Sarajevo

Ottoman bazaars, hillside views & cafe culture

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Sarajevo is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include Yellow Fortress (Zuta Tabija), Bascarsija and Latin Bridge. Food lovers should not miss Kino Bosna and Cevabdzinica Zeljo. Below you will find 12 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Sarajevo at a glance

Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
Best time to visit: spring and autumn
Highlights: Yellow Fortress (Zuta Tabija) and Bascarsija
Where to stay: Old Town and Vratnik
Local picks: 12 hand-chosen recommendations
Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Local tips for Sarajevo

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

Local tipsBest Things to Do in Sarajevo: A Local’s GuideThe best things to do in Sarajevo, chosen by locals: top sights, where to eat, where to stay and the…

Where to stay in Sarajevo

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Old Town

Bascarsija

The Ottoman old bazaar of coppersmiths, cafes and the Sebilj fountain.

★ 4.6

Old Town

Cevabdzinica Zeljo

The much-loved grill house for cevapi in fresh somun bread.

★ 4.5

Old Town

Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque

The grand 16th-century mosque at the heart of the old town.

★ 4.5

Centre

Hotel Europe Sarajevo

The citys grand historic hotel on the edge of the old bazaar.

★ 4.5

$$$

Centre

Inat Kuca

The House of Spite, a characterful riverside spot for Bosnian classics.

★ 4.4

Centar

Kino Bosna

One of Sarajevo’s most beloved alternative haunts – a bar inside a faded former cinema, all peeling grandeur, cheap drinks and rowdy live sevdah (Bosnian folk) nights that pack the place with locals. Come late and join in.

Centre

Latin Bridge

The bridge where the assassination that sparked WWI took place.

★ 4.4

Various

Sarajevo War and Siege Tour

A moving guided tour of the 1990s siege sites and their stories.

★ 4.7

Butmir

Tunnel of Hope

The wartime siege tunnel that kept Sarajevo alive, now a museum.

★ 4.7

Ilidza

Vrelo Bosne

A tranquil park around the springs of the river Bosna.

★ 4.6

Vratnik

Yellow Fortress

A hilltop bastion with the best sunset view over the city.

★ 4.6

Vratnik

Yellow Fortress (Zuta Tabija)

Once a defensive point against Austro-Hungarian troops, this hilltop bastion is now where locals and visitors gather for the finest view over Sarajevo. It’s a 15-minute climb up from Bascarsija – worth every step as the Old Town and the bright City Hall (Vijecnica) spread out below. Time it for sunset.

★ 4.6

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Sarajevo travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Sarajevo?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Sarajevo at a relaxed pace.

Where is the best area to stay in Sarajevo?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit.

What are the best things to do in Sarajevo?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay. Or read our best things to do in Sarajevo guide.

What is the best time to visit Sarajevo?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Sarajevo is worth visiting year-round.