A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saaremaa vs. Sarajevo for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Saaremaa or Sarajevo?

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

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

Saaremaa

Saaremaa is a relaxed, traditional, and quiet island. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food and beaches.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a quaint, historical, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Saaremaa and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Sarajevo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sarajevo. Although Saaremaa and Sarajevo are both popular with visitors, Sarajevo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sarajevo is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Saaremaa is known for its beaches and small town charm. Saaremaa is popular for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting. Sarajevo is popular for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food. It is also home to The Old Town.

How is Saaremaa different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sarajevo is great for its historical sights. However, Saaremaa 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.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sarajevo is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saaremaa makes for a great culinary experience. Like most things on the island, traditional local food is still the norm here. The island is known for its smoked fish, homemade bread, and locally brewed beers. Popular fishes include garfish, herring, and flatfish, which you can enjoy at a local restaurant or one of the pop-up cafes that are popular during the summer months. You'll find the highest concentration of restaurants in Kuressaare, but there are still many options further out. It's also fun to visit during September during the Saaremaa Food Festival.

Is Saaremaa or Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

Sarajevo is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

People don't go to Saaremaa for the nightlife. The island is known for it's quiet, laid-back atmosphere, so you'll be hard pressed to find a party or active club, even during the more popular summer months.

Is Saaremaa or Sarajevo Better for Beaches?

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

Saaremaa offers a nice beach destination. The beaches are quiet and relaxed, even during the summer months. In town, the best beach is Kuressaare Beach. Outside of town you'll find other nice beaches such as the sandy beaches between Mändjala and Järve. The beaches in Tuhkana and Jõiste villages are also well known. For swimming, most people prefer to visit Lake Karujärv.

Sarajevo is not a beach destination.

Is Saaremaa or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

Sarajevo is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

Sarajevo offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

Is Saaremaa or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

Sarajevo is an amazing city to visit for hiking. However, Saaremaa 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.

Saaremaa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saaremaa or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo is great for its shopping areas. However, Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or Sarajevo Better for Families?

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

Saaremaa is a family-friendly island. While the island is known for its slow pace, there are still a number of fun activities where the kids can run and jump. There are several outdoor adventure parks and playgrounds that are great for young legs. Check out the playgrounds in Kuressaare or head out of town for more outdoor activities. When the weather's nice you can head to Kuressaare Beach or check out the ostrich farm in Muhu.

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 Saaremaa or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

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

Saaremaa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The peace and quiet of the island make for a relaxing couple's getaway. You can enjoy the outdoors and feel like you've stepped back in time as you explore the laid back island in the Baltics.

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 Saaremaa or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Saaremaa is a good island to visit for backpackers. While prices are cheap, transportation isn't great so you'll likely want to rent a car if you want to really explore the island. There are a number of rooms available for rent at an affordable price, particularly in the shoulder season, but you'll you'll only find a handful of hostels on the island.

Is Saaremaa 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. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Saaremaa. Most people arrive on the island by ferry. There are buses on the island but they cater mostly to locals. To really explore, you'll want to have access to a car.

Is Saaremaa or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Sarajevo is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its walkability.

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.

Saaremaa is not a walkable island. While their are some walking trails, you really need a car to explore the island in depth.

For even more information, also check out Is Saaremaa Worth Visiting? and Is Sarajevo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Sarajevo?

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

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

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

Saaremaa is a small town where visitors enjoy the 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.

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 Saaremaa or Sarajevo?

Saaremaa is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saaremaa, 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 Saaremaa or Sarajevo?

Saaremaa 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.

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 Saaremaa or Sarajevo?

Saaremaa 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 island 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 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, 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 Saaremaa and Sarajevo, we can see that Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa Expensive? and Is Sarajevo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa or Sarajevo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Sarajevo. Many travelers come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saaremaa is generally much colder than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 17°C (62°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarajevo this time of the year. In Saaremaa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saaremaa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo during summer. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saaremaa usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sarajevo. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Sarajevo. Many visitors come to Saaremaa in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, 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.

Saaremaa is much colder than Sarajevo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 8°C (47°F) in October, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Saaremaa often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Saaremaa usually gets less rain in October than Sarajevo. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Sarajevo in the Winter?

Both Sarajevo and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saaremaa for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saaremaa can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Saaremaa is much colder than Sarajevo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saaremaa in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Saaremaa usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during winter. Saaremaa gets 33 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, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Sarajevo in the Spring?

Both Sarajevo and Saaremaa during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

The weather in Saaremaa can be very cold. In April, Saaremaa is generally much colder than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 4°C (38°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Saaremaa often gets more sunshine than Sarajevo. Saaremaa gets 196 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. Saaremaa usually gets less rain in April than Sarajevo. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Saaremaa