Sarajevo 6 Day Itinerary
6-Day Sarajevo Itinerary:
This itinerary focuses on the historical and cultural aspects of Sarajevo, with a balance between relaxation and exploration.
Day 1:
- Morning: Arrive in Sarajevo (Sarajevo International Airport - SJJ). Settle into your accommodation.
Things to do:
- Explore Baščaršija: This historic Ottoman bazaar is the heart of Sarajevo. Wander through its cobblestone streets and visit the vibrant shops, mosques, and traditional restaurants.
- Visit the Latin Bridge: Learn about Gavrilo Princip’s assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, a pivotal event that triggered World War I.
- Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll through Baščaršija.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at “Dveri” restaurant, known for its authentic Bosnian cuisine and lively atmosphere in the heart of the old town.
Where to eat:
- Traditional:
- Dveri: Delicious traditional dishes, including cevapi (grilled minced meat) and burek (savoury pastry).
- “Baščaršija” Restaurants: The bazaar is filled with charming restaurants serving up Bosnian classics like cevapi, burek, and grilled meats. Try " Burekdžijnica Sarajevo" for a wide variety of bureks or “Hadžibegovića” for their traditional “burek sa sirom” (burek with cheese) and local coffee.
- Modern:
- “Centar” for dinner: Enjoy the modern ambiance and contemporary European cuisine.
Where to stay:
- Centar: For first-time visitors, staying in the heart of Sarajevo (“Centar”) offers easy access to historical sites, museums, and the vibrant nightlife.
Getting around:
- Sarajevo is a very walkable city, especially the “Old Town” area.
- Consider using the efficient tram system for longer distances.
- Taxis are readily available but make sure to negotiate the price beforehand.
Tips for your trip:
- Learn a few basic Bosnian phrases: A little effort goes a long way in making locals feel appreciated. “Hvala” (thank you) and “Dobar dan” (good day) will be your best friends!
- Embrace the coffee culture: Enjoy a traditional Bosnian coffee experience at one of the many cafes in Baščaršija.
- Respect local customs: When visiting mosques, dress modestly.
- Try the local food: Sarajevo has a rich culinary tradition. Don’t miss out on cevapi (grilled minced meat), burek (savoury pastry), and burek variations like “burek sa sirom” (cheese).
Things to see:
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History:
- Sarajevo War Tunnel Museum: Witness the ingenuity and resilience of the people who built and used this underground passage during the Siege of Sarajevo.
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Culture:
- Baščaršija: Explore the historic heart of the city, with its vibrant shops and traditional restaurants.
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Modern influences:
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“Sarajevo Museum of Contemporary Art”: Discover a range of modern and contemporary art from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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Cevapi Restaurants: Experience the cultural diversity of Sarajevo by trying different styles of cevapi (grilled sausages) and other Balkan dishes.
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Bascarsija:
- Bascarsija: Wander through this maze of cobblestone streets, filled with traditional Bosnian architecture, shops, and restaurants.
- The Latin Bridge: Learn about the historical event that took place here: the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914.
Things to do:
- Visit the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque: A beautiful mosque in the heart of Baščaržija.
- Explore Sarajevo’s Old Town: Wander through the narrow streets and discover hidden gems like traditional workshops, museums, and historical sites.
- Take a day trip to Mostar: Discover the stunning Stari Mostar Bridge (famous for its Ottoman-era architecture) and wander across the iconic bridge.
Day 2 - Exploring Sarajevo’s History:
- Morning: Start your day with a visit to the War Childhood Museum. This museum offers a powerful insight into the lives of children impacted by the Bosnian War, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
- Afternoon: Wander through the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum, walking through an actual tunnel used during the Siege of Sarajevo.
Things to do:
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Explore the city on foot: Wander through the charming streets and discover hidden treasures.
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Visit the War Memorials:
- The Sarajevo War Cemetery: A poignant reminder of the lives lost in the 1992-1995 war.
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The War Childhood Museum is a powerful museum showcasing the impact of the war on children.
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Explore the city: Visit the historic Sarajevo Brewery, enjoy the traditional architecture and atmosphere of the Old Town.
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Learn about the history of the Sarajevo Tunnel: Built by Bosnian engineers and soldiers during the Siege of Sarajevo, it served as a lifeline for the besieged city.
Day 3 - A Taste of Local Culture:
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Explore the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque: Experience the serenity and beauty of this historic mosque’s architecture and atmosphere.
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Sarajevo War Memorial: Learn about the history of the Bosnian War (1992-1995) from a local perspective.
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Visit the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum: This museum offers a unique opportunity to learn about the city’s experience during the Siege of Sarajevo, and the crucial role this underground passage played for the besieged population
Things to do:
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Explore the city: Discover the bustling Baščaršija, the historical heart of Sarajevo.
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Enjoy a traditional Bosnian coffee: Experience the “bosnian” ritual of preparing and drinking it in a cafe setting.
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Try a “burek”: A delicious pastry dish filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables
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Visit other historical sites such as the War Memorial Museum, the Latin Bridge (where Gavrilo Princip assassinated Franz Ferdinand)
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Experience the Sarajevo Tunnel: Explore the iconic tunnel that served as a lifeline for the city during the Siege.
Day 4 - Exploring the Mountains:
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Take a cable car up Trebević Mountain: Enjoy breathtaking views of Sarajevo and learn about the history of this historic mountain in the context of the Olympics and the subsequent siege.
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Hike to the summit of Trebević and enjoy the stunning views of the city, the valley, and the surrounding mountains.
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Visit the Olympic Mountains:
Things to do:
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Enjoy panoramic views of Sarajevo from the Olympic Mountains.
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Learn about the history of the Olympic Mountains, reflecting on their significance during the war.
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Explore the Trebević Mountain: Discover the unique beauty and historical landmarks of the region.
Things to see:
- The ruins of the Sarajevo Olympic Bobsled Track: A reminder of the 1984 Winter Olympics, which were held in Sarajevo.
- Take a break from the outdoors: Enjoy a traditional Bosnian coffee and “burek” at the top
Other things to do:
- Visit the Sarajevo Museum of Contemporary Art for a deeper dive into the local art scene.
- Explore the city’s vibrant nightlife, with cafes and bars offering live music, dancing, and a variety of entertainment options.
- Enjoy a delicious meal at a restaurant in Baščaršija.
Enjoy the natural beauty:
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Take a day trip to the Olympic Mountains, where you can explore the breathtaking scenery and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
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Visit the “Sarajevo Brewery” - a historical landmark:
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Enjoy a traditional Bosnian meal and learn about the history of brewing in Sarajevo.
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Learn about the city’s art scene, which reflects its rich cultural history.
Historical Context:
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Explore the historical significance of the Trebević Mountain
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Discover the impact of the Bosnian War on the city (1992-1995)
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Learn about Sarajevo’s role in the 1984 Winter Olympics.
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Enjoy a traditional “burek” experience:
Day 5 - Exploring the City:
- Explore the historical Old Town and learn about its rich cultural heritage.
- Visit the Gazi Husrev-beg Library, a treasure trove of ancient manuscripts and books.
Things to do:
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Take a day trip: Enjoy the scenic views, explore the ruins of the war-torn National Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and enjoy a traditional “cevapi” meal at a restaurant in the city.
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Explore Sarajevo’s historical past: Visit the Sarajevo War Memorial, which commemorates the victims of the Siege
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Learn about the rich history:** Visit the Sarajevo War Childhood Museum to see exhibits and learn about the impact of the war on the lives of children.
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Enjoy a traditional Bosnian meal: Experience the local food and culture:
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Visit the war museums: The National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Tunnel Museum, and the Sarajevo War Cemetery.
Things to do:
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Enjoy a traditional “cevapi”
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Explore the history of the Bosnian War through its historical sites.
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Learn about Sarajevo’s rich culture and history: Try a delicious meal, like " Burek" (a savory pastry), at a local restaurant and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Things to see:
- War Childhood Museum: Reflect on the impact of the war on the city.
- Explore the Old Town: Experience the charm and history of the Sarajevo War Memorial.
- “Ceasefire Line”: A popular attraction, this site offers a unique perspective: the history of the “Sarajevo War Cemetery”, where you can see the impact of the conflict on the city’s architecture.
Day 6:
- Explore the city: Enjoy the diverse range of art and history in the city.
- Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere: The Sarajevo Brewery, a historic landmark, is a great place to enjoy a traditional Bosnian experience.
- Reflect on the “Sarajevo War Cemetery” and its impact on the city.
This itinerary provides a basic framework for your trip.
You can customize it based on your interests and time constraints.
- Enjoy the scenic views of Sarajevo’s mountains, a reminder of the beautiful surroundings.
- Discover the rich history**: Visit the “Ceasefire Line” to see the aftermath of the “Bosnian War” in the city.
Enjoy the historical context:
Beyond the museums:
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This is just a starting point - you can explore other historical sites like:
- The Old Bridge (Stari Most), which was destroyed during the war and rebuilt afterward
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Consider visiting a traditional “burek” restaurant in the Old Town.
**Enjoy the “Ceasefire Line: This is a reminder of the war’s impact on the city.
- The Sarajevo War Cemetery: A place to pay respects to the victims of the “Bosnian War” and the city’s complex history.
Day 6:
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Enjoy a final delicious meal at a local restaurant, while soaking in the sights and sounds of the historical “Sarajevo”
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Visit the Sarajevo War Tunnel Museum: Learn about the history of the tunnel that was built to connect Sarajevo with the outside world during the Siege of Sarajevo.
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Enjoy traditional Bosnian cuisine
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Experience the vibrant nightlife, such as the bars in the “Baščaršija”, a historic area of Sarajevo.
Remember:
- Be respectful of the city’s history: The “Ceasefire Line” and its historical context are important to understand the past and present of Sarajevo.
Try a “burek”: This is a traditional Bosnian dish:
Other things to do:
- Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Enjoy the diversity: Explore the diverse culture of the region,
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Visit the vibrant markets of the Baščaršija and sample local delicacies like Burek.
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Try “cevapi”, a traditional Bosnian dish
Beyond the “War Cemetery”:
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Discover the history of the Sarajevo War
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Enjoy the beauty of the city.
Enjoy “burek”:
Beyond the “Ceasefire Line”:
- Enjoy the vibrant markets and cafes:
Enjoy the diverse atmosphere:
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Enjoy a delicious “cevapi” in a traditional restaurant like “Sarajevo Brewery”.
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Enjoy a traditional “Burek”.
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Be sure to explore other aspects of Sarajevo’s history, such as the Ottoman-era Old Town with its beautiful mosques and Ottoman architecture.
Enjoy the unique experience of " burek”:
Other things to do:
- Visit the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the country.
- Explore the historical “Museum of Contemporary Art”, showcasing the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Enjoy the unique experience of “burek”:
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Explore the variety of restaurants: Enjoy a delicious “Burek” in Sarajevo’s historical district.
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Visit the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina: This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the region, including the impact of war.
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Enjoy traditional Bosnian cuisine:
Traditional cafes and markets:
Enjoy the variety of local food options:
- Try “Burek” with a side of “kajmak” (a creamy dairy spread) and “ajvar” (roasted red pepper spread) for a
truly
traditional experience.
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Enjoy delicious traditional Bosnian dishes in a local cafe.
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Enjoy traditional food:
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Explore the " Cevapi Corner", a popular spot in Sarajevo’s old town.
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Visit the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Day 4: A Taste of the Old Town
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Enjoy a delicious meal at “Burek”
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Explore the history: Explore the historical “Old Town” and learn about the stories of the people who lived through it.
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Experience a variety of traditional " burek" dishes
Things to visit:
The Sarajevo War Cemetery: A somber reminder of the human cost of war.
- The National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Explore artifacts and stories from the city’s past, including its wartime experiences.
Enjoy a delicious “cevapi” and learn about the historical “Sarajevo Brewery”, enjoy a variety of traditional Bosnian dishes at a local restaurant.
Day 6: A Day for Reflection
- Enjoy the rich history and culture of the “Sarajevo War Cemetery”
Explore:
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The National Museum: Explore the stories of the past, from ancient artifacts to photographs
Day 4:
- Visit a “Burek”
Other things to do:
- Enjoy the variety of traditional dishes in Sarajevo.
Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city’s markets:
- Explore the Old Town: This is a great place to explore the city’s history and culture, and enjoy the variety of local cafes and shops.
Things to see:
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Traditional “Burek” shops: Enjoy the sight of locals enjoying traditional " burek", a dish of pastry filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
Enjoy the diversity:
The Sarajevo War Cemetery is a place of remembrance and respect for those who lost their lives in the conflict.
- Explore the history:
Remember to visit the “Sarajevo Brewery” and enjoy a traditional “cevapi” with “kajmak”.
Visit a local cafe:
Enjoy the local culture
- Experience the history of the city’s diverse culinary scene by exploring different types of “burek”
- Try “Burek”
Day 4: Exploring Sarajevo Brewery
The National History Museum:
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It’s a place to learn about and remember the past.
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The museum showcases a variety of artifacts from the city’s history, including photos of the siege and its aftermath, providing a window into the hardships and resilience of the people.
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Enjoy the diverse atmosphere
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Enjoy the historical context of the " Old Town":
The Sarajevo Brewery is a popular spot for visitors and locals alike.
Enjoy:
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Explore the history of the Bosnian War Tunnel, a crucial lifeline during the Siege of Sarajevo
Try cevapi:
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Enjoy traditional meals like cevapi at “Sarajevo Brewery”
Enjoy the variety of cevagi,
- “Burek” with meat and cheese: This is a delicious and savory option.
Visit the War Childhood Museum:
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Learn about the history of the museum, its mission and purpose
Explore the stories of Sarajevo’s past by enjoying this unique museum:
- The “Sarajevo” Brewery: Explore the historical legacy of the city through the lens of its industries.
Enjoy the charm of a traditional “cevapi” meal, while learning about the brewery’s history: *
Enjoy the history of the Siege, as well as the Brewery.
Enjoying Sarajevo’s Culinary Scene:
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A final “cevapi” experience at Cevapi restaurants in the city.
The National History Museum:
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Enjoy a delicious meal while enjoying the stories:
Enjoy the history of the city:
Enjoy the Brewery and learn about its traditional origins
- Enjoy a final “cevapi” with a delicious savory flavor.
Enjoy the diverse flavors of “burek” at Sarajevo’s markets:
Be sure to try the following while enjoying the culinary scene:
- Cevapi: These grilled meat sausages are a staple in Sarajevo. Enjoy the variety of flavors and sauces, like ajvar,
available with them. *
Ajvar:
- Enjoy a delicious traditional meal.
Enjoy a final “cevapi” experience at the “Cevapi Corner”.
- Traditional: Try the cevapi made with local spices and herbs.
**Enjoy the Brewery