Sarajevo is a unique city – a fascinating blend of culture and religion, surrounded on all four sides by forested hills. It also has an intriguing (and, all too often, dark) history, with much of the city still covered in physical reminders of the 1990s war. However, Sarajevo is undoubtedly making a new name for itself as a vibrant, exciting place for both residents and travellers.
If you’re tight on time in the Bosnian capital, fear not – even 24 hours is enough to give you a flavour of Sarajevo. From enjoying a classic coffee to taking in the views, here are 7 of our favourite things to do during one day in Sarajevo.
1: Start off with a Bosnian Coffee and Burek
Best for: Starting your day the Sarajevo way.
If you’ve had a particularly early start to your time in Sarajevo, you’ll probably want a little caffeine. So what could be better than enjoying a traditional Bosnian coffee in one of the dozens of cafes that dot the streets of the capital?
Incredibly thick and enticingly strong, Bosnian coffee is served in oh-so-pretty copper pots called a džezva – there’s an art to the pour, and it can take a while to perfect!
While sipping your coffee, you must try a slice or two of burek – rolls of pastry filled with meat, apple, potato, spinach or cheese (and maybe more if you can find it!). These are an absolute staple snack across the Balkans and beyond. Indeed, they pretty much fuelled our travels through the region. You won’t need to look far to find a bakery or cafe which serves it.
2: Wander along the banks of the Miljacka river
Best for: Strolling across one of the most infamous bridges in history.
The Miljacka runs through the centre of Sarajevo and is home to a couple of Sarajevo’s major sights. Firstly, head towards the Latin Bridge – the infamous site of Archduke Franz Ferdinand‘s assassination in 1914, widely regarded as the catalyst for WWI.
Further down the river, to the East, you’ll find City Hall. It is one of Sarajevo’s most iconic buildings, painstakingly restored after the destruction of the 1990s war. Make sure you approach the river’s South Bank to get the full view.
3: Stroll around the old streets of Baščaršija – Sarajevo’s Old Town
Best for: Discovering the historical heart of Sarajevo.
Baščaršija is the historical centre of Sarajevo, an enticing maze of cobbled alleyways, bazaars, coffee shops and mosques. The best thing to do here is to wander without an itinerary or goal. Every street will bring a different experience – whether that’s the smell of freshly baked Burek or rows of copper goods spilling out of workshops.
Reconvene in ‘Pigeon Square’ to see the hub of the old town before topping up with another Bosnian coffee.
4: Take a free walking tour
Best for: Exploring Sarajevo through the eyes of a local.
With so much to take in, it would be well worth your while to consider joining a free walking tour. These are a great way to see a city if you’re short on time. Sajarevo is a place where it’s worth getting a true local’s perspective.
We booked a free walking tour with BHSpirit, which was undoubtedly one of the best we’ve been on. We learnt a vast amount that we would never have known otherwise, and decided to book on to one of their paid tours afterwards.
5: Take in the views from the top of the Avaz Twist Tower
Best for: Getting a view of Sarajevo from above.
Comfortably the highest skyscraper in Sarajevo, the Avaz Twist Tower is the perfect place to get a bird’s eye view. It’s a bit of a walk from the old town’s cobbled streets. However, it is ideally located a stone’s throw away from the railway station. Perfect placement, therefore, for anyone arriving or departing by train.
If you have more time on your hands, you might want to head to the 35th-floor cafe and take in the views over (another!) coffee. If you’re on a tight schedule, head up to the 36th-floor viewing platform, where you can take it all in. A good weather day should let you see Sarajevo in its entirety, from the old town over to the East to the sprawling housing estates nestled into the hillsides.
6: Enjoy some Ćevapi for lunch
Best for: One of the must-try dishes from the Balkans.
A classic Bosnian dish, Ćevapi is a delicious kebab-style minced meat typically served with flatbread and onions. It makes for a simple yet mouth-watering lunch and is an absolute must-have during any visit to Sarajevo. We probably ate it every day whilst in Bosnia – with no regrets!
The old town probably has the highest concentration of the best restaurants in the city for sampling some classic Ćevapi. Check out The Culture Trip’s post for some great ideas on where to eat in Sarajevo..
7: Visit the Tunnel of Hope
Best for: Understanding Sarajevo’s turbulent modern history.
This incredible museum may be over by the airport, but it is well worth a visit during your time in Sarajevo. Centred around a well-preserved section of an 800m tunnel, which acted as a lifeline for the city under siege during the 1990s, the museum tells the harrowing story of this dark period in Sarajevo’s history, explaining the brutal realities of life whilst under bombardment.
It is often easier to reach the Tunnel Museum with a tour guide rather than try to navigate the public transport system or negotiate a taxi. You also have the added benefit of someone to talk you through the history, which is well worth exploring in detail.
We opted again for BH Spirit, who provided another excellent tour. We combined the tunnel visit with a trip to the abandoned Olympic bobsled track high up in the hills above Sarajevo, which we think is another ‘must-do’ if you have the time.
Sarajevo is the sort of city where you could easily spend weeks – a fascinating combination of history, architecture, culture and nature. There’s certainly much more to see and do than you could manage in 24 hours. The activities in this list provide a great starting point for what should be a brilliant visit.