Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina

1. Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque

Built in the 16th century by famed architect Acem Ali, the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque is one of the most breathtaking structures to display classical Ottoman architecture in Sarajevo. The renowned place of worship is the largest historical mosque in Bosnia and Herzegovina and has been the area’s central mosque since the time it was built. The mosque originally included an Islamic school, a vaulted marketplace, and a public bathhouse but suffered significant destruction during the Siege of Sarajevo. Though what visitors see today is a completely new interior designed in the early 2000s, it is still just as magnificent as the original works.

Address: Saraci 8, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Phone: +387-33-53-21-44

2. Latin Bridge

Latin Bridge is a bridge constructed in Ottoman style which can be found crossing over Sarajevo’s Miljacka River. The deck arch bridge is made from stone and rock and is one of the area’s most recognized sites. The bridge was made even more famous in 1914 when Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated at the northern end. You’ll get to see such a beautiful sight of the bridge, the river, and the stunning landscape that surrounds it. Have a chat with nearby locals and you’ll learn so much about the bridge’s historic past, its architecture, and much more.

Address: BA, Obala Kulina bana bb, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Phone: +387-33-23-88-86

3. Sarajevo Tunnel Museum

Popularly known as the Tunnel of Hope of the Tunel Spasa, the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum is one of the most historically rich attractions in the city. Though its history does not go that far back as the tunnel was only constructed in 1993, it played an integral role during the Siege of Sarajevo during the turmoil of the Bosnian War. The tunnel, which was built by the Bosnian Army, gave the city an escape route to Bosnian-held territory since the entire immediate surrounding was cut off by Serbian forces. Today, visitors can walk a small length of the tunnel and then explore the several museum exhibits which include equipment, photographs, and much more.

Address: BA, 1, Tuneli, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Phone: +387-33-68-40-32

4. Jewish Museum

The Jewish Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina can be found right in the heart of the city. It is an annex of the Museum of Sarajevo and is housed in an old Jewish temple that is so full of charm. It is considered one of the loveliest exhibits in all of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). You’ll be able to see an array of artifacts and antiquities that testify to the centuries in which Jews have occupied BiH, as well as their enormous contributions to the development of the area. Some of the most interesting items in the collection include silver-plated player book holders, marriage agreements, and several personal belongings of Jewish scientists and artists who thrived there.

Address: Velika avlija Laure Papo Bahorete, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Phone: +387-33-53-56-88

5. Eat some Cevapi

One of the most popular dishes in the Balkans is cepavi. The meat-based dish is a favorite with locals and tourists for its hearty, satisfying, and delicious qualities. The meal comprises a kebab of sorts, usually a grilled minced meat, as well as a flatbread, feta cheese, chopped red peppers and onions, and sour cream. The national dish is mouth wateringly delicious, and though it looks so simple, it is bursting with flavor. You’re sure to find cepavi on the menu in almost every local restaurant you visit while there. Be sure to try as many as you can as they usually vary in flavor yet are all equally delicious.

6. Sarajevo Town Hall

Locally known as Vijecnica, Sarajevo Town Hall is a beautiful structure that was constructed in the 1890s. At one point, it was the largest and most representative building of Sarajevo’s Austro-Hungarian architecture. It suffered much damage and loss during the Siege of Sarajevo but was wholly reconstructed, restored, and reopened in 2014 with a spectacular performance by famed cellist Vedran Smailovis and the Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra. It is now a national monument which attracts visitors from all over the world with all there is to see and take in. The town hall building also hosts events, concerts, performances, and exhibitions in the building.

Address: Obala Kulina bana, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Phone: +387-33-29-28-00

7. Bascarsija

Considered to be one of the most important historical and cultural centers of the city, Bascarsija is also one of the oldest bazaars in all of Sarajevo. It was built around the time the town was founded in the 15th century and can be found in Stari Grad municipality on the northern bank of the Miljacka River. While browsing the bazaar be on the lookout for several historic buildings such as their iconic clock tower as well as the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque. The major tourist attraction is now filled with vendors and stalls that sell everything from fresh produce to fun souvenirs.

8. Dveri

Dveri is one of the coziest and most intimate restaurants in all of Sarajevo. Don’t let the size of the setting fool you, as the welcoming nature of the people and the delicious flavor of the food will supersede all of your expectations. Located in the heart of the bascarsija, the restaurant has opened its doors to people from all over the world since 1999. They have won several awards over the years and have a creative menu that is constantly evolving to offer their patrons the best. Some of their most popular main dishes are the beef steak in green pepper sauce, the rolled chicken drumstick wrapped in a lamb handkerchief, and the butter beans with pork sausage.

Address: Prote Bakovica 12, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Phone: +387-33-53-70-20