Sarajevo is an ideal destination for historians and culture lovers, nature enthusiasts on summer, gourmands, and snow lovers on winter. From breathtaking scenery to delicious food, offering a vibrant culture with long history, all combined with Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and Slavic architecture, making explorers to travel through the time.
The city is impressive with its Old Town and amazing hospitality of the locals, with gorgeous mountains surrounding for outdoor adventures and peaceful exploration.
In this blog, we will tell you everything you need to know about Sarajevo before visiting it and to have a your perfect holiday and experience of the city. We are very sure that Sarajevo will amaze and surprise you, making your memories unforgettable. To really engross yourself into it, we highly recommend you to hire a local guide, who will strongly approach you all the historical and cultural senses of Sarajevo, and take you to the best panoramas and nature spots.
Sarajevo is waiting for you arrival with open arms!
- IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE YOUR ARRIVAL
In this first section we will introduce you with 3 important information before planning your visit:
- 1 PERSONAL ENTRY AND VISA PROCESS
- 2 WEATHER CONDITIONS OF SARAJEVO
- 3 BEST TIME TO VISIT THE CITY
1.1 PERSONAL ENTRY AND VISA PROCESS
All citizens of Western Europe are visa-free to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina up to 90 days from their arrival. Furthermore, the country opened its border for more than 100 countries in the world for holders of a biometric passport. If your country is not in that group, we advise you to visit the website of our Ministry of Foreign Affairs or nearest Bosnian and Herzegovinian embassy.
1.2 WEATHER CONDITIONS OF SARAJEVO
Sarajevo is a four seasons city, offering various possibilities for all visitors.
During spring and autumn Sarajevo offers mild temperatures and locals just love to be on streets during those periods, making the city very vibrant. In summer, more precisely mid-July and August temperatures reach their peak with beautiful mornings and pleasant nights. Peak season is always met during summer time, while in winter, the tourism activities transfer more to ideal mountains for winter sports and activities. The mountains were used during Sarajevo 1984 Winter Olympic Games and can be reached with only 30-40 minutes of driving from the Old Town. Imagine a city in a valley, surrounded by 4 Olympic mountains, with snowfalls – Sarajevo every winter becomes a gorgeous winter fairytale.
1.3 BEST TIME TO VISIT THE CITY
The best time to visit the city varies on your personal wishes, which really makes an impeccable destination for all visitors. We recommend you to visit the city among 2 periods, from mid-April to mid-July and from end of August to beginning of November. During those periods, Sarajevo offers very pleasant temperatures, where life of locals is best introduced and shown. It also offers great time for historical and cultural visits, hiking outdoor activities and food entertainments. If you decide to travel during the peak season, we recommend you to book your accommodation and flight tickets few months in advance. For winter ski lovers, we suggest visiting the city in January to mid-March for the best experience of winter tourism and attractions. The four-seasons city of Sarajevo can be explored at any time, depends on your desires.
- TRANSPORTATION AND ACCOMODATION IN SARAJEVO
In this section, we will provide you all necessary information about Sarajevo transport and where you should stay:
- 1 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AND WALKING DISTANCES
- 2 BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SARAJEVO
2.1 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AND WALKING DISTANCES
The most common question about transportation in Sarajevo would be ‘Is it safe?’. We can surely underline how it is super safe and from this year Sarajevo got completely new and air-condition trams with renovated tram lines that will make your journey very comfortable. The city is eco-friendly with public transport, due that more than 80% is run by electricity, mainly by new trams and modern trolleybuses. If you decide to make a journey through the flat parts of the Old Town and Downtown area, the distances are walkable. We suggest to use the cable car from the Old Town to reach Trebević Olympic Mountain and visit the 1984 Bob-sleigh track, as one of the main symbols of Sarajevo. The tickets for all transportation are provided on kiosks at the stations or inside the transportation from the driver with same price for one-way ticket. Take a chance to use the tram ride from the city which had first electric trams in Europe.
2.2 BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SARAJEVO
Since Sarajevo is in a valley, it consists of neighborhoods on different altitudes and meets expectations for every visitor. Either choosing to stay in a flat area or on the panoramic hills, Sarajevo will surely show its unique charm from both. In the following text, we will show the best areas for your stay in the central locations of Sarajevo:
- a) Baščaršija Old Town – if your wish is to experience the Ottoman styled area with oldest historical sights, Baščaršija Old Town is a perfect match for you. The main touristic and most vibrant area with numerous number of tourist shops and main sights of Sarajevo.
- b) Austro-Hungarian City Center – If you rather prefer staying outside the Old Town, we recommend the Austro-Hungarian areas around Tito’s and Ferhadija streets. These areas are very good connected with the public transport and walkable distances to the Old Town. They also offer many varieties of hotels and private accommodations.
- c) Marijin Dvor – This location is most distant from the Old Town, but very good connected with public transport and less than half an hour walkable distance to the Old Town. The region is very quiet and provides great restaurants, bars, parks and shopping centers. Actually, our favorite recommendation for your stay is Marijin Dvor neighborhood.
- TIPS TO EXPLORE SARAJEVO: MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS AND AREAS
Being rich in culture, history and nature, Sarajevo will leave you speechless by exploring its Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and Olympic sights. Here, we will inform you with must-see attractions in the area and how long should you stay in Sarajevo to complete your visit:
- 1 BAŠČARŠIJA
- 2 TUNNEL OF HOPE
- 3 VIJEĆNICA CITY HALL
- 4 LATIN BRIDGE
- 5 TREBEVIĆ OLYMPIC MOUNTAIN
- 6 HOW MANY DAYS TO STAY AND EXPLORE SARAJEVO
3.1 BAŠČARŠIJA
Baščaršija is the oldest part of Sarajevo, where you should start your visits of Sarajevo. Area of traditional markets and crafts combined with many historic monuments. There, you can visit the Sebilj Fountain, Gazi-Husrev bey’s Mosque, Jewish Synagogue, Old Orthodox Church and Catholic Church, where you will completely understand the multi-cultural concept of the city and why Sarajevo is called the ‘Jerusalem of Europe’. Furthermore, don’t miss to explore Bezistan Bazaar, Lunar Clock Tower and the Coppersmith street for unique handmade souvenirs, as well as restaurants that serve traditional Bosnian cuisine.
3.2 TUNNEL OF HOPE MUSEUM
The most symbolic and must-see attraction of Sarajevo is the Tunnel of Hope Museum. This place was core for the resistance and survival of locals during the longest siege in modern history, the 1425 days siege of Sarajevo. The tunnel was used for the supply of food and munitions, and ,for kids and women, the survival path in order to escape the siege. Don’t miss this out!
3.3 VIJEĆNICA CITY HALL
The National monument and very important historical institution in Sarajevo is the Vijećnica City Hall. This institution was bombed two times during the history and also revived both times. Today, it has an attractive architecture from outside and beautiful designs from inside, combined with galleries and historical facts of Sarajevo.
3.4 LATIN BRIDGE
Globally important place to explore, related to the World War I (WWI) period. Visit the Latin Bridge and Assassination spot of duke Franz Ferdinand, which was the trigger to start the WWI. Then, continue to the museum of WWI, placed in front of the assassination spot. These exhibitions will surely provide you more information about Sarajevo during the Austro-Hungarian control of the city.
3.5 TREBEVIĆ OLYMPIC MOUNTAIN
On the left bank of Old Town Miljacka river is located the Trebević Olympic mountain. An easy reachable natural beauty by the Sarajevo Cable Car (Žičara) with a 10-minute ride. The mountain offers visits to Bob-sleigh track (the only walkable Olympic track in the world and largest wall in Europe for street art exhibition), nice hiking trails to the top, mountain biking and picking areas. There, you can make different activities or simply free your body and relax your soul with the beautiful natural surroundings.
3.6 HOW MANY DAYS TO STAY AND EXPLORE SARAJEVO
The number of days to stay and explore Sarajevo with the surroundings depends personally for each visitor. Our recommendation is to stay at least 4 days with an easy-going plan to visit, explore and enjoy the charm of the city.
- BOSNIAN FOOD, BALKAN DRINKS AND TRADITIONAL RESTAURANTS IN SARAJEVO
Sarajevo was ruled by three different empires that left a great impact on Sarajevo cuisine where majority of traditional dishes are derived from the Ottoman cuisine. In order to have the best culinary experience, we will introduce you with Sarajevo traditional dishes, Balkan drinks and traditional restaurants of the city:
- 1 ĆEVAPČIĆI
- 2 BUREK
- 3 BEGOVA ČORBA
- 4 PUNJENE PAPRIKE
- 5 SAHAN
- 6 TUFAHIJA AND BAKLAVA SWEETS
- 7 RAKIJA DRINKS
- 8 TRADITIONAL RESTAURANTS
4.1 ĆEVAPČIĆI
The first food symbol of Sarajevo is Ćevapčići. The grilled meat rolls packed as small Bosnian sausages with traditional circled bread (somun) and onions on the side. We recommend you the traditional cheesy cream (kajmak) to deep the meet inside and a yogurt for a drink. You can start your meal with a small portion, including 5 ćevapčići and half somun.
4.2 BUREK
Burek is always a good choice for breakfast. It is a meal derived from Ottoman cuisine, but slightly different prepared and served. It is best described as Bosnian pie that looks as a domestic pastry and filled with meat. For vegetarian options, there are Bosnian pies stuffed with either potato, spinach or cheese. Make sure to ask for sour cream on top. It is free of charge, but more traditional way to eat.
4.3 BEGOVA ČORBA
Begova Čorba (bey’s soup) is a delicious, creamy and healthy soup with mainly chicken, okra and various vegetables. A very rich soup that immediately proves why it is a soup for a real Bey (Ottoman king title).
4.4 PUNJENE PAPRIKE
Punjene paprike dish by locals is mainly known as favorite ‘grandma’s’ food. It is a combination of cooked paprika filled with meet and rice in a special sauce.
4.5 SAHAN
If you prefer more cooked than grilled dishes and you don’t know how to try majority of them, we will help you. Feel free to order a plate called Sahan. This is a plate with different Bosnian traditional cooked dishes served in small portions on one plate.
4.6 TUFAHIJA AND BAKLAVA SWEETS
After eating your main meal, don’t miss out to try traditional sweets of Sarajevo. Our first recommendation is Tufahija, served as a poached apple, stuffed with walnuts and sugar and on top with traditional white cream. Second recommendation is Baklava of Sarajevo, which is different from Turkish Baklava. It is served in a diamond shape with nuts and sugar syrup with thick layers of the sweet pastry. Both sweets are perfect to finish and complete your meal.
4.7 RAKIJA DRINKS
This traditional drink is for alcohol lovers. Rakija is a strong alcohol drink with around 40% of alcohol in it. The uncolored Rakijas are considered as ‘real’ ones (peach, apple, plum..), while colored (nuts, cherry..) as light Rakijas with around 20% of alcohol in them.
4.8 TRADITIONAL RESTAURANTS
- Ćevabdžinica Hodžić for Ćevapčići meal
- Buregdžinica Bosna for Burek
- Aščinica Stari Grad for Begova Čorba
- Ašcinica ASDŽ for Punjene Paprike
- SEDEF restaurant for Sahan
- Slastičarna Ramis for Tufahija
- Baklava Dućan for Baklava
- La Cava Pub for Rakija drinks
- TIPS FOR OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN THE NATURE OF SARAJEVO
Sarajevo is not only the place of long history and different cultures, but a perfect city for nature lovers. Mostly, any day in every season of the year is ideal for outdoor activities in the nature of Sarajevo. The area is rich with Olympic mountains, savage rivers and hidden mountain lakes. Here, we will list and explain you all possible outdoor activities in and around Sarajevo:
- 1 TREK ON BOB-SLEIGH TRACK AND HIKE ON THE TREBEVIĆ MOUNTAIN
- 2 HIKE ON BJELAŠNICA MOUNTAIN TO LUKOMIR VILLAGE
- 3 MOUNTAIN BIKING ON TREBEVIĆ MOUNTAIN
- 4 RAFTING ON NERETVA RIVER
- 5 PEACEFUL VRELO BOSNE NATURAL OASE
5.1 TREK ON BOB-SLEIGH TRACK AND HIKE ON TREBEVIĆ MOUNTAIN
A near trek and hike activity is reached with the cable car from the Sarajevo Old Town to Trebević mountain. It is a flawless experience where after exiting the cable car, you will reach the Olympic Bob-sleigh track in 2 minutes and make a short walk of 400 meters on the track until you see small stairs for the exit from it. From the stairs you will pass below the bob-sleigh track and continue for 500 meters, following the road and enjoying the nature, in the direction of the ‘Hotel Pino Nature’. By reaching the hotel, on the right side of it are the mountain trail signs that will direct you where to hike the top of the Trebević mountain. In around 1hour and 30minutes of hike you will reach a mountain house called ‘Jure Franko’, on which you can enjoy the gorgeous panorama views of Sarajevo and possibility to order a hot tea, coffee, soup, mountain juices or a called beer. Whenever you are ready to hike down, use the same trail signs to come back to the hotel and to reach the cable car. Have in mind to check out until when the cable car is open and plan your time wisely.
5.2 HIKE ON BJELAŠNICA MOUNTAIN TO LUKOMIR VILLAGE
Sarajevo offers an impeccable Olympic mountain named ‘Bjelašnica’. To hike on this mountain you will need firstly a vehicle to reach Umoljani village area at Bjelašnica mountain in 1 hour. From Umoljani, there are 2 mountain hiking trails that end at the most isolated village in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Lukomir village. The trails are called ‘Obalj’ and ‘Studeni Potok’. Our recommendation is to firstly use Obalj trail and after reaching Lukomir village to use the Studeni Potok trail for a real adventure. The journey can last between 7-9 hours and we strongly suggest you to check our tour called ‘Umoljani-Lukomir Village Hiking Tour’ for an unforgettable experience and cherish memories.
5.3 MOUNTAIN BIKING ON TREBEVIĆ MOUNTAIN
Besides the hiking and trekking activities on Trebević mountain, we recommend mountain biking for experienced biking lovers and athletes. As mentioned, the cable car can be used from the Old Town of Sarajevo and a really great opportunity is that you can carry your mountain bike with you by paying an extra fee for it. There two options for mountain biking, which depend on your skills and athlete form. For unexperienced bikers, we recommend to follow the road from the cable car, continuing then below the Bob-sleigh track and while seeing the Hotel Pino Nature to turn right. There, you will start to bike down the mountain and in around 20 minutes you will reach the mid-part of Sarajevo. From the mid-part of the city, do an easy cycling back to the Old Town or your desired place. Furthermore, a real adrenaline activity, only for experienced mountain bikers, are founded on the right side of the Hotel Pino Nature, with signs and trails for mountain biking. There are different ways to do extreme mountain biking on the trails and even a wooden scale where you can make nice jumps with your bike. For unexperienced bikers, this activity is extremely complicated and please think wisely before trying to perform such. We recommend you the first option.
5.4 RAFTING ON NERETVA RIVER
Only 1hour and 30minutes from Sarajevo a rafting experience is reached on the Neretva river. The rafting can be done only with an official skipper that will help and assist you during this outdoor activity on the boat. The scenery of the nature is flawless, with amazing canyons and places to swim. If this is a captivating experience for you, our warm suggestion is to contact us and check our ‘River Splash’ tour for a pure joy experience.
5.5 PEACEFUL VRELO BOSNE NATURE OASE
In the suburb of Sarajevo, with a drive of only 30 minutes from the Old Town, is located a peaceful nature oasis ‘Vrelo Bosne’. This place will take your breath with its quite nature flows and different animal species. It is a perfect spot for nature and photography lovers that will relax your minds as a therapy in glance. The area is not reachable with public transport, so we recommend you to take a taxi or contact us for the ‘Nature Tour’, in which this complex is included.
- USEFUL TIPS AND FAQ FOR FOR YOUR TRIP TO SARAJEVO
It is interesting that the official language in Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina is called Bosnian-Croatian-Serbian language, as literally three same languages under one name. Majority of locals in Sarajevo do speak English, while in tourism sector English is a must. Locals are very open for tourists and visitors, they love and appreciate when a tourist tries to speak Bosnian, even knowing just few words of their language. In the following text we will introduce you with useful tips and FAQ for your trip to Sarajevo:
- 6.1 BASIC WORDS AND PHRASES
- 2 HOW SAFE IS SARAJEVO FOR TOURISTS?
- 3 LOCAL CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE
- 4 IS SARAJEVO BUDGET FRIENDLY?
- 5 DO THEY TIP IN SARAJEVO?
6.1 BASIC WORDS AND PHRASES
Bosnian-Croatian-Serbian language spoken in Sarajevo is usually complicated for tourists, but here are few words and phrases that are easy to remember:
- Dobro jutro: Good morning
- Dobar dan: Good afternoon
- Zdravo: Hello
- Doviđenja: Goodbye
- Hvala: Thank you
- Molim: Please ; You are welcome
- Izvinite: Excuse me
- Dobro: Good
- Da: Yes
- Ne: No
6.2 HOW SAFE IS SARAJEVO FOR TOURISTS?
Sarajevo is an absolutely super-safe destination for all tourists around the world. Tourism in this city is highly appreciated. Locals like to say how few years ago tourism just ‘felt from the sky’ and a lot of locals nowadays make their living from tourism. The only advise you should concern on is to strictly obey the traffic light signs and take a look on both sides while crossing the road. The minority of drivers can drive faster than allowed and decide while taking a taxi ride, either decide with the taxi driver for the price or tell him to turn on the taximeter before you sit. Besides this, there no other concern while visiting Sarajevo.
A super-safe destination is waiting for you with open arms!
6.3 LOCAL CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE
The official local currency in Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina is ‘Bosanska Marka’ or ‘Konvertibilna Marka’, which is either written with initials ‘BAM’ or ‘KM’. Don’t get confused with both, they are completely the same currency and have same value. Sarajevo has many easy reachable and visible exchange offices, in which you can change mainly euros, dollars, pounds, Scandinavia crowns, Turkish lira or any regional currency of the Balkans. We recommend to use exchange offices rather than official banks, due that commission in exchange offices are fixed to 0.65% and there are no long waiting lines for exchange.
6.4 IS SARAJEVO BUDGET FRIENDLY?
Sarajevo is a budget friendly city for tourists in many aspects. The transportation, food, accommodation, tours, workshops and activities are affordable. As a person who was born and raised in Sarajevo, also as an official tour guide and a world traveler, I can surely say that Sarajevo is one of the cheapest capital cities in Europe. Comparing Sarajevo with Indo-Chinese region is slightly more expensive, but way cheaper than Canada, South Korea, Italy, Croatia and many others. Definitely, Sarajevo offers amazing opportunities and is amazingly budget friendly for majority of travelers.
6.5 DO THEY TIP?
This question always depends from person to person. A majority of locals in Sarajevo do tip, but it is not compulsory. Either drinking a coffee, having a nice meal or similar. The approximate tip price varies on your satisfaction and service, around 10-20%. Sarajevo local workers do appreciate very much your tipping effort and would be very happy with it.
7 HOW TO EXPLORE BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA FROM SARAJEVO
As a capital city, Sarajevo has many connections, mainly buses and one train railroad. Buses are usually making long lasting journeys due that they stop on many stations in smaller cities, even villages on the way. The train is nicer option, but operates only 2 times per day and has one railroad with 2 directions. For a private transfer of 2 people we do not recommend to hire a car, due to the renting prices, parking and roads. A more convenient way is to hire a guide with a car or a private/shared tour. The price of renting and gas can be higher than just booking a tour and the roads in Bosnia and Herzegovina are not for every driver. Since the country is very hilly and there are even some roads that were made from Ottomans for their horses, when the cars did not exist, so you need to be an experienced driver.
If having any doubt about how to travel in or outside of Sarajevo, you can always ask us for an itinerary and we would be more than happy to assist you.
To get more of your stay and enjoy the city with reasonable prices and professional service, the best way is with a guided tour. Either you are searching in Sarajevo to taste good food, have a coffee break on a panoramic sights, enjoy the nature and its activities, approach a deeper knowledge of the history and current cultural situation and talk to locals of Sarajevo. The local guide can help you with all your wishes.
Once again, Sarajevo is waiting for your with long arms and warm welcome!
Blog source: https://artandtours.ba/essential-travel-tips-and-all-you-need-to-know-for-planning-your-safe-trip-to-sarajevo/
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