How much does it cost to travel to Sarajevo?
You should plan to spend around $74 (KM129) per day on your vacation in Sarajevo. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $32 (KM56) on meals
- $7.35 (KM13) on local transportation
- $57 (KM100) on hotels
A one week trip to Sarajevo for two people costs, on average, $1,031 (KM1,806). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently to Sarajevo has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Sarajevo expensive to visit?
Sarajevo is a reasonably affordable place to visit. Located in Bosnia and Herzegowina, which is a reasonably affordable country, visitors will appreciate the relatively low cost of this destination. It falls in the average range in the country for its prices. If you're traveling on a budget, then this is a good destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Sarajevo is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Europe for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Novi Sad, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Avignon.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Sarajevo Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Sarajevo?
The average Sarajevo trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Sarajevo travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.
Category
|
Cost
|
Accommodation 1
(Double Occupancy)
|
KM100
($57)
|
Local Transportation 1
|
KM13
($7)
|
Food 2
|
KM56
($32)
|
Entertainment 1
|
KM22
($12)
|
Alcohol 2
|
KM7 -
20
($4 - 12)
|
Accommodation Budget in Sarajevo
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Sarajevo can be very surprising. Some destinations have much higher price tags than others, and even within the same areas you can find a big difference between the budget-friendly and higher-end hotels. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Sarajevo is $28 (KM50). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Sarajevo is $57 (KM100). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Sarajevo? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Sarajevo include:
- Becar Pyramid Rooms starting at $35
- Hotel Colors Inn starting at $80
- Hotel Festival Sarajevo starting at $79
Transportation Budget in Sarajevo
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The cost of a taxi ride in Sarajevo is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $7.35 (KM13) per person, per day, on local transportation in Sarajevo.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$7.35
KM13
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Airport transfer Sarajevo - Bosnia for $17 details
- Private transfer (FROM-TO) Sarajevo - Dubrovnik for $235 details
- Sarajevo to/from Dubrovnik Transfer Tour via Mostar & Herzegovina for $145 details
How much does it cost to go to Sarajevo? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Sarajevo will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Typical prices for Transportation in Sarajevo are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Sarajevo, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
-
Tram Tickets (for 2)
KM3.00
Food Budget in Sarajevo
Calculated from travelers like you
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Sarajevo, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Bosnian Cooking Lessons for $82 details
- Ethnic Village Food Tour With Optional Mountain Hiking for $63 details
- Walking Food Tour with Local Craft Experience for $44 details
Typical prices for Food in Sarajevo are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Sarajevo, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
Entertainment Budget in Sarajevo
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Entertainment and activities in Sarajevo typically cost an average of $12 (KM22) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$12
KM22
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Sarajevo. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Mostar,Kravica Waterfall,Blagaj,Počitelj - Day Tour from Sarajevo for $84 details
- Sarajevo Grand Tour: Old Town, Olympic Bobsled, War Tunnel & More for $39 details
- Understanding Srebrenica Genocide - Day tour from Sarajevo for $77 details
Typical prices for Entertainment in Sarajevo are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Sarajevo, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
-
National Museum (for 2)
KM14
Alcohol Budget in Sarajevo
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $7.68 (KM13) on alcoholic beverages in Sarajevo per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$7.68
KM13
Sarajevo on a Budget
Sarajevo
Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and is one of the most culturally and historically interesting cities to visit in Europe. The city was at the crossroads where the Eastern and Western Roman Empires divided, and the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches divided. Today it is most associated with the Civil War that occurred here between 1992 and 1995. There are still many remnants of the war left, from the cemeteries that dot the countryside to the leftover damage done by bombs. Despite its brutal history, Sarajevo has begun to thrive again, both economically and as a tourist destination.
The people in Sarajevo are incredibly welcoming and friendly. There is a wonderful old town that has many market streets where you can buy anything from produce to souvenir tea sets. The old world architecture is unlike anything you'll find elsewhere in Europe. Head into the surrounding hills if you're looking to get out of town and see daily suburban life in Bosnia. It does make for an enjoyable walk and you can enjoy good views looking back at the city. Do stay on the paved roads and be aware of stray dogs in the area. Rabies is not that uncommon.
Sarajevo's climate has four seasons with January being the coldest month and July the warmest. It is generally cloudier during the winter months and clear during the summer, but rain falls consistently throughout the year. Winter sports are common and in 1984 the city hosted the Winter Olympics.
Sights
Wandering around the Old City is a unique experience in and of itself. Interesting sights around town include the Latin Bridge, the Yellow Fortress, Markale Market Place, Vrelo Bosne, the City Hall, and Morica Inn. Popular museums include the Bosnian Historical Museum, the National Museum, the Sarajevo War Tunnel Museum, the Sarajevo City Museum, and Svrzina kuca. Religious sights include the Old Orthodox Church, Emperor's Mosque, Bey's Mosque and St. Anthony's Church.
Neighborhoods
Sarajevo proper has four main districts including Centar, Novi Grad (the New City), Novo Sarajevo (New Sarajevo) and Stari Grad (the Old City). The Old City has many cobbled streets, interesting mosques and a variety of shops that appeal to tourists. It is a unique experience to hear the call-to-prayer and get lost in the history and culture that make up this area.
Activities
Popular festivals in Sarajevo include the Sarajevo Film Festival, the International Theater Festival, and the Sarajevo Winter International Festival. Winter sports are also popular in the area. There are two Olympic grade mountains nearby that have ski trails.
Sarajevo also has a great night life. There are many different pubs, bars and clubs that each have their own style and atmosphere. The most popular nights for going out are Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Thursday is particularly popular for the student population.
Food and Dining
Bosnian food is delicious and Sarajevo has some of the best. Budget food options are plentiful and usually incredibly filling. Burek is a local specialty and is a meat pie that is made with phyllo and seasoned meat, cheese, and vegetables. It's usually served with a generous helping of a yogurt cream sauce that is comparable to sour cream. You'll also find pita sandwiches, pizza, and cevapi around town, all for very reasonable prices. Cafes are also quite popular in Sarajevo and they're a great place to try a cup of Bosnian coffee. It's rich in flavor and for some is an acquired taste, but many find it quite delicious.
Transportation
Navigating the streets of Sarajevo can be difficult because the streets are not well labeled. It's recommended that you buy a map before you head out to explore the city. This will save you at least some frustration. There is public transportation throughout the city. There's a tram that makes a counter clockwise loop through the central district. Make sure you validate your ticket as soon as you board the tram. Ticket inspectors are not uncommon and you should not attempt to ride without a ticket.
Use caution when taking a taxi as they are prone to overcharging tourists, particularly when you pick them up at the train or bus station. Make sure you have some idea how much the trip should cost. If possible, try to arrange a pickup through your hotel in advance, to ensure that you avoid any sort of taxi scam.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.