In Sarajevo there are places that “assemble” the city in your head in five minutes. Avaz Twist Tower is one of them. This glass tower spiraling into the sky isn’t just an office building and an Instagrammable skyline; it’s the quickest shortcut to a panorama that shows you the city’s logic, its bowl-shaped topography, and the way history and modern rhythm cross each other in the streets. The point of this guide is simple: save your time, dodge small mistakes (wrong timing, crowds, glass reflections), and squeeze the maximum out of your visit—from the elevator ride to the last shot of sunset.
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Where it is and what awaits you in Avaz Twist Tower
Avaz Twist Tower sits at Tešanjska 24a in Marijin Dvor—the business-urban center that’s superbly connected to the rest of the city. The location is practical: trams and buses glide right by the neighborhood, walking routes are flat and straightforward, and the tower “pops out” from a distance so you can’t miss it. On the ground floor you’ll find the entrances to the panoramic elevators, reception, and access to the complex’s parking. If you’re driving at sunset, build in a couple of extra minutes—not because parking is impossible, but because you’ll hate rushing when the sky turns gold.
Once you’re inside, orientation is easy: signs guide you to the elevators that “launch” you to the upper floors in under a minute. At the top you get the classic “aha!” moment—the panorama that stitches together neighborhoods, avenues, the Miljacka River, and the mountain ring that cradles Sarajevo like an amphitheater.
Numbers worth knowing about Avaz Twist Tower
For the precision lovers: the architectural height is about 142 m, while the tip/spire height is about 172 m. That’s why you’ll see two numbers online—both are correct, they just measure different points. There are roughly forty floors (including technical levels), and for visitors two levels matter most: Sky Lounge 35 and the observation deck above it.
The project was designed by architect Faruk Kapidžić; the building was constructed in the mid-2000s and officially opened in 2009. The spiral façade is why it’s nicknamed “twist”: as you rise, the glass skin visually “winds,” making the tower look like it’s in motion. In practice, this creates a recognizable silhouette and a fascinating way for air and light to play on its surface—especially at sunset, when the façade shifts from cool to amber.
The observation deck and the top-floor experience in Avaz Twist Tower
The observation deck is the heart of the visit. You reach it via a fast panoramic elevator—a short ride in a glass “tube” that’s a mini-attraction in itself. Up top, a 360° platform opens onto the whole city: Baščaršija and the old core, Marijin Dvor and the main avenues, all the way to the mountain ring—Trebević, Jahorina, Igman, Bjelašnica. On a clear day the contours are crisp; on a good sunset the city melts into golden-pink tones and the street lights “draw” the grid.
Tickets are 5 KM and you pay at the top (which is charmingly counterintuitive: first the “wow,” then the payment). The platform is circular and spacious enough to make a full loop without feeling cramped—but the best moments (and most people) gather around sunset and early evening.
Sky Lounge 35: a pause with a view inside Avaz Twist Tower
Sky Lounge 35 occupies the 35th floor—a place for coffee, tea, or a cocktail with floor-to-ceiling views. If you want to maximize the experience, try the “up—drink—up” routine:
- Observation deck first for daytime shots and orientation.
- Then the lounge for 15–25 minutes to rest and sift through photos.
- Finally, back to the deck once the city lights up—an entirely new scene for a second set of images.
The lounge is practical for meet-ups (easy to find, easy to say “see you on 35”), and if you care about reflection-free photos, catch your final frame one floor above on the more open platform.
Opening hours and the ideal time to visit Avaz Twist Tower
Hours generally cover daytime and evening (e.g., roughly 09:00–23:00, subject to season/events). The safest bet is to double-check on the day you’re going. For photographers and anyone who loves “characterful” frames, golden hour and early night are unbeatable: first the warm, cinematic light; then the web of city lights tracing avenues and neighborhoods.
Not into crowds? Weekdays early in the morning or late at night are quiet windows. Weekends at sunset tend to be popular—expect a few minutes’ wait for the elevator and a bit of patience on the platform.
How to get there stress-free to Avaz Twist Tower
On foot: If you’re in the center/Marijin Dvor/Skenderija zone, the walk is flat and intuitive. You’ll spot the tower from afar, so navigation is easy—and you’ll pick up photogenic moments on the way (bridges, façades, street art).
Public transport: Trams and buses orbit the center; get off around Marijin Dvor and you’re a few minutes from the entrance.
By car: The complex has parking, with public garages and street options nearby as backup. If you’re aiming for sunset, allow 10–15 extra minutes—more for peace of mind than actual necessity.
A short architectural story about Avaz Twist Tower
“Twist” isn’t just a visual gimmick—it’s the idea of motion captured in a static object. The spiral of the façade visually slims the building’s mass and injects dynamism into the skyline. The glass skin reacts to light: mornings look cooler and steel-blue, afternoons warm up to honey tones, and night returns the tower to a graphite outline with scattered points of light. Inside, vertical logistics (fast lifts, clear signage, straightforward circulation) make the visit “plug and play”—no wandering, no endless waiting.
The ideal visit schedule for Avaz Twist Tower
If you’ve got 60–90 minutes, here’s a plan that always works:
0–10 min: Arrive, quick check of opening hours, elevator to the top.
10–30 min: Observation deck—full loop; mentally map landmarks (Baščaršija, Miljacka, Trebević, Igman, Bjelašnica).
30–50 min: Sky Lounge 35—a drink, photo cull, and a leg break.
50–75 min: Observation deck again—once the city lights up, do longer exposures and shoot a quick elevator reel for a catchy “hook.”
75–90 min (optional): Linger if the sky is clear—catch a light dusting of stars above the mountains.
Photo tips from Avaz Twist Tower
- Ultra-wide (0.5x): Sarajevo begs for frames that capture mountain + neighborhood + sky.
- Anti-reflection trick: press the lens to the glass or make a “gasket” with your hand; a small black cloth works wonders.
- Golden + blue hour: shoot a trio—panorama, portrait on the platform edge, and 8–10 seconds of elevator video.
- At night: drop ISO, brace on the railing, use your body as a “live tripod.”
- Level the horizon: the terrain slopes; straighten in post so roofs don’t “slide” left or right.
Practical things people forget about Avaz Twist Tower
Tickets & payment:5 KM for the deck; payment is at the top. Keep small cash handy to speed things up.
Clothing: You may feel a light draft at the top as doors/elevators open often; a light layer is a smart call, even in summer.
Weather & visibility: If the sky is “milky,” nudge your visit closer to sunset—contrast usually improves.
Crowds: Weekends + sunset are popular; for a calmer experience pick morning or later evening.
Quick check: On the day, skim for updated hours or special events.
Extra curiosities about Avaz Twist Tower
Beyond the view, the tower has a sporty twist: tower running—a stair race to the top. Even if you don’t plan to run, it’s fun to know events like this pop up now and then; they inject extra energy into the building and atrium. Plus, the central location means Avaz Twist Tower can be a perfect launchpad for the rest of your day: from here you’re quickly at Baščaršija (crafts, bakeries), Vilsonovo šetalište (a gentle riverside walk), or museums and galleries scattered across Marijin Dvor and the center.
Who gets the most out of visiting Avaz Twist Tower
First-timers in Sarajevo: The fastest way to “read” the city visually and decide where to go next.
Locals with guests: A reliable “wow” without logistical gymnastics.
Creators & photographers: Guaranteed content in 45–90 minutes, no hiking up hills.
Business travelers: A memorable between-meetings reset—coffee on 35 and a head-clearing view.
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
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