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Sarajevo vs Belgrade: Comparing Bosnia & Serbia’s Capitals
Can’t decide between Sarajevo vs Belgrade? I liked Sarajevo more but I’m here to help find out which city is best for you.
Sarajevo and Belgrade are both capital cities in Balkan states. Belgrade is the capital of Serbia and Sarajevo the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
I spent 2 weeks in each of those cities and did a day trip from each city as well. They are two very different cities with unique things to do. My favourite of those two is Sarajevo because of its rich history and cultural diversity.
In general, Belgrade is the right choice for you if you want big-city vibes. Sarajevo on the other hand is a charming little city with an amazing old town.
Sarajevo vs Belgrade: Getting there
The two Balkan capitals, Sarajevo and Belgrade, both have an international airport which is the easiest way to reach the countries. There is public transportation from the airports to the city centre.
If you decide to visit both countries you can take a tour from Sarajevo to Belgrade and make some stops on the way to see the beautiful countryside. You can also include both cities in your Balkan road trip.
There are also buses to and from both capitals. However, I would not recommend getting a bus from either of those cities to an EU country. I took the bus from Serbia to Hungary and we had to wait 8 hours at the Hungarian Serbian border control!
Sarajevo vs Belgrade: Things to do
Both cities have some great things to do. All in all, I think there are a few more things to do in Sarajevo than in Belgrade, even though Belgrade is the bigger city.
Best things to do in Sarajevo
There are so many great things to do and see in Sarajevo. I was really surprised by the amount of things to do in such a small city, or at least the centre feels so small.
Here’s just a small sample of the best things to do in Sarajevo:
- Visit the historic Latin Bridge, the site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand that sparked World War I.
- Explore the historic BaÅ”ÄarÅ”ija neighborhood, known for its traditional Ottoman architecture, markets, and cafes.
- Visit the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, one of the oldest and most beautiful mosques in the city.
- Explore the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum, an underground tunnel that was used during the Siege of Sarajevo in the 1990s.
- Walk down the abandoned Olympic bobsled track which was used in the Winter Olympics of 1984 and afterwards used as an artillery position during the siege of Sarajevo. Today it’s covered in graffiti and it’s a popular attraction in Sarajevo.
Best things to do in Belgrade
Belgrade doesn’t have as many things to do as Sarajevo in my opinion but the sights that are there are really impressive and make Belgrade worth visiting as well if you have the time.
- Visit the Kalemegdan Fortress, a historic fortress and park that offers stunning views of the city and the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers.
- Check out the Nikola Tesla Museum, dedicated to the life and work of the famous inventor and scientist.
- Visit the St. Sava Temple, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world and a stunning example of Serbian architecture.
Sarajevo vs Belgrade: Safety
Both Sarajevo and Belgrade are generally safe cities for tourists, with low rates of violent crime. And I personally felt safe in both cities.
However, as with any destination, it’s important to take basic safety precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings, avoiding unlit or isolated areas at night, and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur in both cities, particularly in tourist areas, so it’s important to keep your valuables secure.
Sarajevo may have some lingering issues related to the Bosnian War, such as landmines in rural areas or unexploded ordnance. However, these are generally not a concern in the city itself.
In Belgrade, some travellers may be concerned about political protests or tensions related to Serbia’s relationship with neighbouring countries, but these are generally peaceful and unlikely to affect tourists.
Overall, both Sarajevo and Belgrade are safe destinations for travellers, but it’s always a good idea to exercise caution and common sense while exploring any new place.
Sarajevo vs Belgrade: Vegan food
Vegan food wise Belgrade is the clear winner. There are more vegan restaurants in Belgrade than in Sarajevo. And even on a day trip, you might find some vegan restaurants. Novi Sad is great for vegan food for example.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, there are only vegan restaurants in the capital Sarajevo and there are not that many. But the vegan restaurants which are there have great food for a very affordable price.
Sarajevo vs Belgrade: Best day trips
Both capitals are also the most visited cities in each country. And the most popular full day trip in each country is to the second most visited city.
Day trip from Sarajevo to Mostar
I loved my day trip from Sarajevo to Mostar since you can combine the trip to this beautiful historic town with some stops in the countryside of Herzegovina.
The most famous attraction in Mostar is the old stone bridge, Stari Most. And seeing this impressive bridge is worth the visit. Especially in summer when you might even see the local bridge jumpers jumping down into the Neretva River.
Day trip from Belgrade to Novi Sad
Novi Sad, located just an hour’s drive from Belgrade, makes for a great day trip destination.
The city is known for its charming old town, beautiful architecture, and stunning views of the Danube River. It’s also a former European Youth Capital and a European Capital of Culture.
Some of the top things to see and do in Novi Sad include visiting the Petrovaradin Fortress, a 17th-century fortress which is the best place for views of the city and the river and exploring the historic old town, with its colourful buildings, charming cafes, and lively markets.
Sarajevo is right for you if…
Sarajevo is right for you if you love history and a mix of different cultures. The city is known for its rich history with influences from the Ottoman Empire and Austro-Hungarian Empire. The city also played an important role in the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s.
And I have to admit before visiting Sarajevo I didn’t know much about the Yugoslav and Bosnian War but I learned so much about it during my visit to Sarajevo. Especially on the free walking tour I did which was led by a tour guide who actually lived through the war and the siege of Sarajevo.
The city is also surrounded by stunning natural beauty, which makes for great day trip opportunities.
Belgrade is right for you if…
Belgrade is right for you if you’re looking to spend some time in a big city with a beautiful park next to two rivers. The city’s atmosphere is best in summer when you can have a drink in one of the many outdoor bars and cafĆ©s.
It’s also for you if you’re interested in the communist history of former Yugoslavia. Belgrade was the capital of Yugoslavia after all and you can still see the communist influences in the architecture of the city.
FAQ about Belgrade vs Sarajevo
Is Belgrade better than Sarajevo?
It depends on what you are looking for. Belgrade is a bigger city with a great nightlife scene. Sarajevo is a smaller city with a historic city centre and a lot of touristy things to do.
Is Belgrade cheaper than Sarajevo?
Overall Sarajevo is slightly cheaper than Belgrade.
Was Sarajevo the capital of Serbia?
No, Sarajevo is not the capital of Serbia. Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Is Sarajevo in Serbia or Bosnia?
Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
What country is Sarajevo in?
Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Final thoughts: Sarajevo or Belgrade
Overall I liked my time in Sarajevo more because I love how it is a meeting place for different cultures in a city with such a rich history. And even though the city is smaller there are more things to do in my opinion.
But if you want to go to a big city with great nightlife, I would recommend Belgrade. Especially in summer, when you can sit outside and enjoy a drink there. In summer you can even go for a swim in the river.
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
- Is Bosnia Landlocked? Almost But Not Quite
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Best Ways to Get From Sarajevo to Belgrade
- Balkan Capital Cities: Which One Is Right For Your Next Holiday?
Read more about Serbia:
- Is Belgrade Worth Visiting?
- 7 Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants Belgrade
- Belgrade vs Novi Sad: Comparing Serbiaās Vibrant Cities
- Unforgettable Day Trip from Belgrade to Novi Sad
- Where to Get the Best Vegan Food Novi Sad Has to Offer
- Sarajevo vs Belgrade: Comparing Bosnia & Serbiaās Capitals
- Best Ways to Get From Sarajevo to Belgrade
- Belgrade to Budapest by Bus: The WORST Journey
- The Balkan Capital on the Danube River: Belgrade
- Balkan Capital Cities: Which One Is Right For Your Next Holiday?
- Serbia
