Top things to do in Sarajevo
Sarajevo’s compact centre makes it easy to explore centuries of history on foot, with mountains just above the city.
- Baščaršija — The Ottoman-era old bazaar, with copper workshops, cafés, the Sebilj fountain and the aroma of ćevapi.
- Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque — A 16th-century mosque, one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture in the Balkans.
- Latin Bridge — The historic bridge near the spot where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914.
- Sarajevo Cathedral and Ferhadija — Stroll the pedestrian street linking the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian quarters.
- Sarajevo Tunnel Museum — Also called the Tunnel of Hope, a museum near the airport recounting life during the 1990s siege.
- Yellow Fortress — A hillside viewpoint popular at sunset for panoramic views over the city.
- Trebević cable car — Ride up the mountain to forest trails and the remains of the 1984 Winter Olympics bobsleigh track.
Best time to visit Sarajevo
Sarajevo has a continental climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. May to September is the most popular time to visit, with long days for exploring the old town, café terraces and mountain walks; spring and early autumn are especially pleasant and less busy than midsummer. The Sarajevo Film Festival, held every August, is one of the region’s leading cultural events.
Winter, from December to February, is cold, and the valley can experience fog and air pollution. However, it is also ski season at nearby Jahorina and Bjelašnica, the mountains that hosted events at the 1984 Winter Olympics.
Getting from the airport
Sarajevo International Airport lies in Butmir, around 12 km south-west of the old town. The drive to the centre typically takes 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Taxis wait outside the terminal, and an airport shuttle bus connects with the city centre. Ride-hailing options are more limited than in some European cities, so taxis and hotel transfers are the most common choices. The tram network, which runs through the city to Baščaršija, can be reached from the nearby district of Ilidža.
Where to stay
Most visitors stay in or near the old town, within walking distance of the main sights.
- Baščaršija and the Old Town — Atmospheric guesthouses and small hotels steps from bazaars and mosques, ideal for first-timers.
- Marijin Dvor — A modern business district with larger hotels and shopping centres.
- Bistrik and Vratnik — Hillside neighbourhoods with views, quieter lanes and traditional houses.
- Ilidža — A leafy suburb near the airport, known for Vrelo Bosne park and its spa heritage.
Travel tips
- Money: The convertible mark (KM) is the currency; cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for small cafés, markets and taxis.
- Getting around: The centre is walkable, and trams run along the main valley axis between the old town and the western suburbs.
- Etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting mosques and churches, and remove shoes in mosques.
- Outdoor safety: When hiking in the mountains, stay on marked trails and follow local guidance, as some rural areas are still being cleared of landmines.
- Coffee culture: Take time for traditional Bosnian coffee, served in a copper džezva — it is an important social ritual.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport serves Sarajevo?
Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ), in Butmir, about 12 km south-west of the old town.
How do I get from the airport to the city centre?
Taxis, an airport shuttle bus and hotel transfers connect the airport with the centre, typically in 20–30 minutes.
What currency is used in Sarajevo?
The convertible mark (BAM, often written KM). Cards are widely accepted, but cash is useful for small purchases.
Do I need a visa to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Entry requirements depend on your nationality and change from time to time. Check RwandAir’s travel requirements tool or the official government website before you travel.
When is the best time to visit Sarajevo?
May to September offers warm weather; winter is cold but brings skiing on nearby mountains.
What is Baščaršija?
Baščaršija is Sarajevo’s historic Ottoman-era bazaar and old town, full of craft workshops, cafés, mosques and traditional restaurants.
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