Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo

Ottoman lanes, Austro-Hungarian facades, and mountains at the edge of town.

Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$
Moderate
  • Food$$$$$About $33 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
  • Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $68 a night for two
  • Transport$$$$$About $5.0 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇺🇸 USD =
Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

SJJSarajevo International AirportMain hub, about 7 km southwest of the centre. Flights can be delayed by fog in winter.
HowCostTime
Airport bus (Centrotrans)Baščaršija5 KM one way20-30 min
Runs roughly hourly 05:30-22:00. Pay the driver on boarding. First bag up to 23 kg is included.
Trolleybus 103 via DobrinjaTrg Austrijski (cross Latin Bridge to Old Town)1.80 KMabout 25 min plus a 600 m walk
Walk from the terminal to the stop at Bulevar Mimara Sinana. Pay the driver in KM cash. Avoid lines 107 and 108 for Old Town.
TaxiCity centre15-20 KMcheck locally
Insist on the meter. Some drivers quote double to foreigners. Refuse any fixed price list and any airport supplement.
Ride appsCity centrecheck locallycheck locally
Availability in Sarajevo is unconfirmed. Check locally before you travel.
TZLTuzla AirportBudget Wizz Air base about 120 km north of Sarajevo. Long transfer.
HowCostTime
Airport bus (direct)Sarajevo€22 one wayabout 2 hours
Runs direct to meet Wizz flights. Check the operator for current times.
Standard bus via TuzlaSarajevocheck locallyabout 3 hours plus transfer
Cheaper, but needs a change in Tuzla. Buses to Tuzla cost about 11 KM.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Sarajevo

Getting around

Trams for the centre and Ilidža, walking the old town, and taxis with a meter for late trips.

  • MetroThere is no metro in Sarajevo. Use trams and trolleybuses instead.
  • Tram / Trolleybus ★Trams and trolleybuses run the city. Tram 3 runs the full line from Ilidža to the centre. Tram 1 and 4 serve the central loop. A single ticket costs 2.20 KM and a day ticket costs 7.10 KM. Buy in the Javni prevoz KS app, from drivers or at GRAS kiosks.
  • BusBuses cover routes beyond the trams. Buy tickets from the driver for 2.20 KM. Pre-bought tram tickets are not valid on buses.
  • Taxi / ride appsLegitimate taxis have a TAXI sign and plates with TA. Insist on the meter and ask for a receipt. Official firms include Paja 1522, Žuti 033 66 35 55 and Samir & Emir 1516. Taxis are the main scam risk, so avoid unmarked cars.
  • Rental carDriving is not recommended in the Old Town, where streets are steep, narrow and one-way. Parking is very hard to find. A car is only useful for trips outside the city.
  • Walking ★Walking is the best way to see the centre. Street signs are scarce, so use a map app.
  • Bike rental (Nextbike)Nextbike has about 14 stations along the tram lines. You get 30 free minutes per day, then 1.50 KM after that. Separate bike lanes run along the river and main boulevard for over 5 km.
  • FerryNo ferry service operates in the city.
Recommended stay★ 2 nights (3 days)

Two nights give you a full day in the old town, a tram ride out to Ilidža and time for a Mostar day trip.

Best for
  • CultureBaščaršija bazaar, mosques and Sebilj fountain, with evenings in the old town cafés.
  • HistoryLatin Bridge, the Tunnel of Hope and Yugoslav-era sites on a walk through the 1990s war story.
  • CuisineĆevapi, burek, baklava and Bosnian coffee, eaten slowly in the old quarter.

Weather by month

5°-4°Jan🌧 15d
9°-1°Feb🌧 11d
11°1°Mar🌧 13d
16°4°Apr🌧 12d
20°9°May🌧 16d
24°14°Jun🌧 14d
27°16°Jul🌧 11d
27°16°Aug🌧 10d
22°12°Sep🌧 10d
18°7°Oct🌧 9d
12°3°Nov🌧 11d
8°0°Dec🌧 11d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, fairly dry summers. Rain is spread through the year.

  • Best time: May to June and SeptemberHighs around 20–24°C with mild nights. Ideal for walking, cycling and the mountains.
  • Cold winters (December to February)Highs near 5–9°C and lows below freezing. Wear warm layers and waterproof shoes for icy streets.
  • Hot summers (July and August)Highs around 27°C. Walk early or late in the day and carry water.
  • Rain year-roundBetween 9 and 16 rainy days a month. Carry a compact umbrella in every season.
  • Mountain weather changes fastHigher ground is cooler than the city centre. Check the forecast before any hike or ride.
  • What to packWarm layers, a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes and a small umbrella. Pack light clothing for summer days.

Landmarks 11

Must-see · 7

  1. 1

    Baščaršija

    The old Ottoman bazaar quarter is the heart of Sarajevo, with copper workshops, tea houses and narrow cobbled lanes. It is the best place to understand the city's layered history. Visit in the morning or early evening for quieter streets and better light for photos.

  2. 2

    Latin Bridge

    This small bridge is where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914, an event that helped trigger the First World War. A plaque and nearby exhibits mark the spot. It is a short walk from Baščaršija, so pair the two in one outing.

  3. 3

    Sebilj

    This wooden Ottoman-style fountain stands in the main square of Baščaršija and has become one of the city's best-known images. It is a quick stop on any walk through the old town. Go early in the day to photograph it without crowds.

  4. 4

    Sarajevo City Hall (Vijećnica)

    The Moorish Revival building was gutted by fire during the 1992-1995 siege and later restored, and it stands as a powerful symbol of the city's recovery. Its façade is one of the most striking in the centre. Check opening times in advance, as access to the interior can be limited.

  5. 5

    Gazi Husrev-bey Mosque

    Built in the 16th century, this is the largest and most important mosque in Sarajevo and a centrepiece of Ottoman-era architecture. Visitors should dress modestly and remove shoes before entering. Visit outside prayer times and avoid Friday midday if you want a calmer visit.

  6. 6

    Sarajevo Tunnel Museum (Tunnel of Hope)

    A section of the wartime tunnel that linked besieged Sarajevo to safe territory during the 1992-1995 siege is preserved here. The museum explains how it kept the city supplied and is a moving, essential visit for understanding recent history. Plan at least an hour, and consider a guided tour for context.

  7. 7

    Eternal Flame

    This memorial flame honours fallen soldiers and is a focal point for ceremonies and remembrance in the city. It is a simple but meaningful stop, and it sits close to other central sights. Visit during the day for the clearest view, and treat it as a place of remembrance.

1Baščaršija2Latin Bridge3Sebilj4Sarajevo City Hall (Vijećnica)5Gazi Husrev-bey Mosque6Sarajevo Tunnel Museum (Tunnel of Hope)7Eternal Flame

Cultural

Old Town 1

Modern History 3

Islamic 1

Modern Architecture 1

Historical Square 1

Park 1

Castle 1

Activities

Cable Car 1

Food 1

Overview

History & significance

Highlights

    Day trips from Sarajevo

    Mostar · 2 h 00 by bus

    ★★★★★ · Full day · 125 km from Sarajevo

    Best way: The bus takes about 2 hours direct from Sarajevo's bus station, while the train is slow and infrequent.

    Take a direct bus from Sarajevo's bus station (Autobusni kolodvor), about 2.5 hours; the train is slow and infrequent, so the bus is the practical choice.

    • Train1 h 58 · from $8-$10
    • Bus ★2 h 00 · from $14-$35
    • Car2 h 10 · taxi ≈ $150

    What to see

    • Stari Most (Old Bridge)
    • Kujundžiluk bazaar
    • Kriva Ćuprija
    • Old town Neretva riverfront
    • Partisan Memorial Cemetery

    2 landmark quests to check off here

    Good to know

    • Take the direct bus from Sarajevo's bus station (Autobusni kolodvor).
    • The train takes about 1h 58m but is slow and infrequent, so plan your return around the bus schedule.

    Travnik · 1 h 50 by bus

    ★★★☆☆ · Half day · 96 km from Sarajevo

    Best way: A regular bus takes about 1h 50m and gets you to the bus station, from which you can walk up to the old town and fortress.

    Take a regular bus from Sarajevo's bus station to Travnik, about 1.5 hours, and walk up from the bus station to the old town and fortress.

    • Bus ★1 h 50 · from $15-$23
    • Car1 h 30 · taxi ≈ $120

    What to see

    • Travnik Fortress
    • Hadži Ali Pasha's Mosque
    • Consul's House (Konzulat)
    • Old town walk

    Good to know

    • Take a regular bus from Sarajevo's bus station (Autobusni kolodvor).
    • Walk up from the Travnik bus station to the old town and fortress.

    Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

    Plans

    Sarajevo rewards visitors who wander without a fixed plan. Its old bazaar, riverside walks and war-era history reveal more the longer you stay. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

    How long?

    What do you enjoy most?

    2 nights · Culture ★ Recommended length

    Mosques, bazaar and old-town cafés for first-time visitors who want to see the city's Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian layers.

    Stay: Baščaršija. Walk to the bazaar, Sebilj and most old-town sights. Quiet at night, and narrow streets mean you walk rather than drive.

    Tickets & tours
    ≈ USD 30
    per person
    Taxis
    ≈ USD 51
    per taxi, up to 4 people
    Hotel
    USD 120–360
    2 nights · Baščaršija
    Day 1

    Arrive and old town

    Tickets ≈ USD 5 pp · taxis ≈ USD 8
    1234
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. 1

      10:00–12:30 · Free (tip-based) · check on the day

      Free walking tour of Sarajevo

      Good first orientation. Check the slot times on the day.

      Open Daily, usually morning and afternoon slots · check on the day

    2. Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ USD 4
    3. 2

      13:00–13:45 · About 4–7 USD per plate (estimate)

      Ćevapi Landmark quest

      Lunch in Baščaršija. Grills usually open from about 10:00.

      Open Most grills open around 10:00–22:00 · check on the day

    4. Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ USD 4
    5. 3

      14:30–15:15 · Free entry · donations welcome

      Gazi Husrev-bey Mosque Landmark quest

      Closed to visitors during prayers. Check the hours on the day.

      Open Daily, around prayer times · check on the day, closed to visitors during prayers

    6. 4

      16:00–18:00 · Free

      Baščaršija Landmark quest

      Best in late afternoon. Shops usually close around 20:00.

      Open Open all day · shops usually 09:00–20:00 (check on the day)

    Day 2

    Bridge, city hall and the bastion

    Tickets ≈ USD 0 pp · taxis ≈ USD 11
    12345
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. 1

      09:30–10:00 · Exterior free · interior fees vary (check on the day)

      Sarajevo City Hall (Vijećnica) Landmark quest

      Morning light on the façade. Interior hours vary.

      Open Exterior always visible · interior hours vary, check on the day

    2. Taxi · 415 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ USD 2
    3. 2

      10:15–10:35 · Free

      Latin Bridge Landmark quest

      Quieter early in the day. Short walk from City Hall.

      Open Open all day

    4. Taxi · 667 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ USD 3
    5. 3

      11:00–12:30 · Free self-guided · guided tours about 15–30 USD (estimate)

      Vratnik old-town walk

      Narrow old-town lanes uphill from Baščaršija.

      Open Open all day

    6. Taxi · 871 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ USD 3
    7. 4

      14:30–14:45 · Free

      Eternal Flame Landmark quest

      Open at all times. Close to City Hall.

      Open Always open

    8. Taxi · 850 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ USD 3
    9. 5

      18:30–19:10 · Free

      Yellow Bastion (Žuta tabija)

      Best at sunset. Check sunset time for the season.

      Open Open all day

    Day 3

    Market and last evening

    Tickets ≈ USD 25 pp · taxis ≈ USD 32
    1234
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. 1

      08:00–08:45 · Free to walk · food costs vary

      Markale Market

      Early morning is best. Usually closes around 17:00.

      Open Typically 07:00–17:00 · check on the day

    2. Taxi · 11 km · ≈ 37 min · ≈ USD 15
    3. 2

      10:00–11:30 · About 5 USD (estimate) · check on the day

      Sarajevo Tunnel Museum (Tunnel of Hope) Landmark quest

      Usually open from 09:00 to 18:00. Check on the day.

      Open Daily, roughly 09:00–18:00 · check on the day · Source

    4. Taxi · 9 km · ≈ 31 min · ≈ USD 12
    5. 3

      13:30–16:30 · About 15–25 USD return (estimate) · check on the day

      Trebević cable car

      Check weather. It may be closed in bad weather.

      Open Usually daily, roughly 09:00–18:00 · check on the day; may be closed in bad weather

    6. Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ USD 5
    7. 4

      18:00–20:00 · Free

      Baščaršija Landmark quest

      Final evening in the old town cafés.

      Open Open all day · shops usually 09:00–20:00 (check on the day)

    Swap in instead

    • Take a day trip to Mostar for the old bridge and the old town. Check bus times on the day.
    • Ride Tram 3 to Ilidža for the spa park and gardens, at the far end of the full line.
    • Go up Trebević or Jahorina for views over the city and the mountains. Check the transport and weather on the day.

    Getting around

    • Currency is the Bosnian convertible mark (KM), not USD. Prices below are in KM unless noted.
    • Trams and trolleybuses run the city. Tram 3 runs the full line from Ilidža to the centre. Tram 1 and 4 serve the central loop. There is no metro.
    • Single tram, trolleybus or bus ticket costs 2.20 KM. Day ticket is 7.10 KM. Buy in the Javni prevoz KS app, from drivers, or at GRAS kiosks. Bus tickets are bought from the driver, and pre-bought tram tickets are not valid on buses.
    • Taxis are the main scam risk. Legitimate taxis have a TAXI sign and plates with TA. Insist on the meter and ask for a receipt. Official firms include Paja 1522, Žuti 033 66 35 55 and Samir & Emir 1516.
    • Driving is not recommended in the Old Town, where streets are steep, narrow and one-way. Parking is very hard to find.
    • Walking is the best way to see the centre. Street signs are scarce, so use a map app. Nextbike rental has about 14 stations along the tram lines, with 30 free minutes per day and 1.50 KM after that. Separate bike lanes run along the river and main boulevard for over 5 km.
    • No ferry service operates in the city.

    Where to stay

    • Baščaršija · ≈ USD 60–180 a night
      Walk to the bazaar, Sebilj and most old-town sights. Quiet at night, and narrow streets mean you walk rather than drive.
    • Marijin Dvor · ≈ USD 70–200 a night
      Near the main boulevard and the river bike lanes. Trams 1, 3 and 4 serve the centre, so reaching the old town is easy.
    • Centar · ≈ USD 55–170 a night
      Central and walkable, with many cafés and shops. Good base for trams and the Nextbike stations along the tram lines.
    • Vratnik · ≈ USD 45–140 a night
      Quiet residential old-town edge below the fortress. Lovely views, but steep streets and no driving, so pack light.

    Food & drink

    • Try ćevapi (grilled minced meat rolls) in Baščaršija, usually served with raw onion and somun bread.
    • Order burek or sirnica (pastry with meat or cheese) for breakfast, then finish with baklava and Bosnian coffee in a copper pot.
    • Eat at the bazaar cafés and kebab grills around Baščaršija. Prices are in KM, so check the menu before ordering.
    • Sit in a traditional kafana for slow coffee and local dishes. Book ahead on weekends if you can.
    • Pay in KM. Carry some small notes and coins for kiosks and buses, since bus tickets are bought from the driver.

    Tips

    No city tips yet.

    Sources for prices and hours

    Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

    Tours & activities

    Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

    Baščaršija
    Latin Bridge
    • Walk the old Ottoman quarter with a guide
    • Hear the story behind the Latin Bridge
    • 1,693 reviews · 4.8 rating
    Guided walkHistorical focus

    Grand Walking Tour Through Time and Cultures

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (1,693)

    $28View tour

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Sarajevo Tunnel Museum (Tunnel of Hope)
    • Tour the Tunnel Museum with a war veteran
    • Learn about life during the siege
    • 1,486 reviews · 4.9 rating
    Veteran guideHistorical focus

    Tunnel Museum Yugoslavia War Tour with War Veteran

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (1,486)

    $44View tour

    Take this tour to unlock 3 landmark quests

    Baščaršija
    Sebilj
    Latin Bridge
    • See Sebilj and the old town's main square
    • Visit the Latin Bridge with a local guide
    • 230 reviews · 4.9 rating
    Local guideBudget friendly

    Discover Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Guide

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (230)

    $22View tour

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Baščaršija
    • Sample local dishes in the old bazaar
    • Learn about Bosnian food culture
    • 147 reviews · 4.9 rating
    Food tastingSmall group

    Sarajevo City Market, Old Town Food Tasting Tour

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (147)

    $55View tour

    Souvenirs

    Bosnian copper coffee pot

    BAM 25–601 small džezva · estimate

    A small long-handled pot used to brew Bosnian coffee. Hand-hammered copper work is a local craft that Sarajevo has been known for since Ottoman times.

    Where: Kazandžiluk copper craft lane
    Check that the inside has a food-safe coating before you buy.

    Bosnian kilim fabric pouch

    BAM 20–501 small pouch · estimate

    A small bag made from kilim-style fabric with traditional Bosnian patterns. It reflects the rug-weaving tradition found across the Balkans.

    Where: Baščaršija craft shops
    Ask whether the pouch is hand-woven or printed, since the price differs a lot.

    Flights

    Dates are departure dates at each airport, which may differ from your itinerary arrival date. Select your flight and complete payment on Trip.com.

    Search flights · Trip.com

    Hotels

    Search all Sarajevo hotelsHotels.com

    Popular hotels

    eSIM

    Get an eSIM for SarajevoStay connected in Bosnia and Herzegovina from day one · Airalo
    5 GB30 days$13 USDSelect plan →Unlimited30 days$72.5 USDSelect plan →
    Compare all 2 plans · choose data and duration

    Check that your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. Data-use estimates are a guide; verify coverage, activation rules and the final price on Airalo.

    Luggage storage

    Store your bags in SarajevoDrop luggage at nearby shops and hotels · Bounce