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

Should you visit Varenna or Sarajevo?

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 Varenna and Sarajevo. 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.

Varenna

Varenna is a scenic, pristine, and beautiful village. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a cultural, beautiful, and overlooked 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. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping.

Varenna and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Varenna or Sarajevo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sarajevo than Varenna, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sarajevo is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Varenna is more popular for its impressive beauty. Varenna is more touristy than Sarajevo and is known for its beautiful location by Lake Como. 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 Varenna different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sarajevo is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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 Varenna. Most people visit the town for its beautiful setting on Lake Como. There are some popular sights around town though such as the Church of San Giorgio and Castello di Vezio.

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

Foodies will find both Varenna and Sarajevo both to be terrific destinations.

Eat your way through Varenna, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

For foodies, Sarajevo is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Is Varenna or Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

Sarajevo is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Varenna is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

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.

Varenna is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The best way to enjoy the evening is to head to a restaurant and spend the time sipping wine in a laid back setting.

Is Varenna or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

Sarajevo is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Varenna does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Sarajevo is revered around 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.

Varenna does not have a historic old town.

Is Varenna or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

Sarajevo is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Varenna. There are lakefront trails and other hiking options near town. The Lungolago di Varenna - Baia di Varenna loop follows the water and makes for a pleasant stroll.

Is the Shopping Better in Varenna or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Sarajevo is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Varenna to go shopping. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Is Varenna or Sarajevo Better for Families?

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

Varenna is a family-friendly village. The charming village has play areas for children and the beautiful Villa Monastero, which are gardens that they'll enjoy exploring. It's also worth visiting the Castle of Vezio.

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 Varenna or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

Varenna is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for couples.

Varenna is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful village has a romantic atmosphere with a "lovers promenade" and many stunning views. It makes the perfect couples trip, whether you're on your honeymoon or just need some time away.

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 Varenna or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sarajevo is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Varenna. There are some hostels and guesthouses that cater to budget travelers. There's also plenty of outdoor activities that are free.

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

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Varenna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.

Is Varenna or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Varenna is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Varenna. Everything is walkable and the town is best explored on foot.

Sarajevo is a somewhat walkable village. 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 Varenna Worth Visiting? and Is Sarajevo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Varenna?

How long in Varenna or Sarajevo?

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

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

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

The beautiful village of Varenna 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.

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.

A weekend in Varenna or Sarajevo?

Varenna is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this village 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 Varenna, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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.

Five days in Varenna or Sarajevo?

Varenna is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food 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.

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.

A week in Varenna or Sarajevo?

Varenna is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 village offers something for everyone.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, 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 Varenna and Sarajevo, we can see that Varenna 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 Varenna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Varenna 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 Varenna Expensive? and Is Sarajevo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Varenna or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 820 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Varenna 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 Varenna 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 Varenna or Sarajevo in the Summer?

Both Sarajevo and Varenna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Varenna because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

Varenna is cooler than Sarajevo in the summer. The daily temperature in Varenna averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Sarajevo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Varenna. Varenna usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during summer. Varenna gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. In July, Varenna usually receives more rain than Sarajevo. Varenna gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Varenna or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

Both Sarajevo and Varenna during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Varenna this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Varenna is cooler than Sarajevo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Varenna in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Varenna often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Varenna gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun.

Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. Varenna usually gets less rain in October than Sarajevo. Varenna gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Varenna or Sarajevo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Varenna and Sarajevo. Many travelers come to Varenna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Varenna. In January, Varenna is generally cooler than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Varenna average around 5°C (41°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Varenna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo during winter. Varenna gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Varenna usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Varenna gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Varenna or Sarajevo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Varenna as well as Sarajevo. Many visitors come to Varenna in the spring for the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Sarajevo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Varenna is cooler than Sarajevo in the spring. The daily temperature in Varenna averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Varenna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo. Varenna gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Varenna receives a lot of rain in the spring. Varenna usually gets more rain in April than Sarajevo. Varenna gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Varenna