10 Awesome Things to Do in Sarajevo for First-Timers

10 Best Things to Do in Sarajevo

1. Explore Baščaršija Bazaar

One of the best place to begin your exploration in Sarajevo is Baščaršija Bazaar, a vibrant and bustling marketplace located in the heart of the historic city center, known for its labyrinthine streets and alleys lined with shops and stalls selling a wide range of goods, including traditional handicrafts, jewelry, spices, and more.

Dating back to the Ottoman era in the 15th century, the bazaar was originally built as the commercial center of Sarajevo, with merchants from all over the region coming to sell their wares.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the bazaar underwent significant changes as Sarajevo became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and many of the original Ottoman buildings were replaced with more modern structures.

Because of its history, the phrase "East meets West" is often used to describe Sarajevo because of its unique blend of cultures, history, and architecture, and there is no place more apparent than at Baščaršija bazaar.

In fact, there is even a line drawn on the street of Bascarija Bazaar that signifies that you are entering the western or eastern part of town and you will see your surroundings shifted between exotic Ottoman-style buildings with colorful decors and a more stoic western-style buildings. It is like being in 2 different places at once.

Make sure you walk all the way from Sebilj which is located in the heart of the Eastern side of the bazaar all the way to the Sacred Heart Cathedral located deep in the western part of town, and you will be able to see the gradual shift in architecture from east to west. It was almost like you are walking in Turkey and all of a sudden, you are in Austria! There is no place quite like it.

2. Hang Out at Sebilj

While you explore Baščaršija Bazaar, be sure to check out Sebilj, a wooden fountain located right in the heart of the bazaar, surrounded by a wide selection of restaurants, cafes, and bakeries you can enjoy. It is a great place to start your exploration in Sarajevo as the square is connected to the main street through Baščaršija Bazaar which will lead you across from the east side of town to the west side.

The fountain itself was built in the 18th century and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Sarajevo. It doesn't look like a regular fountain you find elsewhere in Europe. Sebilj has a unique design, with an ornate wooden canopy and pillars supporting the roof and it also has an interesting story to go with its look. According to local legend, if you drink water from the Sebilj fountain, you are guaranteed to return to Sarajevo one day.

There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants here where you can indulge yourself in if you are looking for a lively place to hang out. Out of all the places you will visit in Sarajevo, you won't find any place livelier than Sebilj.

Fun fact, I was walking around Sebilj, taking photos and minding my own business when I was approached by a news anchor who wanted to interview me for one of their local news channels. They were curious as to why I decided to visit Bosnia and what I love most about it. I was also one of the few Asian-looking tourists at that moment, standing out like a sore thumb 😂, so that is probably why they picked me.

Nevertheless, it was awesome and this encounter was one of the many reasons why I like Sarajevo and Bosnia so much! People are incredibly nice and friendly here, it was a breath of fresh air after being in other parts of Europe. If you are interested, you can watch my Bosnian debut here 😂.

3. Visit Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque

Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque is the largest mosque in the country located right by the street of Baščaršija Bazaar and it is one of the most important landmarks in the city, to both locals and tourists alike.

It was built in the 16th century by the Ottoman governor Gazi Husrev-beg, and it remains one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the Balkans featuring intricate Islamic architecture and stunning interior, hand-painted calligraphy, ornate chandeliers, and colorful stained-glass windows, you can check out inside.

While you are at the mosque, you can also spend some time and explore the surrounding courtyard and mausoleum, which are equally impressive, or check out the museum located just across the street from the mosque to learn more about the Ottoman governor who built the mosque and his family stories.

The mosque is open 3 times a day from 9 AM to 12 PM, 2:30 PM to 4 PM, and 5:30 PM to 7 PM every day, and the entrance fee is 1.5 EUR per person. The museum across the street is open from 8 AM to 6 PM every day and you can use the same entrance ticket as the mosque to enter.

4. Learn Both the Tragic and Inspiring History of Bosnia at the Museums in Sarajevo

One of the most mind-opening things about Bosnia that I recommend anyone who visits the country should know is its tragic history of conflicts and wars that had fallen upon the Bosnian people in much of the 90s, during the tumultuous time of Yugoslavia's dissolution.

It is a painful memory that is still quite vivid in the mind of the people here and in order to see where the people are coming from, one of the best things we should do as a visitor to their country is to learn about their history and understand how much it took them to be where they are now.

And there are a ton of awesome museums you can check out in Sarajevo ranging from a museum dedicated to telling the tragic stories of the Bosnian people living during the war at War Childhood Museum to a more inspiring museum that collects and archives the archeological history of Bosnia at the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

There is also a war photography museum called Gallery 11/07/95 that you should also check out while you are in Sarajevo. The gallery is dedicated to the victims of the Srebrenica genocide, which took place in July 1995 during the Bosnian War, and features powerful exhibits that tell the story of the genocide and its impact on the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Museum of Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide is also another great museum to visit if you want to learn more about the tragic history of the city during the Bosnian War featuring artifacts, photographs, and personal accounts from survivors and witnesses of the war. The goal of the museum is to educate visitors about the atrocities that occurred during the war and to honor the memory of the victims.

As you can see, there are a ton of options to choose from when it comes to museums in Sarajevo that will occupy you for days. If you are looking to learn about the often-forgotten history of Bosnia, be sure to check out some of these museums while you are here.

5. Check Out Sarajevo City Hall

One of the greatest structures the Austro-Hungarian Empire built in Sarajevo when they were ruling the region is Sarajevo City Hall, a beautiful yellow-painted building that was inspired by the Islamic art style found in Spain and other countries in North Africa.

That is why, the moment you set your gaze upon the building, you will notice the little details of its facade that are similar to those you find in places like the Alhambra in Southern Spain with its unique symmetrical patterns the Islamic art is known for.

It was constructed in the late 19th century and was used as the city hall until the Bosnian War in the 1990s. Unfortunately, the building suffered significant damage during the war but was painstakingly restored and reopened to the public in 2014. If you are in Sarajevo, be sure to drop by and check out the beautiful Sarajevo City Hall.

6. Learn the History of Latin Bridge

One of the most historically significant places in Sarajevo is Latin Bridge, a 16th-century Ottoman-style stone bridge, that doesn't look particularly special, but it is the location where many historians considered to be the beginning of one of the most tragic events in modern history that shook the world to its core, World War I.

This exact location at Latin Bridge is the site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, which occurred on June 28, 1914, an event that sparked World War I and changed the course of world history forever.

It was one of the worst world events to have ever occurred to the world with the highest casualties out of any war fought in modern times and it all begins right here. Right at the location, you will also see a replica of the car where the Archduke was being transported around before he was assassinated and a museum where you can learn about the event and how it played out in detail. If you are interested in world history, you are going to enjoy the museum thoroughly.

7. Hike Around Trebević Mountain

One of the best things about Sarajevo is that you can easily escape the bustling markets and crowded streets to the lush green forest and be among beautiful nature in just a few minutes by hopping on the gondola to the top of Trebević, a mountain peak towering over the city.

The mountain is one of the most popular places for locals to come and enjoy a nice quiet nature walk along one of its many hiking trails that offer an incredible view over the city and its surroundings.

In winter, Trebević Mountain is also the place to be if you love skiing. It is probably one of the cheapest places to ski in Europe if you don't mind traveling to Sarajevo during winter.

There are a number of tourist attractions and walking trails you can tackle up here. The notable attractions you should check out while here are the scenic viewpoint where you will be able to see Sarajevo from above, Draguljac, a small old ruin with a nice view, and Sarajevo Abandoned Bobsled Track, which is what we will discuss next.

To get to the top of Trebević Mountain, you will have to get to the gondola station in Sarajevo, and from there, you can get on one of the gondolas that will take you straight to the top in about 20 minutes, costing around 10 EUR for a roundtrip ticket.

The facilities are in great condition and are kept extremely clean, and worth every penny. You can see pretty nice views from the gondola as you make your way up to the top of Trebević Mountain. Riding the gondola is a great thing to do in and of itself and if you are looking to kill about 2 - 3 hours, I highly recommend you take the gondola up and enjoy hiking around Trebević Mountain. Definitely one of the best things to do in Sarajevo.

8. Explore the Abandoned Bobsled Track

One of the coolest things you can do at the top of Trebević Mountain in Sarajevo is to walk along the Abandoned Bobsled Track, which was built as a symbol of pride for the city at the time when the Winter Olympics was held in the city in 1984.

However, during the Bosnian War in the 1990s, the track suffered significant damage and has since been abandoned. Nowadays, the abandoned bobsled track has become one of the most popular attractions in the city where you can go and stroll along the graffiti-covered walls and tunnels as you explore the beautiful green forest of Trebević Mountain.

At first, it may sound scary but Sarajevo is incredibly safe for tourists and you will find many locals walking around the bobsled track especially on the weekends so you should have no trouble exploring the remnant of the Winter Olympics of 1984.

Expect to spend around an hour walking around the bobsled track and seeing all the beautiful graffitis and street art while being surrounded by the beautiful solitude of the forest around the area. Out of all the things you can do in Sarajevo, exploring the abandoned bobsled track is hands down, my favorite, so be sure to make your way to the top of Trebević Mountain and check out the abandoned bobsled track.

9. Watch the Sunset at Yellow Bastion

If you are looking for the best sunset spot in town, the best place to be is the Yellow Bastion, a historic fortification located along the hillside of Sarajevo with an incredible vantage point over the city, making it perfect for sunset.

The Bastion was built during the Ottoman era in the 18th century and was used as a defensive structure to protect the city from invading forces. Nowadays, you can find a local cafe on top of the bastion and an incredible viewpoint that offer stunning panoramic views of the city and its hilly surroundings.

The bastion is located on the eastern side of town and to get there, you will have to walk past Kovači Cemetery, a 19th Century historic cemetery with more than 400 tombs with impressive carvings that stretches out across the hill. It is a nice place to drop by as you make your way up to the bastion.

It is a nice beautiful walk to get to Yellow Bastion but it can take around 15 - 20 minutes to get to the top and so if you wish to witness the sunset up there, be sure to plan your time accordingly. Definitely one of the best things to do in Sarajevo.

10. Go for a day trip outside of Sarajevo

If you have a day to spare in Sarajevo, I highly recommend you go on an organized tour and visit the surrounding tourist attractions like the beautiful Mostar, Kravica Waterfall, Blagaj, and Pocitelj on an 11 - 12 hours day trip.

The trip will often take you to Mostar, home of the beautiful stone arched bridge, Kravice Waterfall, a beautiful oasis surrounded by waterfalls and lush green forest you can swim at, Blagaj, a small village, home to the 16th century Dervish house carved into a cliff, and Pocitelj, a medieval stone town built in the 16th Century that act as an open-air museum full of stunning architectures, and more.

One of my favorite places in Bosnia is Mostar, probably the most beautiful town you are going to be visiting on this tour. The town is nestled in the heart of southwestern part of Bosnia, and is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in Eastern Europe, like the famous Stari Grad Bridge, not to mention the incredibly diverse history and culture of this region that is begging for you to explore.

Technically, you can visit Mostar independently by simply catching one of the many buses that run between the 2 cities from Sarajevo Bus Station, and I highly recommend you to stay overnight there but if you do not have much time in Sarajevo and would like to spend the day seeing most of the highlights of the country in one go, I highly recommend you go with the organized tour.

Outside of Mostar, you will also be visiting remote places which you won't be able to visit independently unless you go on an organized tour or rent a car and drive yourself. It is a great way to spend a day outside of Sarajevo and see some of the hard-to-visit places without having to worry about the logistics. You can browse for day trips here

Looking for a complete travel guide to Sarajevo? Check out:10 Best Things to Do in Mostar

What to Eat and Drink in Sarajevo?

1. Sip Bosnian Coffee in style at Teahouse Džirlo

One of my all-time favorite cafes in Bosnia is Teahouse Džirlo, a teahouse located along the street connecting the old town to the upper part of town around Yellow Bastion, specialized in local tea with a wide selection of tastes and aromas you can choose from but you can also order the famous Bosnian coffee here as well.

One of the best parts about Teahouse Džirlo is its vibe and settings with a beautifully decorated interior, a shelf filled with teapots creating competing aromas, and a comfortable seating area, looking over the street.

It is an awesome place to sit back with a nice cup of tea or coffee, relax, and enjoy people-watching. If you are looking for a nice cafe to kill some time before you make your way to Yellow Bastion for sunset, be sure to check out Teahouse Džirlo. The cafe is open from 8:30 AM to 11 PM every day except on Sundays when it is open from 9 AM to 10 PM.

2. Try the Delicious Cevapi at Fan Ferhatović

If you are looking for a nice restaurant to have a quick lunch as you explore Baščaršija bazaar, I highly recommend Fan Ferhatović, a local street food restaurant located right in the heart of the bazaar.

The restaurant serves all kinds of local fast food like my favorite dish, Cevapi at a very affordable price. I paid around 2.5 EUR for a dish of Cevapi which is an awesome deal for the excellent taste and amount of food you get.

For a quick bite, I can't think of any place better than Fan Ferhatović. The restaurant is open from 8 AM to 10 PM every day except on Sundays.

Further Reading for Bosnia & Herzegovina

I hope you found this Bosnia travel guide useful. If you want to read more about Bosnia, here is a selection of articles you might like:

• For a complete itinerary to the Balkans, check out: 2 Months Backpacking Balkans Itinerary.
• Looking for a complete itinerary for Bosnia and Herzegovina? Check out: 6 Days Backpacking Bosnia and Herzegovina Itinerary
• Planning to visit Mostar and wondering what cool things to do there? Check out: 10 Best Things To Do In Mostar
• Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
• To see all the articles about Bosnia & Herzegovina, visit the Bosnia Travel Guide page.
• Traveling in Europe can be cheap, really cheap. These are the 12 Cheap European Countries to Visit.
• Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
• Or, if you want something more specific to the region, visit our Balkans Travel Guide, Eastern Europe Travel Guide, Western Europe Travel Guide, Southern Europe Travel Guide, or Central Europe Travel Guide pages.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.