Where to Start in Sarajevo

Sarajevo rewards the curious traveller. It is compact enough to explore largely on foot, yet dense enough in history, architecture, and culture that a few days barely scratches the surface. This guide covers the landmarks you shouldn't miss, along with practical notes to help you visit each one well.

Baščaršija — The Old Bazaar

Every visit to Sarajevo begins here. Baščaršija is the Ottoman-era bazaar at the city's historic heart, a labyrinth of cobblestone alleys lined with coppersmith workshops, carpet sellers, leather goods shops, and coffee houses. It was founded in the 15th century and has functioned as a market ever since.

The central landmark is the Sebilj, an ornate wooden fountain built in 1891, which has become the city's most photographed symbol. Pigeons congregate here in improbable numbers. The surrounding lanes are best explored without a map — getting mildly lost is half the pleasure.

Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque

Built in 1531, this is the largest active Ottoman mosque in the Balkans. Its interior is serene and beautifully proportioned. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome outside of prayer times; a modest entrance fee applies and appropriate dress is required. The adjacent Bezistan (covered market) and the mosque's courtyard fountain are also worth your time.

The Latin Bridge

This small Ottoman stone bridge over the Miljacka River would be unremarkable anywhere else. Here, it is historically seismic: on 28 June 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated at the northern end of this bridge, triggering the sequence of events that led to World War One. A small museum on the corner documents the event with original artefacts and maps.

The Yellow Fortress (Žuta Tabija)

For the best view of Sarajevo, climb to the Yellow Fortress, a remnant of the city's Ottoman-era defensive walls perched on the hillside above Baščaršija. The panorama — the minarets, the red rooftops, the valley narrowing to the east — is especially beautiful at dusk. The walk up takes about 15 minutes from the bazaar through the Kovači neighbourhood.

The Sarajevo War Tunnel Museum

Located at the city's western edge near the airport, the Tunnel of Hope was dug in 1993 during the Siege of Sarajevo to provide the only supply line under the UN-controlled airport. Roughly 800 metres of the original 800-metre tunnel were preserved; you can walk through a section today. The museum is one of the most emotionally powerful sites in the city and provides essential context for understanding the 1990s conflict.

The National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina

This grand Austro-Hungarian building houses the Sarajevo Haggadah — a 14th-century illustrated Jewish manuscript that is among the most valuable books in the world. The museum also contains ethnographic and natural history collections, and its botanical garden courtyard is a calm retreat from the city streets.

Sacred Heart Cathedral

Sarajevo's largest Catholic church, completed in 1889, is a fine example of neo-Gothic architecture and a reminder of the city's Austro-Hungarian chapter. Its twin towers are visible from much of the city centre. The interior is cool and quiet, and entry is free.

Practical Notes for Visitors

  • Most of the old city is walkable — comfortable shoes are essential on the cobblestones.
  • Trams run east–west along the Miljacka and are cheap and reliable for reaching sites further from the centre.
  • Opening hours vary widely — the War Tunnel Museum requires a short taxi or bus ride and has set visiting hours.
  • Dress modestly when visiting mosques: covered shoulders and legs, and shoes removed at the entrance.
  • Many sites are free or low-cost — budget travellers will find Sarajevo very manageable.