Hotel in Sarajevo, Bosnia And Herzegovina
Hostel Franz Ferdinand
Popular backpacker hostel in Baščaršija with clean dorms and private rooms. Lively common area, helpful staff organizing pub crawls and tours. Kitchen facilities available. Perfect for meeting other travelers while exploring Sarajevo on a budget.
Hostel Franz Ferdinand sits at the heart of Sarajevo's pedestrian zone on Ferhadija street, named for the archduke whose assassination on the nearby Latin Bridge in June 1914 triggered the outbreak of World War I. The hostel's name is a deliberate nod to this history — guests are within a few minutes' walk of the corner where Gavrilo Princip fired the shots that altered the course of the 20th century. Ferhadija itself is one of Sarajevo's most atmospheric streets, running from the Austro-Hungarian architecture of the city's western quarters into the Ottoman lanes and minarets of Baščaršija's old bazaar. The hostel offers a mix of dormitory beds and private rooms across multiple floors of a centrally located building. Dormitories typically sleep four to eight guests and are equipped with secure individual lockers and reading lights; private rooms offer a quieter alternative for couples and solo travelers seeking their own space. Bed linen is included in all rates and shared bathrooms are maintained to a high standard. The communal areas are a central feature of the experience. A lively common room serves as the social hub, with maps, local information boards, and a small guidebook library. A shared kitchen allows guests to prepare their own meals, stretching tight budgets further. Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout. Staff organize regular walking tours of the city covering both the Ottoman Baščaršija quarter and the Austro-Hungarian district, as well as the Tunnel of Hope museum at Dobrinja documenting the 1992–1995 Siege of Sarajevo. Pub crawls connecting Sarajevo's compact bar district are another popular offering. Day trip arrangements to Mostar, the medieval fortress town of Jajce, and Kravice Waterfalls can be organized through the tour desk. Laundry facilities are available on-site. Budget nightly rates, typically ranging from 12 to 45 USD depending on room type and season, make Hostel Franz Ferdinand one of the most accessible accommodation options in central Sarajevo.
Amenities
- Shared kitchen
- Common room
- Free WiFi
- Lockers
- Walking tours
- Laundry facilities
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +387 33 537 590
Location
Ferhadija 20, 71000 Sarajevo
43.8592, 18.4268 — View on map
Highlights
- Located on historic Ferhadija street, steps from the site of Archduke Franz Ferdinand's 1914 assassination
- Organized city walking tours and pub crawls led by knowledgeable local staff
- Mix of dormitory beds and private rooms with shared kitchen and free Wi-Fi throughout
- Day trip bookings to Mostar, Jajce, and Kravice Waterfalls arranged through the tour desk
- Budget-friendly rates in a central location within Sarajevo's pedestrianized old town
Tips
- Book dormitory beds at least a week ahead in July and August when Sarajevo's hostels fill quickly during festival season.
- The hostel's walking tour of the Austro-Hungarian district and Baščaršija is one of the best introductions to Sarajevo's layered history.
- Use the shared kitchen for breakfast; the Markale market a few minutes away sells fresh produce and local cheeses at very low prices.
- Ask staff about the free Sarajevo walking tour departing daily from Baščaršija — it runs on a tips-only basis.
- The Tunnel of Hope museum at Dobrinja documents the Siege of Sarajevo; hostel staff can provide directions or arrange transport.
FAQ
What room types does Hostel Franz Ferdinand offer?
The hostel has mixed and female-only dormitories (typically 4–8 beds) with individual lockers, as well as private rooms for those wanting more privacy.
Is the hostel in a good location for sightseeing?
Yes. The hostel sits on Ferhadija street in central Sarajevo, within 5 minutes' walk of Baščaršija bazaar, the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Latin Bridge, and the main tram lines.
Does the hostel organize tours?
Staff arrange city walking tours covering Sarajevo's Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian heritage, pub crawls, and day trips to destinations including Mostar, Jajce, and Kravice Waterfalls.
Are meals provided at the hostel?
No restaurant operates at the hostel, but a fully equipped shared kitchen is available. Numerous cafés and restaurants are within a 1-minute walk on Ferhadija street.
What is the check-in time at Hostel Franz Ferdinand?
Standard check-in begins at 14:00. Early check-in may be arranged if a bed or room is available; guests arriving before 14:00 can leave luggage securely at reception.
Accessibility
Hostel Franz Ferdinand occupies a multi-floor building without an elevator, making it unsuitable for guests with significant mobility limitations. Ground-floor common areas and the kitchen may be accessible, but dormitories and private rooms on upper floors require stair access. Guests with specific needs should contact the hostel directly before booking.