Location: Sarajevo
Top Things to do in Sarajevo
10 Free Things to do in Sarajevo That You Shouldn't Miss
Bosnia and Herzegovina's fascinating capital Sarajevo nestles among dramatic peaks, a bustling and welcoming city. War took its toll, with the 1992-1996 siege hitting hard. But the lively, diverse, museum-rich city has been almost entirely reconstructed. Don't miss Bijambare caves, set in thick forests and amid lakes to the north of the city, or Bosna Springs, from which the country takes its name. Site of 1984's Winter Olympics, Sarajevo offers spectacular skiing on Mount Bjelasnica Jahorina.
Restaurants in Sarajevo
1. Bascarsija
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,002 reviews
Bascarsija is Sarajevo's old bazaar and the historical and cultural center of the city. Bascarsija was built in the 15th century when Isa-Beg Isakovic founded the town. The word Bascarsija derives from the Turkish language. The word "bas" which is "bas" in Turkish literally means "head", in some contexts however also "primary", "main", "capital" and "carsija" which is "carsi" in Turkish means "bazaar" or "market". Due to the large fire in the 19th century, today Bascarsija is half the size that it once was. Bascarsija is located on the north bank of the river Miljacka, in the municipality of Stari Grad. On Bascarsija there are several important historic buildings, such as the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque and sahat-kula. Today Bascarsija is the major tourist attraction of Sarajevo.
Reviewed By JnVSydney - Greater Sydney, Australia
We had a wonderful stay in Sarajevo, for almost a month, before a sudden departure, (due to covid-19), the highlight of the city is definitely, the old neighbourhood, we spent most of our time here just walking the alleyways, enjoying the food, (which is amazing) and the coffee houses, (a wonderful experience) we highly recommend starting a visit, with a free walking tour of the old town to get your boots on the ground. Our faves: Cock tower and bakery, (Pekara Imaret loacated within the courtyard), Bosna eatery Baklava coffee shop
2. Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 663 reviews
Gazi Husrev-beg's mosque was built in first half of sixteenth century by Gazi Husrev-beg, Bosnian Governor (sandzakbeg) and grandson of Sultan Bajezit II. It is one of the most monumental mosques built in the Ottoman period and is the center of religious life of Muslims in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The mosque is the part of vaqf (foundation) established by Gazi Husrev beg, which is still the heart of the old town of Sarajevo. During the Siege of Sarajevo in Bosnian war the vaqf complex was fired by more than thousand grenades but, thanks to its solid structure and two meter thick walls, the mosque survived. After the war it was thoroughly repaired using the original ornaments found on the walls.
Reviewed By JnVSydney - Greater Sydney, Australia
This would have to be one of the centre points of the old town especially on Friday, (pray day), when It seems all worshippers of Sarajevo congregate here, (still nice to be in the area, as there is a real vibe) . Any other day we would recommend the tourist/visitor to visit, the courtyard and interior, as it is the largest historical mosque in Bosnia, its pretty hard to miss.
3. Sebilj Brunnen (Fountain)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 522 reviews
Reviewed By JnVSydney - Greater Sydney, Australia
Located within the bazaar, stands this ornate gazebo style fountain, basically the central part of the old town, every visitor will end up here at some point, makes for awesome piccies with the pigeons in flight, one thing though be-aware of pick pockets, they are like lions, looking for a stray gazelle, that has left the pack.
4. Sarajevo Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 409 reviews
Reviewed By dasame - Robinson, United States
Not only for the Olympics but also during the war the track played a significant role, so walking it down with the beautiful trees that surround the area makes it very nice. And yes at the very top before you enter the path you can have a beautiful view of the city.
5. Ferhadija Pedestrian Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 261 reviews
Reviewed By Kim025Singapore - Singapore, Singapore
This is the main pedestrian street for tourist. Just by walking along this street, one can visit many famous tourist attractions such as mosque, church, museum, shops and the iconic line which separates the East ( influence left by the Ottoman Empire) and West (influence left by the Austro-Hungarian Empire).
6. The Yellow Fortress
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 261 reviews
Reviewed By Nikkielsk - Durham, United States
The hike was uphill and a little difficult for me as I am not used to uphill climbs being from North Carolina but it was worth it! The view from the top is beautiful! I visited twice during my time in Sarajevo and took a bunch of great photos. The area at the top is open and suitable for picnics etc.
7. Sarajevo Memorial for Children Killed during Siege
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 129 reviews
Reviewed By KhawajaJack
This somber but lovely memorial and surrounding park must be visited and contemplated by any visitor to Sarajevo who intends to go away with any kind of basic understanding of the suffering and pain of the Siege of Sarajevo and the impact that this has had on the city, nation and the world.
8. Alifakovac Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By FakhizaaA - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
It was so peaceful to be here, amongst the dead. I saw the cemetery from Bascarsija but only had the opportunity to explore it when I went to the Yellow Bastion. It was so near to the Old Town and I just walk all the way down from Yellow Bastion to the cemetery and walk straight down to Bascarsija. This cemetery consist of 3 types of graves; the graves from Ottoman Empire, graves of the locals around Sarajevo and most famously, graves of people (local and fighters) who defended Sarajevo during its most blackest siege during the modern day Europe in 1992 until 1996. If you have time, walk slowly between the gravestones and try to imagine thousands of life gone to the war leaving behind their loves one and the dreams they had together. It is bittersweet feelings knowing their loves one survived to live in today’s Sarajevo yet knowing these brave defenders of Sarajevo were no longer here to taste freedom. Amongst thousand of them here, there is one prominent grave of Sarajevo’s father; Alija Izetbegovic. He was a staunch fighter during the war and refused to run away leaving his people to their fate. He was here in Sarajevo and there on the hills and mountains fighting as best as he could with his people. I forgot to bring flowers to his grave but on second thoughts, I think it is fair that I forgot because not only Alija, but all of these brave fighters here deserve flowers. So if you are in Sarajevo, do make times to visit this place. You can bring flowers too ????
9. Ferhadija Mosque
10. Katedrala Sarajevo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 313 reviews
Reviewed By GeysirGal - Surrey, United Kingdom
This has to be one of my favourite spots within the city, not because I am religious, as I am not, but simply because of its beautiy and serenity. I am going to say that you can feel God in this place or any of that, as if you are looking for that it can be found anywhere, but there is something special about this building. Sited in a small square within the pedetsrianised heart of the shopping district it serves as a reminder that there is more to life than endless consumerism and provides us with an opportunity to stop for a while and just be.
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