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

Should you visit Bari or Sarajevo?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bari and Sarajevo. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Bari

Bari is a local, cultural, and authentic port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a cultural, beautiful, and overlooked 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 food, hiking, and shopping.

Bari and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bari or Sarajevo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sarajevo than Bari, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Sarajevo is more popular for its historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Bari is known for its nightlife and beaches. Bari is popular for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. Sarajevo is popular for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food. It is also home to The Old Town.

How is Bari different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Sarajevo and Bari.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Bari. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

Sarajevo offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Bari or Sarajevo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Bari and Sarajevo.

Eat your way through Bari, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

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.

Is Bari or Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

Bari 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.

Bari has a large number of nightlife venues. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

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 Bari or Sarajevo Better for Beaches?

Bari is a good destination for the beache. However, Sarajevo is not a beach destination.

Bari offers a nice beach destination. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Sarajevo is not a beach destination.

Is Bari or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

Sarajevo is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its historic old town.

Sarajevo has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bari. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Is Bari or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

Sarajevo is terrific for hiking. However, Bari is not a hiking destination.

Sarajevo is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Bari is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bari or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Bari is a great destination for shopping. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Bari or Sarajevo Better for Families?

Bari 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, Bari is very family-friendly. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

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 Bari or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

Bari is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for couples.

Bari makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

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 Bari or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Bari and Sarajevo are excellent places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Bari. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

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 Bari or Sarajevo Better for Students?

Bari is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is not popular with students.

Many students visit Bari. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

Sarajevo is not popular with students.

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

Sarajevo is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Sarajevo. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

Bari has a few public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Bari or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Bari is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Bari is a very walkable port city. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

Sarajevo is a somewhat walkable port city. 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 Bari Worth Visiting? and Is Sarajevo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Bari?

How long in Bari or Sarajevo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bari and Sarajevo. In our opinion, Bari has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Bari than Sarajevo. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Bari or Sarajevo?

The port city of Bari offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Sarajevo. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Bari or Sarajevo?

Bari is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bari, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Sarajevo is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bari or Sarajevo?

Bari is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Sarajevo. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bari or Sarajevo?

Bari is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

The quaint city of Sarajevo offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Italy, The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy, 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 Bari and Sarajevo, we can see that Bari 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 Bari would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bari 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 Bari Expensive? and Is Sarajevo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bari or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bari. When comparing the sizes of Bari 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 Bari 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 Bari or Sarajevo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bari and Sarajevo. The summer months attract visitors to Bari because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

In July, Bari is generally around the same temperature as Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Bari average around 25°C (76°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarajevo this time of the year. In Bari, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bari usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo during summer. Bari gets 336 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bari usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Bari gets 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bari or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bari as well as Sarajevo. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bari this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Bari is around the same temperature as Sarajevo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bari averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Bari often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo. Bari gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Bari usually gets less rain in October than Sarajevo. Bari gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bari or Sarajevo in the Winter?

Both Sarajevo and Bari are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bari for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Bari is much warmer than Sarajevo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bari in January average around 10°C (49°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Bari usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo during winter. Bari gets 110 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. In January, Bari usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Bari gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bari or Sarajevo in the Spring?

Both Sarajevo and Bari during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bari in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sarajevo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Bari is generally around the same temperature as Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Bari average around 14°C (58°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Bari. In the spring, Bari often gets more sunshine than Sarajevo. Bari gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun.

Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bari usually gets less rain in April than Sarajevo. Bari gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Bari