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

Should you visit Lillehammer or Sarajevo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lillehammer or Sarajevo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a natural, adventure-filled, and sporty city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a quaint, historical, and cultural 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. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Lillehammer and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lillehammer or Sarajevo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sarajevo. Although Lillehammer and Sarajevo are popular destinations, Sarajevo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sarajevo is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Lillehammer attracts visitors for its skiing and small town charm. Lillehammer is more touristy than Sarajevo and is popular for its winter sports and role as host for the 1994 Winter Olympics. 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 Lillehammer different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Lillehammer or Sarajevo Better for Skiing?

Lillehammer is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Sarajevo is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Lillehammer. There is both downhill skiing and cross country skiing in the area. There are five alpine centers that offer skiing for everyone from beginners to the world's elite. There are also 2,300 kilometers of cross country ski trails. The region is known for its long and reliable winter with great ski conditions.

Sarajevo is not a skiing destination.

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

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Sarajevo can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Lillehammer offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of sights that are related to the city's role as host of the 1994 Olympics. Check out the Norwegian Olympic Museum, Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena, and the Lillehammer Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Also make sure you visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.

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

Sarajevo is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Sarajevo is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Lillehammer has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local food traditions date back centuries and you'll find a combination of simple recipes and elaborate menus. Dishes often include fish or local meat such as elk. There are also soups such as kål, which are made with bacon, meat, potatoes, and barley.

Is Lillehammer or Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

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

Lillehammer has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There is a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs, and pubs around town.

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 Lillehammer or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

Sarajevo is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Lillehammer 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.

Lillehammer does not have a historic old town.

Is Lillehammer or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

Sarajevo is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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.

Many visitors go to Lillehammer for the hiking trails. You'll find many hikes that take you through the alpine setting and the pristine landscapes. You can enjoy breathtaking views and strolls through nearby national parks.

Is the Shopping Better in Lillehammer or Sarajevo?

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

Sarajevo is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lillehammer. You'll find a number of shopping centers that have retail stores selling clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Is Lillehammer or Sarajevo Better for Families?

Lillehammer 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, Lillehammer is very family-friendly. The town has many winter and adventure sports that are great for the whole family. You can visit the Olympic Park, or spend the day at Hunderfossen Familiepark, which is one of the original amusement parks in the country. You can also visit Jorekstad Waterpark, go hiking in the summer, or skiing in the winter.

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 Lillehammer or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

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

Lillehammer makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The skiing and other winter activities are great for winter sport enthusiasts. During the summer months there's hiking and other outdoor fun.

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 Lillehammer or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sarajevo is well known for backpackers. Also, Lillehammer is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Lillehammer is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's some camping and other affordable accommodation for backpackers in the area.

Is Lillehammer or Sarajevo Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Lillehammer. The city has a number of students and offers some great entertainment activities. The cost of living can be high though.

Sarajevo is not popular with students.

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

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

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Sarajevo. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

While Lillehammer offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Is Lillehammer or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Lillehammer and Sarajevo both are nice when exploring on foot.

Lillehammer is somewhat walkable. There are some pedestrian streets and pedestrian-friendly areas in town.

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 Lillehammer Worth Visiting? and Is Sarajevo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Lillehammer?

How long in Lillehammer or Sarajevo?

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

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

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

The city of Lillehammer offers museums 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the overlooked 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 Lillehammer or Sarajevo?

Lillehammer 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lillehammer, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful 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 Lillehammer or Sarajevo?

Lillehammer 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.

The overlooked 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 Lillehammer or Sarajevo?

Lillehammer 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 city 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, The Best Northern Lights 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 Lillehammer and Sarajevo, we can see that Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lillehammer 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 Lillehammer Expensive? and Is Sarajevo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lillehammer or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Lillehammer. When comparing the sizes of Lillehammer 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.