Overcoming the destruction suffered in the Bosnian war, it is now a city with a strong “personality” and an important history. Its religious and cultural diversity will captivate you. Its walking explorations, its churches, bustling mosques, synagogues, wonderful smells in its markets and its influences from Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian elements create wonderful images that will be unforgettable.
Currency: Konvertible Mark
Calling Code: +387
Nearest airports from city center: Sarajevo Airport (9km), Mostar Airport (131km), Banja Luka Airport (237km), Podgorica Airport (239km), Split Airport (265km), Belgrade Airport (284km), Dubrovnik Airport (289km), Tirana Airport (370km) and Zagreb Airport (395km).
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** SARAJEVO TUNNEL (BA, 1, Tuneli, Sarajevo 71000)
It was made in March – June 1993 after the siege of the city in the Bosnian war and was about the transport of war supplies, humanitarian aid, food, water to the defenders of the city.
*** BASCARSIJA (Baščaršija 1, Sarajevo 71000)
It dates back to the 15th century and is the oldest bazaar in the city that will “travel” you into the past. Here you will see the way people who have different religions and come from different cultures coexist.
*** LATIN BRIDGE (BA, Obala Kulina bana bb, Sarajevo 71000)
It is one of the oldest bridges that has not suffered damage over the years and is the definition of an example of a preserved Ottoman bridge. In 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife were assassinated on the spot, and these tragic developments led to the start of the First World War.
*** OLD TOWN and SEBILJ
We would recommend exploring every nook and cranny of the old town. Of course, make a stop at the Ottoman-style wooden fountain, Sebilj, which is in the center of Baščaršija Square and was built in 1753. 1
*** MUSEUM OF CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY AND GENOCIDE (Muvekita 11/1, Sarajevo 71000)
It was opened in 2016 by a group of survivors of the Bosnian war and young war crimes investigators. You will see exhibits related to that traumatic and sad period.
*** YELLOW FORTRESS (VC4P+G96, Jekovac, Sarajevo 71000)
Built in 1739, it is a cannon fortress at the entrance to the “Walled City of Vratnik”. It has historical significance and of course you can enjoy the view of the city.
*** SARAJEVO CITY HALL (VC5M+H98, Obala Kulina bana, Sarajevo 71000)
One of the most photographed spots in the city is this particular building that dates back to the end of the 19th century during the Austro-Hungarian occupation. It is considered as a meeting point of world cultures. In the Bosnian war it suffered severe damage, 90% of the library was burnt and reopened on May 9, 2014 which is the day of victory against fascism.
*** EMPEROR’S MOSQUE (VC4J+W7X, Obala Isa-bega Ishakovića, Sarajevo 71000)
It is the oldest mosque in the city and one of the oldest in the country. It dates from 1462 and was built in honor of Sultan Mehmed II “the Conqueror”.
*** NATIONAL MUSEUM OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA (Zmaja od Bosne 3, Sarajevo 71000)
It was founded in 1888 and you will find exhibits concerning the country from the Middle Ages to the most modern era. Also visit the botanical garden.
*** OLYMPIC MUSEUM (Petrakijina 7, Sarajevo 71000)
The purpose of its establishment concerns the preservation of the memory of the 1984 Winter Olympic Games held in Sarajevo. The old museum was destroyed in the Bosnian war, but most of the collection was saved and transferred to the new museum that opened in 2004.
ΤΗINGS TO DO
*** The War Childhood Museum is a place that will move you, as you will see stories of children who experienced the Bosnian war.
*** Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque is a place of prayer that attracts the interest of many travelers.
*** Also visit the Sacred Heart Cathedral.
*** Gallery 11/07/95 is a memorial site for the 8,372 people who were killed after the Army of Republika Srpska captured the eastern Bosnian town on July 11, 1995.
*** National Gallery of BiH is a place worth visiting.
*** Interesting places to spend your time are also the Historical Museum of BiH and The Old Orthodox Church Museum.
FOOD AND DRINK
Sarajevo is a great place to enjoy local and international delicacies. Begova corba, cevapi (kebabs or meatballs), burek, dolma, bean soup, lonac, japrak, pilav, gulaš, imam bayildi, falafel, pljeskavica and shakshuka are some traditional foods you should try. For dessert, the traditional sweet is tufahija and of course you must try the baklava. The city has restaurants that have American, Mediterranean and Asian cuisines. Drink beer, wine and rakija which is the traditional drink of the country.
WHERE TO STAY
Sarajevo offers many hotels and apartments for your stay in the city center, in Old Town and a distance of 5 km from the center. The cost of your stay is for all budgets.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** Walk the Sarajevo Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track and enjoy the route that will take you to the 1984 Winter Olympics.
*** For your shopping you can visit Gazi Husrev-beg’s Bezistan.
*** There is no doubt that in the Old Town you will find many shops for your purchases and for souvenirs of the city.
*** SCC – Sarajevo City Center is a very good choice for your shopping.
*** To relax take a walk in Veliki Park.
*** Alta Shopping Center and Importanne Shopping Centar are equally good options for your shopping.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot or bus.
CITIES NEAR SARAJEVO
Major cities close to Sarajevo are Zenica (69km), Mostar (125km), Banja Luka (190km), Dubrovnik (234km), Split (238km), Novi Sad (285km), Belgrade (292km), Tirana (370km), Zagreb (400km), Pristina (428km) and Timisoara (441km).
