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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. This vibrant city is internationally renowned for its eclectic and diverse selection of over 50 annual festivals, making it a cultural hub of Southeast Europe.

Quick facts

Population
271,194 (city)
Currency
Bosnia and Herzegovina convertible mark (BAM)
Language
Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian
Timezone
CEST (UTC+2)
Local time now
23:02:45

Hotels in Sarajevo

Sarajevo offers a range of hotel options to suit different budgets and preferences. From the Swissôtel SCC and Courtyard to Hotel Cosmopolit and Aparthotel Centar Sarajevo, visitors can find quality accommodation 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 offering various aviation services. Međunarodni aerodrom Sarajevo is the primary international airport, while additional facilities including Vojni aerodrom Rajlovac, Letilište Nišići, Letilište Kreševo, and Sportski aerodrom "Kenan Jusufbašić" provide further aviation options in the region. See all airports →

Car Hire in Sarajevo

Sarajevo offers several car rental options for visitors and residents looking to explore Bosnia and Herzegovina. Local providers such as Car 4 You, Rent a Car CREAT360° Sarajevo, Hyundai Auto BH, Rentacar Newage, and international agency Europcar are available throughout the city. 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. Explore museums like Muzej Ars Aevi, visit significant memorials dedicated to notable figures, and experience the local music scene at venues such as Ex-yu rock centar Sarajevo. 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 contemporary European fare. Notable establishments include Brasserie August Braun, Spazio Gourmet, Blanco, Domaća Kuhinja, and Piccolo Mondo, each providing distinct culinary experiences across the city. 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 in the city include Bentbaša and WOG Pool, providing recreational swimming opportunities. 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 venues ranging from intimate bars to dynamic clubs. Whether you're looking for a relaxed evening at Dorian Gray or Das ist Walter, or prefer the energy of clubs like Cristal S. Club, Zvono, and Sloga, the city 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 vibrant bar scene with venues ranging from traditional beer halls like Pivnica Sarajevo to contemporary spaces such as East West and Marquee. Whether you're looking for a casual drink or a night out, the city's bars cater to diverse tastes and atmospheres. 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 vibrant and welcoming, offering everything from traditional Bosnian coffee houses to contemporary cafes. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot at Divne Stvari, international chains like Julius Meinl, or local favorites such as Giannini, Caffe R, and Ministry of Ćejf, the city's cafe scene provides the perfect setting for relaxation and connection. 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, ARIA, and Alta Shopping Center to traditional markets and local retailers. Whether you're seeking contemporary fashion, local crafts, or everyday essentials, the city's shopping districts cater to all tastes and budgets. 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 enjoy nature within the city. From Park prof. dr. Nijaza Durakovića to Park Mirze i Davora, these natural areas provide peaceful retreats amid 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 a continental climate with distinct seasons. Winters can be cold and snowy, while summers are generally warm and pleasant. Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures ideal for exploring the city and surrounding valleys.

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.
  • The MESS International Festival is the oldest living theatre festival in the Balkans.
  • Sarajevo hosts the Sarajevo Youth Film Festival, the premier student film festival in the Balkans, showcasing feature, animated and short films.
  • The Jazz Fest Sarajevo is the region's largest and most diverse jazz festival of its kind.
  • Baščaršija Nights is a month-long festival celebrating 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. It is hosted at the National Theater with screenings at the Open-air theater Metalac and the Bosnian Cultural Center. The festival includes a talent campus with lecturers and workshops for film students from across Southeast Europe.
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, taking place at multiple venues including the Bosnian Cultural Center, Sarajevo Youth Stage Theater, Dom Vojske Federacije, and the CDA.
Sarajevo Winter Festival
A well-known winter celebration in Sarajevo.
held in a month-long showcase
Baščaršija Nights
A month-long festival celebrating local culture, music, and dance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sarajevo

What is the population of Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a population of 275,524 within its administrative limits, with the wider Sarajevo Canton home to 413,593 inhabitants.

What region of Europe is Sarajevo in?

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

What timezone is Sarajevo in?

Sarajevo operates on Europe/Sarajevo timezone.

What are Sarajevo's most famous festivals?

Sarajevo is renowned for over 50 annual festivals, including the Sarajevo Film Festival, MESS International Festival, Jazz Fest Sarajevo, Sarajevo Winter Festival, and the month-long Baščaršija Nights celebration.

Why is the Sarajevo Film Festival significant?

Established in 1995 during the Bosnian War, the Sarajevo Film Festival has grown into the premier and largest film festival in Southeast Europe, featuring screenings at multiple downtown venues.

Map of Sarajevo

View larger map · © OpenStreetMap contributors