Sarajevo vs Belgrade: Which One Should You Visit?

Can’t decide between Sarajevo vs Belgrade? I’ve visited both, spending two weeks in each city, plus doing day trips from both, and I’m here to help you figure out which one is best for you.

Sarajevo and Belgrade are very different: one is known for its history and charm, the other for its big-city vibe and nightlife. I personally preferred Sarajevo for its cultural diversity and old town atmosphere, but both are worth considering.

In this post, I’ll compare Sarajevo vs Belgrade in key categories to help you decide which city fits your travel style. In short:

• Choose Belgrade if you want big-city energy and nightlife.
• Choose Sarajevo if you’re after history, charm, and an atmospheric old town.

How to Get There

Both Sarajevo and Belgrade have international airports, which are the most convenient way to reach each city if you’re flying in from other parts of Europe.

You can also easily reach both cities by bus from nearby countries. Neither country is accessible by train. Another popular option is to include both cities as part of a Balkan road trip.

Tip: If you’re planning to visit both cities on the same trip, check out my detailed post on how to get from Sarajevo to Belgrade, it covers all the options.

Main Sights

Both Sarajevo and Belgrade offer some fascinating sights, though in my experience, Sarajevo packs more into a smaller area, while Belgrade’s highlights are more spread out.

Best Things to Do in Sarajevo

I was honestly surprised by how many amazing things to see and do there are in Sarajevo, especially for a city that feels so compact and walkable. Here are some of my favorites:

• Latin Bridge: Site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand that sparked WWI.
• Baščaršija: The city’s historic Ottoman-era bazaar, full of markets, cafes, and architecture.
• Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque: One of the oldest and most beautiful mosques in Sarajevo.
• Sarajevo Tunnel Museum: The underground tunnel used during the Siege of Sarajevo in the 1990s, a must-visit to understand the city’s modern history.
• Abandoned Olympic Bobsled Track: Built for the 1984 Winter Olympics, later used during the siege, now covered in street art, one of Sarajevo’s most unique attractions.

Watch my Sarajevo trip highlights:

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

Best Things to Do in Belgrade

While Belgrade felt more spread out to me, the key sights here are definitely worth seeing, especially if you enjoy history and architecture. Here are some of the top attractions:

• Kalemegdan Fortress: A massive historic fortress with beautiful views over the Sava and Danube rivers.
• Nikola Tesla Museum: A fascinating museum dedicated to the life and inventions of Nikola Tesla.
• St. Sava Temple: One of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, a stunning piece of architecture.

Watch my Belgrade trip highlights:

8 Top Things to Do in Belgrade SERBIA 🇷🇸

Is Sarajevo or Belgrade Safer?

I personally felt safe in both Sarajevo and Belgrade, even when walking around in the evenings. In both cities, basic common-sense precautions go a long way, just as they would in any major European city.

In Sarajevo, there are still some landmines in rural areas from the Bosnian War, but this is not a concern within the city itself or on the typical tourist routes.

In Belgrade, occasional political protests can take place, but these are generally peaceful and very unlikely to affect visitors.

Nightlife & Atmosphere

When it comes to nightlife and atmosphere, Sarajevo and Belgrade offer very different experiences, and which one you’ll prefer really depends on your travel style.

Belgrade is known for its nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs, and famous floating river clubs (splavovi). If you’re looking for big-city nightlife, Belgrade definitely wins this category.

Sarajevo, on the other hand, has a much more laid-back atmosphere. Evenings here are about wandering the old town, enjoying Bosnian coffee in cozy cafes or tea houses. I loved this relaxed vibe, it felt more personal and atmospheric.

Vegan Food Scene

When it comes to vegan food, Belgrade is the clear winner. The city has a larger selection of vegan restaurants, and even on day trips (like to Novi Sad), you’ll find good options.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, vegan choices are mostly limited to Sarajevo, and while the selection is smaller, the vegan restaurants I tried there had excellent food at very affordable prices.

Best Day Trips

Both Sarajevo and Belgrade make great bases for day trips, here are some of the best options from each city:

From Sarajevo

• Mostar: Beautiful old town & iconic Stari Most bridge 👉 Read my day trip guide to Mostar
• Blagaj: Stunning Buna River spring & Dervish monastery
• Kravice Waterfalls: Gorgeous natural waterfalls (popular in summer)
• Jajce: Historic town with waterfall, fortress, and medieval charm
• Travnik: Ottoman-era town with colorful architecture and mosques

From Belgrade

• Novi Sad: Beautiful old town, Petrovaradin Fortress, and river views 👉 Read my day trip guide to Novi Sad
• Sremski Karlovci: Quaint town known for wine tasting and baroque architecture
• Golubac Fortress: Impressive medieval fortress on the Danube
• Iron Gates Gorge: Scenic natural landscapes along the Danube River
• Oplenac: Royal complex with Serbian royal mausoleum and mosaics

FAQ

Which City Is Right for You?

Sarajevo is right for you if…

• You love history and a rich mix of different cultures
• You’re interested in the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences on the Balkans
• You want to learn more about the Yugoslav and Bosnian War, I learned so much here, especially on a free walking tour led by someone who lived through the Siege of Sarajevo
• You enjoy beautiful natural surroundings and love taking scenic day trips

👉 If this sounds like you, be sure to check out my post on the Best Things to Do in Sarajevo, it’s packed with tips from my visit!

Belgrade is right for you if…

• You enjoy the vibe of a big city with parks, riverside walks, and plenty of cafes
• You want to visit in summer and enjoy outdoor bars and a lively nightlife scene
• You’re interested in communist history, Belgrade was once the capital of Yugoslavia, and you can still see that influence in its architecture and monuments

👉 If that sounds more like your kind of trip, check out my article about Best Things to Do in Belgrade, it’s a great guide to getting the most out of the city!

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?

Read more about Serbia:

• Is Belgrade Worth Visiting?
• 7 Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants Belgrade
• Belgrade vs Novi Sad: Comparing Serbia’s 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 & Serbia’s 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

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