What to See in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina

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

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

Sarajevo Tunnel Museum

Popularly known as the Tunnel of Hope of the Tunel Spasa, the Sarajevo Tunnel 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

Jewish Museum

The Museum of the Jews 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

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.

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

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.

Caffe Tito

Caffe Tito is a unique endeavor completely dedicated to Josip Broz Tito - a Yugoslav communist revolutionary commonly referred to as Tito. The pastry shop/ cafe/ club is open 24 hours a day and has somewhat of a cult following with both locals and visitors. It is an ideal spot to relax during the summer days with a chilled drink while enjoying the many unplugged concerts they have scheduled throughout the season. You can also spend your time exploring the funky ambiance and looking at all of the images, documents, and other artifacts they have of Tito.

Address: Zmaja od Bosne 5, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Phone: +387-61-20-88-81

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

Zeljo

Located amidst one of the busiest and most tourist-filled areas in Sarajevo, Zeljo is a no-nonsense dining establishment that has built a reputation for serving the best cevapis in the area. Cevapis are a kebab of sorts made with either minced beef or pork, and the cooks at Zeljo have mastered the art over the years. Their handmade kebabs are so juicy and full of flavor that you’ll not want to have them anywhere else for the rest of your trip. The restaurant itself is split into two locations which are right across from each other. Both offer street-side seating so that you can enjoy your meal as you watch the hustle and bustle surrounding you.

Address: Kundurdžiluk 19 & 20, Bašcaršija, Phone: +387-33-44-70-00

Miris Dunja

Another fun street-side restaurant located in the heart of the bascarsija featuring no-nonsense meals which are delicious is Miris Dunja. The traditional Bosnian tavern is most famed for their delicious coffee which is unique to the region. The coffee is made from the finest types of Arabica and Robusta raw coffee and is ground using a traditional Bosnian method. Have a cup, along with a snack, during your exploration of the bazaar, or even take along some packs for yourself or as gifts for friends and family. You’ll be able to choose from the house specialties, as well as freshly-squeezed fruit juices, moist cakes, and various other teas and hot drinks.

Address: Cizmedžiluk 9, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Phone: +387-62-92-29-00

Buregdzinica Sac

Buregdžinica Sac is a wonderful little eatery that specializes in halal Eastern European foods. They have a varied menu which encompasses a number of vegetarian dishes, but it’s their Bosnian pies which really take the cake. It’s a great hangout spot for both locals and tourists - even if you don’t know anyone, you’ll leave with great conversation and maybe even some lifelong friends. The burek is their specialty and is a traditional pita bread which you can get stuffed with your choice of meat, cheese, or vegetables; stack them on to create a really flavorful meal.

Address: Bravadžiluk mali 2, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Phone: +387-33-23-97-48

Birtija

Birtija is a restaurant and bar/ club that serves an array of full meals, finger foods, snacks, and drinks - alcoholic and non. The interior is so cozy and comfortable, making it perfect for a meal with a group of friends. You can enjoy a refreshing beer and pair it with one of their carefully crafted meals, or if you’re a morning person, head in there for a hearty breakfast that will keep you fueled the rest of the day. Their vanilla coffee is raved about by patrons and is something you should definitely consider trying, coffee person or not.

Address: Kovaci 5, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Barhana

Flowing curtains, dimmed lights, and a comfortable cushion setting make Barhana one of the most intimate and cozy places to have a meal while in Sarajevo. Their Bosnian dishes such as the spicy chicken stew, minced meat stuffed peppers, and goulash are definitely worth trying if you’re willing to venture into the unknown. If you’d rather stick to foods you’re more familiar with, their menu is also filled with several types of pizzas, pastas, and sandwiches - the mushroom risotto is something you’ll write home about! Pair your meal with one of their many grappa flavors, whether you choose something common like grape or apple or something more unique along the lines of walnuts or pine.

Address: Djulagina Cikma 8, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Phone: +387-33-44-77-27

Hodzic

Cevabdžinica Hodžic is a wonderful dining establishment which has gained a reputation for their juicy and flavorful barbecue delights. The flavors are very regional and traditional, giving you the opportunity to try foods your familiar with but with a little twist that make them regional favorites. Patrons often say that they have the best cevapi in the area, and since we’ve identified several restaurants on our list making the same claim, we suggest that you try them all. In addition to the delicious food, you’ll also be given amazing service at great prices when visiting Cevabdžinica Hodžic.

Address: Bravadžiluk 34, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Phone: +387-33-53-28-66

Pod Lipom

Pod Lipom, which translates to ‘Under the Linden Tree’, is a wonderful little restaurant located in the heart of Sarajevo. They’re often open late into the night, making it a popular place for a late dinner with friends and family. Their menu has a number of European and Eastern European dishes that will surely delight your taste buds. In addition to the wonderful food, you’ll also be greeted by friendly and professional wait staff who will make your experience as pleasant as possible. It’s also a great spot if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet since there are so many options to choose from - we suggest the bread-crumbed cheese tossed in the spicy red pepper sauce.

Address: Prote Bakovica 4, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Phone: +387-33-44-07-00

Pekara Kovaci kod Mahira

Pekara Kovaci kod Mahira is highly rated for having the best pizza in the entire region. All of their pizzas are hand tossed and feature an array of toppings that may seem unique and different to you if you’re not from the area. Don’t let the creative collection of toppings scare you from taking a culinary step forward - you won’t regret it! The flavors all come together seamlessly and will leave you so in love with it that all the pizzas back home with seem bland. The Bosnian version of a pizza is filled with dried cured meats, mushrooms, homemade sauce, an array of cheeses, and kajmak, which is a type of unaged cheese.

Address: Kovaci 57, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Phone: +387-33-53-15-32

Petica Ferhatovic Cevabzinica

Petica Ferhatovic Cevabžinica can be found in the heart of Sarajevo’s bustling bascarsija or bazaar. The dining establishment opened in 1984 when Sarajevo hosted the Winter Olympic Games and invited a host of tourists from all over the world. It continues to thrive till today because of its delicious food and wonderful service. Their kabobs follow a recipe and technique which dates back generations and is truly unique when compared to other similar meals in nearby restaurants. Other items on their menu include salads, burgers, sausages, sandwiches, and more, with their karabatak sandwich being a crown favorite with both locals and visitors.

Address: Bravadžiluk 21, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Phone: +387-33-53-75-55