Planning Your Visit to Sarajevo
Sarajevo is one of Europe's most rewarding city destinations, and it remains less crowded and more affordable than many of its Western European counterparts. That said, arriving well-informed makes a significant difference. Here is everything practical you need before you land.
When to Visit
Sarajevo has four distinct seasons, and each has its appeal:
- Spring (April–May): Mild temperatures, green hills, and fewer tourists. Excellent for walking and outdoor exploration. Highly recommended.
- Summer (June–August): Warm and lively. The Sarajevo Film Festival in August draws large crowds. Can get hot in the city basin, but the surrounding hills are cooler.
- Autumn (September–October): Beautiful foliage on the surrounding mountains. Comfortable temperatures, good restaurant season. Another excellent time to visit.
- Winter (November–March): Cold and occasionally snowy. The city takes on a completely different atmosphere. Good if you're combining with a ski trip to Jahorina or Bjelašnica.
Getting There
By Air: Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ) is located about 6 kilometres southwest of the city centre. Several European carriers operate routes to Sarajevo, with connections through hubs like Vienna, Istanbul, Zagreb, and Munich. The airport is small but functional. A taxi to the centre takes about 15–20 minutes; the fare should be agreed in advance or confirmed by meter.
By Bus: Sarajevo is well connected by long-distance bus to other Balkan capitals — Mostar, Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Belgrade, and beyond. The main bus station is adjacent to the train station, west of the city centre.
Getting Around the City
Sarajevo's city centre is compact and largely walkable. The historic areas around Baščaršija and the Austro-Hungarian centre are best explored on foot.
- Trams: The tram network runs east–west along the Miljacka River valley. Lines 1, 2, and 3 cover the main tourist and residential areas. Tickets are cheap and available from the driver or at kiosks.
- Trolleybuses and City Buses: Cover areas beyond the tram lines, including hillside neighbourhoods.
- Taxis: Widely available and inexpensive by Western European standards. Use established companies or apps to avoid overcharging. Agree on a price or ensure the meter is running before departing.
Currency and Payments
Bosnia and Herzegovina's currency is the Konvertibilna Marka (BAM or KM), pegged to the euro at approximately 1 EUR = 1.96 KM. Euros are not accepted as standard, though some businesses near tourist areas may take them informally.
ATMs are widely available in the city centre. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and larger restaurants, but smaller local restaurants, bakeries, and market stalls are often cash-only. Carrying some local currency is strongly recommended.
Language
The official languages are Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian — all mutually intelligible South Slavic languages written in both Latin and Cyrillic scripts (Latin is standard in Sarajevo). English is widely spoken among younger residents and in the tourism and hospitality sector. German and Turkish are also understood by a notable proportion of the population.
Learning a few words of Bosnian is genuinely appreciated: hvala (thank you), molim (please/you're welcome), and dobar dan (good day) go a long way.
Safety
Sarajevo is a safe city for visitors. Petty crime exists as in any urban area, but violent crime against tourists is rare. The main precautions are standard urban common sense: keep an eye on your belongings in crowded market areas and use established taxis.
One specific note: landmines remain a hazard in some mountain and rural areas surrounding Sarajevo, a legacy of the 1990s war. Stick to marked trails when hiking. The city itself and its established tourist sites are entirely safe.
Local Etiquette
- When visiting mosques, dress modestly: covered shoulders, covered knees, and shoes removed at the entrance.
- During the month of Ramadan, be respectful about eating and drinking in public spaces during daylight hours.
- Bosnian hospitality is genuine and generous — if offered coffee or food in someone's home, accepting is the polite response.
- Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving 10% is standard in restaurants.
Quick Reference
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Currency | Konvertibilna Marka (BAM/KM) |
| Time Zone | CET (UTC+1), CEST in summer (UTC+2) |
| Electricity | 230V, Type F sockets (standard European) |
| Country Code | +387 |
| Emergency Number | 112 |