17 Top Things to Do in Sarajevo for First-Time Visitor

Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is one of Europe’s most fascinating cities, a vibrant mix of cultures where East meets West. Walking through its streets, you’ll see traces of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and more recent history side by side.

I spent two weeks exploring Sarajevo and its surroundings, and during that time I discovered just how much there is to experience here, from powerful historic sites to the everyday life in a modern city. There’s no shortage of things to do in Sarajevo.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or longer, here’s what I recommend for first-time visitors to truly experience Sarajevo.

Visit the Place Where World History Was Shaped

1. Latin Bridge

Just steps from Latin Bridge, world history was set in motion. On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife Sophie were assassinated here, an event that triggered the start of World War I.

On the corner of the nearby building, you’ll find footprints marking where Gavrilo Princip stood when he fired the fatal shots. What’s especially chilling is knowing this wasn’t the first attempt that day, earlier, the Archduke narrowly escaped a bombing.

While you’re here, be sure to admire Latin Bridge itself. It’s the oldest surviving stone bridge over the Miljacka River, and it adds another layer of charm to this historically significant site.

🇧🇦 Visit the Latin Bridge and learn about its history on a walking tour

13 Best Things to Do In SARAJEVO 🇧🇦 Bosnia & Herzegovina

Learn about the Bosnian War

The Bosnian War was a complex and devastating war that ended only in 1995.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, once part of Yugoslavia, declared independence along with Croatia and Slovenia, a move opposed by Bosnian Serbs, leading to war.

You can explore this recent history through Sarajevo’s museums, guided walking tours (often led by locals who lived through the war), and reading about it in more depth.

I also found this YouTube video helpful for getting a clear overview:

The Worst War You Never Learned About, Mapped

🇧🇦 This tour is a great way to learn more about Sarajevo’s history

2. Keep a Look Out for Bullet Holes 

Sarajevo endured the longest siege of a modern city, from 1992 to 1996, and many buildings still bear scars from that time.

As you explore, watch for bullet holes in walls around the city.

Some of the most heavily affected areas were along the main route into Sarajevo: Ulica Zmaja od Bosne and Meša Selimović Boulevard. During the war, snipers positioned themselves in tall buildings here, giving rise to the chilling nickname “Sniper Alley.”

Learn about the tragic history of Sarajevo on this Sarajevo Roses tour

3. Remember the Victims at Sarajevo Roses

During the siege of Sarajevo, mortar shells often struck crowded areas, killing civilians and leaving deep scars in the concrete. To honor those lost, any impact site where three or more people were killed was later filled with red resin.

The resulting patterns resemble flowers, that’s why they are now known as Sarajevo Roses.

It was really chilling to see these markings scattered across the city, a constant, quiet reminder of the lives lost during the war.

🌹 Learn about the city’s tragic history on this Sarajevo Roses tour

4. Museum of Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide

The museum offers a sobering look at the atrocities committed during the Bosnian War. The conflict included the worst genocide on European soil since World War II. Through personal stories, photographs, and exhibits, the museum brings this dark chapter of history to life.

It’s a deeply moving and often heartbreaking experience, definitely not for the faint of heart, but visiting is an important way to honor the victims and ensure this history is not forgotten.

Keep in mind: the war ended only about 30 years ago. Many locals you’ll meet in Sarajevo lived through this time, which makes the experience all the more powerful.

5. Visit the Tunnel of Hope

The Tunnel of Hope, also known as the War Tunnel, Tunnel of Life, or simply the Sarajevo Tunnel, was built during the siege of Sarajevo as a lifeline for the city. It provided the only safe passage for food, supplies, and weapons to reach those trapped inside.

The tunnel is located near Sarajevo Airport and is best reached by taxi or as part of an organized tour, as there’s no public transport to the site.

Today, the Tunnel of Hope is one of the city’s most visited museums and offers a powerful insight into the resilience of Sarajevo’s citizens during the war.

🌹 This tour of Yugoslavia’s fall includs transport to the Tunnel of Life

6. Take a Free Walking Tour

One of the best ways to learn about Sarajevo’s history, especially the Bosnian War, is by joining a free walking tour.

I took an excellent tour with Meet Bosnia, led by a local guide named Edin, who shared not only his deep knowledge of the city but also personal stories from his childhood during the siege.

Unlike in many cities, Sarajevo’s free walking tour guides are true locals, which makes the experience far more personal and insightful. It was one of the highlights of my time in the city.

☂️ Book your free walking tour now!

Sarajevo: A Meeting Point for Religions

Though religion once played a role in Sarajevo’s conflicts, today the city is a place where people of different faiths live together peacefully. Visiting the city’s diverse religious sites, often just steps apart, is one of the most fascinating things to do in Sarajevo.

7. Sacred Heart Cathedral

The Sacred Heart Cathedral (often called Sarajevo Cathedral) is the most important Catholic church in the city. It’s also the largest cathedral in Bosnia and Herzegovina and serves as the seat of the archbishop.

In front of the cathedral stands a statue of Pope John Paul II, who visited Sarajevo twice. He requested that the bullet holes in the church façade remain visible as a reminder of the war.

8. Old Synagogue

Built in 1581, Sarajevo’s Old Synagogue has been destroyed and rebuilt several times by the Jewish community. Today it houses a museum dedicated to the history of Jews in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Next door, the New Synagogue serves as an art gallery, while the city’s only functioning synagogue is located on the south side of the Miljacka River.

Don’t miss the Sarajevo Haggadah in the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, one of the oldest Sephardic Haggadahs in the world and part of the UNESCO Memory of the World. It’s a richly illustrated manuscript that tells the story of the Jewish exodus from Egypt.

9. Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque

The Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque is one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture in the Balkans, and the largest historic mosque in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It remains the heart of Sarajevo’s Islamic community.

Though it’s not the city’s oldest mosque (that honor belongs to the Emperor’s Mosque), it is the most iconic. During the siege, the mosque suffered heavy damage, but was beautifully restored in 1996.

Today its minaret is a defining feature of Sarajevo’s skyline, easily visible from across the old town. Just next to it, you’ll also find the city’s famous bell tower, more on that shortly!

🤩 Visit all religious sites on this guided walking tour!

Enjoy Sarajevo’s Old Town

After visiting Sarajevo’s many war-related sites, wandering the city’s old town offers a welcome change of pace. The narrow streets, bustling squares, and historic charm make it easy to lose yourself in the vibrant atmosphere.

10. Try to Read the Time at the Clock Tower

The Sarajevo Clock Tower is an iconic part of the old town skyline, standing next to the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque.

What makes this clock truly unique? It’s the only public lunar clock tower in the world, the clock is set so that its hands point to 12 precisely at sunset.

🤩 Learn how to read the clock on this amazing walking tour!

11. Visit the Market: Gazi Husrev-begov bezistan

Gazi Husrev-beg’s Bezistan is Sarajevo’s best-preserved bazaar from the Ottoman period.

Once an indoor silk market, it now sells souvenirs, but even if you’re not shopping, it’s worth visiting for the beautiful architecture alone.

12. Feed the Pigeons at Sebilj Fountain

You’ll always find a crowd, of both people and pigeons, around Sebilj Fountain in Baščaršija Square. This wooden Ottoman-era fountain is the heart of the old town.

Local legend says that if you drink from the fountain, you’re destined to return to Sarajevo one day. I had a sip of water, so it’s just a matter of time till I return to Bosnia.

The square is also known for its resident pigeons. You can buy small containers of kernels to feed them, and the containers can be returned after. It’s a fun moment, especially for photos.

🤩 Book your guided tour to explore the old town with a local guide!

13. Marvel at City Hall

Sarajevo City Hall, or Vijećnica, is one of the city’s finest examples of Austro-Hungarian architecture. Heavily damaged during the war, it reopened in 2014 after extensive restoration. Today, it houses the mayor’s office and city council.

For the best view, head across the Miljacka River, where you can also snap a photo with the Sarajevo sign in front of this striking building.

14. Sip Bosnian Coffee in a Tea House

In Sarajevo’s old town, you’ll find countless cozy tea houses serving Bosnian coffee, a must-try local tradition.

Bosnian coffee is rich and strong, served in a small metal pot with a lot f sugar. You pour it slowly into your cup, this is key, as the grounds settle at the bottom of the pot. Pour too fast, and you’ll end up with grounds in your cup!

Personally, I don’t like coffee so I opted for some Turkish tea instead. Either way, it’s the perfect way to relax after a day of exploring the city.

Tip: There are also a few amazing all-vegan restaurants in Sarajevo.

Venture Beyond the City Center

While Sarajevo’s old town offers plenty to explore, venturing just a little outside the center rewards you with even more unique experiences.

15. Yellow Bastion 

Also known as the Yellow Fortress or Žuta Tabija, this former cannon fortress once defended Sarajevo from Austro-Hungarian forces. It’s been destroyed and rebuilt many times over the years.

Today, it’s one of the city’s best viewpoints, a short uphill walk brings you to panoramic views over the old town and beyond. It’s one of the best spots to watch the sunset.

During Ramadan, a small cannon is fired at sunset to signal the breaking of the fast. The Yellow Fortress becomes a popular gathering spot, with families bringing food and sharing the moment together.

🤩 Learn about the city’s history while overlooking the old town

16. Sarajevo Brewery

Beer lovers should definitely visit the Sarajevo Brewery (Sarajevska pivara), founded in 1864, making it the city’s oldest brewery and one of Bosnia’s earliest industries.

Today, it operates as both a working brewery and a museum. You can sample local brews while learning about its fascinating history.

17. Olympic Park & Abandoned Bobsleigh Track

In 1984, Sarajevo hosted the Winter Olympics. Sadly, many of the Olympic facilities were damaged or destroyed during the war. Some have since been renovated, while others remain abandoned.

The most famous site is the Abandoned Bobsleigh Track, which was used as an artillery position during the siege. Now, the abandoned track is covered in vibrant graffiti and has become one of Sarajevo’s most unique attractions.

The best way to reach the track is by taking the cable car up the hillside. I highly recommend buying a return ticket, the walk down is extremely steep and long (speaking from experience!).

From the top, you’ll not only get sweeping views of the city, but also the chance to explore this atmospheric piece of Olympic history.

Day Trips from Sarajevo

If you have extra time in Sarajevo, here are some great day trips to consider:

• Mostar: The most popular day trip from Sarajevo. A guided tour is an easy way to visit Mostar’s charming old town and stunning nearby nature spots, all in one day.
• Srebrenica: A powerful, educational day trip where you can learn about the Srebrenica massacre and the region’s more recent history.
• Travnik & Jajce: Explore medieval fortresses in Travnik and see Jajce’s famous waterfall right in the middle of town. Both towns offer a beautiful glimpse of rural Bosnia.
• Vrelo Bosne: A peaceful escape just outside Sarajevo, visit this natural spring park with clear streams, old bridges, and shaded walking paths.
• Konjic & Tito’s Bunker: Visit the historic town of Konjic and tour Tito’s Bunker, a massive secret underground complex built during the Cold War.

🤩 This is the day tour from Sarajevo to Mostar I did and I loved it!

Final Thoughts: Is Sarajevo Worth Visiting?

Before visiting, I didn’t know much about Sarajevo, or even about Bosnia and Herzegovina. But once I arrived, the city quickly won me over.

I loved exploring Sarajevo’s old town, with its unique blend of Eastern and Western influences. The mix of cultures, history, and welcoming atmosphere really makes it a special place to visit.

And if you’re planning extra time in Bosnia, I highly recommend taking a day trip to Mostar, the stunning landscapes and charming old town were one of the highlights of my trip.

👉 Check out my full post about my day trip to Mostar here!

Read more about Bosnia and Herzegovina:

• 17 Best Things to Do in Sarajevo
• Unforgettable Day Trip to Mostar from Sarajevo
• All You Need to Know About Sarajevo Abandoned Bobsled Track
• Best Vegan Food Sarajevo and Where to Find It
• Amazing Attractions and Best Things to Do in Mostar
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Best Ways to Get From Sarajevo to Belgrade
• Balkan Capital Cities: Which One Is Right For Your Next Holiday?

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