Sarajevo City Guide

General Information / Guide

Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is known for its unique blend of eastern and western cultures. Known as the 'Jerusalem of Europe,' it has a historic core that tells tales of its diverse religious history.

Climate / Weather / When to Go

Sarajevo has a humid continental climate, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. The ideal times to visit are late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September and October), when the weather is most conducive to exploring its rich history and beautiful landscapes.

How to Get There

Sarajevo International Airport connects the city with various European destinations. Sarajevo is also accessible by rail and bus, with connections to major cities across Bosnia and Herzegovina and neighboring countries.

Food / Restaurants / What to Eat and Drink

Sarajevo is famous for its Bosnian cuisine, with dishes like Ćevapi, Burek, and Sarma. The city's historic Baščaršija area is filled with quaint cafes and restaurants serving traditional Bosnian coffee and sweets like Baklava.

Important Places / Places to Visit

• Baščaršija: Sarajevo's old bazaar and the historical and cultural center of the city, known for its Ottoman architecture.
• Sarajevo War Tunnel: A historic underground tunnel that provided a lifeline during the siege of Sarajevo.
• Latin Bridge: A historic Ottoman bridge where the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand occurred, sparking World War I.
   

What to Do

Walk through the historic streets of Baščaršija, Sarajevo's old bazaar, and try Bosnian coffee or ćevapi at a local inn. Visit the poignant Sarajevo Tunnel Museum to understand the city's recent history, and enjoy the panoramic views from the Yellow Fortress.

Nightlife / Bars / Entertainment

Sarajevo offers a vibrant nightlife with a range of bars, live music venues, and nightclubs reflecting its diverse cultural influences. The historic city center, Baščaršija, is a popular night spot where traditional Bosnian music can be enjoyed. Summer festivals add to the city’s lively night scene.

Shopping / What to Buy

Sarajevo offers a unique shopping experience in Baščaršija, its old bazaar, where visitors can find traditional Bosnian crafts like hand-painted ceramics, copperware, and intricately carved wooden items. Modern shopping can be done in Sarajevo City Center, which features a range of international brands.

Festivals/ Events

June/July: Sarajevo Film Festival (an international film festival attracting global cinema and celebrities)
August: Sarajevo Jazz Festival (features international and local jazz artists)
 

Holidays / Festivals / Important Days

1 March: Independence Day
1 May: Labour Day
25 November: Statehood Day
Eid al-Fitr (varies)
Eid al-Adha (varies)
Orthodox Christmas (7 January)
Catholic Christmas (25 December)
 

Things to Pay Attention to / Important Information

Bosnian is the primary language, with Croatian and Serbian also official.
Dress code is moderate; however, conservative attire is recommended at religious sites.
The city experiences warm summers and snowy winters.
Artisan products are popular; it’s common to negotiate prices in old bazaar areas.
 

Transportation

Public transportation includes trams, buses, and trolleybuses, covering the entire city at low cost.
Taxis are available with base fares usually starting at BAM 2, plus additional charges per kilometer.
For exploring the old town and nearby areas, walking remains one of the best options due to the compact nature of the city.