Old town architecture of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Things to do in  Sarajevo

Big history in a small city

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.

Top 5 attractions in Sarajevo

Latin Bridge (Latinska Ćuprija)

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Crossing the Miljacka River and leading into the old town of Sarajevo, the Latin Bridge is an elegant fixture of Sarajevo’s scenic riverfront. But what draws so many visitors to this Ottoman landmark is its part in world history as the site where Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated, instigating the events of World War I.More

Sarajevo Tunnel (Tunel Spasa)

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The Sarajevo Tunnel was a lifeline to the outside world during the years-long siege of Sarajevo. During the war, the Bosnian army smuggled food and supplies through the tunnel. Today, the small museum serves as a memorial to those difficult times, with information boards, video presentations, and audio guides depicting life under siege.More

Bascarsija Bazaar

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Bascarsija Bazaar, the Ottoman-era marketplace of Sarajevo, is a lively hub of activity in the city’s old town, Stari Grad. Crowded streets lined with traditional and souvenir shops, a broad selection of cultural landmarks, and the ornate Sebilj fountain help make this one of Sarajevo’s most popular attractions, no matter your interests.More

Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque

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The Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque is an oasis of calm compared to the busy streets of Sarajevo’s surrounding Old Town. Except, that is, during prayer times when its courtyard fills with people. Since the 16th century, it has been the main and largest mosque for Sarajevo, although only its exterior and ornate well retain their Ottoman design.More

National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Zemaljski Muzej)

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Housed by a collection of neoclassical buildings in central Sarajevo, the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the largest museum in the country—and one of the largest in the Balkans. Exhibitions at this long-standing museum cover archaeology, ethnology, and natural sciences, but the star attraction is the Sarajevo Haggadah illuminated manuscript.More

Top activities in Sarajevo

Sarajevo Grand Walking Tour

Sarajevo Grand Walking Tour

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All about Sarajevo

When to visit

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 around

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.

Traveler tips

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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People Also Ask

What is Sarajevo known for?

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.

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Is Sarajevo good for tourists?

Yes, 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.

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Is 3 days enough in Sarajevo?

Yes, 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.

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Is Sarajevo a walkable city?

Yes, 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.

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Is Sarajevo an expensive city?

No, 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.

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Do I need cash in Sarajevo?

Yes, 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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Frequently Asked Questions
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