Bosnia and Herzegovina Travel Guide: Sarajevo & More

Destination Sarajevo, the official tourist site for the capital, describes Sarajevo as the capital and largest city of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its administrative, economic, university and cultural centre. It says the city was founded by the Ottomans in the 15th century.

The tours on this page all start from Sarajevo. They cover the old town, the Tunnel of Hope and a day trip to Mostar in Herzegovina.

Places to visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo and Baščaršija

Destination Sarajevo calls Baščaršija the historic core of the city. It still has two old covered bazaars, Gazi Husrev Bey's Bezistan and Brusa Bezistan, as well as Gazi Husrev Bey's Mosque and the Sahat Kula clock tower. The site also points to Vijećnica, a City Hall in Pseudo-Moorish style.

Tunnel of Hope

Destination Sarajevo describes an 800-metre tunnel that gave the city access to food, electric energy, medical supplies and fuel during the siege. About 20 metres of it, with the houses that connected to it on the Hrasnica side, is now part of the Tunnel of Hope Museum. The permanent exhibit documents the Siege of Sarajevo, which lasted 1,425 days.

The Olympic mountains

Sarajevo hosted the 14th Winter Olympic Games in 1984. Destination Sarajevo points visitors to the Olympic mountains of Trebević, Bjelašnica, Jahorina and Igman, and to the Olympic Museum of BiH next to the Zetra stadium.

Mostar

Destination Sarajevo calls Mostar the seat of Herzegovina and says it lies 126 kilometres south of Sarajevo. It describes the Old Bridge as the city's symbol and says the bridge is included on UNESCO's list of protected cultural monuments.

Getting to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Destination Sarajevo says Sarajevo International Airport is 12 kilometres from the centre and connects the city with numerous European destinations, and with other regions through hubs such as Istanbul, Vienna, Berlin, Munich and Zurich. It adds that the airports in Tuzla and Mostar are each about a two-hour drive from Sarajevo.

The same site lists direct bus lines from many European cities, run by companies such as Centrotrans Eurolines, Biss Tours and Globtour. It also says Sarajevo has a direct rail line to Zagreb.

Getting around

Destination Sarajevo describes a network of tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus lines. Tram line 3 runs from Baščaršija to Ilidža, and a special bus line connects Baščaršija with the airport in step with the flight schedule. The site adds that most places worth visiting can be explored on foot, and that Ferhadija and Sarači streets are closed to traffic.

Buses to Bjelašnica, Igman and Jahorina operate only during the winter season. For Mostar, which the site places 126 kilometres from Sarajevo, check the options for a day trip before you go.

When to go to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Winter (December to February)

Destination Sarajevo says February is the coldest month of the year and usually sees significant snowfalls. It recommends the Olympic mountains of Jahorina, Trebević, Igman and Bjelašnica for an active winter holiday.

Spring (April and May)

The site lists the Day of the City of Sarajevo in April, with cultural and sporting programmes, and the Sarajevo Evenings of Music in May.

Summer (July and August)

July brings the Baščaršija Nights Festival, with performances from opera, ballet and theatre. The site says August has a nine-day Film Festival with events around town.

What to book ahead

• If you plan to travel to the mountains by public bus, remember that the Sarajevo site says these buses run only in winter.
• Check dates for the Baščaršija Nights Festival in July or the Film Festival in August before you fix your route.
• Confirm the opening days of the Tunnel of Hope Museum before you plan a visit.
• Guided tours run on fixed days; check dates before fixing your route.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements depend on your nationality and change over time. Check the current rules on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina before you book, and confirm again shortly before you travel.

Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Visas.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Mostar from Sarajevo?

Destination Sarajevo, the city's official tourist site, says Mostar is 126 kilometres south of Sarajevo. Check current transport options and tour times before you plan the day.

What is the Tunnel of Hope?

It is an 800-metre tunnel that Destination Sarajevo says gave the city access to food, electric energy, medical supplies and fuel during the siege. Part of it is now a museum.

How do I get from Sarajevo airport to the city?

Destination Sarajevo says the airport is 12 kilometres from the centre and that a special bus line connects it with Baščaršija, synchronised with the flight schedule.

When does Destination Sarajevo recommend the Olympic mountains?

Destination Sarajevo recommends Jahorina, Trebević, Igman and Bjelašnica in the winter months, including December, January and February. Check snow reports and opening dates before you go.

Do I need a visa for Bosnia and Herzegovina?

It depends on your nationality. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina publishes the current rules, so check its website before you book.