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

Should you visit Villach or Sarajevo?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Villach or Sarajevo? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Villach

Villach is a historic, nature-filled, and outdoorsy town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a beautiful, overlooked, and quaint 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 hiking, shopping, and museums.

Villach and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Villach or Sarajevo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sarajevo than Villach, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Sarajevo is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Villach is known for its small town charm. Villach is more touristy than Sarajevo and is popular for its many alpine hikes, nearby lakes, and its quaint main square. Sarajevo is popular for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food. It is also home to The Old Town.

How is Villach different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

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.

Villach is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several historical buildings in town such as the Parish Church of St. Jakob, the Holy Cross Church, and the Parish Church of St. Martin. Also worth a visit is the Museum of the City of Villach.

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

Sarajevo is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its restaurants.

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.

Villach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find the standard options of pizza and burgers around town. While the food scene isn't particularly special, the quality is decent and reliable.

Is Villach or Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Villach and Sarajevo.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Villach. The weekends are when you'll find the best nightlife. There are some local bars and clubs that come to life and attract a young crowd on a weekend night.

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.

Is Villach or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

Sarajevo is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town.

Sarajevo has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Villach is a good destination for visiting its old town. You'll find churches and gardens throughout the charming old town. At the heart of the town is the main square.

Is Villach or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

Sarajevo is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

People visit Sarajevo specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Villach. The surrounding countryside is filled with both short and long hikes. You can take a short stroll or spend hours (or days) exploring the alpine scenery. Breathtaking views and peaceful retreats make this a wonderful area for hiking.

Is the Shopping Better in Villach or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo is notable for its shopping areas. However, Villach is a mediocre town 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.

Villach is a good destination for shopping. There are your standard shopping centers where you can pick up clothes or anything you may have forgotten for your trip.

Is Villach or Sarajevo Better for Families?

Villach 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, Villach is very family-friendly. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family will enjoy. There's kid-friendly hiking, adventure parks, nature parks, and some swimming areas.

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 Villach or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

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

Villach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures, beautiful hikes, and stunning scenery will appreciate a visit to this area.

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 Villach or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Villach and Sarajevo are superb destinations for backpackers.

Villach is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers who enjoy the outdoor setting and beautiful hikes that are nearby.

Sarajevo is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 Villach or Sarajevo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sarajevo is notable for its public transit. However, Villach is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Sarajevo offers a very effecient public transportation network. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

Public transit is mostly limited in Villach. There are buses and trains in the area, but to experience the nearby nature you'll want to have a car.

Is Villach or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Sarajevo is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its walkability.

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.

Villach is generally not a very walkable town. Parts of the town are walkable but the surrounding natural areas are most easily accessed with a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Villach?

How long in Villach or Sarajevo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Villach and Sarajevo. In our opinion, Sarajevo has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Sarajevo than Villach. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

The beautiful town of Villach offers museums and nightlife. 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 Villach or Sarajevo?

Villach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Villach, 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 Villach or Sarajevo?

Villach 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.

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 Villach or Sarajevo?

Villach 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 town 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 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, 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 Villach and Sarajevo, we can see that Villach 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 Villach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Villach 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 Villach Expensive? and Is Sarajevo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Villach or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Villach. When comparing the sizes of Villach 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 Villach or Sarajevo?

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 Villach or Sarajevo in the Summer?

Both Sarajevo and Villach during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Villach for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Villach is generally around the same temperature as Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Villach average around 24°C (75°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In Sarajevo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Villach. In the summer, Villach often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Villach gets 288 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun.

Villach usually gets more rain in July than Sarajevo. Villach gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Villach or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Villach and Sarajevo. The autumn months attract visitors to Villach because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

Villach is around the same temperature as Sarajevo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Villach averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Villach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo during autumn. Villach gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Villach usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Villach gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Villach or Sarajevo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Villach as well as Sarajevo. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Villach this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Villach is cooler than Sarajevo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Villach in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Villach often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Villach gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Villach usually gets less rain in January than Sarajevo. Villach gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Villach or Sarajevo in the Spring?

Both Sarajevo and Villach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Villach for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Villach is generally around the same temperature as Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Villach average around 13°C (56°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Villach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo during spring. Villach gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. In April, Villach usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Villach gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Villach