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

Should you visit Sarajevo or Portland?

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 Portland. 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Portland

Portland is a tree-lined, nature-filled, and scenic city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the live music, hiking, and shopping.

Sarajevo and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarajevo or Portland?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sarajevo than Portland. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Sarajevo is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Portland attracts visitors for its music and small town charm. Portland is more touristy than Sarajevo and is known for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. Sarajevo is famous for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food. It is also well known for The Old Town.

How is Sarajevo different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sarajevo is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

Sarajevo is very popular for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Sarajevo or Portland Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Sarajevo and Portland.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Sarajevo. 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.

Portland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is Sarajevo or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is a good destination for its live music scene. However, Sarajevo is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Sarajevo is not a live music destination.

Is Sarajevo or Portland Better for its Old Town?

Sarajevo is very popular for its historic old town. However, Portland does not have a historic old town.

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.

Portland does not have a historic old town.

Is Sarajevo or Portland Better for Hiking?

Sarajevo is very popular for its hiking trails. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Portland. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarajevo or Portland?

Sarajevo is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Sarajevo or Portland Better for Families?

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

Portland is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

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 Portland Better for Couples?

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

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

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 Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sarajevo and Portland are both very good destinations 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.

Portland is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

Is Sarajevo or Portland Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Portland. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

Sarajevo is not popular with students.

Is Sarajevo or Portland 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. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Visitors to Sarajevo can move around easily with public transportation. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

You'll find some public transit in Portland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Is Sarajevo or Portland a more walkable city?

Portland 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.

Portland is a very walkable city. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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 Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or Sarajevo?

How long in Sarajevo or Portland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Sarajevo and Portland. In our opinion, Sarajevo has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Sarajevo than Portland. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Sarajevo, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland.

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

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

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.

The city of Portland offers nightlife and live music. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Portland?

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.

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

Five days in Sarajevo or Portland?

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.

Portland 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 Sarajevo or Portland?

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.

Portland 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 Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Sarajevo or Portland?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Portland. When comparing the sizes of Sarajevo and Portland, 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 Portland?

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 Sarajevo or Portland in the Summer?

Both Portland and Sarajevo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. 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 Portland because of the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Sarajevo is generally a little warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Sarajevo average around 26°C (78°F), and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Portland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. Sarajevo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Portland during summer. Sarajevo gets 323 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Sarajevo usually receives more rain than Portland. Sarajevo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sarajevo or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland and Sarajevo during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

Sarajevo is a little warmer than Portland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sarajevo averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Sarajevo often gets more sunshine than Portland. Sarajevo gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. Sarajevo usually gets more rain in October than Portland. Sarajevo gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sarajevo or Portland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarajevo and Portland. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Portland. In the winter, Sarajevo is a little warmer than Portland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sarajevo in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Portland averages at about 40°F (4°C).

Sarajevo usually receives more sunshine than Portland during winter. Sarajevo gets 113 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Portland receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sarajevo usually receives more rain than Portland. Sarajevo gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sarajevo or Portland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sarajevo as well as Portland. Many travelers come to Sarajevo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Sarajevo is generally a little warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Sarajevo average around 14°C (58°F), and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland. In the spring, Sarajevo often gets less sunshine than Portland. Sarajevo gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Sarajevo usually gets more rain in April than Portland. Sarajevo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland and Sarajevo