Sarajevo
The city where WWI started (Latin Bridge, 1914) and where the longest siege of a modern capital ended (1,425 days, 1992–1995). Ottoman Baščaršija bazaar, the Gazi Husrev-bey Mosque, the War Tunnel Museum, and the haunting War Childhood Museum sit in a valley where Orthodox, Catholic, Muslim, and Jewish monuments stand within 400 metres of each other — "Jerusalem of Europe." The 1984 Winter Olympics ski slopes are 45 minutes away.
Tours & Experiences
Browse bookable tours, activities, and day trips in Sarajevo
📍 Points of Interest
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At a Glance
- Pop.
- 275K (city)
- Timezone
- Sarajevo
WWI began in Sarajevo: on June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was shot on the Latin Bridge by Gavrilo Princip — an event that triggered a chain of alliances and declarations leading to four years of global war and 20 million dead
The Siege of Sarajevo (1992–1995) was the longest siege of a capital city in the history of modern warfare — 1,425 days, longer than the Siege of Leningrad. Over 13,000 people were killed, 5,000 of them civilians
Sarajevo is the only European city where an Orthodox church, a Catholic cathedral, a mosque, and a synagogue stand within a few hundred metres of each other — all four faiths have been in continuous practice here for centuries, earning the city the nickname "Jerusalem of Europe"
The 1984 Winter Olympics were held in Sarajevo — the first Winter Olympics in a socialist country. The venues at Bjelašnica and Jahorina are still operational ski resorts, accessible from the city in 45 minutes
The Sarajevo Haggadah — a 14th-century Sephardic Jewish manuscript of extraordinary illuminated artistry — has been sheltered by Muslims twice: first from the Nazis in WWII by a Muslim curator, and again during the 1990s siege. It is now displayed in the National Museum
Ćevapi (minced meat kebabs in flatbread with kajmak cream cheese) originated in Bosnia and nowhere makes them better than Sarajevo — specifically the neighbourhood of Baščaršija where the recipe is unchanged since Ottoman times
Top Sights
Baščaršija — The Ottoman Old Bazaar
📌The 15th-century Ottoman bazaar at the heart of Sarajevo is one of the best-preserved in Europe — a maze of copper workshops, jewellers, Turkish delight sellers, meyhanes (taverns), and coffee houses arranged in the traditional čaršija pattern. The Sebilj fountain at the centre is the symbol of Sarajevo. Arrive in the morning when the copper-smiths are at their anvils; return in the evening when the çay houses fill with the smell of Bosnian coffee.
Latin Bridge & The Assassination Site
🗼The Ottoman-era stone bridge where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was shot on June 28, 1914 — the spark that ignited WWI. The corner building on the north bank is now a small museum (Sarajevo 1878–1918) with Princip's pistol, the Archduke's uniform, and a comprehensive account of the day. The bronze footprints marking where Princip stood were removed during the war; the museum account explains why.
Gazi Husrev-bey Mosque
🗼Built in 1531 under Gazi Husrev-bey, the Ottoman governor whose name appears throughout Sarajevo, this is considered the finest Ottoman mosque in the Balkans and one of the most beautiful in all of Europe. The turquoise domes, intricately carved minbar (pulpit), and hand-painted interior decoration were restored in the 1990s. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome outside prayer times; remove shoes, dress modestly, women cover heads.
War Tunnel Museum (Tunnel of Hope)
🏛️During the 1992–1995 siege, Sarajevo's airport was under UN control and the city was entirely encircled. Residents dug a 800-metre tunnel under the airport runway — Tunnel D-B — to smuggle food, ammunition, and people in and out. The family whose house contained the tunnel entrance preserved 25 metres of it; today it's the most visited site in Sarajevo. The 45-minute tour includes a video of the siege period that is raw and devastating.
Yellow Bastion (Žuta Tabija)
📌The Ottoman-era fortification above the old town offers the best panoramic view of Sarajevo — the minaret-studded bowl of the old city on one side, the new Austro-Hungarian and socialist districts fanning out into the valley on the other. Walk up through the Bistrik neighbourhood in 20 minutes; the Bosnian coffee and baklava at the small cafe at the top are the reward.
National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina
🏛️Housed in a beautiful Austro-Hungarian building (1913) and holding the Sarajevo Haggadah — the 14th-century illuminated Sephardic Jewish manuscript that has become a symbol of Sarajevo's multi-faith identity. The museum also has the finest archaeological collection in the Western Balkans, including the Neolithic Butmir culture finds. Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00–17:00. The exterior garden alone is worth visiting.
Sarajevo War Childhood Museum
🏛️A small but extraordinary museum in which 100 Sarajevans who were children during the 1992–1995 siege each donated one object that represented their war childhood — a cassette tape, a jar of peanut butter, a bicycle wheel. Each object has a short text. This is the most emotionally direct museum about the siege and was named Museum of the Year in Europe in 2018.
Off the Beaten Path
Ćevabdžinica Petica — The Best Ćevapi in Bosnia
On the main Baščaršija street, Petica (meaning "five" — the standard serving of five ćevapi is the local measure) serves the definitive version of Bosnia's national dish: hand-minced beef and lamb formed into small cylinders, grilled over charcoal, served in somun flatbread with raw onion and kajmak (cultured cream). A plate of ten ćevapi with extras costs around 9–12 BAM (~$5–7). Arrive before 13:00 or prepare to queue.
Every ćevabdžinica in Bosnia claims to be the best. Sarajevans themselves settle arguments by saying "go to Petica" — it has held this status for decades without the tourist markup that has reached some old-town establishments.
Vinoteka BiH — Herzegovinian Wine Bar
Bosnia's wine country is in Herzegovina (southern Bosnia near Mostar) and produces Žilavka (crisp, mineral white) and Blatina (deep, tannic red) from indigenous grapes found almost nowhere else. The wine bar on Ferhadija pedestrian street has the best selection in Sarajevo — try a glass of Žilavka from Tvrdoš Monastery winery, produced by monks for nearly a century.
Most visitors assume they're in a beer-and-rakija culture. They're not wrong, but Herzegovina wine is one of the most underrated in Europe — and almost impossible to find outside the Balkans.
Eternal Flame (Vječna Vatra)
A small memorial flame burning continuously since 1946 in memory of WWII victims, at the intersection of Ferhadija and Maršala Tita — the pedestrian heart of the city. Every major demonstration, celebration, and memorial procession in Sarajevo's history has converged at this spot. Its unassuming presence at the centre of the city's daily life says everything about how history lives in Sarajevo.
The flame has never gone out — not during the 1990s siege, not during any political crisis. The guards maintain it in all conditions. It's the heartbeat of the city and almost every local resident has some connection to it.
Vrelo Bosne — The Source of the Bosna River
Eight kilometres southwest of the city, the Bosna river emerges from multiple spring sources in a parkland of weeping willows and pools of extraordinary clarity — the water is cold and blue-green even in summer. The 3km walking/cycling path through the Alifakovac forest to the source is the most beautiful short walk from any Balkan capital. Horse-drawn carriage rides operate on weekends.
The water clarity at Vrelo Bosne is among the best in the Balkans — the springs filter through limestone and emerge at constant 10°C. Bosnian families come here on Sunday afternoons for the specific combination of clean air, clear water, and grilled fish from the riverside restaurants.
Insider Tips
Climate & Best Time to Go
Monthly climate & crowd levels
Sarajevo sits in a valley at 511 metres elevation — higher than most Balkan capitals — giving it a continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm summers. Snowfall in winter is significant and reliable (the 1984 Olympics ran on natural snow); spring and autumn are short but beautiful. Summer temperatures are pleasant (25–32°C) compared to coastal Adriatic destinations.
Spring
April - May50 to 72°F
10 to 22°C
Short but very pleasant — the valley walls turn green rapidly and the outdoor Baščaršija cafes fill up. April has rain; May is excellent. Some of the best light for photography.
Summer
June - August72 to 91°F
22 to 33°C
The most popular tourist season — warm enough for outdoor cafes and excursions, but the valley occasionally traps heat and temperatures above 35°C occur in July. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. The mountains within day-trip distance provide relief.
Autumn
September - November46 to 72°F
8 to 22°C
September and October are excellent — crisp air, warm days, and the valley forests turn gold. November turns cold quickly and the first snow arrives on the surrounding mountains.
Winter
December - March23 to 39°F
-5 to 4°C
Snow falls reliably from December through March — the city becomes genuinely beautiful under snow, and the nearby ski resorts at Bjelašnica and Jahorina are operating. January is the coldest month; February can have sunny, crisp days ideal for the ski slopes.
Best Time to Visit
May–June and September–October for the best weather and manageable crowds. July–August is warm and the city is lively but can be humid. December–February is cold but the snow makes Sarajevo beautifully atmospheric and the ski resorts are operational.
Spring (May–June)
Crowds: ModerateThe optimal time — green valley, mild temperatures, outdoor cafes in full swing, and the walking tours are excellent in warm weather. Ramadan falls in different months each year; during Ramadan some restaurants have modified hours but the city is not significantly disrupted for visitors.
Pros
- + Best weather for walking
- + Vrelo Bosne in full bloom
- + Reasonable hotel prices
Cons
- − April has significant rain
- − Some popular hostels fill quickly in June
Summer (July–August)
Crowds: High (peak season)Warm and busy — the city fills with diaspora Bosnians returning from Western Europe, creating a lively social scene. Evenings are the best time to explore Baščaršija as temperatures cool. The mountains provide day-trip relief from city heat.
Pros
- + Long daylight
- + Outdoor festivals
- + Evening Baščaršija atmosphere
Cons
- − Valley heat (35°C+ possible in July)
- − Most expensive accommodation period
- − Some cultural sites have longer queues
Autumn (September–October)
Crowds: Low to moderateArguably the best time: warm, golden, fewer tourists than summer, and the Trebević and Jahorina forests above the city turn amber and red in October.
Pros
- + Best light for photography
- + Autumn foliage on surrounding mountains
- + Lower hotel prices than summer
- + Pleasant for walking all day
Cons
- − November turns cold fast
- − October can have rain
Winter (December–March)
Crowds: Low (outside ski weekends)Snow transforms Sarajevo into a genuinely atmospheric city — the minarets and domes of Baščaršija under snow are like a painting. The ski resorts are excellent and accessible. Christmas and New Year in Sarajevo (where the Austro-Hungarian Catholic, Orthodox, and Muslim holidays all overlap in December-January) is unexpectedly festive.
Pros
- + Snow atmosphere
- + Ski resort access
- + Very affordable
- + Almost no tourist crowds
Cons
- − Cold (-5 to 3°C)
- − Short days
- − Some outdoor experiences limited
🎉 Festivals & Events
Sarajevo Film Festival
AugustThe most important film festival in southeastern Europe, held every August since 1995 — the first edition was held during the siege. International films, Balkan premieres, and outdoor screenings in Baščaršija make it the city's cultural highlight of the year.
Baščaršija Nights
JulyMonth-long performing arts festival in the old town — folk music, classical concerts, theatre, and traditional dance in outdoor venues throughout Baščaršija. Free admission for most events.
Sarajevo Jazz Festival
NovemberInternational jazz festival held since 1993, originally organized to bring normalcy during the siege. Now a respected European jazz event with strong programming and intimate venues.
Safety Breakdown
Moderate
out of 100
Sarajevo is a safe city for tourists. The war ended in 1995 — 30 years ago — and the city has rebuilt. Violent crime against visitors is extremely rare. The main risks are standard urban petty crime (pickpockets in Baščaršija and around the Eternal Flame area) and the residual but real risk of land mines in rural and mountain areas outside the city. In the city itself you will feel comfortable and welcomed.
Things to Know
- •Land mines remain a hazard in rural areas, forest edges, and mountain terrain outside established paths — this is not hypothetical. Do not leave marked trails when hiking in the mountains around Sarajevo; always ask locals about specific areas
- •Baščaršija is busy and somewhat chaotic — pickpockets operate among the market crowds; keep bags zipped and in front
- •Sarajevo drivers are aggressive — traffic moves fast and pedestrians do not have priority even on marked crossings; cross carefully
- •The Grbavica neighbourhood and areas around Dobrinja are completely safe but have visible war damage — this is normal and not a sign of ongoing risk
- •Do not make insensitive remarks about the siege, the Srebrenica genocide, or the ethnic divisions of the war — people here lived through it and the losses are personal, not historical
- •Taxis: use apps (Bolt is widely available) or ask your hotel to call a reliable company; some kerb taxis around the tourist areas overcharge
- •Drug and alcohol culture: Sarajevo is a Muslim-majority city and while alcohol is widely available and Bosnians themselves drink freely, public drunkenness is more out of place here than in other Balkan capitals
Emergency Numbers
Emergency (all services)
112
Police
122
Ambulance
124
Fire
123
Costs & Currency
Where the money goes
USD per dayQuick cost estimate
Customize per category →Estimates based on regional averages. Flight prices vary by season and airline.
budget
$30-50
Hostel dorm, ćevapi for every meal, tram transport, free walking exploration — one of Europe's cheapest travel experiences
mid-range
$70-110
Private hotel room (Bosnian-run guesthouse or boutique hotel), sit-down restaurant meals, War Tunnel and museum entry, occasional taxi
luxury
$150-220
Hotel Europe (historic grande dame), fine Bosnian dining, day trips by hired car, private guide at war sites
Typical Costs
| Item | Local | USD |
|---|---|---|
| AccommodationHostel dorm (Hostel Balkan Han, Hostel Franz Ferdinand) | 15–25 BAM/night | $8–14 |
| AccommodationBoutique guesthouse double (Pansion Lion, Sari-house) | 60–100 BAM/night | $33–56 |
| AccommodationHotel Europe (4-star historic hotel) | 150–250 BAM/night | $83–140 |
| FoodĆevapi plate (10 pieces, somun, onion, kajmak) | 9–14 BAM | $5–8 |
| FoodBurek (meat-filled pastry from bakery) | 2–4 BAM | $1–2.20 |
| FoodRestaurant dinner (2 courses, Bosnian food) | 20–35 BAM | $11–19 |
| FoodLocal beer (pivo) in a bar | 3–5 BAM | $1.70–2.80 |
| FoodBosnian coffee at a coffee house | 2–3 BAM | $1.10–1.70 |
| TransportSingle tram ticket | 1.60 BAM | $0.90 |
| TransportBolt taxi, airport to city centre | 15–20 BAM | $8–11 |
| AttractionWar Tunnel Museum | 10 BAM | $5.50 |
| AttractionWar Childhood Museum | 10 BAM | $5.50 |
| AttractionNational Museum (Sarajevo Haggadah) | 10 BAM | $5.50 |
💡 Money-Saving Tips
- •Sarajevo is already one of the cheapest European capitals — a day of sightseeing, ćevapi meals, and local transport can be done for €25-35 without sacrificing quality
- •The War Tunnel, Yellow Bastion, Latin Bridge, and Baščaršija exploration are all inexpensive or free
- •Bosnian coffee at a traditional kafana (coffee house) is 2 BAM and an experience in itself — cheaper and more atmospheric than any café in Western Europe
- •Hostels in Sarajevo are exceptional quality for the price (8-14 USD/night for dorms) — some of the best value hostel accommodation in Europe
- •The Bjelašnica and Jahorina ski resorts have day passes 30-50% cheaper than comparable Austrian or Swiss resorts; rent gear locally rather than in Sarajevo
Bosnia and Herzegovina Convertible Mark
Code: BAM
1 EUR = 1.9558 BAM (fixed rate — the BAM is pegged to the euro by law and has been since 1998). 1 USD ≈ 1.80 BAM. Cash is widely used in Bosnia — many smaller restaurants, market stalls, and rural businesses are cash-only. ATMs (Bankomats) are widespread in Sarajevo. Cards (Visa, Mastercard) accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and modern shops; less reliable in small Baščaršija establishments.
Payment Methods
Cash is king outside major hotels and restaurants. Always have BAM for Baščaršija market purchases, ćevabdžinice, trams, and small cafes. ATMs at Unicredit, Raiffeisen, and Sparkasse branches give BAM at official rates. Exchange offices (mjenjačnica) are plentiful but check the rate; avoid airport exchange.
Tipping Guide
Tipping 10% is appreciated and increasingly expected at tourist-facing restaurants. At local places (buregdžinica, ćevabdžinica), rounding up to the nearest BAM or leaving 1-2 BAM is the norm.
Not expected but rounding up is appreciated. Bosnian bar culture tends toward rounds rather than individual tab calculations.
Round up to the nearest whole BAM. For app taxis (Bolt), tip through the app or round up cash if paying in person.
5–10 BAM per person for a 2-3 hour walking tour guide is appropriate and makes a significant difference at local incomes.
How to Get There
✈️ Airports
Sarajevo International Airport(SJJ)
12 km southwestTram Line 3 stops near the airport perimeter (15 min walk from terminal) or taxi/Bolt to city centre in 20 min (~€10). Airport shuttle buses run to the city on some schedules. No direct rail link. The airport is small — one terminal, manageable queues, modern facilities added in the 2000s.
✈️ Search flights to SJJ🚆 Rail Stations
Sarajevo Train Station
Limited international rail options. Direct services to Mostar (2.5 hr, scenic mountain route) and Zagreb (9 hr overnight). No direct service to Belgrade or Dubrovnik — bus is faster and more practical for most destinations.
🚌 Bus Terminals
Sarajevo Bus Station (adjacent to train station)
FlixBus / Autoprevoz / Centrotrans: Mostar (2.5 hr, €10), Dubrovnik (4 hr, €20), Split (4 hr, €15), Belgrade (6 hr, €15), Zagreb (7 hr, €20), Vienna (12 hr, €30). Book ahead for summer travel.
Getting Around
Sarajevo's public transport network is based on trams, trolleybuses, and minibuses (kombi). The city centre is highly walkable — the Baščaršija old town, Ferhadija pedestrian zone, and Vijećnica (city hall) are all within a 20-minute walk of each other. Bolt is available and reliable; licensed taxis exist but some kerb taxis near tourist areas overcharge.
Tram
1.00–1.60 BAM per ride (~€0.50–0.80)Three lines run along the Miljacka river valley — Lines 1, 2, and 3 cover the main corridor from the old town westward to Ilidža and Vrelo Bosne. Iconic yellow trams from various eras (some dating to the socialist period, some modern). Tickets ~1 BAM (€0.50) from kiosks or 1.60 BAM on board.
Best for: Main city axis, Ilidža/Vrelo Bosne day trip, airport connection
Trolleybus
1.00–1.60 BAM per rideElectric trolleybuses supplement the tram network in areas the tram doesn't reach. Lines 101, 102, 103, 105, 106, and 107 cover Novo Sarajevo and Dobrinja. Same ticket as trams.
Best for: Western districts, Novo Sarajevo
Bolt / Taxi
2 BAM flagfall + 1 BAM/km (~$0.50/km)Bolt is the dominant app taxi service in Sarajevo and is reliable and fairly priced. Licensed taxis are white with a city emblem; call Radio Taxi (1515) or use Bolt. From Old Town to airport: ~€10 by Bolt. Beware of unmarked vehicles offering rides near the bus/train station.
Best for: War Tunnel Museum (taxi required), airport, late nights, luggage
Walking
FreeThe old city and the Austro-Hungarian centre (Ferhadija to Vijećnica to Latin Bridge to Baščaršija) is compact and the most enjoyable way to experience Sarajevo. The hills above the city (Trebević, Žuta Tabija) require a short walk uphill from the old town.
Best for: Old town, Ferhadija, Baščaršija, Yellow Bastion
🚶 Walkability
The old town core is highly walkable and the most pleasant way to see Sarajevo. Ferhadija pedestrian street connects the Austro-Hungarian centre to the Ottoman bazaar seamlessly. The War Tunnel Museum and Vrelo Bosne require transport (taxi or tram respectively).
Travel Connections
Mostar
The iconic stone bridge of Stari Most arches over the Neretva river in a city that was shattered in the 1993–1994 war and rebuilt — the bridge itself was reconstructed to the original 16th-century specifications. The old bazaar, the Ottoman quarter, and cliff-diving from the bridge are the headline experiences. Do not miss the Old Bridge Museum for the reconstruction story.
Kotor, Montenegro
Medieval walled city at the foot of a Venetian fortification on the Adriatic. The UNESCO old town, the medieval walls climbing 1,300 steps to the fortress, and the Bay of Kotor (the southern-most fjord in Europe) make it the standout city on the Montenegrin coast. An overnight adds the Montenegrin interior (Durmitor National Park).
Dubrovnik, Croatia
The walled city on the Adriatic that everyone has seen in Game of Thrones is overwhelmed by tourists in summer but undeniably magnificent. Come in shoulder season (April–May or September–October) when the cruise ships thin out. The wall walk is the must-do.
Bjelašnica & Jahorina Ski Resorts
The 1984 Winter Olympics ski venues are fully operational ski resorts, easily accessible from the city. Bjelašnica (29 km) and Jahorina (60 km) offer excellent skiing with far fewer tourists than Alpine resorts — and far lower prices. The mountain villages around Bjelašnica serve exceptional Bosnian mountain food.
Trebinje
A small, unhurried Herzegovinian town with a beautiful Ottoman old town, the Trebišnjica river, excellent local wine (Herzegovina produces some of Bosnia's best whites from Žilavka grapes), and Petar Kočić Trebinje winery for tastings. Rarely visited by international tourists.
Entry Requirements
Bosnia and Herzegovina is NOT a member of the European Union or the Schengen Area. It operates its own visa policy. Most Western passport holders can enter visa-free for 90 days — importantly, this is independent of and does not count toward the Schengen 90/180-day limit, making Bosnia useful for travellers approaching their Schengen limit.
Entry Requirements by Nationality
| Nationality | Visa Required | Max Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days in any 180-day period | No visa needed. Passport valid for 3 months beyond departure. Bosnia's 90 days is completely separate from Schengen — a US traveller can spend 90 days in Schengen countries and then another 90 days in Bosnia without any conflict. |
| UK Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days in any 180-day period | No visa required. UK passport and Bosnia are in direct bilateral agreement. Bosnia's 90 days does not count toward any Schengen calculation. |
| EU Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days in any 180-day period | All EU passport holders can enter Bosnia visa-free. ID cards may be accepted from some EU member states; check with Bosnian embassy. |
| Australian Citizens | Visa-free | 30 days in any 180-day period | Australians get 30 days visa-free (shorter than most Western passports). Extension possible at the Ministry of Security. |
Visa-Free Entry
Tips
- •Bosnia is NOT Schengen — your 90 days here do not count against your Schengen limit; this is a practical advantage for travellers doing extended Balkan trips
- •Land border crossings with Croatia (going to Dubrovnik via the Neum corridor) involve leaving and re-entering EU territory — ensure your passport has sufficient Schengen days remaining if you are on a 90/180 count
- •Register with local police within 24 hours of arrival if staying in private accommodation (hotels do this automatically, Airbnbs generally do not); technically required but enforcement is inconsistent for short stays
- •BAM is not freely convertible outside Bosnia — convert remaining BAM to EUR at the airport or in the city before departing
Shopping
Sarajevo is an excellent shopping destination for handmade copperwork, traditional Bosnian crafts, and jewellery. Baščaršija is the craft centre; Ferhadija has the modern boutiques and international brands. Prices for genuine handmade goods are low by European standards — but distinguish genuine craft (hammered by a coppersmith before your eyes) from mass-produced tourist junk.
Baščaršija
craft marketThe old Ottoman bazaar is organised by trade: the Kazandžiluk street is the coppersmith alley where čaša (copper cups), džezva (coffee pots), and decorative plates are hand-hammered. The surrounding streets have leather goods, hand-embroidered textiles, kilims, and jewellery with Bosnian motifs.
Known for: Copperwork, hand-embroidered fabric, džezva coffee sets, traditional jewellery
Ferhadija Pedestrian Street
shopping streetThe main pedestrian artery connecting the Austro-Hungarian centre to the old town. Mix of international chains (Zara, H&M), Bosnian fashion brands, bookshops, and the Markale Market (one of the famous targets of the siege, now rebuilt as a fresh market). Good for contemporary Bosnian fashion labels.
Known for: Contemporary fashion, books, fresh market
Markale Market
food marketThe central food market — site of two devastating shelling attacks during the siege. Now a bustling everyday market for locals buying vegetables, cheeses, sausages, and bread. An essential Sarajevo experience outside the tourist circuit.
Known for: Local produce, Bosnian cheeses, cured meats, fresh bread
🎁 Unique Souvenirs to Look For
- •Handmade copper džezva (Bosnian coffee pot) from a Kazandžiluk coppersmith — hammered in front of you, unique piece
- •Bosnian coffee set (džezva + fildžan cups + sugar dish) — Bosnian coffee is a specific ritual involving unfiltered grounds and lokum (Turkish delight) served alongside
- •Šarena roba — traditional Bosnian hand-embroidered linen aprons, tablecloths, and bags in geometric patterns
- •Bosnian rakija — plum or pear brandy from Herzegovina, usually unlabelled and sold in recycled bottles; the real stuff is extraordinary
- •Tvrđava Sarajevo chess set — decorative stone chess sets with medieval fortress motifs, good quality and locally made
- •War Childhood Museum catalogue — the accompanying book to the exhibition, available at the museum shop, is one of the most powerful short reads you can take home from any European city
Language & Phrases
Bosnian is written in the Latin alphabet (Bosnia officially uses Latin; Serbia uses Cyrillic; Croatia uses Latin — all three are mutually intelligible dialects of what was formerly called Serbo-Croatian). English proficiency is high among younger Sarajevans and anyone in the tourism sector. German is also spoken by older generations who worked abroad. A few words of Bosnian are very warmly received.
| English | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Zdravo / Merhaba (informal/Islamic) | ZDRA-vo / mer-HA-ba |
| Good morning | Dobro jutro | DOB-ro YOO-tro |
| Good evening | Dobro veče | DOB-ro VEH-cheh |
| Please | Molim | MO-leem |
| Thank you | Hvala | HVA-la |
| You're welcome | Nema na čemu | NEH-ma na CHEH-moo |
| Yes / No | Da / Ne | da / neh |
| How much? | Koliko košta? | ko-LEE-ko KOSH-ta? |
| The bill, please | Račun, molim | RA-choon, MO-leem |
| A coffee, please | Jednu kafu, molim | YED-noo KA-foo, MO-leem |
| Where is...? | Gdje je...? | GDYE yeh? |
| Cheers! | Živjeli! | ZHIV-yeh-lee |
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