A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Rochelle vs. Sarajevo for Food, Old Town, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit La Rochelle or Sarajevo?

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

Should I visit La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a relaxing, laid-back, and quaint coastal town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a beautiful, overlooked, and quaint city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

La Rochelle and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Rochelle or Sarajevo?

You'll generally find more things to do in Sarajevo than La Rochelle. Sarajevo is bigger than La Rochelle, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Sarajevo is better known for its hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while La Rochelle is more popular for its beaches and small town charm. La Rochelle is more touristy than Sarajevo and is known for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. Sarajevo is well known for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food. Also, Sarajevo is famous for The Old Town.

How is La Rochelle different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Rochelle or Sarajevo?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both La Rochelle and Sarajevo.

La Rochelle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

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 La Rochelle or Sarajevo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both La Rochelle and Sarajevo offer amazing local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, La Rochelle is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

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.

Is La Rochelle or Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both La Rochelle and Sarajevo.

If you're looking for night time activities La Rochelle has a few options to choose from. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two 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 La Rochelle or Sarajevo Better for Beaches?

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

La Rochelle offers a nice beach destination. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Sarajevo is not a beach destination.

Is La Rochelle or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the amazing old towns in both La Rochelle and Sarajevo.

La Rochelle has a world-famous historical area. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

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.

Is La Rochelle or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

Sarajevo is very popular for hiking. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting La Rochelle. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Is the Shopping Better in La Rochelle or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its shopping areas.

Sarajevo is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to La Rochelle to go shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is La Rochelle or Sarajevo Better for Families?

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

La Rochelle is a family-friendly coastal town. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with 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 La Rochelle or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

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

La Rochelle is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

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 La Rochelle or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sarajevo is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for backpackers.

Many backpackers 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.

La Rochelle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Is La Rochelle or Sarajevo Better for Students?

La Rochelle is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit La Rochelle. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

Sarajevo is not popular with students.

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

Sarajevo is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its public transit.

Public transit in Sarajevo can get you to some places easily. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

La Rochelle has a few public transit options. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Is La Rochelle or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle is a very walkable coastal town. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

Sarajevo is a somewhat walkable coastal town. 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 La Rochelle Worth Visiting? and Is Sarajevo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or La Rochelle?

How long in La Rochelle or Sarajevo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both La Rochelle and Sarajevo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in La Rochelle than in Sarajevo. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Rochelle, and 1-3 days is enough time in Sarajevo.

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

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

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

La Rochelle is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint city of Sarajevo. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in La Rochelle or Sarajevo?

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Sarajevo. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in La Rochelle or Sarajevo?

La Rochelle 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.

The beautiful city of Sarajevo offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in La Rochelle or Sarajevo?

La Rochelle 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 coastal town offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sarajevo. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, 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 La Rochelle and Sarajevo, we can see that La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle Expensive? and Is Sarajevo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, La Rochelle or Sarajevo?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both La Rochelle and Sarajevo. Most visitors come to La Rochelle for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

La Rochelle is cooler than Sarajevo in the summer. The daily temperature in La Rochelle averages around 20°C (67°F) in July, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarajevo this time of the year. In La Rochelle, it's very sunny this time of the year. La Rochelle usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during summer. La Rochelle gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, La Rochelle usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. La Rochelle gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to La Rochelle as well as Sarajevo. The autumn months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere. Additionally, 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 the autumn, La Rochelle is cooler than Sarajevo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in La Rochelle in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, La Rochelle often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. La Rochelle gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. La Rochelle usually gets less rain in October than Sarajevo. La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle or Sarajevo in the Winter?

Both Sarajevo and La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, La Rochelle is generally a little warmer than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in La Rochelle average around 7°C (44°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

La Rochelle usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during winter. La Rochelle gets 72 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, La Rochelle usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. La Rochelle gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Sarajevo in the Spring?

Both Sarajevo and La Rochelle during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to La Rochelle for the beaches and the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

La Rochelle is cooler than Sarajevo in the spring. The daily temperature in La Rochelle averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, La Rochelle often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo. La Rochelle gets 187 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. La Rochelle usually gets less rain in April than Sarajevo. La Rochelle gets 47 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 La Rochelle