A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Flam vs. Sarajevo for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Flam 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 Flam 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.

Flam

Flam is a natural, breathtaking, and beautiful village. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food and hiking.

Sarajevo

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

Flam and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Flam or Sarajevo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sarajevo. Although Flam and Sarajevo are popular destinations, Sarajevo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sarajevo is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Flam attracts visitors for its small town charm. Flam is more touristy than Sarajevo and is known for its beautiful fjords and natural beauty as well as its popularity as a cruise ship port. 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 Flam different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sarajevo is a great city for its historical sights. However, Flam is not known for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Sarajevo. 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.

Flam offers a few options for museum-goers. Hiking and natural beauty is why you visit this area, but there is the Flam Railway Museum that you can visit as well.

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

Sarajevo is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Flam is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Sarajevo, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Flam. Local restaurants make use of seasonal ingredients and local fish and meat. You'll also find many berries and a local goat cheese at many restaurants as well.

Is Flam or Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

Sarajevo is a good destination for nightlife. However, Flam is not known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Most people don't head to Flam specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Most people visit as a day trip, so you won't find a huge nightlife scene in this small town. There are some local bars and breweries around town though.

Is Flam or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

Sarajevo is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Flam does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Sarajevo offers plenty to see. 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.

Flam does not have a historic old town.

Is Flam or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

Sarajevo is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Flam is not as popular, but is still a nice village for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Flam is a popular spot for hiking. There are many great hikes just outside of town that are varied in length and challenge level. Both tourists and locals enjoy hiking in the area, so you'll get some of the best advice on where to go from any locals that you meet. Popular trails include the Flåmsdalen hike from Myrdal to Flam and the hike to Brekkefossen Waterfall.

Is the Shopping Better in Flam or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo is a great city for shopping. However, Flam is not known for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Flam has some nice offerings. There are some shopping centers and malls near town where you can grab anything you may have forgotten.

Is Flam or Sarajevo Better for Families?

Flam 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, Flam is very family-friendly. The fjords and mountain beauty make this a great place for a family adventure. Myrkdalen is also just 45 minutes away by car and it's filled with many mountain activities.

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 Flam or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

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

Flam makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Stunning natural beauty and dramatic fjords make this a great romantic destination. Couples who enjoy hiking and explore nature will enjoy days in this special place.

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 Flam or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Flam. There are a few hostels in the area that help keeps prices more affordable for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Flam 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, Flam is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its public transit.

Visitors to Sarajevo can move around easily with public transportation. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

Flam has a few public transit options. There is a local bus service through the area.

Is Flam or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Flam 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.

Flam is a very walkable village. There are many great walks in the area.

Sarajevo is a somewhat walkable village. 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 Flam Worth Visiting? and Is Sarajevo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Flam?

How long in Flam or Sarajevo?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Sarajevo than Flam. 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 Flam 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 Flam or Sarajevo?

Flam is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Flam or Sarajevo?

Flam is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this village makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Flam, 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 Flam or Sarajevo?

Flam 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 quaint 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 Flam or Sarajevo?

Flam 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 village offers something for everyone.

The historical 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 Adventure Tours to Norway, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Norway, 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 Flam and Sarajevo, we can see that Flam 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 Flam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Flam 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 Flam Expensive? and Is Sarajevo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Flam or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 1390 times larger than the population of Flam. When comparing the sizes of Flam 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 Flam 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 Flam or Sarajevo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Flam and Sarajevo. The summer months attract visitors to Flam because of the hiking, the small town charm, 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 the summer, Flam is much colder than Sarajevo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Flam in July average around 15°C (58°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 26°C (78°F).

Flam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Flam usually receives more rain than Sarajevo. Flam gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Flam or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Flam as well as Sarajevo. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Flam 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.

In October, Flam is generally much colder than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Flam average around 9°C (48°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Flam receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Flam usually gets more rain in October than Sarajevo. Flam gets 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Flam or Sarajevo in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Flam. Flam is much colder than Sarajevo in the winter. The daily temperature in Flam averages around 2°C (35°F) in January, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. It's quite rainy in Flam. In January, Flam usually receives more rain than Sarajevo. Flam gets 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Flam or Sarajevo in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Flam is much colder than Sarajevo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Flam in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Flam. Flam usually gets less rain in April than Sarajevo. Flam gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Flam