Sarajevo is an overlooked city known for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or hiking in nature, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Sarajevo that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Sarajevo?
You should plan to spend around $90 (KM170) 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:
- $52 (KM97) on meals
- $6.82 (KM13) on local transportation
- $53 (KM100) on hotels
A one week trip to Sarajevo for two people costs, on average, $1,261 (KM2,380). 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.
-
One Week
Per person
$631
KM1,190
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,261
KM2,380
-
One Month
Per person
$2,702
KM5,100
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,261
KM2,380
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,522
KM4,760
-
One Month
For a couple
$5,404
KM10,200
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Sarajevo cost?
A one week trip to Sarajevo usually costs around $631 (KM1,190) for one person and $1,261 (KM2,380) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Sarajevo on average costs around $1,261 (KM2,380) for one person and $2,522 (KM4,760) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Sarajevo will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Sarajevo on average costs around $2,702 (KM5,100) for one person and $5,404 (KM10,200) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Sarajevo expensive to visit?
Sarajevo is a smaller destination that attracts travelers with diverse styles, spending habits, and budgetary preferences. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
You can find Sarajevo to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit can help you save money.
On average, budget travelers spend $35 (KM67) per day, mid-range travelers spend $89 (KM170) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $225 (KM429) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Sarajevo.
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. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Sarajevo cost?
Sarajevo on a Budget
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$11
(KM20)
|
$26
(KM50)
|
$66
(KM124)
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$3
(KM5.32)
|
$7
(KM13)
|
$15
(KM29)
|
Food 2
|
$20
(KM38)
|
$52
(KM97)
|
$134
(KM253)
|
Entertainment 1
|
$4
(KM8.49)
|
$11
(KM22)
|
$30
(KM56)
|
Alcohol 2
|
$1-4
(KM3-8)
|
$4-11
(KM7-20)
|
$9-28
(KM17-52)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people think they can visit Sarajevo on a tight budget, but most travelers aren't comfortable with a low "shoestring" budget. Think about what you enjoy during your vacations and how you typically travel. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you want to visit museums, sights, and participate in activities? Is dining out a priority? These factors will shape both your budget and your itinerary.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $35 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, you can find plenty of hostels in Sarajevo, including Balkan Han Hostel, Hostel Franz Ferdinand, and Hostel Ljubicica. These hostels offer inexpensive dorm lodging and a lively social scene, but amenities are often minimal. Furthermore, the city is equipped with an excellent public transit system that aids budget travelers in avoiding costly taxis and rideshares. Food also plays a significant role in a visitor's experience to Sarajevo, yet budget travelers might stick to street food or hostel meals, resulting in less exposure to the wonderful culinary scene.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family on a fun getaway, you might want to choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at well-liked restaurants, and visit the key museums and attractions that come with entry fees. Most travelers to Sarajevo will be eager to explore the key attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities are not free, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to plan on a daily budget of about $89 per person, per day.
There are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals available in Sarajevo. If you're traveling with companions, sharing a hotel with a partner, friend, or kids can help lower costs. Families should seek out hotels and dining options that are suitable for children. Hotel Colors Inn is a wonderful family-friendly hotel, and Le Petit Prince Sarajevo is another excellent choice. For more family and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel cost guide for Sarajevo here.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If you want an all encompassing getaway with top-notch amenities and exceptional service, get ready for a daily cost around $225. Staying in upscale hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, indulging in lavish activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the city will require a more luxurious budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Sarajevo Private Photography Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Sarajevo
Hotel prices in Sarajevo can vary significantly. Some hotels charge much higher rates but also offer more luxury and better amenities. During peak season, these prices rise even more. In the off-season, the average room costs around $46, while in peak summer season it jumps to an average of $86. Budget accommodations range from $27 to $153, but hostels are usually cheaper, especially in dorm rooms. Save money by traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, or by booking in advance and watching for deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Sarajevo for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $53 (KM100). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $26 (KM50) per night. These costs are 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
- Hotel Story Sarajevo starting at $78
- Hotel Sana starting at $65
Sarajevo has a great public transit system lets you stay farther from the city, but remember that lower hotel costs could mean higher transportation expenses.
Choosing to travel outside of summer and in the low or shoulder season will give you lower hotel prices and less tourist congestion.
The city's historic old town attracts many visitors. Hotels in this area might be more expensive, but they often boast a unique character and are conveniently located near everything.
Transportation Budget in Sarajevo
Public transit in Sarajevo is top-notch. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network. If you're looking to save time and money, public transit is the ideal option. Of course, taxis and rideshares are easy to find, too.
Sarajevo is easy to navigate on foot in some locations, which can help you enjoy the sights. Most of the touristy areas in the central part of the city are walkable, but there are also some sights outside of town that you will need a taxi to visit.
Public Transit: 



(great)
Walkability: 



(good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $6.82 (KM13) per person, per day, on local transportation in Sarajevo. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Sarajevo is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$6.82
KM13
If you're thinking about going hiking, you'll want to determine the best way to reach the hiking trail since public transit may not get you there.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Sarajevo to/from Zagreb Transfer Day Tour (North-central Bosnia) for $146 details
- Sarajevo ⇄ Mostar / Private Transfer for $195 details
- Airport transfer Sarajevo - Bosnia for $16 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.
Some typical prices for transportation in Sarajevo are shown below. These are actual costs from previous travelers, and are representative of the amount you'll likely spend on transportation in Sarajevo. Don't forget that your individual costs will vary based on how you get around, because hired cars such as taxis are often much more expensive than local public transportation.
-
Tram Tickets (for 2)
KM3.00
Food Budget in Sarajevo
The cuisine available in Sarajevo is nothing short of world-class, so don't miss it. Take the time to visit local restaurants and sample some specialty dishes. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Sarajevo can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Sarajevo is $52 (KM97) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$52
KM97
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Sarajevo is around $51 (KM97) per person, with previous travelers spending from $20 to $133. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Sarajevo are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $15
- Lunch: $8 to $20
- Dinner: $15 to $36
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $8
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.
Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.
You can cut costs and soak in the views by having a picnic. Swing by a local grocery store or market, pick up some fresh goodies, and head to a lovely park or picturesque location to savor your meal.
Keep a water bottle handy instead of buying drinks everywhere. It's also a great way to reduce waste.
Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.
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:
- Cooking class: Traditional Bosnian Pie for $57 details
- Morning food tour: Start a day like a real Bosnian for $44 details
- Walking Food Tour with Local Craft Experience for $41 details
Listed below are typical food prices in Sarajevo, based on the actual spending of previous travelers. These figures provide an estimate of what you might expect to pay for meals. However, your personal expenses will depend on your dining preferences, the restaurants you choose, and what you decide to order.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Sarajevo
The appeal of Sarajevo is evident, thanks to its food, historical sights, hiking, and museums and attractions.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Sarajevo typically cost an average of $11 (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.
$11
KM22
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.
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.
Museums and Attractions:
Sarajevo boasts some of the world's most well-known museums and landmarks. 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.
Historical Sights:
The historic old town attracts a large number of visitors. 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.
Hiking:
The hiking trails near Sarajevo are amazing. 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.
Shopping:
You won't want to miss out on the shopping here. 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.
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 $78 details
- Sarajevo Grand Tour: Old Town, Olympic Bobsled, War Tunnel & More for $36 details
- War Times Experience in Sarajevo - Half Day Tour for $30 details
Listed below are some typical prices for attractions, activities, and entry fees in Sarajevo, sourced from actual travelers. These costs give you an idea of how much you might spend. However, your personal expenses will depend on the activities you choose, the museums or landmarks you visit, and how frequently you opt for free or low-cost options.
-
National Museum (for 2)
KM14
Nightlife Budget in Sarajevo
When it comes to nightlife, Sarajevo has a few activities to offer, but it's not as lively as in other more popular destinations. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $7.13 (KM13) on nightlife and 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
$7.13
KM13
Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.
When enjoying the nightlife, stay alert and cautious, as you may attract the attention of pickpockets or other criminals. It's best to stay with a group of people you trust.
Travel cost data last updated: Dec 22, 2024
Traveling in Sarajevo
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.
Neighborhoods & Around
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.
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.