Sarajevo
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12:11 PM
Sarajevo
With its stunning natural setting, culturally diverse - and, at times, turbulent - history, and modern vibrancy, Sarajevo is a busy city which now actively welcomes visitors to its eclectic streets. The Islamic, Orthodox, Catholic and Judaic influences and religious traditions live on side by side here, in the formerly contested capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina set against the misty backdrop of the Dinaric Alps.Find your trip
Sarajevo's historic downtown area, the Bascarsija, is a must-visit maze of winding alleys and wooden shop fronts. It contains some of the city's finest architectural monuments, along with a multitude of traditional cafés with outdoor seating. Look out for bargains on copper ware.
The Sarajevo tunnel was constructed by the citizens during the siege that took place between 1992 and 1995. Serbian forces had entirely cut off the city and this tunnel served as a link between the neighbourhoods Dobrinja and Butmir. This enabled food and aid to come in, and people to get out.
Vrelo Bosne means "spring of Bosna", which gestures towards the location of this park. With its 270 km, River Bosna is the third largest river in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Vrelo Bosne is one of the country’s top natural landmarks and offers a stunning landscape perfect for trekking and relaxation.
The Museum is a multi-discipline scientific and cultural institution, home to the 14th-century Jewish Haggadah - a handwritten, illuminated manuscript of the text of the Passover Haggadah. 34 pages of bleached calfskin illustrate key scenes in the Bible, from the creation to the death of Moses.
The city is famous for its religious diversity, with adherents of Catholicism, Orthodoxy, Islam and Judaism coexisting here for centuries. This is why Sarajevo is at times referred to as "Jerusalem of the Balkans", or "Jerusalem of Europe". Mosques, synagogues and cathedrals crowd the city.
Sarajevo's historic downtown area, the Bascarsija, is a must-visit maze of winding alleys and wooden shop fronts. It contains some of the city's finest architectural monuments, along with a multitude of traditional cafés with outdoor seating. Look out for bargains on copper ware.
The Sarajevo tunnel was constructed by the citizens during the siege that took place between 1992 and 1995. Serbian forces had entirely cut off the city and this tunnel served as a link between the neighbourhoods Dobrinja and Butmir. This enabled food and aid to come in, and people to get out.
Inat Kuca is a longstanding (since 1998) traditional restaurant housed in a historical building across the bridge from the Old Town Hall. Try the bosanski lonac, a hearty lamb and vegetable stew, or other Bosnian specialties off the extensive menu. Traditional music (sevdalinka) is played.
It is this restaurant's personal approach that leaves patrons coming back for more - the open kitchen makes for direct contact with the chef, who recreates the menu daily based on the availability of fresh ingredients. Choose from a set menu or let yourself be surprised by the chef.
Walking into this cosy restaurant feels like entering a vintage shop - the place is full of antiques, old leather suitcases and various retro-looking knick-knacks. Superb International cuisine is severed amongst these relics, with an emphasis on Italian dishes.
Inat Kuca is a longstanding (since 1998) traditional restaurant housed in a historical building across the bridge from the Old Town Hall. Try the bosanski lonac, a hearty lamb and vegetable stew, or other Bosnian specialties off the extensive menu. Traditional music (sevdalinka) is played.
It is this restaurant's personal approach that leaves patrons coming back for more - the open kitchen makes for direct contact with the chef, who recreates the menu daily based on the availability of fresh ingredients. Choose from a set menu or let yourself be surprised by the chef.
If you’re looking for handcrafted gifts, markets or antiquities then make a beeline for the Bascarsija area. Among its myriad of winding alleys and wooden shop fronts you’ll find an array of beautifully crafted goods at amazing prices. Metal utensils are a focal point.
What once was the scene of a deadly attack (the market was targeted during the Siege of Sarajevo) now functions as a fruit and vegetable market. The horrendous events of the past are still commemorated in the back wall of the market and serve as reminder of Sarajevo's turbulent past.
The newest addition to the Sarajevo shopping scene, the City Center Mall is a bright and shiny modern shopping mall with a large variety of shops and boutiques (local and international) contained inside. There are quite a few restaurants and cafés spread throughout.
Housed inside a beautiful, centuries-old stone building, Gazi-Husrev Beg's Bezistan is a market that sells a variety of different goods with an emphasis on jewelry and leather items. Apart from those one will find clothing, accessories, and local souvenirs.
Walk along Ferhadija Street, the part of Sarajevo that still preserves some Austro-Hungarian heritage in its architecture. Lined with shops, boutiques, restaurants and cafés, the street is both a busy modern shopping area that flows organically from the old part of town into the new.
A sweet contested by several countries (Bosnia being only one of those laying claim to its creation), baklava is a pastry made with filo dough, drenched in honey syrup and often containing nuts. Choose from multiple varieties on sale - boxes make for perfect gifts.
Špajz is a store that gathers items made by small producers from all over the country. It's specialty is organic, additive-free and eco-friendly merchandise. Some items on sale include edibles (produce, honey and cheeses), herbal products (teas and cosmetics) and souvenirs.
If it’s a pair of Turkish-style slippers or mules is what you’re looking for, then try Ahmed Kalajdzisalihovic’s design shop. This establishment's business dates back to 1822, and its beautifully adorned footwear is nowadays exported throughout Europe.
If you’re looking for handcrafted gifts, markets or antiquities then make a beeline for the Bascarsija area. Among its myriad of winding alleys and wooden shop fronts you’ll find an array of beautifully crafted goods at amazing prices. Metal utensils are a focal point.
What once was the scene of a deadly attack (the market was targeted during the Siege of Sarajevo) now functions as a fruit and vegetable market. The horrendous events of the past are still commemorated in the back wall of the market and serve as reminder of Sarajevo's turbulent past.
The international airport lies 12 km from central Sarajevo, and the way to get to and from the airport is by pre-arranged hotel bus, minibus or taxi. The taxi stand is located near Terminal B. Journey time is approximately 20 minutes. It is possible to reach the city by public transport - a bus and trolleybus runs to and from the are of Dobrinja next to the airport. Exact schedules are, however, not available. Travellers are advised to enquire with the airport Information Desk.
Even if Sarajevo is a walkable city there are a lot of different kinds of public transport to choose from: trams, buses, trolley bus and mini buses. The Sarajevo tram system is an excellent way of getting around town. Trams run along the main East-West Rd (Marsala Tita) and circle the Old Town. The tram system also runs as far out as the suburb of Ilidza. The bus number 31E is the most efficient service and runs throughout the city every half hour until midnight. For travelling in the inner city of Sarajevo, trams, trolleys and buses are the best choice. If you want to go up in the hills or reach a specific destination a bit further out, the mini buses are recommended. You can buy tickets in kiosks or from the driver. When travelling on trams you have to validate the ticket in a machine on board the tram. When you buy the ticket from the driver he validates it for you. A single ticket is valid for one journey and doesn't have a time limit. There is also a daily ticket that is valid on all kinds of public transport (except bus line 31E).
You find taxi stands all over the city and you can hail one from the street. There are a lot of different taxi companies and some drivers overcharge when they notice you are a tourist. To avoid that, always check that the driver starts the meter before departure. Sarajevo Taxi +387 33 660 666 Žuti Taxi +387 33 663 555 Boss Taxi +387 33 531 200
Stamps can only be bought at post offices. The main post office in Sarajevo is also a tourist sight that shouldn't be missed. The beautiful building dates back to the early 20th century. You find it at:
In such a big city as Sarajevo there are plenty of pharmacies and they are easy to find. If you have to ask around, ask for 'apoteka'. There are a couple of them that are open 24 hours and one of them is Pharmacy Baščaršija:
Country code: +387 Area code: (0)33
220 V, 50 Hz
The international airport lies 12 km from central Sarajevo, and the way to get to and from the airport is by pre-arranged hotel bus, minibus or taxi. The taxi stand is located near Terminal B. Journey time is approximately 20 minutes. It is possible to reach the city by public transport - a bus and trolleybus runs to and from the are of Dobrinja next to the airport. Exact schedules are, however, not available. Travellers are advised to enquire with the airport Information Desk.
Even if Sarajevo is a walkable city there are a lot of different kinds of public transport to choose from: trams, buses, trolley bus and mini buses. The Sarajevo tram system is an excellent way of getting around town. Trams run along the main East-West Rd (Marsala Tita) and circle the Old Town. The tram system also runs as far out as the suburb of Ilidza. The bus number 31E is the most efficient service and runs throughout the city every half hour until midnight. For travelling in the inner city of Sarajevo, trams, trolleys and buses are the best choice. If you want to go up in the hills or reach a specific destination a bit further out, the mini buses are recommended. You can buy tickets in kiosks or from the driver. When travelling on trams you have to validate the ticket in a machine on board the tram. When you buy the ticket from the driver he validates it for you. A single ticket is valid for one journey and doesn't have a time limit. There is also a daily ticket that is valid on all kinds of public transport (except bus line 31E).
