Sarajevo travel guide

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Introduction to Sarajevo

Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina — When thinking about this capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, images of the spectacular History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina instantly come to mind. Recognized as the Wateler Peace Prize in 1994, there's a good reason for its fame. As you explore beyond these attractions, you'll find that this city in Bosnia & Herzegovina is more than what we see in books and social media. Sarajevo, and its community of more than 275.5 thousand people, is a culturally rich and diverse travel destination offering plenty of unforgettable experiences.

Traveling to Sarajevo is especially rewarding for anyone eager to connect with locals and learn more about their unique culture and traditions. For a comprehensive understanding and to unearth hidden gems, visit Sarajevo's official website.

Easily accessible from Sarajevo International, Sarajevo is the perfect base for a memorable and unique vacation in Bosnia & Herzegovina at any time of the year. Before booking a flight to Sarajevo, it's helpful to know that the city observes the Central European Time time zone.

History of Sarajevo

Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is rich in history that spans several centuries.

The city was founded by the Ottoman Empire in the 1450s and quickly became a bustling center of trade. Sarajevo was the first city in Europe to have a full-time electric tram network, setting it apart as a modern city in the 19th century.

In the 20th century, Sarajevo gained international attention for the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914, which triggered the start of World War I. The city was also the host of the 1984 Winter Olympics. Despite the hardships endured during the Bosnian War in the 1990s, Sarajevo has since rebounded, restoring its reputation as a vibrant cultural and tourist hub. Today, the city's rich history is evident in its diverse architecture, from Ottoman-era bazaars to Austro-Hungarian buildings and socialist modernist structures. Sarajevo's history is a testament to its resilience and cultural diversity, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.

Top services in Sarajevo

On this page, you'll find all the top travel services in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina. Enjoy the convenience of planning and booking every detail of your trip to Sarajevo, including flights, accommodations, activities, and more, in one place.

Discover the cheapest and most popular flights offered by a variety of airlines that fly to Bosnia & Herzegovina. Check out the best things to do in Sarajevo. Compare the rates and services of the 5 types of stays and 9 car rental companies offering CDW insurance coverage.

Experience the best of Sarajevo with an expertly curated and fully customizable itinerary. Get answers to questions about the routes and services offered in Sarajevo from our free 24/7 customer support. We make it easy for you to find and book every detail of your trip to Sarajevo with this travel guide.

Continue reading this Sarajevo travel guide to learn how you can enjoy a stress-free and memorable vacation in the city of Sarajevo!

Best time to visit Sarajevo

The best time to explore Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina, is between late spring and early autumn, specifically May through September. During these months, the city experiences mild to warm weather with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. June to August marks the peak tourist season, offering vibrant city life but also larger crowds. If you prefer a quieter environment, consider visiting during May or September. The Sarajevo Film Festival, held in August, is a highlight of the summer season, drawing international attendees and providing a unique cultural experience. Winter (December to February) is also attractive, particularly for winter sports enthusiasts, as Sarajevo's surrounding mountains offer excellent skiing conditions. However, be prepared for colder weather, with temperatures often falling below freezing. Regardless of when you choose to visit, Sarajevo's rich history and captivating charm are sure to provide a memorable experience.

Local tip for visiting Sarajevo

When visiting Sarajevo, an insider tip often overlooked by tourists is to take the time to visit the local markets. One such place is the Markale Market, which is not only a historic site but also a vibrant hub of local commerce. Here, you can immerse yourself in the daily life of Sarajevo's residents, taste local produce, and pick up some unique souvenirs. However, the real gem is the interactions with the friendly local vendors. They are usually more than willing to share personal stories and insights about their city, giving you a deeply personal connection and understanding of Sarajevo's culture and history. This insider tip will not only give you a unique shopping experience but also a richer understanding of Sarajevo's resilient spirit and warm hospitality.

Learn more about Bosnia & Herzegovina

With destinations such as Sarajevo, a trip to Bosnia & Herzegovina needs no further explanation. Spanning over 51,197 square kilometers, Bosnia & Herzegovina is an expansive playground of discovery, offering a wealth of diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and captivating experiences awaiting exploration. From bustling metropolises to historic towns and modern urban hubs, Bosnia & Herzegovina has something to enchant every traveler.

Thus, a trip to Bosnia & Herzegovina becomes essential. Whether you're drawn to historical sites, natural wonders, or vibrant cultural experiences, Bosnia & Herzegovina offers an abundance of treasures waiting to be discovered.

There's so much to explore and uncover in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Click or tap the link below to discover more about Bosnia & Herzegovina and its offers.

What to see in Sarajevo

View of the historic centre of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Expect an exhilarating journey through Sarajevo, a haven brimming with attractions to suit every traveler’s taste. From historical landmarks to natural wonders, and delectable cuisine, Sarajevo offers an abundance of experiences waiting to be discovered. Dive into this ultimate Sarajevo travel guide to uncover must-visit spots and get the scoop on what makes the city so special.

Top attractions in Sarajevo

With its blend of traditional and modern culture, Sarajevo is more than just a wonderful city in Bosnia & Herzegovina. It's a hub for diverse experiences, boasting top attractions that range from historical landmarks to modern marvels, offering a glimpse into Bosnia & Herzegovina's rich heritage and innovative spirit.

Considered one of the most well-known attractions in the city, a visit to this spectacular travel destination is something you shouldn't miss on your trip to Sarajevo.

For more information about what you can expect during a vacation in Sarajevo, check out our list of top attractions below. Discover the best places to visit in Sarajevo, including the fascinating History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Map of attractions

Take a closer look at the city map below for the exact locations of all the top attractions in Sarajevo.

How to get to Sarajevo

International travelers can fly to Sarajevo by booking flights with Turkish Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Croatia Airlines, Wizz Air UK, and Pegasus, offering flights to Sarajevo International. From the arrival airport, travelers can choose from various public and private transfer options to Sarajevo.

For those seeking the best flight ticket deals to Sarajevo, knowing the cheapest travel times and which airlines offer the most affordable flights is helpful. Luckily, we provide this information to help you discover the cheapest and most popular flights to Sarajevo. Go to this page to compare all flights to Sarajevo.

Find cheap flights to Sarajevo

Bascarsija square with Sebilj wooden fountain in Old Town Sarajevo, capital city of Bosnia.

Booking budget-friendly flights to Sarajevo is a crucial part of planning your trip to the city. This section will guide you through the process, helping you find the best deals for your journey.

Booking in advance is a smart move when traveling to Sarajevo. Airlines release their best deals months ahead of departure, so early birds catch the lower fares. Consider flexible travel dates while planning your visit to the city. Mid-week and off-peak seasons often offer more wallet-friendly options.

To help you find cheap flights to Sarajevo, you can use the powerful booking widget below. Enter your departure city, choose between round trip or one-way, pick your fare class, select travel dates, and specify the number of travelers. Click "Search" and the widget will do the rest. You'll see a list of flights matching your criteria, making your trip to Sarajevo even more convenient.

Fine-tune your search with filters to sort by price, airline, layovers, and more. Once you've found your ideal flight, click "Book" and you'll be redirected to the booking page to complete your reservation. Enter your payment details and receive a confirmation – it's that simple!

Remember to book ahead, stay flexible, and utilize the widget's features to make your journey to Sarajevo both affordable and unforgettable.

Popular flights to Sarajevo

Travelers visiting Sarajevo can easily access the city via Sarajevo International, offering direct connection to 22 destinations worldwide. To streamline your travel planning process, explore the most popular flights to Sarajevo below. Discover direct routes from major international hubs and convenient connections tailored to suit your travel preferences. Click to delve into the diverse array of flights available to Sarajevo and embark on an unforgettable journey.

Where to stay in Sarajevo

Muslim woman with hijab is taking selfie in front of the Sebilj in Sarajevo.

An essential factor to consider when traveling to a new place or country is accommodation. While visiting a city as fantastic as Sarajevo is always exciting, any avid traveler knows that accommodations often make or break the vacation experience. The best place to stay in Sarajevo usually depends on travelers' needs and preferences. However, booking accommodations in central Sarajevo offers a ton of benefits.

Staying in the heart of the city allows you to easily walk to many of the top sights and dining areas in Sarajevo and cut down on your travel expenses. Centrally located accommodations are also an excellent choice for travelers in Sarajevo planning to go on a quick tour or drive to the neighboring regions.

In Sarajevo, you'll find 5 different types of places to stay, catering to every taste, budget, and reason for travel. For example, honeymooners or travelers on a romantic getaway in Bosnia & Herzegovina can experience the ultimate relaxation at one of the luxury hotels in Sarajevo. Travelers whose purpose is sightseeing can also find plenty of mid-range and budget-friendly hotels in the city, allowing access to many of the top attractions in Sarajevo.

Learn more about the most popular places to stay and the top-rated hotels in Sarajevo in the following sections.

Popular types of accommodation in Sarajevo

A trip to Sarajevo means opportunities to relax at any of the 5 different types of places to stay in the city. While each type offers varying amenities and rates, there is no denying that Sarajevo provides a great selection of lodging options ready to cater to every kind of guest.

Among all the choices available in the city, Hotel Holiday is one of the top picks of travelers in Sarajevo. Hotel Holiday is a 4-star stay with an average rating of 3744 stars out of 5 from 4 guests. The hotel is located at Zmaja od Bosne 4 and boasts many great utilities, including restaurant, room service, and sauna.

Budget accommodations are also incredibly popular among travelers in Sarajevo. Cheaper alternatives allow travelers to save on accommodation costs and have more to spend on other experiences.

In Sarajevo, travelers looking for an economical yet top-rated place to stay usually choose Hotel Koncept Residence. For approximately 50 EUR, guests can book a comfortable Single Room at this popular hotel, which also offers restaurant, room service, and more.

Below is a list of all 5 different types of places to stay in Sarajevo. Select the type you prefer to compare options under each category and find the best accommodation.

Top hotels in Sarajevo

Hotels are travelers' go-to accommodations in Sarajevo for the unique experience they provide. Besides offering basic amenities, many hotels in Sarajevo provide meals and extras, such as shuttle services, spa facilities, tour desks, and other services. But because not all hotels in Sarajevo are created equal, finding the best in the city often requires careful research. For your convenience, we've done all the research to make it easier for you to check out all the top hotels in Sarajevo.

Swissôtel Sarajevo offers the most luxurious rooms and is perfect for travelers looking for the ultimate 5-star hotel experience in Sarajevo. If comfort, convenience, and affordability are your non-negotiables, check out Hotel Holiday, the top 4-star hotel in the city. When all you need is a pleasant place to rest and sleep in between your activities in Sarajevo, the highest-rated 3-star hotel, Grand Sarajevo, is for you.

Below is our hand-picked list of the best hotels in Sarajevo. Travelers are encouraged to book early, as these hotels quickly reach capacity. Click the arrows or swipe the list to see each hotel's ratings, reviews, locations, rates, and more. You can read detailed descriptions of each hotel in Sarajevo by clicking the cards.

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Search for accommodation in Sarajevo

Finding the perfect stay for your visit to Sarajevo is made easy with our search tool. With just a few clicks, explore a range of available hotels and accommodations, complete with prices and amenities for easy comparison. Simply input your check-in and check-out dates, along with the number of guests and rooms needed. Start planning your trip to Sarajevo effortlessly now!

Car rentals in Sarajevo

View of the historic centre of Sarajevo - Bosnia and Herzegovina.

To navigate Sarajevo effortlessly, renting a car is an excellent choice. With your own wheels, you can explore every nook and cranny of the destination without relying on public transportation and even venture off the beaten path. On our website, you'll discover a selection of over 9 car rental companies in Sarajevo, ready to provide you with the perfect vehicle for your travels.

Automatic cars for rent in Sarajevo start at 17 EUR per day or 118 EUR per week. The cheapest automatic rental car is a Hyundai I20. If you prefer driving a manual car, you'll find multiple options for rent in Sarajevo, starting at 11 EUR per day or 80 EUR per week. The cheapest manual rental car is a Volkswagen Up.

Learn more about the different types of cars you can rent in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina below.

Popular types of cars for rent in Sarajevo

Renting a car in Sarajevo is a popular choice among travelers who want to explore the city at their own pace. A wide variety of popular car rentals are available to choose from in Sarajevo, ensuring you find the best car for your travel plans.

Check out all the options available and book your car rental in Sarajevo for your upcoming adventures in Bosnia & Herzegovina below. All car rentals come with CDW insurance for added protection throughout your trip.

Search for car rentals in Sarajevo

Get ready to hit the road and explore the beautiful city of Sarajevo. Find the best deals on a variety of popular car rentals in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina, or any other destination in Europe by using the search tool below.

Enter your pick-up and drop-off location, driver's age, and dates. Click the green button to view your options.

Popular destinations to visit after Sarajevo

The sacred heart cathedral in Sarajevo in a beautiful summer day, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The city of Sarajevo is just one of the many unique and scenic destinations you can visit in Bosnia & Herzegovina. So if you're itching for another cultural adventure, a relaxing road trip, an action-filled city break, or a memorable weekend getaway, know that Bosnia & Herzegovina has it all.

Each destination in Bosnia & Herzegovina offers something unique to experience! Take the opportunity to visit other captivating places in Bosnia & Herzegovina that are as magical as the city of Sarajevo. The most popular travel destinations in Bosnia & Herzegovina are listed below. Click on the name of the place you want to explore next to learn more about it.

All the best destinations in Bosnia & Herzegovina

When unsure about where to go next, use the map below. This map shows the locations of all the best destinations in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Use the map to plan your trip and find the best routes.

Domestic flights from Sarajevo

The Market Hall (or Gradska Trznica)of Sarajevo. Ferhadija street, old town.

Experience the authentic charm of Bosnia & Herzegovina by expanding your travels beyond the boundaries of Sarajevo. Explore other destinations around Bosnia & Herzegovina with a domestic flight. A domestic flight is typically a short-haul flight, with the longest duration not exceeding two hours. To find the best flights from Sarajevo to other amazing locations in Bosnia & Herzegovina, add the required details below and select 'Search' to view the best domestic flights in Bosnia & Herzegovina for your chosen dates. You can also jump to the last section of this travel guide to find the most popular domestic flights from Sarajevo.

Popular domestic flights from Sarajevo

Travelers in Bosnia & Herzegovina can catch flights to domestic airports in Tuzla, Mostar, and Banja Luka. Domestic flights in Bosnia & Herzegovina are operated by 8 airlines, including Turkish Airlines, Croatia Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Aegean, and Wizz Air UK. There are around 14 scheduled flight routes operating to Sarajevo on a weekly basis.

From Sarajevo, travelers can book scheduled flights to 3 domestic destinations. The most popular flights from Sarajevo depart to many top-rated destinations in Bosnia & Herzegovina and are offered by Turkish Airlines, Croatia Airlines, and LOT Polish Airlines.

Search domestic flights from Sarajevo

Traveling to another city or region in Bosnia & Herzegovina? Use the flight search tool below to quickly find the cheapest one-way or round-trip flights from Sarajevo to different local destinations.

Enter all the necessary information and click or tap on the Search button to see a list of the available domestic flights in Bosnia & Herzegovina on the selected dates.

Transportation in Sarajevo

Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, offers a variety of transportation modes that cater to the needs of both locals and tourists. The city’s public transportation system consists of trams, buses, and trolleybuses, which are managed by GRAS Sarajevo. The trams, in particular, are a popular and unique way to explore the city, with lines running from the city center to various districts.

Taxis are also readily available throughout the city. They offer a convenient and affordable means of getting around, especially for short distances or when traveling with luggage. Visitors can hail a taxi on the street or book one via local taxi companies.

For those who prefer the flexibility of self-driving, there are numerous car rental agencies available, including international chains. They offer a wide range of vehicles to suit different needs and budgets. Finally, for a truly local experience, you might want to try a horse-drawn carriage ride, locally known as 'fijaker,' particularly popular in the old town area.

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