Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Sarajevo
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $23-68 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Sarajevo
Accommodation
$8-25 per night
Dorm beds in hostels, budget guesthouses, basic private rooms with shared bathrooms
Food & Dining
$8-20 per day
Street food, local bakeries, traditional burek, grocery shopping, occasional casual dining
Transportation
$2-8 per day
Public buses, trams, walking, occasional shared taxis
Activities
$5-15 per day
Free walking tours, self-guided exploration, occasional museum entry, public parks
Currency: BAM Bosnian Convertible Mark (though many places accept EUR)
Budget/Backpacker Activities in Sarajevo
Curated experiences perfect for your budget/backpacker travel style
Money-Saving Tips
Eat at local bakeries and street vendors instead of tourist restaurants (typically 60-70% cheaper)
Use public transportation exclusively rather than taxis (saves 70-80% on transport costs)
Book accommodation outside the old town center for 30-50% lower rates with easy tram access
Visit free attractions like parks and viewpoints, and take advantage of free walking tours
Shop at local markets and grocery stores for snacks and drinks (50-60% cheaper than tourist shops)
Travel during shoulder seasons for 20-40% lower accommodation rates
Book multi-day tours or activities for package discounts of 15-25%
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Eating exclusively in the old town tourist area (typically 100-150% markup over local neighborhoods)
Taking taxis for all transportation instead of learning the efficient public transport system (3-4x more expensive)
Booking accommodation last-minute during peak season (can cost 40-80% more than advance booking)