Sarajevo Travel Guide / Top tips for visiting Sarajevo

Sarajevo is probably not high on most people’s list of dream travel destinations. That should change!

Because the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina has a lot to offer. Our author Sonja took a look around and summarizes the best tips for holidaymakers.

Everyone heard about Sarajevo at school, at the latest, when the First World War was discussed. Not exactly the best starting point for the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina to build a positive image. The city in the small Balkan country is still worth a visit. With these tips, your trip to Sarajevo is guaranteed to be exciting!

Europe and the Ottoman Empire collide in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. At least architecturally. Because the special thing about Sarajevo is that churches, mosques and synagogues are right next to each other. And not only that: Since Sarajevo was once part of both the Ottoman Empire and the dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary, there are buildings here that could stand in Vienna alongside those that one would expect to find in Turkey. As you can see, the city is a melting pot of different cultures and religions.

History can be experienced more directly in Sarajevo than almost anywhere else in Europe. Not only was the First World War triggered here in Sarajevo by an attack on Crown Prince Franz Ferdinand, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina has also had to endure a lot in recent history. For example, Sarajevo was besieged for about three years during the Bosnian War in the 1990s. But not only history nerds should take a closer look at Sarajevo. The city is really alive and guaranteed to surprise you!

Must see in Sarajevo / Baščaršija Square

Of course, a walk through the city center is part of every visit to the city. When strolling through Sarajevo, it is highly recommended to stop at Baščaršija Square. The square is located in the part of the old town that is dominated by the Ottoman period and stands out with the Sebilj fountain in the middle of the square.

If you want, you can stay in one of the many cafés and watch the children throw food to the countless pigeons on the square. Of course, there is also plenty for shopping, including some unusual souvenirs. The small shops not only sell coffee sets, but also pens made from ammunition leftovers.

Latin Bridge

The stone arch bridge not only looks old, it is too! But the fact that it’s one of the oldest bridges in the city probably doesn’t convince you to visit the Latin Bridge. Then there must be some historical drama: Franz Ferdinand was assassinated from the bridge in 1914, which ultimately led to the First World War. If you look carefully, you will also find a commemorative plaque and a small museum at the north end of the bridge.

National Library

The National Library is an example of the interesting architecture that can be seen in Sarajevo. The building was constructed in 1898 and initially used as the town hall. Then in 1947 it was rededicated to the National Library. Because it was badly damaged during the war, an extensive renovation followed, with care being taken to reconstruct the original as accurately as possible. The library has only been open again since 2014 and is definitely one of the places in Sarajevo that you should at least have seen from the outside.

Yellow Fortress

The best place in town to enjoy the sunset is at the Yellow Fortress. The old fortress walls are not far from the city center and were once built to defend the city. If you don’t find it under the name “Yellow Fortress”, you can also ask about the Jekovac Fortress. Jekovac is the name of the stone on which it lies.

Mount Trebevic

Don’t miss the view from Sarajevo’s local mountain, Mount Trebević. What Vvele don’t suspect: The ascent is really sweaty. From the city center it quickly becomes very steep. Luckily there is a gondola that takes you to the top of the mountain. If you want to hike a bit, you should start your tour at the mountain station and hike on the plateau. Alternatively, you could choose the route down the mountain and see another highlight along the way.

The abandoned bobsleigh run

In 1984 the Olympic Games took place in Sarajevo, some of the venues can still be visited today. For example the bobsled track that leads down Mount Trebević. Today, not even 40 years after the games, it is completely neglected. Because during the Bosnian War, which raged just a few years after the Olympic Games, the facilities were destroyed. Bosnian Serb troops even used the bobsleigh track as a base. You can still visit the former venue and walk through it from top to bottom.

Culinary tips for Sarajevo / Bosnian coffee

You’ve probably heard of Turkish coffee before. It’s already much more bitter than the version that’s common here in Germany. Those who like their coffee even more bitter will love Bosnian coffee. It is served in small mocha cups called “fildzane”. Sugar and milk are served with the coffee. By the way: if the coffee is strong, the host expresses his special affection for the guests. If the coffee is “thin”, the host is considered reserved and stingy towards his guests.

Bosnian cevapcici in the Ćevabdžinica Željo

Whether you like cevapcici or not, a visit to Ćevabdžinica Željo is a must on any visit to Sarajevo. Warm flatbread, onions and kajmak are served with the cevapcici. A cheese loved in the region, reminiscent of cream. Incredibly delicious and also very inexpensive!