite side of the river.
7. Tito’s Bunker
One hour by road from Sarajevo is an underground Cold War-era nuclear bunker built to protect the former president of Yugoslavia, President Josip Broz Tito, and up to 350 members of his inner circle in the face of an atomic bomb.
Officially known as ‘Armijska Ratna Komanda D-0’, the sprawling secret nuclear bunker took 26 years to build and was officially completed in 1979. The complex stretches 663 feet into a mountain, beneath 919 feet of rock at its thickest point. Only 15 people knew of the horseshoe-shaped bunker’s existence when it was built.
The bunker’s construction claimed many lives as well as costing a whopping $4.6 billion to build. According to the testimonies of some of the workers, at least one life was lost on each shift.
Today, you can visit the bunker, which houses a contemporary art exhibition. The bunker is located within a military compound, so you can only visit as part of a guided tour.
8. Žuta Tabija (The Yellow Fortress)
One of the best places to soak up an exquisite panorama of the city at sunset has to be Žuta Tabija, also known as The Yellow Fortress.
Žuta Tabija is the remnant of an ancient cannon fortress situated at the entrance to the ‘Walled City of Vratnik.’ The fortress dates back to the 18th century. Today, it is a popular spot to watch the sunset behind Sarajevo. Žuta Tabija is conveniently located a mere 15-minute walk from Bascarsija. It’s one of the most accessible viewpoints in the city.
During Ramadan, the cannon at the Yellow Fortress will be fired, alerting the city’s Muslim population that it is time to eat. Many people bring a packed dinner and enjoy a picnic once the cannon is fired.
9. Inat kuća (House of Spite)
On the opposite side of the river to Vijećnica (City Hall) stands an unassuming restaurant called Inat kuća. However, this restaurant has a fascinating history.
In 1878, when Austria and Hungary took control of Bosnia and Herzegovina, they decided to build Vijećnica to show their strength. This involved bulldozing existing dwellings in the way of their proposed build. One of these houses was owned by a resident named Benderija, who refused to demolish his house despite being offered more money than his home was worth.
Eventually, Benderija agreed and was paid a sackful of gold ducats. However, there was one condition: that the authorities would have to move his house, brick by brick, and painstakingly rebuild it on the other side of the river.
Rumor has it that during the construction of his new house, Benderija would stand in the middle of the bridge, smoking cigarettes and watching the workers rebuild his home.
The new building was named ‘Inat kuća,’ which translates to ‘the house of spite.’ Inat kuća is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and serves traditional Bosnian cuisine.
10. Mount Trebević
Just outside Sarajevo stands Mount Trebević, a 1,627-meter (5,338 ft) tall mountain whose summit yields fantastic views of the nearby capital. It’s a popular viewing spot, and the gondola ride to the top makes it accessible to many and adds to the experience.
Like many attractions in Sarajevo, this mountain holds an important history. During the siege of Sarajevo, Mount Trebević was a prominent sniper position.
The gondola starts in the Bistrik neighborhood in southern Sarajevo and takes you to the mountain’s summit. The gondola operates daily, between 10 am and 9 pm, Monday to Friday, and between 9 am and 9 pm on weekends.
You can drive or hike to the summit if you don’t feel like taking the gondola.
11. Abandoned Bobsled Track
Atop Mount Trebević, you can find a remnant from the 1984 Winter Olympics that Sarajevo hosted, the abandoned bobsled and luge track.
This decaying concrete track surrounded by pine forests used to be an attraction reserved for the most adventurous. However, since the reopening of the gondola in 2018, it has become easier than ever to explore and is located less than a 10-minute walk from the main Mount Trebević viewpoint.
The best way to enjoy the bobsled track is to take the gondola to the top of the mountain and then walk the length of the bobsled track back down to Sarajevo.
Not only is the bobsled track a haunting remnant of the past, but today, it’s painted in colorful graffiti, turning it almost into a work of art.
12. Katedrala Srca Isusova (The Sacred Heart Cathedral)
Sometimes referred to as the Sarajevo Cathedral, The Sacred Heart Cathedral is the largest in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Nestled in the heart of the Old Town district, the Neo-Gothic cathedral dates back to 1884. It was severely damaged during the Siege of Sarajevo but wasn’t destroyed.
Today, this majestic cathedral is often seen as a symbol of Sarajevo. It has two symmetrical towers which stand at 43.2 m in height. The cathedral is free to enter and is open daily apart from Mondays, between 9 am and 5.30 pm.
13. Vječna Vatra (The Eternal Flame)
Built as a tribute to those who lost their lives in the Second World War, the Eternal Flame can be found on Maršala Tita, the main street that runs through Sarajevo. The memorial is compact, a beautiful flame shining within a cove with inscriptions.
As the name suggests, this flame has been burning permanently since it was first ignited after the war.
Although the flame is best viewed at night, this is when most crowds will gather, so if you wish to view the memorial at a quieter time, consider coming within the day.
14. Sarajevo Roses
Walking around Sarajevo, you may occasionally notice red splashes on the pavement. Known as the Sarajevo Roses, these blood-like resin paintings are memorials designed to highlight craters where shells once dropped during the siege of Sarajevo.
During the siege, it’s estimated that 300 shells rained down on the city each day. On June 22nd, 1993, a devastating 3,777 bombs fell upon Sarajevo. The Sarajevo Roses have been painted on spots where a significant number of lives were lost.
There are around 200 roses dotted throughout Sarajevo. The most famous rose can be found in the walkway at Marsala Tita (Marshal Tito) next to Veliki Park (Great Park).
Know Before You Go to Sarajevo
How to get to Sarajevo?
Most people arrive in Sarajevo by airplane. The city is located in a valley surrounded by mountain roads. Traveling to Sarajevo from nearby capitals (like Belgrade) is difficult because of the winding roads. There are no trains from other capitals, although visitors can take a train between Mostar and Sarajevo.
What language is spoken in Sarajevo?
As a part of the former Yugoslavia, most people in Sarajevo speak Bosnian, Croatian, or Serbian. Most people in businesses near the tourist areas speak English, at least well enough to help you out.
Since Sarajevo is not a popular destination, many smaller local businesses do not have English speakers. Google Translate will be your friend in these locations!
What currency is used in Sarajevo?
The convertible Bosnian Mark is the local currency in Sarajevo. You’ll need cash for your taxi to and from the airport as most cabs do not accept a credit card or other currency. Many smaller businesses also require cash payments rather than credit cards.
PRO TIP: Plan on exchanging some currency for cash. I used more cash in Sarajevo than in most other Eastern European cities (except Transnistria).
How to get around in Sarajevo?
Sarajevo is an easily walkable city. If you need to go any distance that is too far to walk (or you’re tired!), plenty of taxis and buses get you to various points in town.
When is the best time to visit Sarajevo?
Sarajevo is best visited in the Spring and Fall when the days are generally sunny and the mild temperatures. If you want to try some of the famed winter activities nearby, visit Sarajevo in February or March.
How many days should you spend in Sarajevo?
While the main sights of Sarajevo can be seen in a day of exploring the city, plan on spending at least three days to see some of the “extras.” For example, book a trip to nearby Mostar or take the cable car to the Olympic sites or Tito’s Bunker.
Booking.comWhere to Stay in Sarajevo
Luxury: Hotel President Sarajevo: Guests love the spacious rooms centrally located to all the main sites in downtown Sarajevo.
Middle Range: Residence Inn by Marriott Sarajevo: Roomy rooms about a half-mile from the downtown sites. The rooms are perfect for families or larger groups.
PRO TIP: As a Bonvoy member, you can get free benefits like Wi-Fi. And if you have a Marriott credit card, you can earn points for future stays!
Economy: Hotel Aziza: This small hotel is ideally located near many downtown tourist sites. The clean, modern rooms are a perfect spot to explore Sarajevo.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Sarajevo
Sarajevo is a one-of-a-kind city, its beautiful streets containing frequent reminders of its dark past. Without a doubt, a visit to Sarajevo will provide visitors with a poignant experience. In my opinion, Sarajevo is definitely worth visiting, especially for those with a keen interest in history.
Have you visited Sarajevo before? What was the highlight of your visit?
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Happy travels,
Annick, The Common Traveler
Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.