Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Sarajevo?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Sarajevo?
Most people spend one to three days in Sarajevo during their visit. The beautiful city offers amazing highlights such as the hiking, the historic old town, the cuisine, and the famous sights and museums.
Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. While many people think of a war torn city from the 1990s, today Sarajevo is a culturally rich city with a beautiful city center and friendly people. There are still remnants of its difficult past, but the city today is filled with energy and amazing food. It's surrounded by beautiful mountains and train rides outside of town will take you through dramatic scenery.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Sarajevo? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Sarajevo?
With three days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Sarajevo has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Sarajevo as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the hiking, the historic old town, and the cuisine at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
How to spend 3 days in Sarajevo
Known for it's hiking, Sarajevo sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. If you have a way to get out of town, you'll be rewarded with a natural beauty that is untouched and pristine - a rare find in Europe. There are a number of popular trails that are popular with locals and tourists alike. While landmines remain a concern in off-the-beaten-path areas, if you stay on marked trails, they pose no real threat.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Trekking Skakavac ($58)
- Hiking mountain Visocica ($66)
- Visocica Mountain Ridges Hike - From Sarajevo ($87)
The culinary scene in Sarajevo is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. Bosnia isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of food, but it is actually among the best. The dishes are heavy on meat and pastry, with the perfect amount of seasoning. Favorite dishes include Bosnian burek and cevapi. And it's easy to dine your way through this beautiful city as restaurants are very affordable.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Walking Tour, Food Tasting and Bosnian Coffee in Sarajevo ($38)
- Sarajevo Local Food Tour ($27)
- The 10 Tastings of Sarajevo Private Food Tour ($144)
The public transit in Sarajevo is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The city's old town, which is known as Baščaršija, is filled with a history charm that is unlike any other European city. The wooden shops, wandering lanes, and striking minarets highlight the area's beautiful culture and long-running history.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Walking Tour, Food Tasting and Bosnian Coffee in Sarajevo ($38)
- Discover Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Guide ($17)
- Sarajevo Grand Walking Tour ($16)
Sarajevo is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The city's striking beauty contrasts with its tragic history. It is set against the backdrop of mountains, and the city has a long-running history that is unique to many parts of Europe.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Walking Tour, Food Tasting and Bosnian Coffee in Sarajevo ($38)
- Discover Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Guide ($17)
- Sarajevo Grand Walking Tour ($16)
Don't miss the Old Town during your trip to Sarajevo, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. After immersing yourself in history for the day, the nighttime offers the perfect opportunity to unwind. Locals and tourists come together at the city's many bars and nightclubs where you can listen to music, dance, or chat with locals over a cold beer.
Is 4 days enough time in Sarajevo?
Four days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Sarajevo, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Enjoy the chance to go hiking, learn about the history of the town, dine out at amazing restaurants, and explore the museums and famous sights on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Sarajevo as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.
Sarajevo
How to spend 4 days in Sarajevo
Having 4 days in Sarajevo will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.
A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Sarajevo, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. The sights in the city reflect its history and culture. Famous places to visit include Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Latin Bridge, Kovači Memorial Cemetery, and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Fall of Yugoslavia, Sarajevo War Tour with Tunnel of Hope Museum and Frontlines ($33)
- Museum Of Crimes Against Humanity And Genocide 1992-1995 Entrance Ticket ($6)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Sarajevo.
Is 5 days enough time in Sarajevo?
Five days is more than enough time to see everything that Sarajevo has to offer. Many visitors prefer to spend one to three days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the hiking, the historic old town, the cuisine, and the famous sights and museums at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.
How to spend 5 days in Sarajevo
With 5 days in Sarajevo, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.
Shopping in Sarajevo is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. This city offers a unique opportunity to shop for traditional hand-crafted good in the old town. The goods are handmade and reflect the city's long running history as a center for trade. Popular items for purchase include coffee sets, jewelry, and handmade carpets.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Sarajevo.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Sarajevo, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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