Things to Do in Sarajevo City Hall, Bosna i Hercegovina / Босна и Херцеговина

Sarajevo, the captivating capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a city where East meets West in the most profound way. Known as the 'Jerusalem of Europe,' this remarkable destination seamlessly blends Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav influences, creating a unique cultural tapestry that's evident in its architecture, cuisine, and daily life. The city's old town, Baščaršija, with its cobblestone streets, traditional crafts shops, and the iconic Sebilj fountain, transports visitors back centuries while modern cafes and galleries showcase its contemporary spirit. Despite the scars of the 1992-1996 siege, Sarajevo has emerged as a resilient and vibrant city that honors its complex history while embracing the future. The famous City Hall (Vijećnica), once the National Library, stands as a symbol of this resilience - beautifully reconstructed after its wartime destruction. Visitors can explore poignant war museums, walk the historic Latin Bridge where WWI began, and experience the city's legendary hospitality through its thriving coffee culture and diverse neighborhoods that reflect its multicultural heritage.

Top Things to Do in Sarajevo City Hall

Historical Walking Tour

Explore Sarajevo's rich history through guided walks that cover major landmarks including the Latin Bridge, City Hall, and Baščaršija old town. These tours provide essential context about the city's Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and recent wartime periods. Most tours include visits to key religious sites representing the city's four major faiths.

Booking Tip: Book tours for 15-25 EUR per person, preferably in the morning when attractions are less crowded. Look for licensed guides who speak your language and offer small group sizes (under 15 people) for a more personalized experience.

War History Tour

Gain deep insights into the 1992-1996 siege through specialized tours that visit tunnel museums, sniper alleys, and war-damaged buildings. These emotionally powerful experiences include the War Tunnel Museum and Olympic Mountains where siege defenses were located. Tours often include meetings with war survivors who share personal stories.

Booking Tip: Expect to pay 30-50 EUR for half-day tours including transportation and entrance fees. Choose tours with experienced local guides who lived through the conflict. Book afternoon tours as some sites have better lighting and are less crowded later in the day.

Traditional Cooking Class

Learn to prepare authentic Bosnian dishes like ćevapi, burek, and baklava in hands-on cooking experiences. These classes typically take place in local homes or traditional restaurants, offering insights into the fusion of Ottoman, Mediterranean, and Central European culinary traditions. Most sessions include market visits to select fresh ingredients.

Booking Tip: Classes cost 40-70 EUR per person and last 3-4 hours including the meal. Book with local families or established cooking schools that provide English instruction. Morning classes often include market tours, while evening classes focus more on preparation and dining.

Day Trip to Mostar

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage city of Mostar, famous for its iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) and stunning Ottoman architecture. The journey through the Bosnian countryside offers beautiful mountain scenery, while Mostar itself provides opportunities to witness traditional bridge diving and explore historic bazaars. The trip typically includes stops at traditional villages and scenic viewpoints.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost 50-80 EUR including transportation and guide, but not entrance fees or meals. Choose tours with small groups (under 20 people) and ensure they allow sufficient time in Mostar (at least 3 hours). Summer tours should start early to avoid afternoon heat.

Olympic Mountains Excursion

Explore the mountains that hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics, including visits to abandoned Olympic facilities and scenic hiking trails. These excursions offer stunning views of Sarajevo valley and opportunities to see both Olympic history and wartime remnants. Activities can include light hiking, photography, and visits to traditional mountain villages.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost 35-55 EUR per person with transportation included. Choose tours based on your fitness level as some involve moderate hiking. Spring through fall offers the best weather, while winter tours may include skiing options but require appropriate clothing.

Getting There

Sarajevo International Airport is located about 12 kilometers from the city center, with regular flights from major European cities including Istanbul, Vienna, Zagreb, and Belgrade. The airport shuttle bus costs around 3 EUR and takes 30 minutes to reach the city center, while taxis cost 15-20 EUR. Alternatively, many visitors arrive by bus from neighboring countries - the main bus station connects Sarajevo to cities across the Balkans, with journey times of 5-8 hours from Zagreb or Belgrade. Train connections are limited but scenic, particularly the route from Mostar which takes about 2.5 hours through beautiful mountain landscapes.

Getting Around

Sarajevo's compact city center is highly walkable, with most major attractions within a 20-minute walk of each other. The city operates an efficient tram and bus system with tickets costing around 1.80 BAM (Bosnian Marks) - purchase tickets from kiosks or drivers, and validate them immediately upon boarding. Taxis are affordable and reliable, typically charging 3-5 BAM for trips within the city center, though ride-sharing apps like Bolt are increasingly popular. For day trips outside the city, organized tours or rental cars are recommended as public transportation to surrounding attractions is limited. The old town area around Baščaršija is pedestrian-friendly with cobblestone streets that may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

Where to Stay

Baščaršija Old Town

Marijin Dvor

Centar

Ferhadija Street Area

Ilidža

Grbavica

Food & Dining

Sarajevo's culinary scene reflects its multicultural heritage, offering everything from traditional Bosnian cuisine to international options. The city is famous for ćevapi (grilled meat sausages), which are best enjoyed at local institutions like Željo or Hodžić in Baščaršija, typically costing 5-8 BAM per portion. Traditional restaurants called 'aščinica' serve hearty local dishes like bosanski lonac (Bosnian pot) and sarma (stuffed cabbage rolls) at very reasonable prices. The coffee culture is exceptional - Bosnian coffee is a ritual best experienced at traditional cafes where it's served with Turkish delight and sugar cubes. For upscale dining, the Marijin Dvor and Centar areas offer excellent restaurants serving modern interpretations of Balkan cuisine, while the old town provides atmospheric dining in traditional settings with live folk music.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Sarajevo is from late spring to early fall (May through October), when temperatures are comfortable for walking and outdoor activities, ranging from 15-25°C. Summer months (June-August) offer the warmest weather and longest days, perfect for exploring the mountains and outdoor sites, though this is also peak tourist season. Spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October) provide mild weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful scenery as the surrounding mountains bloom or display autumn colors. Winter visits (December-March) can be magical with snow-covered landscapes and Christmas markets, but temperatures often drop below freezing and some mountain attractions may be inaccessible. Regardless of season, pack layers as mountain weather can change quickly, and always bring comfortable walking shoes for the cobblestone streets.

Insider Tips

Exchange money at official exchange offices rather than banks for better rates - the Bosnian Mark (BAM) is the local currency, though many places accept Euros at slightly unfavorable rates

Learn the basic greeting 'Merhaba' (Ottoman influence) or 'Zdravo' (Slavic) - locals appreciate when visitors make an effort to use local greetings regardless of their ethnic background

Visit the City Hall (Vijećnica) in the late afternoon when the setting sun illuminates its beautiful facade - entry is free but guided tours provide valuable historical context about its destruction and reconstruction

Things to Do in Sarajevo City Hall