Sarajevo Holidays

Sarajevo holidays are your one-way ticket to mountain views and enough coffee stops to make your average city break look seriously under-caffeinated. Bosnia and Herzegovina's capital is where East meets West.

Sarajevo Holiday Highlights

• A capital city surrounded by mountains

• Strong coffee culture and cosy café life

• Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian history side by side

• Great value city breaks compared with many European capitals

• Local food you'll immediately want seconds of

Good to know

• 🤩 Fun fact: Sarajevo hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics, and you can still visit many of the locations today.

• 💶 Currency: Bosnia and Herzegovina uses the Convertible Mark (BAM)

• 🚶 Getting around: The city centre is very walkable

• 🌤️ Best time to visit: May, June and September for sightseeing weather

• ☕ Coffee warning: Bosnian coffee is strong... and locals take their coffee breaks seriously

Places to see in Sarajevo

Sarajevo packs a lot into one city break. From centuries of history to mountain viewpoints and café-lined streets, there’s plenty to tick off your list.

• Baščaršija (Old Bazaar) – Sarajevo’s historic heart and one of the city’s most photographed areas. Wander through narrow cobbled streets filled with traditional coffee houses, copper workshops and local food spots.

• Latin Bridge – one of the most famous bridges in Europe, known for its connection to the events that sparked World War I. It’s a quick stop but a huge piece of history.

• Trebević Cable Car – hop aboard for sweeping views over Sarajevo as you glide up into the mountains. Great for walks, viewpoints and escaping the city buzz.

• Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque – one of the most important Ottoman landmarks in the Balkans, sitting right in the middle of the Old Town.

• Trebević Mountain – a favourite with hikers and nature lovers, with walking trails, forest scenery and the remains of Sarajevo's 1984 Winter Olympics bobsleigh track.

• Sacred Heart Cathedral – a striking cathedral surrounded by cafés and city life, showing Sarajevo’s famous mix of cultures and religions.

• Sarajevo City Centre & Ferhadija Street – where old and new Sarajevo meet, with shops, restaurants and endless opportunities for coffee stops.

• Yellow Fortress (Žuta Tabija) – one of the best sunset spots in the city, offering panoramic views across Sarajevo’s rooftops and surrounding hills.

Things to do in Sarajevo

Family-friendly

• Trebević Cable Car – head up into the mountains for panoramic city views and outdoor adventures.

• Sunnyland Sarajevo – home to attractions and a mountain coaster that's always a hit with kids.

• Pionirska Dolina Zoo – a family-friendly spot with animals, play areas and open spaces.

• Olympic attractions – Sarajevo's Winter Olympics history still pops up around the city.

Couples

• Baščaršija Old Town – winding streets, lantern-lit cafés and hidden courtyards make this ideal for wandering together.

• Sunset on Trebević Mountain – unbeatable city views with a romantic backdrop.

• Bosnian coffee experiences – slow things down in a traditional café and enjoy local coffee rituals.

• Riverside evenings – Sarajevo's cafés and restaurants come alive after dark.

Groups

• Sarajevo food tours – try local favourites like ćevapi, burek and baklava.

• Old Town bars and nightlife – laid-back venues mixed with live music spots.

• Mountain adventures – hiking and winter sports are close to the city.

• City history tours – Sarajevo has one of Europe's most fascinating stories.

Budget-friendly

• Explore Baščaršija – completely free and packed with atmosphere.

• Walk across Latin Bridge – one of the city's most famous historic landmarks.

• Browse local markets – perfect for affordable souvenirs and local products.

• Visit viewpoints around the city – stunning scenery without spending anything.

Where to stay in Sarajevo

Sarajevo has a surprisingly varied hotel scene, from family-friendly spa hotels to sleek city-centre apartments and stylish modern stays.

Families

Hollywood – indoor and outdoor pools, kid-friendly spaces and a spa make this ideal for families wanting more facilities.

ibis Styles Sarajevo – colourful interiors, a kids' club and wellness facilities create an easy family base.

Couples

Hotel President Sarajevo – river views and more premium touches create a romantic city stay.

Bosmal Arjaan By Rotana – stylish suites and spa facilities offer a more luxurious feel.

Groups

Old Town – right in Sarajevo's historic heart with cafés, attractions and nightlife nearby.

Value

Aparthotel Centar Sarajevo – apartment-style flexibility with kitchens and city access.

Local Sarajevo lingo

Throw these into conversation and you might earn yourself a smile:

• Hello – Zdravo

• Thank you – Hvala

• Please – Molim

• Good – Dobro

• Cheers – Živjeli

• How much is this? – Koliko košta?

• Goodbye – Doviđenja

• Friend – Prijatelj

More destinations near Sarajevo

• 🌉 Mostar – famous for its iconic bridge and riverside scenery

• 🌊 Kravica Waterfalls – natural swimming spots and dramatic scenery

• 🏔️ Jahorina – skiing and mountain adventures

• 🌲 Bjelašnica – Olympic mountain scenery and hiking trails

• 🇭🇷 Dubrovnik – Croatia's famous walled coastal city just across the border