Things to Do in Sarajevo

Sarajevo carries the weight of history in its cobblestone streets and Ottoman-era architecture, yet pulses with a remarkably resilient energy. The city sits in a valley surrounded by the Dinaric Alps, where minarets and church spires share the skyline, and where you can still see bullet holes in buildings alongside vibrant street art and bustling cafes. It's a place where East meets West in the most literal sense - you can walk from the Ottoman old town to Austro-Hungarian boulevards in minutes, stopping for Bosnian coffee that's served with a ritual precision that would make Turkish baristas proud. What strikes most visitors is how normal life feels here, despite everything the city has endured. Young Sarajevans gather in the same squares where their grandparents once traded stories, and the famous tunnel that kept the city alive during the siege is now a museum that locals visit with their kids. The food scene blends Balkan heartiness with Ottoman refinement, and you'll find some of the best cevapi (grilled meat sausages) in the world served alongside surprisingly good craft beer.

Sarajevo's food scene centers around traditional Balkan cuisine with Ottoman influences, and you'll find the best cevapi at small family-run places rather than fancy restaurants. Žara and Hodžić are legendary among locals for their grilled meats, while Dveri offers refined takes on traditional dishes in a cozy setting. The coffee culture here is serious business - Bosnian coffee is served with Turkish delight and should be sipped slowly while people-watching. For something different, the craft beer scene has exploded in recent years, with places like Pivnica HS and Brew Pub offering local brews alongside international selections.

Late spring through early fall (May to September) offers the most pleasant weather, with warm days perfect for walking around the old town and cool evenings ideal for outdoor dining. Summer can get quite hot in the valley, but the surrounding mountains provide relief if you're willing to take day trips. Winter brings snow and a different kind of beauty, plus much lower hotel prices, though some attractions may have reduced hours. The shoulder seasons of April and October often provide the best balance of good weather, fewer crowds, and reasonable accommodation prices.