What to do in Sarajevo: a 1 or 2-day itinerary in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo was one of the final stops on our twenty-day trip through the Balkans, which, in addition to Bosnia and Herzegovina, also took us to Herniaia, Montenegro e Croatia.

On one hand, I was eager to visit Sarajevo, a city that has witnessed some of the most pivotal moments in human history and stands as a crossroads between East and West. On the other hand, I had some reservations, wondering if I’d find a city marked by sadness, scarred by war and conflict, and forgotten by many. After all, Sarajevo is one of Europe's least-visited capitals. Having grown up in the 90s, I couldn’t help but associate Sarajevo with one of the most brutal conflicts on European soil, always accompanied in my mind by the melancholic tune of U2’s famous song.

How wrong I was! Sarajevo is vibrant, welcoming, and authentic, filled with some of the friendliest people we met during our entire trip. The food is delicious, and the city is more than ready to welcome tourists. Above all, Sarajevo invites reflection, reminding us how much we have to be grateful for in life.

Because it’s off the usual tourist track in Europe, Sarajevo offers everything you could want in a European capital: culture, great food and more: affordable prices, all without the crowds of overtourism.

During our 20-day roadtrip through the Balkans, we visited Mustar and Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and without a doubt, they were the highlights of the entire journey.



Ottoman ruins in Sarajevo - Tašlihan - on a cloudy winter day, there is snow on the ground and walls

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Where to stay in Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a compact city, and the best area to stay in is the central district, known as Baščaršija. This historic neighborhood is perfect for exploring the city on foot, with its lively alleyways, charming cafés, and craft shops.

During our trip, there were seven of us — four adults and three children — and we stayed for three nights in Sarajevo. We opted for a house within walking distance of Baščaršija, which provided plenty of space for all of us and offered a breathtaking view of the valley and surrounding mountains. The proximity to the main attractions made our stay even more enjoyable.

If you prefer the comfort of a hotel, one highly recommended option is the Isa Begov Hamam Hotel, located near the Latin Bridge. This hotel occupies a former Turkish bath, originally founded in 1462, and has been beautifully restored in 19th-century style, offering a unique and historic experience.

For something more modern, there’s the Hotel Sana, just steps away from Baščaršija, featuring sleek decor and bright rooms. Another option is Hotel Aziza, slightly further from the center but still easily accessible by foot.

Outside of Baščaršija, but still in a great location, is the Hotel Holiday. Along with all the amenities you’d expect from a large executive hotel in a European capital, it’s also a historical landmark, known for its significance to press freedom during the war. The hotel was completely renovated in 2017.

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How to get around Sarajevo

The best way to explore Sarajevo is on foot.

The town center, located in the Baščaršija district, is mostly made up of pedestrian streets (closed to vehicle traffic) and many charming alleys filled with small shops, restaurants, and cafés. The main attractions are all within walking distance of each other, and walking allows you to easily alternate between sightseeing and well-timed breaks for coffee and sweet treats — which, as you'll soon discover, are hard to resist.

However, Sarajevo also has several must-see attractions outside the city center. The Tunnel of Hope, the National Museum, the old bobsled track, and the beautiful Trebević region are just a few that are worth visiting. If you don't have a car, you can easily reach these places by taxi or Uber, or by using the city’s public transportation system (buses and trams). You can also take the cable car up to the bobsled track and Trebević, a trip that’s worthwhile for the breathtaking views of the city and valley alone.

Whichever option you choose, public transport in Sarajevo is efficient, affordable, and safe..

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What to do in Sarajevo in two days

During our 20-day roadtrip through the Balkans, we spent two days in Sarajevo — arriving on the afternoon of the first day, staying a full day, and leaving on the morning of our departure.

To give you a clear overview, I've put together the schedule we did on the afternoon of the 1st day and the morning of the 3rd day into a single day.

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Our two-day itinerary in Sarajevo was as follows:

Day 1: Tunnel of Hope in the morning, Trebević in the afternoon

For this itinerary, you’ll need either a rental car (as we did), or you can take an Uber or taxi for convenience and speed. Public transport is also an option — just check Google Maps for routes and schedules, which works quite well in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Tunnel of Hope

Start your day with a visit to the Tunnel of Hope, located next to Sarajevo International Airport. If you're arriving or departing by plane, try to coordinate this visit to maximize your time. Plan to spend around 1 to 1.5 hours there.

Sarajevo endured one of the most tragic events of the 20th century. During the Balkan War, the city was under siege by Serbian forces from April 5, 1992, to February 29, 1996 — a total of 3 years, 10 months, and 24 days — cut off from the rest of the world. This was the longest siege of any city in modern history. The only connection between Sarajevo’s 440,000 residents and the outside world was a tunnel built beneath the airport runway.

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The tunnel, located behind a house, was 800 meters long, 1 meter wide, and 1,6 meters high. During the siege, it became the city's lifeline, transporting food, medicine, fuel, electricity, telephone cables, weapons, humanitarian aid, love letters, people, and authorities — essentially, everything needed to sustain life and provide hope for better days.

Today, only a small section of one of the tunnel’s entrances is open to visitors. There is an exhibition with videos explaining the construction of the tunnel and what life was like in the city during the siege, along with a small museum displaying war artifacts and items related to the tunnel’s use. You can also walk a short section of the tunnel that remains under the house.

It's a tough visit, but a necessary one. Don’t miss it.

Can you visit with children? There’s no age limit for visiting the Tunnel of Hope. When we visited, my daughters were 11 and 12, and my niece was 10. I believe it's important for children to be introduced to the realities of the world they live in, including what has happened in the past, to help them develop their understanding. Speak to your children in language they can grasp, at an appropriate level for their age, and explain what war means and what the people of Sarajevo endured. Difficult questions may arise, but if you're in Sarajevo, it’s impossible to avoid them.

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Trebevic, Bobsled Track and Cable Car

This was the tour we did on the afternoon of the day we arrived in Sarajevo. After having breakfast in Mostar , we headed to Sarajevo and arrived just in time for lunch at Restaurant Brus in Trebević. It was mid-January, and the kids were ecstatic about the snow — it was a real treat for these tropical-dwelling children and one of the trip’s most unforgettable moments.

Here’s a tip: if you're visiting in the winter and want to make the most of the cold weather, this is the place to find snow. There are two ski resorts near Sarajevo: Jahorina and Bjelašnica, where some events of the 1984 Winter Olympics took place, back when the region was part of the former Yugoslavia.

Trebević is also home to the bobsled track used in those Olympics — or rather, what's left of it. After the fall of communism, the disintegration of Yugoslavia, and the armed conflict in the area, the track was abandoned. Today, it still stands, seemingly held together by layers of graffiti paint.

Next to the track is the upper station of the cable car , which connects the city center to Trebević in just nine minutes. If the weather is nice, it’s worth staying to enjoy the sunset from the viewpoint.

From there, we headed back to Sarajevo’s city center, checked into the house we’d rented through Booking, and then set out to explore a bit of Sarajevo by night, starting in the Baščaršija district. We topped off the evening with a well-deserved drink. By the way, no need to worry—despite Bosnia and Herzegovina having a large Muslim population, alcohol consumption is permitted and widely enjoyed by both locals and tourists..

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Day 2: Explore the attractions of Baščaršija

We dedicated this entire day to exploring the attractions in and around the Baščaršija district. You can easily walk to most places, except for the National Museum, the Historical Museum, and Sniper Alley—we took the tram to reach those, and it was super easy.

Apart from the museums, the other suggested activities are quick, each taking no more than twenty minutes. So the plan is to alternate sightseeing with stops for coffee, dessert, lunch, and yes — more dessert.

For lunch, I recommend trying an authentic Bosnian dish: ćevapi, small grilled sausages served with somun (a type of bread), onions, and kaymak (similar to sour cream). One of the most traditional restaurants Baščaršija is Ćevabdžinica Željo. We arrived at peak time and ended up sharing a table with a friendly group of locals who taught us that ćevapi is eaten with your hands. They also gave my daughters a taste of the typical local sweet, lokum.

Main attractions of Baščaršija

One of Sarajevo's most famous landmarks is the Sebilj Fountain , built in 1752. According to local legend, anyone who drinks from this iconic wooden fountain will one day return to Sarajevo. Needless to say, I drank and filled my water bottle! It’s a perfect spot for photos and a great way to start immersing yourself in the city’s vibe, with minarets in the background and the call to prayer echoing around.

From there, head toward the Miljacka River, where you'll find yourself in the heart of the Baščaršija market, full of craft shops, local produce, and cozy cafes.

Turn right, and you'll easily spot the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the city's most important mosque, built in 1531. Its towering 45-meter minaret is impressive. Even if you don’t enter to admire the interior, it’s worth walking around the peaceful gardens and fountains.

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Follow the narrow streets of Baščaršija, or if you prefer, take Obala Kulina Bana, the road that runs along the Miljacka River, until you reach Latin Bridge. . On this fateful corner in 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, sparking the First World War. Right there, you'll find the Sarajevo Museum 1878-1918, which focuses on the Austro-Hungarian period and the infamous assassination.

Another notable spot in Sarajevo is at the beginning of Ferhadija Street, the bustling pedestrian shopping street. Here, you'll find the Sarajevo Meeting of Cultures, a marker symbolizing the confluence of East and West. I wasn’t feeling particularly creative with my photos, but it’s a great place to snap some cool pictures and videos.

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Museums of Baščaršija

Sarajevo is rich in museums, especially in the Baščaršija district, offering insight into the history of Bosnia and Herzegovina and, more specifically, the city of Sarajevo.

I already mentioned the Sarajevo Museum 1878-1918, a small exhibit on the corner where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was killed. It covers the time when the city was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the assassination that ignited World War I.

Next to the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque is another museum on our route: Bruza Bezistan. This historic Ottoman-era building now houses a museum dedicated to the city's history. It’s a quick visit, but quite fascinating if you want to understand Sarajevo's rich blend of cultures and peoples.

Wandering deeper into Baščaršija, near the Sacred Heart Cathedral, you'll find the Museum of Crimes against Humanity and Genocide. . This museum presents, through powerful videos, photos, and personal belongings, the atrocities that occurred across Bosnia and Herzegovina during the 1990s war, accompanied by deeply moving personal testimonies.

Just two blocks away is the Jewish Museum, housed in the city’s oldest synagogue. During the Ottoman period, Sarajevo welcomed refugees, including those fleeing the Spanish Inquisition. Sadly, the majority of Sarajevo's Jewish population was either killed or forced to flee during World War II.

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Not far from there is Galerija 11/07/95 and the Srebrenica Genocide Memorial, , both of which document one of the darkest chapters in Bosnia's recent history. These exhibits offer a deeply moving reflection on the events of the Srebrenica genocide.

Just a few blocks from Sebilj but outside Baščaršija, you'll come across the War Childhood Museum, one of the most touching museums in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The war is portrayed through the eyes of the children who lived through it, and the personal stories and exhibits are both heart-wrenching and illuminating. If you only visit one museum to learn about this period in the country's history, make it this one.

Close to the War Childhood Museum is Svrzo House, an oasis of whitewashed walls, cobbled courtyards, and dark timber. This 18th-century house museum takes you back to life in Sarajevo during the Ottoman period. Unfortunately, it was closed during our visit.

For the best sunset views in the city, head to the Yellow Fortress, which is just a short walk from Baščaršija.

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Museums outside Baščaršija

If you still have time and energy, it’s worth hopping on a bus or tram to visit the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The museum features several wings with exhibits about the region's history, as well as a botanical garden. We specifically went to see the “Sarajevo Haggadah,” an important Jewish manuscript dating back to the XNUMXth century. It stands out as one of the oldest and most richly illustrated depictions of Jewish Passover (Pesach) traditions. What’s even more fascinating than the book itself is its history: it survived the Inquisition, two World Wars, and the Balkan Wars, thanks not only to Jews but also Catholics and Muslims. Unfortunately, the room housing it was under renovation, so we didn’t get to see it.

Across from the National Museum is the Holiday Hotel, formerly known as the Hotel Holiday Inn, which served as home base for journalists covering the Balkan Wars and the Siege of Sarajevo. The avenue that separates the two buildings, now a bustling street lined with shops and businesses, was once infamous as “Sniper Alley,” where Serbian snipers targeted anyone who dared to cross.

On the same corner stands the Historical Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, an impressive modern structure of glass and concrete. We ended up there by accident, mistaking it for the National Museum. Nevertheless, it was worth the visit, especially for the exhibit on the Siege of Sarajevo, which I found more engaging and easier to absorb than the one at the Museum of Crimes against Humanity and Genocide.

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What to do in Sarajevo in 1 day

If you only have one day to explore Sarajevo, get ready: wake up early, put on your most comfortable shoes, and let's go — there’s a lot to cover.

I recommend starting your day at the Tunnel of Hope (Tunel da Esperança). Check the opening hours on the official website, and to maximize your time, aim to arrive as early as possible.

Afterward, follow the itinerary for Day 2, soaking up as much of Baščaršija as you can.

If you still have some energy left, or if you're visiting during the long summer days, you might even have time to take the cable car and catch the sunset from the Trebevic viewpoint. Be sure to check the schedule on the official website.

One day in Sarajevo is enough to leave a lasting impression. The blend of Ottoman and Western cultures, the city’s deep historical roots, the vibrant streets of Baščaršija, the warm and welcoming people, delicious local cuisine, and the stunning views from the surrounding hills all make Sarajevo a truly special destination.

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Map of our roadtrip through Eastern Europe

Our nearly 3-week itinerary through Eastern Europe took us through 4 countries: Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia and Bosnia.

We covered 1.960 km in 18 days , with the first and last days set aside for travel between the airport and hotels.

Check out the map below for the full details of our itinerary. You can click and save it to your Google account, and when you’re planning your next trip to the Balkans, you’ll know exactly where to start. <img draggable="false" role="img" class="emoji" alt="" src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/svg/1f609.svg">

In this post, I explain  how I use Google MyMaps to plan my trips. It’s an amazing tool for saving locations, calculating routes and distances, and organizing your entire journey. I highly recommend giving it a try!

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And cell phone chip: I have been using AIRALO, a virtual chip you can easily install and use all over the world. If you want to test it, on your first purchase use the coupon DANAE2375 for a US$3 discount.

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