Sarajevo: What to See, Info & Flights
Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a city of contrasts where Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav influences coexist in a compact space. It is visited for its recent history, marked by the siege of the 90s, and for its vibrant present of cafés, markets, and diverse architecture.
What to see
The main route begins at the Baščaršija Bazaar, the Ottoman heart with cobbled streets, craft workshops, and the Sebilj fountain. From there, heading down towards the Miljacka River, you reach the Latin Bridge, the site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914. The Gazi Husrev-bey Mosque, from the 16th century, is the country's most important religious building and its inner courtyard deserves a pause.
Outside the center, the Tunnel of Hope, excavated during the siege, is a museum that preserves a section of the passage connecting the city to the airport. It is essential for understanding how the civilian population survived.
Neighborhoods and getting around
The city is clearly divided between the Ottoman zone, to the east, and the Austro-Hungarian one, to the west, separated by Maršala Tita Avenue. Walking is the best option for the old town, but the hills surrounding Sarajevo require public transport or taxis to reach the viewpoints. The Grbavica neighborhood, on the other side of the river, retains scars from the war and offers a less touristy perspective.
The tram, which runs along the main avenue, is useful for traveling between the train station and the historic center. The residential neighborhoods on the outskirts, built during the Yugoslav era, contrast with the low wooden houses of the old town.
Eating and nightlife
Local cuisine revolves around grilled meat: ćevapi, pljeskavica, and freshly made somun bread. Tourist restaurants abound in Baščaršija, but locals prefer buregdžinice, where you eat meat or cheese burek. Bosnian coffee, served in a džezva with sugar to taste, is an institution enjoyed at any time of day.
Nightlife is concentrated in two areas: the bars on Ferhadija Street, with a clubbing atmosphere, and alternative venues in former industrial buildings along the river. There is locally produced craft beer and fruit rakija as a common digestif.
When to go
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the best seasons due to mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is hot and dry, with terraces full until late. Winter brings snow and a special atmosphere, with the nearby Bjelašnica mountain for skiing, but streets can be icy and some museums reduce their hours.
- Baščaršija Bazaar – Market and pedestrian area of the old town, with the Sebilj fountain as a meeting point.
- Latin Bridge – Ottoman bridge over the Miljacka, scene of the 1914 assassination.
- Gazi Husrev-bey Mosque – Main mosque from the 16th century with a courtyard and historical library.
- Tunnel of Hope – Museum preserving part of the tunnel built during the siege of the 90s.
- Vijećnica – Former Austro-Hungarian town hall, now the national library, with a neo-Moorish facade.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to travel to Sarajevo?
Yes, it is a safe city for tourism. There is police presence in the center and minor crimes are rare. Landmines from the war remain in remote rural areas, but not in urban zones or on signposted tourist routes.
Do I need a visa to enter?
Citizens of the European Union do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. For other countries, it is advisable to consult the embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina before traveling. SJJ Airport is about a 10-minute drive from the center and there is a city bus to the train station.