A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Antalya vs. Sarajevo for Food, Old Town, Hiking, and Attractions

Should you visit Antalya or Sarajevo?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Antalya or Sarajevo? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Antalya

Antalya is a luxurious, historic, and cultural vacation spot. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a beautiful, overlooked, and quaint city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Antalya and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antalya or Sarajevo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Antalya. Although Antalya and Sarajevo are about the same size, Antalya has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Antalya is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Sarajevo is known for its food, historical sights, hiking, and big city activities. Antalya is more touristy than Sarajevo and is known for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. It is also home to Hadrian's Gate. Sarajevo is popular for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food.

How is Antalya different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sarajevo and Antalya. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Antalya or Sarajevo?

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Sarajevo and Antalya.

Antalya offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

Many visitors head to Sarajevo specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Is the Food Better in Antalya or Sarajevo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sarajevo is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Sarajevo is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Antalya makes for a great culinary experience. Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.

Is Antalya or Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

Antalya is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Antalya has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.

Sarajevo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Antalya or Sarajevo Better for Music?

Antalya is a good destination for its live music scene. However, Sarajevo is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Antalya. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Sarajevo is not a live music destination.

Is Antalya or Sarajevo Better for Resorts?

Antalya is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Sarajevo is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Antalya for its luxury resorts. The city is famous for its resorts that range from luxury to family-friendly. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Xanadu Resort Hotel, Susesi, and Lara Barut, but there are many more.

Sarajevo is not a resort destination.

Is Antalya or Sarajevo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Antalya is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sarajevo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Antalya. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

Sarajevo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Antalya or Sarajevo Better for Beaches?

Antalya is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Sarajevo is not a beach destination.

Antalya offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

Sarajevo is not a beach destination.

Is Antalya or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

Sarajevo is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Sarajevo offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Antalya. The city has a beautiful old town area, Kaleiçi, that is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. The area has many sights including Hadrian's Gate.

Is Antalya or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

Sarajevo is an amazing city to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

People visit Sarajevo specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Antalya. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

Is the Shopping Better in Antalya or Sarajevo?

Antalya is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Antalya draws large crowds to its stores. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Sarajevo. 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.

Is Antalya or Sarajevo Better for Families?

Antalya is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Antalya is very family-friendly. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

Sarajevo doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Older kids will really benefit from the history and cultural lessons that coincide with a visit to this beautiful city. There are also some fun activities that they can enjoy including a zoo, an indoor play area, and an amusement park not far outside of town.

Is Antalya or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

Antalya is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for couples.

Antalya makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Antalya is a top-rated honeymoon destination in Turkey. It's beautiful beaches, romantic resorts, and great shopping put it at the top of many couples' list.

Sarajevo is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Romance isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sarajevo, but the city has amazing food and world class cultural sights that will make for a truly rewarding trip.

Is Antalya or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antalya and Sarajevo are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Antalya. Despite the many resorts in town, there are also budget accommodation options available including hostels. Backpackers appreciate Antalya's impressive old town as well as the area's stunning beaches.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Sarajevo. This city is among the most culturally captivating places in Europe. Although it's often overlooked by tourists and backpackers, the affordability, stunning beauty, and unique personality make it a truly amazing place to visit.

Is Antalya or Sarajevo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find superb public transit in both Antalya and Sarajevo.

Antalya offers a very effecient public transportation network. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Sarajevo. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

Is Antalya or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Antalya and Sarajevo are good when it comes to walkability.

Antalya is a somewhat walkable vacation spot. The historic area in particular is compact, filled with historic sights, and easy to explore on foot.

Sarajevo is somewhat walkable. 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.

For even more information, also check out Is Antalya Worth Visiting? and Is Sarajevo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Antalya?

How long in Antalya or Sarajevo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Antalya and Sarajevo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Antalya than in Sarajevo. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Antalya, and 1-3 days is enough time in Sarajevo.

Families should spend more time in Antalya than Sarajevo. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Antalya, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Antalya than Sarajevo. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Antalya that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Antalya than Sarajevo if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Antalya.

One day in Antalya or Sarajevo?

The beautiful vacation spot of Antalya offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Sarajevo, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Antalya or Sarajevo?

Antalya is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this vacation spot makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Antalya, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Sarajevo, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sarajevo has to offer.

Five days in Antalya or Sarajevo?

Antalya is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Antalya, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Sarajevo is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Antalya or Sarajevo?

Antalya is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This vacation spot offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sarajevo. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sarajevo. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Antalya and Sarajevo, we can see that Antalya is more expensive. And not only is Sarajevo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sarajevo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sarajevo and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Antalya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antalya than you might in Sarajevo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Antalya Expensive? and Is Sarajevo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Antalya or Sarajevo?

Antalya has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Sarajevo. When comparing the sizes of Antalya and Sarajevo, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Antalya or Sarajevo?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Antalya or Sarajevo in the Summer?

Both Sarajevo and Antalya are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Antalya for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Antalya is generally a little warmer than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 28°C (83°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Sarajevo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antalya. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Sarajevo during summer. Antalya gets 376 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Antalya usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Antalya gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Antalya or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

Both Sarajevo and Antalya during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Antalya because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

Antalya is a little warmer than Sarajevo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Antalya. In the autumn, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Sarajevo. Antalya gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun.

Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Antalya usually gets less rain in October than Sarajevo. Antalya gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Sarajevo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Antalya and Sarajevo. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Antalya this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Antalya is much warmer than Sarajevo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Antalya in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Sarajevo during winter. Antalya gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the winter. Antalya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Antalya usually receives more rain than Sarajevo. Antalya gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Antalya or Sarajevo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Antalya as well as Sarajevo. Many travelers come to Antalya for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Antalya is generally a little warmer than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 16°C (62°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antalya this time of the year. In the spring, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Sarajevo. Antalya gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Antalya usually gets less rain in April than Sarajevo. Antalya gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Antalya