THINGS TO DO IN SARAJEVO

Sarajevo is one of the most unique cities in Europe, to the point sometimes it doesn’t feel European at all. Known as the Jerusalem of Europe, cultures and religions peacefully coexist in this city. All trying to overcome the recent scars of the Bosnian war, the worst tragedy in Europe since World War II. In Sarajevo you’ll find Ottoman bazaars, Austro Hungarian palaces, Jewish cemeteries, mosques, cathedrals, and some of the best balkan cuisine. Sarajevo is the place where the east meets the west, and thus the things to do in Sarajevo are endless. 

Don’t be overwhelmed though. This Sarajevo travel guide includes all the must see Sarajevo tourist attractions to help you prepare the perfect Sarajevo itinerary. The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its 275,000 inhabitants are waiting for you. Get ready to learn from the tragedy, enjoy the remains of its glorious times, love the hospitality of its locals. 

Your Sarajevo visit will always be a special memory. One that can perfectly be paired with a road trip along the best places to visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which should definitely include Mostar. If you have more time to explore the Balkans, Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Albania are also stunning destinations. And some of my favorite spots in Europe.

Best things to do in Sarajevo Old Town

1. Join a walking tour

The city of Sarajevo isn’t huge and one can perfectly wander around most Sarajevo sights on their own. However, there’s so much history hidden behind the Sarajevo places to visit that having an expert local guide show you around makes a huge difference. Therefore, I strongly recommend taking a walking tour around Sarajevo old city to turn your Sarajevo tourism into a completely different experience. 

Taking a walking tour is one of the best things to do in Sarajevo old town as it helps getting oriented in the city. It’s the perfect way to understand which streets represent the western culture and which belong to the east, while hearing personal stories of locals and getting food recommendations. 

There’s tours to fit every traveler and budget. Some are free, others require payment. Some are private, others in a group and make the perfect place to meet fellow travelers. You can find my favorite tours of Sarajevo here.

2. Enjoy Bascarsija, Sarajevo’s main square

Bascarsija is the main square in Old Town Sarajevo, a name shared with the city’s Old Bazaar. It’s a melting point of cultures that couldn’t feel further from the average main square in a European capital. An exotic spot where time seems to have stopped and that will delight those who visit Sarajevo. 

The square hosts many restaurants and shops of both Eastern European and Turkish influences. Here you’ll find the famous Sebilj fountain and surrounded by hundreds of pigeons you’ll get to spot a mosque, an orthodox church, a catholic church, and a synagogue. 

From Bascarsija one can walk between two worlds, as one side of the square represents the Asutrohungarian past of the city while the other looks very Ottoman. Thus, on one side you’ll see churches and neo-classical buildings, and on the other mosques and byzantine-style buildings. Definitely a must among what to see in Sarajevo.

3. Drink from the Sebilj Fountain

The Sebilj Fountain is one of the most iconic landmarks in Sarajevo and thus one of the Sarajevo attractions not to miss. You’ll find it in the middle of Bascarsija, the main square in Old Town Sarajevo, surrounded by hundreds of pigeons and tourists taking pictures with them. Rumor has it that if you drink water from this fountain you’ll definitely return to Sarajevo one day.  

Sebiljs are traditional Ottoman fountains. There used to be many in Sarajevo and every town across the Ottoman Empire, especially in cross roads and squares. Locals used them for drinking and purification before prayers. However, this is now the only remaining Sebilj in town. 

Although it’s not the original one from 1753, as it was lost over 100 years ago in a fire, the current Sebilj resembles its predecessor. It’s a domed pavilion made of wood and stone, topped with a clue dome. And offers fresh drinking water to locals and tourists, which is always great when doing some Sarajevo sightseeing under the sunshine. I wish there were that many fountains in Sarajevo as in Yerevan, Armenia.

4. Shop at the Local market

One of the best things to do in Sarajevo is to soak up the atmosphere of its old bazaar. A perfect place to people-watch, take pictures, chat with locals, and shop. This part of the old town is a proper maze of lively cobbled streets of shops selling jewellery, pottery, metals, handicrafts, rugs, and souvenirs. Yes, as if you were in Morocco or exploring a proper Turkish market.

The bazaar dates back from the mid-15th century, the Ottoman times, and remains Sarajevo’s historical and cultural center. There used to be a caravanserai, but now only some bits of its original structure remain. The bazaar, although quite touristic, is also a great place to drink some bosnian coffee and sample local delicacies such as burek and cevapcici. I’ll tell you about these later, yet if you are curious check out this post on the best food to try in Kosovo where they are also popular.

5. Visit Gazi Husrev-beg mosque

Gazi Husrev is the largest mosque in Bosnia Herzegovina. It was built in 1532 in early Istambul style and gifted to the city by the Ottoman hero Husrev-beg. Although the mosque was severely damaged during the war, its reconstruction was a priority in honour of its cultural significance. 

The national monument is a functioning mosque yet it’s open to visitors during specific times. Make sure to explore its beautiful courtyard and fountain, but also the delicate interiors decorated with Islamic patterns and domes. And the nearby madrasa, which holds an exhibition on Gazi Husrev-beg’s personal story. 

Visiting hours tend to be 9-12.30pm, 2-3.30pm, and 4.30-6.30pm. Tickets cost less than $2 and will allow visitors to explore both the mosque and the madrassa. Make sure to include this iconic mosque among your things to see in Sarajevo.

6. Admire the City Hall

The city hall is one of the most impressive buildings in the city. Which makes it a must see for everyone visiting Sarajevo. It stands next to River Miljacka, in the old town, and you’ll recognize it because it somehow looks like a fancy cake. 

Known as Vijećnica, this masterpiece of Austrohungarian architecture, quite unique within the city, dates from 1898. It was badly destroyed during the war. Back then, locals used it as a temporary national library hosting the country’s most important books. To the point snippers set it on fire in 1992, with many locals risking their life to save the books. 

The city hall was extensively renovated in 2014. One can now enjoy its wood carvings, painted walls, archways, staircases and ceilings from 10am to 5pm for $5. Regardless of whether you venture inside or stay outdoors, admiring the city hall is one of the best things to do in Sarajevo.

7. Feel at the centre of Europe on the Latin Bridge

Sarajevo is worldwide famous for being the starting point of World War I. On 28 June 1914, right on Sarajevo’s Latin Bridge, the Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife, heirs to the Austro-Hungarian empire, were assassinated by the serb-bosnian student Gavrilo Princip. This led to Austria declaring war on Serbia, with several European countries joining each side of the battle, and developing into World War I. Therefore, standing on the Latin bridge, the very spot where this critical historical event happened, should be in every list of Sarajevo things to do. 

Since then, the Latin bridge is one of the most famous bridges of Sarajevo. There’s a plaque commemorating the event on the wall of the Sarajevo Museum, which is next to the Latin Bridge. To support Serbia during the war, the bridge was renamed as Princip’s Bridge in 1918. A name that remained in use until 1993 during the Bosnia war against Serbia.

Regardless of its major historical relevance, exploring the Latin Bridge is also one of the best things to do in Sarajevo due to its architectural beauty. The Ottoman built the bridge in the mid-16th century to connect the right bank of Miljacka river with Sarajevo’s catholic quarter, known as Latinluk at the time. It’s the oldest remaining bridge in the city and has survived many floodings, so don’t miss it when exploring Sarajevo.

8. Find the Sarajevo roses

Sarajevo is packed with remnants of the war. Among them, the most popular and heartbreaking ones are the so-called roses of Sarajevo. These commemorate every place where bombshells killed a local and then splashed onto the ground. The crater-like holes on the pavement left by the bombshells are now filled with resin and painted in the form of roses, the roses of Sarajevo. Thus, at every rose at least one person lost their life due to a bomb.

These memorials are slowly disappearing as the streets are being rebranded and rebuilt, yet there’s over 100 of them still remaining. The largest one is in front of the Catholic Cathedral on Ferhadija street. Make sure to include it among your Sarajevo places to visit.

9. Explore the Sacred Heart Cathedral

Sarajevo’s Sacred Heart Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Bosnia Herzegovina, which makes it one of the best places to visit in Bosnia and a Srajevo must see spot. Right at the entrance you’ll find a statue of Pope John II, who visited the place in 1996 and 2003. 

This cathedral from the 19th century, which remains an active place of worship, is a great example of Byzantine architecture. The Austro Hungarian architect Josip Vancaš designed it to resemble neo gothic European cathedrals and decorated it with wood carvings, gorgeous frescos, stained glass windows, and vaulted ceilings. Its twin towers and rose window will welcome you from 9am to 5.30pm Tuesday to Sunday.

10. Pay your respects at the Eternal Flame

Sarajevo’s Eternal Flame, also known as Vjecna Vatra, burns continuously since 1946 in remembrance of the military and civilian victims of World War II in Sarajevo. However, since the Bosnia war, it also symbolizes the city’s resistance and resilience to adversity and has become a symbol of peace and hope for better times. 

This landmark of Sarajevo’s cultural identity reminds visitors of the many lives lost at war and how these will never be forgotten. Thus, paying your respects at the eternal flame is one of the nice things to do in Sarajevo.

11. Listen to the Clock Tower

During the Ottoman empire the lands of Bosnia and Herzegovina hosted over 20 clock towers. Nowadays, only Sarajevo’s clock tower remains intact and admiring the same is one of the best things to do in Sarajevo. 

What makes this clock tower so special is that it’s the only public clock in the world showing the lunar time. The clock mechanism, which is set manually, is designed by the British company Gillett & Bland. They are also responsible for the clock on London’s Big Ben, which makes them brother clock towers. What a unique sight to include in your list of what to do in Sarajevo.

12. Go to the farmers market

Note down this name if you love exploring local farmers market when traveling: Gradska Trznica. Here you’ll find the freshest produce from the Balkans, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, meat, and dairy. This is where locals go shopping. Thus, it’s a perfect place to bargain, sample some treats for free, and soak in the local culture. 

However, life in Sarajevo has not always been that nice and this market is the very palace where dozens of bosnian citizens lost their lives in two deadly attacks during the city’s siege. You’ll see a monument commemorating the events at the entrance of the market.

Best museums to visit in Sarajevo

13. Walk the Sarajevo War Tunnel

Visiting the Sarajevo War Tunnel, now turned into a museum, is one of the best things to do in Sarajevo. Here you’ll learn about the recent Bosnian war. And get a glimpse into what life at the time must have felt. Among the things to see in Bosnia, this museum will always stay in your mind. So grab $5.5 and make your way into it, anyday from 9am to 5pm. 

The city of Sarajevo was under siege by the Serbian forces for nearly four years. The siege separated the city from any other Bosnian-controlled territory. Thus, it was not possible for Bosniacs to get nor get out of the city. Nor, even most importantly, to get food, medicines and weapons from abroad. In a desperate attempt to survive, back in march 1993, citizens of Sarajevo began the construction of an underground tunnel to connect the city and its airport, controlled by the UN.

This way, they could secure the passage of food, aid, medicines, and artillery, which were crucial to the survival of Sarajevo’s Bosniak residents. The man-made tunnel was over 800 meters long, took four months to build, and changed life in the city so much it was renamed as tunnel of hope. 

The Sarajevo War tunnel museum showcases interesting footage from the tunnel’s construction and relics from the war. Yet, its highlight is entering a 20 meters section of the tunnel itself, which is such a unique experience if you can handle the claustrophobia.

14. Visit the Jewish Museum

During the 16th century, when jews were suffering from persecution in many parts of Eruope and massively fleeing to safer lands such as Marrakech and Fes, Sarajevo was happy to welcome many of them. 

Nowadays, in Satajevo’s Jewish museum, held in a 16th century Synagogue located next door to a fully operating one, you’ll find exhibits from many jewish families that settled in Sarajevo and explanations on how their lives went on. Definitely an interesting place to visit in Sarajevo for those interested in cultural and religious heritages.

15. Learn from Gallery 11/07/95

Gallery 11/07/1995 is a memorial museum in Sarajevo that commemorates the tragedy of Srebrenica, considered the worst atrocity in Euronext since World War II. Srebrenica is a town in the East of Bosnia where on July 11, 1995 over 8,000 muslim men and boys were killed by the Serbian Forces in what’s been considered an ethnic cleansing. 

This gallery is open daily from 10am to 8pm and its entrance fee is $6.70. Here you’ll find plenty of personal artifacts, documents and images of the tragedy along with testimonials of the women who lost their male family members there. Although truly heartbreaking, the gallery’s content is in no way overly graphic nor violent. The museum is a place for remembrance and reflection and a reminder of the importance of peace. Thus, visiting this gallery is one of the most moving things to do in Sarajevo.

16. Leave your message at the museum of Crimes Against Humanity

The museum of crimes against humanity is dedicated to the many terrible crimes committed across the country during the war in Bosnia. Along with its consequences and why these should never happen again. It showcases many pictures and footage from the war, along with personal testimonials and relics from the time. It’s a small gallery and won’t take long to explore. 

My favorite part was the message wall. There, everyone can leave their views on the conflict and wishes for a better future in colorful post-its. Check out my Instagram for a photo of same. The museum is open daily from 9am to 7pm and the entrance fee is below $6.

17. Visit Museum of Sarajevo 1878-1918

The Museum of Sarajevo 1878-1918 focuses on the Austro-Hungarian times of the country. Here you’ll find plenty of information about life in Bosnia in the late 19th and early 20th century. The museum also showcases relics from the country’s monarchy days, including photographs, documents, and clothing. 

Additionally, as the museum is located right by the Latin bridge, the palace of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, a replica (yes, the original is held in Vienna’s Museum of Military History) of the gun used for the murder is also on display. One can visit the Museum of Sarajevo 1878-1819 on weekdays from 10am to 6pm and on Saturdays form 10am to 3pm. The entrance fee is $2.20.

18. Admire the National Museum of Bosnia Herzegovina

The National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina has nothing to do with the country’s recent war.  On the contrary, it’s similar to the National Museum one can find in every country’s capital city as it showcases the best of the national archeology, ethnology, and natural history. 

This National Museum, which happens to be the oldest museum in the country, is open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 7pm and on weekends from 10am to 6pm. The entrance fee is $4.5, which goes down half if visiting in the last hour of the day. Make sure to include it among your list of things to do in Sarajevo if you are interested in ancient findings, flora, and fauna.

Best viewpoints in Sarajevo

19. Watch sunset from the Yellow Fortress

The Yellow Fortress is the most popular sunset spot in Sarajevo, loved by locals and tourists alike. This fortress, built in 1739 to defend the city from potential invasions has also served as storage facility for weapons and prison and is now a small museum on Sarajevo’s history and its defence. 

However, nowadays this historic fortification is a popular place for picnics and a valued venue for concerts and festivals. Enjoying its stunning gardens, the beautiful yellow stones of its walls, and its breathtaking views over the city at sunset is definitely one of the best things to do in Sarajevo.

20. Take the cable car to Mount Trebevic

Trebevic is a 1,617 meter-high mountain on the southeast of Sarajevo easily accessible from the old town by cable car or taxi. One can also hike up, yet this is a demanding one that will last over 3 hours. The views from the top of Mount Trebevic are stunning, and so are from the cable car. Thus, making it to the top of Mount Trebevic is one of the best things to do in Sarajevo. 

The cable car ride takes 9 minutes per way and costs $8 per way or $11 return. The service is operational from 10am Mondays and Tuesdays and from 9am Wednesday to Sunday, until 8pm. Alternatively, or after-hours, a taxi will take you up or down in half an hour.

21. Get to the top of Avaz Twist Tower

The Avaz Twist Tower is a modern skyscraper in Sarajevo hosting high bar and an observation desk with awesome 180 degree views over the city. This 176-metre tower is the tallest skyscraper in the Balkans and a must see in Sarajevo for architecture lovers. 

If you’d like to enjoy Sarajevo from above, take the elevator to Avaz’s 35th floor and order some food or drinks. Or, even better, pay the small entrance fee and take the stairs further up an extra floor to the observatory desk. A view you won’t forget, especially at sunset.

22. Walk around the Jewish Cemetery

Sarajevo’s Old Jewish Cemetery is the second largest and oldest Jewish cemetery in Europe, just behind the one in Prague. It dates back to 1630 and hosts over 4,000 tombs, of which some are really unique and make one of the most unusual places to visit in Sarajevo. Plus it’s free to visit and open 24/7. 

The cemetery, located on the slopes of Trebevic mountain, offers beautiful views over the city and makes a great viewpoint. To the point it was a major snipers location during the siege. Like Kovači Memorial Cemetery, it’s a great spot for a reflexive walk and remembrance. Additionally, the Old Jewish Cemetery is on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a national monument in Bosnia Herzegovina, which makes it one of the unmissable places to visit in Sarajevo.

23. Hike to the White Bastion

Another great viewpoint from where to enjoy stunning views of Sarajevo is the White Fortress, also known as White Bastion. It’s only 3 minutes drive and 15 minutes walk away from the Yellow Bastion, so once you’ve reached the latter making it to the former ain’t tough. 

The White Fortress is from the 16th century and has protected the city for centuries. Despite being mostly in ruins there’s an entrance fee of $5 to access the area. 

24. Wander around the Kovači Memorial Cemetery

The Kovači Memorial Cemetery is the main cemetery in Sarajevo for Bosnian soldiers and civil war victims. During the Siege of Sarajevo the city was hit by over 300 grenades a day which killed over 11,500 citizens. Most of them are buried in this cemetery, known as Sarajevo’s Martyrs’ Cemetery. Alija Izetbegović, first president of the Yugoslav republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is also buried here. 

The cemetery is close to the old town and accessible on a 10-minute walk from the Latin Bridge. Yet, as it’s on the hill surrounding the Yellow Bastion it offers beautiful views over the city. The cemetery also makes a great place for a relaxing walk and a time of remembrance. It’s free to visit and open 24/7. 

25. Discover the Olympics bobsleigh track

Sarajevo hosted the Winter Olympic Games back in 1984 and the city still hosts some remnants from the competition. To many, exploring sem-abandoned olympic facilities is one of the best things to do in Sarajevo. This is what you need to know if you’d like to join them.

Among them, the most famous Olympic heritage to visit in Sarajevo is the bobsleigh track, which also happens to be a cool viewpoint over the city. This track stands at the top of Mount Trebevic and is now significant sports and history wise. That’s because Bosnian Serb forces used it as an artillery position during Sarajevo’s Siege.

Despite the damage, it’s possible to walk the length of the track and discover the many colorful graffiti locals have painted on it. It’s about 1km long, which should take around 20 minutes per way. Expect plenty of overgrown grass and abandoned ex-Olympic buildings in the area as well. And don’t forget to lookout for the old Olympics map and the pictures of Vucko, the game’s mascot.

To get here, take the cable car up to Mount Trebevic and hike down for about 10 minutes. The place is free to visit and never crowded, so look after yourself when exploring the area as it’s quite an off the beaten path tourist spot in Sarajevo.

Best food to try in Sarajevo

26. Indulge in lots of Burek

Burek is a must try dish in Bosnia, and one you might find yourself craving when back home. This Ottoman dish is a golden crispy savoury round pastry with a filling of with minced meat, spinach, and/or cheese. 

Although most consider it street food and it’s widely available in bakeries and local food stalls, many restaurants prepare delicate versions of burek. Indulge in as many as you can for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as an all-day snack. Dervoz Buregsinica, Pita Isapod Saca, and Buregodzinica Bosna are some of the best places in Sarajevo Old Town where to grab some.

27. Sample some Cevapci

Cevapci, or cevapcici, is Bosnia and Herzegovina’s national dish and one you should definitely try when exploring the country. It consists of grilled skinless sausages made of spiced minced meat, usually served with pitta bread and onions.

This fast food dish is available throughout the city and usually very cheap. It’s usually eaten as a take out, yte some restaurants also offer it with plenty of chips and sauces. I’d recommend trying it in Cevabdzinica Petica Ferhatovic, Cevabdzinica Zeljo, or Cevabdzinica Nune, to mention a few nice ones. If you’ve had Cevapi in several Balkan countries, I’d love to know which one served your favourite.

28. Treat yourself to Baklava

Blaklava is the ultimate sweet treat to try in Sarajevo. This Ottoman sweet consists of many layers of filo pastry stuffed with nuts and covered with honey. Thus, it’s crunchy, sweet, sticky, nutty, and packed with flavour.

Traditional flavours include almond, walnut, chestnut, and pistachio. Yet, modern bakers make it with chocolate, caramel and even a side of ice-cream. Either way, eating fresh homemade Baklava is reason enough to justify a trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina and definitely one of the best things to do when visit Sarajevo.

29. Drink Bosnian Coffee

Coffee in Bosnia is a symbol of pride and hospitality and having some in Sarajevo’s Old Town is almost a rite of passage. Although not exactly Turkish Coffee, the Ottoman influences are evident over Bosnia’s coffee culture. Some stores even ground and blend their coffee beans on the street, to then prepare the drink on traditional coffee sets made out of copper and beautifully decorated. 

Locals like it packed with sugar, and some even tend to put a cube of sugar in their mouths and drink their coffee through it. Sarajevo is home to many old, modern, and fancy coffee houses. Walk around, choose a coffee house, and enjoy.

30. Try local Beer

Sarajevska Pivara is Sarajevo’s local beer, brewed right in the middle of the city in a beautiful old building packed with history that makes a must visit spot for beer lovers visiting Sarajevo. Founded in 1864, this factory making both dark and light beers is the oldest in the country and was operative during both the Ottoman and the Austro-Hungarian times.

Its red walls can be spotted from most of Sarajevo. Something in this city can only mean the building played an important part during the siege. In this instance, because the brewery was one of the very few sources of fresh water in the city, which made it an appealing target for both spinners and shelling. 

Nowadays, the factory also features an onsite museum and a restaurant, in fact one of the fanciest in Sarajevo. And there’s no better place in town to enjoy a pint. The museum is open Tuesday-Friday from 12 noon till 6pm and from 10am to 6pm on weekends. The entrance fee is below $2 and it showcases the design, production, packaging, and bottling of its beer. Thus, I’d strongly recommend it to any beer lover.

Recap on the best things to do in Sarajevo

Sarajevo is, without a doubt, a very unique city. Standing in Sarajevo you’ll feel you are walking between two worlds, the East and the West. Here you’ll find beautiful Habsburg buildings and churches, but also stunning Ottoman constructions and mosques. The bazaar and the modern parks, the coffee and the rakia, the fluffy burke and the skyscrapers, all of the define Sarajevo and its very own contrasts.

Those visiting Sarajevo will enjoy architecture, nature, food, and history. At the end of the day, very few cities have been showcased on the media for such different reasons as Sarajevo. A places known for being the starting point of World War I, hosting the Olympic Games, and suffering a terrible civil war in just a few decades. The remains of all these are now part of every Sarajevo itinerary, and you’ll definitely enjoy them in this beautiful city.

Thus, regardless of your interests as a traveler, you’ll find plenty of interesting things to do in Sarajevo. Hope this post helps you tailor your perfect Sarajevo holiday. If you have any questions I can help with, leave a comment or reach out on Instagram or Tiktok. Happy travels.