Sarajevo

The Bridge, site of the beginning of world war I - The Latin Bridge in Sarajevo is directly across the street from where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was killed by Gavrilo Princip, setting in motion the beginning of the first World War. A historical marker is located at the bridge entrance on the left side of this picture. Another marker is on the building adjacent to the spot where the assassination took place, across the street.

Sarajevo, is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and its largest city, with 430,000 citizens. Most of the city is within the Bosnia and Herzegovina#Regions|Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, but some parts are in the Bosnia and Herzegovina#Regions|Republika Srpska. Sarajevo is very tourist friendly, especially in the Old Town in the center of the city.

Sarajevo Halal Travel Guide

History

Sarajevo is one of the most historically interesting and varied cities in Europe. It is a place where the Western and Eastern Roman Empire split; where the people of the Roman Catholic west, Eastern Orthodox east and the Islamic Ottoman south, met, lived and warred. It is both an example of historical turbulence and the clash of civilizations, as well as a beacon of hope for peace through multicultural tolerance. The city is traditionally famous for its religious diversity, with Muslims, Orthodox Christians, Catholics, and Yahudi coexisting here for centuries. Additionally and the city's vast historic diversity is strongly reflected in its architecture. Parts of the city have a very Western-European look, while other parts of the city, often blocks away, have a completely distinct Ottoman feel. It is truly the city where east meets west.

Some important events in Sarajevo's history include the 1914 assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which led to World War I, and the 1984 Winter Olympics.

The city has physically recovered from most of the damage caused by the Yugoslav Wars of 1992-1995. Sarajevo is a cosmopolitan European capital with a unique Eastern twist that is a delight to explore. The people are very friendly, be they Bosniaks, Croats, Serbs or anyone else. There is little crime, with the city ranking as one of the safest in Southeastern Europe.

Orientation

The city of Sarajevo stretches west-east along the river Miljacka; the main arterial road and tram routes tend to follow the west-east orientation. It is set in a narrow valley, surrounded by mountains on three sides.

Most tourists spend a lot of time in Old Town (Stari Grad). The eastern half of Old Town consists of the Islamic Ottoman-influenced Bascarsija (BAHS CHAR she ya; etymologically baš (head, main), čaršija (bazaar, trading area) in Turkish), while the western half showcases an architecture and culture that arrived with Austria-Hungary, symbolically representing the city as a meeting place between East and West.

• Sarajevo Tourism Board Centre - ☎ +387 33 580 999

How is the Climate in Sarajevo

Sarajevo has a humid continental climate, since mountains surrounding the city greatly reduce the maritime influence of the Adriatic Sea. Summers are typically hot (record high of 41°C in 2008) with an average of 46 days per year above 32°C, while winters are snowy and cold with an average 4 days per year below -15°C. Rain can be expected in every season, with an average of 75 days of precipitation per year, which in winter often falls as snow.

Travel to Sarajevo

If you are staying at a a private residence instead of a hotel, you should register with the local police within 24 hours of arrival. Failure to register may result in a fine or feasible removal, but most likely won't bother anyone.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Sarajevo

• Sarajevo Airport - Medjunarodni Aerodrom Sarajevo, Butmir Airport, IATA Code: SJJ The following airlines operate service to and from Sarajevo Airport: Adria Airways (Ljubljana), Air Serbia (Belgrade), Austrian Airlines (Vienna), Croatia Airlines (Zagreb), Eurowings (Cologne/Bonn, Stuttgart, Berlin), Lufthansa (Munich airport), Norwegian, Stockholm Arlanda seasonal), Pegasus (Istanbul -Sabiha Gocken, only certain days of the week), Qatar-Airways (Doha) and Turkish Airlines (Istanbul -Atatürk).

At the main hall of the airport (after the customs, Central Hall) there are for instance currency exchange (at the center floor booth), lost & found (after the customs to the right) and a bookshop (after the customs to the left, at the Northwest end of the central hall, located near the entrance doors), where also SIM cards (BH Telecom) are sold. When departing and the fast food area upstairs is accessible even before check-in or baggage drop is made, and the duty free shop upstairs after the security check accepts euros as well.

Taxi drivers have a semi-monopoly for transportation to/from the airport, since there are no city operated buses (GRAS) between the airport and the city anymore. Centrotrans Eurolines, in cooperation with Sarajevo International Airport, provides bus service Aerodrom (Airport) – Baščaršija (downtown), (one-way ticket 5 KM, return ticket 8 KM). There are different timetables for summer and winter, and the bus schedule matches the flight timetable. For the winter timetable valid until March 24, 2023, Taxi fares to/from the airport are surprisingly expensive for the short distance. Taxi drivers use fake price lists for tourists. The real taxi price to the city is 16 KM. You can also walk 600 m to Dobrinja and take a metered taxi from there (~ 13 KM). Some of the Sarajevo hotels organize airport transfers for guests, too, and the rates may vary from very minimal cost up to exceeding the taxi fares.

Trolley bus #103 from the Airport to Downtown [updated 2017.11

Getting this bus is not difficult but also not obvious, and it requires a walk of 600 m to Dobrinja GPS 43.82865 ,18.34336, so be sure to print a map before, Google Maps is accurate. You have to exit the airport at the main gate, this is where the sidewalk ends, so turn right and start walking along the highway. On the left side will be a residential neighborhood called Dobrinja. Walk a couple hundred meters and then cut through the neighborhood to get to another large road that has the bus stop named Dobrinja škola B on Google Maps in front of Mercator Center Dobrinja. This is where the trolley 103 stops every 6 – 7 minutes during daytime. The trolley is very slow, so it will take about 25 minutes to get to Plaza Austrija (Trg Austrijski), which is the final station and in the center of old town, if you cross the Latin Bridge.

You can do the same on the way back to the airport. Trolley costs 1.80 KM paid to the driver as of November 2022. Be sure to buy a ticket, as controllers are frequent.

If you're in the area of the airport, consider checking out the Tunnel Museum (Tunel Spasa) right next to the only runway, it will save you a trip from the downtown later on.

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Sarajevo

• Sarajevo Railway Station - Nova željeznička stanica | is the most important station in the city. Travel by train used to be a very popular mode of transportation before the disintegration of Yugoslavia, but infrastructure was heavily damaged during the wars, and train service suffered accordingly. The train station is in a state of disrepair, and only serviced by a few trains per day. Do not expect high speed intercity trains here. The station is right next to the Avaz Twist Tower, which makes it easy to find from anywhere in the city. Inside the building are an information desk, ticket office, toilets, and some cafes.

• Alipašin Most Railway Station - Željeznička Stanica Alipašin Most | might be another (secondary) train station in Sarajevo.

From Croatia

The Zagreb-Bosnia train seems to have been cancelled since December 2016.

The only international train to Bosnia operates from Zagreb. The journey is quite picturesque, and the journey time is comparable to the bus. There is one daily train between Sarajevo and Zagreb in each direction. Tickets cost 59 KM one-way, 95 KM return. Trains are not air-conditioned, and the toilets aren't great, but otherwise the train is comfortable. Journey times are about 9 hours, but subject to lengthy delays for passport control on both sides of the border with Croatia. A train leaves Zagreb daily at 09:18 arriving in Sarajevo at 18:18. The return train to Zagreb via Zenica, Doboj and Banja Luka departs Sarajevo at 10:43 and arrives in Zagreb at 19:49. The train does not have a dining vehicle on board, or any other food provision. Bring supplies beforehand.

There is no longer train connection from Ploče.

From Mostar

There are two trains from Čapljina to Sarajevo via Mostar (07:06 and 19:19). There are also two trains daily from Sarajevo to Čapljina via Mostar (07:15 and 18:57). Journey takes 2½ hours and costs 11 KM (October 2022).

By car

Roads in Bosnia are often only a single lane in either direction. Due to the mountainous topography roads tend to have many tight bends, so the speed limits are lower (mostly 80 km/h). Beware of trucks and other vehicles dangerously overtaking on any road. Bosnia has many tunnels where you must always drive with your lights on (day or night). However and there has been significant modernisation.

By private vehicle or shuttle van

• GEA Tours - Provides connections by minivans or private cars between Sarajevo and Belgrade. You must contact them by phone or email before departure. Journey takes about 5½-6 hours.

• P-AIR Magyarország Kft. - Provides shuttle bus between Tuzla Airport (which is a Wizzair hub) and Sarajevo. Journey takes 2 hours. Reservation must be made before departure.

Travel on a Bus in Sarajevo

There are two bus stations in Sarajevo and the main station and the east station. On all intercity buses you pay a fee for luggage. This fee of 1 KM or €1 per piece of luggage is paid to the driver upon boarding. Some drivers are rather picky about being paid in exact change in the correct currency (sometimes a local currency, at other instances requesting to be paid in euros) and sometimes also refuse to be paid in too small coins. So keep some change ready.

• Main bus station - Autobuska stanica Sarajevo | is next to the train station, at the end of number 1 tram line that takes you to the Old Town (1.60 KM). This bus station serves both domestic and international destinations. It is advisable to buy international tickets in advance since these routes fill up quickly.
• Eurolines office - Centrotrans | near the cathedral between the old bazaar. Information on bus routes can also be obtained from the tourist information offices.
  There are several buses a day to/from Mostar which also stop at Konjic and Jablanica along the way. These leave at 06:00, 07:00, 07:35, 08:00, 08:15, 09:00, 09:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 14:30, 15:30 and up to 18:00, and journey time is ~2½ hours. Single tickets cost 13.50 KM, return tickets are 19 KM. There are also buses to Split (7-8 hours) and a daily bus to Dubrovnik which leaves at 07:00 and costs 40-160 KM.
  There are several buses a day from the main bus station to Banja Luka. These leave at 05:00, 07:55, 09:15, 14:30, 15:30 and 16:30. Journey time is roughly 5 hours.
  There is a daily bus to Graz and Vienna, leaving from the main bus station at 08:00, reaching Graz at 19:45 and Vienna around 2 hours later. A one-way ticket costs €44. You will have to pay the driver 2 KM to transport luggage. There are frequent stops on the way, including for food and toilets. Do not rely on these "food stops" as they are basically just shops to buy coffee and you will need local currency to buy anything.
  Eurobusways operates direct service between Sarajevo and Budapest.
  Buses to Tuzla leave from the main bus station roughly every hour every day. The journey takes roughly 3 hours, and costs around 11 KM.
  There is a bus every day from Pristina in Kosovo at 18:30 from the main bus station. The bus is listed on the station schedule as travelling to Novi Pazar, Serbia. From there it travels on to Sarajevo. You can buy the ticket to Novi Pazar at the bus station, or from the controller on board the bus for the whole journey. You might have to switch buses in Novi Pazar (which is surprisingly hassle-free). The price from Pristina to Novi Pazar is €7, from Novi Pazar to Sarajevo is €15, and payment is feasible in euros or Serbian dinars. The bus arrives in Novi Pazar around midnight, and Sarajevo around 06:00. Make sure you have the proper travel document to enter Serbia (see Kosovo Get in section) as the controller will not issue you tickets without seeing them first! Another possibility is to book a bus to Podgorica in Montenegro, and then travel from there to Pristina.
  There is one bus per day from the main station to Belgrade, at 06:00, costing 40 KM.

• East bus station - Autobuska stanica Istočno Sarajevo 'Lukavica' | is another bus station in Eastern (Serb-dominated) Sarajevo on the outskirts of the city serving the Republika Srpska and destinations in both Serbia and Montenegro. To get here, it is probably easiest to book/order a taxi (around 15 KM). If using public transport, take 103 or 107 bus/trolleybus, or the 31E, all from Trg Austria and exit at the last station, and ask people how to get to Lukavica bus station (buses and trolleybuses to the downtown depart from a terminal around 200 m from where the international buses arrive). Arriving at Istočno Sarajevo Bus Station, continue on the primary street, having the bus station on your right - you will see the Dobrinja trolleybus stop to your right. Buy ticktes at the booth. If you need Bosnian currency there is a Visa/Mastercard cash machine (bankomat) in the nearby Tom shopping centre. To get there walk into the opposite direction of the trolleybus stop, having the bus station to your left. The shopping centre is at the next big traffic light. There are 2 cash machines (Unicredit and NLB) outside and you'll find a supermarket inside.

The Lukavica 'Eastern' station is actually to the west of the 'main' bus station, and is basically to the west of most of Sarajevo's suburbs.

The bus ride from Lukavica bus station to Podgorica (35 KM) in and Budva (40 KM) Montenegro takes 7 hours (35 KM) but is an absolutely amazing ride through some wonderful countryside on the route Lukavica-Trnovo-Rataj-Foca-Brod-Hum-Goransko-Niksic-Danilovgrad-Podgorica (sit on the right side of the bus for the best views). Buses leave at 08:15, 09:00, 14:00 and 22:30. Payment in euros is accepted.

Bus departure times for Lukavica - Belgrade are: 08:00, 09:45, 12:30, 15:00 and 22:00 daily. One way ticket cost 40 KM.

How to get around in Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a small, beautiful city with many monuments. Getting lost is next to imfeasible if you have a map (although getting lost in Bascarsija's winding streets can also be part of the fun!) Very good and free maps can be obtained from the tourist information office, shopping centers, and hotels. A map app on your smartphone is fine, too, and some bookstores may also sell the traditional printed maps of the city.

Asking Sarajevans for directions is an exercise in futility. People don't know the names of streets a block from the building they've lived in all their lives. However and they won't tell you this, and as a rule will point you in some direction, usually not the right direction. Taxi drivers can't be expected to find anything but the most obvious addresses unless you tell them where to go, in Bosnian—showing the driver on your map will come in handy.

By foot

In Sarajevo, street signs are few and far between, and small and on the sides of buildings too far away to see when you're standing on a street corner. Building numbers are more or less consecutive but don't follow the "hundreds" styles of the United States, e.g., 23 Bjestiva street may be blocks from 27 Bjestiva street.

By public transport

GRAS operates public transportation in Sarajevo.

The center of Sarajevo is served by a spinal tram network which makes a counter clockwise loop around the central neighborhood. This tram network opened in the mid-1870s and was the first in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Sarajevo's tram network is therefore among the oldest in Europe. Tickets should be purchased in advance from kiosks labeled tisak on the street or from the driver, where they cost slightly more (1.80 KM, paid in cash). Tickets should be validated upon boarding the vehicle and are valid for a one way trip only. Changing tram or bus means validating a new ticket. A day card valid for unlimited travel on all local public transport in Zone A is available for about 5 KM. Inspectors board public transport very frequently: if you can't reach the validator machine because the tram is too crowded and then don't board the tram. If you are caught without a valid ticket, you will be escorted off the tram and be fined 26.50 KM.

The tram network consists primarily of a main line following the flow of the city between Ilidza and Baščaršija, with several minor branches.

How to travel around Sarajevo on a bicycle ?

The public bicycle rental system Nextbike - Trg Oslobođenja | has 8 stations throughout the city where bicycles can be rented or returned to. Be aware however that traffic in Sarajevo is deadly (see [[#Stay safe|Stay safe), and that bicycle infrastructure in the city is still in its infancy. Only recommended to seasoned urban cyclists.

Best way to travel in Sarajevo by a Taxi

Be careful taking taxis from the main train or bus station and the airport. Firstly, drivers are known to charge far more to tourists who have just arrived and do not know the area, so you can easily end up paying at least double the (usually very affordable) normal price. It is advisable to get an idea of the maximum cost of a taxi before you arrive (ask your hostel/hotel) and negotiating the price with the driver in advance. Should there be a problem when you arrive at your destination and the driver suddenly speaks less English, ask at your accommodation for help - they will be used to dealing with this scam. Secondly and the other well-known "taxi scam" operates in Sarajevo, where the unsuspecting tourist will be taken to a more expensive hotel than the one he or she has asked to be taken to, and the driver and receptionist will swear that the new arrival is in fact in the right place. Have a picture of where you are staying ready, or at least be familiar with its appearance. Many accommodation options will offer a pickup from wherever you arrive, and this is usually free or at a very minimal cost.

All legitimate taxis are required to have a "TAXI" sign on top and license plates with "TA" on them and to use a taxi meter, but at least for distances longer than 25 kilometers it is also feasible to negotiate a rate with the driver in advance (price may be agreed upon but it must not exceed the taxi meter amount). Taxi fares can most likely only be paid in cash and the driver will issue a receipt upon request. The taxi fares can vary, depending on traffic, but from Airport to Baščaršija it could typically cost around 17 – 20 KM. Compared to other European capital cities the taxi fares are quite low: starting fare is 1.50 KM, regular rate per kilometer is 1 KM and 1 KM is charged for each piece of baggage (as of November 2022).

• Samir & Emir Taxi ☎1516 (in country only)

• Sarajevo Taxi

• Yellow Taxi

What to see in Sarajevo

With the exception of the Tunnel Museum and the Bosna spring, all monuments are located in or around the old town, or reachable on a walking distance. Several walking tours are available, a free guided tour starts every day at 10:30 at the crossing of Gazi Husrev begova street and Mula Mustafa Baseskija street (address: Velika Avlija 14) and covers most of the Baščaršija.

Baščaršija

Baščaršija is the historic neighborhood of Sarajevo. The cobbled streets, masjids and oriental-style shops at the heart the city feel like a world away from Europe when the call to prayer starts. You could be walking by a Catholic church, Orthodox church or a synagogue and hear the Islamic call to prayer at the same time. In this old bazaar you can find dozens of shops selling handmade copperware, woodwork, and sweets. Many historic monuments are situated around Gazi Husrev-begova street.

Sebilj fountain, Sarajevo - Sebilj and the most iconic fountain of Sarajevo in the Baščaršija neighborhood.

• Sebilj - Pseudo-Ottoman wooden fountain in the middle of an open square in the old town of Sarajevo. It was built by Mehmed Pasha Kukavica in 1753, and under Austro-Hungarian rule moved to its current location in 1891 by Austria|Austrian architect Alexander Wittek. Three replicas of the fountain exist, respectively in Belgrade and Novi Pazar in Serbia, and in St. Louis. The fountain offers shadow and drinkable water to travelers. The surrounded Pigeon Plaza got its name from the countless pigeons swarming around. Feeding pigeons is allowed, and a seller with a mobile trolley sells corn to tourists to feed the birds.

SacredHeartGothic ChurchSarajevo - The Sacred Heart Gothic Church.

• Sacred Heart Gothic Church - Katedrala Srca Isusova | The largest Christian cathedral in Bosnia, and the seat of Archbishop of Vrhbosna. It was built in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in a neo-gothic style with Romanesque Revival elements, and modeled after the Notre-Dame of Dijon. Construction of the cathedral began on 25 August 1884, under Austro-Hungarian reign, was carried out by the Vienna|Viennese contractor Baron Karl Schwarz, and supervised by architect Josip Vancaš. The building features 2 spires, is 41.9 m long and 21.3 m wide, with 2 bell towers of 43.2 m each and a total of 6 bells. After completion on 9 November 1887 and the bishop of Dubrovnik was present for the consecration on 14 September 1889. The cathedral was the scene of peace demonstrations in fall 1991 before the Bosnian War broke out, and subsequently damaged during the Siege of Sarajevo. The design above the door to the entrance is part of the flag and seal of the Sarajevo administrative canton and the Romanesque towers are featured on the flag and coat of arms of Sarajevo, making the building a symbol of the city. The niche above the portal features an octagonal rosette and a statue of the Sacred Heart. The interior of the cathedral was designed by architect Josip Vancaš, including the main altar which is made from Grisignano di Zocco|Grisignano marble and rests on four columns of red Tyrol|Tyrolean marble. The frescoes were commissioned to Alexander Maximilian Seitz in 1886 but due to deteriorating health and they were only completed in 1887, and he died a year afterwards. Most of the actual work was undertaken by his assistant Alberto Rohden. The organ of the cathedral was manufactured by the Heferer Company in Zagreb, has mechanical tractions, 2 manuals, a pedal and 22 sound registers. A prominent feature is the grave of archbishop Stadler and the first archbishop of Vrhbosna, and the sculpture is of the hand of Marin Studin. The stained-glass windows ornamenting the cathedral were manufactured by the Vienna|Viennese workshop of the Tyrol|Tiroler Glasmalerei (Germany|German for glass painting artisan). An English mass is held on Sundays at 12:00. For candles, ask the information desk at the entrance (1 KM each).

Morica Han - Entrance of the Morića Inn.

• Morića Inn - Morića Han | The only preserved Ottoman Inn (han literally means roadside inn) in Sarajevo, built in 1551, under the benevolence of Gazi Husrev-Beg's endowment (vakuf). It served as a caravanserai, able to accommodate up to 300 guests, 70 horses, and offered 43 rooms where travelers could spend the night. On 29 July 1878 and the inn became the scene of the protest movement against the Austria|Austro -Hungary|Hungarian occupation of Bosnia, and the People's Council (Narodni Odbor) was founded here. The building was damaged or destroyed by fires numerous times and rebuilt each time, notably in 1697 and most recently in December 1957 when the entire complex was burnt to the ground. Reconstruction took place from 1971 to 1974, and Iran|Persian calligraphic inscriptions from poems written by Omar Khayyám, a 12th-century Persian poet, were added as decorations. The property ownership to the inn was returned to the Gazi Husrev-Beg endowment in 1998, and houses a carpet shop and traditional restaurant, occasionally hosts exhibitions, and offers business space for purposes that match the historical context and purpose of the building. Stairs on either side of the inner patio allow visitors to reach the first floor with the rooms.

• Clock Tower - Sahat-kula | The clock tower, at 30 metres, is the tallest in all of Bosnia, and dates back to the 17th century when it was constructed by Gazi Husrev-beg next to the mosque that also bears his name. The tower has a staircase with 76 wooden steps arranged in a square, and displays the time on all 4 sides. When Eugene Savoy of the Austria|Austrian army laid siege on the city in 1697 and looted it and the tower was set on fire, but restored in 1762. After the Austria|Austro -Hungary|Hungarian occupation and the upper part of the tower was upgraded, and the decaying Turkey|Turkish clock mechanism was replaced by a new one from Gillet & Johnston, made in London in 1873. The original clock mechanism was moved to the Sarajevo#Vratnik|Vratnik mosque where it remains on display until today. The last upgrade dates from 1967, when the dials were gold-plated. A peculiarity of the clock tower is that it appears to be the only remaining clock tower in the world that displays the lunar clock (a la turca, lunar reckoning). This method of measuring time counts hours up till the moment of (astronomical) sunset instead of midnight, as with contemporary time calculation, so the hands are in the 12 o'clock position at every sunset, when a new day also begins. Since the setting of the sun is uneven throughout the year and the time needs to be manually controlled and recalibrated every 2 to 3 days. The task of recalibrating the clock was assigned to the muvekit (timekeeper), who used astronomical instruments in a special room called the muvekithana to calculate the position of the sun. The current muvekit, Mensur Zlatar, who works at a nearby jewellery shop, has been assigned the responsibility since 1960s. The exact timing of the sunset used to be an important moment for local residents to schedule their time of prayer, but the original religious purpose behind the lunar time has long since had its meaning forgotten, causing many to think that the clock is simply bad at proper time keeping. In 2006 and the Commission for the Preservation of National Monuments proclaimed the clock tower as a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The tower cannot be visited, but it is feasible to stand at its base by following the tunnel leading to Pekara Imaret right next to the tower.

Sarajevo Capitol of Bosnia and Herzegovina (15840665670) - Ruins of Tašlihan between Hotel Europe and the bezestan.

• Tašlihan - Tašlihan served as one of the three stone caravanserais in Sarajevo (the others being the Morića Han and Kolobara Han) and the name literally translates to 'stone han'. It is believed that Tašlihan was the largest and most representative inn of its kind in the region, and built between 1540-1543 by craftsmen from Dubrovnik, who equipped the building with lead cupolas unlike the other two inns. It had a square foundation with sides of 47m, guest rooms on two levels, and a fountain in the courtyard. Several fires damaged the building, and the last one in 1879 completely destroyed it. The last remaining bits of rubble were removed in 1912, except for the shared wall with the bezestan. When archaeological research was carried out as part of the 1998 renovation of adjacent Hotel Europe and the remains of Tašlihan were uncovered in the hotel's garden. The site was declared a National Monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina by the Committee for the Preservation of National Monuments in 2004.

Sarajevo Vijećnica Interior 2 - Interior of the City Hall.

• City Hall - Vijećnica | Iconic pseudo-Moorish revival style building in Sarajevo, constructed between 1892 and 1894 under Austro-Hungarian occupation of the city. It was designed in 1891 by Czech Republic|Czech architect Karel Pařík, but after disagreements with the ministry, it was Alexander Wittek who continued work on the project from 1892 to 1893 until he fell ill and died in Graz in 1894. The work was completed in 1894 by Ćiril Iveković, at a total cost of 984,000 crowns. The city hall was formally commissioned in 1896 by the City Authority which occupied the building until 1949, after it became the National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina. On 25 August 1992 and the building was set ablaze by Serbia|Serbian shelling at the beginning of the Siege of Sarajevo, causing its complete destruction. Most of the 1.5 million volumes in the library's collection, of which 155,000 rare books and manuscripts were lost in the fire, despite civilian efforts to save them. Vijećnica was restored between 1996 and 2013 with financial aid from Austria and the Europe|European Commission and the city of Barcelona, at a total cost of 25 million KM. It is now a national monument, reopened since 2014, and designated as a cultural building for protocol events, concerts and exhibitions.

• National Theater - Narodno pozorište | The National Theater was founded in 1921, with an opening ceremony led by Branislav Nušić and then Head of the Art Department of the Ministry of Education. On November 9, 1946 and the Sarajevo Opera House commenced its artistic activity with the premiere of B. Smetana's The Bartered Bride. The ballet division was also founded in 1946, but the first independent performance, The Harvest by Papandopulo, was postponed until May 25, 1950. The current building, built in 1899 as a Country House (which was commonly called the "Gentlemen's Club" or "Clubhouse"), was designed by Czech architect Karel Pařík, who contributed to over 160 buildings in and around Sarajevo. Due to its disposition and structure, one of the first city squares in Sarajevo was formed in front of the National Theatre.

• Officers’ Casino - Dom Oružanih snaga Bosne i Hercegovine | The Officers’ Casino was built in 1881 according to Karl Pařík’s design. It was the core of Sarajevo’s social life in late 19th and early 20th century. The Army Hall of Bosnia and Herzegovina has been used by the military ever since its establishment for various purposes, such as art exhibitions and public lectures. It holds two grand halls for receptions and cultural events, and was the venue of the first military music concert in the city, held in 1881.

Museums

Sarajevo hosts numerous museums on a variety of topics. The museums can offer an air-conditioned refuge from heat during Sarajevo's hot summers, or a place to warm up in the chilly winter months.

History and archeology

• Sarajevo City Museum - Brusa Bezistan | The museum traces Sarajevo's development from prehistorical times through the Roman, Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and modern times. This is a tiny museum but the cost of 3 KM is worth it. The entire time spent in here will probably be less than half an hour. The centerpiece of the museum is a model of the Old Town on the ground floor, made by Husein Karišik in the 1950s, depicting the perioid when Tašlihan was intact. On the second floor there is a famous blue garment (with golden threads) and some fine yataghan (short Turkish sword) on display among other items.

Sarajevo National Museum Front - National Museum (right) and Parliament building (left).

• National Museum - Zemaljski muzej | Static displays of the natural and human history of Bosnia and Herzegovina - including an exhibition of traditional Turkish-style homes of Sarajevo prevalent in the nineteenth century, an extensive collection of insects and stuffed mammals and a large geology section with samples from around the world and a number of meteorites. The newly reopened museum also offers access to the botanical garden in the middle of the four main buildings: (1) archaeology from the Roman period up to the ninenteeth century, (2) Library, (3) Ethnology and (4) Natural sciences.

The Austro-Hungarian Empire had occupied Bosnia and Herzegovina since 1878, but provoked unrest in the Balkan by formally annexing the territory in 1908. This angered Serbia and its ally and the Russian Empire. Anti-Austrian sentiment soared in Orthodox countries, which culminated in the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, heir to the throne of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and his wife Sophie, by 19 year old Serb student Gavrilo Princip in 1914. The assassination took place when Franz Ferdinand and Sophie passed the Latin Bridge in Sarajevo, in front of what is now the 1878-1918 Museum, after he returned from a banquet in the City Hall to celebrate a previous unsuccessful assassination attempt. The Austro-Hungarian Empire responded by declaring war on Serbia and its allies, which set in motion a series of political events resulting in the First World war, and with it the end of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Sarajevo wwi Museum IMG 1095 - Sarajevo Museum 1878-1918, where the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand occurred.

• Sarajevo Museum 1878-1918 - Muzej Sarajevo 1878-1918 | The museum is dedicated to the Austria|Austro -Hungary|Hungarian occupation of Sarajevo, which started with the Berlin Congress in 1878 and ended with World War I in 1918. The exhibition portrays life in the Austro-Hungarian perioid from different perspectives and themes, including the resistance against the occupation, lifestyle, culture, religion, industry and architecture. The time line ends with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie in front of the building. In the museums collection are numerous artifacts and photographs, along with wax statues of Franz Ferdinand and Sophie.

• Svrzo's House - Svrzina kuća | Part of the Sarajevo City Museum, Svrzo's House shows the living conditions of a Muslim family at the end of the 17th century. The house was built by the eminent Sarajevo family Glođo during the Islamic Ottoman occupation of the city, but ownership was transferred to the Svrzo family since the Glođo family had no male successors. The interior is divided in two sections: the public part (selamuk) and the family part (haremluk), which in turn is split in the traditionally separated living quarters for men, women and servants. Despite being constructed entirely out of wood and the building was surprisingly well preserved until the Siege of Sarajevo during which it sustained heavy damage. It was rebuilt after the siege and reopened in 1997, and renovated again in 2005.

• Gazi Husrev-Bey's Library Museum - Muzej Gazi Husrev-begove biblioteke | The new Gazi Husrev-bey Library building also houses a museum with a collection of over 1200 items. This permanent exhibition displays Islamic calligraphy, time measuring tools and everyday life objects of Muslims. The price of a museum ticket is 3 KM. Apart from the museum the Gazi Husrev-bey Library holds around 100,000 units (manuscripts, printed books, periodicals, and various archive documents), but access to the Library funds and reading rooms is restricted to member only. The registration of any potential library user is made in a membership card valid for 12 months (30 KM, but also a daily membership (3 KM) is listed on the Service Price List). Entry to the library, exit, and membership identification are made at the Reception Desk of the Library. When entering a reading room, visitors must provide a membership card and an identification document that shall be returned to them upon exit.

War memorials

Scars from the Bosnian War can still be seen in many parts of the city, as bullet holes in walls or abandoned buildings. The unresolved conflict (see box The Yugoslav Wars) left traumatic memories, and museums and memorials associated with the Bosnian War are scattered around the city.

Tunnel gallery - Sarajevo Tunnel Museum - The Tunnel of Hope under the airport.

• Tunnel of Hope - Tunel Spasa | The museum houses the Butmir entrance of the Sarajevo tunnel which, during the Siege of Sarajevo, served as the only connection of the isolated and besieged city to the outside world. The tunnel, dug by Bosnian forces in 1993, bypassed the UN blockade of the airport by tunneling under the runway over a distance of 340 meters. The tunnel allowed arms, munitions, oil and food to be transported into the city, and served as an evacuation route for officials and civilians. In a later stage of the war, a pipeline for oil and cables for electric power and telecommunications were also installed. Aside from a small segment of the tunnel which can be visited and the museum also offers a wealth of information on the Siege of Sarajevo, with numerous artifacts on display. Last entry 30 minutes before closing (i.e. 16:30).

War Childhood Museum 3 - Exhibition hall of the War Childhood Museum.

• War Childhood Museum - Muzej ratnog djetinjstva | Opened in 2017 and the museum has personal belongings on display that illustrate the experience of a childhood during the Siege of Sarajevo. An audio guide reveals the stories behind the items, complementing the exhibits with additional pictures, audio and video. Video testimonies of inhabitants who grew up during the war are also shown throughout the visit. Only around 50 are in the permanent collection at any time, but the book War Childhood offers a compilation of them all. The book is for sale in the museum or can be consulted for free in the library section.

Eternal Flame 02 (22911133161) - The Eternal Flame.

• Eternal Flame - Vječna vatra | Memorial site designed by architect Juraj Neidhardt, honoring the victims of World War II with an eternal flame and inscription. The memorial was dedicated on 6 April 1946 and the first anniversary of the liberation of Sarajevo from the four-year-long occupation by Nazi Germany and the fascist Independent State of Croatia.

• Gallery 11/07/95 - Galerija 11/07/95 | A small but compelling museum with a permanent exhibition about the Srebrenica|Srebrenica Massacre, intended as a memorial to the 8372 people who perished during the events of July 1995. The events are unfolded from the perspective of investigative journalists visiting the site of the genocide. The audio guide (3 KM) is highly recommendable. Duration of the visit, with audio guide, is around 60 - 90 minutes. Warning: the authentic photographs and video fragments of the genocide may be shocking to young visitors. Parental advisory and visitor discretion is advised.

Sarajevo cemetery Bare - Islamic cemetery in Sarajevo

• Cemeteries With white marble grave stones for those who gave their lives at their 20s during the war and these cemeteries are a reminder of the tragedy that the city went through less than two decades ago. Several cemeteries can be found throughout the city.

• Sniper Alley - Snajperska aleja | Sniper Alley was the informal name primarily for streets Zmaja od Bosne Street (Dragon of Bosnia Street) and Meša Selimović Boulevard and the main boulevard in Sarajevo which during the Bosnian War was lined with snipers' posts, and became infamous as a dangerous place for civilians to traverse. The road connects the industrial part of the city (and further on, Sarajevo Airport) to the Old Town's cultural and historic sites. The boulevard itself has many high-rise buildings giving sniper shooters extensive fields of fire. Signs reading "Pazi – Snajper!" ("Watch out – Sniper!") became common. People would either run fast across the street or would wait for United Nations armored vehicles and walk behind them, using them as shields. According to data gathered in 1995 and the snipers wounded 1,030 people and killed 225 — 60 of whom were children.

• Memorial for the Children of Sarajevo Monument erected in 2009 by sculptor Mensud Kečo and dedicated to the 1,600 children who were killed during the Siege of Sarajevo. The monument is located in Veliki Park, and consists of a glass sculpture constructed by stacking individually cut layers of green glass with a total height of 5 m, and is 1.7 m in diameter at its base. In 2010 and the names of 521 children were inscribed in seven cylinders of anodised aluminum and placed on a concrete plinth around the sculpture.

• Bosnian Historical Museum - Historijski muzej | The museum was founded 70 years ago, but heavily damaged by shelling during the war and still in a perpetual state of disrepair. The exhibitions primarily focus on the war, but the presentation of the artifacts is outdated, and the museum lacks content overall. Some of the displays are worth a visit, at least if you are able to cope with the pictures of the maimed citizens after shelling of markets and photos of an ineffective UN providing armored vehicles citizens could wait behind before risking sniper fire to cross the street. However and the 11/7/95 Gallery and War Childhood Museum offer similar content for a much better value.

• Museum of the 105th Motorized Brigade - Muzej 105. motorizovane brigade | A memorial dedicated to the 105th Motorized Brigade of the Bosnian Army, which took part in the defense of Sarajevo during the 1992-95 siege of the city. Since 1993, over 7,000 members have passed through the brigade, of which 312 were killed in action and more than 2,000 were wounded. The museum is housed in a renovated fortified tower at Pointy Rock.

Art

• National Gallery - Umjetnička galerija | Established in 1946 after the Second World War and the National Gallery contains over 6000 pieces of art, with a focus on works of Bosnian interest. Interestingly and the gallery remained open and held exhibitions during the Siege of Sarajevo. It was closed in 2011 and reopened to the public in 2012. The permanent exhibition, Intimacies of Space, highlights Bosnian life from all angles.

• Museum of Literature & Performing Arts - Muzej književnosti i pozorišne umjetnosti | A small museum dedicated to the importance of literature and expressive arts in Sarajevo, with attention to prominent local writers and poets. Worth a visit to those interested in arts and literature.

• Modern Art Museum - Ars Aevi | Museum for contemporary art. It was formed during the war as a "resistance of culture". It has roughly 130 works by renowned world artists including Italian painter and art theorist Michelangelo Pistoletto, Greece|Greek artist Jannis Kounellis, German performance artist and sculptor Joseph Beuys, and United States|American conceptual artist Joseph Kosuth. A new museum building, designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, is planned to be built in the upcoming years.

• Despić House - Despića kuća | A dependency of the Sarajevo City Museum, constructed in several stages during different periods and the oldest parts dating back to the 17th century. The property belonged to the wealthy Serbia|Serb Orthodox Christian Despić family, which donated the house to the city, which turned it into the Museum of Literature and the Performing Arts. It gained fame as the venue for the city's first theater performances, so it may be regarded as the precursor of modern theater. Together with Svrzo's House and the Despić House presents visitors with the lifestyle of wealthy merchant families that contributed to Sarajevo's growth and prosperity.

Academy of Fine Arts (Sarajevo) - The Academy of Fine Arts.

• Academy of Fine Arts - Akademija scenskih umjentosti | The Academy of Performing Arts in Sarajevo is a faculty within the University of Sarajevo in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, dedicated to the performing arts. It was officially opened in 1981 with the inaugural Department of Acting. In 2010, it was announced that the Sarajevo Canton and the Cantonal Development Institute would be funding the construction of a 10 million KM building and center for the Academy of Performing Arts, primarily because working conditions for students and faculty have been poor for the past decade. Construction on the new 4,600 m² (49,514 sq ft) center began in mid-2010 in the Centar Municipality. The current (old) building on the south bank of the Miljacka river was built in 1899 as an Evangelistic Church according to Karl Pařík’s design.

• Festina Lente Bridge - Festina Lente Most | A modern 38 m long pedestrian bridge over the Miljacka, featuring an unusual looping in the middle. There are seats in the looping, inviting travelers to sit down and enjoy the view. The concept of the bridge was created by three students from the Academy of Fine Arts: Adnan Alagic, Amila Hrustić and Bojana Kanlic. It opened officially on 22 August 2022.

• Bosniak Institute - Bošnjački institut | The institute is a cultural center focusing on Bosniak culture. It was established by former Bosnian Vice President Adil Zulfikarpašić. The institute is housed in a renovated sixteenth century Turkish bath and includes a library and an art center.

Administrative buildings

• The Presidency Building - Zgradu Predsjedništva Bosne i Hercegovine | The Territorial Government Building (today and the official residence of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina) was designed by Josip Vancas and opened in March 1886. The building is modeled after Florentine Medici Ricardi Palace and reflects Florentine Early Renaissance style. It also houses the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Ustavni sud Bosne i Hercegovine) and the Archives of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

• The Parliamentary Assembly Building - Parlamentarna skupština Bosne i Hercegovine | The Building of the Bosnian Parliamentary Assembly was commenced back in 1954, designed by the architect Juraj Neidhard (who was a close associate of Le Corbusier), and finally built during 1978–1982. At the time it was finished and the building of the Assembly of SRBiH was the only building for that purpose in this part of Europe designed in a modern style. Also houses the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Directorate for European Integration. The building became an icon of the Siege of Sarajevo after it was shelled by Serb artillery and photographed while on fire in 1992.

• Konak - Rezidencija "Konak" | The Konak was built as an Ottoman governors’ residence in 1868 in Late Baroque style during the rule of Topal Osman Pasha, an Ottoman vizier. It was built on a site of a former konak (an official residence in the Islamic Ottoman Empire). From 1878 to 1918 during the Austro-Hungarian occupation the Konak was the residence of the Habsburg family, and the Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Josef resided in Konak during his visit in May, 1910. During the Yugoslav Republic (1918 to 1941) Konak hosted generals, governors, neighborhood-prefects and many politicians from around the world.

Sarajevo Central Post Office (interior) - Classic Austro-Hungarian interior of the Central Post Office

• Central Post Office - BH Posta | Austro-Hungarian perioid post office, designed by Czech Republic|Czech architect Josip Vancas, and opened in 1913. It is a monumental building with tall doors leading visitors into a classic caged foyer in Secession style, with some decorative elements resembling the post office of Vienna. It was damaged in May 1992 during the Siege of Sarajevo, but restored in 2001 under supervision of architect Ferhat Mulabegović.

Islamic Mosques

Sarajevo_Kaisermoschee - Emperor's Mosque

• Bey's Mosque - Begova dzamija | This medieval Ottoman architecture's pearl is a lovely place to visit. It is open to Muslims and non-Muslims, but a visiting woman needs to cover her hair and wear long skirt or dress within the mosque. It is one of the biggest masjids in the region and, for many and the most beautiful one. Bey's mosque is a few hundreds years old and it is the greatest and most important project of the waqf of a Bey that is buried in the mosque's courtyard. The clocktower next to the site (across Mudželiti Veliki street) shows 12:00 at sunset, and was used to synchronize the calls to prayer for all the city's masjids. An entrance ticket to the mosque also gives access to the museum across the street.

• Emperor's Mosque - Careva dzamija | This is the oldest mosque in Sarajevo and the first one to be built in 1457 after the Islamic Ottomans occupied the city. It is the largest single-subdome mosque in the nation, constructed under supervision of Isaković-Hranušić who dedicated it to sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. It was destroyed at the end of the 15th century but rebuilt in 1565 and dedicated this time to Suleyman the Magnificent. The mosque was damaged again in the Second World War and most recently during the 1992-95 Civil War, and restoration work on the painted decorations and interior are still pending. The adjacent cemetery hosts the graves of many former city viziers, mullahs, muftis, sheikhs an other prominent historical figures of Sarajevo. There is also a café inside the walls. The mosque is open both to Muslims and non-Muslims, but a visiting woman needs to cover her hair and wear long skirt or dress within the mosque.

• Ali Pasha Mosque - Alipašina džamija | The mosque was constructed during 1560–61 as a vakıf (legacy or perpetual endowment) of Sofu Hadım Ali Pasha and the Islamic Ottoman former governor of the Bosnia Eyalet of the Islamic Ottoman Empire, after his death in September 1560. It was built according to the classical Istanbul architectural style. The dome covers the prayer area and three small domes cover the cloister. Because of its noble proportions it stands at the top of the scale of all sub-dome masjids that have been constructed in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the framework of the complex there is a domed burial site (turbe) with two sarcophagus of Avdo Sumbul (d.1915) and Behdžet Mutevelić (d.1915), Gajret activists who died in the dungeons of Arad. The mosque was heavily damaged by Serbian forces during the conflict of the early 1990s, especially the dome. The most recent renovation of the mosque occurred in 2004 and in January 2005 and the Commission to Preserve National Monuments issued a decision to add the Ali Pasha Mosque to the list of National Monuments of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

• Ferhadija Mosque - Džamija Ferhadija | The mosque is named after Ferhad Bey Vukovic Desisalic, a Bosnian Sanyak Bey, who had the mosque built in 1562. Archaeological research into the painted decorations inside the mosque, carried out between 1964 and 1965, revealed 6 paint layers dating from different periods. The oldest and most valuable layer, found in the main dome, belongs to a group known as Rumi ornament, and dates back to the 16th century. Next to the mosque is a small cemetery, where members of the Janissary Order and of the old Sarajevan aristocratic families were buried.

• Tomb of the Seven Brothers - Jedileri | The history of the tomb dates back to the founding days of Sarajevo, and it is assumed that a certain sheik who had arrived with the army of Sultan Mehmed II el-Fatih was the first to be buried at this spot. The sheik built his house next to the current tomb, and in his will asked to be buried at the base of his garden, with the remaining area used as Muslim cemetery. Later on, two dervishes were also buried here, falsely accused of stealing Gold from the Sarajevo treasury in 1494. Over two centuries later, 4 army commanders who were accused of collaboration with Prince Eugene of Savoy in his raid of the city, were also buried in the tomb after, according to the legend, a heavenly light descended upon their grave as evidence of their innocence. Thus and the tomb unites the 7 individuals, who are brothers by faith rather than brothers by birth. In 1815 a wall with seven windows was built around the tomb, and a room for a tomb keeper was added. Some of the property was demolished in 1937, but the wall and tomb still stand today.

• Hajji Sinan's Tekke - Hadži Sinanova tekija | The tekke was built by Hadzi Sinan Aga, a wealthy merchant from Sarajevo, or his son Mustafa-Pasha, who was a silahdar (an officer in charge of the weapons) at Murad IV Sultan's Court, from 1638 to 1640. The tekke is comprised of several rooms: a room where zikr (the Dervish prayer) is performed and the sheik's residence, musafirhana (a visitor's inn) and an area for coffee making. In addition to regular Dervish rituals and the tekke gathered Sufis (mystics), who trainingd tesavuf (mysticism) and studied works in Persian, Turkish and Arabic. Over a hundred inscriptions have been preserved at this site. Sinan Tekke’s greatest visual attraction is the calligraphy design on the wall of the courtyard, known as “Suleiman's Seal” and the rosette design is nearly three meters wide with the words, “There is no God but God, and Muhammad is his Messenger”, painted 12 times in the fresco style. In 1768 and the first asylum for psychiatric patients was opened in Hajji Sinan’s Tekke, marking the beginning of organized health care in BiH.

• Hanikah - Gazi Husrev-begova Hanikah | Ghazi Husrev-Bey's Hanikah (khanaqah (خانقاه‎‎, "a Dervish tekke" in Persian; a Sufi centre for the study of tasawwuf (Islamic mysticism) or a Sufi lodge in which dervishes both lived and received their theoretical education)) was built in 1531 as a rectangle-shaped building measuring 31.60 x 16.60 metres with 14 study rooms, a simahana (a room used for a Dervish religious ritual called zikr), mihrab (semicircular niche in the wall that indicates the qibla) and a small šadrvan fountain (شاذروان‎‎ shadirvan) in the middle of the inner courtyard. It was a beautiful atrium edifice with pillars and porticos, which was partly or completely destroyed or burned down, rebuilt and modified many times during its long history. In 1931, when a new Madrasah building was erected, it ceased to exist, and much of the building was demolished. The reconstruction of the Hanikah was completed in 1998, and the present-day edifice is mostly a replica of the original one, with the exception of an added plexiglass roof. (Also and there is no documentation on the chimneys, which were made similar to those on the Gazi Husrev-beg medresa (next door since 1537), and the tarih (chronogram) above the entrance door in addition to the stalactite decoration on the facade might not have been restored.)

Ottoman bridges

During Ottoman rule of Sarajevo, 13 bridges were built over the Miljacka River and Bosna River. Four stone bridges remain: the Latin Bridge and the Šeher-Čehajina Bridge and the Goat Bridge and the Roman Bridge.

Bosnia-e-Herzegovina-Ponte-Latina-Sarajevo-Luis-Filipe-Gaspar - The Latin Bridge in winter.

• Latin Bridge - Latinska ćuprija | Archduke of the Austro-Hungarian empire, Franz Ferdinand, was assassinated on this bridge on 28 June 1914, sparking the beginning of World War I. A plaque commemorates the event. On the bridge was a memorial to the assassin Gavrilo Princip, but it was removed during the 1992-1995 War.

• Šeher-Čehajina Bridge - Šeher-Ćehajina ćuprija | Built in 1585/1586 and survived major damage from flooding in 1619, 1629, 1843 and 1880, but was repaired each time. When the Miljacka River was dammed in 1897 to regulate the water flow and the riverbed was altered and one of the original 5 arches of the bridge on the left bank was buried, a subtle change that can still be seen by observers with a keen eye. According to the legend and the city's vizier Hadzi Husein had ordered to erect the bridge and embed a diamond in one of its pillars to finance future repairs. One night the diamond disappeared, and a poor young man confessed to have stolen it as a gift to a girl he fell in love with. Swayed by the love between the two and the return of the diamond and the man was released from prison, but the diamond was never embedded back into the bridge. In 2005 and the Commission for the Preservation of National Monuments declared the bridge a National Monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Sarajevo Kozija Cuprija - The iconic Goat's Bridge

• Roman Bridge - Rimski most | Crossing the Bosna River at the historic Western entrance into the city. It is the only preserved stone bridge over the Bosna River, and considered one of the most authentic Ottoman bridges in the nation. The bridge was constructed sometime between 1530 and 1550 using lime mortar and stones from ancient neolithic, Illyrian and Roman settlements in the bridge's vicinity, most importantly the Roman village Aquae Sulphurae (Latin for sulfur waters) which served as the region's cultural and administrative center. Numerous archaeological artifacts from that period (jewelry, coins, ceramics etc.) from the Roman period have been found around the bridge. It has seven semicircular arches and was built out of carved stone, with a total length of 52 m, width of 4.55 m and highest point of 4.5 m above the water level. Some of the stone tiles (kaldrma) have shallow engravings of Roman origin, from which the bridge derived its name.

• Goat’s Bridge - Kozija ćuprija | Architecturally interesting bridge at the historic Eastern entrance into the city. It had an important ceremonial function, as it served as the place where each Ottoman vizier was welcomed by the previous vizier and citizens of Sarajevo. The bridge is constructed from white marble, has a single arc with two circular apertures, and is 42 m long and 4.75 m wide. The span of the main arc is 17.5 meters. According to the legend, before the bridge's existence, a poor shepherd noticed his goats sniffing on a shrub along the Miljacka River. Upon inspecting the shrub, he found a treasure with golden coins, which he used to finance his own education. After he became wealthy and influential, he had the bridge constructed at the shrub where his goats found the treasure, which gave the bridge its name. The truth in the legend was lost in history, but the bridge was almost certainly built between 1565 and 1579, a time when the road network underwent major infrastructure upgrades under reign of Mehmed-paša Sokolović.

Vratnik

The Vratnik neighborhood was built in the 18th century, around the fortified Vratnik town. The walls, gates, and fortifications along the Vratnik perimeter can be visited.

• Yellow Fortress - Žuta tabija | Yellow Fortress (or Yellow Bastion) is a small cannon fortress at Jekovac. It was built close to the Jajce Barracks and the Jekovac water reservoir. It served as one of the defense points against the Austro-Hungarian troops in 1878. The fortress was damaged and rebuilt several times. The most recent renovation took place in 1998. Offers a great view over the city. Picnic tables with a scenic view are available free of charge and the café sells drinks but these are expensive so it is recommendable to bring your own beverages.

Bijela tabija 2009 - Ruins of the White Fortress, for the adventurous traveler to explore.

• White Fortress - Bijela tabija | White Fortress is a cannon bastion/fortress which also served to accommodate soldiers, and it is a part of the Old Town "Vratnik”. It is assumed to have been built at the site of a small medieval town "Hodidjed” (central fortress of the Vrhbosna Parish). The fortress overlooks Sarajevo with the panoramic views of the eastern entrance to Sarajevo and the Miljacka River canyon and the city itself. The White Fortress was renovated and expanded several times. The present-day structure dates back to the Austro-Hungarian period. It served as a dungeon, barrack, munitions storage, a treasury, as well as the protection against the raid of Prince Eugene of Savoy in 1697, and defense fortress in battle against occupation by the Austro-Hungarian ruler in 1878. Local architect Zlatko Ugljen has developed a conceptual reconstruction project. According to his idea where the site would be used as a theater/music stage in the summer season. Some reports date the fortress to be built as far back as 1550. The ruins offer a magnificent view over the city, especially around sunrise or sunset, but are unsupervised and unlit. It is feasible to reach the outer ridge by climbing through the "windows", but there is no fence or other safety measures. When visiting at sunrise/sunset it is recommendable to bring a flashlight. Due to the hazards, not recommendable for young kids.

• Visegrad Gate - Višegradska kapija (Zidine Vratničkog grada) | One of the three gate-towers in the Vratnik Old Town. It was built between 1727 and 1739, in limestone and in special Bosnian stone hreša with roof shingles. Traffic went east via the primary street towards Visegrad (thus the name) and continued further to the east towards Istanbul.

Sarajevo view - View over Sarajevo from the White Fortress, Jajce Barracks to the left. Sarajevo, muezum Alije Izetbegoviće - Museum of Alija Izetbegović in the Ploča Gate.

• Museum of Alija Izetbegović - Muzej Alija Izetbegović | A small museum housed in Vratnik's old city gates, Ploča and Širokac, dedicated to Alija Izetbegović and the first president of the independent country of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It has a library of Alija's work and a few personal items on display. The first floor takes visitors through Alija's life, with exhibit panels and historical photographs, and awards and recognitions he received throughout his life and after his death. A passage between Ploča Gate and Širokac Gate is dedicated to Alija's role as commander of the army. His tomb can be visited on the nearby cemetery.

Sarajevo Alija Izetbegović Grave - Alija Izetbegović tomb in the Kovači Memorial Cemetery at dusk.

• Martyrs' Memorial Cemetery Kovači - Sehidsko mezarje Kovaci | Cemetery with victims of the 1992-95 Civil War, and mostly known for the tomb of Alija Izetbegović and the first president of the independent Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (1992-1996) after which he became the president of Bosnia and Herzegovina and served until 2003. His tomb, central in the cemetery, consists of a dome suspended on 8 marble pillars, and is during the day guarded ceremonially by members of the army, as a memorial to his role of commander of the army.

• Jajce Barracks - Jajce kasarna | A military barracks built in 1914 for the needs of the Austro-Hungarian army, previously known as the Eugen of Savoy barracks. The name Jajce dates from 1915 when the Austro-Hungarian military hospital was moved to the barracks. The building was heavily damaged during the 1992-95 Civil War and has not been restored yet, much of it lies in ruins. It is a popular attraction for urban explorers.

Olympics

Sarajevo hosted the 1984 Winter Olympic Games, officially the XIV Olympic Winter Games. It was the first Winter Olympics held in a socialist state, and the second overall Olympic Games in a socialist state after the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow. The infrastructure has suffered from lack of funding, low public interest, and damage from the 1992-95 Civil War.

• Olympic Museum - Olimpijski muzej | A museum aimed at the preservation of the memories of the organization of the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo. From 1984 to 1992 and the museum was located in the downtown, in a mansion designed by Czech Republic|Czech architect Karl Paržik for Nikola Mandić, former Sarajevo citizen and later president of the Independent State of Croatia during the Nazi occupation in the Second World War. Declared an enemy of the state at the end of the war, Nikola Mandić lost his life and property, and the mansion was donated to the museum by the Sarajevo city council. At the start of the 1992-95 Civil War and the building was shelled by Serb forces and damaged beyond repair. A significant part of the museums collection went up in flames. The remaining collection was salvaged and transferred to the Zetra Olmypic Complex, and in 2004 the new museum at its current location was opened to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 1984 Olympic Games. Many items have been donated to the museum for this occasion, and the extensive collection on display is a result of tedious restoration efforts.

• Skenderija - Tito-era cultural and sports center on the south bank of the river, constructed in 1969 and opened with the premiere of the film Jablanica|Battle of Neretva. It was later expanded for the 1984 Winter Olympic Games, and features a market and shopping mall. Because of its concrete construction, it only sustained minor damage during the war, but gradually decayed afterwards due to neglect. In February 2012, after a record snowfall in Sarajevo and the roof of one of the halls collapsed under the snow pressure, which was estimated to be around 160 kg/m². The building was subsequently restored by the city and returned to service, and receives 500,000 visitors per year.

As part of the Siege of Sarajevo from 1992-95, extensive mine fields were laid in the hills around the city, of which most had no or inaccurately recorded locations. Although extensive demining efforts were carried out and are still ongoing, land mines may still be hidden in the forests. Never leave paths when walking in the hills around the Olympic facilities, and never enter abandoned buildings.

• Trebevic Bobsled Track Place where bobsled competition takes place during 1984 Olympic Games. Partially destroyed during war. Amazing place for people who like to see ruins. This is also great place for risk takers: you can rent a bike in city and ride down in concrete bobsled path (or hike down if you don't have a bike).

• Ski Station Destroyed during the War and the top station of the former ski lift offers a great view point over the whole city. The prospect of rebuilding the cable vehicle has been promised by politicians for years, but hasn't happened yet.

Best things to do in Sarajevo

Sarajevo seen from the Avaz Twist Tower - A view from the Avaz Twist Tower at dusk.

• Avaz Twist Tower - The tallest building in the former Yugoslavia, towering 172 meter above the city, and in the top 11 most significant twist towers in the world. Construction started in 2006 and finished in 2008. The tower features a bar/restaurant at level 35, and an observation deck with outside walkway at level 36, offering a magnificent view over the city, with views as far as the airport if weather permits. To reach the bar/restaurant and observation deck, take the elevator around the junction in the entrance hall and get to level 35 (from where stairs lead to the observation deck). Access to the bar/restaurant is free, but access to the observation deck requires an entrance fee of 1 KM. The access gate only accepts coins of 1 or 2 KM, but bills can be exchanged at the bar on level 35.

• Fox in a Box - Classic and only escape room games in Sarajevo, centering around locks and codes, offering 2 rooms: Mr. Fox's Secret Study and The Bank Job. Located on walking distance from the historic downtown.

• Mr. Fox's Secret Study places players in the role of secret agents in learning, who, as a final assignment of their training, need to escape from Mr. Fox's office by solving a series of riddles.
• The Bank Job tasks players in the role of thieves with stealing valuable diamonds from the safe of a bank with a crooked director. The power to the bank has been cut for an hour, and the game will take place in the dark with the aid of a flashlight.

• Skakavac Waterfall - Vodopad Skakavac | Waterfall located 12 kilometers north of Sarajevo, above the Nahorevo Village. With its 98 m in height, it is the second tallest waterfall in Europe, after the Vinnufossen waterfall in Sunndal, Norway. Located in an area of exceptional natural beauty, surrounded by lush forests of spruce, beech, and fir forests and the waterfall is worth a day trip is weather allows it. A wooden pedestrian bridge takes visitors under the waterfall.

• Olympic Stadium - Željezničar Football Club | Although the football quality is low, it is interesting to follow a match in a stadium which hosted the opening ceremony of 1984 Sarajevo Winter Olympic Games peacefully just a few years before war broke out.

• Mehndi A henna tattoo shop using sticker stencils and natural henna paint to apply tattoos in 5 to 10 minutes. Needs ca. 20 minutes to dry and then the excess can be washed of in the Sebilj. Lasts roughly 2 - 3 days.

• Stadium Grbavica FK Željezničar Sarajevo (fudbalski klub Željezničar)

Dariva walkway, Sarajevo - Dariva promenade through the Miljacka valley

• Dariva Canyon - An 8 kilometers long promenade from the historic center of Sarajevo to the Goat's Bridge, following the canyon of the Miljacka. The promenade is very picturesque, and the pedestrian-only route offers magnificent natural views which have been appreciated since the Austria|Austro -Hungary|Hungarians built a railroad through the Miljacka valley. There are 150 linden trees lining the promenade, planted by diplomats residing in Sarajevo at the invitation of the mayor. Some of the trees still have plaques bearing the names of those who planted them.

Recreation parks

Bridge on Vrelo Bosne - The idyllic park of the Bosna Spring on a summer day.

• Spring of the Bosna River - Vrelo Bosne | The beginning of the river Bosna, where the pure and ice cold water surges out of the mountains. Here you can walk in large, well-kept park, picnic, and spend the whole day without getting bored. May 1 festival is held here.

Sarajevo Pionirska-Dolina 2010-07-06 (24) - Antilopes in the Sarajevo Zoo.

• Sarajevo Zoo - Pionirska dolina | A small zoo and recreation park at the outskirts of Sarajevo, primarily aimed at children. It is the oldest zoo in Bosnia and Herzegovina, during the Austro-Hungarian period located in Ilidza but later moved to its current location. There are 57 species of animals from all over the world on display, including lions which have been donated by the zoo of Sofia in 2013. A little train and several other attractions and playgrounds are available for the entertainment of kids, some at an extra fee.

• Sunnyland - A newly constructed bobsleigh track on Mt. Trebevic overlooking Sarajevo, and adjacent restaurants selling mediocre food and fruit drinks. Excellent entertainment for kids, with indoor playgrounds and facilities, but not very interesting to adults.

Winter sports

Sarajevo offers excellent possibilities for winter sports, with two nearby Olympic Games|Olympic grade mountains

• Bjelašnica - Ski resort about 35 kilometers (1 hour drive) away from Sarajevo, with 14 kilometers slopes in all difficulty levels. A day pass costs 25 KM for children and 35 KM for adults. Night skiing is also feasible in season, for an additional 18 KM.

Jahorina winter - Snow landscape of the Jahorina ski resort in winter.

• Jahorina - Roughly as far away from Sarajevo as Bjelašnica and the ski resort of Jahorina is on the border of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska and the town itself on the Republika Srpska side of the mountain. The resort offers 25 kilometers of slopes in all difficulty levels and 11 lifts, and gained fame as the location for the Women's Alpine competitions in the 1984 Olympic Games. A day ticket costs 29 KM for children and 39 KM for adults.

Water sports

From May to August, when temperatures in Sarajevo peak and there is no better way to cool down than the crystal clear 12°C cool water of the Neretva. The Neretva is a white water river in Herzegovina, and one of the most popular destinations for rafting. It offers exciting rapids, canyons, clean and fresh drinkable water, untouched nature, great beaches, fish, birds, and a lot of adrenaline of course. There are several possibilities for rafting excursions from Sarajevo, including shuttle transfer to/from the starting point in Konjic. Don't forget to inquire about combining a rafting excursion with a visit to Tito's bunker along the Neretva, Bosnia's largest Cold War Europe|Cold War perioid facility to visitors.

Www.neretva.rafting.ba Plaža Džajića buk - panoramio - Descent of the white waters of the Neretva river in a raft.

• SarajevoFunkyTours - Neretva white water rafting day begins with departure from Sarajevo at 09:00, with arrival to Konjic around 10:00. From there and the journey heads towards the rafting starting point, located around 45 min uphill drive. On the way there views over Boračko Lake and upper flow of Neretva river and canyon are simply outstanding. There is time for a break with swimming, sun-bathing, diving or other activities. The tour will end a few kilometers away from Konjic, where transport will wait to take you to the local way made lunch/dinner. Departure to Sarajevo around 17:00, arrival in Sarajevo at 18:00.

• Meet Bosnia Travel | Organized rafting excursion on the Neretva river. Includes transport with a shuttle bus from Sarajevo to Konjic (departure at 08:00), base station and uphill transfer, 20 kilometers rafting (ca. 3 - 4 hours), afternoon lunch in Konjic, and return to Sarajevo. Rental of a neoprene wet suit, safety gear and all drinks are included. The Neretva is wildest at the beginning of the season (May) and calmest at the end of summer (August).

• Sarajevo Insider - Full day rafting excursion on the Neretva including transport and guide. Only groups with a minimum of 6 people are accepted. Start at 08:00, reservation required at least 24h in advance.

When temperatures rise in the city and the aqua park of Ilidza may offer refreshment.

• Ilidza Thermal Riviera - Termalna rivijera Ilidža | Water park with several indoor and outdoor swimming pools, wave pool, private massage amenities, and water slides. Slightly outdated infrastructure, but the natural sulfur rich water makes up for it on hot summer days. Sauna and fitness center available at the adjunct Hotel Hills.

Sarajevo – Isa-begov hamam - The Isa-begov Hamam.

• Isa-begov Hamam - Renovated hamam in the Isa-begov Hotel with traditional ottoman steam room, water swimmingpool and massage facilities.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Sarajevo

Sarajevo Markt05 - Fruits, vegetables, and of course also walnuts for sale at the Markale market.

It is feasible to pay with credit cards in most shopping centers and in nearly all better restaurants. This is not the case, however, in most cafés, clubs and retail outlets that sell handicrafts and souvenirs in the old part of the city, where even the "too large" notes might not get easily accepted (so it's handy to have the smallest notes (10s and 20s) stashed, too).

• Markale Market - Gradska Tržnica | The City Market Place Markthalle was designed by August Butsch in 1894 in the Neo-Renaissance style and was opened in 1895. Marked the start of NATO intervention and thereby end of the war after a bombing, which took the life of some 40 people. Markale was bombed two times: first in February 1994 (which is important in terms of casualties) and second in August 1995 (which initiated NATO military intervention, and with it and the beginning of the end of the war). Today the market is repaired and home to local Meat, Cheese, and vegetable merchants.

Baščaršija neighborhood

Baščaršija has plenty of carpets and local copperware on sale. Over a century ago, each street in this area hawked a specific ware: for example, one street had all the coppersmiths, shoes were on another, jewelry on yet another. While in Baščaršija, don't miss the underground souk that stretches along the west side of Gazi Husrev-begova street (open 08:00–20:00).

Gazi Husrev-Bey’s Bezistan (marketplace) (6086716410) - Souvenir shopping in Gazi Husrev-Bey's bezistan.

• Bedesten - Gazi-Husrev Beg's Bezistan | A covered market for haberdashery and craftsmanship, built during the Islamic Ottoman Empire period, with a design based on the design of the masjids. The bedesten serves as the central building in the historic commercial part of the city, and has its origins in the Greco-Roman basilica or kaiserion which served a similar purpose. During Ottoman times and the bedesten was of such economic importance that cities were classified under two categories: those with a bedesten, and those without.

• Isfahan Gallery The handcrafted carpets are pricey, but the setting inside the reconstructed inn is worth a visit.

• Sahinpasic - Has a solid collection of historical literature.

• Baklava Shop Sarajevo - Authentic baklava. A wide selection of baklava in many flavors (walnut, almond, hazelnut, pistachio, etc.), where the baklavas containing orah (walnut) are considered to be the most traditional ones.

• Kazandžiluk Street The street is named after Sarajevo’s master coppersmiths, featuring shops such as Sakib Baščaušević and Aganovic.

Shopping malls

Sarajevo offers numerous shopping malls and the most notable being the Sarajevo Downtown in the commercial neighborhood. Most shopping malls in Sarajevo have been newly constructed or renovated, and offer a modern shopping experience to those who can stand the annoying pop music they play all day long.

• Sarajevo Downtown - Landmark in the commercial neighborhood, and located centrally in Sarajevo along the boulevard connecting the airport with the historic center of the city. Houses the largest shopping center in the city, with 160 stores, countless restaurants, and a luxury hotel.

• Alta Shopping Center - Shopping center in the commercial neighborhood of the city, with 70 stores. Famous for the Lego store inside.

• BBI Center - Second largest shopping center of Sarajevo, after the Downtown, founded in 2010, with 125 stores. It won the ICSC European Shopping Centre Awards in 2011.

• Bosmal Downtown - Shopping center on the south bank of the river, opened in 2009, with 50 stores.

• Importanne Center - Smaller shopping mall opened in 2010 with around 35 stores.

• Mercator One of the oldest shopping malls in Sarajevo, opened in 2000, with roughly 35 stores.

• Grand Centar Ilidža - Ilidža shopping center, with 33 stores.

Halal Restaurants in Sarajevo

It is said in Bosnia that some people eat to be able to drink, others eat to be able to live and work, but true Bosnians work and live to eat. A lot of attention is devoted to the preparation and consumption of food in Sarajevo. Gastronomy in the city was developed under Eastern and Western influences, and Bosnian cuisine focuses on local produce like Meat, vegetables, fruits and dairy products. For information on typical Bosnian foods, see Bosnia#Eat.

Sarajevo has countless shops selling burek (meat pie, sold in layers by weight or by piece), ćevapi, and Pizzas. Pita (burek, sirnica, krompirusa, tikvenica, zeljanica etc.) is a filo type pasty pie generally offered in several varieties: Meat (meso), Cheese (sirnica, Bosnian Cheese called "young cheese" similar to ricotta and never aged), Cheese and spinach (zeljanica), pumpkin (tikvenica), and spicy potato (krompirusa). It is usually served with a traditional yogurt Sauce that resembles sour cream. Most ćevapi places do not serve alcohol.

• Ascinica ASDž When you get sick of greasy meats, ASDž serves Bosnian-home-cooking, vegetable-centered dishes (but don't expect 100% Vegetarian, as many are still flavored with a bit of meat). Order cafeteria-style at the counter: you pay by the plate and can mix-and-match different foods into the same dish.

• Buregdžinica Bosna - A pita & burek restaurant.

• Cakum Pakum - A small restaurant with great savory pancakes (crepes).

• Petica - A popular but spacious restuarant serving the freshest all- beef ćevapi and creamiest kajmak in Bascarsija. The waitresses wear traditional Bosnian dresses.

• Pizzeria Ago - Good value pizzas, and pancakes for dessert at only 1 KM, which are a boon for the budget travellers with a sweet tooth.

• Pizzeria Maslina - Affordable prices with a diversity of cuisines, from Italian to Bosnian traditional food.

• Pizzeria Terrazza - Pizzas and Bosnian sandwiches

• Bambus An amazing jewel of a restaurant in the central shopping neighborhood. You have to go down a small staircase and push a button to be buzzed in to the restaurant but once you are there you will be happy you took the time to find it. It is very classy, quiet, clean, English menu and the waiters speak English. Very good food at good prices. The food is cooked with pride and for the prices charged, it really is a good deal.

• Cafe & restoran Ahar - Nice and quiet restaurant with European-Italian menu and a brick oven.

• Cappuccino - Delicious Bosnian meals and the best Pasta and pizza in the region.

Inat kuća, Sarajevo - House of Spite, with a terrace next to the Miljacka river.

• House of Spite - Inat Kuca | The history of this restaurant dates back to the Austro-Hungarian occupation, when Sarajevo underwent large scale infrastructure projects which resulted in the post office and the National Museum and the Faculty of Law, and many others. When the City Hall was to be constructed however and the Austro-Hungarians faced the stubbornness of an old Bosnian man named Benderija who lived in a hourse in that location. He refused to have his house demolished for the construction of the City Hall, and only after long negotiations he agreed to give up his property under 2 conditions: he wanted a bag of golden coins as compensation, and the house had to be moved brick by brick to the other side of the river. Since then and the building is known as the house of spite, and a symbol of Bosnian stubbornness and resistance against the government. In 1997 and the house was converted to a lovely restaurant selling hearty stew-like meals and Bosnian specialties. A terrace offers a view over the river and the Sarajevo City Hall which it replaces. The house is decorated in oriental style, and worth visiting for the ambient alone.

• Karuzo - While it doesn't serve traditional Bosnian food, this restaurant features a vegetarian/fish based menu, with a mostly Italian influence (although sushi is also available). The Pasta dishes are also highly recommended. It's a very intimate restaurant seating only 18 at a time and the chef takes your order prepares the food and serves it himself. Do be aware that you probably do need to have a good deal of time to spare - it can take a couple of hours before you leave.

• Mrkva - Traditional Bosnian food, a local favorite. A small chain with 5 restaurants spread out over the Sarajevo metropolitan area.

• Paper Moon - A combination of dishes of the international cuisine and a traditional clay oven.

• Park Princeva - مطعم الملوك | Slightly more expensive than Inat Kuca, also serving Bosnian food. Located on one of the hills of the city, you have fantastic view, especially around sunset, when you can hear the prayers from the masjids around the valley.

• Restoran "Apetit" - An "open kitchen" and a daily menu prepared from selected fresh food; Meat dishes, fish dishes, risottos, Pasta. imaginative salads, fragrant woks and delicious sweet pleasures. Also dishes for vegans, Vegetarian and gluten-free offerings.

• Trattoria Uno - A small Italian restaurant. The grilled vegetables as an appetizer are worth trying.

• Zeljo - Ćevabdžinica Željo | Traditional Bosnian food, a local favorite. A small chain with 4 different locations spread over the city. A good venue to visit with kids.

• Bosnian House - Bosanska Kuca | Steak house. Seats inside and out in the heart of the Old Town with a wide range of traditional Bosnian food at reasonable prices. You can sit outside against the warm wall of the oven if it's chilly. Some of the waiters are fairly rude and try to persuade guests into ordering too many dishes, warning that the servings are small, which isn't the case.

• Dveri - Homestyle restaurant in heart of old Sarajevo. Very cozy feel, with strands of garlic, lots of delicious warm bread, hearty soups, meats, etc.

• Moja Mala Kuhinja - A small restaurant owned by Bosnian celebrity Chef Muamer Kurtagic who has hosted cooking shows on national TV stations. The idea is that the whole cooking process is open for public, and clients can enjoy the cooking the food whilst also being educated. His menu changes daily according to the availability of the ingredients. Most dishes prepared by the chef are inspired by some of the best restaurant in Germany where he worked for a number of years. The restaurant can only serve around 15 guests at a time.

• Restaurant Kibe - Offering stunning panoramic views on Sarajevo, Kibe Mahala offers a selection of the finest Bosnian national dishes, whereof the famous spit-roasted lamb, and a wide assortment of soft drinks from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region.

• Restaurant Vinoteka - Restaurant Vinoteka offers a wide selection of dishes from international cuisine recipe and a large selection of domestic and foreign fruit cocktails. There is a guarded parking lot next door to the restaurant.

• Restoran Brajlovic At the water front of the Zeljeznica, Brajlovic offers an up scale selection of Bosnian specialties. Their cevapcici is widely known to attract tourists and local residents alike.

Sarajevska Pivara - The Sarajevo Brewery

Cafes

• Bosanska kafana "Index" - Bosnian coffee

• Cafe Slastičarna "Palma" - Coffee and pastry shop, located in Sarajevo in part of town called Hrasno, started working back in 1970. In 1985 "Palma" received the CD -Diplomatic Consular Code.

• Caffe Kamarija - Point of view - Good service and a view on the Sarajevo cityscape (the treetops might restrict the view partially, though). For photos there might be nicer spots up on the road (~100 m).

• Connectum/Klub Knjige - Part of a bookstore.

• Imperijal cafe slasticarna - Located in the ground floor of HKD Napredak Palace (Croatian Cultural Association). The building, which was built in 1913 according to the design of Dioniz Sukno in Secessionist style, has had many occupants, such as a cinema, a theatre and a gallery, and was the first city building to have an elevator.

• Ministry of Ćejf - Great espresso drinks and well trained baristas. They also have karak and good cakes.

• Miris Dunja - Coffee, Bosnian coffee and juices. On a regular day the Bosnian coffee served is usually very good, and on a good day the Bosnian coffee may truly be extraordinary exceptional.

• Mrvica - Coffee, brunch or even lunch

• Mrvica Old Town - Coffee and different types of bakery and desserts. Opened ca. 2017. No Bosnian coffee served, only "modern" coffee styles.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Sarajevo

Sarajevo - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Sarajevo, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Sarajevo. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Sarajevo and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Sarajevo. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Sarajevo. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inSarajevo: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Sarajevo.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Sarajevo: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Sarajevo, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Sarajevo.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Sarajevo, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Sarajevo, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Sarajevo and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Sarajevo, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Sarajevo, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Sarajevo without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Sarajevo is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Sarajevo.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Sarajevo is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Sarajevo, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Sarajevo Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

If you arrive late at night and the weather is right and you have a tent with you, you can camp quite undisturbedly in the park next to the Miljacka river. Chances are that there already some more tents put up. Follow the road on the west side of town, stay close to the river and end up around. In summer there is a public toilet. This is wild camping, and there is no guard or services.

• Garni Hotel Konak - Built in 1962 and completely renovated in 2008. Staff are friendly, speak English, and in the off season can be persuaded to negotiate. Hotel amenities include breakfast, Ensuite bathrooms and internet connected computers, while the hostel rooms are double bed privates with satellite television which share a bathroom among three rooms.

• Hotel Hecco Deluxe - Hotel poses 15 furnished suits towards latest world standards. There is a restaurant on the 10th floor, which offers unforgettable view on panorama of Sarajevo.

• Hotel Michele - The staff is wonderfully nice, breakfast and laundry included and also features private parking with direct elevator access to the room floors and wireless high speed internet.

• Hotel VIP - Latin bridge is 300 metres from Hotel VIP, while Bascarsija Street is 300 metres away. Sarajevo Airport is 9 kilometers from the property.

• Motel Sokak - It's small clean, quiet, friendly and comfortable, in an old building but modern inside.

• Opal Home Sarajevo - Hotel Opal Home | The four-star hotel with modern design and luxury interior, which opened in 2014, offers 12 comfortable rooms and 22 beds.

• Pansion Čobanija Private bathrooms and satellite television. The rooms are clean and well-kept, and a continental breakfast is provided.
• Pansion Stari Grad - A cozy hotel on walking distance from the old town with friendly staff willing to help travelers get around the city with maps and tips.

• Hotel Terex - A smaller hotel surrounded by soviet tenements in the residential area of Dobrinja, close to the Dobrinja commercial neighborhood.

• Hotel Imzit - Basic hotel at the outskirts of Dobrinja at the foot of Suma Mojmilo hill.

• Hotel Octagon - A lovely 3 star hotel in a residential area right across from the airport, ideally suited for business travelers with a lay-over of a night.
• Hotel Holiday - formerly Holiday Inn |Clean, safe, nice superior Muslim friendly rooms with private bathroom and shower, well-maintained. Friendly staff speaks English. Credit cards accepted. The restaurant on the third floor is great.

• Hotel Bristol Sarajevo - Novotel Sarajevo Bristol | Completely renovated. Great rooms and comfortable beds. Friendly staff, three restaurants/cafés. No alcohol served, [https:// certified (but the pretty wide breakfast spread might contain some dubious dishes). Held in regard now as one of the best large hotels in the city. Entrance fee to a small spa is included in the room price. The easiest way to get to the old town is by taxi (which can be ordered from the reception), and the nearest tram stop is Pofalići (~300 m).

• Hotel Central - One of the oldest hotels in the city historically renowned for its spa, it is now considered one of the prime boutique hotels after its recent renovation. Also the spa is excellent.

• Hotel Colors Inn - Colors Inn Sarajevo | Colors Inn Hotel Sarajevo has 37 luxury single and double rooms and a private parking.

File:賽拉耶佛 Sarajevo - panoramio (1) - Hotel Europe in the heart of Sarajevo, behind the Bezestan and Taslihan.

• Hotel Europe - Built in 1882 right next to medieval ruins, it was recently renovated, elevating it to five-star premier boutique status. Home to many celebrities who come to work or visit the city, such as John Travolta, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. The in-house Viennese Café is great, offering many Central European as well as local specialties. The hotel offers a view over the Tašlihan archaeological site right next to it.

• Radon Plaza - It is named after the last name of its owner, who is also the owner of Avaz newspaper and one of the city's wealthiest people.

• Hotel Espana - Hotel in a calmer residential area of Sarajevo on the territory of Republika Srpska.

Stay Safe

Hrastova glava Mine 01 - War_zone_safety#Land_mines_and_unexploded_ordnance|Mines are still hidden in the forests around Sarajevo

There are still many War_zone_safety#Land_mines_and_unexploded_ordnance|minefields and unexploded ordnances in the Sarajevo area and its surrounding suburbs. Never go into damaged buildings (which are really rarely seen) and always stick to paved surfaces avoiding grassy hills that surround the city . Areas that are not cleared are marked by yellow tape or signs, but still not all minefields have been identified due to the lack of resources and the lack of international help. Paved roads are always safe. Crime against foreigners is very rare and the city is safe to visit. (As with any country in former Yugoslavia, be careful not to get into sensitive discussions about politics with people you do not know, but even those can be very educational when you come across a person who's willing to discuss it.) Be aware of pick pockets who usually operate on public transportation vehicles.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has double the traffic fatality rate in Europe as a whole, and Sarajevo has recently seen a few high-profile accidents with pedestrians. Be alert whether driving or crossing the street.

Sarajevo has instituted nighttime water restrictions between 00:00 and 05:00. This is to limit water lost from the city's old and deteriorating leaky pipes. Consider filling up a water bottle in the evening. (Rest assured Sarajevo has safe—indeed extremely high quality—tap water, when it's running.)

A final point on health and safety is that the air in Sarajevo can be noticeably thick with pollution, so that asthmatics or those with other chest problems may find themselves short of breath a lot of the time, particularly at night. Ensure you have ample medication, just in case.

Medical Issues in Sarajevo

The most significant risk to your health, land mines aside, is posed by the sun itself. Protect skin and eyes with adequate sun screen and sun glasses, which can be obtained at the apothecary.

• Apotheka Al-Hana General apothecary, selling sun screen for 7.60 KM and sun glasses for 48.90 KM.

• Apoteka Baščaršija - Apoteke Sarajevo

• Apoteka Dobrinja - Apoteke Sarajevo

• Apoteka Hitna - Apoteke Sarajevo

• Apoteka Marijin dvor - Apoteke Sarajevo | The pharmacy is housed in a residential-commercial building Marienhof (Marijin dvor) built between 1885 and 1899 in Late Historicism style, designed by Karl Pařík. The building was built for an eminent Austrian businessman August Brown and named after his wife.

• Apoteka Novo Sarajevo - Apoteke Sarajevo

• General Hospital - Prim. dr. Abdulah Nakaš

Water from fountains and taps in Sarajevo is safe to drink, but it may have a strong and unpleasant chlorine odor depending on the season.

Cope

Children

The Sarajevo Downtown mall features a large play area for children. BBI Centar also has one, but it's smaller. Both malls are slightly west of the downtown on the primary street.

Travel Next

• Konjic is on the Neretva river, 43 kilometers southwest of Sarajevo, where in 2011 the Tito bunker and Bijenale contemporary art exhibition were opened to the public.
• Jablanica, famous as the site for the Battle of Neretva and the necropolis
• Mostar
• Belgrade, Serbia

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