Planning a trip to Sarajevo? Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital will be nothing short of surprising and we mean it in the best possible way! Get ready to scroll down and find out the top 10 things to see (and do) in Sarajevo!
1. Discover the old town Baščaršija
The old town is likely going to be your first starting point when visiting Sarajevo. It is full of interesting monuments that stem from the Ottoman era – Sebilj, Baščaršija Mosque, Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Sarajevo City Hall etc. The old town has many stores that are family-owned through generations. Pay attention to the tiny side streets that usually are tucked like a little pocket but hold nonetheless many interesting sights to see.
2. Eat Sarajevski ćevapčići
Ćevapi are a national dish of Bosnia and Herzegovina and have been a staple for centuries at family barbecues. Ćevapi are made of pure minced meat served with the traditional bread called Somun, with additional onion. They are hard to miss as you are sure to smell the barbecue from a mile away! What is the best ćevabdžinica (ćevapi-specialty restaurant) to eat your first portion of ćevapi? We can’t disclose only one, as everyone has their own favourite! But all in all, you simply cannot leave the city without first trying ćevapi!
3. Mahala Urban Hike (A Signature Experience ✨)
Do you want a really cool way to explore the city? Here’s a tip: instead of going for the standard city tour, you can hike Sarajevo’s highest neighbourhoods, called mahalas! Sarajevo has mahalas that stretch up to 900 meters of height to the surrounding hills and mountains. So, arguably the most interesting experience that you can have is looking at how the Sarajevan way of life is mirrored in the aromas, sounds and play of the colourful mahalas!
Note: This #SignatureExperience is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments.
4. Bosnian pie cooking class 🧑🍳
If you haven’t noticed already, here in Bosnia and Herzegovina we take a lot of care about what we eat. And we always make sure it is very tasty. As a nation of foodies, you cannot leave Sarajevo without trying your hand at making our traditional Bosnian pie! The Bosnian pie is dough filled with either meat, potatoes, cheese, spinach or zucchini and everyone has their favourite pick. Don’t miss the chance to partake in a tradition that the Bosnian and Herzegovinian grandma’s have been keeping alive!
5. Visit the place where the 1WW started
One place where you could’ve seen Sarajevo being mentioned is history books and your lessons about the First World War. The event that propelled the 1WW started here, near the Latin Bridge, as Gavrilo Princip assassinated the archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. With a tour guide, go through the event of that day and uncover the myths of this historic event.
6. Vrelo Bosne 🏞️
The river based on which our country is named, has its spring in Ilidža at the foothills of the Olympic Igman mountain. You can reach it by taking a nice walk through the Velika Aleja, an avenue surrounded by 100-year-old chestnut trees. Or you can take a carriage to your destination! Once at the park, feel free to have a picnic and enjoy the sights!
Note: There is an entrance fee at the area of the river spring.
7. Yellow Fortress sunset views
In less than a 15-minute walk from Sebilj, in the old town Baščaršija, you can reach one of the most beautiful panorama views of Sarajevo. This fortress is a cannon fortress built 300 years ago, and now it is used as a place to hang out with your friends and look at the busting city.
Local’s Tip no. 1: Panorama view from the White Fortress
The Yellow Fortress is pretty known amongst travellers, but did you know there is also a White Fortress that is even higher than the Yellow one? It takes a half an hour walk, but if you’re into hikes, then going to the White Fortress might just be for you.
8. Cable car ride to Trebević Mountain
One of the best things about Sarajevo is it’s one of the most elevated capital cities in Europe! When in Sarajevo, you’re so close to the nearest mountain that it takes only a 6-minute cable car ride to transport you to one of the prettiest hiking spots and unbeatable views of the city!
9. Coffee time ☕
As you walk the city you will quickly notice that Sarajevans love to sit down and enjoy their coffee over some light conversations. In other words, our cafes are never empty! To enjoy this important daily ritual, we suggest going down to any café that you prefer and just sitting down and relax! We even have a word for it: ćejf. We use it to describe enjoying and feeling the pleasure of the moment. You can do it too with us in Sarajevo!
10. Visit the Tunnel of Hope
One of the most impactful historical sites to explore in Sarajevo is the Tunnel of Hope. This 800-meter underground passage, dug out in 1993, played a crucial role during the Siege of Sarajevo. With nothing more than basic tools like pickaxes and shovels, workers powered through six months of digging, illuminated only by makeshift “war candles” made from oil and string. When completed, the tunnel became the city’s lifeline, reconnecting Sarajevo to essential supplies and communication with the outside world. Today, you can visit a section of the tunnel preserved in a museum, offering a glimpse into the resilience of a city under siege.
