Visit Sarajevo

Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and with a population of about 400.000, it is the largest city in the country, and its cultural, economic, and political centre. The city is well known for its rich historical heritage, as well as for the Winter Olympics in 1984.  The average land elevation of the city is 500 m above sea level.

Sarajevo is a city in which even strangers can feel at home. Neither geographically expansive nor characterised by large buildings, the city retains a particular, arresting charm with its abundance of busy café's and abiding tradition of hospitality.

This city epitomizes a partial centuries-old struggle against outside influences combined with the absorption of these influences into one of the most diverse cultures in Europe. Indeed, few places on earth feature an Orthodox and a Catholic church, a mosque and a synagogue within easy walking distance of each other. If there were any city in Europe that effortlessly straddles east and west, it is Sarajevo. Here the Byzantine and Ottoman empires of the east and the Roman, Venetian and Austro-Hungarian empires of the west left an indelible mark through culture, traditions and religions. A walk through Sarajevo is a walk through its past. From the oriental Ottoman quarters lined with sweet shops, café's and handicraft workshops, to the administrative and cultural centre of Austro-Hungarian times, Sarajevo encompasses the very best of both worlds.

If you would like to know more about Sarajevo, please visit websites:

If you would like to see what international medias write about Sarajevo, please visit:
http://www.sarajevo-tourism.com/others-about-us 

If you wish to have lunch/dinner in Sarajevo, try one of the traditional restaurants at the Old town Baščaršija. 

Currency

Local currency is Convertible Mark - international abbreviation is BAM, i.e. KM is used locally (1.95KM=1€). Catering establishments, shops, shopping malls and travel agencies in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina cannot accept EURO payments since October 1st, 2010. Foreign currencies should be exchanged to the official local currency Convertible Mark (BAM or KM).

  • Coins: 5, 10, 20 and 50 pfennig; 1, 2 and 5 KM
  • Banknotes: 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 KM

Getting there

Sarajevo is easily accessible by air, bus, or train from any major European destination. 

  • By plane - The airport is 12 km (20 minutes) away from the city center and has direct flights to many European capitals and thus indirect flights to everywhere else. There are no shuttle buses by at various rates, the major hotels and some of the smaller ones, offer airport pick-ups and drop-offs. Otherwise, taxis will take you to town for around 20 KM (10 EUR).  Further information at Sarajevo International Airport website http://www.sarajevo-airport.ba, or phone +387 33 289 100 
  • By bus - For more information about International Timetable from Sarajevo Bus Station visit www.centrotrans.com 
  • By car - Visit Via Michelin for your travel plans via car. 

Getting around

  • City Transport - Should you decide on public transport, there are tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus lines, which you can take to reach all major locations in Sarajevo. Tickets are required for any form of public transportation and they can be purchased at kiosks (for 1.60 KM) or from the driver (for 1.80 KM). You must have your tickets “punched” upon entering the vehicle.
  • Taxi - There are several taxi companies in Sarajevo operating on very competitive prices compared to European countries. Most companies start from 1.5 KM and charge 1 KM per kilometer. Bare in mind that using service at International Airport Sarajevo Taxi Stand can be more expensive than hiring a taxi.
    • Sarajevo Taxi +387 33 1515 
    • Yellow Taxi +387 33 66 35 55 
    • Red Taxi +387 33 76 06 00 
    • Samir & Emir Taxi +387 33 1516
    • Holand Taxi +387 080 020234