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

Should you visit Nagano or Sarajevo?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nagano and Sarajevo can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Nagano

Nagano is a scenic, historic, and traditional 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 nightlife, food, and hiking.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a historical, cultural, and beautiful 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 nightlife, food, and hiking.

Nagano and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagano or Sarajevo?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Nagano than Sarajevo. While Sarajevo is larger than Nagano, Nagano has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Nagano is better known for its skiing, nightlife, and resorts, while Sarajevo is more popular for its food, historical sights, hiking, and shopping. Nagano is more touristy than Sarajevo and is known for its historic temples, beautiful mountain setting, and being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. Also, Nagano is famous for Zenko-ji Temple. 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.

How is Nagano different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nagano or Sarajevo Better for Skiing?

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

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Nagano. The city hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and many of the skiing events were held at ski resorts in the area. In the Nagano Prefecture you'll find several ski resorts with some of the most popular being the Hakuba ski areas, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, and Myoko Kogen.

Sarajevo is not a skiing destination.

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

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Nagano. The area is filled with history and there are many places to explore. Matsumoto Castle, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Zenko-ji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine are just some of the highlights.

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.

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

Sarajevo is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Sarajevo have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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 Nagano is an experience not to be missed. You'll find many of Japan's culinary favorites here like ramen, udon, sushi, and sashimi. There are also regional dishes and some comfort food like Tonkatsu and Oyaki Dumplings.

Is Nagano or Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

Nagano is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Nagano has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is varied, from local and intimate venues, to wild and crazy clubs. You'll find all styles and activities such that whatever you're looking for, the city likely won't disappoint.

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 Nagano or Sarajevo Better for Resorts?

Nagano is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Sarajevo is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Nagano makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find wonderful mountain resorts throughout the entire prefecture.

Sarajevo is not a resort destination.

Is Nagano or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

Sarajevo is terrific for its old town. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

Sarajevo has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Nagano offers a nice historic old town area. Throughout the prefecture there is a lot of history and charming towns. If you're willing to get out of Nagano City, you can enjoy an area filled with tradition and culture. In particular, Tsumago-juku was the first preserved old town in Japan.

Is Nagano or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

Sarajevo is terrific for hiking. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Around Sarajevo visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

Nagano is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding area is filled with stunning scenery, natural beauty, and beautiful hikes. You'll find shrines and temples, historic villages, nice views, and peaceful walks throughout the region. One of the most unique walks is along the highest road in Japan, the Norikura Echo Line. The route is at 8,800 feet and is lined with ten meter high snow walls. It's open from from late April to the end of June every year.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagano or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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 Nagano to go shopping. There are a number of shopping streets that are fun to explore including the historic street of Naka-mise. This street is lined with tea shops, cafes, traditional stores, and more. While there aren't a huge number of shopping centers around town, Midori Nagano is one of the biggest.

Is Nagano or Sarajevo Better for Families?

Nagano 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, Nagano is very family-friendly. Chibikko Ninja Village is a great place for kids with climbing walls, indoor playgrounds, and more. There are also a number of sports facilities around town, and you can keep the sport theme going with a visit to the Nagano Olympic Museum. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Nagano Chausuyama Zoo and for little kids, the Nagano City Joyama Zoo is nice.

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 Nagano or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

Nagano is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for couples.

Nagano makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has a lot of history and beauty, making it a romantic destination for couples. There are also outdoor activities as well as a number of sports that you can enjoy.

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 Nagano or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sarajevo is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nagano. There are several good hostels in the area, as well as some great activities for young travelers, backpackers, and sports enthusiasts.

Is Nagano or Sarajevo Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Nagano. It's relative affordability combined with its close proximity to Tokyo and laid back populations make this a nice place to study.

Sarajevo is not popular with students.

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

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

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

Nagano has a few public transit options. The main station in town is Nagano Station. There's a bus and train system through the area, including buses that run to Zenkoji Temple. There's also a bus that goes to the Togakushi area and takes about an hour. However, renting a car will give you more freedom and efficiency. .

Is Nagano or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Nagano and Sarajevo are notable when it comes to walkability.

Nagano is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are walkable and there are hiking trails around the Togakushi area, where you'll find many shrines and other attractions.

Sarajevo is a somewhat walkable city. 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 Nagano Worth Visiting? and Is Sarajevo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Nagano?

How long in Nagano or Sarajevo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nagano and Sarajevo. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

The beautiful city of Nagano offers museums and skiing. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Sarajevo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Nagano or Sarajevo?

Nagano 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 Nagano, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Sarajevo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Nagano or Sarajevo?

Nagano 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sarajevo. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Nagano or Sarajevo?

Nagano 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Sarajevo. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 in Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, 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 Nagano and Sarajevo, we can see that Nagano is more expensive. And not only is Sarajevo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nagano is in Asia and Sarajevo is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Nagano would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nagano 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 Nagano Expensive? and Is Sarajevo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nagano or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 93% larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Nagano 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 Nagano 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 Nagano or Sarajevo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagano and Sarajevo. The hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nagano this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Nagano is around the same temperature as Sarajevo in the summer. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 25°C (77°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. Nagano usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during summer. Nagano gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nagano usually receives more rain than Sarajevo. Nagano gets 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nagano or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nagano as well as Sarajevo. Many travelers come to Nagano for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nagano is around the same temperature as Sarajevo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nagano in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Nagano often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo. Nagano gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Nagano receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nagano usually gets more rain in October than Sarajevo. Nagano gets 227 mm (9 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagano or Sarajevo in the Winter?

Both Sarajevo and Nagano are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nagano in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Sarajevo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nagano can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Nagano is generally much colder than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Nagano average around 2°C (36°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nagano. Nagano usually receives more sunshine than Sarajevo during winter. Nagano gets 212 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. It's quite rainy in Nagano. In January, Nagano usually receives more rain than Sarajevo. Nagano gets 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nagano or Sarajevo in the Spring?

Both Sarajevo and Nagano during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nagano for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Nagano often gets more sunshine than Sarajevo. Nagano gets 191 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. Nagano usually gets less rain in April than Sarajevo. Nagano gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Nagano