✨ Quick Sarajevo Magic: 24 Hours of Wonder!

Discover Sarajevo in 24 Hours

🌞 Many cities claim historical importance and cultural variety, but Sarajevo lives it. The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina was one of the defining cities of the 20th century and has lived to tell the tale, and today, it shimmers with a sense of nervous excitement that cannot be manufactured. Sarajevo’s spirit is stronger than ever, a pride flowing from its cafes, restaurants, bars, museums, buildings and intangibles.

🌞 Surrounded by hills and bubbling with ambition, Sarajevo is one of Europe’s last truly special cities. There’s nowhere quite like the charming capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

 🌞 Morning: Explore the origins of a history-making city

Established in the 15th century under the watchful eye of Isa-beg Ishaković, the Baščaršija is a time machine back to Ottoman Sarajevo, one with a mix of traditional artisans and modern flourishes. The old bazaar is the first port of call for most visitors to Sarajevo, with its narrow streets, historical landmarks and impressive range of old-style cafes.

Each street has a small board explaining its name and history, while the bazaar’s three mosques have long been integral to the ebb and flow of life in Sarajevo. Have that first coffee at Morića Han before wandering around the Baščaršija, stopping for burek at Sač if hunger strikes. Admire Sarajevo’s most beautiful building

Located on the edge of the Baščaršija, Sarajevo’s Vijećnica (City Hall) is arguably the most beautiful building in the city. A triumph of Neo-Moorish architecture, the tumult that punctuated its construction was a harbinger of things to come in the 20th century. Reconstructed following the violence of the war, the Vijećnica is one of Sarajevo’s great symbols, a structure as beautiful inside as it is from the outside.

🌞 Lunch Options: Traditional food with a side of spite at Inat Kuća

 Sat across the Miljacka from the Baščaršija and Vijećnica, the Inat Kuća is a restaurant with a story to tell. It was originally on the other side of the river and was slated for destruction to make room for Austria-Hungary’s urban plans. The owner of the house refused to accept the changing of the guard, and stubbornly stuck to his guns. He was eventually convinced to move, but only if the house was rebuilt brick by brick on the other side of the river. Hence, the Inat Kuća (literally, Spite House) was born. Today, it is a restaurant serving traditional dishes, and the Hadźijski ćevap is particularly delicious. 

 🌞 Afternoon: Sarajevo’s oldest neighbourhoods and a journey into the skies

 Stop for a coffee (and a view) at City View Cafe before ambling across Alifakovac towards Bistrik, another old neighbourhood home to the Sarajevsko brewery. One of the oldest breweries in the region, it played a vital role during the war as one of the few sources of clean water in the city centre.

Today, it houses a restaurant that pours the best Sarajevsko in town, along with a range of International and traditional dishes. The imposing Franciscan Friary and Church of St. Anthony of Padua is nearby; its stunning red facade pays homage to the city’s long history of Catholic worship.

 A short walk from the brewery and church is the boarding station for the Sarajevo Cable Car (Žičara). A long-time symbol of the city that was finally reopened in 2018, the gondolas shuttle locals and visitors from the slopes of Bistrik to the top of Trebević, where gorgeous views of Sarajevo await. The famous Sarajevo Bobsled track is a short walk away, a haunting remnant of the 1984 Winter Olympics and something of a fallen symbol. Its days as an abandoned track are numbered, so enjoy this unique experience while you can. Return journeys on the Žičara cost 30km (€15). 

🌞 Evening: Fill your camera roll at the Yellow Fortress

 You could always stay on Trebević to watch the sun go down over the horizon, but with only 24 hours in the city, it is important to cover as much ground as possible. Head back down on the cable car and cross the river, heading uphill to Vratnik and Žuta Tabija (Yellow Fortress), another locale with stunning views of the city. If Žuta Tabija is crowded, fear not; Vratnik is packed with brilliant views of Sarajevo. When the sun has disappeared, walk back down the hill through Kovači, stopping for coffee at Ministry of Čejf or tea at Džirlo before returning to the Baščaršija for dinner.

While it is inaccurate to say that the best traditional Bosnian restaurants are in the Baščaršija, there are still plenty of decent food options in the old quarter. Dveri is the undoubted standout, an old staple in town that has resisted trends and whims in favour of quality food in an effortlessly romantic restaurant. It is Sarajevo’s most charming restaurant, whether you choose a traditional meal like mućkalica or something international like the chicken curry.

 🌞 Off the Beaten Path:  Get a taste of the “Real” Sarajevo

 With a little extra time in Sarajevo, head out of the centre into the more residential neighbourhoods. While they don’t carry the quaint charm of the old town, neighbourhoods like Grbavica and Pofalići offer a more authentic version of life in the city, with several gorgeous mosques, churches, structures and excellent cafes.

🌞 Best Souvenir: Traditional Coffee and Winter Olympic Wonders

 As Bosnia and Herzegovina’s biggest city, Sarajevo’s souvenir offer tends to cover much of the country, making it a great place to pick up a handcraft coffee set featuring a džezva (pot) and fildžan (handleless cup). Anything Sarajevo ’84 also makes for a unique souvenir; you can find everything from clothes to bags to kitchenware and more.

 🌞 Where to Stay: Boutique, 5-star or hostel? The choice is yours

A boutique 4-star hotel on the edge of the Baščaršija, Hotel Sana effortlessly walks the tightrope between high-quality professionalism and homely character, with comfortable facilities and convivial staff. Hotel Swissôtel is arguably the city’s best 5-star option, while Franz Ferdinand and Ljubičica are two of the oldest (and best) backpacker hostels in town.

🌞 Sarajevo Awaits

Sarajevo is a city where the whispers of the past are as loud as the ideas of the future. A lifetime here isn’t quite enough, but 24 hours in Sarajevo opens enough windows and doors to make return trips inevitable. As a gateway to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo is unrivalled. As a unique destination in Europe, it is untouchable.

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🌞 Sarajevo - That's a wrap on this week's adventures, but hey, don't think it ends here! Found some cool spots or stories? We'd love to hear all about it on our blog. Let's keep adding to our awesome collection of travel tips. So, until next time, keep exploring and stay curious. Travel safe and catch you later!