Walking through the well-kept streets of Sarajevo today, admiring its elegant buildings, gardens, bell towers and minarets almost gives you the shivers. Because thirty years ago this city was a war zone and the streets were devastated and strewn with dead. Emerging from a tragedy like that is difficult, emerging more beautiful than before was a challenge that Sarajevo won. Today it is a tourism paradise, the economic engine of Bosnia-Herzegovina of which it is also the capital, and it also hosts the most important airport in the area. Come and get to know it!
When to go
Sarajevo is lively and charming especially during the summer. In this season, though, it also becomes chaotic because of the brand new “tourist glory” it is living today. Our advice is to visit the city in late spring (April-June) when Sarajevo is not crowded and offers more easily its colours and flavours.
Travel documents
In order to enter Bosnia, you need to show a valid passport or identity card (electronic or paper) for travel abroad. The expiration date of the documents must exceed the expected period of stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina by at least 3 months. If you remain less than 3 months, you won’t need any visa. If your stay exceedes 90 days visa is mandatory.
What to pack for your trip to Sarajevo
Sarajevo is today an elegant European capital. Surrounded by beautiful nature, it still offers opportunities for guided tours, entertainment, and culture. In your suitcase, in spring, pack both sportswear and evening wear, comfortable shoes and elegant shoes. Don’t forget a heavy jacket and an umbrella, and don’t forget sunscreen. Be sure to bring all the devices you need to take photos and videos. The city is really beautiful.
How to get to Sarajevo
Set in the “very heart” of East Europe, Sarajevo is the central point of many streets and railways. It is very easy to reach. Buses are the cheapest and most common way to get to and from the city and so are rented vehicles. Bosnia hasn’t developed a rail system as well as other European countries but you can still get to Sarajevo by train. The Bosnian capital is proud of its modern international airport, Sarajevo Airport (SJJ). Acting as a vital hub for business, tourism, and cultural exchange, this airport is equipped with the amenities that today’s traveler expects, including duty-free shops, enticing eateries, and comfortable waiting lounges. For travelers in need of a more personal touch, private transfer services such as Transfeero provide convenient and elegant transport options.
How to move through Sarajevo
Nestled in the heart of the Balkans, Sarajevo offers a range of transportation options to cater to the needs of every visitor. A lovely capital, aiming to be the cultural and tourist center of the Bosnian nation, it welcomes everyone with an easy exploration.
Sarajevo’s public transportation network includes trams, buses, and trolleybuses, which offer an economical way to traverse the city. The tram system, with its nostalgic feel, offers a scenic route through the city’s primary attractions. Taxis are everywhere and easy to call. They share their transfer task with many private transportations: companies such as Transfeero give the opportunity to choose among chauffeur services, shuttles, hourly taxis offering luxury, comfort and excitement of a guided tour.
Sarajevo’s compact city center is perfect for exploring on foot or by renting a bicycle.
What to see
When you come to Sarajevo make sure you give enough attention to the city, first. It really deserves to be discovered and loved! This vibrant capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina boasts an eclectic fusion of cultures, enchanting travelers with its unique blend of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences. History, nature, entertainment, culture … you will find everything.
Sarajevo’s compelling history is most poignantly showcased in its old bazaars and traditional coffeehouses. Strolling through Baščaršija, Sarajevo’s old bazaar, is like a walk through time. Here you can savor traditional Bosnian coffee and shop for copperware, woven rugs, and intricate handicrafts. Art lovers will find a vibrant scene in Sarajevo, from street art to galleries that showcase the creative spirit of the city. Just a short distance from the urban hustle, the olympic mountains, which hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics, provide a natural escape with breathtaking views and outdoor activities year-round.
You must certainly visit the Avaz Tower, the elegand Ferhadja Street, Gazi-Husrevbeg Mosque and the Orthodox Cathedral. Walk across the Latin Bridge, feel the deep emotions of Tunnel Museum and War Children Museum. Take your time to explore, in the nearby region, places such as Medjugorje and Skakavac Falls.
What to do and NOT to do in Sarajevo
What you must do, when enjoying your holiday in Sarajevo, is … never be in a hurry! Take your time to explore, to walk, to taste. Sarajevo must be admired, and loved. Guided itineraries and unexpected excursions in nature are the best activities you can choose, in this city.
What you should never do: never walk alone – or in couples – at night in specific parts of the city (Ali Pasino, Dobrinja e Švrakino Selo), never show jewels or money when you walk near the station or the bus stops. Never start talking about politics and religion with local people; the ghosts of a terrible war are still floating in the air, here and there! Do not trust public taxi drivers because they always try to inflate the prices of the races; get well informed before you call the taxi.