The prestigious magazine "National Geographic" declared Sarajevo the best destination in the world for 2025, according to the readers' choice.
"With centuries of history woven into its natural beauty, it's no wonder this cosmopolitan capital is so beloved. Plan a visit to sample what the local markets have to offer, stroll along the Miljacka River and soak up the stunning scenes this city has to offer."
About Sarajevo
The heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the capital Sarajevo, best known for its centuries-old tradition of hospitality. This vibrant city can penetrate as deep into the traveler’s soul as it does for residents. Sarajevo is a city where even strangers can feel at home. This city's long-standing tradition of multi-ethnicity enables it to thrive in its diversity. If there is any city in Europe that effortlessly straddles east and west, it is Sarajevo. A walkthrough Sarajevo is a walk through it’s past. From the oriental Ottoman quarters lined with sweet shops, cafe's and handicraft workshops, to the administrative and cultural center of Austro-Hungarian times, Sarajevo encompasses the very best of both worlds.
In Sarajevo tourists/visitors can certainly get a good value for their money. Whether it’s accommodation, visiting attractions, eating delicious meals, going out to clubs, wellness treatments or having unforgettable weekends in some of the ski resorts near town, Sarajevo is sure to surprise visitors with the superb quality they can enjoy for the money.
Every town has its own specific rhythm and Sarajevo’s is an easy-going and relaxing one.
Sarajevo is large enough that there is a lot to see and experience, yet also small enough to get wherever you want on foot. The best way to visit all of Sarajevo’s attractions is on foot, as most of them are only a few kilometers from one another. It’s also the best way to discover the charm of the narrow streets in the old part of town. Taxi rates are among the most inexpensive in Europe!
Mornings in Sarajevo traditionally start with Bosnian coffee. Traditional food is both delicious and organic. Ćevabdžinice serve ćevapčiće, small, grilled ground meat rolls served in flat bread (somun); aščinice have a rich selection of traditional cooked meals and in buregdžinice you can choose from verity of famous Bosnian pies!
What to visit in Sarajevo?
Baščaršija | It is thought that during the Middle Ages there was a settlement and smaller trading area, called Stara Varoš, which served as a precursor to today’s Baščaršija. In around 1460, Isa Bey Ishaković laid the foundations for Sarajevo, and this trading center on the right bank of the Miljacka River would grow to become a bazaar.
“Sarajevo Meeting of Cultures” is the message of an inlaid marker on Ferhadija St., near Gazi Husrev Bey’s Bezistan. This is the spot where two dominant cultures that once shaped Sarajevo merge. In essence, what can be seen clearly about Sarajevo is that this is a city that connects East and West – not only as different halves of the world, but also culturally – with the East considered Ottoman and the West seen as Austro-Hungarian.
Latin Bridge | From 1918 to 1993 the structure bore the name, Principov Most (bridge), after Gavrilo Princip, who was only a few meters from this bridge when he assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sofie. This incident, known as the Sarajevo Assassination, led to the beginning of the First World War.
Vijećnica is the most extravagant building constructed in Sarajevo during Austro-Hungarian occupation and serves as a symbol of the meeting of world civilizations.
Vječna Vatra (Eternal Flame) is a memorial to those who liberated Sarajevo during World War II and was first unveiled during a commemorative event held on April 6, 1946 for the first anniversary of the liberation of Sarajevo.
Nature in Sarajevo
Velika Aleja is an attractive walking area which runs from the thermal bath complexes in Ilidža to Vrelo Bosne, the most popular picnic spot in Sarajevo. The lane is 3.5 kilometers long and is lined with around 3,000 chestnut and plane trees that are over 100 years old. The natural monument, Vrelo Bosne, is spread out over 603 hectares at the foot of Mount Igman in Ilidža, about 15 kilometers from the center of Sarajevo.
Stojčevac | The picnic spot, Stojčevac, is located on the periphery of Sarajevo Field, not far from Velika Aleja and Vrelo Bosne, both of which are just a short and pleasant walk away. Given its position at the foothills of Mount Igman, Stojčevac has plenty of clean, fresh air and summer temperatures are far more agreeable than in the center of town.
At Mejdan is a park that is located on the left bank of the Miljacka River, between the bridges, Latinska Ćuprija and Ćumurija. This green space is located in the heart of old Sarajevo and the area, which takes up about 2,500 m2, has changed its name and function many times over the years.
Mountains | The beauty of mountain Bjelašnica, which is only 35 km from the center of Sarajevo, can be enjoyed throughout the year. Bjelašnica is covered with green grass in the summer and deep snow in the winter and its highest peak reaches 2,067 meters above sea level.
The mountain, Jahorina, is 28 kilometers from the center of Sarajevo and Ogorjelica (1,916 m) is its highest peak. Jahorina is also an ideal summer destination for those who enjoy beautiful nature, with green grasslands, fresh mountain springs and thick forests which provide relief from the summer heat. The mountain also offers tons of activities for mountaineers, alpinists, speleologists, hunters, fishermen….
The Mountain Igman plateau lies 24 km to the southwest of Sarajevo, and there are several settlements that lie at the base of the mountain. Yet, the lowest temperature in the region – an incredible -43°C – was recorded on Igman and it contains an exceptionally high concentration of good air, which is why this mountain is considered a fresh air haven and an ideal place for rest and recreation.
It’s hard not to notice Trebević, with its distinctive peak towering over the south side of Sarajevo. Many generations of Sarajevans used to visit this area by cable car, which ran from Bistrik to the Olympic Bobsled tracks. The cable car was devastated during the war, and it is renovated at 2018. Today, the area is accessible by cable car.
