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

Should you visit York or Sarajevo?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a medieval, fanciful, and historic city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a beautiful, overlooked, and quaint 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. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

York and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in York or Sarajevo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sarajevo than York. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Sarajevo is very popular for its hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while York attracts visitors for its nightlife. York is more touristy than Sarajevo and is popular for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. 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 York different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

York
Sarajevo

Both York and Sarajevo have superb landmarks and museums for visitors.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

Many visitors head to Sarajevo specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 the Food Better in York or Sarajevo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York
Sarajevo

Foodies will find both York and Sarajevo both to be amazing destinations.

For foodies, York is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

Sarajevo has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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 York or Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

York
Sarajevo

York is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

York has a large number of nightlife venues. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

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 York or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

York
Sarajevo

It's fun to wander around the amazing old towns in both York and Sarajevo.

The historic old town of York is revered around the world. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

With a famous historical old-town, Sarajevo offers plenty to see. 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.


Is York or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

York
Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, York is not a hiking destination.

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.

York is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Sarajevo?

York
Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a well-known place for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Sarajevo is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting York. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Is York or Sarajevo Better for Families?

York
Sarajevo

York 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, York is very family-friendly. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

York
Sarajevo

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

York makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

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 York or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York
Sarajevo

Both York and Sarajevo are superb destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

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.

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

York
Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Sarajevo is fairly effecient and thorough. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

York has some public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.


Is York or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

York
Sarajevo

York and Sarajevo both are nice when exploring on foot.

York is somewhat walkable. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or York?

How long in York or Sarajevo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both York and Sarajevo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in York than in Sarajevo. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 1-3 days is enough time in Sarajevo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sarajevo than York 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.


  • How many days in York or Sarajevo? Ideal Length of Stay
    York 2-4 
    Sarajevo 1-3

One day in York or Sarajevo?

The city of York offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

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.

A weekend in York or Sarajevo?

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

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.


Five days in York or Sarajevo?

York 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the quaint 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.

A week in York or Sarajevo?

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

The beautiful 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.


Which place is cheaper, Sarajevo or York?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in York is £106, while the average daily cost in Sarajevo is £57. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for York and Sarajevo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    York £59
    Sarajevo £22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    York £118
    Sarajevo £44
Compare Hotels in York and Sarajevo

Looking for a hotel in York or Sarajevo? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in York


Hotels in Sarajevo


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: York Hotel Prices and Sarajevo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    York £12
    Sarajevo £5.68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in York

Some specific examples of transportation prices in York:

  • Private Transfer from York to Manchester Airport (MAN): $279
  • Private Transfer from Hull to Manchester Airport (MAN): $271
  • Private Transfer from Hambleton to Manchester Airport (MAN): $163

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sarajevo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Sarajevo:


  • Tram Tickets (for 2)
    £1.32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarajevo

Also for Sarajevo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • One-way Private Airport Transfer to Sarajevo: $15
  • Airport transfer Sarajevo - Bosnia: $16
  • Private Transfer to and from Sarajevo Airport: $25
  • Sarajevo Airport Private Transfer: $27
  • Airport transfers and all other transfers 4 people: $27
  • Airport Transfers Sarajevo for Individual Clients: $27
  • Airport Transfers & Private Tours with Luxury minibus Bosnia: $27
  • Airport Transfers Sarajevo Chauffeur for Individual Clients: $27
  • Airport Transfer in Sarajevo: $27
  • Sarajevo Airport Private Transfers (from/to): $30
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Ilidža: $33
  • Private Transfer from Sarajevo Downtown to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $33

Is it cheaper to fly into York or Sarajevo?

Prices for flights to both Sarajevo and York change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    York £32
    Sarajevo £25
Typical Food Prices in York

Some typical examples of dining costs in York are as follows:


  • Dinner
    £22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in York

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in York.

  • Breakfast Food Tour in York: $51
  • Party Cruise with Welcome Drink, Dinner, and DJ Music: $56
  • York on a Fork Food Tour: $83

Typical Food Prices in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Restaurant Dinner (for 2)
    £9.71

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sarajevo Local Food Tour: $27
  • Walking Food Tour with Local Craft Experience: $43
  • Traditional Bosnian Dinner with your Host Family: $44
  • Traditional Bosnian Dinner with Host Family: $53
  • Bosnian Cooking Lessons: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    York £11
    Sarajevo £9.56

Tours and Activities in York

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for York are as follows:

  • All Creatures Great & Small tour from York: $100
  • Bishopthorpe Palace Christmas Cruise: $19
  • Castle Howard Entrance Ticket: $32
  • City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $20
  • Clueniveristy of Magic!! Immersive Adventure in York City: $24
  • Comedy Horror Show: York Ghost Bus Tour: $25
  • Dark Tales of York. Private ghost tours.: $61
  • Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise in York: $18
  • Discover York's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour of the City Walls: $11
  • Early Evening Boat Cruise through York: $18
  • Fish & Chips Boat Cruise in York: $30
  • From Full-Day Yorkshire Dales Tour: $74

Typical Entertainment Prices in Sarajevo

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Sarajevo's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • National Museum (for 2)
    £6.18

Tours and Activities in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Sarajevo Walking Tour In Small Group: $11
  • Sarajevo Talkie-Walkie Tour: $13
  • Grand Walking Tour: $16
  • Sarajevo Grand Walking Tour: $16
  • HISTORY OF ISLAM IN SARAJEVO TOUR: $16
  • SARAJEVO CITY TOUR - Learn something in an interesting way.: $17
  • Discover Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Guide: $17
  • Sarajevo genuine walking tour: Steps through history: $19
  • Sarajevo Old Town: Bosnian Ethnic Food & Coffee Walking Tour: $19
  • Tunnel of Hope Siege Tour: $20
  • Uncovering Islam Tour: $20
  • Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    York £13
    Sarajevo £5.94
Typical Alcohol Prices in York

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in York are as follows:


  • A Couple Beers
    £9.00

Sample the Local Flavors in York

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in York:

  • Hooting Owl Distillery York - Distillery Tour & Guided Tasting: $32
  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • The Full Hoot Distillery Tour & Guided Hooting Owl Experience: $57

Sample the Local Flavors in Sarajevo

Also in Sarajevo, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Small-group Wine Tasting Expiriance, with lunch in vineyard: $70


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


Which is Bigger, York or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Sarajevo in the Summer?

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

In the summer, York is much colder than Sarajevo. Typically, the summer temperatures in York in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 26°C (78°F).

In Sarajevo, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, York often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun.

York usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Sarajevo. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    York 16°C (62°F) 
    Sarajevo 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit York or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Sarajevo. The autumn months attract visitors to York because of the shopping scene. Also, 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.

In October, York is generally much colder than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in York average around 11°C (52°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during autumn. York gets 112 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, York usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    York 11°C (52°F) 
    Sarajevo 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit York or Sarajevo in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in York in the winter. York is much colder than Sarajevo in the winter. The daily temperature in York averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, York often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. York usually gets less rain in January than Sarajevo. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    York 4°C (39°F) 
    Sarajevo 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit York or Sarajevo in the Spring?

Both Sarajevo and York are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, York is much colder than Sarajevo. Typically, the spring temperatures in York in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 14°C (58°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during spring. York gets 151 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, York usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    York 8°C (46°F) 
    Sarajevo 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and York

York Sarajevo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 127 mm (5 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 50 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 26°C (78°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)