A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marbella vs. Sarajevo for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Marbella or Sarajevo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella 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.

Marbella

Marbella is a glamorous, fun-filled, and high energy resort town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a quaint, historical, and cultural 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Marbella and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Sarajevo?

You'll generally find more things to do in Sarajevo than Marbella. Sarajevo is bigger than Marbella, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Sarajevo is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, and big city activities, while Marbella is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. Marbella is more touristy than Sarajevo and is known for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. 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 Marbella different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sarajevo is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Marbella area. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

Is Marbella or Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

Marbella is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Marbella is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

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 Marbella or Sarajevo Better for Music?

Marbella is a very popular place for its live music scene. However, Sarajevo is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Marbella while you're in town. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Sarajevo is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or Sarajevo Better for Resorts?

Marbella is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Sarajevo is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Marbella for its luxury resorts. From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa.

Sarajevo is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Sarajevo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is an unbeatable place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sarajevo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Marbella. There are more than 100 dive sights and endless snorkeling opportunities in the area. There are deep offshore reefs that you can explore as well as shallower wrecks and caves.

Sarajevo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Sarajevo Better for Beaches?

Marbella is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Sarajevo is not a beach destination.

Marbella offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía Beach.

Sarajevo is not a beach destination.

Is Marbella or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

Sarajevo is very popular for its old town. Also, Marbella 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.

Marbella offers a nice historic old town area. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Is Marbella or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

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

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.

Marbella is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Sarajevo?

Marbella is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Marbella draws large crowds to its stores. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Is Marbella or Sarajevo Better for Families?

Marbella 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, Marbella is very family-friendly. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

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 Marbella or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

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

Marbella is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

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 Marbella or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sarajevo is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Marbella is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. There are a few good hostels in the area for backpackers who want to enjoy this part of Spain's cost. There's also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet others.

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

Sarajevo is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Marbella is lacking in good options for its public transit.

The public transit in Sarajevo can get you around easily. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

Public transit is generally limited in Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.

Is Marbella or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Marbella 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.

Marbella is a very walkable resort town. The old town is particularly walkable and there are a number of hotels and nice resorts within a short walk of the town along a nice promenade.

Sarajevo is a somewhat walkable resort 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 Marbella Worth Visiting? and Is Sarajevo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Sarajevo?

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

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

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

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

The beautiful resort town of Marbella offers shopping and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

The beautiful city of Sarajevo offers food and shopping. 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.

A weekend in Marbella or Sarajevo?

Marbella is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this resort town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Marbella, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Sarajevo 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 visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sarajevo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marbella or Sarajevo?

Marbella is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Marbella, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Sarajevo 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.

A week in Marbella or Sarajevo?

Marbella is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This resort town offers something for everyone.

Sarajevo 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, 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 Marbella and Sarajevo, we can see that Marbella 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 Marbella would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marbella 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 Marbella Expensive? and Is Sarajevo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella 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 Marbella 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 Marbella or Sarajevo in the Summer?

Both Sarajevo and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Marbella for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Marbella is around the same temperature as Sarajevo in the summer. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Sarajevo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. Marbella usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo during summer. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Marbella usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marbella or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

Both Sarajevo and Marbella during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Marbella in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Sarajevo for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Marbella is a little warmer than Sarajevo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marbella in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the autumn, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Sarajevo. Marbella gets 213 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. Marbella usually gets less rain in October than Sarajevo. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Sarajevo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Sarajevo. Most visitors come to Marbella for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Marbella is generally much warmer than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 12°C (54°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Sarajevo during winter. Marbella gets 171 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, Marbella usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marbella or Sarajevo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Sarajevo. The spring months attract visitors to Marbella because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

Marbella is around the same temperature as Sarajevo in the spring. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the spring, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Sarajevo. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Marbella usually gets less rain in April than Sarajevo. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Marbella