Sarajevo is a compact and essentially linear city, stretched along the banks of the river, slowly creeping up the hills on either side, laughing at the concept of planning permission. Sarajevo is also packed with cultural and historical sites for you to see. You can walk without too much exertion (save perhaps in the heights of a hot summer) and take in sites from as far back as the Ottoman Empire.
You should start at one end of the city, and meander your way along with the river (which is actually very straight as it runs through the city). You can immerse yourself at street level, up close with history, and then head up higher into the hills to get an almost birds eye view of everything.
As always, this list in non-exhaustive and you should do a little bit of reading around the places that interest you. Where relevant there are links for more information.
Walking Tours
The Tašlihan (the remains of a stone inn from 1540)
There are many different walking tours you can do in Sarajevo. There are some general ones and other more specific ones.
For example there is a Sarajevo graffiti walking tour and there is a siege of Sarajevo walking tour.
Find one you like and book. It is always great to have someone local describe their city to you.
Walking Tour Details
You can just google it, but these are good websites if you are unsure:
Some are free, though you should tip. Others state a price for the tour
Baščaršija
A narrow street in Baščaršija
This is possibly the main attraction of Sarajevo. Baščaršija is the old bazaar, built in the 15th century, and is described as the historical and cultural centre of the city. Baščaršija is an absolute must and is home to a number of sites, cafes, čevapčići and ašćinica restaurants, and handicraft shops, such as on Kazandžiluk Street, that you will want to visit.
The vibe and the architecture in this part of town are enough to warrant a visit. You’ll also get to see the Sebilj Fountain, the Gazi Husrev-beg mosque, Morića Han, the old Orthodox Church, the old clock tower, the old town hall (Vijećnica) and more. Just go there and walk around.
Baščaršija Details
Type: Ottoman neighbourhood / commerical centre
Walk around, feel the past, eat some food, have coffee
Cost: free (except food, coffee, and shopping)
Sites include Sebilj fountain, Gazi Husrev-beg mosque, Kazandžiluk Street, and more
Address: Baščaršija
Ferhadija Walkway & Eternal Flame
The eternal flame
Exiting Baščaršija to the west will land you in Ferhadija street, a pedestrianised part of town with many shops and restaurants.
You’ll also find the Sacred Heart Cathedral and the eternal flame (Vječna Vatra), and ‘the iconic line’ which separates east and west, or rather, Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman influence. You can’t miss the transition in the architecture.
Ferhadija Walkway Details
Type: pedestrianised street / walkway
Famous East meets West line and the eternal flame can be found here
Stroll along the street, admire the architecture, watch the people in the street
Cost: free
Address: Ferhadija
The White Fortress and Yellow Bastion
View from the White Fortress
Now that you’ve been down and in and around the city, it’s time to get up and above it. On the hills to the east of Baščaršija, overlooking the city are the white fortress and the yellow bastion.
Both of these locations provide splendid views over the city. The former is an old fort, situated 667m above sea level, possibly constructed in 1550, and later reconstructed. The view is more impressive than the fortress.
The latter, the yellow bastion, completed in 1739, is not quite as high, but the view is no less impressive. It is also from here that the start of Iftar is marked during Ramadan by the firing of a cannon.
The White Fortress and Yellow Bastion Details
Type: old fortifications which serve as view points
Cost: free
Stroll up to these vantage points and look over the entire city
Address: Poddžebhana 15
Mt. Trebević & More
The cables of the Mt. Trebevic Cable car descending into clouds below
If the white fortress wasn’t high enough for you, you can venture up onto Mt. Trebević using the newly renovated cable car.
The cable car takes you straight from the city into the mountains. It was first built in 1959, but it fell into disrepair before being destroyed in the Bosnian war. It was reopened in 2018.
Once there, you can hike to the peak (1627m), stop at some mountain huts from mountain tea (or at a swanky mountain hotel), enjoy a spectacular view of the city (assuming no fog or smog), and visit the old olympic bobsled track. Be careful as some landmines remain on the mountain, though they should be marked.
Mt. Trebević & More Details
Type: cityside mountain with cable car access and abandonned olympic bobsled track
Price: 20 KM return ticket on the cable car / Children under 7 go free. You can also take a taxi, or simply walk the whole way from the city.
Known as the Latin Bridge, Latinska ćuprija, and Principov most, this Ottoman bridge bore witness to the assasination of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in 1914 - the act that is said to have triggered WW1. The view from the centre of the bridge looking down the river in either direction is also nice.
The Latin Bridge Details
Type: historic bridge which bore witness to the alleged trigger of WW1
Price: free
Open: always
Address: Obala Kulina Bana
Others to think about
Vijećnica / Town Hall
The Sarajevo City Hall, or Gradska vijećnica, was designed in 1891 with a pseudo-Moorish design. It’s worth passing across the river to take a look at this impressive building from afar. There's also a museum inside; not to mention, it is beautiful inside.
Sarajevo Roses
All over the city, on the pavement, you will encounter Sarajevo Roses. The scars left in the streets by shelling during the siege have been filled by red resin and provide a reminder. Read more about Sarajevo roses here
Alifakovac
Alifakovac is a neighbourhood in Sarajevo that is believed to be one of the oldest urban settlements in Sarajevo. It is located on a hill with an impressive cemetery on top. At the foot of the hill are Inat kuća and the Alifakovac bakery, both of which you should visit when you feel like eating.
Kozja ćuprija
If you like old bridges and you like walking, you should also visit kozja cuprija, or the ‘Goat’s Bridge’, built in the 16th century. It’s a 30 minute walk out of Sarajevo to the east, along the beautiful Dariva walkway by the river.
