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Sebilj Fountain, Bosna i Hercegovina / Босна и Херцеговина - Things to Do in Sebilj Fountain

Things to Do in Sebilj Fountain

Sebilj Fountain, Bosna i Hercegovina / Босна и Херцеговина - Complete Travel Guide

Sarajevo, the captivating capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a city where East meets West in the most enchanting way. The historic Baščaršija district, home to the iconic Sebilj Fountain, represents the heart of Ottoman-era Sarajevo with its cobblestone streets, traditional crafts shops, and the aroma of Bosnian coffee wafting through the air. This wooden fountain, built in 1753 and later reconstructed, has become the symbol of the city and a gathering point for locals and visitors alike. Beyond its Ottoman heritage, Sarajevo tells a complex story of cultural convergence, having been shaped by Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav influences. The city seamlessly blends mosque minarets with Catholic church spires and Orthodox domes, while its café culture rivals that of Vienna. Despite the scars of recent conflict, Sarajevo has emerged as a resilient destination offering authentic Balkan hospitality, exceptional cuisine, and a unique perspective on European history.

Top Things to Do in Sebilj Fountain

Explore Baščaršija Old Bazaar

Wander through Sarajevo's Ottoman-era old bazaar, centered around the famous Sebilj Fountain. This historic quarter features traditional copper workshops, antique stores, and authentic Bosnian restaurants. The area comes alive with the sounds of craftsmen at work and the call to prayer from nearby mosques.

Booking Tip: Free to explore on your own, but guided tours cost 15-25 EUR and provide valuable historical context. Best visited in early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. Look for local guides certified by the Sarajevo Tourism Association.

Sarajevo War Tunnel Museum

Visit the preserved section of the tunnel that served as Sarajevo's lifeline during the 1992-1996 siege. This moving museum provides insight into the city's recent history and the resilience of its people. The experience includes walking through part of the original 800-meter tunnel.

Booking Tip: Entry costs 15 BAM (8 EUR) with guided tours available for an additional 10 BAM. Open daily 9 AM-5 PM, but arrive early as groups can make it crowded. Transportation from city center costs about 20 BAM by taxi.

Traditional Bosnian Coffee Experience

Participate in the ritual of Bosnian coffee preparation and tasting, a UNESCO-recognized cultural tradition. Learn about the specific brewing method, serving customs, and social significance while enjoying Turkish delight and local sweets. Many traditional kafanas (coffee houses) around Sebilj Fountain offer authentic experiences.

Booking Tip: Coffee experiences cost 5-15 BAM per person at traditional kafanas. Best enjoyed in the afternoon between 2-5 PM when locals traditionally drink coffee. Look for places with copper coffee sets and avoid tourist-heavy spots for authenticity.

Sarajevo Food Walking Tour

Sample traditional Bosnian cuisine including ćevapi, burek, baklava, and local wines while learning about the city's culinary heritage. Tours typically include visits to local markets, traditional bakeries, and family-run restaurants. The experience showcases how different cultural influences shaped Sarajevo's unique food scene.

Booking Tip: Food tours range from 35-55 EUR per person including tastings. Book morning tours (10 AM start) for the freshest market experience. Choose small group tours (max 8 people) for better interaction with vendors and restaurant owners.

Yellow Fortress Sunset Visit

Climb to this historic fortress for panoramic views over Sarajevo's red-tiled roofs and surrounding mountains. The fortress offers the best vantage point to see the city's diverse architectural styles and is particularly stunning at sunset. It's a moderate 20-minute uphill walk from the old town.

Booking Tip: Free to visit, but bring sturdy shoes for the cobblestone climb. Best visited 1 hour before sunset for optimal lighting. Consider combining with a guided historical walk that costs 20-30 EUR and includes multiple viewpoints.

Getting There

Sarajevo International Airport is 12 km from the city center, with buses (3 BAM) and taxis (25-30 BAM) providing connections. The city is well-connected by bus to major European cities, with services from Belgrade (6 hours), Zagreb (5 hours), and Split (4 hours). Train connections are limited but scenic, particularly the route from Mostar. Many visitors arrive via organized tours from Croatian coastal cities or as part of Balkan circuit trips.

Getting Around

Sarajevo's compact old town around Sebilj Fountain is easily walkable, with most attractions within 15 minutes of each other. The city operates an efficient tram and bus system (1.80 BAM per ride) connecting outer districts to the center. Taxis are affordable (starting at 2 BAM) and useful for reaching sites like the War Tunnel. For day trips to surrounding mountains or Mostar, organized tours or rental cars are recommended as public transport to rural areas is limited.

Where to Stay

Baščaršija (Old Town)
Marijin Dvor
Centar
Ilidža
Grbavica
Novo Sarajevo

Food & Dining

Sarajevo's dining scene centers around traditional Bosnian cuisine, with the area around Sebilj Fountain offering numerous authentic options. Must-try dishes include ćevapi (grilled meat sausages), burek (flaky pastry with meat or cheese), and Sarajevska pleskavica (Sarajevo-style burger). Traditional restaurants called 'aščinice' serve home-style meals at very reasonable prices (8-15 BAM). The city also has a growing modern restaurant scene, while kafanas provide the perfect setting for trying Bosnian coffee and rakija (fruit brandy). Many establishments are family-run, offering recipes passed down through generations.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Sarajevo

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Klopa

4.6 /5
(3680 reviews) 2

Piccolo Mondo

4.6 /5
(2160 reviews) 2

Brunch Sa

4.7 /5
(1755 reviews) 2

Nostra Cucina

4.5 /5
(1803 reviews) 2

Trattoria Boccone

4.7 /5
(931 reviews) 2

Casa El Gitano

4.7 /5
(929 reviews) 2
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When to Visit

The best time to visit Sarajevo is from May to September when weather is warm and perfect for exploring the old town around Sebilj Fountain. Summer temperatures range from 20-30°C, ideal for outdoor dining and evening strolls. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds, making them excellent for photography and cultural exploration. Winter can be cold and snowy, but the city takes on a magical atmosphere, especially during the holiday season when Baščaršija is decorated with lights.

Insider Tips

Drink from Sebilj Fountain using the traditional method - legend says you'll return to Sarajevo if you do
Visit the spot where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914, marked by footprints in the pavement near Latin Bridge
Try to time your visit during Ramadan to experience the special evening atmosphere when the old town comes alive after sunset

Explore Activities in Sebilj Fountain