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History casts a large shadow over Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Yes, some of the best things to do in Sarajevo let you explore the seismic historical events that are associated with the city. But visitors are missing out if they don’t move past this history to see just how culturally exciting and downright beautiful Sarajevo can be, from its hilltop viewpoints and the Miljacka riverfront, to the endless old-fashioned stores and cafés of Bascarsija Bazaar.
Summer's June–August, as well as the months on either side, offer the best weather for sightseeing in Sarajevo. Summer is also a lively time to be in the city, with prominent events such as the Baščaršija Nights cultural festival and Sarajevo Film Festival creating buzz for much of the season. Even though this is generally the busiest time of year for tourism, Sarajevo doesn’t suffer the kinds of crowds some European capitals do.
Getting from one end of Sarajevo to the other would take a long time on foot. So while you can easily walk around the city’s old town, it’s better to take advantage of Sarajevo’s public transport, made up of trams, buses, and trolleybuses. You’ll likely find the city’s trams to be the most useful way to get around, with the tram lines following the river from the modern center up and around the old town.
There’s no better spot for enjoying views of the city, especially at sunset, than from the walls of the Yellow Fortress in the neighborhood of Kovači. While there’s a café in the fortress, locals tend to bring their own food and drink up with them. Alternatively, take the gondola up to the Trebević station for the panorama across the whole city.
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Sarajevo is best known as the city where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated by student revolutionaries in 1914. This moment in history is important as it is widely regarded as the inciting incident for World War I, and it overshadows the rest of the city’s long and complex history.
...MoreYes, Sarajevo is a good place for tourists to visit. It appeals to travelers interested in history, culture, and food, and it's also not as overcrowded as Europe’s hot spots. This means you'll spend more time doing things and not waiting in line.
...MoreYes, three days in Sarajevo is plenty of time for tourists to visit the city, see its main attractions, and experience the local culture. Two days in Sarajevo is generally enough, so having three days gives you the opportunity to take a day trip to elsewhere in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
...MoreYes, Sarajevo is a city where it’s possible to safely and comfortably walk around, with plenty of sidewalks and pedestrian streets available. However, the city is stretched out along a valley, so it would take quite some time to reach parts of Sarajevo on foot beyond its old town area.
...MoreNo, Sarajevo is one of the most affordable cities in the Balkans, let alone Europe. The price of food, accommodations, and entry fees to attractions are quite reasonable relative to most major European cities. You can still find ways to spend money in Sarajevo, but your dollar will go further.
...MoreYes, it’s best to have cash on hand while in Sarajevo. While credit cards are generally accepted at many hotels and restaurants, you’ll still want to have some convertible marks—the currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina—with you for smaller expenses, such as tram tickets or shopping at markets or convenience stores.
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