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Sarajevo

Sarajevo is the capital and largest city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, nestled in a valley surrounded by the Dinaric Alps and situated along the Miljacka River in the heart of the Balkans. The city is internationally renowned for its eclectic and diverse selection of over 50 annual festivals, making it a vibrant cultural destination.

Quick facts

Population
271,194 (city)
Currency
Bosnia and Herzegovina convertible mark (BAM)
Language
Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian
Timezone
CEST (UTC+2)
Local time now
14:27:52

Hotels in Sarajevo

Sarajevo offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, from established hotels to modern aparthotels. Whether you're seeking luxury stays at properties like Swissôtel SCC or convenient central locations such as Aparthotel Centar Sarajevo, the city provides diverse choices to suit different travel 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 catering to different types of aviation. Međunarodni aerodrom Sarajevo is the main international gateway, while Vojni aerodrom Rajlovac, Letilište Nišići, Letilište Kreševo, and Sportski aerodrom "Kenan Jusufbašić" provide additional aviation facilities in the region. See all airports →

Car Hire in Sarajevo

Sarajevo offers several car hire options for visitors and residents. Companies like Europcar, Car 4 You, Rent a Car CREAT360° Sarajevo, Hyundai Auto BH, and Rentacar Newage provide vehicle rental services throughout the city, giving you flexibility to explore Bosnia and Herzegovina at your own pace. 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 diverse attractions for visitors, from cultural institutions like Muzej Ars Aevi to historic monuments such as Spomenik Tvrtku I Kotromaniću and Vladimir Perić Valter. Whether you're interested in art, history, or local music culture at venues like Ex-yu rock centar Sarajevo, the city has something to explore. 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 with restaurants ranging from traditional Bosnian cuisine to international flavors. Whether you're seeking authentic local dishes or contemporary European dining, establishments like Brasserie August Braun, Spazio Gourmet, Blanco, Domaća Kuhinja, and Piccolo Mondo showcase the city's culinary variety. 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 residents and visitors seeking aquatic recreation. Options include Bentbaša and WOG Pool, which provide opportunities for swimming and leisure activities throughout the year. 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 diverse nightlife experience with venues such as Dorian Gray, Das ist Walter, Cristal S. Club, Zvono, and Sloga. Whether you're looking for an evening out in the city, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina has options to suit different tastes and atmospheres. 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 establishments to modern lounges. Whether you're looking for a casual drink at Pivnica Sarajevo or exploring contemporary spots like East West and Marquee, the city's bars reflect its vibrant cultural atmosphere. 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's cafe culture is integral to daily life, offering everything from traditional Bosnian coffee to modern espresso. Visit establishments like Divne Stvari, Julius Meinl, Giannini, Caffe R, and Ministry of Ćejf to experience the city's vibrant social cafe scene. 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 diverse shopping experiences, from modern shopping centers such as Sarajevo City Center and ARIA to business districts like Privredni grad Skenderija. Whether you're looking for contemporary retail or local goods, the city provides varied options for every shopper. 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 green spaces for nature lovers to explore, from Park prof. dr. Nijaza Durakovića to Park Mirze i Davora and Mali park. These areas provide peaceful settings to experience the city's natural environment and outdoor attractions. 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 a continental climate with distinct seasons. Winters are cold and snowy, while summers are warm and pleasant. The surrounding mountains create a picturesque valley setting that influences the city's seasonal weather patterns.

Interesting Facts About Sarajevo — Weird & Wonderful

  • The Sarajevo Film Festival was established in 1995 during the Bosnian War and has become the premier and largest film festival in Southeast Europe.
  • Over 50 annual festivals are held in Sarajevo, reflecting its eclectic and diverse cultural calendar.
  • 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 of its kind.
  • Baščaršija Nights is a month-long festival showcasing local culture, music, and dance.

Events & Festivals Not to Miss in Sarajevo

Sarajevo Film Festival
The premier and largest film festival in Southeast Europe, established in 1995. Hosted at the National Theater with screenings at the Open-air theater Metalac and Bosnian Cultural Center. A talent campus is held during the festival with lectures and workshops for film students.
MESS International Festival
An experimental theatre festival and the oldest living theatre festival in the Balkans.
Sarajevo Youth Film Festival
The premier student film festival in the Balkans, showcasing feature, animated and short films from around the world.
Jazz Fest Sarajevo
The region's largest and most diverse jazz festival, held at multiple venues including the Bosnian Cultural Center, Sarajevo Youth Stage Theater, Dom Vojske Federacije, and CDA.
Sarajevo Winter Festival
A well-known winter festival celebrating the season in Sarajevo.
held in one month
Baščaršija Nights
A month-long showcase of local culture, music, and dance celebrating Sarajevo's heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sarajevo

What region is Sarajevo in?

Sarajevo is located in Southeastern Europe, within the Balkans region. The city sits in the Sarajevo valley surrounded by the Dinaric Alps and along the Miljacka River.

What language is spoken in Sarajevo?

Bosnia and Herzegovina's official language is Bosnian, which is widely spoken in Sarajevo.

What is Sarajevo known for culturally?

Sarajevo is internationally renowned for its over 50 annual festivals, including the prestigious Sarajevo Film Festival (Southeast Europe's largest), the MESS International Theatre Festival (the oldest in the Balkans), and Jazz Fest Sarajevo (the region's largest jazz festival).

Where are major festivals held in Sarajevo?

Festivals are hosted at venues including the National Theater, Open-air theater Metalac, the Bosnian Cultural Center, the Sarajevo Youth Stage Theater, and other downtown locations.

Map of Sarajevo

View larger map · © OpenStreetMap contributors