Sarajevo – 10/10 City Guide - The Wanderlust Times

Sarajevo is bursting with history and beauty. It is said that the wars of the 90’s both began and ended here as Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in the city, instigating World War I and the Bosnian War ended here in 1995. Bosnia & Herzegovina is one of the most underrated countries in all of Europe. The capital Sarajevo has much to offer tourists.

My idea to start these 10/10 day guides actually came when I was exploring this city. I decided to rush my time in Sarajevo and head to Belgrade instead as I had heard great things from fellow backpackers. And whilst, like with most places I go, I wish I could have had more time here, I spent one productive day here and realized that you can actually get a lot done in just one day. This guide will be perfect if Sarajevo is just a quick stopover city during your European adventure and help you know what to see in just one day. A busy day at that though! Or just use this as a guide and take your time.

Make sure to check out all the churches, synagogues and mosques of the city, with many different religions represented here. i just couldn’t fit them all in the list.

NOTE: Whilst wandering around the city, look out for the Rose Memorials – or red splotches – etched into the concrete. These concrete scars were actually made my explosions during the war and red resin was filled in the spots where a human life was lost.

Latin BridgeThe famous bridge of the city, walk over the river and take in views of Sarajevo’s colorful buildings.
Muzej SarajevoRight near the Latin Bridge is the corner that changed history. The hair to the Austro-Hungarian throne and his wife were shot here and now the corner hosts a small museum where you can learn a little about the event for a small fee.
Sarajevo City HallOne of the most impressive examples of Austrian architecture in the city, just a short walk along the river.
The Yellow Bastian
Walk up through the beautiful cemetery – which almost got a number on this list itself – to reach the fortress for the best views of the city. Go at the middle of the day for the best lighting for photos, or it’s a great place to watch the sunset.
Bascarsija
The heart of Sarajevo, this historic part of town is famous for it’s fountain, pigeons and great shopping. It’s like stepping back a few hundred years.
Serbian Orthodox CathedralOne of the more beautiful churches in the city. Whilst there are many to see, this was my personal fave.
Sarajevo War Tunnel or “Tunnel of Hope”You will need to take a taxi out, but it will be worth the effort. Walk through tunnels that saved the city in the 90’s. When it was surrounded by Serb forces for almost four years, this tunnel was dug under the UN-controlled airport as a passage to the free zone to transport essential goods.
Srebrenica Gallery 11/07/95Take some time to learn about some raw history about the Bosnian War. Srebrenica was the site of one of the most horrific mass murders since WWII. It offers an insight into the brutal killings by people who witnessed it and also as a memorial to more than 8,000 Bosnians that were killed by Bosnian Serb troops in the space of just a few days, in this supposed UN “safe haven”.
Ferhadija StreetWalk along the beautiful pedestrian street and find a place to grab some Bosnian coffee or marvel at the old architecture. Oh and of course, go shopping. Cause Bosnia is CHEAP!
Sarajevo Olympics Bobsleigh and Luge TrackIf you have time, head to the spot where the 1984 Winter Olympics were held. The bobsled and luge tracks have been abandoned and are now covered in graffiti. Awesome to walk on the tracks and explore, just don’t stray too far off the path as land mines are still said to be in the area. And the view is incredible.