Things to Do in War Childhood Museum

Bullet holes still mark Sarajevo's buildings 30 years after the siege ended. The city sits in a mountain valley where Ottoman mosques, Austro-Hungarian facades, and socialist apartment blocks create a physical timeline of empires and ideologies. Total chaos made beautiful. War Childhood Museum hits hardest. The collection shows how ordinary kids survived the 1992-1996 siege through their toys, drawings, and personal belongings—creativity persisting in darkness. Sarajevo doesn't hide from its difficult past. It builds on that foundation.

Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav influences created something uniquely Bosnian here. You'll want ćevapi—grilled meat sausages served with flatbread and onions that locals debate endlessly. Best spots win arguments. Traditional restaurants called aščinica serve hearty stews and grilled meats at reasonable prices, while the coffee culture here follows specific rituals worth experiencing. Skip the old town tourist traps. Venture into residential areas for real feels and better value.

May through September offers warmest weather and longest days for walking around and taking in mountain views. Summer gets quite warm in the valley but evenings cool down nicely. Spring and fall bring comfortable temperatures. Spring and fall work better—fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures, and you might catch beautiful autumn colors in the surrounding hills. Winter brings different beauty. Some attractions have reduced hours but indoor museums and cozy coffee houses make winter visits atmospheric—you'll have a more intimate experience with the city.