Sarajevo isn’t a city you can truly understand just by looking at it. You can stand in front of its landmarks, snap a postcard-perfect photo and move on – but that’s like watching a movie with the sound turned off. You saw the picture, but you missed the story.
Here, everything worth knowing comes through experience. Sarajevo isn’t to be observed – Sarajevo is to be lived. It means riding its cable car, eating ćevapi with your hands still smelling of smoke, sipping coffee slowly while hearing church bells from one side and the call to prayer from the other. It means going out at night, singing songs you don’t know, and somehow feeling like they’ve always been yours.
One day you might be hiking to a natural spring, and the next day skiing down a slope on Jahorina. That’s Sarajevo – a place where daily life and adventure intertwine at every corner. This isn’t a list of museums and buildings. This is a list of ten things you should do if you want Sarajevo to stay with you long after you’ve left.
Table of Contents
1. Ride the Trebević Cable Car and Explore the Bobsleigh Track
There’s no better way to feel Sarajevo’s contrasts right away than by taking the cable car to Trebević. One moment you’re in the bustle of the old town, and just ten minutes later you’re gliding above rooftops, watching as the view changes beneath you: minarets, socialist blocks, modern skyscrapers. The city shrinks under your feet, and the silence inside the cabin gives you a rare moment of calm.
The cable car was destroyed during the war and stood for decades as a symbol of pain. Today it’s been rebuilt, modern and smooth, representing Sarajevo’s new chapter. At the top, pine forests and fresh mountain air greet you. You’ll also find the abandoned Olympic bobsleigh track – once full of athletes and cheering crowds, now covered in graffiti and slowly reclaimed by nature. Walking along its curves, you feel past and present living side by side. And as you wander Trebević, you naturally wonder: if this is so close, what else do Sarajevo’s mountains have to offer? The answer awaits on Jahorina
2. Ski or Hike on Jahorina
Sarajevo is one of the few capitals in the world where you can reach a world-class mountain in just half an hour. Jahorina, which hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics, remains one of the region’s most popular ski destinations.
In winter, the slopes are filled with skiers and snowboarders, mountain lodges smell of hearty meals and mulled wine, and the atmosphere feels almost Alpine. Sliding down a snowy slope while knowing the city is just nearby makes it all the more exciting.
But Jahorina isn’t only for winter. In summer, it transforms into a paradise for hikers and mountain bikers. Trails take you through meadows full of wildflowers and forests whispering in the wind. From the summit, the panoramic view stretches so far you feel like you’re standing on the roof of the Balkans. The contrast is striking: you can have breakfast in the city, and just an hour later stand at 1,800 meters with the clouds beneath your feet. And after all that energy, Sarajevo offers you peace again – at the spring of the Bosna River.
3. Have a Picnic at Vrelo Bosne
At the far end of Ilidža lies Vrelo Bosne – the spring of the Bosna River and one of the most beautiful spots to unwind. Water bursts from the ground in crystal-clear streams, ducks swim under wooden bridges, and people come to walk, cycle, or simply spread a blanket and relax.
The best way to get there is by walking down Velika Aleja, a long avenue lined with chestnut trees. As you stroll, you hear the clatter of horse-drawn carriages, see couples, families, and elderly people all enjoying the same slow pace. At the end, a natural paradise awaits.
Bring a blanket, some fruit or sandwiches, and make a picnic by the water. Listen to the bubbling springs, watch children feed the ducks, and feel the kind of calm you rarely find in capital cities. That’s Sarajevo: urban and untouched, side by side.
But to understand the city fully, you also need to face its recent past. And nowhere is that clearer than in the Tunnel of Hope.
4. Walk Through the Tunnel of Hope
During the siege of the 1990s, Sarajevo was completely cut off. Food, medicine, and supplies couldn’t reach the people. The only lifeline was a narrow tunnel dug under the airport – the “Tunnel of Hope.”
Today, part of that tunnel is open as a museum. Ducking down and walking through the dark passage gives you a glimpse of what people endured to survive. Once, sacks of flour and medicine were carried through here; now, it’s tourists with cameras and selfie sticks. The difference is vast, but the message is the same: resilience and determination. Standing in that tunnel makes you realize how closed off Sarajevo once was – and how open it is in its spirit today. To feel that openness, you only need to step further into the surrounding villages and mountains.
5. Explore the Surrounding Mountains and Villages
Beyond Jahorina and Trebević, Sarajevo is embraced by Bjelašnica, Igman, and Treskavica. Each offers trails, untouched nature, and authentic mountain villages.
On Bjelašnica and Igman, you’ll find villages where people still live simply – making cheese, distilling rakija, and tending livestock. Hospitality is part of daily life: locals will invite you in, offer homemade food, and share stories of mountain life.
Walking through these villages feels like stepping back in time. You’ll see children playing football on the grass while grandmothers carry wood or milk. It’s a reminder that Sarajevo isn’t just the city in the valley – it’s also the life that surrounds it. One day you can sip espresso in the center, and the next day breathe mountain air and eat homemade cheese in a rustic wooden house.
But while the mountains give you peace during the day, the city has its own magic at sunset. And the best place to see it is the Yellow Fortress.
6. Watch the Sunset from the Yellow Fortress
If you want Sarajevo at its most romantic, climb up to the Yellow Fortress. This old fort overlooks the city and offers one of the best panoramic views.
As the sun dips behind the mountains, the valley below begins to glow. Locals bring drinks, tourists claim their spots for the perfect photo, and the atmosphere turns almost magical.
If the White Fortress gives you a postcard view of Sarajevo, the Yellow Fortress gives you its soul. Sit there for an hour as the city slowly lights up. One by one, the windows and streets shimmer until Sarajevo looks like a valley of stars.
And once the sun sets, it’s time to meet Sarajevo through something equally iconic – its food.
7. Try Sarajevo’s Ćevapi in the Heart of Baščaršija
Baščaršija is the old heart of Sarajevo, and ćevapi are its most famous specialty. Small grilled meat sausages served in somun bread with onions and kaymak – simple, but unforgettable.
Ćevapi aren’t just food; they’re culture. Every local has their favorite spot, and debates over “the best ćevapi” never end. While you wait for your portion, you smell the smoke and watch the master turning meat on the grill. The first bite is always followed by silence – then by a smile.
And once you’ve had your fill of ćevapi, it’s time for something slower, more intimate – Bosnian coffee.
8. Drink Bosnian Coffee the Traditional Way
Bosnian coffee isn’t just a drink – it’s a ritual. Served in a small copper džezva with sugar and rahat lokum, it invites you to slow down. Time here isn’t measured in minutes, but in sips.
Sit in a café in Baščaršija and watch people pass by. An old man takes tiny sips while chatting with a friend, while a young tourist struggles to figure out how to pour it properly. That’s Sarajevo: hurried and unhurried, modern and old, all at once.
Coffee here isn’t caffeine to wake you up – it’s an excuse to pause and connect. And as you sip, you might hear church bells from one side and the call to prayer from the other. That mix leads you to the next thing to do – a walk through Sarajevo’s religions.
9. Walk Between a Mosque, a Church, and a Synagogue
Sarajevo is often called the “Jerusalem of Europe” because in just a short walk you can see a mosque, a Catholic cathedral, an Orthodox church, and a synagogue.
Stroll down Ferhadija Street and feel how these faiths share the same rhythm of the city. Church bells ring, the call to prayer answers, and all the while modern shops and lively cafés line the street.
This walk isn’t just about religious buildings – it’s about Sarajevo as it really is: a city where differences don’t hide but live together.
And after this walk through faith and history, there’s no better way to end your day than diving into Sarajevo’s nightlife.
10. Discover Sarajevo’s Restaurants and Nightlife
Sarajevo’s evenings are made for gathering around a table. Whether you choose a traditional aščinica serving authentic Bosnian dishes like begova čorba, dolma, and pita, or a modern restaurant blending Balkan and international flavors, food is always at the center.
What makes dining here special isn’t just the taste, but the atmosphere. Families, groups of friends, and travelers all share the same warm buzz of conversation. Some restaurants are tucked away in centuries-old Ottoman buildings, while others offer rooftop views over the city.
And after dinner, the night doesn’t have to end. From lively dessert cafés serving baklava and tufahija to cozy spots with live local music, Sarajevo offers plenty of ways to spend the evening without ever rushing. Here, food and company matter more than the clock.
Most Asked Questions About Sarajevo
What is the most famous thing in Sarajevo?
One of the most famous and iconic landmarks in Sarajevo is the historic Latin Bridge, where the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria took place in 1914, triggering the start of World War I.
Is it worth going to Sarajevo?
Absolutely! Sarajevo is a city of immense historical and cultural significance, offering a unique blend of East and West, along with stunning natural landscapes. The city’s warm hospitality, vibrant atmosphere, and fascinating attractions make it well worth a visit.
How long should I spend in Sarajevo?
To truly experience the beauty and charm of Sarajevo, it is recommended to spend at least 3 to 4 days exploring the city and its surrounding areas. This will allow you to immerse yourself in the rich history, enjoy the local cuisine, and embark on day trips to nearby attractions.
What is special about Sarajevo?
Sarajevo is a city where diverse cultures converge, creating a unique atmosphere and a fascinating blend of architectural styles, including Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslavian influences. It is also known for its cultural events, vibrant arts scene, and the symbolic role it played in recent history during the Bosnian War.
Why is Sarajevo so popular?
Sarajevo’s popularity stems from its historical significance, cultural diversity, and natural beauty. The city’s complex past, showcased through its architecture and museums, attracts history enthusiasts, while its welcoming atmosphere and hospitable locals make it a favorite among travelers seeking authentic experiences.
Is Sarajevo a walkable city?
Yes, Sarajevo is a highly walkable city, with many of its main attractions and landmarks located within a compact area. Exploring the old town on foot allows you to fully immerse yourself in its charm and discover hidden gems along the way.
Discover the Wonders of Sarajevo and Beyond with Bosnian Voyager
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital city, Sarajevo, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty.
With its captivating old town, vibrant nightlife, and culinary delights, it offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler.
Embark on a journey with Bosnian Voyager and explore the top things to do in Sarajevo and its surrounding areas.
From various city tours and the Abandoned Bobsled Track to culinary adventures and winter wonderland experiences, our expertly crafted itineraries ensure you make the most of your time in this enchanting destination.
Discover the wonders of Sarajevo and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Our Most Popular Tours To Sarajevo
We offer many tours that include a visit to Sarajevo and its most popular locations:
- Sarajevo Siege Tour & War Tunnel 1992 / 1996 (Most Popular)
- Full Day tour from Sarajevo to Međugorije & Mostar
- Full Day Tour from Sarajevo to Travnik and Jajce
- Full-Day 5 Cities Tour from Sarajevo to Herzegovina (Mostar)
- Full day Tour from Sarajevo to Dubrovnik (Kotor or Split)
- Full Day tour from Sarajevo to Belgrade
Don’t Hesitate To Say Hi!
Got any questions about our tours or the city? Don’t hesitate to contact us anytime for more info and booking.
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