Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It's a cosmopolitan European city with an Eastern twist. It sits amongst endless hills and towering mountains, giving one a sense of isolation. The Old Town of Sarajevo is full of cobblestone streets, mosques and oriental-style shops. Sarajevo is a melting pot of diverse cultures. The capital is located on the original border between the Western and Eastern Roman empires after the original empire split in two. Few places on earth feature an Orthodox and a Catholic church, a mosque, and a synagogue almost next to each other. We recommend a walking tour to get to know the city.
A city where even strangers feel at home.
With its abundance of busy cafes and abiding tradition of hospitality, Sarajevo has a unique charm.
The people of Sarajevo are incredibly friendly and welcoming. People here say that a man's wealth is not measured in his material belongings but rather in his friendships. Memories of the 1990s war and siege are still fresh. You'll see bullet holes throughout Sarajevo. Don't miss the Tunnel of Hope outside the center. It really captures the city's devastating past. Meat lovers will enjoy Sarajevo. Grilled meat is always on the menu, and no trip to Sarajevo is complete without sampling Cevapcici. This mincemeat kebab is the most famous dish in the country, along with burek (puff pastry filled with meat), which is usually served with yogurt.
Things to do in Sarajevo
Popular Tour Itineraries Featuring Sarajevo
Spend some time in Sarajevo on a tour that takes in other cities in Bosnia & Herzegovina and neighboring countries. Our custom tour packages including Sarajevo and other destinations throughout Bosnia & Herzegovina and Europe make multi-city trips hassle-free. We take care of getting you from place to place, accommodation, excursions and activities.
* Starting price is per person, in US Dollars, based on double occupancy in 3 star accommodation, in the most affordable month an itinerary is offered. Airfare to Europe is not included.
Click on your choice of itinerary, select number of travelers in your party, month of travel, and desired star level of accommodation to get an approximate price. Submit the enquiry form with any additional details and we can start planning your customized trip.
Where to stay in Sarajevo
What we love about Sarajevo
Senior Trip Planner
Usually overloooked by visitors to the region, Sarajevo is one of my favorite places in Europe. It is a place where a lot of complicated history comes together, and despite all odds, it manages to cherish all of its heritage, customs and cultures. Sarajevo is a big modern capital in lots of ways, but at the same time it has a small town vibe, where you get the feeling everybody knows everybody. And, above all, legendary hospitality and warmth - this is a place where people will welcome you sincerely no matter what.
Team Leader for France, Benelux & Switzerland
Sarajevo is an exceptional city by all means. Four centuries of Eastern domination are manifest in numerous graceful monuments throughout Sarajevo. Not to mention the local food! There you will try the most delicious cevapcici - calorific rissoles of spiced minced meat typically served with kajmak, a cream cheese. And even though you will surely not be the only tourists in Sarajevo, it is less crowded than other European capitals. You can wander the streets and most of the people you see are actually locals. This is one of my favourite cities in the former Yugoslavia.
Team Leader for Adriatic Region
I've visited Sarajevo numerous times and I always love to come back. This city has a soul and this is not just some meaningless phrase - mix of cultures and difficult history created specific atmosphere you won't have a chance to experience anywhere else. It's also Heaven for meat lovers!
Where can you go from Sarajevo?
Looking to continue your adventure? Here are some popular destinations to visit from Sarajevo.
Glowing Reviews from Our Guests
This was a custom made trip we asked for and although there were many moving pieces, nothing went wrong.
– Bruce & Margaret, Virginia
Visited : Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia
Itinerary : Ljubljana, Zagreb, Pula, Plitvice, Split, Sarajevo, Belgrade
Rating :
We found the natural landscapes of Albania breathtakingly beautiful and the history, both ancient and modern, fascinating. The food was amazing and we loved our guide. Albania was a surprise package for us, we didn’t know what to expect and we absolutely loved it.
– Natalie & Scott,
Visited : Greece, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, Slovenia, Italy
Itinerary : Athens, Delphi, Parga, Corfu, Ioannina, Meteora, Thessaloniki, Skopje, Ohrid, Gjirokastra, Tirana, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Korcula, Split, Sarajevo, Belgrade, Zagreb, Rovinj, Ljubljana, Trieste, Venice
Rating :
This was our second European trip with JayWay Travel and they didn't disappoint. Both times the trip has been well planned, to meet our needs and expectations. We highly recommend and would certainly use again.
– Justine & Nadeem,
Visited : Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia
Itinerary : Sarajevo, Mostar, Dubrovnik, Korcula, Split, Sarajevo
Rating :
Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Sarajevo
What are prices like in Sarajevo?
A quick lunch with a drink in the city center, is around 11 KM/$6. Museum and landmarks cost from 2KM- 10KM ($1-$6). For dinner, budget for around 27 KM/$15 a person.
How can I get around Sarajevo?
Sarajevo's Old Town is compact, so getting around by foot is pretty easy. If you need to get a ride, the local taxi rates are quite low.
Is Sarajevo safe?
Sarajevo is a safe city, although the usual precautions should be taken against pickpockets in crowded areas. If coming by rental car, don't leave valuables in sight when leaving the car, and park in a hotel or public garage if possible.
What options does Sarajevo have for those with dietary restrictions?
Although Bosnian cuisine is mostly about meat, Sarajevo has more and more restaurants focused on providing options for people with dietary restrictions and intolerances. Many restaurants offer gluten-free options as well as vegan/vegetarian options, such as Falafel, Dveri, and Klopa.
How long should I stay in Sarajevo?
We recommend at least two nights, if not three.