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

Should you visit Bonn or Sarajevo?

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

Should I visit Bonn 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.

Bonn

Bonn is a cultural, beautiful, and outdoorsy city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a beautiful, overlooked, and quaint city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Bonn and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bonn or Sarajevo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sarajevo than Bonn. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Sarajevo is very popular for its food, historical sights, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bonn attracts visitors for its quaint atmosphere. Bonn is more touristy than Sarajevo and is known for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven. Sarajevo is famous for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food. It is also well known for The Old Town.

How is Bonn different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Bonn or Sarajevo.

Bonn offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.

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 Bonn or Sarajevo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sarajevo is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bonn. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.

Is Bonn or Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Bonn and Sarajevo.

If you're looking for night time activities Bonn has a few options to choose from. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around town.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Sarajevo. 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 Bonn or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

Sarajevo is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its old town.

Sarajevo has a world-famous historical 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bonn. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Is Bonn or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

Sarajevo is very popular for hiking. However, Bonn is not a hiking destination.

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.

Bonn is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bonn or Sarajevo?

If you're looking to go shopping, Bonn and Sarajevo both offer plenty of superb spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bonn. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores around town.

Sarajevo is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 Bonn or Sarajevo Better for Families?

Bonn is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Bonn is very family-friendly. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.

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 Bonn or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

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

Bonn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.

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 Bonn or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sarajevo is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Sarajevo is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Bonn is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.

Is Bonn or Sarajevo Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Bonn. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.

Sarajevo is not popular with students.

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

Bonn and Sarajevo both offer superb public transit to get you around.

Visitors to Bonn can move around easily with public transportation. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.

The public transit in Sarajevo can get you around easily. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

Is Bonn or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Bonn 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.

Bonn is a very walkable city. The compact old town is easy to explore on foot.

Sarajevo is a somewhat walkable 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 Bonn Worth Visiting? and Is Sarajevo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or Sarajevo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bonn and Sarajevo. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sarajevo than Bonn 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 Sarajevo.

One day in Bonn or Sarajevo?

The city of Bonn 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 Bonn or Sarajevo?

Bonn is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this 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 Bonn, 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 Bonn or Sarajevo?

Bonn is a popular choice for travelers. 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 overlooked 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 Bonn or Sarajevo?

Bonn is a great place to explore. 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 city offers something for everyone.

The cultural 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, 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 Bonn and Sarajevo, we can see that Bonn 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 Bonn would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bonn 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 Bonn Expensive? and Is Sarajevo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bonn or Sarajevo?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and Sarajevo. Most visitors come to Bonn for 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 the summer, Bonn is cooler than Sarajevo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bonn in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 26°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarajevo this time of the year. Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during summer. Bonn gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bonn usually receives more rain than Sarajevo. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bonn or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bonn as well as Sarajevo. The autumn months attract visitors to Bonn because of the shopping scene. 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.

In October, Bonn is generally cooler than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 12°C (53°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Bonn gets 109 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Bonn usually gets less rain in October than Sarajevo. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Sarajevo in the Winter?

Both Sarajevo and Bonn are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bonn this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Bonn in the winter. Bonn is much colder than Sarajevo in the winter. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during winter. Bonn gets 45 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, Bonn usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bonn or Sarajevo in the Spring?

Both Sarajevo and Bonn during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bonn is cooler than Sarajevo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bonn in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Bonn gets 145 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. Bonn usually gets less rain in April than Sarajevo. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Bonn