Sarajevo Traveler Essentials
- Safety rating
- 7.8/10
- Best time to visit
- May to September brings warm, pleasant weather, while winter draws skiers to the nearby Olympic mountains of Bjelašnica and Jahorina.
- Population
- 0.3M
Overview
Bosnia's evocative capital is where East meets West, blending Ottoman bazaars, Austro-Hungarian facades, and Orthodox, Catholic, and Muslim landmarks within a few blocks. Sarajevo's resilient spirit, café culture, and poignant war history make it one of Europe's most moving cities.
Getting around
Vintage trams and trolleybuses crisscross the city, and the historic Baščaršija quarter is best explored on foot.
Local etiquette
Remove shoes when entering mosques and dress modestly; locals savor coffee slowly, so don't rush the traditional Bosnian coffee ritual.
Safety
Sarajevo is safe for visitors, though petty theft can occur in tourist areas. Stay on marked paths in surrounding hills, as some areas still contain unexploded landmines from the 1990s war.