Things to do in Sarajevo

Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Known for its mixture of different cultures and turbulent history certainly is the attraction for many tourists. The low cost of food, drink and accommodation and an interesting history are the reasons why in recent years the number of tourists in Bosnia and Herzegovina is growing.

What to see in Sarajevo

 Old Part of Town

The old narrow streets, on both sides of the river, above Bascarsija are worth viewing, but if you are not for climb to the barracks and ruins of a medieval town then take a tour with a minibus or car. View on the entire city from this location is spectacular.

Bascarsija

In the heart of Bascarsija, Sebilj, is the famous square where one of the city’s major fountains is and is always surrounded by pigeons. This is a great place to take a short break and first cup of Bosnian coffee.

Kazandziluk

From the square you can enter in the Kazandziluk, known for its trade and production of copper dishes. Here you will find antiquities and handmade copper dishes with oriental decorations and ornaments.

Bascarsija Mosque

Next to Kazandziluk is the Bascarsija mosque. The mosque was built in 1530. With this mosque are spreading mystical sounds across the market-place.

The City Hall

Not far from the Sebilj, at the bank of the Miljacka, is the City Hall which was built during the period of rule Austro-Hungarian in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The building was shelled and priceless centuries of literary and historical treasures are gone up in flames. The City Hall is still under reconstruction.

Old Orthodox Church

Old Orthodox Church, which is often simply called the old church, built in 1539 or 1540. The museum also has a large number of icons, frescoes and other relics that have in the past brought from other Orthodox countries into Sarajevo.

Gazi Husrev-Bey’s Mosque

Gazi Husrev-Bey’s Mosque is the most important Islamic building in the whole of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is probably the finest example of Ottoman Islamic architecture in the whole Balkan Peninsula. The style in which the mosque was built mimics the style of the early Istanbul mosque. The Mosque is open to visitors at certain time periods.

Brusa-bezistan

At the end of the marble pavement in the old town is Brusa-bezistan. Oriental department store, bazaar with the long hall, covered with six domes, it was the centre of the silk trade which was brought from Bursa.

Catholic Cathedral

The harmony of religion has always been the core of a multi-ethnic Sarajevo. Catholic Cathedral of the Sacred Heart was completed in 1889 when Austria gained full control of the city. There is Pope John Paul II held Mass in 1997 during his visit to Sarajevo. The Cathedral is generally open to visitors.

Congregational Orthodox Church

Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Mother is the largest Orthodox Church in Sarajevo. The church is a mix of baroque and Byzantine-Orthodox style and was built in 1872. The church is almost always open to visitors.

Art Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Across the Orthodox Church is the Art Gallery of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where are exposed the works of famous B&H artists.

Museum of Despic House

Along the river Miljacka there is a museum Despic house, the house is from the Ottoman period that belonged to Serbian traders and which has been preserved in its original form.

Latin Bridge or Princip Bridge

Across Despic house is a Latin Bridge, often called Princip Bridge,  since there was Gavrilo Princip, on June 28, 1914 shooted Prince Ferdinand and his wife. This event caused the beginning of the First World War.

Emperor’s Mosque (Careva dzamija)

Emperor’s Mosque (Careva dzamija) was built in 1566 on the orders of Suleiman the Magnificent, with the mosque was built famous Saraj by which Sarajevo was named.

The Franciscan Church and Monastery of St Anthony of Padua

The Church of St Anthony was built in 1882, it was the only Catholic Church in Sarajevo and the Archbishop of Sarajevo was served the Mass until the completion of the Cathedral.  The Little Gallery of St. Anthony, located in the basement of the monastery, regularly hosts various cultural events.

The Ashkenazi Synagogue

The Ashkenazi Synagogue was built in 1902 for Sarajevo’s Jews, who began to arrive in greater numbers once when B&H was occupied by the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The Academy of Fine Arts

The Academy of Fine Arts, which was originally built to serve as an Evangelical Church, is considered one of Sarajevo’s loveliest buildings.

Stecci

Stecci (sing. stecak) are stone tombstones that pre-date the Ottoman period, some of which are so richly decorated that they represent true masterpieces of medieval art.

The most famous stecak found in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Zgoscanski Stecak, which was discovered near Kakanj. It is now on display in the garden of the National Museum of B&H in Sarajevo.

This 14-ton stecak bears has no inscriptions but because of its extraordinary motifs, researchers believe that it must be the gravestone of a nobleman, perhaps the Bosnian Ban, Stjepan II Kotromanic.

The White Fortress

The White Fortress, which is situated atop a hill that offers a fantastic view of Sarajevo and its surroundings, is one of the five fortifications that were built as part of the defensive wall around the old town of Vratnik.

The White Fortress is a National Monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina and, given the incredible view, it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Sarajevo.

Vrelo Bosne

Ideal for walking and enjoying nature, and certainly do not forget to drink fresh, cold water from the source.

Sarajevo War Tunnel

If you want to learn more about Sarajevo during wartime tunnel you have to visit. Take a tour with a local guide to help clarify and explain everything you see.

Sarajevo Brewery

Be sure to visit and learn about the history of beer in Sarajevo. Special recommendation is for the Sarajevo dark beer.

What to do in Sarajevo

Hiking

Hiking is one of the best ways to learn and explore nature. Sarajevo is surrounded with many beautiful mountains make the most of that.

The Winter Joy in Sarajevo

The most famous ski resorts of Bosnia and Herzegovina are situated near Sarajevo Jahorina, Bjelasnica and Igman.

The trails have no a significant length but their position and the nature that surrounds them, affordable prices and friendly hosts, are more than sufficient reason why the ski resorts in Bosnia increasing in popularity from year to year.

Besides skiing the hosts offer additional activities such as snowboarding, snowmobiling and snow scooter, night skiing, sledding, cross country skiing, ride with a dog team, etc.

Bath & Aquapark

Thermal Riviera Ilidza

This complex has indoor and outdoor thermal pools, plus many other activities, offers fun and recreation for the entire family.

Olympic Pool Sarajevo

This enclosed 50m Olympic-size swimming pool is the ideal recreational facility for children and adults alike.

Go to Orlovaca Cave

Orlovaca Cave is best known for its incredibly rich array of decorative cave formations.

It is easy to reach the cave it is only 18 kilometres from the centre of Sarajevo. It is located on Orlovaca Hill, near the village of Sumbulovac and about a kilometre from the road that runs between Sarajevo and Zvornik.

Do not leave Sarajevo without tasting the famous “cevapi”

Sarajevo’s “cevapi” are really special and that’s knows anyone who has eaten them in Bascarsija. It is often said that those who leave Sarajevo throughout the year wish just this simple dish. So, if in the world there are various specialties with interesting or strange names, authentic and often the biggest characteristic of that place or country, then for this region “cevapi” are certainly that dish.  Once again, don’t leave Sarajevo without tasting the famous “cevapi”.