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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 and vibrant cultural scene.

Quick facts

Population
271,194 (city)
Currency
Bosnia and Herzegovina convertible mark (BAM)
Language
Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian
Timezone
CET (UTC+1)
Local time now
03:06:22

Hotels in Sarajevo

Sarajevo offers a range of hotel options for visitors, from international chains like Courtyard and Swissôtel SCC to local properties such as Hotel Cosmopolit, Hotel Unica, and Aparthotel Centar Sarajevo. Whether you're seeking luxury accommodation or budget-friendly lodging, the city's diverse hotel selection caters to all 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 and aviation facilities. Međunarodni aerodrom Sarajevo is the primary international airport, while Vojni aerodrom Rajlovac, Letilište Nišići, Letilište Kreševo, and Sportski aerodrom "Kenan Jusufbašić" provide additional aviation options in the region. See all airports →

Car Hire in Sarajevo

Sarajevo offers several car hire options for visitors looking to explore Bosnia and Herzegovina. Companies such as Europcar, Car 4 You, Rent a Car CREAT360° Sarajevo, Hyundai Auto BH, and Rentacar Newage provide rental services to suit different travel needs. See all car hire →

Things to Do in Sarajevo

Sarajevo offers diverse attractions for visitors, from cultural institutions like Muzej Ars Aevi to historical memorials such as Spomenik Đuri Đakoviću and Spomenik Tvrtku I Kotromaniću. Whether you're interested in music venues like Ex-yu rock centar or exploring the city's rich heritage, there's plenty to experience in this vibrant capital. 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 fare to contemporary international cuisine. Whether you're seeking authentic local dishes or modern gastronomy, venues like Brasserie August Braun, Spazio Gourmet, Blanco, Domaća Kuhinja, and Piccolo Mondo showcase the city's vibrant food culture. 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 looking to enjoy aquatic activities. Options include Bentbaša and WOG Pool, which provide recreational swimming opportunities in 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's nightlife offers a diverse mix of venues for evening entertainment. From intimate bars to lively clubs, the city features established spots like Dorian Gray, Das ist Walter, Cristal S. Club, Zvono, and Sloga where locals and visitors gather after dark. 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 local 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 culture and welcoming 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 scene reflects the city's rich cultural heritage and vibrant social atmosphere. From traditional establishments to modern coffee houses like Julius Meinl and Divne Stvari, the city offers diverse options for coffee enthusiasts and those seeking a place to relax and connect with locals. 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 across modern shopping centers and retail spaces. Visitors can explore Sarajevo City Center, ARIA, Alta Shopping Center, Privredni grad Skenderija, and UNITIC Business Center for a wide selection of shops and services. 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 for nature lovers to explore. From Park prof. dr. Nijaza Durakovića to Mali park, the city provides peaceful outdoor settings where visitors can experience the natural environment. 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 characteristic of the Balkans region. The city enjoys mild springs and autumns, with warm summers and cold winters in this Alpine valley setting.

Interesting Facts About Sarajevo — Weird & Wonderful

  • Sarajevo hosts over 50 annual festivals, making it internationally renowned for its eclectic cultural calendar.
  • The Sarajevo Film Festival was established in 1995 during the Bosnian War and is now the premier and largest film festival in Southeast Europe.
  • The MESS International Festival is the oldest living theatre festival in the Balkans.
  • The Jazz Fest Sarajevo is the region's largest and most diverse jazz festival, held across multiple venues including the Bosnian Cultural Center and Dom Vojni Federacije.
  • The Sarajevo Youth Film Festival is the premier student film festival in the Balkans, showcasing feature, animated and short films from around the world.

Events & Festivals Not to Miss in Sarajevo

Sarajevo Film Festival
Established in 1995 during the Bosnian War, this is the premier and largest film festival in Southeast Europe. It features a talent campus with lecturers and workshops for film students from across Southeast Europe, and is 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
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 Vojni Federacije, and the CDA.
Sarajevo Winter Festival
A well-known winter festival celebrating seasonal culture in Sarajevo.
month-long
Baščaršija Nights
A month-long showcase of local culture, music, and dance in Sarajevo's historic district.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sarajevo

What region is Sarajevo in?

Sarajevo is located in the heart of the Balkans, a region of Southeastern Europe. The city is situated in the greater Sarajevo valley of Bosnia, surrounded by the Dinaric Alps.

What is Sarajevo famous for?

Sarajevo is internationally renowned for its eclectic and diverse selection of over 50 annual festivals, including the prestigious Sarajevo Film Festival, which is the premier film festival in Southeast Europe.

What language is spoken in Sarajevo?

Sarajevo is located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the primary language is Bosnian.

What currency is used in Sarajevo?

Sarajevo is in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which uses the Bosnia and Herzegovina convertible mark (BAM) as its currency.

What major festivals happen in Sarajevo?

Major festivals include the Sarajevo Film Festival, MESS International Festival, Jazz Fest Sarajevo, Sarajevo Winter Festival, Sarajevo Youth Film Festival, and Baščaršija Nights, a month-long showcase of local culture, music, and dance.

Map of Sarajevo

View larger map · © OpenStreetMap contributors