So, you're in Sarajevo. The sun has set or is setting. You want to fill the hours before it's time to rest that weary head on a pillow, but you don't want to have a drink. What can you do?
If you happen to be in Sarajevo during one of its festivals, then the answer should be clear. Don't panic if not: there are many things you can do. There are a couple of cinemas, a handful of theatres, a Yugo style bowling alley, and you can of course go out and smoke shisha (as opposed to drinking) as an alternative method of destroying your body.
Just to note, while the theatre scene can be a bit trickier for foreigners due to the language, subtitles are sometimes available. In terms of cinema, films are generally not dubbed in Bosnia, so you’ll very often get to watch the original in English.
So, take a look at our suggestions below. As always, the list is not exhaustive and there of course many other ways for you to fill your evening.
Destination Sarajevo
The Sebilj fountain in Baščaršija square in Sarajevo
This website was included on our Events & Festivals page too. That's because Destination Sarajevo really is a very good resource (almost certainly the best resource) for seeing what is happening in Sarajevo on a given day (staying true to our promise to signpost to those who know best).
You can browse events by date or you can browse by a range of options such as Theatres & Performances, Art & Exhibitions, Cinemas, and more.
Destination Sarajevo details
An online guide for Sarajevo
Provides up-to-date info on the city and things you can do there
Inside the Kino Meeting Point cinema during the Sarajevo Film Festival
Kino Meeting Point is Sarajevo's alternative cinema, it's answer to the mainstream option (called Cinema City). Kino Meeting Point is a wonderful place to see a film and they have a great programme. Moreover, almost all (all?) of the films they show have English subtitles.
The cinema has one screen with very comfy seats and a popcorn vender just by the entrance. There is also a very relaxed cafe and bar where you can meet before or after the film to get some discussion going - the outside is particularly beautiful, with fairy lights in a large tree over a wooden deck with seating.
Kino Meeting Point details
Independent cinema
One screen, generally showing two films per day
Cinematic programme leans towards more arthouse films
Almost guaranteed to have subtitles in English (but just ask them in any case)
Kuglan Zetra has many things in it, but our focus here is an old and beautiful bowling alley which looks as though it hasn't been redocorated since before Tito's death and the subsequent fall of Yugoslavia.
Word of warning: this is not ten-pin bowling, the type of bowling you are probably most used to; this is candlepin bowling and there are no holes in the ball (which is smaller).
Kuglana Zetra details
Candle pin bowling alley
Very retro style
A little tricky to find
Telephone # in case you get lost: +387 33 212 035 / +387 33 276 210
There are several theatres in Sarajevo. The most famous is the National Theatre which was founded in 1921. You might have seen this as the location used for the Sarajevo Film Festival. It's used for opera, ballet, plays, and more.
The Sarajevo War Theatre (SARTR) was established during the Siege of Sarajevo in 1992. They have regular productions. There is also the Sarajevo Youth Theatre.
If you do plan to go to the theatre and you don't speak Bosnian,then it is perhaps best to telephone to ask about the language (I've seen a play there with subtitles) and then to make reservations.
Theatre details
Check ahead for performance language and if subtitles are available
Sarajevo has heaps of shisha bars. Whichever part of town you are in you will find one. For the vibe, I would recommend you go to one in one of Bascarsija's inner courtyards. This way you can soak up the Ottoman vibes as you puff on the hookah pipe.
I'm gonna go ahead and recommend Caffe Selfie as it is in one such square where there are up to four other shisha bars, so you can take your pick once you get there.
Want to play pool or snooker? You can find a large number of tables at the Mercur SBS tucked away in one of the best designed neighbourhoods of Sarajevo. Check out the Billiards and Snooker Club Mercur Facebook here. If you want a pool hall with more of a lively bar vibe, you should head to Mr & Mrs Cue.
Cinema City
Want to see the latest blockbuster? Cinema City is Sarajevo's largest cinema with multiple screens showing all the big budget films (and some more).
