I have just come back to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and I am still buzzing with excitement. The city is a blend of Ottoman beauty, Austro-Hungarian grandeur and the tragic postharvest effects of the war in the 1990s. The one-word answer to the question of what to do in Sarajevo, is Sarajevo worth visiting is YES. It is worth visiting and has a list of attractions that will cost you less and leave your wallet smiling.
My personal, low-budget list of the 13 Things to Do in Sarajevo is presented below. I will take you through the places of interest and the unique experiences that Sarajevo can offer, as well as the family-friendly places that children will enjoy. All this is sprinkled with my own travel-expert secrets of the Low Cost Vibes crew, and therefore, you can have the best of Sarajevo tourist attractions without having to spend a lot.
Top Things to Do in Sarajevo
1. Wander Baščaršija Old Town
The historic bazaar is called Baščarshija, and it is the heart of Sarajevo. The stone-laid alleys, the architecture of the Ottoman era, and the smell of freshly baked pastry allow one to feel both old and new at the same time. One entire morning, I walked down Kazandžiluk Street and observed how craftsmen made copper bowls and silver goblets, all to remind me that the city has a pre-war history.
It is an epicentre of local cafes where you may have a cup of Bosnian coffee that is brewed tight, sweetened with a cube of sugar, a ritual which seems to give the locals a hug. By noon, the stalls of the market are loaded with wool of hand-knitting, colourful spices and the local trinkets, which are ideal for snatching cheap souvenirs.
Baščaršija can be described as the sightseeing playground of families: old city walls, the small shops with handmade crafts, the interactive wall, and the history of Sarajevo, where children can follow the history of the city through the colourful murals. Even the nights in Baščaršija are unbelievable because lanterns are strung along the streets and street musicians are playing traditional music.
Tip: Have a slice of pita on a stall that sells some pita, which costs nearly €0.50 and is a cheap and simple way to sample local food as you explore.
2. See Gazi Husrev beg mosque
The visit to Sarajevo is not complete without a visit in front of the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, which is the masterpiece of Ottoman architecture which rules the skyline of the Baščarshija. It was constructed in 1551, and it is one of the most significant religious constructions in the Balkans and provides a visitor with an overview of the Islamic history of the city.
The interior of the mosque is designed with elaborate woodwork, a great staircase and a spectacular dome which almost seems to reach the heavens. Guided tours are cheap and offer background on the multicultural history of the city. The serene atmosphere is a peaceful getaway from the place outside, whether or not you are a religious person.
Tip: Get there early, before noon, so you are not in the heat of the day or early into the crowds. The open courtyard of the mosque is free to walk around, and tea houses are available in the immediate surroundings at a lower price of only 0.75.
3. Take a photo in the Sebilj Fountain
The Sebilj Fountain is within walking distance of the Gazi Husrev-Beg Mosque and is a reminder of the Ottoman history of Sarajevo. They say that when you drink from the fountain, you will come back to Sarajevo one day. I took a photo of the lion’s head of the fountain and immediately connected it to the history of the city.
The fountain is located in the middle of the bazaar, but it is surrounded by cafes, thus making it the ideal place to take a coffee break. Souvenir shops abound around the area where you can pick up a cheap postcard or a tiny brass keychain almost anywhere in the area at a cost of approximately 0.30.
Tip: Carry a reusable water bottle; water at the fountain is clean and free; therefore, you will not have to spend on purchasing bottled water to keep yourself hydrated.
4. Stand on the Latin Bridge
Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914, and the place of assassination was the Latin Bridge, which led to World War I. The stone bridge is small but historic in its history. As you walk on it, you have a physical feel of the past.
The bridge lies in the very centre of the city, immediately next to the city hall and the Miljacka River, making it a convenient place to visit during the walking tour.
As an amusing variation, invite a friend and do the Marco Polo game, where each one of you will need to say a word, Marco and the other should say Polo as you cross the bridge, a funny way to not forget the historic date.
Tip: The bridge is free to walk through, and there are a lot of cheap street food vendors offering local delicacies; therefore, you can afford to eat a little without spending much.
5. Get to know the Sarajevo City Hall (Vijećnica)
A neo-Moorish masterpiece, Vijećnica, or Sarajevo City Hall, is the manifestation of the influence of Austria-Hungary on the city. The exterior of the building is decorated with rich stonework and a grand clock tower, which rings over the Latin Bridge.
The marble halls and vaulted ceilings of the city hall are lighted by natural light on the inside. Admission to the interior is a small fee of €1.50 that will help you gain entry to the museum of the history of the city, photos of the war, and displays of the various cultures of Sarajevo.
The gardens of the hall are great places to have a quick picnic or to relax and have a moment of contemplation, particularly after a sightseeing day.
Tip: A guided tour will also cover the next-door building known as the “Historical Museum”, so that you will save some money when learning the history of Sarajevo.
6. A Walk along the Miljacka River
The river Miljacka flows across the centre of Sarajevo, and is an excellent, serene path for a walk or a bike ride. The banks of the rivers are lined up with trees, benches and cafes, and so it is a place of attraction to both the locals and the tourists.
One afternoon, I went out after the city hall, pedestrian bridge, and river walk and briefly paused in the Drvenija Bridge, taking a photo. The calmness of the river and the buildings around it provide a relaxing break from urban life.
Children will enjoy seeing the fish occasionally going through the water, and the trail of the river is stroller-friendly, which is why it is such a good option among families. If you want to plan your visit a bit more, check out the official Sarajevo Tourism Board.
Tip: River walk is free, and you can carry your own food or visit one of the nearby bakeries to have a quick bite at a low cost.
7. Hike Yellow Fortress to Sunset Views
The Yellow Fortress, or “Žuta Grobnica”, has one of the best views of sunset over Sarajevo. This is a popular place among the locals to see the sky turn golden as it hides in the hills of this city.
I came at the time of sunset, carrying a thermos of coffee and a little snack, and the scene was stunning. It was a beautiful evening with the Golden Triangle of the city lights, the Miljacka River shining and the figures of the old buildings.
To children, the modest mount of the fortress is adventurous, and the pine trees that surround it offer some shade where one can have a cool rest.
Tip: Free admission to the fortress; however, remember the sunscreen and the hat. It is worth considering going out at night and doing some light hiking with a flashlight; it will be a safe and entertaining experience.
8. War History Sites Plunge into The Tunnel of Hope
The Tunnel of Hope is an abrupt reminder of the troubled recent history of Sarajevo. In 1992, this tunnel was constructed in the Siege of Sarajevo, and it was through which residents trafficked food, medicine and supplies.
The tunnel is free, but you will have to carry a torch with you to be on the safe side. It is a tour that is close to 45 minutes of an eye-opening experience, and it is heartbreaking to anyone keen on history. The story of resilience and ingenuity in the tunnel is inspirational to families with older children.
Tip: To accompany the tunnel visit, go explore the local free, tranquil area, the War Memorial Park.
9. The Secret City Tunnel Tour
In addition to the Tunnel of Hope, Sarajevo has an unseen system of underground tunnels that were utilised in the war to transport supplies and evade checkpoints. The Secret City Tunnel Tour, led by local professionals, is a guided visit to a complex of unknown tunnels, including historical facts and precautions.
Students will not pay any fees, and the donation is a small fee to ensure that the tour is affordable. It is also an adventure for people who enjoy doing something out of the box in Sarajevo and enjoying places that are not in the limelight.
The tour provides a distinct experience of the strength of Sarajevo; hence, it is at the top of any list of unusual things to do in Sarajevo.
10. Visit Sarajevo Street Food Festival (Seasonal)
The Sarajevo Street Food Festival is a must-visit destination in case you happen to be in Sarajevo in the summer months. The festival has turned the streets of the city into a food festival with hundreds of vendors offering both local and international food.
The festival is also free to attend, and the food in various stalls is about €1-3, and therefore it will be a good economical way of trying different foods.
Children will enjoy the food booths which serve easy and delicious snacks, and the festival is usually accompanied by live music, making it a vibrant night out among the different ages.
Tip: Go early enough before people come and get hold of the best stalls, or you can share with your friends to ensure that you do not spend a lot of money.
11. Have a go at the Museum of optical Illusion
The Museum of Optical Illusions, located in Sarajevo, is eccentric, engaging, and fun for both children and adults. There are impossible objects, forced-perspective art, and mind-bending mirrors.
Admission is extremely affordable (approximately €1.50), and the museum’s structure allows for exploration and play.
It is a great rest after a day of sightseeing the historical sites, quite an amusing, bizarre experience to have in Sarajevo, that is not only informative but also entertaining.
Tip: You can bring a mini-camera or smartphone and take a picture of the optical tricks, and the most favourable angles are the ones located at the mirrors.
12. Explore VRX Immersive Museum
The VRX Immersive Museum is tech-savvy but still brings the history of Sarajevo into the world with VR-powered experiences. The battery-operated headsets and guided tours available in the museum will allow you to walk the streets of the siege, feel the bombing or observe the Ottoman history of the city in 3-D.
Access to the game is cheap (approximately €20), and a brief tutorial is provided. It is a great option among the families whose children are older and like to learn actively, as well as people who want to approach the story of Sarajevo from a different perspective.
Tip: Reserve a group ticket and invite friends or family; the museum provides group discounts when three or more people are having fun together.
13. Party Places & Bars in Muvekita Street
A night out within the alleys of Muvekita Street and its environs is a cheap and easy option after a day of sightseeing. The neighbourhood has been crowded with bars, cafes and live music bars, most of which have happy hours on beverages and cocktails.
It is very relaxed, and locals and tourists are intermingling with an inexpensive glass of Bosnian wine or local craft beer. The families with older children will be able to relax in a small corner of the cafe and have a late-night snack.
Tip: Find places where you can bring your own drinks and where a bottle is discounted; at most bars, you can bring one with a substantially lower sales price.
Final Thoughts
Sarajevo is a town that delivers a balance between history, culture, and contemporary life and remains incredibly cost-efficient. The city of Sarajevo offers unexpected and charming sights, whether you are a solo traveller, a family, or a student. Between the old Baščaršija and the grave Tunnel of Hope to the optically illusory museum of wonder, one can find something to their liking.
My visit to Sarajevo showed that it is possible to have the best of Bosnia without paying a fortune. Thanks for being with me on this low-cost trip. Cheers to many more of these low-end trips!
FAQ: Things to Do in Sarajevo
Absolutely. Food, accommodation and transport in Sarajevo are some of the cheapest in Europe. Known to be very cheap with historic sites and free attractions, the city can be enjoyed without spending money.
The family-friendly and free or cheap attractions include Baščaršija Old Town, Gazi Husrev-Beg Mosque, Miljacka River Walks, Sarajevo Zoo, and the optical illusion museum.
Access tourist destinations in the morning or on working days. The Miljacka River Walks and the Yellow Fortress are also not packed with people in the early morning hours, which are the quieter ones.
Yes, Muvekita Street has hospitable cafes and live music restaurants that are favourable to younger audiences. Numerous places are student-friendly in terms of price.
Begin with the Tunnel of Hope, and then take the Tunnel of Hope, visit a museum of optical illusions or take a tour of the underground tunnels of the city. Both are contextualised without being overly emotional.
The stroll through Baščaršija, the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, a walk around the Miljacka River, etc., are free or extremely cheap.
Absolutely. The city has interactive museums, river walks and family-friendly cafes, and the low entry cost makes the city ideal for those travelling with children.
The Tunnel of Hope, the Museum of Optical Illusions, and the VRX Immersive Museum are some of the most interesting places to visit, as they offer something different, which is not usually found at tourist destinations.
Yes, the small open-air coffee shop Kavarnica na Mostu and the neighbouring Historical Museum are a refreshing and cheap break with pastries and valuable exhibits.
The city centre is walkable. To travel over a longer distance, take the affordable transport system via the tram or shared cabs (called ki-ki), and it may be a good idea to purchase a transport pass per day for €3.
