Sarajevo
Jerusalem of Europe

A little closer toSarajevo.

A city where East meets West — Ottoman bazaars, Austro-Hungarian boulevards, and a spirit that survived everything history threw at it.

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~275,000Population
Miljacka (35.9 km)River
1463 (Ottoman era)Founded
April – OctoberBest Time
Sarajevo InternationalAirport
Bosnia & HerzegovinaA different perspective.
About Sarajevo

The heart of Bosnia

Sarajevo is the capital and largest city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as its primary urban, cultural, economic, and transportation center. Approximately 275,000 residents live in Sarajevo, and due to its long and rich history, it is often popularly referred to as the "Jerusalem of Europe" and the "Jerusalem of the Balkans."

The Miljacka River flows through Sarajevo, spanning a length of 35.9 kilometers. The area has been inhabited for over four thousand years, as evidenced by the discovered remains of the Butmir culture — a discovery that made Bosnia and Herzegovina known among global scientific circles.

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✳ Sarajevo
The places that stay with you

Icons. Stories. Hidden corners.

Discover the landmarks that make Sarajevo one of a kind.

Follow your curiosity

Find your Sarajevo.

Choose a place and get a little closer to its story.

SarajevoA collection of discoveries

Illustrated explorer · positions are not geographic

Old Town Baščaršija
Old Towns, Streets & Squares

Old Town Baščaršija

Baščaršija is not a museum but a living city within a city, a pulse Sarajevo has never lost. Built in the 15th…

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Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque
Religious Sites

Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque

The Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, popularly known as the Begova Mosque, is the most significant mosque in the Balkans and a masterpiece of…

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National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Museums & Galleries

National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina

The National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the oldest and most important museum institution in the country, set at Marijin Dvor…

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Cathedral of the Heart of Jesus
Religious Sites

Cathedral of the Heart of Jesus

The Sacred Heart Cathedral, also known as the Sarajevo Cathedral, is the largest cathedral in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the seat of…

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White Fortress (Bijela Tabija)
Castles & Fortresses

White Fortress (Bijela Tabija)

Bijela Tabija is one of Sarajevo's most imposing fortresses, set on the eastern height of the Sarajevo valley, above the Vratnik Old…

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National Theatre Sarajevo
Historic Buildings & Architecture

National Theatre Sarajevo

The National Theatre Sarajevo is the central theatre institution in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Founded in the early 20th century, it hosts numerous…

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Latin Bridge
Bridges & Aqueducts

Latin Bridge

The Latin Bridge is one of the oldest and most historically significant bridges in Sarajevo, spanning the Miljacka River in the city…

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Yellow Fortress (Žuta Tabija)
Castles & Fortresses

Yellow Fortress (Žuta Tabija)

The Yellow Fortress (Žuta tabija) is one of Sarajevo's most beloved viewpoints, set on the Jekovac cliff above the Vratnik old town…

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Make room for discovery

More of Sarajevo to explore.

What To See & Do

Top sights in Sarajevo

From ancient bridges to vibrant bazaars — Sarajevo rewards every curious traveller.

Sarajevo Bridges

Twenty bridges span the Miljacka River, each rooted in a different era of the city's history. The Latin Bridge (1798) is where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914, triggering World War I. Kozija Ćuprija, one of the oldest, once marked the road to Istanbul. Šeher-Ćehajina Bridge dates to 1585, and the Drvenija Bridge was rebuilt in 1898 during the Austro-Hungarian period.

Baščaršija

Baščaršija is the cultural and historical heart of Sarajevo, located on the northern bank of the Miljacka River. Built in 1462 by Isa Beg Isaković, it rapidly developed into a thriving bazaar with around 80 crafts organized into guild organizations by the 16th century. A walk through its streets takes you back in time — oriental scents, craft shops, restaurants, and cafes merge into an authentic experience that has survived centuries, wars, and demographic change.

Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque

Built in 1530, the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque is one of the most significant monuments of Islamic sacred architecture in the Balkans. It was the first mosque in the world to receive electric lighting in 1898. Designed by Adžem Esir Ali — the chief architect of the Ottoman Empire at the time — it remains one of the greatest gifts from the legacy of Husrev-beg and a cornerstone of Sarajevo's urban identity.

Sarajevo Film Festival

One of the largest film festivals in Southeast Europe, founded during the siege of Sarajevo in 1995. It brings renowned personalities from around the world to Sarajevo each year and stands as a testament to the importance of art and culture — a festival that was born during war and has grown into a world-famous event.

Sarajevo
History

Sarajevo Through the Centuries

The foundations of Sarajevo were laid in 1463 by the Ottoman Turks. Isa Beg Isaković established the city between 1440 and 1463, building mosques, baths, bridges, caravanserais, and shops. By the 16th century, Sarajevo had become one of the most beautiful and wealthiest cities of the Ottoman Empire.

In 1878, Bosnia was occupied by the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. During this period, many buildings were constructed in the "Austrian style," the city was industrialized, and it was used as a testing ground for new inventions — including electric trams. Today, the influence of Central European culture is evident in palaces, churches, and residential buildings throughout the city.

On June 28, 1914, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on the Latin Bridge triggered World War I. In 1992, Sarajevo endured a siege lasting 1,425 days. Today, it has been proclaimed one of the most beautiful destinations in the world by leading travel magazines.

Practical Guide

Outdoor, food, nightlife & stay

Everything you need to plan the perfect Sarajevo trip.

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Outdoor Activities

Several mountains around Sarajevo offer hiking and mountain biking, with trails ranging from easy to challenging. For water enthusiasts, rafting tours on the Neretva River provide a daily dose of adrenaline through waterfalls and pristine nature.

What & Where to Eat

As you stroll through Baščaršija, you'll be drawn in by aromas from bakeries, ćevap joints, grill houses, and restaurants. Traditional Bosnian food blends Eastern and Western influences — similar to Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine — using meat and fresh vegetables grown locally.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Sarajevo is rich in cultural life — festivals, concerts, performances, and events year-round. Whether you prefer a relaxing coffee, a live concert, or dancing until dawn, the city has something for every taste. Beer lovers will find a wide selection of local and foreign choices.

Where to Stay

Sarajevo offers accommodation for every budget — from 5-star hotels with wellness facilities and parking, to cosy city inns, hostels, apartments, and private rooms. Whether you're a business traveller or a backpacker, you'll find the right fit.

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