Best Things to Do in Sarajevo
I have visited Sarajevo three times, and each trip taught me something new about this city that sits right on the meeting point of East and West. Sarajevo is a place where Ottoman minarets rise next to Austro-Hungarian facades, where the smell of grilled cevapi fills the morning air, and where history feels alive on every cobbled street. If you are planning a trip here, this list of the best things to do in Sarajevo will help you see the city like a local.
Wander Through the Old Bazaar of Baščaršija
Your visit should start in Baščaršija, the old Ottoman bazaar that has been the heart of the city since the fifteenth century. I love getting lost in its narrow alleys, where coppersmiths hammer out trays and coffee sets, and where the aroma of Bosnian coffee drifts from tiny cafes. The Sebilj fountain in the middle of the square is the perfect meeting point, and pigeons flock around it all day. This is where you taste your first cevapi, small grilled sausages served with flatbread and onions, and where you buy copper souvenirs to take home.
Ride the Cable Car Up to Trebević
One of my favorite views of Sarajevo comes from Mount Trebević. The cable car ride takes about nine minutes and lifts you above the red rooftops of the city for a panoramic view that is hard to beat. From the top you can hike trails, visit the abandoned Olympic bobsled track from the 1984 Winter Games, or simply sit and watch the city spread out below you. I always recommend going late in the afternoon, when the light turns golden over the valley.
Visit the Tunnel of Hope
The Tunnel of Hope is an essential stop to understand the Siege of Sarajevo. During the war this underground tunnel was the only lifeline connecting the city to the outside world, bringing in food, medicine and supplies. I found the museum deeply moving, with its photographs, personal stories and a preserved section of the tunnel you can walk through. It is a sobering experience, so give yourself time to process it. The museum sits a short drive from the old town, and I recommend going with a guide to hear the full story.
Admire the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque
In the middle of Baščaršija stands the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the largest and most important mosque in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Built in the sixteenth century, it features beautiful domes, a peaceful courtyard and an elegant minaret. Visitors are welcome outside praying times, and modest dress is required before entering. I always pause here to appreciate the quiet that flows out of the courtyard even when the bazaar around it is busy with shoppers.
Watch the Sunset From the Yellow Fortress
For one of the best free experiences in the city, walk up to the Yellow Fortress on the hillside. This old defensive fort gives you a sweeping view over the whole of Sarajevo, and the locals gather here every evening to watch the sunset. I love to bring a drink, find a spot on the wall, and watch the city lights come on one by one as the sky fades. It is a magical moment and a great way to end a day of exploring.
Drink Bosnian Coffee Like a Local
No trip to Sarajevo is complete without a cup of Bosnian coffee. This is not the coffee you grab on the go. It is a ritual. Served in a small copper pot with a cube of sugar and a glass of water, it demands that you slow down and enjoy the moment. I found a dozen wonderful cafes around Baščaršija, and my favorite habit was taking a break mid-afternoon to sit, sip and watch the world pass by. Do not rush it.
Sample Sarajevo Food
Beyond cevapi, Sarajevo offers a rich food scene that blends Ottoman and Central European flavors. Try burek, a flaky pastry filled with meat or cheese, and don’t miss a sweet baklava served with thick yogurt. The ćevabdžinice, small restaurants devoted to grilled meat, are scattered across the old town and are always buzzing with hungry locals. Eating in Sarajevo felt like a highlight of my whole trip through the Balkans, and I still dream about the food.
Explore the Latin Bridge and the City Walls
The Latin Bridge is famous as the site where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914, an event that helped spark the First World War. A small museum on the corner tells the story. Just across the river, the old city walls and the Emperor’s Mosque offer more layers of history. Walking these streets, I kept thinking about how many empires have left their mark on this single city.
Plan a Day Trip to the Mountains
If you have extra time, the mountains around Sarajevo are worth exploring. In summer you can hike, and in winter the slopes fill with skiers. Bjelašnica and Jahorina are the nearest ski resorts, both used during the 1984 Winter Olympics. A day trip into the forested hills gave me a much-needed break from the heat of the city and some of the best views of the trip.
What to Know Before You Go
Sarajevo is safe, friendly and easy to explore on foot. The local currency is the Convertible Mark, and while cards are accepted in most places, I kept some cash for the market stalls. Learning a few words of Bosnian like hvala for thank you goes a long way. I also recommend a Turkish or Bosnian phrasebook because English is common but not universal. Above all, come with an open mind, because Sarajevo rewards travelers who take their time and dig below the surface.
