If you're wondering whether Sarajevo is worth visiting, you've come to the right place. In this article, I will explain why your trip to Sarajevo will be a great tourism experience. 

Sarajevo is known for its delicious food, rich coffee culture, and friendly locals. You can find amazing coffee throughout the city, but Baščaršija (the central market) in the Ottoman quarter is an excellent place to start. Whether you sit at a local road-side kiosk or in a trendy café like Fabrika Coffee, the coffee experience will be special.

Sarajevo is definitely worth a visit. You will fall in love with the charming old town, the friendly coffee culture, and the unique blend of architectural styles that date back to different periods in the city’s rich history. It might even become your favorite city in the entire Balkans!

Reasons Why Sarajevo is Worth Visiting

Sarajevo is famous for being a beautiful city rich in history, and it is considered an affordable tourist destination! Let’s delve into the details...

Sarajevo is Affordable

If you're traveling on a budget (or just want your money to stretch further), Sarajevo should be at the top of your list of European cities to visit. With rooms starting at 20 Bosnian marks (10 euros) and meal prices rarely exceeding 10 Bosnian marks (5 euros), your biggest expense will likely be your flight (you can use Skyscanner to find the best rates).

Must-See Attractions and Inspiring History

My trip to Sarajevo was very impactful. Sarajevo was the site of one of the worst and most severe wartime events in modern Europe: the Siege of Sarajevo and the genocide in the 1990s. Parts of the city serve as a living museum of history, and you can take walking tours to see areas with bullet holes and mortar explosion sites known as "Sarajevo Roses."

Delicious Cuisine

During your tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina, you’ll find dishes like burek (savory pastry), ćevapi (grilled sausages with bread and onions), and sweet baklava. As a break from the heavy Balkan cuisine, restaurants like Klopa and Apetit offer good Western options, especially if you’re looking for vegetarian choices. I enjoyed dining at the Falafel restaurant for lunch—sit by the window for a view of the mosque while you eat!

Talk to the locals during your city tour to find the best coffee spots. People here are very generous with their time, even when discussing the recent tragic history (which many residents still remember well). Talking about the war can be a sensitive topic, but if you find a local willing to discuss it, you’ll be in for a powerful and moving conversation.

Striking Architecture and Cultural Gems

From Austro-Hungarian palaces to communist apartment blocks and grand Ottoman mosques, Sarajevo’s rich history is evident even before you learn about Bosnia and Herzegovina's past. This can be seen in the various architectural styles that make Sarajevo unique.

Several countries have played a role in Sarajevo’s history, leaving their mark. With different eras came different religions; you’ll find stunning mosques, churches, and synagogues side by side. Among the most beautiful sites are the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Ashkenazi Synagogue, and the Sacred Heart Cathedral.

Handicrafts

While exploring Sarajevo, keep an eye out for street art and a range of handmade handicraft stalls. Although some of these handmade goods are clearly touristy, visiting Sarajevo to see metalworkers on Kazandžiluk Street, the oldest street in the city, is well worth it. This craft has been practiced here since the 16th century.

Walking-Friendly City

Sarajevo may not be the biggest or most bustling European capital, but this adds to its charm. Most main attractions are within walking distance as you wander through the alleys and side streets. In fact, the beautiful bazaar area is completely closed to vehicle traffic.

Having all the major sights within a few steps from your hotel makes tourism in Sarajevo a great option and a very convenient destination. It requires little effort, and you rarely need to book restaurants or attractions in advance.

Free Tours

Although finding your way around on your own is easy, I highly recommend taking a free walking tour, such as the Meet Bosnia Free Tour, which runs daily at 10:30 AM and 3:00 PM.

Safety for Solo Travelers

Sarajevo is a tourist-friendly city with many attractions, tours, and English-speaking locals who make you feel at home. Hostels and hotels are used to welcoming foreign tourists and will be happy to chat with you, perhaps even over a cup of coffee. For a young woman traveling alone, a good reason to visit Sarajevo is that it is a safe city with low crime rates.

Highlights of Sarajevo Tourism

Visiting the Tunnel of Hope

This tunnel was used to smuggle food and weapons into the capital and transport people out during the siege of the city by the Bosnian Serb army for 1,425 days.

Watching the Sunset from Yellow Fortress

One of the best viewpoints in the city. On the way, you will pass through the Kovači Cemetery, where you can honor the memory of those lost during the war in the 1990s.

Riding the Cable Car to Mount Trebević

Explore the graffiti-covered, abandoned bobsled track used in the 1984 Winter Olympics.

Yugoslavia Fall Tour

An impactful and intense tour led by a local guide that showcases the city's history.

Srebrenica Tour

Visit the site of the genocide against Bosniak Muslims. Although it is a difficult experience, it is essential for understanding the region's history.

Visiting the Many Exhibitions and Museums in Sarajevo

Exploring Sarajevo on Foot

Walking is the most convenient and enjoyable way to experience the city. Its narrow streets and winding alleys make it easy to navigate and reach the main tourist attractions.

Using Local Buses

While walking is the best way to get around Sarajevo, I used local buses for travel in the Balkans (including from Sarajevo to Mostar) and found the experience easy and safe. The buses were not luxurious but felt secure.

Easy Connections to Beautiful Balkan Cities and Beyond
If you decide to venture away from the walkable center of Sarajevo, there are plenty of things to see in the nearby areas. Central bus and train stations provide easy access to other great destinations across the Balkans.

Popular Day Trips

The most famous day trip is to Mostar, a historical gem filled with cobbled alleys and friendly street markets, all leading to the main landmark, the Stari Most (Old Bridge), a 16th-century stone bridge overlooking the striking Neretva River. This bridge is one of the most photographed sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina and is just a two-hour scenic bus or train ride from Sarajevo.

Traveling to Distant Destinations

You can take buses to Zagreb and Vienna or use other transportation methods. Sarajevo is also only 9 km from its nearest airport, which offers international flights to major cities in Europe and the Middle East, including Frankfurt, Vienna, Istanbul, and Zagreb. Additionally, there are over 200 weekly flights between London and Sarajevo, making it an easily accessible destination for British travelers.

Festivals in Sarajevo

Tourism in Sarajevo is a unique experience due to the city's cultural diversity and rich history. It also features a variety of annual festivals that attract visitors from all over. Here’s a look at three of the most notable festivals held in Sarajevo throughout the year:

International Winter Festival

This festival is one of the major events in Bosnia and Herzegovina, taking place in February. It attracts large crowds and offers numerous film, theater, and musical performances, reflecting the spirit of art and culture in Sarajevo and adding to the appeal of tourism in the city during winter.

Baščaršija Nights Festival

This cultural festival lasts for an entire month, featuring over 40 different events and honoring many cultural institutions and prominent figures. It showcases the cultural diversity and rich heritage of the city, making it a major attraction for tourism in Sarajevo.

Sarajevo Film Festival

Held in August, this festival showcases a wide range of free films and brings together many artists from around the world. It is a prominent event in the city’s cultural agenda, enhancing the allure of tourism in Sarajevo during the summer and allowing visitors to enjoy a unique cinematic experience.

In summary, festivals in Sarajevo are an integral part of the city's culture and social life, significantly contributing to the promotion of tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Whether you are seeking a rich cultural experience or wish to enjoy the arts and music, Sarajevo offers all that and more through its unique festivals.

Conclusion - Sarajevo Tourism

Although hearing stories of war in Sarajevo can be difficult, the tours and historical sites are treated with sensitivity and compassion. By engaging with the generous locals and their willingness to share their stories, you will also find the best of humanity.