It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with Sarajevo. Maybe it was just a few minutes walking around the city until I realized that it would likely be one of my favorites of the trip. If you haven’t made it to Bosnia & Herzegovina yet, you ought to! Here’s my recommendations for 12 Things You Must Do in Sarajevo to convince you:
1. Stroll around Old Town. Walk over the Latin Bridge towards Bascarsija Square (also known as Pigeon Square), which is a great starting point for exploring Sarajevo’s Old Town. The historic Old Town is welcoming and charming, and had similarities to one of my other favorite European cities, Krakow (but with mosques)!
2. Peruse the Coppersmiths’ Shops. As you might expect, Old Town caters to tourists and you’ll have your pick of shops to purchase beautiful hand pounded copper souvenirs. However, a discerning eye can tell that not all of the goods are created equal. If you’re looking for a beautiful, high quality souvenir, make sure to stop in coppersmith Ismet i Ismir’s shop.
3. Indulge in Ćevapi. Yum. Ćevapi is minced meat formed into cylinder sausage shapes served with fresh bread, raw onions and kajmak (similar to sour cream). Do not let yourself leave Bosnia & Herzegovina without trying this local delight! As an added bonus, you’ll get a huge portion of this deliciousness for just a few dollars.
4. Grab a local brew. Head to Pivnica HS, a large beer hall (which also serves food) to sample some local freshly brewed beers. Pivnica HS is located just a block or so outside Old Town and next door to Sarajevskaya Brewery.
5. Learn About the Region’s History. The scars of the recent war are still very evident in the city, so I’d recommend “The Complete Sarajevo War Tour” with Toorico Tours to learn about the siege of Sarajevo. Our tour started at the Tunnel Museum where you can explore a portion of the tunnel that was used to supply Sarajevo with food and arms during the three year siege. After, we were taken into the mountains which surround the city and were shown (at a safe distance) an area which is still littered with active land mines. We continued to Igman Mountain where we saw the Olympic ski jumping hills and walked through the remnants of what once was the most luxurious hotel in the mountains, but was burned down during the conflict. Before heading to the Yellow Fortress, we were shown several “snippers’ nests” and the Old Jewish Cemetery (another stronghold for Serbian snippers during the war).
Our tour guide, Ervin, was extremely knowledgable and friendly, but what made the tour especially memorable was his personal stories and experiences during the siege. Just seven years old when the conflict started, Ervin shared vivid memories regarding his family being detained during the war, his flight to Croatia and eventual return to Bosnia & Herzegovina in 1996.
6. Visit my Favorite Bar in The World. Whoa – quite the lofty accolade to be handing out, isn’t it? Well, it’s true. I found my favorite bar in the whole wide world while in Sarajevo. Whether you fancy beer, wine, a cocktail or just coffee, you have to stop by Zlatna Ribica (Kapitol 5) for a drink. The interior of this small bar (the name translated to Golden Fishy) is decorated much like your senile great grandmother’s home could be – random vintage trinkets everywhere! Even if you were a regular, you would probably notice new pieces of decor on each visit. Wine poured from a fish pitcher, cocktail menus hanging from chandeliers and live goldfish make this bar a unique experience.
7. Learn How to Drink Bosnian Coffee. Sarajevo certainly has a coffee culture – everywhere you stroll, the sidewalk cafes are packed with locals enjoying their coffee. But, as an American, I was initially confused as to how to “properly” drink Bosnian coffee. So that you can avoid the same initial panic that I had, here’s a step by step guide for you:
Your Bosnian coffee will be served on a small platter which will hold the coffee-filled dzezva (a copper coffee pot with a long handle), an empty cup, a glass of water with sugar cubes or a Bosnian candy which is similar to Turkish delight. (Whatever you do, don’t just pour the coffee into the cup and drink it – all the coffee grounds are at the bottom of the dzerva)! First, spoon off the foam from the coffee in your dzerva, and then pour some coffee into your empty cup before topping your coffee with the foam. Next, dip your sugar cube into the coffee to soften it, then take a bite of the sugar cube and take a sip of the coffee. When you reach the coffee near the bottom of your dzerva, use your spoon to hold back the coffee grounds muck on the bottom. (You’re welcome).
8. Visit the Olympic Bobsled. The Sarajevo bobsled is often seen as a depiction of the juxtaposition of the city’s recent history. Sarajevo was flourishing in the 1980’s and hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics, only to find itself in the midst of conflict a decade later during the Bosnian war. Since that time, the city has continued it’s revitalization and has again become a popular tourist destination.
9. Partake in a Unique Dining Experience. In the heart of Old Town you’ll find “To Be or Not To Be”(Cizmedziluk 5), a cozy restaurant with only two tables. During our visit, the woman who took our order subsequently retreated to the tiny kitchen (which was approximately four feet from us) and cooked our meals from scratch. The menu was extensive, but I couldn’t help but try the chocolate chili beefsteak, which was as unique as it was delicious.
10. Take in the City’s Views. Head up to the Yellow Fortress for sweeping panoramic views of Sarajevo.
11. Visit the Place Where WWI Started. In 1914, Austria’s Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife were shot dead in Sarajevo. The assassination, which began the First World War, is marked with a stone plaque.
11. Sample some Rakia. Rakia (or fruit brandy) is widely considered the national drink in Bosnia & Herzegovina. You can sample many different flavors of this local favorite in most any restaurant or bar in the city, but beware, rakia packs a punch!
12. Stay in Style. While in Sarajevo, I stayed at the modern and stylish Hotel Bistrik. Hotel Bistrik provides all the comforts of home, just a few steps from Old Town. The rooms are contemporary and welcoming, and the staff was more than helpful. While I was there, one of the hotel guest’s flight was canceled due to weather. When the Hotel Manager found out, he drove back to the airport to pick her up and bring her back to the hotel! You can check rates for Hotel Bistrik and other Sarajevo hotels here.
Are you planning a trip to Bosnia & Herzegovina? You can find great deals and book your hotel room, apartment or B&B here. (And, most bookings can be cancelled for free)!
Have you been to Sarajevo? What else would you add to this list?
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Although I was a guest of Hotel Bistrik and Toorico Tours, my love for their services and Sarajevo is all my own. Some of the above links are affiliate links, meaning that if you choose to book through them I will earn a small commission at no cost to you. I appreciate your continued support to keep this site up and running! You can find FWTG’s full disclosure policy here.
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January 28, 2015
Once again you’ve outdone yourself with another fascinating article! The pictures you took of Sarajevo are amazing. If I ever get a chance to go I’ll need an entire day for that beer hall you highlighted above.
Thanks and happy travels!
January 28, 2015
Thanks so much, John! All of the food and drinks we had in Sarajevo was fantastic!
January 28, 2015
Had the pleasure of being in Sarajevo During BiH’s first ever World Cup. Awesome city, full of wonderful people.
January 29, 2015
I bet that was a fantastic time. I agree – I can’t wait to visit again!
January 29, 2015
Such an interesting way to drink coffee! In Turkey I found the muck at the bottom to be repulsive, not knowing what it was. Thanks for solving the mystery!
January 29, 2015
Yes, I had read articles that there is a “proper” way to drink Bosnian coffee, but otherwise we wouldn’t have known either!
January 30, 2015
I love this post. I was 4 when the war started, and my first trip back home was 2013. since then ive gone back 3 times in less than 2 years. No words can descibe the feeeling i have when the plane touches down in sarajevo, knowing im around my own people in a land i should have grown up in. Sarajevo is full of many great places, as ive written on my recenet posts. Vrelo bosne is a natural spring park where the river bosne runs through and what the country is named after. The horse and carriage ride takes you to another era, and the lush greenery around is good for a day out of the city. I could walk endlessly around bascarsija streets eating burek and chevapi (my fav place to eat is at zeljo). You can have a look at my posts at http://thebosnianaussie.wordpress.com if you need any more places to add 🙂
January 30, 2015
I hope to get back soon! Thanks for the suggestions, I love your posts!
February 10, 2015
Sounds like a great trip — and a great bar 😉 I’ve yet to visit Sarajevo but I definitely want to, have heard great things!
February 11, 2015
You really should! Sarajevo is fantastic and I can’t wait to get back to BiH! 🙂
March 30, 2015
Great Article!
April 3, 2015
Bosnia has been on my mind for a while but I’ve never made it to that side of Europe. It looks great. I am back in Europe this summer so maybe that will be my chance…
April 4, 2015
Do it! You won’t regret it. Sarajevo is amazing, and when you travel outside the city the dramatic landscape is stunning! I have a few more Bosnia posts in the works which will highlight a few smaller more picturesque villages. 🙂
April 29, 2015
Thanks a lot for your share about “Sarajevo”, so exciting..
June 16, 2015
hey, by the way turkey is not in the middle east, part of it is in Europe and the other part is in Asia, and Egypt is in Africa not the middle east. i loved your website.
good luck <3,
Rawdha
June 22, 2015
This looks like such an interesting destination. I feel that in general the Balkans are a underrated destination. It’s also just a short flight for me to get there (I’m from the Netherlands), so I really don’t have a proper excuse not to go. Added to my bucket list, and thanks for sharing!
June 22, 2015
I think you’ll enjoy Sarajevo (and anywhere else you decide to travel in BiH), Maaike. I agree with you that the region is extremely underrated!
September 22, 2015
There’s no such a food as Bosnian ćevapi (and Bosnian burek). Luckily, I live just a few hours drive from Bosnia and Herzegovina so there are times I go for a short trip just so I could enjoy that incredible food.
September 22, 2015
YES! Burek is also delicious! I’m jealous you’re so close and can visit (and eat) often!
September 30, 2015
Have wanted to go to Sarajevo for a long time. Think I need to move it higher up my list.
September 30, 2015
Yes – you should, Emma! I LOVED Sarajevo. 🙂
December 29, 2015
Wow. Amazing work with the article.
Bosnia is indeed one of the most underrated tourist destination.
December 29, 2015
I can’t wait to get back to the Balkans, Prachi!
January 12, 2016
We just returned from Bosnia and this is exactly what we did while in Sarajevo! We didn’t get to that particular bar but we did get to a cafe called Rahatlook for candied pumpkin and a teahouse Cajdzinica Dzirlo for salep (a tea made from ground orchid root) – two Sarajevan specialties. What an amazing city!! This country has a special place in my heart. We are making plans for a return.
January 13, 2016
Sounds like a great trip, Stephanie! I miss Sarajevo and would love to get back soon. I tried salep in Turkey – yum!
May 27, 2016
Sarajevo is amazing! Great blog. Thanks for sharing.
June 9, 2016
Thank you! I adore the city as well.
June 29, 2016
Great list! We’re heading there tonight and are really excite for Bosnia! Thanks for the info.
June 29, 2016
Enjoy, Ben! Bosnia is amazing! You’ll have to let me know if you’d anything to this list.
October 11, 2016
Hello, I’m brazilian in 2014 when stared the world cup here I took the plane to Sarajevo, It was so good! It was the best trip that I made. There’s no two ways about it. I think you could post about the Vrelo Bosne, the only one and beautiful beach of Bosna, about the cakes and others. I miss bosna I hope a day to visit again, I feel as a bosnian. I love this country so much.
October 11, 2016
I’m glad you enjoyed your visit too, Pedro! Unfortunately, I didn’t get to visit Vrelo Bosne, but I hope to return to BiH and see more of the country soon!
December 6, 2016
“Have you been to Sarajevo? What else would you add to this list?” Well, the good news is that I was there for almost one year. The “not so good” news is that I was there in 1992-1993, during the “Siege.” Consequently I was in no position to do the tours, visit the bars or meet many people. But I do hope to revisit the city to see how it has recovered. Your photos show that Sarajevo has recovered very well. Thanks for an excellent page!
December 6, 2016
I’m so sorry to hear that, Gary! I do hope you get to return and experience the lovely, vibrant city Sarajevo is now!
December 20, 2016
The Balkans or inparticular the Countries that used to make up Yugoslavia in my opinion is the most beautiful part of Europe. I have ventured to these regions on numerous occasions now from Australia on European trips and must say the countries of Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia are collectively the most beautiful region in Europe
December 20, 2016
I’m a huge fan of the Balkans as well, Dan! I explored Slovenia in 2016 and hope to get to Croatia and Montenegro in 2017!
May 2, 2017
Yes do Croatia in 2017 you will love it. Some hidden treasures for you and must sees. The obvious- Dubrovnik, Plitvice Lakes, Rovinj, Hvar, Split. My hidden treasures city of Sibenik and Krka falls and the surrounding towns including Vodice, Primosten, Skradin. Island Murter and the Kornati archipelago also near Sibenik. Motovun near Rovinj. The island of Losinj and imparticular Mali Losinj town near Istria and Rovinj. In southern Dalmatia, the islands of Brac and Vis (note Stiniva Cove, Bol & Pucisca town). Zagreb is also nice with great day trips to Trakoscan and Varazdin.
May 2, 2017
Thanks for the recommendations, Dan. I would love to visit Croatia this year – it’s very high on my list!
May 2, 2017
Oh and take a car or bus from Dubrovnik to Split on the coastal road via Makarska riviera . Best scenic drive in the world according to many
June 19, 2017
I am interested in booking a private tour guide! You mention Ervin? Is there a way I can contact him for a tour in July this year?
Thanks for information!
June 20, 2017
Hi Juliane – Ervin is great! The link to Toorico Tours in the post takes you straight to his website and contact information. 🙂
September 26, 2017
I’m visiting BiH for the first time currently, (my boyfriend is from here) and I’m loving it! We’re planning on visiting Sarajevo this weekend and I’m taking notes on your blog to try to squeeze in as much as I can! I love it! Thank you!
September 28, 2017
I’m so glad, Lauren. I hope you have a magnificent time! 🙂
January 15, 2018
Hi,
We’re planning a trip to Sarajevo later this year, was doing some research and came across your blog. How long would you suggest that we spend in Sarajevo? Would 1.5 days be enough around the city alone?
January 17, 2018
You could certainly hit the highlights in a couple days, but if you have a couple more that’s even better!
February 27, 2018
Thanks!! will visit it next week. Got some ideas from here 🙂
March 5, 2018
Great – glad I could help 🙂 enjoy your trip!
April 21, 2018
Great article on Sarajevo. A friend of mine is working there for two months and I’m thinking of visiting her. Wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I’ll be sure to keep your recommendations close at hand.
September 6, 2018
I loved BiH and I would to get back! I’d recommend getting to BiH if you have time too!