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Sarajevo

Sarajevo is the capital and largest city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, situated in the heart of the Balkans along the Miljacka River and surrounded by the Dinaric Alps. Home to over 50 annual festivals and a thriving cultural scene, this Southeastern European city blends history, art, and diverse traditions.

Photo: Julian Nyča (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Quick facts

Population
271,194 (city)
Currency
Bosnia and Herzegovina convertible mark (BAM)
Language
Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian
Timezone
CEST (UTC+2)
Local time now
12:02:49

Hotels in Sarajevo

Sarajevo offers a range of hotel accommodation options for visitors, from well-known international chains like Courtyard and Swissôtel SCC to local establishments such as Hotel Cosmopolit, Hotel Unica, and Aparthotel Centar Sarajevo. Whether you're looking for luxury amenities or comfortable mid-range lodging, the city provides diverse choices to suit different travellers' needs. See all hotels →

Courtyard
281 m from centre
Hotel Cosmopolit
379 m from centre
Swissôtel SCC
456 m from centre

Airports in Sarajevo

Sarajevo is served by several airports and airfields. Međunarodni aerodrom Sarajevo is the main international airport, while other facilities in the area include Vojni aerodrom Rajlovac, Letilište Nišići, Letilište Kreševo, and Sportski aerodrom "Kenan Jusufbašić". See all airports →

Car Hire in Sarajevo

Sarajevo offers several car rental options for visitors and residents needing vehicle hire services. Companies like Car 4 You, Rent a Car CREAT360° Sarajevo, Hyundai Auto BH, Rentacar Newage, and Europcar operate in the city, providing a range of rental vehicles and services. See all car hire →

Car 4 You
322 m from centre
Rent a Car CREAT360° Sarajevo
715 m from centre
Hyundai Auto BH
1.5 km from centre
Rentacar Newage
5.4 km from centre

Things to Do in Sarajevo

Sarajevo offers a rich blend of cultural attractions and historical landmarks. From the contemporary art at Muzej Ars Aevi to memorials like Spomenik Đuri Đakoviću and monuments to Bosnia's historical figures, visitors can explore the city's layered past and vibrant present. See all things to do →

Spomenik Đuri Đakoviću
94 m from centre
Vladimir Perić Valter
128 m from centre
Spomenik Tvrtku I Kotromaniću, bosanskom kralju
208 m from centre
Ex-yu rock centar Sarajevo
262 m from centre
Muzej Ars Aevi
278 m from centre
Spomenik ubijenoj djeci opkoljenog Sarajeva 1992-1995
358 m from centre

Restaurants in Sarajevo

Sarajevo offers a diverse dining scene ranging from traditional Bosnian cuisine to contemporary European fare. Whether you're seeking authentic local dishes at Domaća Kuhinja or international flavors at establishments like Spazio Gourmet and Piccolo Mondo, the city's restaurants reflect its rich cultural heritage and cosmopolitan character. See all restaurants →

Brasserie August Braun
89 m from centre
Spazio Gourmet
210 m from centre
Blanco
italian · 259 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Sarajevo

Sarajevo offers several swimming pool facilities for visitors and residents. Options include Bentbaša and WOG Pool, providing recreational and fitness swimming opportunities throughout the city. See all swimming pools →

Bentbaša
2.0 km from centre
Bentbaša
2.1 km from centre
WOG Pool
7.3 km from centre

Spas in Sarajevo

We're still gathering spas listings for Sarajevo — check back soon.

Nightlife in Sarajevo

Sarajevo offers a lively nightlife scene with a variety of venues to suit different tastes. From intimate bars to energetic clubs, establishments such as Dorian Gray, Das ist Walter, Cristal S. Club, Zvono, and Sloga provide popular options for an evening out in the city. See all nightlife →

Dorian Gray
119 m from centre
Das ist Walter
125 m from centre
Cristal S. Club
501 m from centre

Bars in Sarajevo

Sarajevo offers a diverse bar scene with venues ranging from traditional spots like Pivnica Sarajevo to modern establishments such as East West and Marquee. Whether you're looking for a casual drink or a night out, you'll find options throughout the city. See all bars →

Pivnica Sarajevo
108 m from centre
Caffe bar Hag
232 m from centre
East West
383 m from centre

Cafes in Sarajevo

Sarajevo offers a vibrant cafe culture where you can experience local hospitality and quality coffee. From established names like Julius Meinl and Giannini to unique spots such as Ministry of Ćejf and Divne Stvari, the city's cafes provide welcoming spaces to relax and connect with the community. See all cafes →

Divne Stvari
181 m from centre
Julius Meinl
coffee_shop · 253 m from centre
Giannini
coffee_shop · 268 m from centre

Shopping in Sarajevo

Sarajevo offers a variety of shopping experiences across the city, from modern shopping centers like Sarajevo City Center and ARIA to commercial complexes such as Privredni grad Skenderija and Alta Shopping Center. Whether you're looking for contemporary retail or traditional shopping, the city has options to suit different preferences. See all shopping →

Privredni grad Skenderija
245 m from centre
ARIA
344 m from centre
Sarajevo City Center
407 m from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Sarajevo

Sarajevo offers several parks and green spaces where visitors can experience nature within the city. From Park prof. dr. Nijaza Durakovića to Mali park, these outdoor areas provide peaceful retreats among the urban landscape. See all nature & wildlife →

Trg Prvog korpusa Armije Republike Bosne i Hercegovine
88 m from centre
Atrij Predsjedništva
164 m from centre
Park prof. dr. Nijaza Durakovića
172 m from centre
Park Mirze i Davora
207 m from centre
Mali park
239 m from centre
Veliki park
445 m from centre

Climate snapshot

Sarajevo experiences four distinct seasons with cold, snowy winters and warm summers. Spring and autumn offer mild, pleasant weather ideal for exploring the city and surrounding valley.

Interesting Facts About Sarajevo — Weird & Wonderful

  • Sarajevo is internationally renowned for over 50 annual festivals, making it one of Europe's most culturally vibrant capitals.
  • The Sarajevo Film Festival was established in 1995 during the Bosnian War and has become the premier and largest film festival in Southeast Europe.
  • The MESS International Festival is the oldest living theatre festival in the Balkans.
  • Jazz Fest Sarajevo is the region's largest and most diverse jazz festival, featuring multiple venues across downtown.

Events & Festivals Not to Miss in Sarajevo

Sarajevo Film Festival
Established in 1995 during the Bosnian War, it is now the premier and largest film festival in Southeast Europe. It features a talent campus with lecturers on world cinematography and workshops for film students from across Southeast Europe, hosted at the National Theater with screenings at the Open-air theater Metalac and the Bosnian Cultural Center.
MESS International Festival
An experimental theatre festival and the oldest living theatre festival in the Balkans.
Sarajevo Youth Film Festival
Showcases feature, animated and short films from around the world and is the premier student film festival in the Balkans.
Jazz Fest Sarajevo
The region's largest and most diverse jazz festival, taking place at the Bosnian Cultural Center, the Sarajevo Youth Stage Theater, Dom Vojske Federacije, and the CDA.
Sarajevo Winter Festival
A well-known winter celebration in Sarajevo.
month-long
Baščaršija Nights
A month-long showcase of local culture, music, and dance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sarajevo

What currency is used in Sarajevo?

The currency used in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Bosnia and Herzegovina convertible mark (BAM).

What language do people speak in Sarajevo?

The primary language spoken in Sarajevo is Bosnian, though you may also hear Serbian and Croatian in the city.

How many people live in Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a city population of approximately 271,194 within its administrative limits, with the greater Sarajevo Canton home to over 413,000 inhabitants.

What region is Sarajevo in?

Sarajevo is located in Southeastern Europe, in the heart of the Balkans, surrounded by the Dinaric Alps.

What is Sarajevo known for?

Sarajevo is renowned for its eclectic selection of over 50 annual festivals, including the prestigious Sarajevo Film Festival, Jazz Fest Sarajevo, and the experimental MESS International Theatre Festival.

Where is Sarajevo situated geographically?

Sarajevo is situated along the Miljacka River in the greater Sarajevo valley of Bosnia, surrounded by the Dinaric Alps.

Map of Sarajevo

View larger map · © OpenStreetMap contributors