Sarajevo
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Backpacking Sarajevo
Information on Sarajevo, sights to see, nightlife, activities and more.
Bosnia and Herzegovina – or more commonly known as simply ‘Bosnia’ – is filled with a fascinating mix of cultures that separates it from other Eastern European countries. Sarajevo, Bosnia’s capital, combines a 15th-century Ottoman center with elegant Austro-Hungarian facades lining the Miljacka River. A modern city center, along with drab socialist-era apartment blocks contrasts against the historical core and craggy mountains that encapsulate the city. Traditional food, such as cevapi (a Bosnian kebab), is cheap and plentiful while the Sarajevo accommodation is both affordable and comfortable. Fans of history will love the capital. World War I started here because of Franz Ferdinand’s assassination near Latin Bridge. The horrors we’re familiar with from the Bosnian War, and more specifically, the 44-month Siege of Sarajevo also took place here. Now the country is safe, friendly and extremely cheap to travel around, all of which begins to explain why more and more travelers are choosing to visit. The Balkan state’s artistic and historic cultures, its national parks and ancient cities and its breathtaking beauty are just some of the reasons why it is slowly but surely gaining international renown as an excellent holiday destination. I guarantee that anyone visiting the former Yugoslav nations and makes their way to Bosnia will find that its history, architecture, landscapes and personalities to be one of the most intriguing. The best time to visit is in the Summer due to having great weather and less tourists than other European capitals.
Must See
Visit The Baščaršija - Dating back to the 1400’s, Sarajevo has has one of the best preserved Ottoman Bazaars and it is perfect for finding unique gifts. The items in the Old Bazaar are colorful and unique, but the best preserved block for shopping is the Copper Smith street where artisans make copper goods by old fashioned methods. There they create works of art, cups, plates and anything else that you could think of which you can purchase and easily take home.
The Latin Bridge - is a historical landmark in world history. This is the bridge that the Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his pregnant wife Sophie were driving by when they were assassinated. Even though other political issues were stirring at the time, it’s widely said that this was the moment in history that sparked World War I.
Must Do
Hike To The Bijela Tabija - A hike to the Bijela Tabija otherwise known as the White Fortress takes about an hour from the Old Town. The fortress was built in 1550 and provides incredible views of the entire city of Sarajevo as well as the mountains the city is surrounded by. It is a great spot to chill out and have a beer.
Visit Galerija 11/07/1995 - To get a better understanding about the civil war in Bosnia you can visit some interesting museums in Sarajevo. Even if you are not a museum person they are among the top things to do in Sarajevo and we recommend you visit at least one of them.
Nightlife
Sarajevo is known to have not only some of the best nightlife in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also for the entire Balkans. There is an array of trendy bars and pulsating nightclubs. Sarajevo’s nightclubs differ from what you may be familiar with back at home. Expect lots of cigarette smoke in a small enclosed area. The level of service varies too, and you could find yourself getting the true Yugoslavian experience with stern waiters who seem always to ignore you. If you can deal with these, you’ll enjoy a night out in Sarajevo.
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