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

Should you visit Sarajevo or San Francisco?

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 San Francisco. 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 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.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a eccentric, one-of-a-kind, and scenic coastal city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the live music, food, and beaches.

Sarajevo and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarajevo or San Francisco?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Francisco. Although Sarajevo and San Francisco are about the same size, San Francisco has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. San Francisco is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, music, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Sarajevo is known for its historical sights. San Francisco is more touristy than Sarajevo and is known for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. It is also home to The Golden Gate Bridge. 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 San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Francisco 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 San Francisco are world-renowned. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

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 San Francisco Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a good destination for its theatre productions. However, Sarajevo is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in San Francisco. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Sarajevo is not a theatre destination.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Sarajevo and San Francisco 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, San Francisco is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

Is Sarajevo or San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Sarajevo and San Francisco.

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.

San Francisco has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

Is Sarajevo or San Francisco Better for Music?

San Francisco 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 San Francisco. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Sarajevo is not a live music destination.

Is Sarajevo or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit San Francisco for it's beautiful beaches. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Sarajevo is not a beach destination.

Is Sarajevo or San Francisco Better for its Old Town?

Sarajevo is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, San Francisco 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.

San Francisco does not have a historic old town.

Is Sarajevo or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Sarajevo and San Francisco, and they are world-class.

Sarajevo is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

People visit San Francisco specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarajevo or San Francisco?

San Francisco 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, San Francisco draws large crowds to its stores. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

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 San Francisco Better for Families?

San Francisco 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, San Francisco is very family-friendly. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

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 San Francisco Better for Couples?

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

San Francisco makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

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 San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sarajevo and San Francisco are both great 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.

San Francisco is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

Is Sarajevo or San Francisco Better for Students?

San Francisco is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is not popular with students.

Many students visit San Francisco. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

Sarajevo is not popular with students.

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

San Francisco 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 San Francisco can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

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

Is Sarajevo or San Francisco a more walkable city?

San Francisco 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.

San Francisco is a very walkable coastal city. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

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 San Francisco Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or Sarajevo?

How long in Sarajevo or San Francisco?

Both Sarajevo and San Francisco have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in San Francisco than in Sarajevo. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Sarajevo, and 3-7 days is enough time in San Francisco.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco 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 San Francisco.

One day in Sarajevo or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Sarajevo. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

San Francisco is a big city with plenty to do. 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 San Francisco?

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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

San Francisco is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 San Francisco?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of Sarajevo. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

San Francisco is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Sarajevo. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

San Francisco is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that San Francisco has to offer. This coastal 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 San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Francisco 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 San Francisco Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sarajevo or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Sarajevo. When comparing the sizes of Sarajevo and San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?

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 San Francisco in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarajevo and San Francisco. Many visitors come to Sarajevo in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Francisco for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Sarajevo is a little warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sarajevo in July average around 26°C (78°F), and San Francisco averages at about 63°F (17°C).

In July, Sarajevo usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Sarajevo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sarajevo or San Francisco in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sarajevo as well as San Francisco. 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. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Sarajevo is generally around the same temperature as San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Sarajevo average around 17°C (62°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sarajevo usually gets more rain in October than San Francisco. Sarajevo gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sarajevo or San Francisco in the Winter?

Both San Francisco and Sarajevo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.

Sarajevo is much colder than San Francisco in the winter. The daily temperature in Sarajevo averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and San Francisco fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. In January, Sarajevo usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Sarajevo gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sarajevo or San Francisco in the Spring?

Both San Francisco and Sarajevo during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Francisco for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Sarajevo is around the same temperature as San Francisco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sarajevo in April average around 14°C (58°F), and San Francisco averages at about 58°F (14°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. Sarajevo usually gets more rain in April than San Francisco. Sarajevo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Sarajevo