Best Places to Stay in Sarajevo

Where to Stay in Sarajevo: A Guide for Tourists

Sarajevo offers a range of accommodation options for every budget and taste. From charming guesthouses to luxurious hotels, you’re sure to find a place to call home during your visit.

Here are some popular areas to stay:

  • Baščaršija: The heart of Sarajevo, Baščaršija is the city’s historic marketplace and a great place to experience the old-world charm. Expect narrow cobblestone streets, traditional Ottoman architecture, bustling bazaars, and plenty of restaurants and cafes within walking distance.

    • Pros: Authentic atmosphere, lively surroundings, central location for exploring the historical heart of Sarajevo.
    • Cons: Can be noisy due to its central location.

  • Old Town (Stari Grad): Immerse yourself in history by staying within the walls of this beautiful Ottoman-era district. Enjoy a quieter experience while still being close to key attractions.

    • Pros: Close to historical sites, charming atmosphere, often has a more traditional and affordable feel.

  • The City Center (Grad Sarajevo): The perfect base for exploring all that Sarajevo has to offer. Be in the center of the action with easy access to shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks.

    • Pros: Central location, close to everything!
    • Cons: Can be pricier than other areas.

  • Near the Miljacka River: Enjoy a relaxing stay with scenic views while still being within walking distance of the city’s main attractions.

  • Neighborhoods with a vibrant atmosphere: Consider staying in neighborhoods like Bascarsija or the neighborhood surrounding the Latin Bridge for easy access to cafes, restaurants, and the historical center of Sarajevo.

  • Explore the city on foot: Many hotels and hostels are located within walking distance of the old town and the bridge, making it easy to experience the city without relying on transportation.

Accommodation Types:

  • Hotels: From luxurious 5-star hotels with stunning views of the city like the Hotel Europe and the Sarajevo Marriott to budget-friendly options like Hotel Ibis and Hotel Novotel, Sarajevo caters to all budgets.
  • Hostels: Popular with budget travelers, hostels in Sarajevo offer a social atmosphere and a chance to meet other people. You’ll find plenty of options like Hostel Franz Ferdinand and Hostel Old Bridge, which are both centrally located and well-rated.

Things to consider when choosing your accommodation:

  • Budget: Are you looking for luxury or just a place to rest your head? Sarajevo has hostels starting from around €10 per night and hotels catering to all budgets.

  • Location:

    • Do you want to be right in the heart of the action, close to restaurants and bars?
    • Or are you looking for something quieter with more local charm?
    • Consider staying near the old town for easy access to historical sites.

  • Type of experience:

    • Do you want a cozy apartment with a view of the city’s mountains?
    • Or a luxurious hotel room in a modern setting?
    • There are plenty of options for both!

  • Amenities:

Think about what’s important to you:

* **Budget-friendly options**:

    * Hostels offer shared dorms and bathrooms, which can be a fun and affordable way to meet other travelers.
* **Luxury stays**:

    * Look for boutique hotels in the old town for a unique experience with historical charm.
  • Location:

You’ll likely want to stay within walking distance of:

    * **The Old Town (Baščaršija):** This is a great place to stay if you want to be in the heart of the action.
    * **The Latin Bridge:**  This historic bridge is a must-see for any visitor to Sarajevo.

  • Reviews: Check online reviews for specific recommendations on:

    • Location: Are they located close to the sights and attractions you’re interested in?

    • Price: Do their rates align with your budget expectations?

      • Atmosphere:

Do you prefer a vibrant, social hostel or a luxurious, private hotel?

  • Reviews: Read reviews on Booking.com, TripAdvisor, or Airbnb to see what other travelers have said about the location and ambiance of the accommodation.

Popular options in Sarajevo:

  • Old Town (Baščaršija): Offers a charming, traditional atmosphere with historical buildings and cobblestone streets.
  • Modern Hotels: Many hotels offer contemporary comforts and amenities.

Remember to consider:

  • Price range: Sarajevo has options for every budget, from affordable guesthouses to upscale hotels.
  • Reviews: Look for specific keywords in the reviews that align with your preferences (e.g., “quiet,” “cozy,” “luxury,” “friendly staff”).
  • Location accessibility: Is it easy to get around and find other things to do?

Tips for choosing accommodation:

  • Book in advance: Especially during peak season, booking ahead is crucial to secure the best options and prices.

  • Read reviews carefully: Look for details about cleanliness, noise levels, location, staff friendliness, and breakfast quality.

  • Consider your budget: Sarajevo has a range of accommodation types, from hostels to luxury hotels and apartments.

Choose based on your needs:

  • Are you traveling solo, as a couple, or with a group? Some hostels offer private rooms for those who want more privacy.

  • What are the reviews saying?:

Look for details on room size, amenities, and location when choosing accommodation.

  • Consider the overall vibe of the city: Do you want to be in a bustling tourist area or a quieter spot with locals?

Remember to:

  • Check the cancellation policy: Before booking, make sure you understand the terms and conditions for cancellations.

  • Read the fine print: Pay attention to details about amenities included (breakfast, Wi-Fi, laundry), check-in/out times, and any extra charges in the accommodation description.

  • Look for a good cancellation policy.

Check out:

  • Airbnb: You’ll find unique and affordable apartments here, often with stunning views of Sarajevo.
  • Booking.com: This is a great option for comparing prices and amenities across different hotels and accommodations.

Consider the location:

  • “Sarajevo Hostel” (Hostel name): This is a good way to find hostels that are centrally located.

  • Location:

For a central, historical experience:

Look for a place within the Old Town area itself, as this will put you right in the middle of all the action and allow you to easily explore the city’s main attractions on foot.

  • “Read reviews carefully” (especially for location and noise level)
  • “Consider the atmosphere”:

Do you want a quiet stay with a more local feel? Look for accommodations away from the main tourist areas.

For those looking for a quieter, more authentic experience:

  • Look for a guesthouse in the Baščcaršija area: This will ensure you’re close to the action and the historical center of Sarajevo.
  • Consider what kind of amenities they prioritize: Some hotels offer a contemporary and modern feel, while others are more traditional.

Choosing the right accommodation:

  • Location:

The location of your accommodation is key. The Old Town (Baščaršija) is a great place to stay in the heart of the action. *

  • Hostel Location: Look for hostels that are close to the city center and have reviews mentioning their location and social aspects.
  • “Modern” accommodations:

For those seeking modern amenities, consider looking for hotels with descriptions like “boutique hotel,” “luxury hotel,” or “modern amenities”.

  • Location:

Looking for a more budget-friendly option?

Consider these tips for choosing the right accommodation in Sarajevo:

  • Look for hostels in the neighborhood of Baščaršija: This is a great place to stay if you want a local experience.
  • Read reviews carefully: Focus on reviews that mention “local ambiance,” “quiet location,” or “close to historical sites” depending on your preference.

For the best experience:

  • Look for a place with good reviews and a central location.
  • Consider the amenities they offer: This is where you can check if they have “guest house vibes” based on reviews mentioning cozy atmosphere, communal areas, and social events.

Remember:

It’s always a good idea to book in advance, especially for popular travel times. *

You’ll also want to consider the type of room:

  • “Hostel Vibe”:

Look for shared rooms with a variety of bed options (dorms, private rooms)

  • “Location”:

Are you looking for a vibrant area with lots of restaurants and nightlife?

  • Remember:

Think about the location, “city center” location is ideal.

  • Check for reviews mentioning the specific location and its charm.

This way, you’ll be able to find the perfect place to stay in Sarajevo based on your preferences.