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Sarajevo

Sarajevo is the capital and largest city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, nestled in the heart of the Balkans along the Miljacka River and surrounded by the Dinaric Alps. Renowned for its eclectic cultural scene with over 50 annual festivals, the city blends rich history with vibrant contemporary arts.

Quick facts

Population
271,194 (city)
Currency
Bosnia and Herzegovina convertible mark (BAM)
Language
Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian
Timezone
CET (UTC+1)
Local time now
20:07:34

Hotels in Sarajevo

Sarajevo offers a range of hotel options for visitors, from well-known international brands like Courtyard and Swissôtel SCC to local properties such as Hotel Cosmopolit, Aparthotel Centar Sarajevo, and Hotel Unica. Whether you're looking for business accommodation or a leisure stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina's capital, these hotels provide various choices throughout the city. 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 gateway, while other facilities including Vojni aerodrom Rajlovac, Letilište Nišići, Letilište Kreševo, and Sportski aerodrom "Kenan Jusufbašić" provide additional aviation options for the region. See all airports →

Car Hire in Sarajevo

Sarajevo offers several car hire options for visitors and residents needing vehicle rentals. Services like Car 4 You, Rent a Car CREAT360° Sarajevo, Hyundai Auto BH, Shams AlBosnia - Rent a Car Sarajevo, and Rentacar Newage provide convenient access to rental vehicles throughout the city. See all car hire →

Things to Do in Sarajevo

Sarajevo offers visitors a diverse array of attractions spanning history, culture, and contemporary art. From exploring museums like Muzej Ars Aevi to discovering historic monuments such as Spomenik Tvrtku I Kotromaniću and the Ex-yu rock centar Sarajevo, there is something for every traveler interested in the city's rich heritage. 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's restaurant scene reflects the city's rich culinary heritage and multicultural character. Whether you're seeking traditional Bosnian flavours at Domaća Kuhinja or contemporary European cuisine at establishments like Brasserie August Braun and Spazio Gourmet, the capital offers diverse dining experiences to suit every palate. 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 alike. Popular options in the city include Bentbaša and WOG Bazen, providing recreational and competitive swimming opportunities. See all swimming pools →

Bentbaša
2.0 km from centre
Bentbaša
2.1 km from centre
WOG Bazen
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 dynamic nightlife scene with venues ranging from stylish bars to energetic clubs. Experience the city's after-dark energy at popular spots like Dorian Gray, Das ist Walter, Cristal S. Club, Zvono, and Sloga. 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 vibrant bar scene with venues ranging from traditional beer halls to modern cocktail lounges. Whether you're looking for a casual drink at Pivnica Sarajevo or exploring contemporary bars like East West and Marquee, the city has something for every taste. 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 vibrant cafe scene offers something for everyone, whether you're seeking a quiet corner with a quality espresso or a lively spot to experience local culture. Popular venues like Julius Meinl, Divne Stvari, Giannini, Caffe R, and Ministry of Ćejf showcase the city's coffee tradition and welcoming atmosphere. 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 traditional markets. Visitors can explore major retail destinations including Sarajevo City Center, ARIA, Alta Shopping Center, Privredni grad Skenderija, and UNITIC Business Center. 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 the peaceful Park prof. dr. Nijaza Durakovića and Park Mirze i Davora to smaller urban parks like Mali park. These natural areas provide a welcome respite within the city's 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 a continental climate with distinct seasons. Winters can be cold with snow, while summers are warm and pleasant, making spring and autumn ideal times for visiting.

Interesting Facts About Sarajevo — Weird & Wonderful

  • The Sarajevo Film Festival was founded in 1995 during the Bosnian War and is now the largest film festival in Southeast Europe.
  • Jazz Fest Sarajevo is the region's largest and most diverse jazz festival, hosting performances across multiple venues including the Bosnian Cultural Center.
  • The MESS International Festival is the oldest living theatre festival in the Balkans.
  • Baščaršija Nights is a month-long festival celebrating local culture, music, and dance in downtown Sarajevo.

Events & Festivals Not to Miss in Sarajevo

Sarajevo Film Festival
The premier and largest film festival in Southeast Europe, established in 1995. It is hosted at the National Theater with screenings at the Open-air theater Metalac and the Bosnian Cultural Center in downtown Sarajevo. Features a talent campus with lecturers 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
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, hosted at multiple venues including the Bosnian Cultural Center, Sarajevo Youth Stage Theater, Dom Vojske Federacije, and CDA.
Baščaršija Nights
A month-long showcase of local culture, music, and dance held in downtown Sarajevo.
Sarajevo Winter Festival
A well-known annual winter festival in Sarajevo.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sarajevo

What region of Europe is Sarajevo in?

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

What is Sarajevo famous for?

Sarajevo is internationally renowned for its eclectic selection of over 50 annual festivals, including the prestigious Sarajevo Film Festival, one of Southeast Europe's largest cultural events.

What is the Sarajevo Film Festival?

Established in 1995 during the Bosnian War, it has become the premier and largest film festival in Southeast Europe, hosting screenings at venues including the National Theater and Open-air theater Metalac.

What major festivals are held in Sarajevo?

Key festivals include the Sarajevo Film Festival, Jazz Fest Sarajevo, Sarajevo Winter Festival, MESS International Festival, Sarajevo Youth Film Festival, Sarajevo International Music Festival, and Baščaršija Nights.

Where is Sarajevo situated geographically?

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

Map of Sarajevo

View larger map · © OpenStreetMap contributors