A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sarajevo vs. Hvar for Food, Nightlife, Hiking, and Backpackers

Should you visit Sarajevo or Hvar?

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 Hvar. 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 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Hvar

Hvar is a energetic, party-oriented, and historic island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Sarajevo and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarajevo or Hvar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sarajevo than Hvar, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sarajevo is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Hvar is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Hvar is more touristy than Sarajevo and is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. 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 Sarajevo different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hvar 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 Hvar?

Sarajevo is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hvar. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

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

Sarajevo is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its 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.

Hvar has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

Is Sarajevo or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar 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 Hvar is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

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 Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sarajevo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Hvar. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Sarajevo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sarajevo or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is a very popular place for the beache. However, Sarajevo is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Hvar for it's beautiful beaches. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Sarajevo is not a beach destination.

Is Sarajevo or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Sarajevo is renowned for its old town. However, Hvar 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.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Sarajevo or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Sarajevo is renowned for the nearby hiking options. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its hiking trails.

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.

Hvar offers some nice hiking trails. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarajevo or Hvar?

Sarajevo is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

Sarajevo is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Hvar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Sarajevo or Hvar Better for Families?

Hvar 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, Hvar is very family-friendly. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

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 Hvar Better for Couples?

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

Hvar makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

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 Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Hvar is extremely popular for backpackers. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

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.

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

Sarajevo is notable for its public transit. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Hvar has some public transit options. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Sarajevo or Hvar a more walkable city?

Sarajevo and Hvar are notable when it comes to walkability.

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.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable city. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Sarajevo?

How long in Sarajevo or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Sarajevo or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hvar due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Sarajevo, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hvar 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 Hvar.

One day in Sarajevo or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Sarajevo. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The beautiful island of Hvar offers museums 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.

A weekend in Sarajevo or Hvar?

Sarajevo is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Hvar 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hvar, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Sarajevo or Hvar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the overlooked destination of Sarajevo. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hvar is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. 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 Sarajevo or Hvar?

The historical city of Sarajevo offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Hvar is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. 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 island 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sarajevo and Hvar, we can see that Hvar 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 Hvar would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hvar 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 Hvar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sarajevo or Hvar?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Sarajevo and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

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 Hvar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sarajevo as well as Hvar. Most visitors come to Sarajevo for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hvar because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Sarajevo is around the same temperature as Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Sarajevo averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarajevo this time of the year. In the summer, Sarajevo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar. Sarajevo gets 323 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Sarajevo usually gets more rain in July than Hvar. Sarajevo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sarajevo or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Sarajevo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

In the autumn, Sarajevo is around the same temperature as Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sarajevo in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Sarajevo usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during autumn. Sarajevo gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. In October, Sarajevo usually receives more rain than Hvar. Sarajevo gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Sarajevo or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar and Sarajevo during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hvar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Sarajevo is generally cooler than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Sarajevo average around 6°C (42°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Sarajevo often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Sarajevo gets 113 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. Sarajevo usually gets more rain in January than Hvar. Sarajevo gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sarajevo or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarajevo and Hvar. Many travelers come to Sarajevo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hvar in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Sarajevo is around the same temperature as Hvar in the spring. The daily temperature in Sarajevo averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. Sarajevo usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during spring. Sarajevo gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Sarajevo usually receives more rain than Hvar. Sarajevo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Sarajevo