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Things to Do in Sarajevo

Things to Do in Sarajevo

Sarajevo Federation Of B-h, Bosnia And Herzegovina Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Sarajevo'the natural environment in the Dinaric Alps provides opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Mountain Trails & Water Sports

Hiking & Trekking

Mount Trebević offers various trails from easy walks to moderate hikes, including the old bobsled track. Mount Bjelašnica & Jahorina deliver extensive trails in summer.

Skakavac Waterfall

Near Sarajevo, a moderate hike leads to Bosnia's second-highest waterfall, offering a rewarding natural escape.

White-Water Rafting

Popular on the Una, Neretva, and Tara rivers. These are day trips or multi-day trips from Sarajevo. Operators offer guided excursions for different ability levels. Find tours on GetYourGuide.

Adventure Sports & Cycling

  • Mountain Biking: Trails on Trebević, Bjelašnica, and Igman mountains cater to enthusiasts.
  • Skiing/Snowboarding: Jahorina and Bjelašnica ski resorts are popular in winter, with well-maintained slopes and facilities.
  • Paragliding: Available from certain mountain peaks around Sarajevo, delivering a thrilling aerial perspective.

Explore Mountain Peaks

  • Trebević for accessible trails.
  • Bjelašnica for challenging hikes.
  • Jahorina for cold-weather sports.
  • Skakavac Waterfall for scenic beauty.

Natural Beauty

  • Fresh mountain air.
  • Stunning panoramic views.
  • Escape the city bustle.
  • Opportunities for wildlife observation (within national parks).

Active Pursuits

  • Mountain biking adventures.
  • Thrilling paragliding flights.
  • Scenic cycling on heritage trails.
  • White-water rafting expeditions.

Safety Notice for Outdoor Activities

Always verify weather conditions and use reputable, licensed operators for adventure sports. Mountain terrain can present challenges, so appropriate equipment and experience are important.

Cultural Immersion

Deepen your understanding of Sarajevo's rich heritage through various cultural experiences.

Hands-On Workshops & Lessons

  • Coppersmith Workshops: In Baščaršija, observe traditional coppersmiths; try crafting.
  • Bosnian Cooking Classes: Learn to prepare traditional dishes like burek or dolma. Find workshops on GetYourGuide.
  • Traditional Music/Dance: Look for opportunities to learn instruments (saz) or folk dance through community cultural centers.
  • Language Learning: Short Bosnian language courses or private lessons available through local schools.

Performances & Community Insight

National Theatre Performances

Attend opera, ballet, or drama in a grand historic setting, checking schedules for shows during your visit.

Sevdalinka Music

Some local restaurants and cafes offer live performances of Sevdalinka, traditional Bosnian folk music.

Community Tours

NGOs and local tour agencies offer tours involving interaction with local communities or learning about wartime experiences. Book cultural tours on GetYourGuide.

Arts & Theatre

The National Theatre of Sarajevo hosts opera, ballet, and drama. The MESS International Theatre Festival occurs in October.

Festivals & Events

Baščaršijan Evenings is a summer cultural festival, and Jazz Fest Sarajevo is an internationally renowned jazz festival in November.

Authentic Interactions

Witnessing Dervish ceremonies is possible in nearby Blagaj (a day trip), providing insight into Sufi traditions.

Relaxation and Wellness

Find opportunities for rest and rejuvenation in Sarajevo.

Spa Facilities & Hot Springs

  • Spa & Wellness Centers: Hotels like Hotel Hills Sarajevo Congress & Thermal Spa Holiday resort and Swissôtel Sarajevo feature pools, saunas, and massage services.
  • Thermal Springs: Ilidžan is historically known for its geothermal springs and spa resorts. Facilities offer therapeutic mineral waters.
  • Public Pools: Some hotels have outdoor pools for summer. Public swimming pools with wellness areas exist.
  • Mindful Practices: Limited yoga/meditation retreats within the city; local studios offer classes. Specialized retreats are available in the wider region.

Wellness Choices

Hotel Amenities

Many upscale hotels integrate wellness facilities like pools and saunas, ideal for unwinding at the end of a day of exploration.

Ilidža's Therapeutic Waters

Explore the historical hot springs area for mineral water therapies, a long-standing tradition in the region.

Active Relaxation

Combine city exploration with light walks in parks or scenic areas for a balanced and rejuvenating experience.

Wellness Insights

Spa & Hotels

Hotel Hills and Swissôtel offer comprehensive wellness experiences including pools and massage services.

Thermal Baths

Ilidža provides historical thermal spring options for relaxation and therapeutic mineral water treatments.

Holistic Retreats

Check local studios for yoga and classes on meditation, or explore regional tours for specific wellness retreats.

Entertainment and Nightlife

Sarajevo's evenings transition from traditional music to lively clubs, offering diverse entertainment.

Music & Performances

  • Live Music Venues: Sloga, Jazzbina, Cinemas Sloga popular for local and regional bands.
  • Theatre & Performance: National Theatre (opera, ballet, drama). Sarajevo Youth Theatre, SARTR (contemporary).
  • Sevdalinka Music: Some classic eateries and cafes feature live Sevdalinka, Bosnian folk music.
  • Cultural Festivals: MESS International Theatre Festival, Baščaršija Nights, Jazz Fest Sarajevo.

Nightlife & Social Hubs

Nightclubs

Club Sloga, Dom Mladih are popular for dancing and late-night fun. Various smaller clubs exist across the city center.

Bar Districts

Ferhadija Street and surrounding pedestrian areas host many cafes and bars, lively in the evenings.

Late-Night Options

Cafes and bars generally are open until midnight or later on weekends. Nightclubs extend into the early morning hours.

Nightlife

Discover clubs and pubs for dancing and socializing until late hours, enjoying Sarajevo's energetic evening scene.

Live Entertainment

Enjoy live bands, traditional Sevdalinka music performances, or engaging theatre shows at various city venues.

Evening Strolls

Ferhadija Street transforms into a lively promenade with coffee shops and pubs, ideal for an evening walk and people-watching.

Responsible Enjoyment

Be aware of local customs and alcohol consumption regulations. Always prioritize your safety and plan for safe transportation after an evening out.

Shopping and Markets

Discover traditional crafts, local produce, and current boutiques in Sarajevo.

Traditional Markets & Crafts

  • Baščaršija: The historical bazaar is ideal for traditional crafts, souvenirs, and observing coppersmiths at work.
  • Markale Market (Pijaca Markale): The main fresh produce market, offering a colorful and lively insight into local life.
  • Coppersmith Street (Kazandžiluk): In Baščaršija, find handcrafted copper items like coffee sets, plates, and decorative pieces.
  • Other Artisan Shops: Explore for ceramics, woodworking, leather products, and carpets, often made using traditional techniques.

Souvenirs & Modern Shopping

Recommended Souvenirs

Authentic items to remember your trip.

  • Copper Coffee Sets (džezva, fildžan)
  • Traditional Bosnian Slippers (Papuče)
  • Handcrafted Wooden Items
  • Local Artwork
Modern Shopping

International brands and small local shops.

  • BBI Center, Sarajevo City Center, Alta Shopping Center (malls)
  • Ferhadija Street (shops, international retailers, local fashion)
  • Mariaj Dor (upscale brands)

Taste of Bosnia

  • Bosnian Coffee beans.
  • Rakija (local fruit brandy).
  • Sarajevo Roses (symbolic items related to the city's resilience).
  • Local Sweets (baklava, hurmašice).

Ethical Shopping

  • Support local artisans and small businesses.
  • Prioritize locally made products over mass-produced items.
  • This aids in preserving heritage handicrafts and communities.
  • Ensures economic benefit stays within the community.

Shipping Guidelines

  • Check customs regulations for your home country.
  • Regarding alcohol, tobacco, and certain cultural artifacts.
  • Shipping services are available via local post offices.
  • International couriers for larger purchases are an option.

Specialty Shopping

Artisan Gifts
  • Handcrafted copper items from Kazandžiluk.
  • Local carpets and textiles.
  • Carved wooden boxes and decorative pieces.
Fashion & Jewelry
  • Boutiques on Ferhadija Street offer local fashion.
  • Unique handcrafted jewelry from local designers.
  • Traditional scarves and accessories.

Shopping Experience

Sarajevo's markets and shops offer a diverse array of items, from historical crafts to modern goods, catering to every shopper's preferences.

Activity Planning Summary

Outdoor Pursuits

  • Hiking and trekking on Trebević, Bjelašnica, and Jahorina mountains.
  • White-water rafting on nearby rivers like Una and Neretva.
  • Mountain biking and cycling on scenic trails.
  • Skiing and snowboarding at Olympic resorts in winter.

Cultural & Leisure Activities

  • Bosnian cooking classes and guided food tours.
  • Attending live music, theatre, or traditional Sevdalinka performances.
  • Relaxing at spa and wellness centers, including thermal springs in Ilidža.
  • Exploring Baščaršija's artisan shops and the Markale fresh produce market.