This Underrated European Capital Set To Surge In Popularity This Summer
Whenever you consider a European metropolis break, it is in all probability Paris and its grand Haussmann-era boulevards, London’s skyscraper-lined Thames riverfront, or perhaps Milan’s glamorous really feel and haute delicacies that come to thoughts, not an offbeat Sarajevo.
Actually, you is likely to be questioning the place that even is.
The (a lot) ignored capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a criminally-underrated nation itself, Sarajevo is making some waves not too long ago, persevering with to see an uptick in arrivals after hitting its target 1.5 million overnights in 2024 (a 26.6% year-on-year enhance).
Unheard-of as it might be on our aspect of the pond, it is by no means been extra well-liked than it’s at this very second amongst Europeans, with Turks, Croats, Serbs, and Germans leading the way—and it is excessive time we regarded into a number of the explanation why.
Why Are Vacationers All of a sudden Flocking Into Sarajevo?
Positioned close to the geometric heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is barely becoming for a capital, Sarajevo is certainly one of Europe’s most numerous capitals, residence to Muslims, Orthodox Christians, and Catholics, a cultural hub of the primary order, and maybe the continent’s most unsung vacation spot, at that.
It has a wealthy (albeit advanced) historical past, encompassing durations of Ottoman and Austrian management, and for that motive, it’s typically described as a spot the place cultures conflict:
Istanbul stands out as the most well-known metropolis to (actually) straddle two continents, however it’s in Sarajevo you will discover ornate medieval mosques and their adjoining bazaars inside brief strolling distance of imposing, Sixteenth-century Orthodox temples and Gothic church buildings.
Bosnia is a multi-faith nation born out of the necessity to let go of previous variations and grievances, and although that hard-fought peace reveals its cracks now and again, nowhere else in the Balkans will you see a melting pot as fascinating as this.
Medieval Mosques, Picturesque Bridges & Cobbled Lanes
Taking a stroll across the riverside Outdated City, with its cobbled streets, and a plethora of tea outlets and comfy cafes, you will stumble upon majestic mosques, like Gazi Husrev-beg, a centerpiece of Ottoman structure courting again to the Sixteenth-century, but in addition Orthodox temples and Gothic church buildings.
Additionally constructed within the Sixteenth century, the Byzantine-inspired Church of the Holy Archangels is a testomony to Sarajevo’s deeply ingrained sense of multiculturalism. It serves the native ethnically Serbian neighborhood and is among the many capital’s oldest non secular websites.
Apparently sufficient, a brief 6-minute stroll away is the towering Sacred Coronary heart Cathedral, a Neo-Gothic marvel that includes a marble-cut altar and complicated stained glass designs. It caters primarily to the ethnically Croatian inhabitants of Sarajevo and is Bosnia’s largest cathedral.
We all know World Battle I isn’t as widely-taught in faculties throughout America as its way more catastrophic follow-up, however if you happen to have been ever curious as to how the unhappy story of wounded troopers in trenches and bayonet bearers began, look no additional than Sarajevo’s Latin Bridge:
Uncover Sarajevo’s Battle Wounds
Yep, WWI began not over some disagreement in palatial chambers in Germany however proper there on the town’s oldest stone pedestrian crossing, spanning the in any other case peaceable Miljacka River.
That is the place Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914, an occasion that many Historians regard as having sparked the Europe-wide battle, and in addition to crossing the bridge to absorb the eerie ambiance your self, you’ll be able to go to a close-by museum the place you’ll be able to be taught all about it intimately.
Sadly, Sarajevo’s standing within the Annals of Time didn’t take a flip for the higher in the identical century, as within the 90s, it could be rocked by ugly occasions and instability as soon as extra.
You have heard of the Bosnian Battle, proper?
Whereas spared the identical degree of human tragedy that introduced smaller cities like Srebrenica and Mostar to their knees, the capital endured a 4-year siege, and it, too, has its useless to mourn.
For these of you who’re into Darkish Tourism, there are nonetheless some faculties, hospitals, and cultural landmarks that carry bullet holes and different struggle scars, most notably the Nationwide Library, an Islamic-inspired brick-and-concrete palace proper on the water that was almost burned to the bottom.
One more well-liked attraction is the Tunnel of Hope: regardless of its identify, it is in truth a struggle tunnel used to smuggle folks and provides over the battlefront in the course of the siege, and it now hosts a museum.
Nonetheless, not all is doom and gloom.
For 2 of the very best sundown views on the town, both take the cable automotive from Stari Grad (Outdated City) to Trebević Mountain (costing roughly $18), or hike a brief quarter-hour from the middle, as much as the Yellow Fortress, a fortress perched atop certainly one of Sarajevo’s many hills.
This one’s free.
From each viewpoints, you will be rewarded with sweeping views of the minaret and belfry-dotted townscape, the landmark-lined meander that’s Miljacka, and the lush greenery throughout it.
One Of The Most cost-effective European Capitals
We would exit of our technique to go to Sarajevo any day, no matter native costs, however it actually helps that all the pieces from meals to lodging to transportation is shockingly-affordable.
For those who’re actually on a strict funds, you’ll be able to pattern scrumptious native delicacies like Bosnian ćevapi, hand-mixed mince meat fashioned right into a funnel, typically served with spices and flatbread, for round $5 in most Outdated City eateries, and the identical goes for börek pastries, hen soup with bitter cream, and the record goes on.
Even small luxuries in Sarajevo will not precisely break the financial institution:
For example, Dveri is a well-reputed Outdated City restaurant, and a fairly touristy one at that, well-liked for its selfmade borscht and beef goulash, and a variety of rakija flavors (the native spirit, for these which can be unaware).
On common, eating right here will set you again by round $11–$16 by ordering a principal dish.
Throughout from the Metropolis Corridor, Inat Kuća is equally well-known for its fashionable twist added to some Bosnian classics, and its homegrown wine and hearty stews will not run you up by greater than $16 for a sit-in lunch with river views.
After the second stew, you may understand Bosnian meals, tasty as it might be, is not precisely sitting nicely in your abdomen, so if you happen to’re ever in fancy of a Balkan-Asian fusion, be sure that Mala Kuhinja is in your record, or the upscale trattoria Tavola, proper within the metropolis heart.
On the lookout for a spot to remain? Sarajevo has an intensive supply of lodging, starting from funds to luxurious, but when you end up someplace within the center, there are whole, fully-furnished residences can be found on Booking.com from solely $48 per evening for two adults.
This Is How Authorities Are Enhancing Sarajevo For Vacationers In 2025
You get the gist of it: Sarajevo (and Bosnia as a complete) is very cheap, it is incredibly-beautiful, and it is but to be ruined by the identical crowds which have made Italy’s Amalfi, or the French Riviera a residing hell.
Sarajevo Worldwide Airport (SJJ), serviced by low-cost flights from throughout Europe and choose Center Japanese locations, has already reported a 44% uptick in passengers this yr, as confirmed by Statistika, so it has been gaining traction.
You higher get there earlier than it is too late, as this gem will not keep hidden for lengthy.
On prime of that, authorities within the capital are investing closely in making Sarajevo better-connected, and extra tourist-friendly: the small airport has now expanded to host flights from main hubs like Dubai, Riyadh, and Kuwait, and the Outdated City is present process revitalization.
It isn’t unusual for historic facilities within the Balkan Peninsula to be slightly rundown, given native authorities’s horrible observe report of defending monuments and materials heritage, however in Sarajevo’s case, important efforts have been made to revive its pre-war glory.
Reconstructions apart, it is seen the opening of recent museums, like Sevdah Artwork Home, each an artwork exhibit and a restaurant with an emphasis on sevdalinka, Bosnian people music, and even the buzzing Obala Maka Dizdara, a pedestrian promenade, is present process renovation.
On prime of that, for all of the biking fanatics on the market, a brand new, official bike path connecting Dubrovnik, in Croatia, to Sarajevo has just opened.
The 217-mile route has stops in stunning mountain villages, the town of Mostar, well-known for its arched Ottoman bridge, and scenic lakes earlier than reaching the Miljacka River valley, the place Sarajevo lies.
Getting To Bosnia From America
Flying from america, the simplest technique to attain Sarajevo is touching down first in a bigger transit airport, like Istanbul (IST), Vienna (VIE), Frankfurt (FRA), or Munich (MUC), and from there, board a low-cost flight to the Bosnian capital.
Costs for an intra-Europe flight to Sarajevo (SJJ) begin from solely $40, and cities like Vienna or Budapest, served by funds carriers Wizz Air and Ryanair, have a tendency to supply the bottom fare.
Alternatively, you could attain it by bus from neighboring international locations that host U.S. flights, like Serbia or Croatia, for equally-cheap costs, or driving.
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