Things to Do in Sarajevo

About Sarajevo

Sarajevo sits in the Dinaric Alps where minarets and church spires share the same skyline. The city's cobblestone streets hold layers of Ottoman architecture, Austro-Hungarian buildings, and Yugoslav-era monuments. You can drink Turkish coffee in traditional kafanas while listening to the call to prayer and church bells at once. The Miljacka River cuts through the valley. It connects the Ottoman old town of Baščaršija with the European quarters built later—two distinct worlds in one small city. Every corner here carries weight. The Latin Bridge is where history turned in 1914. The markets smell like spices and fresh bread. East meets West constantly. Sarajevo doesn't do the distant tourist thing. Locals will talk to you, share ćevapi, tell stories—the kind of openness that comes from living through hard times and deciding connection matters more than caution.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Public buses and trams cost 1.80 BAM ($1) per ride - buy tickets from kiosks or drivers. Taxis through Yellow Taxi or Sarajevo Taxi cost 1.50-2 BAM ($0.83-1.11) per kilometer. Car rental at airport starts from 60-90 BAM ($33.33-50) daily. Airport shuttle costs 10 BAM ($5.56) to city center. Walking excellent in Baščaršija (Old Town) and along Miljacka River. Bicycle rentals available through some hotels for 20-30 BAM ($11.11-16.67) daily. Inter-city buses to Mostar cost 20-25 BAM ($11.11-13.89). Uber doesn't operate but local taxi apps like eTaxi work well.

Money: Bosnia-Herzegovina convertible mark (BAM) is the currency, pegged to euro at roughly 2:1. UniCredit Bank and Raiffeisen Bank ATMs dispense 500-1,000 BAM ($278-556) per transaction. Cards accepted at hotels, restaurants, and stores. Budget $25-40 USD daily for comfortable travel. Euros widely accepted, especially in tourist areas. Tipping 10% standard at restaurants. Banking hours 8am-5pm weekdays, 8am-1pm Saturdays. Exchange rates better at banks than hotels. Cash preferred at traditional ćevapi houses and local markets.

Cultural Respect: Greet with 'Zdravo' or 'Merhaba' depending on cultural context - Bosnia is multi-ethnic with Bosniak, Serb, and Croat populations. Remove shoes when entering mosques and some traditional homes. Respect Islamic customs in Muslim areas, Orthodox traditions in Serb areas, Catholic customs in Croat areas. War history (1992-1996) is sensitive - approach memorial sites respectfully. Photography allowed at most locations but ask permission at religious sites. Coffee culture central - traditional Bosnian coffee served in džezva pots. Friday prayers important in Muslim areas. Christmas celebrated on different dates by different communities.

Food Safety: Ćevapi at traditional restaurants cost 8-15 BAM ($4.44-8.33) for a portion. Bosnian coffee (bosanska kafa) at traditional houses runs 3-5 BAM ($1.67-2.78). Burek at bakeries costs 2-4 BAM ($1.11-2.22) per piece. Rakija (fruit brandy) at restaurants costs 3-6 BAM ($1.67-3.33) per shot. Traditional pita dishes cost 10-18 BAM ($5.56-10) at local restaurants. Local beer like Sarajevsko costs 3-5 BAM ($1.67-2.78). Bottled water costs 1-2 BAM ($0.56-1.11). Baklava and other sweets at Baščaršija cost 2-5 BAM ($1.11-2.78) per piece. Halal food clearly marked in Muslim areas.

When to Visit

Sarajevo shines brightest from late April to October, with peak season running June through August when temperatures reach 20-26°C and rainfall averages just 80mm monthly. Expect accommodation prices 40-60% higher during summer months, but the city buzzes with outdoor festivals like the well-known Sarajevo Film Festival (mid-August) and Summer Festival (July-August). Spring (April-May) offers mild 15-20°C temperatures, blooming parks, and 30% lower prices, though occasional showers bring 90-100mm rainfall. Autumn (September-October) delivers crisp 12-18°C weather, impressive foliage in surrounding mountains, and excellent value with prices dropping 25-35%. Winter transforms Sarajevo into a snow-dusted wonderland with temperatures hovering 0-5°C, perfect for experiencing cozy kafanas and traditional atmosphere. The nearby Olympic mountains offer excellent skiing, while accommodation costs plummet 50% from peak rates. Budget travelers should target November-March (excluding New Year's week), while photography ensoiasts will love autumn's golden light. Summer suits festival-goers and families, but book early. Spring appeals to culture seekers wanting comfortable weather without crowds. Each season reveals different facets of this resilient city's character.