Things to Do in Sarajevo Old Town, Bosna i Hercegovina / Босна и Херцеговина

Sarajevo's Old Town, known as Baščaršija, is a captivating blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav heritage that tells the complex story of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This historic quarter, with its cobblestone streets and traditional bazaar atmosphere, serves as the beating heart of a city that has witnessed both tremendous cultural flowering and devastating conflict. The area is famous for its traditional crafts, copper workshops, and the aromatic scent of Bosnian coffee wafting from countless kafanas. The Old Town seamlessly weaves together mosque minarets, Orthodox church domes, Catholic spires, and synagogue remnants within walking distance of each other, earning Sarajevo the nickname 'Jerusalem of Europe.' Visitors can explore centuries-old markets, sample traditional Bosnian cuisine like ćevapi and burek, and gain profound insights into the 1990s siege through museums and preserved sites. The resilient spirit of Sarajevans is palpable throughout the Old Town, where bullet holes in buildings stand alongside thriving cafes and art galleries, creating a unique atmosphere of remembrance and renewal.

Top Things to Do in Sarajevo Old Town

Historical Walking Tour

Explore the rich layers of Sarajevo's history through guided walks that cover Ottoman-era Baščaršija, Austro-Hungarian architecture, and sites from the 1990s siege. These tours provide essential context for understanding the city's complex past and resilient present. Most tours include visits to key landmarks like Sebilj fountain, Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, and Latin Bridge.

Booking Tip: Tours typically cost 15-25 EUR and last 2-3 hours. Book morning tours for better lighting and fewer crowds. Look for guides who lived through the siege for authentic personal perspectives.

Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class

Learn to prepare authentic Bosnian dishes like ćevapi, pita, and traditional sweets in intimate cooking experiences. These classes often take place in local homes or traditional restaurants, providing cultural immersion alongside culinary skills. Participants typically enjoy the meal they've prepared along with Bosnian coffee and rakija.

Booking Tip: Classes range from 40-60 EUR per person and last 3-4 hours. Book 2-3 days in advance, especially during summer. Look for experiences that include market visits and multiple traditional dishes.

War History and Tunnel Museum Tour

Visit the Tunnel of Hope Museum and other significant sites from the 1992-1996 siege to understand this crucial period in Sarajevo's history. The tunnel served as a lifeline for the besieged city, and the museum preserves original sections along with artifacts and testimonies. Many tours also include visits to sniper alley and other siege-related locations.

Booking Tip: Tours cost 25-35 EUR including transportation to the tunnel museum outside the city center. Afternoon tours are less crowded. Choose operators that provide sensitive, factual historical context rather than sensationalized accounts.

Traditional Craft Workshop Experience

Participate in hands-on workshops learning traditional Bosnian crafts like copper engraving, carpet weaving, or metalwork in the historic craftsmen quarters of Baščaršija. These experiences connect visitors with centuries-old traditions still practiced by local artisans. Participants typically create a small item to take home as a unique souvenir.

Booking Tip: Workshops cost 20-40 EUR and last 1-2 hours. Book directly with craftsmen in Baščaršija for authentic experiences. Morning sessions offer more personalized attention from artisans.

Bosnian Coffee Culture Experience

Immerse yourself in the ritual of Bosnian coffee preparation and consumption, learning about this central aspect of local social culture. These experiences typically include visits to traditional coffee houses, instruction on proper coffee etiquette, and tastings of various regional preparations. The slow-paced ritual offers insight into Bosnian hospitality and social customs.

Booking Tip: Experiences cost 15-25 EUR and last 1.5-2 hours. Late afternoon timing aligns with traditional coffee culture. Look for experiences that include multiple coffee houses and cultural explanation, not just tastings.

Getting There

Sarajevo International Airport is located 12km southwest of the city center, with regular flights from major European cities including Istanbul, Vienna, Belgrade, and Zagreb. Airport buses run every 30 minutes to the city center for about 3 EUR, while taxis cost 15-20 EUR. Alternatively, Sarajevo is accessible by bus from major Balkan cities, with the main bus station located near the city center. Train connections are limited but available from some regional destinations, though bus travel is generally more convenient and frequent for international arrivals.

Getting Around

Sarajevo's Old Town is best explored on foot, as most attractions are within walking distance and many streets are pedestrian-only. The city operates an efficient tram and bus network for reaching areas outside the Old Town, with single tickets costing around 1.60 EUR. Taxis are readily available and affordable for short distances, though traffic can be heavy during peak hours. For day trips outside the city, organized tours or rental cars provide the most flexibility, as public transportation to rural areas is limited.

Where to Stay

Baščaršija (Old Town)

Ferhadija pedestrian zone

Marijin Dvor

Centar municipality

Ilidža

Novo Sarajevo

Food & Dining

Sarajevo's culinary scene centers around traditional Bosnian cuisine, with the Old Town offering numerous authentic restaurants serving ćevapi, burek, and other local specialties. Traditional kafanas provide atmospheric dining experiences with live music, while modern restaurants increasingly blend international influences with local ingredients. The city is famous for its street food, particularly ćevapi served with fresh bread and onions, available from numerous small eateries throughout Baščaršija. Bosnian coffee culture is central to social life, with countless coffee houses serving the traditional preparation alongside sweets like baklava and tufahija.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Sarajevo is from late spring through early autumn (May to September), when weather is pleasant for walking and outdoor dining. Summer months offer the warmest weather and longest days, though this is also peak tourist season with higher prices and crowds. Spring and early autumn provide comfortable temperatures, fewer tourists, and beautiful scenery, making them ideal for sightseeing. Winter visits are possible and offer a different atmosphere, but some attractions may have reduced hours and weather can impact transportation to surrounding areas.

Insider Tips

Exchange money at official exchange offices rather than banks for better rates, and always carry some cash as many small establishments don't accept cards

Learn basic greetings in Bosnian - locals greatly appreciate the effort and it opens doors to more authentic interactions

Visit during weekday mornings to experience the Old Town at its most authentic, when locals go about their daily business rather than tourist-focused activities

Things to Do in Sarajevo Old Town