Sarajevo

There are many good places to stay on both sides of the Miljacka River in Sarajevo. For the best experience, we recommend staying near the Old Town, Bascarsija (the castle marker on the map below). The best restaurants and bars are in the Old Town, which happens to be the most beautiful area in Sarajevo.

Here’s an interactive map with accommodation options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.

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The best weather is a personal preference. Some travelers may prefer to visit during the summer months (June, July, and August) for warm weather and outdoor activities, while others may enjoy the winter months (December, January, and February) for skiing and winter sports.

We find the best weather for exploring a city is around 55° F and sunny. The weather in Sarajevo can be warm during summer days, but it cools down at night and remains comfortable until around 11 am.

Below is a chart showing the average high and low temperatures for each month so you can decide what is best for you.

The time of the year with good weather and fewer crowds is often referred to as the shoulder season. The shoulder season in Sarajevo is April, May, September, and October. For many, this is the best time of the year to visit.

We spent the month of July in Sarajevo and thought the weather was very hot in the afternoon, but it cooled down significantly at night and stayed cool until mid-day. There were lots of tourists, but the crowds were not bad. It is definitely a destination to consider if you can’t travel during the shoulder season and must travel during the summer months.

January and February are good months to visit Mostar for the best value and with few if any crowds. It does get cold and snows during the winter in Sarajevo so you should pack accordingly.

Sarajevo is a city that has seen its fair share of conflict, including the brutal Siege of Sarajevo during the collapse of Yugoslavia in the 1990s. Despite this dark history, the city is now emerging as a top tourist destination in the Balkans.

Visitors can learn about the scars of war by visiting places like the Tunnel of Hope, which was used as a lifeline during the siege, and the tunnel museum, or seeking out bullet holes in apartment buildings and the marks on the sidewalk filled with red resin called “Sarajevo Roses,” which represent where mortar shells exploded, or simply listening to personal stories from locals who lived through it.

Sarajevo also offers plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking in the nearby mountains or skiing at the nearby Jahorina ski resort. Overall, Sarajevo is a vibrant and welcoming city with plenty to offer visitors.

Sarajevo is famous for the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on June 28, 1914. This event led to the start of World War I. The city has a museum that commemorates this event and exhibits the pistol used by Gavrilo Princip in the assassination. Sarajevo is a must-visit for history buffs who want to immerse themselves in the fascinating and complex history of the Balkans.

The city is also famous for hosting the 1984 Winter Olympics. The high altitude of Sarajevo ensures plenty of snowfall during winter months, making it an excellent destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Despite the damage caused by the Yugoslav wars of 1992-1995, the city has recovered and is now a popular tourist destination. The now abandoned bobsled track built for the Winter Olympics draws many tourists.

Yes, Sarajevo Old Town is very beautiful and memorable.

Yes, Sarajevo is definitely worth visiting. Known as the “Jerusalem of Europe,” Sarajevo is a city with a rich and fascinating history, blending Eastern and Western cultures. Visitors can explore the city’s Ottoman-era architecture, sample traditional Bosnian cuisine, and learn about the city’s struggles during the Bosnian War in the 1990s. We explored this question in depth in our article “Is Sarajevo Worth Visiting?”

How many days travelers need in Sarajevo depends on interests and travel style. It is possible to explore Sarajevo Old Town, visit a few Mosques, have a Bosnian coffee at a cafe, and enjoy a meal of grilled meats and veggies in one day.

But to slow down, enjoy the city, and see additional sites, we recommend 2-3 days. For a list of the best things to see and a suggested walking tour, check out our article “10 Best Things to See in Sarajevo.”

We recommend visiting Sarajevo between May and September. The weather is lovely during these months, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to do. However, if you’re a winter sports fan, the nearby Jahorina ski resort makes Sarajevo a perfect destination during the colder months. Whenever you choose to visit, Sarajevo will impress you with its history, beauty, and welcoming atmosphere.

No, Sarajevo is not expensive. Sarajevo offers a beautiful Old Town destination at a great value. A grilled meat platter for two with two beers costs about $30. Both hotels and Airbnbs are some of the best value we have seen in Europe. However, the cost ultimately depends on the level of luxury required. We prepared a Budget for a Month in Sarajevo that analyzes all the necessary expenses.

Sarajevo is located in the Bosnia region of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

As of Summer 2023, US citizens are allowed to travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, it’s important to check the most up-to-date information regarding entry requirements and any travel restrictions before planning your trip.

To get to Sarajevo, you can fly into the Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ) from various cities in Europe and the Middle East. You can get from the airport to the Old Town neighborhood by bus or taxi. Taxis are very affordable and are, therefore, our recommended method. Book a taxi or private transfer now with these highly-rated options!

Alternatively, you can take a bus or train from neighboring countries such as Croatia, Serbia, or Montenegro. If you are driving, several highways connect Sarajevo with other major cities in the region.

Central European Standard Time (GMT +1)

Bosnia-Herzegovina Convertible Mark

Bosnian – Sarajevo is a city where English is abundantly spoken.

Citizens from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia don’t need a visa to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina if they stay 90 days or less. For more information on visa-free travel in Bosnia and Herzegovina, check out our article on traveling visa-free.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s electrical outlets are Type C, F, and L. They have a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Travelers from the United States will need an adapter.

If you have many items to plug in, we recommend a travel power strip with multiple USBs and standard plug-ins. Using a power strip, you will only need one adapter to plug the strip into the wall.

Travelers will want a SIM card for Bosnia and Herzegovina. You can get either a local SIM card or an eSIM card.

To get a local SIM card, you have to find a local cellular service provider, often stand in line for assistance, show your passport, and complete some paperwork. The SIM cards work great, but purchasing them is somewhat inconvenient. This option is best if you need more than 5GB of data.

We use eSIMs exclusively because they can be purchased through an app prior to arrival in a new country and activated when you hit a cell tower in the country. We use Airalo eSIMs. They work great, and I recommend them if you plan to use less than 5 GB of data during your stay or if you need internet immediately on arrival.

Sarajevo Central Railway Station

Sarajevo Airport (code: SJJ) – there are no direct flights from the United States to SJJ, but there are several connecting airport options in Europe.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a limited train system, and rental cars or private transfers are often required when visiting the country.

Many large American rental car companies, as well as Europcar and Sixt are available in Sarajevo. For a comparison of rental car offers from large, international brands and smaller regional brands, we recommend Discover Cars.