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.
Accommodation overview
Sarajevo's accommodation is concentrated in three zones. The Old Town (Baščaršija, Ferhadija and the Kovači slopes) holds most boutique hotels, pensions and hostels within walking distance of the Sebilj, the Latin Bridge and the cafes and restaurants. The central Austro-Hungarian district around Marijin Dvor, Skenderija and the Vilsonovo šetalište promenade has the large international hotels, trams and the main railway and bus stations a short ride away. Ilidža, a spa suburb about 12 km west near the airport and Vrelo Bosne park, offers large spa and congress hotels at lower prices, linked to the centre by tram line 3. Rates run from about 25 KM (~$14) for a hostel dorm bed to 300-600 KM (~$168-336) for a luxury room, rising during the Sarajevo Film Festival in August, the ski season on nearby Jahorina and Bjelašnica, and major holidays.
- Budget
- 25-130 KM (~$14-73) per night (hostel dorm beds to basic hotel and pension rooms)
- Mid-range
- 110-220 KM (~$62-123) per night (boutique hotels and 3-4 star hotels in the Old Town and centre)
- Luxury
- 200-600 KM (~$112-336)+ per night (Swissôtel, Hotel Europe and upscale chain hotels)
- Where to stay
- Old Town (Baščaršija and Ferhadija) for walkability, restaurants and sights; Marijin Dvor for modern chain hotels and tram access
Hotels by budget
Find accommodation that fits your travel budget.
Budget-friendly
Hotel Bosnia
Budget hotel on Kulovića street, a ten-minute uphill walk from Ferhadija and Baščaršija.
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Historically themed boutique hostel opened in 2013 on Jelića street, a few minutes from Ferhadija and Baščaršija.
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Holiday Hotel Sarajevo
Large landmark hotel built for the 1984 Winter Olympics, on the main avenue near the National Museum and the Eternal Flame tram stops.
Check rates on Booking.comCourtyard by Marriott Sarajevo
International chain hotel at the Skenderija complex, about 10-15 minutes on foot from Baščaršija along the Miljacka river.
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Chain hotel known locally as the Bristol, about 5 km west of Baščaršija along the tram line and close to the train and bus stations.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Hecco Deluxe
Central hotel at the western end of Ferhadija street, steps from the Eternal Flame and a five-minute walk to Baščaršija.
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Four-star boutique hotel in the heart of Baščaršija, within a minute's walk of Sarači and the Latin Bridge.
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Four-star hotel on Bazardžani street in the old bazaar, near the Sebilj fountain and the Sarajevo Brewery.
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Boutique heritage hotel on Petrakijina street, on the slope above Ferhadija, five minutes on foot from Baščaršija.
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Five-star hotel on the western approach road about 2 km from the airport and roughly 10 km from Baščaršija, suited to drivers and airport stays.
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Large hotel and congress centre in Ilidža, about 12 km west of the Old Town and a short drive from the airport and Vrelo Bosne park.
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Modern three-storey spa hotel in Ilidža with thermal wellness facilities, about 2 km from the airport and on tram line 3.
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Four-star hotel on Hrasnička cesta in Ilidža, a few kilometres from the airport and the Tunnel of Hope museum.
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Small central hotel of about 19 rooms on Zelenih beretki street, two minutes from Ferhadija and the Latin Bridge.
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Boutique hotel on Ćumurija street between Ferhadija and the Baščaršija bazaar.
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Hotel on Mula Mustafe Bašeskije street, about 100 m from the Sebilj fountain and the start of Sarači.
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Small boutique hotel a minute or so uphill from Baščaršija, with quieter rooms than the bazaar streets.
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Family-owned hotel in the Kovači quarter on the hillside above Baščaršija, with views over the old town rooftops.
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Three-star boutique hotel of about 31 rooms in Bentbaša, a short walk east of Baščaršija beside the Miljacka.
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Hotel on Bravadžiluk street at the eastern end of the bazaar, close to the Vijećnica and the Sebilj.
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Modern five-storey chain hotel about 4 km from the airport and 7-8 km from the Old Town, with tram and bus links along Džemala Bijedića.
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Mid-range hotel in the hillside Velešići district, about 2.5 km from Baščaršija and used by university and business visitors.
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Hotel in the Ilidža suburb near the thermal baths and the Vrelo Bosne road, about 15 minutes from the airport.
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Hotel Europe
Historic 19th-century grand hotel on the edge of Baščaršija, a few steps from the pedestrian streets and the Latin Bridge.
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Modern five-star hotel in the Sarajevo City Center complex on the Vrbanja bridge, about 20 minutes on foot from Baščaršija.
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Choose your base based on your interests and travel style.
Baščaršija and the Old Town
The Ottoman-era bazaar quarter around the Sebilj fountain, Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque and the Latin Bridge. Most boutique hotels, pensions and restaurants are here, streets are pedestrian and evenings are lively, though some rooms hear street noise.
Best for: All travelers
Ferhadija and the Austro-Hungarian centre
The pedestrian Ferhadija street, Trg fra Grge Martića and the cathedral area just west of Baščaršija, with Hotel Europe, Hotel Astra and Hotel Hecco Deluxe, plus Markale market and the Eternal Flame.
Best for: All travelers
Marijin Dvor, Skenderija and Vilsonovo šetalište
The modern business district along the Miljacka river with the Swissôtel, Holiday Hotel and Courtyard by Marriott, the national museum, trams on the main east-west line and a 15-20 minute walk to Baščaršija.
Best for: All travelers
Kovači, Bentbaša and the Vratnik slopes
Steep residential hillsides above the Old Town with quieter boutique hotels, mosque views and sunset viewpoints; expect stairs and uphill walks back from the centre.
Best for: All travelers
Novo Sarajevo and the Džemala Bijedića corridor
The commuter belt between the centre and the airport, with chain hotels such as Ibis Styles and Radon Plaza, shopping malls and tram access; cheaper, but 20-35 minutes from the Old Town.
Best for: All travelers
Ilidža and Vrelo Bosne
A spa and park suburb about 12 km west, served by tram line 3 from the centre, with large spa and congress hotels, the Bosnia river spring park and the Tunnel of Hope museum nearby; closest to the airport.
Best for: All travelers
Our top picks
Handpicked recommendations for every type of traveler.
Hotel Europe
Historic 19th-century grand hotel on the edge of Baščaršija, a few steps from the pedestrian streets and the Latin Bridge.
Check rates on Booking.comSwissôtel Sarajevo
Modern five-star hotel in the Sarajevo City Center complex on the Vrbanja bridge, about 20 minutes on foot from Baščaršija.
Check rates on Booking.comHoliday Hotel Sarajevo
Large landmark hotel built for the 1984 Winter Olympics, on the main avenue near the National Museum and the Eternal Flame tram stops.
Check rates on Booking.comCourtyard by Marriott Sarajevo
International chain hotel at the Skenderija complex, about 10-15 minutes on foot from Baščaršija along the Miljacka river.
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Chain hotel known locally as the Bristol, about 5 km west of Baščaršija along the tram line and close to the train and bus stations.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Hecco Deluxe
Central hotel at the western end of Ferhadija street, steps from the Eternal Flame and a five-minute walk to Baščaršija.
Check rates on Booking.comBooking tips
Get the best deals and avoid common mistakes.
Book the Sarajevo Film Festival week (mid-August) and the July-August diaspora season two to three months ahead; Old Town rooms sell out first
Stay in Baščaršija or on Ferhadija to walk to most sights; the Old Town is mostly pedestrian, so ask the hotel for the nearest taxi drop-off point and carry luggage over cobbles
Old Town rooms facing Bravadžiluk, Sarači and the main squares can be noisy at night; request a courtyard or upper-floor room
Hotels must register foreign guests with the police within 72 hours of arrival; keep the registration slip given at check-in, since private rooms and apartments are also required to register guests
Winter heating pollution is heavy from December to February; check that the room has air filtration or good ventilation if sensitive to smog, and note that ski-season rooms on Jahorina and Bjelašnica fill on weekends
Many small hotels accept cash in convertible marks (KM) and cards, but confirm the payment method and any city tourist tax at check-in
Airport transfers cost about 20-30 KM (~$11-17) by taxi; ask for the fare before entering the car or arrange pick-up with the hotel
Alternative accommodations
Beyond traditional hotels, consider these options.
Guesthouses
Family-run guesthouses offer authentic local experiences and often include home-cooked meals. Great for cultural immersion.
Serviced apartments
Ideal for longer stays or families. Kitchen facilities help save money and provide flexibility.
Hostels
Budget-friendly option for solo travelers. Dorms and private rooms available with social common areas.