Bosnia and Herzegovina isn’t exactly the first place Americans think of when planning a European vacation. But honestly, I see that as one of the main reasons to go. The place feels lived in rather than touristy, and there are so many things to do in Sarajevo, Bosnia, specifically, that are unique without being gimmicky. Add to that how Sarajevo itself is like a patchwork quilt of Southeast Europe: Ottoman-era markets, Austro-Hungarian architecture, mosques, both Catholic and Orthodox churches, all coexisting within walking distance of one another. Add cheap beer, excellent food, and a countryside that looks like it belongs on a postcard, and you’ve got a destination that dreams are made of.
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Where To Stay in Sarajevo
When I was in Sarajevo, I stayed at Hotel Central, and I def recommend it. Its rooms have this chic red and white look that feels modern but with a distinct style. It also has plenty of amenities (think pool, sauna, spa) to sprinkle a bit of luxury on your trip.
Of course, the best part is probably the location. It’s within an 8-minute walk of sightseeing heaven: Latin Bridge, Baลกฤarลกija (must-see bazaarโmore on that later), and Sarajevo Synagogue. The breakfast buffet also has a lot of nice variety.
PHOTO CREDITS: HOTEL CENTRAL VIA HOTELS.COM
PLANNING A TRIP TO SARAJEVO SOON?
Below are some of the best tours, hotels, and more to kickstart your plans! Before you go, check out our tips for packing light and ways to save money on travel to make the practical side of the trip a little easier.
Popular Tours & Activities in Sarajevo:
- Climb Via Ferrata in Sarajevo
- Discover Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Guide
- Tunnel Museum: Bosnian & Yugoslav Wars Tour with War Veteran
Top Places to Stay in Sarajevo:
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Things to Do in Sarajevo: Go Off-Beat or Go Home
This is one place that doesn’t need a gimmick to grab attention. (Though if you’d like an introduction, maybe Sarajevo Blues?) It’s a place deeply steeped in wartime history and the clashing of disparate cultures that have, through the ages, found a sort of harmony.
But that being said, it’s nice to break away from the norm every now and then. That’s why I compiled this list of off-beat and unique hotspots in Sarajevo, Bosnia.
Alternative Art and Cultural Highlights
Visit an Abandoned Olympic Bobsled Track for Sarajevo Street Art
Take the cable car up Mount Trebeviฤ, then explore the graffiti-covered concrete curves of the track built for the 1984 Winter Olympics. As a dedicated lover of street art and Instagrammable spots, this one’s a fun mix of art filling up the gaps.
Only caution I’ll give here is that “off-beat” doesn’t mean “stray off the beaten path.” This is one place you want to stick to the designated visitor routes or risk getting lost in the woods.
Tour Sevdah Art House to Discover Bosniaโs Musical Traditions
This particular museum gives a different perspective on art, being that it’s dedicated to sevdah, Bosniaโs urban song tradition. It’s a bit of culture that’s easy to miss amidst Sarajevoโs better-known architecture and wartime history.
Make this an unhurried stop: explore the displays, then sit in the adjoining Sevdah Kahva cafรฉ for Bosnian coffee, homemade juice, or cake. Make this an unhurried stop: explore the displays, then sit in the adjoining Sevdah Kahva cafรฉ for Bosnian coffee, homemade juice, or cake. It’s a lovely place to linger for a while and soak up a little local atmosphere.
Cross Festina Lente, a Bridge that Literally Loops over Itself
Thought up by local design students, this bridge has a conspicuous loop-de-loop about halfway along. Don’t worry, you won’t have to do a Looney Tunes run around the loop. (Though judging from the ankle-high bars in place, someone definitely tried.)
I wouldn’t recommend this as a standalone excursion, per se, but it is a fun detour and makes for some fun pictures. Don’t let anybody tell you Sarajevo is for wartime history only.
Just a Dash of Adventure in Bosnia-Herzegovina
Explore the Ruined ฤolina Kapa Observatory, Bistrik Kula
This one’s a little bit of adventure and art. Like the bobsled track, this slice of history got a graffiti makeover. But this time, you’re trading forest for mountain views and an ’80s concrete track for a World War II military base.
If you love exploring the hidden gems of Athens and other overlooked corners of Europe, this one’s right up your alley. Just make sure to go in the daytime. This place doesn’t get regular safety inspections, so you have to watch your step.
See the Sunset from the Yellow Fortress
If you brought hiking boots, walk uphill to ลฝuta Tabija, the Yellow Fortress, for a sweeping view across Sarajevoโs valley.
The best view is probably at sunset, so make sure you arrive ahead of that to beat the crowds. Then, you can sit back and admire the city before the light fades.
History Galore and Sarajevo’s Wartime Past
Dive into the Local Culture at Baลกฤarลกija in Stari Grad (Sarajevo’s Old Town)
You want atmosphere? You’ll find it in Baลกฤarลกija, the historic Ottoman-era bazaar in Sarajevo’s Old Town. I’ve been here myself, and it’s fascinating: traditional shops, cafรฉs, restaurants, and stalls selling everything from copper coffee sets to souvenirs.
The architecture has a different vibe from much of Western Europe thanks to an Ottoman influence stirring things up. And Baลกฤarลกija is the perfect place to see it. For another look at Europe’s layered religious history, check out our virtual walking tour of Prague’s Jewish Quarter.
A Different Perspective on History at Despiฤ House
Both the Tunnel of Hope and the Old Town are well-known spots, so you can expect them to be crowded during the busy season. If you want to avoid all that noise, though, there’s an alternative: Despiฤ House.
This former home of a wealthy family offers a different look at history. It’s not a remnant of a grand historical event, but more of a soft glimpse into the day-to-day of Sarajevo’s past.
Get a Taste of a War-torn Past at the Tunnel of Salvation
The Tunnel of Salvation gets bonus points since it’s near the airport, so you can visit after you fly in or on your way out. You can also visit it during one of Sarajevo’s war tours to get the full breadth of the city’s wartime struggles.
The UN dug out this 800-meter tunnel during the Yugoslavian War. It connected Sarajevo with the outside world back when it was under siege. The tunnel was basically a lifeline to the city, creating a route to bring in food, medicine, and other supplies.
PHOTO CREDIT: DepositPhotos.com
Buff up Your Bosnia-Herzegovina Trip
As you can see, Sarajevo is a seriously underrated destination, with loads of unique sights and things to do. If you’re planning a bigger trip through the region, be sure to check out my Balkans trip itinerary. And if you love city breaks with offbeat sights, our guide to one day in Genoa, Italy is another European adventure worth keeping in mind.
While you’re planning, be sure to consider my advice on the best restaurants and 5-star hotels in Sarajevo that’ll have you swimming in a luxurious night’s sleep.
