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

Should you visit Calais or Sarajevo?

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

Should I visit Calais 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.

Calais

Calais is a undiscovered, coastal, and authentic 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 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. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Calais and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Calais or Sarajevo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sarajevo than Calais, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Sarajevo is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Calais is known for its beaches. Calais is popular for being a gateway for travelers to France. 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 Calais different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Calais
Sarajevo

Sarajevo is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.


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

Calais
Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Calais or Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

Calais
Sarajevo

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Calais and Sarajevo.

Calais has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

If you're looking for night time activities Sarajevo has a few options to choose from. 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 Calais or Sarajevo Better for Beaches?

Calais
Sarajevo

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

Calais offers a nice beach destination. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Sarajevo is not a beach destination.


Is Calais or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

Calais
Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Calais does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Sarajevo can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is Calais or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

Calais
Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Calais 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.

Calais is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Calais or Sarajevo?

Calais
Sarajevo

Sarajevo is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.


Is Calais or Sarajevo Better for Families?

Calais
Sarajevo

Calais is a good destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Calais is a family-friendly city. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

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 Calais or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

Calais
Sarajevo

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

Calais makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

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 Calais or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Calais
Sarajevo

Sarajevo is well known for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sarajevo is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.


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

Calais
Sarajevo

Sarajevo is well known for its public transit. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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

While Calais offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Is Calais or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Calais
Sarajevo

Calais and Sarajevo both are good when exploring on foot.

Calais is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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 Calais Worth Visiting? and Is Sarajevo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Calais?

How long in Calais or Sarajevo?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Calais or Sarajevo? Ideal Length of Stay
    Calais 1-3 
    Sarajevo 1-3

One day in Calais or Sarajevo?

The city of Calais offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Sarajevo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.


A weekend in Calais or Sarajevo?

Calais 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Calais, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Sarajevo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Calais or Sarajevo?

Calais 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sarajevo. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Calais or Sarajevo?

Calais is a great place to explore. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Sarajevo. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to France, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.


Which place is cheaper, Sarajevo or Calais?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Calais is €139, while the average daily cost in Sarajevo is €66. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Calais and Sarajevo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Calais 77
    Sarajevo 26
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Calais 154
    Sarajevo 52
Compare Hotels in Calais and Sarajevo

Looking for a hotel in Calais or Sarajevo? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Calais


Hotels in Sarajevo


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Calais Hotel Prices and Sarajevo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Calais 47
    Sarajevo 6.58

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sarajevo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Sarajevo:


  • Tram Tickets (for 2)
    1.53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarajevo

Also for Sarajevo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transfer in Sarajevo: $27
  • Airport Transfers & Private Tours with Luxury minibus Bosnia: $27
  • Airport Transfers Sarajevo Chauffeur for Individual Clients: $27
  • Airport Transfers Sarajevo for Individual Clients: $27
  • Airport transfer Sarajevo - Bosnia: $16
  • One-way Private Airport Transfer to Sarajevo: $15
  • Private Sarajevo Airport Transfer: $55
  • Private Transfer From Sarajevo To Beograd : $142
  • Private Transfer from Hrasnica to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $68
  • Private Transfer from Konjic to Mostar Airport (OMO): $174
  • Private Transfer from Konjic to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $155
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Bojnik : $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Calais or Sarajevo?

Prices for flights to both Sarajevo and Calais change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Calais 35
    Sarajevo 29

Typical Food Prices in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Restaurant Dinner (for 2)
    11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sarajevo Local Food Tour: $27
  • Walking Food Tour with Local Craft Experience: $43
  • Traditional Bosnian Dinner with your Host Family: $44
  • Traditional Bosnian Dinner with Host Family: $53
  • Bosnian Cooking Lessons: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Calais 8.92
    Sarajevo 11

Typical Entertainment Prices in Sarajevo

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Sarajevo's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • National Museum (for 2)
    7.16

Tours and Activities in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Sarajevo Walking Tour In Small Group: $11
  • Sarajevo Talkie-Walkie Tour: $13
  • Grand Walking Tour: $16
  • Sarajevo Grand Walking Tour: $16
  • HISTORY OF ISLAM IN SARAJEVO TOUR: $16
  • SARAJEVO CITY TOUR - Learn something in an interesting way.: $17
  • Discover Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Guide: $17
  • Sarajevo genuine walking tour: Steps through history: $19
  • Sarajevo Old Town: Bosnian Ethnic Food & Coffee Walking Tour: $19
  • Tunnel of Hope Siege Tour: $20
  • Uncovering Islam Tour: $20
  • Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Calais 12
    Sarajevo 6.88

Sample the Local Flavors in Sarajevo

Also in Sarajevo, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Small-group Wine Tasting Expiriance, with lunch in vineyard: $70


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Calais and Sarajevo, we can see that Calais 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 Calais would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Calais 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 Calais Expensive? and Is Sarajevo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Calais or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Calais 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 Calais or Sarajevo?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Calais or Sarajevo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Calais as well as Sarajevo. Most visitors come to Calais for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Calais is generally cooler than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 17°C (63°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Calais this time of the year. In the summer, Calais often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Calais gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets less rain in July than Sarajevo. Calais gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Calais 17°C (63°F) 
    Sarajevo 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Calais or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

Both Sarajevo and Calais are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Calais because of the city's sights and attractions and 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.

Calais is cooler than Sarajevo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Calais averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Calais usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during autumn. Calais gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. In October, Calais usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Calais gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Calais 12°C (54°F) 
    Sarajevo 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Calais or Sarajevo in the Winter?

Both Sarajevo and Calais during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Calais this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Calais in the winter. In the winter, Calais is cooler than Sarajevo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Calais in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Calais often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Calais gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun.

Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Calais usually gets less rain in January than Sarajevo. Calais gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Calais 4°C (40°F) 
    Sarajevo 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Calais or Sarajevo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Calais and Sarajevo. Many travelers come to Calais for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Calais is generally much colder than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 9°C (47°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Calais usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo during spring. Calais gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Calais usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Calais gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Calais 9°C (47°F) 
    Sarajevo 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Calais

Calais Sarajevo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Apr 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 127 mm (5 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 26°C (78°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 26°C (78°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)