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

Should you visit Interlaken or Sarajevo?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Interlaken and Sarajevo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a adventurous, adrenaline-filled, and breathtaking town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and skiing.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a overlooked, quaint, and historical 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Interlaken and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Sarajevo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sarajevo. Although Interlaken and Sarajevo are popular destinations, Sarajevo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sarajevo is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Interlaken attracts visitors for its skiing, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Sarajevo and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. 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 Interlaken different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Sarajevo Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a good destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Sarajevo is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Interlaken is a great destination to visit. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Sarajevo is not a skiing destination.

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

Sarajevo is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sarajevo is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Sarajevo has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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 Interlaken. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Is Interlaken or Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

Sarajevo is very good for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

Sarajevo is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Sarajevo is revered around the world. 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.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

You'll find first-rate hiking in both Interlaken and Sarajevo.

Many people visit Interlaken specifically for its hiking. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Known for its hiking, Sarajevo draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Sarajevo Better for Families?

Interlaken 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, Interlaken is very family-friendly. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

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 Interlaken or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

Interlaken is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for couples.

Interlaken is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

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 Interlaken or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sarajevo is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Interlaken. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

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

Visitors will find high quality public transit in both Interlaken and Sarajevo.

Public transit in Interlaken is fairly effecient and thorough. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Sarajevo has some very good public transit options. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

Is Interlaken or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Interlaken and Sarajevo are nice when it comes to walkability.

Interlaken is somewhat walkable. The old town is relatively walkable.

Sarajevo is a somewhat walkable place. 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 Interlaken Worth Visiting? and Is Sarajevo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Sarajevo?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sarajevo than Interlaken 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 Interlaken or Sarajevo?

The beautiful town of Interlaken offers food and skiing. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the overlooked city of Sarajevo, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sarajevo, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Interlaken or Sarajevo?

Interlaken is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Interlaken, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Sarajevo, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Interlaken or Sarajevo?

Interlaken is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Interlaken, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Sarajevo, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Interlaken or Sarajevo?

Interlaken is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 town offers something for everyone.

Sarajevo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich, 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 Interlaken and Sarajevo, we can see that Interlaken 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 Interlaken would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Interlaken 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 Interlaken Expensive? and Is Sarajevo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken 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 Interlaken 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 Interlaken or Sarajevo in the Summer?

Both Sarajevo and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Sarajevo for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Interlaken is cooler than Sarajevo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Interlaken in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Sarajevo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Interlaken. Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during summer. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Sarajevo. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Interlaken or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

Both Sarajevo and Interlaken during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Interlaken is generally cooler than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 13°C (56°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Interlaken gets 120 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. Interlaken usually gets less rain in October than Sarajevo. Interlaken 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 Interlaken or Sarajevo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Sarajevo. The winter months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the skiing and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

The weather in Interlaken can be very cold. Interlaken is much colder than Sarajevo in the winter. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during winter. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Interlaken usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Interlaken or Sarajevo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Sarajevo. The natural beauty are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Interlaken is cooler than Sarajevo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Interlaken in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Interlaken usually gets less rain in April than Sarajevo. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Interlaken