Location: Sarajevo
Top Things to do in Sarajevo
Countries
The 10 Best Things to do in Sarajevo, Sarajevo Canton
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. Galerija 11/07/95
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,597 reviews
The first Memorial gallery in Bosnia and Herzegovina - exhibition place aiming to preserve the memory on Srebrenica tragedy and 8372 persons who tragically lost their lives. Through a wide range of multimedia content - images, maps, audio and video materials, the Gallery aims to offer its visitors the documentary and artistic interpretation of the events that took place during July 1995 in Srebrenica.
Reviewed By MitziMarmot - Casper, United States
This small museum does an excellent job of showing man's inhumanity to man during the war in the 1990s. The audio guide is necessary in order to understand the poignant photographs displayed. Be sure to budget enough time to sit through the entire series of videos being shown. The stories of the wives and mothers are heartbreaking.
2. Museum Of Crimes Against Humanity And Genocide 1992-1995
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 457 reviews
The Museum of Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide 1992 – 1995 was founded in July 2016 as an initiative to sustain the memory of all the victims of the war that lasted from 1992- 1995. The founders of the museum themselves are victims who survived the war. Together with young people they have made the museum a reality and keep it working. The museum exhibit contains a variety of photos and personal items that hold the stories of the war victims. The museum staff has given their best to transfer those stories into written pieces that proudly stand next to every item. In order to make the visit more authentic and realistic, the museum presents simulations of a mass grave and solitary confinement. Keeping the memory alive is an important factor in avoiding genocides and massacres in the future. History is something we must remember!
Reviewed By stormwave_audio - Lisbon, Portugal
First of all - prepare to read... a lot. Every single piece has a backstory and some items, even though they might seem simple can have quite lengthy, heavily heartbreaking ones. You won't come out the same person you entered after getting close to all the stories described in this museum. Make sure to write how you feel in the room full of post it notes from patrons from all around the world.
3. War Childhood Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 480 reviews
The War Childhood Museum opened in Sarajevo in January 2017. The Museum‘s collection contains a number of personal belongings, stories, audio and video testimonies, photographs, letters, drawings and other documents offering valuable insight into the unique experience of growing up in wartime. The 2018 Council of Europe Museum Prize – one of the most prestigious awards in the museum industry – has been awarded to the War Childhood Museum under the European Museum of the Year scheme.
Reviewed By AmmarSarajevo - Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
As someone who is born in Sarajevo and spent childhood in Sarajevo during the war, I must say that this museum is fascinating and unique, both for people in Sarajevo and tourists. All stories in the museum are unique, some sad some funny, but great describe everyday life of children in war period. And that life wasn't easy. Staff is great and very helpful. The museum is very close to the old city. I recommend for everyone to come and visit it.
4. Sarajevo War Tunnel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,338 reviews
Reviewed By joknees - Sydney, Australia
After reading alot about the Seige in Sarajevo I really wanted to visit this place and I certainly wasn't disappointed. From the second you arrive walking past the original house with bullet holes and continue inside to watch the documentaries and then see the tunnel itself is incredible. The entrance fee is 10BAM and we'll worth it. There is lots to see and learn here. It is quite small compared to other places, but it gives you a real sense of the struggle that the Sarajevo locals faced during the siege.
5. 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
6. 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.
7. Sarajevo City Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 790 reviews
Reviewed By JnVSydney - Greater Sydney, Australia
This triangular building is a site to see, quite beautiful built in the moorish style In the 1800’s. During the Siege of Sarajevo, it was heavily damaged, after a long restoration the building is back to its former glory
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Trebevicka zicara
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By Trishka-9 - Mexico City, Mexico
Nice long ride to the top for great views! The cable runs constantly so you don’t have to wait or crowd into one car. If you’re up for a hike, follow the signs that say “Parking Hotel” down to a swanky hotel that has delicious desserts (and coffee and other probably-tasty things). If you have a few hours, follow the old bobsled tracks from the 1984 Winter Olympics down for an interesting trek back into town. Otherwise you can just pay a bit extra for a round-trip ticket. This was my favorite activity in my ten days in Sarajevo, I recommend it for everyone as you can tailor it to your personal activity/adventure level.
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