Bosnia & Herzegovina

Sarajevo travel guide

Where East meets West — Ottoman bazaars below Austro-Hungarian boulevards.

Sarajevo is the most atmospheric capital in the Balkans. The old Bascarsija bazaar smells of coffee and grilled cevapi; 200 metres west you're in a Habsburg-era city. The 1992–95 siege is still visible in pockmarked walls — and the city is more alive for it.

Best time
May, June, September. Winter is also magic (skiing in 30 min).
Currency
Convertible mark (BAM). Fixed at ~1.95 BAM = €1.
Language
Bosnian. English understood in tourist core.
Plug
Type C/F, 230V.

How to get to Sarajevo

  • · Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ) — 12 km, taxi €15 fixed.
  • · Bus to Mostar (2.5h), Belgrade (6h via van), Dubrovnik (5h), Podgorica (7h).
  • · Train to Mostar — one of Europe's prettiest scenic lines, runs twice daily.

Top routes from Sarajevo

What to see

  • BascarsijaOttoman bazaar, copper workshops, the Sebilj fountain
  • Tunnel of HopeWartime tunnel under the airport — unmissable history
  • Trebevic cable car12-min ride to the 1984 Olympic bobsled track
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Sarajevo travel — FAQ

Is Sarajevo safe?+

Very safe by European standards. Stick to marked paths in the hills — landmine signs still exist outside city limits.

How long do I need in Sarajevo?+

Two full days minimum: one for the Old Town and Tunnel Museum, one for Trebevic and a day trip to Mostar.