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16 Best Things to Do in Sarajevo

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A guide to the 16 best things to do in Sarajevo Bosnia: getting familiar with the history of Sarajevo and Bosnian culture, tasting traditional Bosnian food, and sampling traditional Bosnian drinks, to enjoying hidden gems of Sarajevo.

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16 BEST THINGS TO DO IN SARAJEVO BOSNIA

Sarajevo, the enigmatic capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a great city to visit to feel the charm of the Balkans, regardless of visiting Sarajevo solely or as a part of the enchanting Balkans road trip.

From the history of Sarajevo, let me mention that Sarajevo has developed at the crossroads of the old Roman and medieval trade and travel routes. Although, the settlements have been in the Sarajevo area since prehistoric times, followed by the Illyrians, Romans, and Slavs. The city of Sarajevo, as we know it today, was founded by the Ottomans after their conquest of the Kingdom of Bosnia in the 1450s. After that event, Sarajevo remained part of the Ottoman Empire for more than 400 years until the occupation of Austro-Hungary in 1878.

The legacy of the empires and peoples forged Sarajevo’s history is reflected in its name: Sarajevo is the Slavic version of Turkish Saray, meaning palace, house.

Sadly, Sarajevo is now probably best known for the turbulent events that rocked it in the 20th Century. This is the place where the Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914: an event that would have plunged the world into its First World War.

1914 Archduke Assassination Tour 

More recently, Bosnia Sarajevo had the longest siege of a capital city in modern history. The Army of Republika Srpska besieged Sarajevo for 3 years and 10 months during the Bosnian War of the 1990s.

Balkans Drak History & War Private Tour in Sarajevo
Roses of the War Walking Tour in Sarajevo
Scars & Smiles Small Group Walking Tour in Sarajevo

Contemporary Sarajevo has emerged from the dark days of the war as a vibrant, dynamic, and multicultural city. Popularly known as ‘the place where East meets West’, Bosnian Sarajevo is a multi-religious center where Orthodox and Catholic churches stand alongside a synagogue and mosque.

Here is my Sarajevo city guide with the 16 best things to do in Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina:

1. STROLL DOWN BAŠČARŠIJA

things to do in Sarajevo
Baščaršija, the old Ottoman market in Sarajevo in Bosnia © World Travel Connector

One of the top things to do in Sarajevo is to stroll Baščaršija, the old Ottoman market (bazaar) from the 16th century, the heart of the historic center of Sarajevo’s old town and one of the top attractions in Sarajevo.  ‘Baš’, in Turkish means  ‘main, primary, capital’, while ‘Čaršija’ means ‘baazar, market’.

In Sarajevo Baščaršija a visitor can find narrow Ottoman cobblestone alleys with small crafts shops and stalls, cafes, pottery shops, mosques, an old madrasa, and a ‘han‘ (inn). In the ‘Kazandžiluk street’ (Coppersmith street) visitors can buy traditional souvenirs like jewelry and copper products decorated with traditional techniques passed down through generations.

2. TAKE A PHOTO OF SEBILJ, THE SYMBOL OF SARAJEVO

things to do in Sarajevo
Sebilj, the most famous fountain in Sarajevo in Bosnia © World Travel Connector

Sebilj is the most famous fountain in Sarajevo and a symbol of Sarajevo. Needless, to say it is a top tourist attraction in Sarajevo. The original Ottoman Sebil was destroyed in a fire, but the new one was built in the Pseud Ottoman style during the Austro-Hungarian period.

It is located in the center of Baščaršija, which makes Sebil the core of Sarajevo’s heart.

3. VISIT GAZI HUSREV BEY’S MOSQUE, THE MOST FAMOUS MOSQUE IN SARAJEVO

things to do in Sarajevo
The beautifully decorated entrance of Begova Džamija © World Travel Connector

Next on the list of Sarajevo places to visit is Gazi Hurev Begova Džamija.  Begova Džamija in Sarajevo is undeniably one of the Ottoman masterpieces in Bosnia. The mosque was built by the Ottomans in the 16th century by the order of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.

Located in the Baščaršija neighborhood, it is the largest mosque in the Balkans.

4. TAKE A LOOK OF GAZI HUSREV BEY’S MADRASA OR KURŠUMLIJA 

things to do in Sarajevo
Madrasa in Sarajevo in Bosnia © World Travel Connector

Just across the street from Gazev Husrev Bey’s mosque in the Baščaršija neighborhood stands the historic Muslim primary and secondary school from the Ottoman era.

5. VISIT GAZI FERHAD BEY’S MOSQUE OR FERHADIJA 

things to do in Sarajevo
Ferhadija mosque in Sarajevo in Bosnia © World Travel Connector

Ferhad Bey’s mosque, or Ferhad-beg Vuković djamija in Bosnian, was built in the 16th century in a classical Ottoman style. It is a wonderful example of the Ottoman Empire’s  ‘Golden Age’.

The mosque is in the center of Sarajevo’s old city, near the Hotel Europa. During the Bosnian War in the 1990s, it was damaged by grenades. But now it is restored to its former glory.

6. HAVE LUNCH AT HOUSE OF SPITE OR ‘INAT KUĆA’ 

things to do in Sarajevo
‘Inat house’ in Sarajevo in Bosnia © World Travel Connector

Inat kuća is an Ottoman house opposite the City Hall across the Miljacka River.

When Austria-Hungary got control over Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1878, a new city hall next to River Miljacka was planned as a part of Sarajevo’s architectural makeover. To achieve this vision, however, some houses needed to be destroyed to make way for the new city hall.

This proved not to be as easy as the new rulers had thought. An old stubborn Bosnian man called Benderija refused to demolish his house. Instead, he demanded that the city authorities move his house brick by brick to another site of river Miljacka.

Commemorating Benderija’s stand against authority, the house (now converted into a restaurant) is today known as the ‘House of Spite’ or ‘Inat Kuća’ in Bosnian. The Inat Kuca is an icon of Bosnian stubbornness. Today Inat Kuća is a famous restaurant in Sarajevo and treating yourself with traditional Bosnian food for lunch is one of the best things to do in Sarajevo Bosnia.

7. VISIT THE OLD JEWISH CEMETERY

things to do in Sarajevo
Old Jewish cemetery in Sarajevo in Bosnia © World Travel Connector

It may sound weird to recommend visiting a cemetery among the best things to do in Sarajevo Bosnia. But the old Jewish cemetery is a hidden historical gem in Sarajevo.

It is the second-largest Jewish cemetery in Europe, after the one in Prague. It was opened in 1630 by Bosnian Sephardi Jews. Later, when the Ashkenazi Jews came to Sarajevo in the 19th century, they were buried there, too.

things to do in Sarajevo
Me at the old Jewish cemetery in Sarajevo © World Travel Connector

The graveyard is an atypical Jewish cemetery since they look like the medieval Bosnian stećak tombstones and are therefore dissimilar to Jewish tombstones in the rest of the world.

Jewish Historical Tour, Sarajevo Haggadah & Jewish Cemetery in Sarajevo

8. MAKE A QUICK VISIT TO SARAJEVO CITY HALL

things to do in Sarajevo
© World Travel Connector

In the 19th century, after more than 400 years of Ottoman rule, Sarajevo became a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The whole city had an architectural makeover and, it became a playground for the imperial architects.

At that time Sarajevo City Hall, or Vjećnica in Bosnian, was built in pseudo-Moorish style.

things to do in Sarajevo
Sarajevo City Hall © World Travel Connector

In 1949 the building became the National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the 1990s, during the Siege of Sarajevo, it was destroyed, but in the 2000s it was restored and reopened in 2014.

9. TRY OUT TRADITIONAL BOSNIAN PIES

things to do in Sarajevo
Bosnian pies with a glass of yogurt © World Travel Connector

Sarajevo sightseeing is unthinkable without tasting some of the Bosnian traditional food and Bosnian popular foods.

Bosnian pies, or ‘pite’ in Bosnian, are a fast food in Bosnia. Traditional Bosnian pita is made by stuffing dough with a delicious savory or sweet filling and then rolling the dough into a swirl (like a snake curling around and around).

things to do in Sarajevo
© World Travel Connector

There are different types of Bosnian pies, depending on the filling. The most popular Bosnian pies are burek (beef meat pie), zeljanica (cheese and spinach pie), krumpiruša (potato pie), sirnica (cheese pie) and tikvenica (zucchini pie). Bosnian pies are commonly eaten with yogurt.

The pies are served in shops called buregđinica for 1-3 EUR. In Sarajevo, you should try typical Bosnian pies in the famous ‘Buregdžinica Bosna’ in Baščaršija.

Eat, Pray, Love – Food Tour in Sarajevo

10. INDULGE IN MOUTH-WATERING BOSNIAN CAKES 

things to do in Sarajevo
Bosnian coffee set with a kadaif cake and a hurmašica cake © World Travel Connector

Traditional Bosnian cakes are of Ottoman (Turkish) origin. Bosnian cakes are some of the most delicious food in Bosnia. Typical Bosnian cakes are extra sweet, so when tasting them get ready to get a sugar attack!

Famous Bosnian cakes are baklava (a pastry made of Philo layers with chopped walnuts, hazelnuts, or pistachios between the layers), halva (a tahini-based sweet, usually made with pistachios), tufahija (a walnut-stuffed apple stewed in sugared water)tulumba (a fried dough soaked in sugar syrup), kadaif (a cake with chopped nuts between layers of wires) and hurmašica (a date-shaped cake with sugar syrup). When in Sarajevo, don’t miss visiting the popular ‘Baklava Sarajbosna’ patisserie!

11. HAVE A CUP OF TRADITIONAL BOSNIAN COFFEE

things to do in Sarajevo
Bosnian coffee set © World Travel Connector

Bosnian coffee is a vital part of the Bosnian identity and culture. Coffee in Bosnia is dark, strong, tasty, and according to Bosnian tradition, it should be drunk very slowly (which means for hours in Bosnia).

Traditional Bosnian coffee set includes a džezva (a small metal pot), fildžan (a small coffee cup), rahatlokum  (Turkish delight), and a glass of cold water.

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Where to Have the Best Coffee in Vietnam

Tasting Authentic Kopi Luwak Coffee in Bali

12. REFRESH YOURSELF WITH BOZA

things to do in Sarajevo
A glass of Boza, a traditional Bosnian drink © World Travel Connector

Boza is a popular non-alcoholic traditional Bosnian drink of Turkish origin made from fermented maize (corn). Boza has a very distinctive and refreshing flavor.

13. ADMIRE BOSNIAN NATURE AT SPRING OF RIVER BOSNIA OR ‘VRELO BOSNE’ 

things to do in Sarajevo
Vrelo Bosne National Park © World Travel Connector

After exploring the center of the city, head to the spring of the Bosna River, or ‘Vrelo Bosne’ in Bosnian, on the outskirts of Sarajevo at the foothills of Mount Igman in Ilidža municipality.

Things to do in Sarajevo
The public park of the spring of Bosnia River © World Travel Connector

Bosna is the river after which the country was named. This green oasis with fresh and calming air, beautiful paths, small wooden bridges, and clear stream waters with ducks and swans is perfect for relaxing walks and bicycle rides. Should I add that Vrelo Bosne is Sarajevo is one of the most beautiful places in Bosnia?!

14. VISIT OLD ROMAN BRIDGE IN ILIDŽA

Things to do in Sarajevo
I and old Roman Bridge in Ilidža © World Travel Connector

On the western entrance to Sarajevo, near Vrelo Bosne (the spring of the Bosna River), there is a 16th-century bridge surrounded by lush verdant greenery.

The bridge is on the site of an ancient bridge that stood there in the Roman era. Today, it is a romantic weekend meeting place for the people of Sarajevo.

Vrelo Bosne Nature Park Private Tour

15. HAVE A PICNIC AT SPRING OF MILJACKA RIVER 

things to do in Sarajevo
Spring of Miljacka River © World Travel Connector

If you want to relax in the gorgeous Bosnian countryside, go to the spring of Miljacka River, located under the slopes of the Jahorina mountain in Pale municipality on Sarajevo’s outskirts.

There you will be surprised how clear and tasty the waters of Miljacka are, especially after you see how muddy the river in Sarajevo center is!

16. EXPLORE STREET ART IN SARAJEVO

things to do in Sarajevo
Mister Cat graffiti in Sarajevo © World Travel Connector

Want to experience alternative Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a wonderful street art scene. Sarajevo district called ‘Ciglane’ is famous for the graffiti. The most popular graffiti character in Sarajevo street art is a yellow cat called Monsieur Chat. There are several spots in the town where you can see Mister Cat in Sarajevo. Sarajevo’s Monsieur Chat is a superstar on Instagram. The most Instagrammable places in Sarajevo are graffiti walls with Mister Cat.

things to do in Sarajevo
Me with M. Chat Graffiti in Sarajevo © World Travel Connector

The globe-trotting cat first appeared in 1997 in Orleans (France) and started popping up all around France until 2000, when he finally traveled abroad and started appearing: in Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina (2005), New York USA (2006), Hong Kong, Vietnam‘s Hanoi, South Korea’s Seoul, and Japan’s Tokyo (2008) and in Dakar Senegal, Sao Paulo Brazil and Canada’s Vancouver (2009) …

The creator of the grinning cat with the curvy tail remained a mystery until 2007 when police caught Thoma Vuille drawing M. Chat on a wall in Orleans. Today Mister Cat continues to bring smiles to people’s faces all over the Globe.

EXPLORE SARAJEVO IN A DIFFERENT WAY

Discover Sarajevo in a distinctive way:

Times of Misfortune: Half-Day Tour in Sarajevo

Times of Misfortune: Bus Tour in Sarajevo

Balkans Drak History & War Private Tour in Sarajevo

Roses of the War Walking Tour in Sarajevo

1914 Archduke Assassination Tour 

Scars & Smiles Small Group Walking Tour in Sarajevo

INSIDER AND OFF-THE-BEATEN-TRACK IN SARAJEVO

Explore Sarajevo Bosnia Herzegovina in a unique way:

Sarajevo Grand Tour

3-Hour Walking Tour

Eat, Pray, Love – Food Tour in Sarajevo

Sarajevo – the European Jerusalem – Private Walking Tour

Sarajevo Walking Tour, Museum Entry & Cable Car Ride

Vrelo Bosne Nature Park Private Tour

Jewish Historical Tour, Sarajevo Haggadah & Jewish Cemetery in Sarajevo

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM SARAJEVO

Visit some other places on a day trip from Sarajevo:

Mostar & Herzegovina Day Tour from Sarajevo

Konjic, Mostar, & Blagaj Private Tour from Sarajevo

Kravice Waterfalls Full-Day Tour from Sarajevo Related read: How to visit Kravice Waterfalls in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Srebrenica Massacre & Drina Kanyon from Sarajevo

Višegrad Private Tour from Sarajevo

Mostar, Konjic & Vrelo Bune Full-Day Tour from Sarajevo

Medjugorje Private Tour from Sarajevo Related read: How to visit Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina

WHERE TO STAY IN SARAJEVO BOSNIA

Recommended Sarajevo accommodation – Sarajevo hostels and Sarajevo hotels:

BUDGET: Travellers Home Hostel,  Hostel Residence, East-West

MID-RANGE: ESHE Boutique Hotel, Hideaway Rooms & Apartments Sarajevo, ApartArt

UPSCALE: Swissotel Sarajevo, Malak Regency Hotel, Radon Plaza

SARAJEVO MAP WITH THE MAIN SARAJEVO POINTS OF INTEREST

If you have accidentally stumbled upon my Sarajevo blog post while surfing the Internet and now wondering where Sarajevo in Bosnia is, here is a map of Sarajevo with all the major Sarajevo points of interest I have mentioned.

Map Sarajevo Bosnia

If you are doubting whether to visit Sarajevo Bosnia & Herzegovina, you need to know that Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the cheapest countries in the Balkans. It is a lot cheaper than neighboring Croatia or Montenegro. Visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina on a budget or not, Sarajevo is not to be missed.

Traveling the Balkans? Interested to visit Split in Croatia or Dubrovnik in Croatia? 

VISITING SPLIT, CROATIA FROM SARAJEVO

If you would like to visit Split from Sarajevo, you might like my quick guide to Split in Croatia: What to See in Split in One Day

How to get from Sarajevo to Split

The distance between Sarajevo and Split is about 185 miles (300 km).

✓  From Sarajevo to Split by bus: a 7-hour drive; the buses go daily. Check out the timetables and prices here. Or check the Sarajevo Main Bus Terminal

✓  From Sarajevo to Split by car: a 4-hour drive

VISITING DUBROVNIK FROM SARAJEVO

If you would like to visit Dubrovnik in Croatia, you might like Winter in Dubrovnik

How to get from Sarajevo to Dubrovnik

The distance between Sarajevo and Dubrovnik is about 173 mi (280 km)

✓  From Sarajevo to Dubrovnik by bus: a 6-hour drive; the buses go daily. Check out the timetables and prices here. Or check the Sarajevo Main Bus Terminal

✓  From  Sarajevo to Dubrovnik by car: a 5-hour drive

Or if you are on your sabbatical or just have enough time, maybe you should consider taking an epic Balkans road trip across Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo, the Republic of Macedonia, Albania, Greece, Bulgaria.

You could expect to witness nothing less than spectacular Balkan nature and the well-known hospitality of people from the Balkans. But coming from Croatia, I might be biased though.

things to do in Sarajevo

What to do in Sarajevo

1. Stroll down Baščaršija
2. Take a photo of Sebilj, the symbol of Sarajevo
3. Visit Gazi Husrev Bey Mosque, the most famous mosque in Sarajevo
4. See Kuršumlija
5. Visit Ferhadija
6. Have traditional Bosnian lunch at Inat Kuća
7. Visit old Jewish Cemetery in Sarajevo, the second-largest Jewish cemetery in Europe
8. Visit Sarajevo City Hall
9. Enjoy traditional Bosnian pies
10. Indulge in delicious traditional Bosnian cakes
11. Have a cup of traditional Bosnian coffee
12. Refresh yourself with Boza, a traditional Bosnian beverage
13. Head to Vrelo Bosne
14. See old Roman bridge in Ilidža
15. Have a picnic at spring of Miljacka River
16. Explore Sarajevo street art

What to see in Sarajevo

1. Baščaršija, the old Ottoman market (bazaar) from the 16th century
2. Sebilj, the most famous Ottoman-style fountain in Sarajevo
3. Gazi Husrev Bey’s mosque, the most famous ancient mosque in Sarajevo
4. Kuršumlija
5. Ferhadija
6. Inat kuća
7. Old Jewish cemetery, the second-largest Jewish cemetery in Europe
8. Sarajevo City Hall
9. Spring of Bosnia River
10. Old Roman bridge in Ilidža
11. Spring of Miljacka River
12. Sarajevo street art

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Nathan

Thursday 22nd of June 2017

I was in Sarajevo years ago but it looks like you managed to do a lot more than I did! I remember burek for sure though. The local coffee looks just like Turkish coffee! I always get the grounds in my mouth when I try to drink it!

Vicki Louise

Thursday 22nd of June 2017

I really didn't know much about Sarajevo before your post, so thank you for a lovely introduction. The buildings are gorgeous and the food sounds delicious. Hopefully I'll get to visit one day.

nikhila

Wednesday 21st of June 2017

Amazing!! Thanks for sharing.

melody pittman

Tuesday 20th of June 2017

Sarajevo looks amazing. I would want to visit the gorgeous City Hall and those mosques for sure. The Bosnian pies...yum-o! I would be addicted.

Mink Borwornsenee

Tuesday 20th of June 2017

Loving how this post inclusive as anyone who wants to see Sarajevo can learn it's fascinating history, eat amazing food and enjoy the beautiful nature + contemporary spots!