Welcome to Sarajevo, where East meets West, history gets a front-row seat, and food—oh, the food—deserves a standing ovation! Whether you’re here for the Ottoman charm, Austro-Hungarian elegance, or just the best baklava of your life, this city will win you over faster than you can say “Dobar dan!” (That’s “Good day” in Bosnian, and trust me, locals love it when you try).
Before we dive in, a quick “Know Before You Go” section for my fellow Indian travelers:
Visa Requirements ✈️
Yes, Indians need a visa for Bosnia and Herzegovina. You can apply at the nearest embassy or through a visa facilitation service. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months because Sarajevo is addictive—you might want to extend your stay! You can visit Sarajevo from Croatia on a schengen visa, but be aware that you must have a multi entry Schengen visa to get back into the schengen region.
Currency & Payments 💰
The official currency is Bosnia and Herzegovina Convertible Mark (BAM), but euros are widely accepted. Cash is king in smaller shops and markets, so keep some BAM handy unless you want to pay for your ćevapi in blessings.
1. Baščaršija – Where the Old World Still Thrives
Imagine stepping into a living, breathing time machine—but instead of beeping buttons, there’s the rich aroma of freshly brewed Bosnian coffee. Baščaršija is Sarajevo’s old bazaar, filled with artisans hammering copper, cafés buzzing with locals, and pigeons ruling over Sebilj Fountain like tiny, feathery monarchs.
🎯 Must-do: Order a traditional Bosnian coffee (it’s served with a sugar cube and a glass of water, so don’t drink it like an espresso—this is a ritual, my friend).
🍽 Must-try food: Ćevapi – Bosnia’s answer to kebabs, served with somun (flatbread) and a dollop of magic (a.k.a. kajmak, a rich dairy spread).
2. Latin Bridge – The Place That (Accidentally) Started WWI
History nerds, buckle up. This innocent-looking bridge is where Gavrilo Princip assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914, setting off a little event known as World War I. No big deal, right?
🎯 Pro Tip: Snap a photo and then check out the museum next to the bridge—it’s small but packed with fascinating details.
3. Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque – A Spiritual & Architectural Marvel
Built in the 16th century, this mosque is as grand as its name (seriously, try saying “Gazi Husrev-beg” five times fast). It’s the largest historical mosque in Bosnia, with stunning Ottoman architecture and a peaceful courtyard perfect for moments of reflection—or just catching your breath after all that sightseeing.
🎯 Visiting Tip: Modest dress is appreciated, and non-Muslim visitors can enter outside of prayer times.
4. Sarajevo Tunnel Museum – Proof That Sarajevo Never Gave Up
Also called the Tunnel of Hope, this 800-meter underground passage was literally a lifeline during the Siege of Sarajevo in the 1990s. Used to transport food, medicine, and even people, this tunnel is now a museum showcasing the city’s resilience and unbreakable spirit.
🎯 Must-see: Walk through a small section of the original tunnel—it’s humbling, to say the least.
5. Trebević Mountain & Cable Car – Sarajevo’s Instagram Jackpot
Want the best view of Sarajevo? The Trebević Cable Car whisks you up the mountain in 7 minutes flat. Once at the top, expect sweeping cityscapes, fresh mountain air, and the eerie-yet-cool remains of the 1984 Winter Olympics bobsled track, now covered in graffiti.
🎯 Best time to visit: Sunset! Golden-hour Sarajevo is a dream.
🎯 Bonus adventure: If you love a little thrill, hike down instead of taking the cable car back—just don’t stray off the path (leftover war-time landmines aren’t the kind of souvenirs you want).
6. Vijećnica – The Phoenix of Sarajevo
Once upon a time, Sarajevo’s City Hall was a jewel of neo-Moorish architecture. Then war happened, and it was burned to the ground. But like a true Bosnian comeback story, it was rebuilt, and today it houses a gorgeous library and exhibitions about Sarajevo’s incredible multicultural past.
🎯 Must-do: Step inside and look up—the stained-glass ceiling is a masterpiece.
Food Corner: Baklava, The Sweetest Goodbye
Sarajevo’s baklava is next-level. Forget the dry, overly sugary versions you may have had before—here, it’s perfectly layered, rich with honey and nuts, and best enjoyed at a cozy café while people-watching.
🎯 Where to try: Any local slastičarna (sweet shop), but if you see an old Bosnian grandma making it, you’re in for a life-changing experience.
The People – Sarajevo’s Biggest Treasure
If there’s one thing that will stick with you long after you leave, it’s the people. Sarajevans are warm, generous, and always happy to help (or chat over coffee for hours). Despite their city’s turbulent past, they welcome visitors with open arms and big smiles.
💡 Local Secret: If a Sarajevan invites you for coffee, cancel your afternoon plans—coffee here is a social event, not a caffeine fix.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Fall in Love With Sarajevo
Sarajevo isn’t just a place you visit—it’s a place that stays with you. From its cobbled streets to its mountain views, from its tragic history to its unshakable spirit, this city is proof that beauty and resilience can coexist.
✨ So, when are you booking your ticket? ✨
P.S. If you’ve been to Sarajevo, drop a comment below—what was your favorite spot? And if you haven’t… well, what are you waiting for? 😉
Indi Tourists 