Sarajevo is the capital and largest city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, home to about 275,000 people in a narrow valley along the Miljacka river. Ottoman bazaars, Austro-Hungarian boulevards, mosques, churches and a synagogue stand within a few minutes' walk of each other, and the compact centre is easy to explore on foot and by tram.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Sarajevo.
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1
Baščaršija
Tip: Arrive before 11AM to see workshops opening without the tour-group crowds. · Compare prices for copperware across several shops; light bargaining is normal. · Try ćevapi at a long-established grill rather than one with a tourist menu on the street. · Carry some Bosnian marks (KM); small vendors may not take cards. · Many shops shorten hours or close on Sunday, so plan shopping for other days. · Evening is cooler in summer and the lit lanes are good for photographs.
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2
Sebilj Fountain
Tip: Visit at sunrise or early morning for photos without crowds. · Pigeon feed is sold in small cups from nearby stalls for about 1 KM. · Treat it as a meeting point: locals often say 'at the Sebilj'. · Keep bags closed in crowded hours, as in any busy tourist square. · Combine with a coffee at a square-side café and a walk along Sarači.
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3
Latin Bridge
Tip: Visit at sunset or early morning for softer light and thinner crowds. · Pair with the Museum of Sarajevo 1878-1918 next door for context. · Walk down to the river embankment for a low-angle photograph of the arches. · Expect groups to cluster at the museum corner around midday. · Combine with the Vijećnica, 3 minutes along the river.
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4
Vijećnica (Sarajevo City Hall)
Tip: Visit mid-morning on weekdays for the quietest atrium. · Check posted hours at the door: events can close the interior. · Photograph the facade from across the Miljacka in late afternoon light. · Entry is about 10 KM; sources differ between 8 and 10 KM. · Combine with the Latin Bridge and Museum of Sarajevo, both within 3 minutes.
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5
Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque
Tip: Visit in the morning, outside the five daily prayer times. · Cover shoulders and knees; women should cover the hair, and shoes come off at the door. · Avoid Friday around midday, when the mosque is closed to sightseeing. · Entry is about 5 KM and often includes the adjoining museum. · Photograph the courtyard fountain and dome before tour groups arrive.
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6
Tunnel of Hope (Tunnel Museum)
Tip: Go on a weekday morning before tour buses arrive. · Bring cash; the ticket office may not accept cards. · The audio guide costs about 3 KM extra and adds useful detail. · Allow time for transport: about 6 km from the centre. · Wear flat shoes; the tunnel floor is uneven and low.
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7
Yellow Fortress (Žuta Tabija)
Tip: Arrive about 45 minutes before sunset to secure a place on the terrace. · Wear sturdy shoes; the route is steep and cobbled. · Take a taxi up (about 5 KM) and walk down to save energy. · Bring water in summer; refreshment stalls are limited. · Avoid walking the lanes alone after dark.
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8
Trebević Cable Car (Sarajevska Žičara)
Tip: Check zicara.ba before going: operation is seasonal and weather-dependent. · Go on a clear morning for the best views. · Bring a jacket; the summit is cooler than the city. · Combine the ride with a downhill walk to the bobsled track. · Buy return tickets if planning to come back by cable car.
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9
Svrzo's House (Svrzina Kuća)
Tip: Visit on a weekday late morning for a quiet house. · Confirm opening hours at the door; they vary by season. · Take off shoes if asked and move gently on the wooden floors. · Pair with the War Childhood Museum nearby. · Entry costs only 3-5 KM, cash preferred.
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10
Museum of Sarajevo 1878-1918 (Sarajevo Assassination Museum)
Tip: Go on a weekday morning to avoid groups from the bridge. · Allow 45 minutes; the exhibition is compact. · Visit the bridge first for context, then the museum. · Check hours locally: they shorten in winter. · Cash is advisable for the ticket (about 5 KM).
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
Museums
Nature
Cultural
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- Mosques close to sightseeing during the five daily prayers and midday Friday prayers. Many museums close one day a week (often Monday) and run shorter winter hours. Baščaršija shops open about 9AM and close by 8PM, earlier on Sundays.
- Fees
- Most sights cost 3-20 KM (approx USD 1.70-11). The old town, Latin Bridge, Sebilj and Yellow Fortress are free. Carry cash in Convertible Marks (KM); the Tunnel of Hope takes cash only.
- Best Times
- May to June and September to October for mild weather. Winter is cold and snowy but open; the Trebević cable car can close for maintenance.
- Booking
- No advance booking is needed for most sights. Tunnel of Hope and siege-themed walking tours can be arranged through the Sarajevo Tourist Information Centre or with licensed local operators; the cable car is run through zicara.ba.
- Tourist Information
- Sarajevo Tourist Information Centre: Sarači 58, 71000 Sarajevo; sarajevo.travel; daily about 9AM-5PM (hours vary by season).
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Sarajevo's centre is compact: Baščaršija, the Latin Bridge, Vijećnica and the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque are all within a 10-minute walk of each other.
Cover shoulders and knees for mosques and the cathedral; women cover the hair in mosques and all visitors remove shoes.
Tunnel of Hope lies near the airport and takes about 15-20 minutes by taxi; agree the fare or use the Bolt app.
Carry small notes of KM; many museums and cafes in Baščaršija do not take cards for small amounts.
Land mines remain in some hills around the city; hikers stay on marked paths on Trebević and do not enter fenced areas.
Frequently asked questions
How many days are needed to see Sarajevo's main attractions?
Two days cover Baščaršija, the Latin Bridge, Vijećnica, Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Yellow Fortress and the Tunnel of Hope; a third day adds the cable car, Trebević and Vrelo Bosne.
Is the Tunnel of Hope worth the trip?
Yes, for visitors interested in the 1992-1996 siege. It lies about 6 km from the centre and takes 1-1.5 hours; entry is about 20 KM (approx USD 11).
Is Sarajevo walkable?
The old town and central pedestrian streets are fully walkable. Trams (line 3) run to Ilidža and the Vrelo Bosne park, and taxis or Bolt cover the hills.
What currency is used in Sarajevo?
The Convertible Mark (BAM or KM), at about 1.96 KM per US dollar. Euros are accepted in some tourist shops at a poor rate.