Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sarajevo
Sarajevo is a city with an incredible and dramatic fate, which is often called the “Jerusalem of Europe.” Here, over the centuries, mosques, Catholic cathedrals, Orthodox churches and synagogues were built within one block of each other. Caught in the arms of the majestic Dinaric Alps in the valley of the Milacka River, the city is unique in the way it changes eras instantly: with one step you move from the Ottoman East with its aroma of coffee and kebabs to the monumental Austria-Hungary. This is a place of amazing energy, sincere Balkan hospitality and a complex history that leaves no one indifferent.
How to get to the city
By public transport
There is a regular Centrotrans express bus from Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ) to the city center (Baščaršija Square).
Cost: About 5 KM (convertible marks) one way (about 2.50 EUR). The ticket can be purchased from the driver.
By taxi
The journey to the Old Town takes only 15–20 minutes. Use official taxi services (eg Sarajevo Taxi) or the MojTaxi app. The cost of the trip will be about 15–25 KM (7.50–13 EUR).
What to see
Bascarsija and Latin Bridge
Bascarsija is an ancient Ottoman bazaar, the beating heart of Sarajevo with cobbled streets, tinsmiths' craft shops and the famous wooden Sebilj fountain. Literally a couple of steps from it, the Latin Bridge is thrown across the Milacka River - the place where in 1914 Gavrilo Princip made an attempt on the life of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which was the reason for the outbreak of the First World War.
Gazi Khusrev-beg Mosque
The main and most monumental historical mosque of Bosnia and Herzegovina, built in the 16th century. It is a magnificent example of classical Ottoman architecture. Life is in full swing around the mosque: there is an ancient madrasah, a clock tower (Sakhat-kula), which shows time according to the lunar calendar, and a cozy courtyard with a shadrivan (a fountain for ablutions).
Olympic Museum
Housed in a beautiful restored Austro-Hungarian-era villa, the museum is dedicated to a bright and at the same time sad page in the city's history - the 1984 Winter Olympics. It houses memorabilia, sports equipment, photographs and works of art reminiscent of Sarajevo's triumph, which occurred just a few years before the devastating war began.
Abandoned bobsleigh track on Mount Trebevic
One of the most unusual and atmospheric heritage sites of the 84 Olympics. The concrete gutter of the bobsled track, badly damaged during the siege of the city in the 90s, has now been transformed into a huge open-air art installation, completely covered with colorful graffiti. The most convenient way to get to the route is from the city center by a modern cable car (Sarajevo Žičara) - along the way and from the top of the mountain there are stunning panoramas of the entire city.
Where to stay
Hotel Old Sarajevo
A cozy and authentic boutique hotel located in the very epicenter of the historical district, just a few tens of meters from Bascarsija Square. An ideal choice for those who want to wake up to the sound of morning bells and the singing of the muezzin, have all the main attractions, coffee shops and restaurants right at their fingertips and explore Sarajevo entirely on foot.
Where to eat
Inat kuća
A restaurant with a unique history right on the river bank. At the turn of the 19th-20th centuries, the Austro-Hungarian authorities wanted to demolish this house to build a town hall, but the stubborn owner agreed to give up the land only on the condition that his house would be moved brick by brick to the other side. Today it is a cult place with a traditional Bosnian interior. Try: Bosnian pot (Bosanski lonac), assorted Sarajevski sahan and juicy stuffed onions (Sogan dolma).
Ćevabdžinica Željo
A legendary establishment in Bascarsija, where both tourists and locals line up for the best cevapi in the city (juicy sausages made from minced grilled meat). This gastronomic miracle is served exclusively in a fluffy somune flatbread and with finely chopped onions. Order them with traditional liquid yoghurt for a fuller taste.
Restoran Careva Cauprija
Restaurant of national cuisine, located next to the Tsar’s Mosque. Here you will find classic Bosnian comfort, impeccable service and an excellent selection of traditional meat dishes. An excellent place for a calm, measured dinner overlooking the historical part of the city.
Gastro Pub Vucko
Named after the famous wolf cub Vucko, the mascot of the 1984 Olympics, this pub is the main attraction for lovers of good beer in Sarajevo. Huge craft beer list (both local and imported), excellent meat platters, burgers and a lively, bustling European atmosphere.
Additional info
Practical information
- Transport in the city: The Old Town (Baščaršija) is a completely pedestrian zone. For trips to new areas (for example, to the Avaz Twist Tower observation tower), it is most convenient to use the historical Sarajevo trams. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks or from the driver.
- Currency and payment: Official currency - Convertible mark (BAM or KM), strictly pegged to the euro (1 EUR ≈ 1.95 KM). Large restaurants, hotels and supermarkets accept cards, but cash is strictly required in Baščaršija souvenir shops, small Čevabdžinica shops and taxis. Euros are also readily accepted as payment in many places.
What else should be included in the program
- Rescue Tunnel (Tunel Spasa): A museum complex on the outskirts of the city, created around an authentic underground tunnel that was dug by hand during the 1993 siege of Sarajevo under the airport runway. The only thread connecting the blocked city with the outside world, through which food and weapons were supplied. An extremely difficult, but obligatory place for understanding the modern history of Bosnia.
- Bosnian coffee in Bascarsija: Don't miss the ritual of drinking traditional coffee, which is served in copper cezves (Turks) on round trays with Turkish delight and a glass of cold water. They drink coffee slowly, savoring it with sugar, getting into the rhythm of the city.
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