The Enchanting Sarajevo Surroundings

• HelloZdravo
  [Zdrah-voh]
• GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [Doh-vee-jen-ya]
• YesDa
  [Dah]
• NoNe
  [Neh]
• Please/You're welcomeMolim
  [Moh-leem]
• Thank youHvala
  [Hvah-lah]
• Excuse me/SorryIzvinite
  [Eez-vee-nee-teh]
• How are you?Kako si?
  [Kah-koh see?]
• Fine. And you?Dobro. A ti?
  [Doh-bro. Ah tee?]
• Do you speak English?Govorite li engleski?
  [Goh-voh-ree-teh lee ehn-gleh-skee?]
• I don't understandNe razumijem
  [Neh rah-zoo-mee-yem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMolim vas, da vidim meni
  [Moh-leem vahs, dah vee-deem meh-nee]
• I don't eat meatNe jedem meso
  [Neh yeh-dehm meh-so]
• Cheers!Živjeli!
  [Zhee-vye-lee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseŽelim platiti, molim
  [Zheh-leem plah-tee-tee, moh-leem]

• Help!Pomoć!
  [Poh-moh-ch]
• Go away!Idi odavde!
  [Ee-dee oh-dahv-deh]
• Call the Police!Pozovite policiju!
  [Poh-zoh-vee-teh poh-lee-tsee-yoo]
• Call a doctor!Pozovite doktora!
  [Poh-zoh-vee-teh dohk-toh-rah]
• I'm lostIzgubio/la sam se
  [Eez-goo-byoh/lah sahm seh]
• I'm illBolestan/sna sam
  [Boh-leh-stahn/snah sahm]

• I'd like to buy...Želim kupiti...
  [Zheh-leem koo-pee-tee]
• I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [Sah-moh gleh-dahm]
• How much is it?Koliko košta?
  [Koh-lee-koh koh-shta?]
• That's too expensiveTo je prekupo
  [Toh yeh preh-koo-poh]
• Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cijenu?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee spoos-tee-tee tsee-yeh-noo?]

• What time is it?Koliko je sati?
  [Koh-lee-koh yeh sah-tee?]
• It's one o'clockJedan je sat
  [Yeh-dahn yeh saht]
• Half past (10)Pola jedanaest
  [Poh-lah yeh-dah-nah-ehst]
• MorningJutro
  [Yoo-troh]
• AfternoonPopodne
  [Poh-pohd-neh]
• EveningVeče
  [Veh-cheh]
• YesterdayJuče
  [Yoo-cheh]
• TodayDanas
  [Dah-nahs]
• TomorrowSutra
  [Soo-trah]
• 1Jedan
  [Yeh-dahn]
• 2Dva
  [Dvah]
• 3Tri
  [Tree]
• 4Četiri
  [Cheh-tee-ree]
• 5Pet
  [Peh-t]
• 6Šest
  [Shehst]
• 7Sedam
  [Seh-dahm]
• 8Osam
  [Oh-sahm]
• 9Devet
  [Deh-veht]
• 10Deset
  [Deh-seht]

• Where's a/the...?Gdje je...
  [Gdyeh yeh]
• What's the address?Koja je adresa?
  [Koh-yah yeh ah-deh-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li mi pokazati (na mapi)?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee mee poh-kah-zah-tee (nah mah-pee)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kada je sledeći (autobus)?
  [Kah-dah yeh sleh-deh-chee (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Jednu kartu (do ...)
  [Yeh-dnoo kahr-too (doh ...)]

The area surrounding Sarajevo has been inhabited since the Neolithic era, with the ancient Illyrians settling in this region around 2000 BC. They were known for their unique culture and skills in metalwork, and their settlements laid the groundwork for future civilizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Following the Illyrians, the Romans arrived in the 9th century BC, bringing significant changes to the region. They established the settlement of Aquae Sulphurae, known today as Ilidža, which became famous for its thermal springs. Roman architecture, roads, and culture left a lasting impact on the Sarajevo surroundings.

During the 12th and 13th centuries, the area around Sarajevo was part of the medieval Bosnian Kingdom. The town of Vogošća, just north of Sarajevo, was a significant site during this period. Medieval fortresses such as the Bijela Tabija were constructed to defend the kingdom from external threats.

The Ottomans conquered the Sarajevo region in the mid-15th century, initiating a period of profound change. The Ottomans established Sarajevo as a significant administrative and trading center. The Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, constructed in 1531, and the Ilidža Spa are notable remnants from this era.

In 1878, the Austro-Hungarian Empire took control of Bosnia and Herzegovina, including Sarajevo and its surroundings. Their influence is evident in the region’s architecture, such as the Sarajevo City Hall, and the development of infrastructure. Ilidža continued to flourish as a spa town during this period.

On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated in Sarajevo, an event that precipitated World War I. The assassination, carried out by Gavrilo Princip, took place near the Latin Bridge and had profound global consequences.

Following World War II, Sarajevo became part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The surrounding areas saw significant industrialization and urban development. Notable landmarks from this era include the Skakavac Waterfall and the mountain resort Bjelašnica, which was developed for the 1984 Winter Olympics.

From 1992 to 1996, Sarajevo and its surroundings endured the longest siege in modern history during the Bosnian War. The area experienced severe destruction and hardship. Sites like the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum and the war-damaged buildings stand as reminders of this brutal period.

Since the end of the Bosnian War, Sarajevo and its surroundings have undergone extensive reconstruction and cultural revival. The region now hosts numerous festivals, such as the Sarajevo Film Festival, and it has become an important symbol of resilience and multiculturalism. Significant efforts have been made to preserve and restore historical sites.

Sarajevo is well-connected by air, road, and rail. The primary entry point is Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ), located approximately 12 kilometers southwest of the city center. There are flights connecting Sarajevo with major European cities. By road, the E73 highway connects Sarajevo with other Bosnian cities and neighboring countries. Train services are available, but they are less frequent and may not be as comfortable as buses. For those driving, renting a car is an option, but be aware of mountainous terrain and varying road conditions.

Sarajevo offers a variety of transportation options. The public transportation system includes trams, buses, and trolleybuses, which are affordable and cover most parts of the city. Taxis are readily available and reasonably priced, but it’s advisable to use registered taxi services. For more flexibility, renting a car is a good option, especially for exploring the surrounding areas. Biking is also becoming more popular, with several rental spots in the city.

The official currency in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Bosnian Convertible Mark (BAM). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Sarajevo, particularly in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful in Sarajevo, but it’s wise to notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card usage.

Sarajevo is generally a safe city for tourists, but like any urban area, it’s important to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas and always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Some areas such as Baščaršija and the Old Town can get crowded, so be cautious of pickpockets. Although crime rates targeting tourists are relatively low, it’s best to stay aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 122 for police, 123 for fire, and 124 for medical emergencies. English-speaking operators are usually available. For non-emergency medical needs, there are several hospitals and clinics in Sarajevo. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially in mosques and churches. Public Transport: Do be polite and give up your seat to the elderly or those in need. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Sarajevo like a local, visit the local markets such as Markale Market for fresh produce and traditional Bosnian goods. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city’s history and culture. Don’t miss out on traditional Bosnian coffee and cevapcici. For a unique experience, take a stroll through Baščaršija, the old bazaar, and explore its narrow streets and artisan shops. Also, consider taking a hike on the nearby mountains such as Trebević for stunning views of the city.