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

Should you visit La Spezia 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 La Spezia 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.

La Spezia

La Spezia is a cultural, lively, and convenient town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Sarajevo

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

La Spezia and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular old town
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • 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 La Spezia or Sarajevo?

You'll generally find more things to do in Sarajevo than La Spezia. Sarajevo is bigger than La Spezia, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Sarajevo is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while La Spezia is more popular for its beaches. La Spezia is more touristy than Sarajevo and is known for being the gateway to Cinque Terre. 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 Spezia different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

La Spezia
Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, La Spezia is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

La Spezia offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The highlight of the area is the surrounding natural beauty, but in town you can visit the Maritime Museum, The castle of San Giorgio, and The Amedeo Lia Art Museum.


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

La Spezia
Sarajevo

Sarajevo is very popular for its restaurants. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Dining out in La Spezia is an experience not to be missed. The town has many local flavors that incorporate seafood and other local ingredients. Focaccia is popular, as is Farinata, which is a chickpea flour pancake. Anchovies and mussels are also common ingredients.

Is La Spezia or Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

La Spezia
Sarajevo

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in La Spezia and Sarajevo.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in La Spezia. You'll find more bars and clubs around town than you do in the smaller nearby towns. Some people head into La Spezia for the evening to grab a drink and socialize.

Sarajevo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Spezia or Sarajevo Better for Beaches?

La Spezia
Sarajevo

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

La Spezia offers a nice beach destination. The beaches in the area tend to be rocky and pebbly. For the best beaches, head out of town to nearby areas.

Sarajevo is not a beach destination.


Is La Spezia or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

La Spezia
Sarajevo

Sarajevo is very popular for its old town. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

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.

La Spezia offers a nice historic old town area. The old town runs between the streets of Corso Cavour and Via Prione and is best explored on foot.

Is La Spezia or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

La Spezia
Sarajevo

Sarajevo is very popular for its hiking trails. However, La Spezia is not a hiking destination.

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.

La Spezia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Spezia or Sarajevo?

La Spezia
Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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 Spezia to go shopping. There's a morning market at Piazza del Mercato as well as many clothing and souvenir shops around town.


Is La Spezia or Sarajevo Better for Families?

La Spezia
Sarajevo

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

La Spezia is a family-friendly town. Visitors often use La Spezia as a base for visiting nearby Cinque Terre. The surrounding region has many kid-friendly activities like hiking, swimming, and beaches.

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 Spezia or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

La Spezia
Sarajevo

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

La Spezia makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It makes a nice base for visiting nearby sights if the more popular Cinque Terre area is too overwhelming.

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 Spezia or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Spezia
Sarajevo

La Spezia and Sarajevo are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit La Spezia. It's more affordable than the nearby towns in Cinque Terre, but they're still easily accessible from town.

Sarajevo is a very popular town 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.


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

La Spezia
Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in La Spezia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses, trains, and ferry boats offer the main forms of transportation in the area.

Is La Spezia or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

La Spezia
Sarajevo

La Spezia 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 Spezia is a very walkable town. The town is easy to walk around and you'll find a pedestrian-only area downhill from the train station.

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

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or La Spezia?

How long in La Spezia or Sarajevo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both La Spezia and Sarajevo. In our opinion, Sarajevo has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Sarajevo than La Spezia. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for La Spezia, and 1-3 days is enough time in Sarajevo.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sarajevo than La Spezia 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 La Spezia or Sarajevo? Ideal Length of Stay
    La Spezia 2-3 
    Sarajevo 1-3

One day in La Spezia or Sarajevo?

The town of La Spezia offers nightlife and food. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Sarajevo. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sarajevo has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in La Spezia or Sarajevo?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Sarajevo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in La Spezia or Sarajevo?

La Spezia 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint city of Sarajevo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in La Spezia or Sarajevo?

La Spezia 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 town offers something for everyone.

Sarajevo is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.


Which place is cheaper, Sarajevo or La Spezia?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in La Spezia is €198, 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 La Spezia and Sarajevo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    La Spezia 113
    Sarajevo 26
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    La Spezia 226
    Sarajevo 52
Compare Hotels in La Spezia and Sarajevo

Looking for a hotel in La Spezia 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 La Spezia


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: La Spezia Hotel Prices and Sarajevo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    La Spezia 41
    Sarajevo 6.58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Spezia

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

  • Private Transfer from La Spezia to Cinque Terre by car or van: $142
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia Port to La Spezia Hotels: $22
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia Cruise Port to Pisa Airport (PSA): $92
  • Private Transfer Porto Venere or Lerici to La Spezia by car / van: $91
  • La Spezia Cruise Port to La Spezia hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $44
  • La Spezia Cruise Port to La Spezia hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $22
  • La Spezia Cruise Port to Florence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $260
  • Arrival Private Transfer from La Spezia to Porto Venere or Lerici: $91

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:

  • Transfer tour Sarajevo-Dubrovnik: $163
  • Transfer from/to Sarajevo - Neum: $176
  • Transfer from/to Sarajevo - Belgrade: $288
  • Transfer from city of Sarajevo to city of Mostar: $251
  • Transfer from Sarajevo to Kotor+Herzegovina tour: $126
  • Split Private Transfer Service: $299
  • Private Transfer to and from Sarajevo Airport: $25
  • Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Split: $321
  • Dubrovnik Private Transfer Service: $299
  • Airport transfers and all other transfers 4 people: $27
  • Sarajevo ⇄ Mostar / Private Transfer: $203
  • Sarajevo to/from Zagreb Transfer Day Tour (North-central Bosnia): $153

Is it cheaper to fly into La Spezia or Sarajevo?

Prices for flights to both Sarajevo and La Spezia 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
    La Spezia 56
    Sarajevo 29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Spezia

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

  • La Spezia Cinque Terre Food Tour: $91
  • Small-Group Street Food Tour: $95
  • Tour of Apericena at Sunset and Dinner on Boat: $96
  • Portovenere: Sunset Cruise with Aperitif and Dinner: $96
  • La Spezia Cinque Terre Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $97
  • Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in La Spezia: $115
  • Porto Venere & Islands Sunset Boat Tour w/ Dinner: $138
  • Market Tour & Lunch/Dinner at a Cesarina's Home: $149
  • Private Cooking Class in an Italian Home: $155
  • Market Visit and Seafood Cooking Class with Lunch: $156
  • Cesarine: Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in La Spezia: $158
  • Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in La Spezia: $158

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.
    La Spezia 37
    Sarajevo 11

Tours and Activities in La Spezia

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

  • 4-Hour Guided Boat Tour with Aperitif at Sunset in Spezia: $137
  • 6-Hour Guided Tour Portovenere and Cinque Terre with aperitif: $109
  • Afternoon Boat Tour to Cinque Terre with brunch on board: $153
  • Boat Tour of the 3 Islands & Portovenere: $66
  • Boat Tours 5 Terre: $137
  • Boat tour 5 terre & Portovenere Food - drink - music - swim : $163
  • Boat tour Cinque Terre and Gulf of Poets from La Spezia: $186
  • Caving adventure at the Caves of Equi Alpi Apuane: $142
  • Cesarine: Market Tour & Dining at a Local's Home in La Spezia: $152
  • Cinque Terre & Portovenere: Boat Tour: $142
  • Cinque Terre Gems: UNESCO Sites & Secrets Tour: $619
  • Cinque Terre SHARED boat tour, Amazing Experience : $164

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:

  • 2 Days Private Guided Tour in Sarajevo and Mostar: $163
  • 4-Hour Sightseeing Walking Tour with Food Tastings and Craft Experience: $44
  • 8 to 9 Hours Daily Tour To Travnik and Jajce From Sarajevo: $104
  • Amazing Prokoško jezero - Full day Tour: $82
  • Assassination Tour: $27
  • BOSNIAN PYRAMIDS TOUR (nature, history & archeology): $64
  • Best of Sarajevo - Full Day All Inclusive Tour: $76
  • Bijambare Cave & Bosnia Spring Park: Half-Day Tour from Sarajevo: $81
  • Bijambare Cave & Bosnia Spring Park: Tour from Sarajevo: $79
  • Bijambare Cave and Spring of River Bosna Tour: $45
  • Bosnia's Treasures: 7-Day Private Tour: $1,310
  • Bosnian Castles Tour: Vranduk Tešanj Srebrenik from Sarajevo: $161

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    La Spezia 35
    Sarajevo 6.88

Sample the Local Flavors in La Spezia

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

  • boat tour with seafood and wine tasting: $214
  • Lucca city tour and Pisa tower + wine tasting from La Spezia Port: $217

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 La Spezia and Sarajevo, we can see that La Spezia 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 Spezia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Spezia 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 Spezia Expensive? and Is Sarajevo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, La Spezia or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of La Spezia. When comparing the sizes of La Spezia 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.