Sarajevo Surroundings, Bosnia and Herzegovina Travel Guide

Discover the picturesque landscapes and rich history surrounding Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina – a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

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Sarajevo Surroundings

The surroundings of Sarajevo offer a beautiful escape into nature and history. Just a short drive from the bustling city, you can find yourself in serene landscapes, charming villages, and historical sites that tell the story of Bosnia and Herzegovina's rich past. One of the must-visit spots is the Olympic Mountains, where you can hike, ski, or simply enjoy the breathtaking views. The mountains hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics and still carry the spirit of those games. The area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Another gem is the village of Lukomir, the highest and most remote village in the country. Here, you can step back in time and experience traditional Bosnian life. The stone houses, untouched by modern architecture, and the stunning natural surroundings make Lukomir a unique destination. For history buffs, a trip to the Tunnel of Hope is essential. This tunnel was a lifeline for the people of Sarajevo during the siege in the 1990s. Today, it stands as a museum and a poignant reminder of the city's resilience. Nature lovers should not miss the Vrelo Bosne, a beautiful park at the source of the Bosna River. The park is a perfect place for a picnic, a leisurely walk, or a horse-drawn carriage ride through lush greenery and crystal-clear waters.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Sarajevo Surroundings.

Visit the Olympic Mountains early in the morning for the best views and to avoid crowds.
Bring cash when visiting remote villages like Lukomir, as ATMs are scarce.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking when exploring the Tunnel of Hope.
Pack a picnic for a relaxing day at Vrelo Bosne.
Check the weather forecast before heading to the mountains to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Explore Sarajevo Surroundings: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Sarajevo Surroundings

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

Sunnyland

Discover the thrill of Sunnyland, an amusement park in East Sarajevo filled with rides, indoor playgrounds, and delicious pizza, perfect for family fun!

4.4

Ali Pasha's Mosque

Explore the architectural beauty and serene atmosphere of Ali Pasha's Mosque, a cornerstone of Sarajevo's Islamic heritage and history.

4.8

Lukomir viewpoint

Discover the stunning vistas and natural beauty at Lukomir Viewpoint, a must-see destination in Bosnia and Herzegovina for every traveler.

4.9

Bistrik tower

Discover the enchanting Bistrik Tower in Sarajevo, a historical fortress offering stunning views and a glimpse into the city's rich architectural heritage.

4.6

Best landmarks in Sarajevo Surroundings

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

Latin Bridge

Experience the rich history and breathtaking views at the iconic Latin Bridge in Sarajevo, a historical landmark that shaped the world.

4.6

Veliki park

Discover the natural beauty and historical significance of Veliki Park, a serene escape in Sarajevo perfect for relaxation and reflection.

4.6

Franz & Sophie

Discover the essence of high-quality teas at Franz & Sophie, Sarajevo's charming tea store and house, perfect for relaxation and exploration.

4.9

Sarajevo Free Walking Tour with Neno & Merima

Explore Sarajevo's history and culture with the Free Walking Tour led by Neno and Merima, an unforgettable journey through the city's vibrant streets.

5.0

Best restaurants in Sarajevo Surroundings

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

Klopa

Experience authentic Bosnian cuisine at Klopa in Sarajevo – where tradition meets flavor in every dish.

4.6

Kibe Mahala

Discover the authentic taste of Bosnia at Kibe Mahala – where tradition meets culinary excellence in Sarajevo.

4.5

Dveri

Discover Dveri: A charming restaurant in Sarajevo offering authentic Bosnian cuisine with a modern twist amidst warm hospitality.

4.7

The Four Rooms of Mrs. Safija

Experience the fusion of traditional Bosnian flavors and modern culinary artistry at The Four Rooms of Mrs. Safija in Sarajevo.

4.6

Best bars in Sarajevo Surroundings

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

Tesla

Discover the vibrant atmosphere and delicious offerings at Tesla Pub, a top destination for tourists in the heart of Sarajevo.

4.4

Celtic Pub

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Celtic Pub in Sarajevo, where local brews and hearty fare come together for an unforgettable experience.

4.6

City Pub

Experience the vibrant nightlife and authentic flavors of Sarajevo at City Pub, a top destination for locals and tourists alike.

4.5

Zlatna ribica

Discover Zlatna Ribica, Sarajevo's vibrant bar that offers a unique blend of local culture, exquisite drinks, and lively atmosphere for an unforgettable night out.

4.7

Best nightclubs in Sarajevo Surroundings

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

Das ist Walter Club

Discover the pulsating nightlife at Das ist Walter Club in Sarajevo, where music, dance, and culture come together for an unforgettable experience.

3.9

CRISTAL CLUB STRIPTEASE NIGHT CLUB

Discover the electrifying atmosphere of Cristal Club Striptease Night Club in Sarajevo, a top destination for nightlife enthusiasts.

4.5

Silver & Smoke Club

Immerse yourself in Sarajevo's nightlife at Silver & Smoke Club, where underground electronic music meets an electrifying atmosphere.

4.0

Trezor

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Sarajevo at Trezor, a premier night club renowned for its electrifying techno beats and dynamic atmosphere.

4.1

Best shops in Sarajevo Surroundings

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

SCC - Sarajevo City Center

Discover modern shopping and vibrant culture at SCC - Sarajevo City Center, a premier destination in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

4.6

Aria

Explore Aria Shopping Mall, a premier shopping and dining destination in Sarajevo, offering a diverse mix of stores and a vibrant atmosphere for all visitors.

4.4

Alta Shopping Center

Explore Sarajevo's top shopping destination at Alta Shopping Center, where fashion, food, and fun come together for an unforgettable experience.

4.4

Grand Centar

Discover a shopping haven at Grand Centar in Ilidža, where diverse shops, delightful dining, and entertainment await every visitor.

4.4

Explore Sarajevo Surroundings on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Sarajevo Surroundings, mapped for you.

Sarajevo Surroundings Essentials

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.

When is the best time to visit Sarajevo Surroundings?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Sarajevo Surroundings

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Sarajevo Surroundings. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- 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 ...)]

History of Sarajevo Surroundings

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.