A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sarajevo vs. Chicago for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Sarajevo or Chicago?

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 Sarajevo and Chicago. 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.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a overlooked, quaint, and historical 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Chicago

Chicago is a edgey, cosmopolitan, and diverse city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Sarajevo and Chicago: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarajevo or Chicago?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chicago than Sarajevo, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Chicago is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, beaches, shopping, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Sarajevo is known for its historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. Chicago is more touristy than Sarajevo and is popular for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. It is also home to The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower). Sarajevo is popular for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food.

How is Sarajevo different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chicago is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Chicago are world-renowned. There are countless landmarks, museums, and iconic sights in the area. Some of the most famous are the Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Notable landmarks include the famous Willis Tower - formerly the Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the iconic Cloud Gate (the bean).

Sarajevo offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Sarajevo or Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for its theatre productions. However, Sarajevo is not a theatre destination.

Chicago is considered to be a world-class theater destination. Theater is big here with many of the major Broadway productions visiting the city. There is also an endless list of smaller, local theaters to choose from.

Sarajevo is not a theatre destination.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Sarajevo and Chicago can be an enjoyable experience.

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.

For foodies, Chicago is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. With everything from award-winning luxury restaurants to local dives, this city has something for everyone. It also has very distinct local flavors and dishes that create an identity and bring great pride to the locals. While you're in town you have to try the famous deep dish pizza, Chicago style hot dogs, and Italian beef.

Is Sarajevo or Chicago Better for Nightlife?

Chicago 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 Chicago is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It has a wide range of activities at night, with everything from theater and comedy clubs to dance venues, sporting events, and local bars. It's easy to fill many evenings with whatever activity appeals to you. Popular bars and clubs include the Smart Bar, Beauty Bar, and Le Nocturne.

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 Sarajevo or Chicago Better for Music?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Sarajevo is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Chicago. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Sarajevo is not a live music destination.

Is Sarajevo or Chicago Better for Beaches?

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

Chicago offers a nice beach destination. While you don't immediately think of beaches when you think of Chicago, there are some nice beaches by the lake. If the weather is nice, it's a great area to spend some time.

Sarajevo is not a beach destination.

Is Sarajevo or Chicago Better for its Old Town?

Sarajevo is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Chicago does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Sarajevo is one of the most recognized in 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.

Chicago does not have a historic old town.

Is Sarajevo or Chicago Better for Hiking?

Sarajevo is renowned for its hiking experiences. However, Chicago is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Sarajevo specifically for its hiking. 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.

Chicago is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarajevo or Chicago?

Chicago 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, Chicago draws large crowds to its stores. There are countless neighborhoods that are filled with boutiques, local vendors, and art galleries. The city has some of the country's best shopping opportunities, and the most notable area is the famous Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile.

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 Sarajevo or Chicago Better for Christmas?

Chicago is a very popular place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Sarajevo does not offer Christmas activities.

Since it has plenty to do, Chicago is a very popular place to visit during Christmas. There's a number of seasonal celebrations, ice skating, and excellent shopping.

Sarajevo does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Sarajevo or Chicago Better for Christmas Markets?

Chicago is a good destination for visiting Christmas markets. However, Sarajevo does not offer Christmas markets.

Visiting the Christmas markets is popular in Chicago. Shopping is a highlight of a trip to the city, and the Christkindlmarkt is not to be missed.

Sarajevo does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Sarajevo or Chicago Better for Families?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Chicago is very family-friendly. The city has a large number of activities for kids, including zoos, Shedd Aquarium, impressive children's museums, and large and elaborate playgrounds in Millennium Park. It's easy to keep kids entertained in this very kid-focused city.

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 Sarajevo or Chicago Better for Couples?

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

Chicago makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy exploring the city's vibrant theater scene and diverse neighborhoods. There are many varied restaurants and entertainment options that make for a great date night. There are also sporting events, parks, and gardens where couples can explore.

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 Sarajevo or Chicago Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sarajevo is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sarajevo is a very popular city 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Chicago. The city doesn't have a huge backpacker vibe, but it does have a number of hostels that help keep costs in check.

Is Sarajevo or Chicago Better for Students?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is not popular with students.

Chicago is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a large number of universities that bring in students from around the country and around the globe. It's a huge international city with economic ties and many opportunities connected to the universities.

Sarajevo is not popular with students.

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

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

Visitors in Chicago can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

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

Is Sarajevo or Chicago a more walkable city?

Chicago 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.

Chicago is a very walkable city. The city has many restaurants, sights, and hotels that are easily accessible on foot.

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 Sarajevo Worth Visiting? and Is Chicago Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Sarajevo?

How long in Sarajevo or Chicago?

In either Sarajevo or Chicago, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Chicago than Sarajevo because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Sarajevo, and 3-5 days is enough time in Chicago.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chicago than Sarajevo 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 Chicago.

One day in Sarajevo or Chicago?

In Sarajevo, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Chicago is a big city with plenty to do. 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.

A weekend in Sarajevo or Chicago?

In Sarajevo, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sarajevo has to offer.

Chicago is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Sarajevo or Chicago?

Sarajevo is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

A week in Sarajevo or Chicago?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sarajevo. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sarajevo. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Chicago 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 city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sarajevo and Chicago, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is Sarajevo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sarajevo is in Europe and Chicago is in North America, 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 Chicago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chicago 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 Sarajevo Expensive? and Is Chicago Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sarajevo or Chicago?

Chicago has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Sarajevo. When comparing the sizes of Sarajevo and Chicago, 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 Sarajevo or Chicago?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Sarajevo or Chicago in the Summer?

Both Chicago and Sarajevo during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Sarajevo for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Chicago in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sarajevo is around the same temperature as Chicago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sarajevo in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Chicago averages at about 77°F (25°C).

In Chicago, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sarajevo. In the summer, Sarajevo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chicago. Sarajevo gets 323 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun.

Chicago gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sarajevo usually gets less rain in July than Chicago. Sarajevo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sarajevo or Chicago in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarajevo and Chicago. 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Chicago for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Sarajevo is generally a little warmer than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Sarajevo average around 17°C (62°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

Sarajevo usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during autumn. Sarajevo gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Sarajevo usually receives more rain than Chicago. Sarajevo gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Sarajevo or Chicago in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sarajevo as well as Chicago. Most visitors come to Sarajevo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Chicago because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Chicago can be very cold. Sarajevo is much warmer than Chicago in the winter. The daily temperature in Sarajevo averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Sarajevo often gets less sunshine than Chicago. Sarajevo gets 113 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun.

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sarajevo usually gets more rain in January than Chicago. Sarajevo gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sarajevo or Chicago in the Spring?

Both Chicago and Sarajevo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.

In the spring, Sarajevo is a little warmer than Chicago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sarajevo in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Chicago averages at about 52°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Chicago. Sarajevo usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during spring. Sarajevo gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chicago. It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. In April, Sarajevo usually receives more rain than Chicago. Sarajevo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Sarajevo