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Sarajevo Travel Resources

Sarajevo Travel Resources

Essential Digital Tools

Applications

  • Google Maps:

    Download offline maps for navigation without internet access.

  • Moovit:

    Useful for real-time public transport information and routing.

  • MojTaxi:

    A local app for hailing taxis, providing convenience and fare estimates.

  • Google Translate:

    Download the Bosnian language pack for offline translation.

  • HappyCow:

    Helpful for finding vegetarian and vegan dining options.

Planning Websites

  • Sarajevo Tourism Association:

    Sarajevo.travel for official tourist information.

  • Official BiH Tourism Portal:

    Bhtourism.ba for national-level information.

  • Booking Platforms:

    Booking.com, Airbnb for reservations for places to stay.

  • Flight Search Engines:

    Skyscanner, Google Flights for finding flight deals.

  • VPN Service:

    A NordVPN subscription for secure browsing.

Online Connections

Social Media Channels

Follow official Sarajevo tourism accounts for updates and inspiration.

Sarajevo Travel

Podcasts and Digital Content

Search for podcasts on Balkan history, Bosnian culture, or the Siege of Sarajevo.

Online Communities and Forums

Connect with other travelers and locals for advice plus tips.

TripAdvisor Forums Reddit Communities

Language & Local News

Language Learning Apps

  • Duolingo or Memrise are useful for basic Bosnian (similar to Croatian/Serbian).
  • These apps can help with necessary phrases.
  • Practice pronunciation for better local interactions.
  • Consider local language schools for longer stays.
  • Babbel offers structured classes to learn a language.

Local News Sources

  • Monitor the local news for information on current events and happenings.
  • Stay informed about the local situation.
  • English-language local news portals exist.
  • Cultural institutions on platforms like facebook and instagram provide event information.

Accommodation & Flights

Accommodation Platforms

  • Booking.com for lodging and guesthouses.
  • Airbnb for apartments and unique stays.
  • Hostelworld for budget-friendly hostel options.
  • Consider direct bookings for local establishments.

Flight Search Engines

  • Skyscanner for comparing flight deals across airlines.
  • Google Flights for flexible date searches.
  • Kayak for various transport options.
  • Always check airline direct websites as well.

Tour Booking Sites

  • Viator for tours with a guide and activities.
  • GetYourGuide for diverse local experiences.
  • Local tour operator websites for specialized tours.
  • Pre-book popular day trips to guarantee your spot.

Print Resources

Traditional Guides

Recommended Guidebooks

  • Lonely Planet Western Balkans or Eastern Europe.
  • Bradt Guide Bosnia and Herzegovina (in-depth coverage).
  • These sources of information give thorough a location information.
  • Historical and cultural context.

City Maps

  • Local city maps are available at tourist information centers.
  • Hard copy maps are useful for navigation without a phone.
  • Detailed street layouts and attraction markers.
  • Complement digital navigation tools.

Local Publications

  • Look for free local event guides, like Destination Sarajevo magazine.
  • Available at hotels and tourist information points.
  • Information on the latest events, exhibitions, and shows.
  • Discover what's happening during your visit.

Historical Reads

Non-Fiction Accounts

  • "Sarajevo: A Biography" by Robert J. Donia.
  • A non-fiction account of the city's extended and complex history.
  • Provides context for the city's development over centuries.

War Narratives

  • "The Cellist of Sarajevo" by Steven Galloway.
  • A fictional novel based on the siege, a powerful narrative.
  • Offers a very personal perspective on a challenging period.

Fiction & Culture

Bosnian Authors

  • "Love and Obstacles" by Aleksandar Hemon.
  • A collection of short stories by a Bosnian-American writer.
  • Explore contemporary Bosnian literature.

Cultural Immersion

  • Listen to Sevdalinka, traditional Bosnian folk music.
  • Often called "Bosnian blues," it immerses you into the local sound.
  • Explore local contemporary music and art scenes.

Thematic Reading

Historical Narratives

  1. Read works detailing the Ottoman period in Sarajevo.
  2. Explore accounts of the Austro-Hungarian era.
  3. Focus on books describing post-WWII development.
  4. Deepen your knowledge of the 1990s conflict and siege.
  5. Gain a comprehensive view of Sarajevo's past.

Cultural Insights

  1. Learn about Bosnian the coffee scene and rituals.
  2. Discover traditional crafts and their significance.
  3. Explore the city's rich multi-religious heritage.
  4. Understand the local approach to friendliness and social life.
  5. Uncover the distinctions of everyday Sarajevan culture.

Inspirational Content

Documentaries

Watch "Greetings Sarajevo" (1997) for a drama set during the siege, or "The Perfect Circle" (1997) for a Bosnian drama.

Music & Art

Immerse yourself in Sevdalinka, traditional Bosnian folk music, or explore the local contemporary music and art scenes.

Literary Works

"Grbavica: The Land of My Dreams" (2006) offers an award-winning film exploring the aftermath of the war.

Discover Local Stories

Local bookstores offer a unique look at Bosnian literature and art, often using English translations.

Emergency and Medical Information

Contacts

Emergency Services

  • Police:

    122

  • Ambulance:

    124

  • Fire:

    123

Medical Facilities

  • Clinical Centre of the Academy of Sarajevo (KCUS):

    The main public hospital.

  • Private Clinics:

    Eurofarm Centar, Poliklinika Sunce-Agram often have faster service and English-personnel who speak.

  • General Emergency:

    112 (EU standard emergency number, works in BiH).

Traveler Support

Embassy Information

Locate your country's embassy details before you travel; the U.S. Embassy is at Robert C. Frasure St. 1.

U.S. Embassy Sarajevo

Lost Document Procedures

Report to local police (122) immediately for a police report. Reach out for your embassy for emergency travel documents.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Obey local authority directives (police, civil protection) in case of a natural disaster. Monitor local news for updates.

Health & Safety Resources

Health Advisories

  • Consult your doctor before travel for vaccinations.
  • Stay informed about any global health recommendations.
  • Carry personal medications in their original packaging.
  • Practice good sanitation, especially with food and water.

Insurance Access

  • Have your travel insurance policy details readily available.
  • Understand your coverage for medical emergencies and cancellations.
  • Keep the emergency contact number for your insurer handy.
  • Carry your insurance card or digital copy.

Additional Support

Local Tourist Police

  • For non-emergency tourist assistance, seek out tourist police.
  • They can provide specific guidance and support.
  • Often found in major tourist areas.
  • Can aid in minor issues or general inquiries.

Consular Services

  • Beyond emergency documents, consulates offer different services.
  • Assistance with legal matters or administrative needs.
  • General citizen services while abroad.
  • Call your embassy for more information on available support.

Stay Prepared

Keep a copy of all essential documents and a list of emergency contacts stored in a different place from originals.

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