Tripmi
Tripmi★★★★★ Use it free online · Web & iOS
Open
Sarajevo
🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo

Where East meets West in mountain light — Sarajevo captivates with a living mix of Ottoman bazaars, Austro-Hungarian architecture, and contemporary Bosnian culture framed by surrounding hills. It’s a compact city rich in history, vibrant street life, and memorable food that rewards curious travelers.

▶ Video guide

Sarajevo in 60 seconds

A cinematic tour of the top sights, food and local tips. Get your own AI voice guide and a trip planned just for you in the Tripmi app.

  • 📍Top places to visit: Baščaršija, Latin Bridge, Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque
  • 🍽️What to eat: Ćevapi, Burek, Begova Čorba (Bey’s soup)
  • 🗓️Best time to visit: Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September) offer mild weather, fewer…

Good to know

Best time to visit
Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September) offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and outdoor festivals. Winters can be snowy and are ideal for nearby ski trips but colder in the city.
Getting around
The city centre is very walkable; Sarajevo’s tram network and local buses cover longer distances and the hilly suburbs. Taxis are affordable—use official companies or ride-hailing apps and agree on a price or meter before starting.
Currency
Bosnia and Herzegovina Convertible Mark (BAM) — carry some cash for markets and small cafés, though cards are widely accepted in the centre.
Language
Bosnian (Serbian and Croatian mutually intelligible); English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.
Safety
Sarajevo is generally safe for tourists—use normal precautions against petty theft, especially in busy markets and on public transport.
Daily budget
$50–120 per day, depending on accommodation and dining choices
💶 Travel money in SarajevoCurrency, cards vs cash, costs & tipping in Sarajevo
Read tips →

Top places to visit

1Market

Baščaršija

The historic Ottoman bazaar with narrow lanes, craft shops, and classic ćevapi restaurants—perfect for shopping and people-watching.

2Landmark

Latin Bridge

The small Ottoman-era bridge where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914; the nearby Museum of the Assassination provides context.

3Temple

Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque

One of the most important Ottoman monuments in the Balkans, known for its elegant prayer hall and courtyard.

4Viewpoint

Sebilj Fountain

An iconic wooden fountain in Baščaršija square and a favourite meeting point and photo spot.

5Museum

War Childhood Museum

A poignant, personal museum built from testimonies and objects belonging to children who lived through the 1992–95 siege.

6Museum

Tunnel of Hope (Tunel spasa)

A reconstructed section of the wartime tunnel that supplied besieged Sarajevo—offers guided tours and a small museum.

7Landmark

Vijećnica (City Hall)

A stunning Austro-Hungarian pseudo-Moorish building rebuilt after wartime damage, now housing exhibitions and a library.

8Viewpoint

Yellow Fortress (Žuta Tabija)

An elevated viewpoint above the old town with panoramic sunset views over Sarajevo and the Miljacka river.

9Viewpoint

Avaz Twist Tower

Modern skyscraper with an observation terrace offering sweeping city and mountain vistas.

10Museum

National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Home of the Sarajevo Haggadah and natural history collections, reflecting the country’s cultural heritage.

11Park

Trebević Mountain

Accessible by short drive or the Sarajevo cable car; hiking, mountain biking, and a memorial park with wartime history.

12Restaurant

Inat Kuća

A riverside traditional Bosnian restaurant with historic character and hearty local dishes.

13Café

Bascarsija Pigeon Square

Small squares and cafés where locals gather—ideal for sipping Bosnian coffee while watching city life.

14Activity

Hrid Lookout and Yellow Fortress Path

A scenic walking route linking viewpoints and providing great photography opportunities over the old town.

15Market

Markale Market

A bustling open-air market selling fresh produce, cheeses, and regional specialties—great for tasting and supplies.

Make Sarajevo a real tripBuild a personalized Sarajevo itinerary in seconds — free with the Tripmi app.
🌐Free · no downloadUse Tripmi online

Things to do

Walk Baščaršija alleys

Explore Ottoman-era streets, artisan shops, and merchants selling copperware and rugs.

Take a tram ride

Ride the historic tram line through the city to feel everyday Sarajevo life and reach different districts.

Attend a Bosnian coffee ritual

Try strong, unfiltered coffee served with rahat lokum in a traditional café.

Hike or cable car to Trebević

Enjoy panoramic views, trails, and the Olympic bobsled track ruins above the city.

Visit wartime sites and museums

Gain perspective at the War Childhood Museum, Tunnel of Hope, and memorials around the city.

Catch a live sevdah performance

Listen to traditional Bosnian sevdalinka music at intimate venues in the old town.

Where to stay

Stari Grad (Old Town)

Best for first-time visitors—close to Baščaršija, museums, restaurants and historic sites.

Centar (City Centre)

Offers trams, shops, and Austro-Hungarian architecture with a mix of hotels and nightlife.

Marijin Dvor

More modern district with offices, galleries, and easy tram connections—good for business travelers.

Bistrik/Tilava

Residential, quieter areas on the slopes with guesthouses and quicker access to hiking trails.

What to eat

Ćevapi

Grilled minced meat sausages served with somun bread, raw onions, and kajmak—Sarajevo’s signature street food.

Burek

Flaky filo pastry filled with meat, cheese, or spinach—perfect for a hearty breakfast or snack.

Begova Čorba (Bey’s soup)

A rich chicken and okra stew often served as a comforting starter.

Tufahija

Poached apple stuffed with walnuts and topped with whipped cream, a classic Bosnian dessert.

Bosnian coffee

Strong, thick coffee served in a džezva with a glass of water and lokum (Turkish delight).

Koljivo (or Baklava)

Sweet pastries like baklava are common in bakeries and cafés across the city.

Day trips

Mostar

A 2–3 hour drive or bus ride to admire the famous Ottoman Stari Most bridge and a picturesque old town.

Jajce

A historic town with a dramatic waterfall in the old town and a well-preserved medieval fortress about two hours away.

Ski resorts on Igman and Bjelašnica

Short drives from Sarajevo offering winter skiing, snowboarding, and Olympic venues for day trips.

Insider tips

  • Carry some BAM cash for market stalls and small cafés.
  • Try to learn a few Bosnian phrases—simple greetings are appreciated.
  • Check opening hours—museums and shops may close midday or on Sundays.
  • Be mindful of helmet and gear if mountain biking or hiking on Trebević trails.
  • Sample street food at lunchtime when ćevapi and burek are freshest.
  • Use official taxis or reputable apps and confirm the fare before starting.

Traveler reviews

4.8
★★★★★
5 traveler reviews
L
Liam K.
Ireland
★★★★★
last month

Wandered the Baščaršija bazaar and kept finding tiny cafés serving the strongest, best coffee I've had in Europe — perfect spot for people-watching and cheap, delicious burek.

A
Ana P.
Portugal
★★★★★
2 weeks ago

The combination of Ottoman-era streets, Austro-Hungarian architecture and the river running through the city gives Sarajevo an intimate, layered feel that I couldn't stop photographing.

M
Mikhail S.
Russia
★★★★★
March 2026

Local guides were incredibly knowledgeable and open about the city's history; the Tunnel Museum and the surrounding hills offer a moving perspective and striking views.

S
Sara L.
United States
★★★★☆
last week

Loved the food scene—cevapi and homemade jams at the market were highlights—but a few streets felt a bit worn and could use better signage for tourists.

E
Elena N.
Italy
★★★★★
two months ago

Friendly people, lively cafés and affordable wine made evenings here effortlessly charming; the sunset over the hills from Yellow Fortress was unforgettable.

Good to know — FAQ

Do I need a visa to visit Sarajevo?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality—many Western countries have visa-free access for short stays; check your government’s travel website before booking.
Is English widely spoken?
English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and by younger people, but learning basic Bosnian phrases helps in markets and with older residents.
Can I drink the tap water?
Tap water in Sarajevo is generally safe, but many visitors prefer bottled water—ask locally if staying in remote accommodations.
How easy is it to get around by public transport?
Sarajevo has a reliable tram and bus network for central and suburban travel; buy tickets at kiosks or via apps and validate when boarding.

Find the best places, ranked

Top food, cafés, nightlife and sights in any city — all free in the Tripmi app.

Popular destinations

🌐Use Tripmi free online