Sarajevo Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a valley city where an Ottoman bazaar meets Austro-Hungarian avenues, with mosques, churches and a synagogue close together.

Sarajevo: Five Centuries of History, Culture, Empires & Hope
Featured walk: Five Centuries of History, Culture, Empires & Hope · Photo supplied by Viator

The city on foot

Sarajevo was founded by the Ottomans in the 15th century. The 1914 assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand took place on its riverbank.

During the 1992–1996 siege the city was surrounded for nearly four years. Many walking tours tell that story alongside the older history.

What makes Sarajevo distinctive

  • Baščaršija, the Ottoman bazaar
  • The Latin Bridge, site of the 1914 assassination
  • Bosnian coffee and ćevapi
  • Sarajevo Roses marking siege shell impacts

Walking tours in Sarajevo

Hand-picked guided walks in Sarajevo, each rated highly by travellers. Ratings and photos are from Viator; select a tour to see dates, prices and full details, and to book.

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By theme: Food tours in Sarajevo · History walks in Sarajevo

Compare with other cities: Food tours · History walks

More walking tours on GetYourGuide

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Main sights

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Neighbourhoods worth wandering

  • Baščaršija

    The Ottoman core.

  • Ferhadija

    The Austro-Hungarian quarter.

  • Bistrik

    Hillside lanes with views.

Free self-guided walk

Bazaar to the Eternal Flame

A free self-guided walk in Sarajevo, from City Hall through Baščaršija and along Ferhadija to the Eternal Flame.

1.5 km · 5 stops · map and directions

See the walk

Best areas to explore on foot

  1. Ferhadija Street

    From the bazaar to the Eternal Flame.

  2. Miljacka riverbank

    Past the bridges.

  3. Yellow Fortress

    A viewpoint above the city.

Practical walking notes

  • Terrain

    Flat centre; steep hillsides.

  • Air quality

    Winter smog can be heavy.

  • Respect

    Dress modestly in mosques.

When to visit

  • Spring and autumn

    Best for walking.

  • Summer

    Hot; Sarajevo Film Festival in August.

  • Winter

    Cold, with skiing nearby.

Getting there and getting around

Arriving

  • By air

    Sarajevo Airport is about 12 km from the centre.

  • By rail

    Trains run to Mostar.

Local transport

  • Trams

    Run along the valley.

  • On foot

    The centre is compact.

Questions travellers ask about Sarajevo

How many days do I need?

Two days.

Is Sarajevo safe?

Yes; stay on marked paths if hiking in the hills.

What are Sarajevo Roses?

Shell scars filled with red resin as memorials.

Sarajevo: Five Centuries of History, Culture, Empires & Hope
Country overview

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Where East meets West

Explore destinations

Sources and review date

This guide was last updated on 2026-10-28. Opening hours, fares and services change; please confirm details with official sources before travelling.