Is Sarajevo Worth Visiting? Here’s The Real Deal

Is Sarajevo worth visiting? Short answer—yes, but only if you know what you want from your trip. Sarajevo is worth visiting if you want to experience history, local culture, and fewer crowds than in major capitals.

For us, it was absolutely worth it. We had a great time here!

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Let’s break it down, section by section, so you can decide for yourself.

Key Takeaways

Sarajevo is worth visiting for travelers who want layered history, from Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian periods to the 1990s siege.
The city’s standout experience is its cultural mix, where mosques, churches, and synagogues sit close together, and daily life reflects that blend.
Top sights include Baščaršija (Old Bazaar), Latin Bridge (linked to the 1914 assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand), the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Trebević cable car, and the Tunnel of Hope.
Sarajevo is smaller and less crowded than many major European capitals, which makes it easier to explore on foot and feel the local pace.
Common downsides include indoor smoking, older infrastructure, limited English on some signs and menus, and visible war scars in parts of the city.

Sarajevo: Past and The Present

If you like history, you’re going to love Sarajevo. This city has seen so much—wars, peace, big changes, and small. The city was once part of the Ottoman Empire, then the Austro-Hungarian Empire, then Yugoslavia, and now it sits in Bosnia and Herzegovina. All of that history left a real mark. Walk around, and you’ll see mosques, churches, and synagogues close together. The buildings look different from block to block.

One fact: World War I started here, right near the Latin Bridge. Have you ever heard about the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand? That happened in Sarajevo in 1914. A 19-year-old Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb student, assassinated him. Pretty wild, right?

To learn more about the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand click here.

Is Sarajevo worth visiting - Sight of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand — **This is the exact spot where Archduke Franz Ferdinand** **was assassinated by Gavrilo Princip triggering WW1**

Ask yourself: Do you like cities packed with history, or would you rather go somewhere newer and flashier?

Why Is Sarajevo Worth Visiting? What Makes it Special?

Sarajevo isn’t like anywhere else in Europe. It’s not packed with crowds like Paris or Rome. The city is smaller, and it feels much more personal. Even though it’s a city, the mountains almost wrap around it, which keeps things cozy.

Sarajevo Bosnia Sebilji — **Sebilji Fountain – Ottoman-style wooden fountain in the middle of Bascarsija Square**

Is Sarajevo worth visiting - view from a coffee shop in a narrow and steep street — **View from a popular coffee shop** **called Ministry of Ćejf**

What makes Sarajevo special is its mix. You can hear the call to prayer and church bells within the same hour. Cafes spill out into the lanes. A tram runs by that’s been around forever. And people here are tough, but friendly. The city was under siege for almost four years in the 1990s. That spirit—surviving, connecting, rebuilding—shapes the city’s vibe today.

Is Bosnia worth visiting - Sacred Heart Cathedral — **The Sacred Heart Cathedral**

Would you rather blend in a crowd, or meet locals who might actually talk to you?

What to See and Do in Sarajevo

You don’t need a packed schedule to enjoy Sarajevo. Here are the must-dos:

1. Baščaršija (Old Bazaar)

This is the heart of old Sarajevo. It’s a maze of tiny streets filled with tea houses, shops selling copper goods, and local artists. Try bargaining at a stall. Smell the fresh bread. Listen for live musicians or storytellers.

2. Latin Bridge

Come stand where history changed. The small stone bridge over the river isn’t flashy, but this is where World War I began.

3. Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque

Built in the 1500s, this mosque is still used today. You might see people praying or washing before prayers. The outside is open to visitors (respect the signs, though).

4. Sarajevo Cable Car (Trebević)

Buy a ticket and ride up the mountains for views of the whole city. Once on top, check out the ruins of the Olympic bobsled track. Yes, Sarajevo hosted the Winter Olympics in 1984!

5. Tunnel of Hope

Want to understand the city’s recent past? During the 1990s siege, this hidden tunnel was Sarajevo’s lifeline. They’ve kept part of it for visitors.

6. Museums and Art Spots

War Childhood Museum: Stories from kids who grew up during the war.
Gallery 11/07/95: A moving tribute to the Srebrenica tragedy.

7. Abandoned Olympic Sites

If you like things a bit weird or offbeat, check out the old Olympic venues now left to the elements—nature is taking them back.

What kind of places catch your eye—old narrow streets, epic views, or history museums?

The Food: Flavor Meets History

Do you love trying new food? Sarajevo will treat you well. Think Turkish food meets Central European, with a local twist.

Cevapi

Small grilled sausages served inside fluffy bread, often with onions. Don’t ask for ketchup—they’ll give you yogurt instead.

Burek

Flaky pastry stuffed with meat, cheese, or potatoes. Grab it from a bakery, and eat as you walk.

Bosnian Coffee

Sounds like Turkish coffee, but locals will tell you it’s different. It comes in a small copper pot with sugar cubes—bitter, strong, and perfect for lazy afternoons.

Sarajevo traditional Coffee — **Coffee in Sarajevo**

Lovely coffee in Sarajevo — **Enjoying some people-watching while sipping a lovely cup of Sarajevo coffee**

Sweets

Try baklava or tufahija (an apple stuffed with walnuts and sugar syrup). If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll be happy here.

Vegetarian? You’ll make it, but the menu leans heavy on meat. Still, salads and veggie pies aren’t hard to find.

Would you try food that’s a little different, or stick to basics you know?

Life on the Streets

Sarajevo old town street showing a cat sitting — **Sarajevo old town**

Sarajevo Gazi Husrev-Beg Mosque behind me — **Gazi Husrev-Beg Mosque behind me**

One of the best things to do in Sarajevo is… nothing. Just walk. The city is safe, lively, and welcoming to visitors.

You’ll see people sipping coffee outside, even on cold days. The air smells like grilled meat, strong coffee, and (sometimes) cigarettes.

Street art covers the sides of old buildings. Stray cats nap in the sun. Around every corner, a mix of old and new—kids on scooters, old men playing chess in the park.

At night, young people fill the bars and cafes. Some play live music—rock, jazz, or something totally new.

If you like cities with soul, Sarajevo delivers. If you need things shiny and perfect all the time, you might notice some cracked sidewalks or old buildings with scars.

Nature and Day Trips

City life is cool, but what about some green?

Mount Trebević

You can walk or ride up (use the cable car). There are hiking trails, ropes courses, and wildflowers everywhere. The views back over Sarajevo are unforgettable.

Vrelo Bosne

This big park is where the city’s river begins, about 30 minutes away by tram and foot. Swans paddle in the streams, and locals picnic under the trees.

Lukomir Village

High above Sarajevo, reachable by a long hike or a private tour. See stone houses, meet shepherds, and try local cheese. Feels like a different world.

More Mountains Nearby

If you ski or snowboard, the mountains here aren’t giant, but they’re friendly and cheap compared to the Alps.

Do you want a trip where you can hit city sights and trails in the same day? Sarajevo makes that easy.

Is There a Downside?

No place is perfect, right? Here’s what might not fit everyone.

Smoking: People smoke a lot—in bars, cafes, restaurants. If you hate that, you’ll have to pick your spots.
Old Infrastructure: Trams and public spaces are old, sometimes creaky. Don’t expect fancy everything.
English: Most young people speak some English, but signs and menus may not always have translations.
War Scars: Some streets still show damage. Museums about the war can be heavy—you feel the city’s pain.

Ask yourself: Does a city’s realness matter, or do you want things shiny and new? Are you okay seeing tough parts of history?

Fun Facts I Bet You Didn’t Know

Sarajevo is one of the few places where you’ll see a mosque, a synagogue, a Catholic church, and an Orthodox church all in the same block.
The city’s famous coffee has its own ritual. Locals say if you rush your coffee, you’re doing it wrong.
Sarajevo hosted the Winter Olympics in 1984—the bobsled track is now covered in graffiti and wildflowers.
Cats and dogs wander freely. Many are friendly and cared for by the neighborhood.
In local slang, Sarajevo is called “Saray.”

Have you ever been somewhere that mixes old and new this much?

Favorite Spots (Don’t Miss These)

Yellow Fortress: Catch sunset here. The view looks over red rooftops and church spires.
Sebilj Fountain: In Baščaršija, legend says if you drink its water, you’ll return to Sarajevo one day.
Morica Han: An old caravan inn, now a cozy cafe in the heart of the old town.
Ferhadija Street: Perfect for people-watching, from students to grandmas.
Local bakeries: Pop in for a fresh roll or sweet treat, just because you can.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Sarajevo

Is Sarajevo worth visiting for first-time travelers to the Balkans?

Yes, Sarajevo suits first-time visitors who want a walkable city with major landmarks, clear historical context, and a strong local culture. It combines Ottoman-era streets in Baščaršija with Austro-Hungarian architecture nearby, and it adds recent history through sites like the Tunnel of Hope and war-focused museums.

What are the best things to do in Sarajevo?

Key things to do include walking Baščaršija (the Old Bazaar), visiting the Latin Bridge area tied to the events of 1914, and seeing the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque. For views, take the cable car up Trebević and explore the remains of the 1984 Olympic sites, including the bobsled track. To understand the 1990s siege, visit the Tunnel of Hope and museums such as the War Childhood Museum and Gallery 11/07/95.

How many days do you need in Sarajevo?

Two to three days covers the core city sights, food, and museums at a comfortable pace. Add an extra day if you want nature time on Trebević, a visit to Vrelo Bosne, or a day trip to Lukomir Village.

What food should you try in Sarajevo?

Try ćevapi (grilled minced-meat sausages served in bread, often with onions), burek (flaky pastry filled with meat, cheese, or potatoes), and Bosnian coffee served in a small copper pot with sugar cubes. For dessert, baklava and tufahija are common local sweets.

What should travelers know before visiting Sarajevo?

Expect more smoking in cafes and bars than in many other European cities. Public infrastructure can feel older, and English is common among younger people but not guaranteed on signs and menus. Some areas still show war damage, and museum content about the 1990s can be emotionally heavy.

Conclusion: Should Sarajevo Make Your List?

So, is Sarajevo worth visiting? If you want a city packed with stories, flavor, and real life, Sarajevo is a win. The city isn’t perfect—some corners look rough, and its hard times show. But it’s full of people who care, food that tastes like home to someone, and streets that invite you to relax.

Ask yourself: What kind of trip do you want? Are you looking for something different from the usual big cities? Sarajevo won’t give you polish everywhere, but it will give you something real. If that’s what you want, put Sarajevo on your list.

If you’re going to be travelling to the Balkans, you must also visit Ljubljana, Slovenia. Read my post: 15 Best Things to Do in Ljubljana, Slovenia (First-Time Visitor’s Guide)

Would you go? What’s holding you back? Or maybe, what’s pulling you in?