What to See in Sarajevo: The 20 Best Attractions and Things to Do

Not particularly regarded by tourists, Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a city that deserves a visit for its history and cultural melting pot. Multiethnic and multireligious, it is a place that evokes strong and contrasting emotions that drive people to reflect. Despite having only half a million inhabitants, it has a vibrant heart, a compact historical center that is easy to navigate, and many attractions to see and discover.

Often, tourists stay here for no more than a day; however, it is worth spending a little more time in this city. So let's discover what to see in Sarajevo, the best attractions and things to do!

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The main artery of Sarajevo's Old City is Ferhadija street, rich in shops, restaurants, and cafes, perfect for a break and to taste the famous Turkish coffee, included in the UNESCO list of commercial goods declared a World Heritage Site. In the center of the square, you can admire the Sebilj fountain, built in the late 1900s in Moorish style, the symbol of the city often featured on postcards and images of Sarajevo, especially at sunset when the pigeons take flight and the light is magical.

A visit to Sarajevo must start here, from the historic center originally called Bašcaršija (from the Turkish "baş-çarşı" meaning "main market"), which used to be the very place where the city's market was held. Here you will find ancient mosques, Orthodox churches, and several historically significant monuments that you can carefully visit and which we will describe later.

It represents the heart of the city, reachable in 4 minutes on foot by crossing the Latin Bridge; alternatively by tram, the nearest stop is Baščaršija (lines 1, 2, 3, and 5) - Get directions

Visit duration: 1 hour

Try Turkish Coffee: it is a beverage that dates back to the 15th century, originating from Yemen and later spread throughout the Middle East. It arrived in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1463. You will find it everywhere in the city, but one of the best can be found at the Miris dunja establishment.

In the Turkish quarter of Bascarsija is the Emperor's Mosque, also known as the Tsar Mosque, built in 1457 following the Ottoman conquest of Bosnia. Built to honor the sovereign Suleiman I, it has quite large dimensions but possesses a single dome. The magnificent octagonal minaret is considered the most beautiful in the country and inside is rich in recently restored decorations. The original Turkish bath was destroyed at the end of the 1800s, but architect Vancas redesigned it, and the construction survived the 1992-95 war.

Next to the mosque is a small cemetery where there are several graves of viziers, mullahs, sheikhs, and employees of the religious site. Following the wars of the 1990s in former Yugoslavia, the mosque sustained considerable damage, and for quite some time, renovations have been underway, albeit slowly due to lack of funds.

How to get there: On Obala Isa-bega Ishakovića, in the city center, it is reachable on foot in 2 minutes by crossing the Latin Bridge; alternatively, the nearest stop is Baščaršija (lines 1, 2, 3, and 5) - Get directions

Hours: 05:00-23:00

Ticket price: free

Visit duration: 30 min

In addition to coffee, another attraction of Sarajevo is undoubtedly the local beer. The Sarajevsko Brewery dates back to 1854 and was the first to produce this beverage in the city; it was also the only one not to close during the years from 1992 to 1995, while the city was under siege.

It is located south of the river, facing the Latin Bridge, and is an impressive red building in Austro-Hungarian style. Inside, you can enjoy the beer and try some of their delicious culinary specialties. Moreover, the museum and the guided tour allow you to discover and learn about all stages of production.

Learn the history of the brewery during the siege: in April 1992, Serbian troops besieged Sarajevo, and a month later, they closed the aqueduct that supplied the city with drinking water from the surrounding mountains. For several months, the only water supplies were those from the brewery, where distribution points were installed.

How to get there: at Franjevačka 15, it can be reached from the Latin Bridge in 5 minutes on foot; alternatively, the nearest stop is Tehnička škola A tram (lines 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6) - Get directions

Hours: museum of the factory mon-sat 10:00-18:00, sun 12:00-16:00 / Factory only by appointment, check the official website

Ticket price: Museum 3.00 KM (€1.50) / Museum + Factory tour 5.00 KM (€2.50) / Combined ticket tour + lunch at Taverna HS 25.00 KM (€12.50)

Visit duration: 1.5 hours

Sarajevo has several bridges, but the Latin Bridge is the oldest. Of Ottoman origin and built of stone and plaster with 4 arches and three sturdy pillars, it is visible from several points in the city but, above all, carries significant historical importance. It was right near the bridge that on June 28, 1914, the assassination of the Austrian heir Franz Ferdinand took place, an event that triggered the start of World War I.

In Sarajevo, you can stop at the exact corner where the event that changed the course of history occurred and shaped the world as we know it. Outside the Sarajevo Museum, at the end of the bridge, a plaque marks the precise point where Franz Ferdinand and his wife lost their lives.

It is reachable on foot from the historic center, located 2 min from the Emperor's Mosque; or by tram, the nearest stop is Latinska ćuprija (lines 1, 2, 3, and 5) - Get directions

Visit duration: 30 min

Discover other bridges in Sarajevo: in addition to the Latin Bridge, noteworthy mentions include the Olga and Suada Bridge, where the first two victims died during the siege in 1992, and the Festina Lente Bridge, built in 2012 and designed by students of the Academy of Fine Arts of the city.

Also in the historic center, amidst mosques and synagogues, stands the Cathedral of the Nativity of Jesus, one of the largest in the country, built in 1868 in honor of the Holy Mother of God and the birth of Jesus. In Baroque style, mixed with some Serbian-Byzantine elements, it is characterized by a large golden bell tower and five large domes, while the interior has a cross-shaped layout and is finely decorated.

This church is locally known as "the New Orthodox Church", to distinguish it from the 1500s church located a few meters to the east, and it was the first non-Muslim building to be constructed. The bell tower of the Nativity Church was a sore point for Muslims, who wanted limitations on non-Islamic architecture, but despite this, it was not demolished.

It is located in the historic center and is reachable on foot from the Latin Bridge in 5 min; alternatively, by tram, get off at Bascarsija (lines 1, 2, 3, and 5) Get directions

Visit duration: 30 min

Play chess with locals: adjacent to the cathedral is a park where groups of retirees gather daily to play chess, which spectators also join to provide advice or simply cheer on!

Among mosques, Orthodox churches, and synagogues, in the center of Sarajevo also stands a Catholic church, the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, the main place of Catholic worship in the city and today the seat of the Archdiocese of Vrhbosna. Built in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 1889, it features an imposing neo-Gothic structure with two twin towers reaching into the sky, a facade adorned with bricks covering the bell towers, and a central portal with a rose window.

Inside, there is a major marble altar resting on four columns made of Tyrolean red marble and behind it, seven niches with statues of saints, prophets, and angels. On the wall of the western bell tower, the coronation of Mary is painted, while on the eastern wall is the resurrection of Jesus.

Find the Sarajevo Roses: outside the church, on the pavement, is the Sarajevo Rose. While walking through the city, along the embankment of the Miljacka, in the historic center and in the Ottoman Baščaršija, you will find these red resin roses on the pavement, symbols that mark the precise spots where one or more people were killed by a bomb or snipers during the recent war.

How to get there: on Trg Fra Grge Martića 2, it is reachable on foot from the Latin Bridge in 5 min or by tram getting off at the Katedrala stop (lines 1, 2, 3, and 5) - Get directions

Hours: summer tue-sun 9:00-17:30, winter tue-sat 9:00-15:00

Ticket price: for reservations and visit prices write to the official email

Visit duration: 30 min

The Galerija 11/07/95 is a memorial set up to remember the 8,372 victims of the Srebrenica genocide and was opened on July 12, 2012, a day after the anniversary of the massacre, with the intent of not forgetting. Inside a 300 sqm space, housed in an Austro-Hungarian building, it displays documentary images of what happened and what remains of Srebrenica. On the wall of this permanent exhibition are the names of the victims and old family portraits, along with images from the survivors' camp, cases containing bones, and video and audio documentaries.

Everything you can see is the result of a long documentation work that lasted 7 years and has the purpose of making known a tremendous tragedy that shook the entire Bosnia and Herzegovina but, unfortunately, is little known outside the country. Inside the gallery, permanent exhibitions, especially photographic, are also frequently organized.

Discover a dark page of the city: the Srebrenica massacre was a genocide of over 8,000 Muslim Bosniaks, mostly men and boys, that occurred in July 1995 at the hands of the Army of the Republic of Srpska of Bosnia and Herzegovina. These people were killed and buried in mass graves.

How to get there: at Trg fra Grge Martića 2/III, in the historic center, it is reachable on foot in 6 min from the Latin Bridge; or by tram getting off at the Katedrala stop (lines 1, 2, 3, and 5) - Get directions

Hours: every day 10:00 - 18:00 / guided tours at 10:15 and 19:15

Ticket price: 12.00 KM (€6.00) / Audio guide + 5.00 KM (€2.60)

Visit duration: 45 min

In the heart of the famous Turkish quarter throughout the country, the Pijaca Markale market is a meeting place for citizens and tourists. In addition to the numerous stalls selling fruits and vegetables from local producers, flowers, sweets, and clothing, this place is tied to a terrible memory: in 1994, 68 people lost their lives here, and the following year, another 43 civilians died, both due to bombings; to commemorate the tragic event, a red wall stands next to the market, with a stone etched with the names of all the victims.

Today, the market is a quiet place to shop, meet, and chat, but the citizens of Sarajevo cannot forget the incident. Before leaving here, if it's lunchtime or snack time, cross the street and also visit the closed market, where several stalls prepare platters of cold cuts and cheeses.

How to get there: on Mula Mustafe Bašeskije, in the heart of the old town. It can be reached on foot from the Latin Bridge in 7 min, and the closest tram stop is Katedrala (lines 1, 2, 3, and 5) - Get directions

Hours: every day 6:00-17:00

Ticket price: free

Visit duration: 2 hours

One of the must-see places in Sarajevo is this recent museum, so much so that some travel guides may not yet mention it. It is the product of the book of the same name by Jasminko Halilovic, in which the author collected around 1,000 testimonies from children who lived through the war. The War Childhood Museum opened in 2017 and won the Council of Europe Museum Prize in 2018.

Inside the museum, you can observe every form of tangible memory of the war in Bosnia through the eyes of those who were only children at the time. The collection includes diaries, photographs, toys, letters, and in addition, video and audio testimonies from the owners of the items. A special place worth visiting to better understand the recent events of a country that is only a few kilometers away from us.

An integral part of the museum consists of international projects and collaborations with Lebanon, Serbia, the USA, and Ukraine, transforming this place from a mere exhibition site into an international meeting point to create the world's largest archive of objects and experiences related to childhood during conflicts.

How to get there: at Logavina 32, in the historic center, reachable on foot from the Latin Bridge in 7 minutes or by tram getting off at Katedrala (lines 1, 2, 3, and 5) - Get directions

Hours: mon-sat 11:00-19:00

Ticket price: full price 10 KM (€5.10), reduced 5.00 KM (€2.50)

Visit duration: 2 hours

The only skyscraper in the city, it stands out for its height of 176 meters. We are talking about the Avaz Tower, from which you can enjoy a beautiful panorama of Sarajevo.

Home to one of the Bosnian newspapers "Dnevni Avaz", in the Marijin Dvor neighborhood, it was inaugurated in 2008 and is characterized by a twisted facade visible from various points in the city and its top accessible via super-fast panoramic elevators, offering visitors an unforgettable experience as they are taken up 150 meters. Once at the top, you can enjoy a splendid view of the city, but also savor a coffee or a beer at the restaurant bar located on the penultimate floor.

Join the Avaz Tower Running event: every year, the Avaz Twist Tower organizes the Avaz Tower Running, an unusual sporting event where competitors climb 780 steps to reach the observation bridge. This race is a real challenge for athletes seeking adrenaline!

How to get there: at Tešanjska 24A, it can be reached with a 30 min walk from the Latin Bridge or by tram line 1 from Baščaršija to Zeljeznička stanica (20 min) - Get directions

Hours: every day 9:00-23:00

Ticket price: 5.00 KM (€2.50)

Visit duration: 30 min

On the right bank of the Miliatcha, just steps from the Latin Bridge, stands this important national institution that has been closed for years due to damage caused by the siege but has fortunately been reopened to the public and restored to its former glory.

The National Library, of Moorish origin dating back to 1896, was one of the targets of the war, and on the night of July 25-26, 1992, it caught fire; along with the building, significant material dating back to the Middle Ages was destroyed (including manuscripts, books, and works of art) and the librarian Aida Buturovic, aged only 32, lost her life. Thanks to civilians who put their lives at risk, at least one-tenth of the books were saved.

After several restoration works, the palace has been reconstructed, striving to maintain the original design, and it reopened in 2014. Today, it hosts various events, concerts, and exhibitions and is the seat of the Municipality; do not miss the permanent exhibition in the basement of the library that recounts the history of Sarajevo from its origins to the present day.

How to get there: at Zmaja od Bosne 8b, it is reachable in 4 minutes on foot from the Latin Bridge, or the nearest tram stop is Latinska ćuprija (lines 1, 2, 3, and 5) - Get directions

Hours: mon-fri 9:00-17:00 / closed on weekends

Ticket price: 15.00 KM (€7.50)

Visit duration: 1 hour

Inaugurated in Sarajevo in 1888, the Zemaljski Muzej Bosne i Hercegovine was expanded in 1913 by Austrian architect Parzik, who redesigned the building into 4 symmetrical pavilions with a neo-Renaissance facade. Inside, you can admire various exhibitions related to archaeology, art history, geography, and history.

Closed due to lack of funds after 124 years of activity in 2012, the Museum was reopened in 2015 and is worth visiting especially because it houses the Haggadah of Sarajevo, the ancient illuminated text with numerous Biblical scenes. This Haggadah is one of the oldest, produced in Barcelona in 1350, and testifies to the miniatures depicting human figures from the Jewish tradition. Also not to be missed is the collection of Stecci, medieval tombstones, which can be admired in the botanical garden and the ethnographic exhibition with furnishings, carpets, and ceilings from the homes of the nobles who lived in Sarajevo in the 1800s.

Attention to the Haggadah's hours: the Haggadah is exhibited only 2 hours a week and the pages are turned every month to avoid overexposure to light. To be sure of the hours when it can be seen, check the official website.

How to get there: at Zmaja od Bosne 3. It can be reached on foot from the Latin Bridge in 30 minutes or by bus line 5a from the Katedrala stop to Marijin Dvor A - Get directions

Hours: tue-fri 10:00-19:00, sat-sun 10:00-14:00

Ticket price: adult 8.00 KM (€4.00), reduced 3.00 KM (€1.50)

Visit duration: 2 hours

"Coffee is to Bosnia what tea is to Great Britain". This is one of the phrases you might hear from a city guide, who will also recommend you try one at Cafe Tito.

This communist-themed establishment is dedicated to both hot beverages and the last dictator of the former Yugoslavia, Josip Tito. In the gardens around the venue, you'll find tanks, artillery, and military jeeps; the interior walls, on the other hand, are covered with images of the man the cafe is dedicated to, and the tables are decorated with newspapers filled with articles written about him.

How to get there: on Zmaja od Bosne, reachable from the Latin Bridge on foot in 30 min or with tram 2, 3, or 5 from Latinska cuprija to Tehnicka skola B (12 min) - Get directions

Hours: 8:00-20:00

Ticket price: free, payment required for orders

Visit duration: 30 min

When you visit Sarajevo, you can see how the scars of the recent war are still evident. An excellent way to learn about the city's grim past is by participating in a Siege Tour during the War with a guide, who will illustrate the main sites of the siege. This visit must certainly include the Tunnel of Hope, or Tunnel Museum, designed by Nedzad Brankovic and Fadil Sero and built by Bosnian volunteers between 1992 and 1995, which served to connect the two free cities of Dobrinja and Butmir. Civilians crossing this passage could not only save themselves but also transport humanitarian aid and food.

The entrance is located at a house-museum that in 1993 belonged to a family that consented to the construction of the tunnel. As soon as you enter the museum, you will find numerous images of the faces of the people who dug the tunnel in shifts of 8 hours a day for 6 months, while in the rooms, you can see projections and a documentary about the Prijedor massacre. The display cases contain uniforms and a model depicting the entire 800-meter long gallery, of which only 25 m are currently visible.

It is recommended to visit it as soon as you arrive because it is near the airport!

Listen to a firsthand account: if possible, ask that your guide be someone who lived through the terrible events of those years to hear a firsthand account rich with vivid and engaging personal memories!

How to get there: To get there from the center, take the red line tram 103 (every 10 minutes) from the TRG Austrije stop and get off at Dobrinja Terminal. Then, it will be necessary to walk about 25 minutes to reach the Tunnels. - Get directions

Hours: every day from April to October 9:00-17:00, from November to March until 15:30

Ticket price: adult 20 KM (€10.00), reduced 5.00 KM (€2.50)

Visit duration: 1 hour

In 1984 Sarajevo hosted the Winter Olympics, and years later, what remains are only the remnants of the structures that were the site of sporting victories, as the bombings during the war of 1992 destroyed most of the sites.

A suggestive place to visit is the bobsled track, located on the Trebevic mountain; here during the war, numerous mines were laid, and the kilometers of curves and parabolic bends of the track served as artillery positions from where snipers fired on the city. After the war, concrete was poured over the track to protect against mines, and over the years, efforts have been made to beautify this place with murals and paintings.

Not far from here are the remains of the motel that housed athletes, spectators, and journalists, while on the Igman mountain, you can see the two ski jump ramps in crumbling condition and the two observation towers Bistrik Kula, also now abandoned.

Buy the Olympic Games mascot: the significance that the Olympics had for the people of Sarajevo, who hoped for rebirth and well-being following this event, is evidenced by the fact that even today one of the best-selling souvenirs in the city is the mascot of the games, Vucko.

How to get there: it can be reached by car in 20 min or by bus 98 getting off at "Trebevic Vidikovac" or by the cable car that leads up the mountain in 7 min - Get directions

Hours: bobsled track always accessible / cable car 9:00-21:00

Ticket price: free

Visit duration: 2 hours

Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the Jewish people of Sarajevo by visiting the beautiful Ashkenazi Synagogue, a true architectural gem that will leave you breathless. As soon as you cross the threshold, you will be enveloped by an atmosphere of peace and solemnity, admiring its stained glass windows, intricate decorations, and the majestic hekhal, the sacred ark that holds the Torah scrolls. It is one of the few examples of active Sephardic and Ashkenazi synagogues in the region, offering you a unique glimpse into the rich religious diversity of Sarajevo.

How to get there: On foot from the historic center, tram (Latin Bridge stop) - Get directions

Hours: mon-fri 09:00-14:00

Ticket price: Free entrance, but donations are welcome.

Visit duration: 30 min

Prepare for a touching and deeply significant experience while walking through Grbavica Neighborhood, an area of Sarajevo that embodies the scars and extraordinary resilience of the city. This neighborhood, sadly known for being at the center of the Sarajevo siege from 1992 to 1996 of some of the most painful chapters in recent history, is now a symbol of rebirth, with its reconstructed buildings and vibrant daily life. As you wander between residential buildings and parks, you will notice signs of grenades (the "Sarajevo Roses" filled with red resin) that still testimony of the past, alongside new cafes, shops, and green areas pulsating with hope and normalcy.

How to get there: Tram (lines 3, 5), taxi - Get directions

Hours: Always accessible

Ticket price: Free

Visit duration: 1 hour

If you're looking for an oasis of peace and tranquility in the bustling heart of Sarajevo, Veliki Park is the perfect destination for you. This green lung, one of the largest and most beloved in the city, welcomes you with its wide tree-lined avenues, flower beds, and relaxing atmosphere that will make you forget the city's chaos. Inside, you will also find significant monuments such as the Memorial for Children Killed during the Sarajevo Siege, a place of deep emotion with toy-shaped fountains and small gravestones that remember the young victims.

How to get there: On foot from the center, tram (several nearby stops) - Get directions

Hours: Always accessible

Ticket price: Free

Visit duration: 2 hours

Step into Sarajevo's glorious past by visiting the Despić House, one of the oldest and most charming Ottoman houses in the city, now transformed into a museum that will truly take you back in time. This historic residence, dating back to the 17th century and later expanded in the 19th century, belonged to the wealthy Serbian Orthodox Despić family, merchants and artisans. Inside, you'll admire the original furnishings, the sumptuous reception halls (the "divanhana"), the bedrooms, and the traditional kitchen, all beautifully preserved to showcase the lifestyle of the Sarajevo bourgeoisie.

How to get there: On foot from the historic center (Baščaršija, Cathedral) - Get directions

Hours: mon-sat 09:00-17:00, closed on Sundays

Ticket price: 3.00 KM (€1.50)

Visit duration: 45 min

Prepare to enjoy one of the most spectacular views of Sarajevo from the top of the Yellow Bastion, or Žuta Tabija, a viewpoint that will take your breath away! Built in the 18th century as part of the city's defenses, it is now one of the most beloved viewpoints, especially at sunset. From here, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the Sarajevo valley, with its red roofs, the minarets rising into the sky, the spires of churches, and the winding course of the Miljacka river.

How to get there: On foot (climb) from Baščaršija, taxi - Get directions

Hours: Always accessible

Ticket price: Free

Visit duration: 30 min

Among the places of worship, we mention the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, alongside the clock tower, the Ashkenazi Synagogue, the only Jewish worship center in the entire city, and the Jewish Cemetery.

Among the museums to visit, we recommend: the Museum of Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide 1992-1995, which recounts the atrocities of that war; the Sarajevo Museum 1878-1918, which includes materials and artifacts from these years; the Svrzo House, a typical Islamic estate of the 18th-19th century, now owned by the Sarajevo Museum. If you love art, do not miss the Ars Aevi Museum, dedicated to contemporary art.

Sarajevo also has some parks where you can spend a few hours during beautiful days, including Veliki Park and Vrelo Bosne, where the Bosna river originates. If you have enough time, we recommend spending a day discovering the mountains that surround the Bosnian capital.

Discover the sites of the war as we know, Sarajevo has a sad and tough history behind it. With a guided tour, you can discover the history of the city through the eyes of a local expert guide. Info and costs here

Walk along the bastions the best way to enjoy the city from above at sunset, but also at other times of the day, is to climb the bastions. One of the most beautiful is definitely the Yellow Bastion (Žuta Tabija), from where you can take stunning photographs.

Take a tram ride useful for getting around the city center, the trams of Sarajevo are also a nice dive into the past. Characterized by a mechanical noise and often old and worn interiors, they allow you to encounter the gazes and smiles of elderly women and the people who frequent them.

Stroll along Ferhadija the street of the historic center, rich in cafes, shops, and restaurants, ideal for a nice walk and for stopping for a coffee break.

Take a photo in front of the Sebilj Fountain perhaps the most famous fountain in the whole city, the one that almost always appears on postcards from Sarajevo. So take your personal "postcard" by posing in front of this fountain.

Break at Inat Kuća this restaurant has become the pride of the city! It is truly an institution, as well as a place of historical importance. Have lunch or dinner here and you can taste excellent dishes from Bosnian tradition.

Excursion to Mostar if you have enough time available, we recommend dedicating a day to discovering the surroundings of Sarajevo, such as Mostar. Info and cost for the excursion here

From Italy, you can reach Sarajevo by car or by plane (compare flights), landing at the international airport, 10 km from the center. The ideal time is spring and summer, when temperatures are pleasant and rainfall is scarce.

Once you arrive, we suggest moving mainly on foot. As for accommodation, we recommend looking for one in the center (compare accommodations on Booking); If you're looking for nightlife, Sarajevo is quite lively in this regard, offering numerous nightclubs, trendy bars, but also cinemas, theaters, jazz clubs, and clubs with live music concentrated in the center. The city is also very culturally active, hosting the Sarajevo Winter Festival in February, The Baščaršija Nights in July, the Sarajevo Film Festival in August, and finally, the Mess Festival in May and the Jazz Festival in November.

If traveling with children, we recommend visiting especially the surroundings, where you can do activities in nature and dedicate your time to exploring the city's historic part and along the river.