A Guide to Sarajevo: Best Things to Do

Sarajevo is filled with amazing things to do. It’s a meeting space of cultures. In some very obvious ways, it mirrors the east-meets-west experience of Istanbul. However, it’s much smaller and easier to get around.

While the Siege of Sarajevo has left literal and figurative scars on the city, you’ll find that this Balkans capital can hold its own as a travel destination. Whether you’re interested in art or culture or history or modern events and the complexities of international relations, Sarajevo has something for you. 

Mostar might get most of the attention when it comes to travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina, with pictures of the famous Stari Most Bridge unavoidable whenever you’re looking to visit the country. But Sarajevo offers many things that you shouldn’t miss if you’re traveling to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Things to do in Sarajevo

After a road trip through Bosnia and Herzegovina, I spent my last days in the country finding things to do in Sarajevo. I’ve compiled some of the best, including personal favorites and others I’d like to do next time. Check out the guide below for travel inspiration if you’re headed to Sarajevo.

Do a city tour

I cannot recommend this enough. With a plethora of free walking tours and other more extensive city tours, this is one thing you cannot miss in Sarajevo. Of course you can discover most of the city on your own. But a city tour with a knowledgeable guide is worth so much more.

Sarajevo has endured some tremendous historical moments, from the assassination of Franz Ferdinand and the start of World War I to the Sarajevo Winter Olympics while part of Yugoslavia to the Siege of Sarajevo during the Bosnian War. 

You’ll greatly come to appreciate this city when you get a chance to learn about it from a local Sarajevo resident. Again, this is one of the best things you can do when visiting Sarajevo.

After the tour, you’ll also have seen several of the sites I mention below. It’ll definitely be worth spending a morning doing an organized tour.

The Hope Tunnel

The Hope Tunnel is located near the Sarajevo airport. If you know about its role in the Siege of Sarajevo, you’ll know why. And it’s definitely worth a visit.

I think the Hope Tunnel also provides a good primer on the Bosnian War. Because of its proximity to the airport, this could be the very first thing you do when coming to Sarajevo if you’re up for it. 

In any case, you can visit some of the actual tunnel used by Sarajevo residents to transport goods and people into the city during the siege. There is a wonderful audioguide app that is worth buying to get an even more thorough understanding of the museum and its place in Sarajevo history.

Take the funicular for a city-wide view

So, obviously, if you look at the picture below, I did not pick the right day for taking the funicular up Trebevic Mountain. All the same, I went up to visit the abandoned bobsled tracks. But if you’re here on a sunny day, this is definitely a worthy thing to do to get one of the best views of Sarajevo.

Visit the Avaz Twist Tower

Avaz Twist Tower is an anomaly of architecture compared to the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman architecture of Old Town. Some might consider it an eye-sore, but it’s unique at the very least. 

You can travel up to the top for a pretty low fee. While you’re there enjoying the views, grab a drink or snack at the cafe to take a break from visiting Sarajevo.

East Meets West

Exploring Sarajevo is a lot like Istanbul. You can see influences of very different empires coming together in this city. In fact, nowhere is more abrupt of a comparison of these two major cultural influences than the Sarajevo Meeting of Cultures point.

You can go from exploring the intricately decorated Austro-Hungarian buildings that might be at home in Budapest or some picturesque town in Austria to immediately exploring the bazaar and cafes in the well-preserved Ottoman side.

Find Sarajevo Roses

Thousands of mortar shells fell on Sarajevo during the siege. Where those shells caused casualties, Sarajevo Roses were painted in the scars left by the explosions. Many of these Sarajevo Roses have been since paved over as the city sidewalks and streets have been repaired and maintained over time. 

But you’ll still see Sarajevo Roses throughout the city. It’s poignant reminder of how life has changed in Sarajevo.

Hike the Abandoned Bobsled Tracks

Like the bank building in Mostar, the bobsled treks were used in the siege as an artillery positon, but have since been reclaimed by street artists. You can hike up and down the tracks, admiring the art and contemplating the history of these tracks.

Visit the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque

Perhaps the most famous and prominent mosque in Sarajevo, one of the best things to do exploring old town is visiting the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque. It’s a beautiful mosque, and the complex is worth exploring. The surrounding area is just as intriguing, so this serves as a good leaping off point to winding through Old Town.

Clock Tower

If you check out this clock tower next to the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, you might think the time looks wrong. However, it’s not synced to normal solar time; it’s synced to lunar time, in adherence with Islam. You can get a great view of the clock tower from the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque.

Gazi Husrev-beg’s Bezistan

Like the Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar in Istanbul, you can find all kinds of shops for souvenirs and snacks in the Bezistan. It’s worth walking through to pick up that last trinket or candy before catching a plane out of SJJ.

Gallery 11/07/95

Gallery 11/07/95 is one of the best things I can recommend doing in Sarajevo. It’s not nearly as graphic as the Museum of Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide in the city or the similar museum in Mostar. 

The gallery centers on the Srebrenica massacre on the Gallery’s eponymous date. The images are haunting and beautiful, each with stories that will linger with you if you pick up the recommended audio guide (definitely pick this up). 

But nothing is overly graphic. While emotional, I think it’s a more accessible way to understand the tragedies of the Bosnian War without any violent images. The Gallery approaches the sensitive subject matter delicately.

Sacred Heart Cathedral

The Sacred Heart Cathedral is a beautiful catholic church located in Sarajevo’s Old Town. It’s a good thing to do for those interested in sites with religious significance. 

While it was damaged during the siege, it wasn’t completely destroyed. It remains the largest cathedral in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Some of the damage from the war is still evident in the cathedrals facade.

Latin Bridge

Just off the Latin Bridge, Franz Ferdinand was assassinated. This bridge offers a peek at the event that started World War I. There are memorials and plaques nearby explaining it’s significance, as well. Definitely one of the betters things to do if you would like to learn more about this pivotal moment in Sarajevo’s history.

Emperor’s Mosque

Another gorgeous, large mosque you can visit in Sarajevo. The Emperor’s Mosque took nearly one-hundred years to build, starting in 1457. As Sarajevo’s oldest existing site of worship, it’s worth at least admiring from a distance, if not visiting.

Sarajevo City Hall

The City Hall was renovated relatively recently (2014) in the Sarajevo’s history. It’s neo-Moorish architecture is worth admiring from outside. Inside, there’s a history exhibit on World War I as well as an art gallery. 

Baščaršija

Baščaršija is the iconic center of Old Town and Sarajevo’s bazaar. The Sebilj fountain is a central fixture of the area. You’ll find many cafes and shops to explore in the winding streets nearby. Certainly a great place to get lost for a while in Sarajevo.

Gazi Husrev-beg’s Museum

Gazi Husrev-beg’s Museum is one of the best places to visit in Sarajevo to understand how Gazi Husrev-beg contributed to the Old Town as you see it today. The philanthropist’s influence and gift almost five-hundred years ago to the city has persisted over time and made a lasting impact on Sarajevo. This museum is a small, accessible look into Ottoman history.

Museum of Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide

I did not visit this museum since, to be honest, after the Museum Of War And Genocide Victims in Mostar, I didn’t want to revisit this particular type of experience. However, if you want to learn more about the Bosnian War and the tragedies that unfolded during it, then this museum would definitely be a recommended thing to do.

See the ICAR Canned Beef Monument

This might be a bit of an oddity, but if you’ve visited a view museums on the history of Sarajevo and the Bosnian War, you’ll have learned the importance of ICAR canned beef. Visit this monument for something a bit quirky, but also surprisingly important in the country’s history.

Enjoy the local food

Make sure to try as much of the local fare as possible. Try cevapi (minced meat patties) or burek (stuffed pies). I had some of my favorite dolma (stuffed peppers) in Sarajevo. Bosanski Lonac (a beef and veggie stew) reminded me of home-cooked comfort foods. Make sure to have a rostilj feast, enjoying mixed barbecued meats with french fries and some other veggies.

Sample the Wine

Bosnia and Herzegovina is indeed a wine country. You’ll see many wineries if you venture out of Mostar, for instance. In Sarajevo, look out for the local varietal offerings at restaurants and cafes. Or perhaps set up a tasting with a wine cafe or store like Petrakja Wine & Life. I visited the store and can attest to some quality wines they recommended. 

Take a Day Trip

While Sarajevo is a beautiful and interesting city, your trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina must definitely should expand beyond the capital. Jajce, Mostar, and Travnik all offer ample opportunity to explore gorgeous architecture, beautiful mountains, rushing waterfalls, inspiring castles, lovely hikes, and more. In fact, you might want to turn those day trips into a longer road trip after considering these options.

How long to Stay

You can get a sense for Sarajevo and see a few of the main highlights in a single full day. However, I’d recommend spending at least two full days in Sarajevo to really see most of the best things to do there. 

Spend three to four days in Sarajevo if you’d like to do a couple day trips.

How to Get There

Plane

It goes without saying, SJJ is your easiest entry point by plane. You can find decent connections from various European cities and elsewhere into Sarajevo. 

Bus

If you’re coming by bus from somewhere else in Bosnia & Herzegovina or a neighboring country, note that Sarajevo Central Station is actually in the center of the city. That’ll be most convenient. Istočno Sarajevo Bus Station is on the far southside of the city, so less easy to get into Old Town or the City Center.

Train

The Sarajevo Railway Station is not far from Avaz Twist Tower, so it’s pretty centrally located. Great if you’re traveling from somewhere else in the country and want a cheap way to get here.

Private Transfer or Group Tour

Even if you’re coming from a neighboring country like Croatia or Montenegro, it is possible to take a group or private transfer into Sarajevo. Check out Funky Tours for potential tours or transfers, for instance.

Rental Car

It’s possible to cross over the border on your own on a Balkans road trip. I enjoyed driving around Bosnia and Herzegovina, and I’d recommend making it a road trip if you’re comfortable. You’ll just have to notify your rental car company if you’re going across the border; otherwise, you’re good to go if you’re just driving around inside the country.

Where to Eat

Klopa

Klopa is probably my favorite restaurant in Sarajevo. Upscale, but not pretentious. Friendly staff and great service. Delicious food, they specialize in organic and farm-to-table type dishes. Most items on the menu were slight twists on traditional Bosnian cuisine, and I really enjoyed my meal.

Barhana

Barhana offers affordable Bosnian and international fare. Get a Bosnian Pot or some dolma–or just go for a pizza or pasta. It’s in a relaxed location, with a nice patio, and I really liked my Bosnian Pot. Great prices make this a good go-to for something very casual.

Zembilj Steakhouse

When I went to Zembilj Steakhouse, I have to admit I was looking for something other than Bosnian fare. I was not disappointed. Wonderful steaks for the carnivorous inclined and fantastic desserts to finish off a meal. It actually has patio seating across from Barhana, but it’s a decidedly more “classy” vibe. Though you won’t be out of place in sneakers and a t-shirt.

Viennese Cafe

Located in the historic and classy Hotel Europe, the Viennese Cafe does have a bit of an aged vibe. But it’s old-school European all the way. The wine selection is good, coffee and tea wonderful, and desserts, well, that’s where it’s at. Enjoy a drink and baklava or one of many cakes they offer. I really enjoyed the decor, which made having an after-dinner treat here worthwhile.

Ćevabdžinica Nune

Looking for uber-casual place to satisfy that need to try some cevapi? Then Ćevabdžinica Nune is where you want to be. This definitely won’t bust the bank, and you can chow down on all the traditional Bosnian food without feeling guilty about it. At least, financially speaking.

Restoran Čaršija

Need a place for a fantastic breakfast? At Restoran Čaršija delivers in spades. I loved getting breakfast here. They serve literal towers of food. Thing, English tea time. Great presentation and even better taste. I never eat here later than 9 AM, so I can’t speak for lunch or dinner. But if I had to judge off breakfast food alone, I could easily recommend this place.

Avaz Twist Tower

Okay, Avaz Twist Tower doesn’t have the best food if you visit the cafe. But it does have some of the best views. For a touristy place, the prices on drinks aren’t bad at all. So feel free to take the elevator on up to the top, grab a cheap beer or coffee, and admire the views of Sarajevo. I actually spent an afternoon writing up there. It was calm, quiet, and really not at all that busy. Maybe that’s unusual, but I enjoyed it.

Where to Stay

For the most convenient place to stay, I’d recommend as close as you can to Old Town. Basically if you’re a five to ten minute walk from Gazi Husrev-beg’s Bezistan, you’ll be all right. The city center and old town are where most of the best things to do and see are located within Sarajevo. 

You’ll find all manners of places to stay, from budget to high-end accommodations (still at reasonable costs). I personally stayed at the Hotel Noble, which was great for a budget place, but tiny rooms. The best part was my included breakfast at nearby restaurant Restoran Čaršija. Delicious. My friends stayed at Hotel President which looked like a wonderful place to be if you want to spend more. (My friends confirmed as much 🙂 ). 

Final Tips

• Sarajevo is a relatively compact city, so you’ll be able to visit most everything on foot. If you need to get out of the city, you can flag down a taxi or use the mojTaxi app. 
• I said once, and I’ll say it again: try to start your time in Sarajevo with a walking tour. It’s a great way to really understand the context of the city–plus you’ll see a lot of little details and learn a lot of things you might not have noticed or known without it.
• Sarajevo gets frigid in the winter and very hot in the summer. Spring or fall are your best bets for a comfortable visit.