Surrounded by mountains and set on the Miljacka River, Sarajevo is a vibrant city where you can discover history, culture and centuries-old architecture. As the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo offers excellent museums and galleries, as well as a lively street scene and bustling café culture.
Things to do in Sarajevo
Nicknamed the “Jerusalem of Europe”, Sarajevo has been a religious melting pot for centuries and is filled with churches, cathedrals and synagogues. You can find some of the most beautiful Ottoman mosques in Baščaršija, an enchanting neighbourhood built around a pigeon-filled square. Get lost in the narrow alleys, shop for souvenirs at the colourful market stalls and enjoy lunch at a traditional “caravanserai” restaurant. Try local dishes like “cevapi” lamb kebabs, “klepe” meat dumplings and “burek” cheese pie.
Ride the Sarajevo Cable Car to the top of Mt Trebević, where a scenic lookout commands sweeping views over the city and the surrounding peaks. It’s worth following the path to the abandoned Olympic bobsled track, which is covered in colourful graffiti.
Sarajevo is home to dozens of museums covering everything from natural history to the Bosnian civil war. Find out more about the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand at Muzej Sarajevo 1878-1918. The National Museum of BiH showcases a treasure trove of ancient mosaics, pottery and carvings. Don’t miss the taxidermy animals on display in the rear building.
Several pedestrian bridges span across the Miljacka River, the Ottoman-era Latin Bridge and the ultra-modern Festina Lente. The latter is named after the popular national saying “hurry slowly” and features a unique looped design.
Getting around Sarajevo
Sarajevo is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. Buses, trams and trolleys operate across the city and are a fast and affordable way to get from A to B. Sarajevo International Airport is a 25-minute drive from the city centre.