-Europe.Bosnia.Sarajevo-
Sarajevo has always just been a little out of reach for me, but I never forgot that it is on my to-visit list. I was curious as I lived in a time when I associated it as war-torn. However I have read good things about the city lately from other travel bloggers and my curiosity was piqued.
Opportunity knocked when my friend came to visit and we made a trip through the Balkans and I made the city one of the places to stop at.
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Table of Contents
What to visit in Sarajevo old town
We arrived in Sarajevo in the evening. The lights are on and the Christmas decorations adorn the Old Town. It is also full of history and a wonderful place to visit to soak in and learn about its eventful past.
Baščaršija Square
Baščaršija Square is the very first place we stepped onto as we crossed the road from our apartment. The scene before me was magical when I first saw it in the evening. Restaurants and coffee places fringe the borders of the square making it a popular meeting place and the heart and soul of the old town. As we walked around the smell of spiced meat and coffee fills the air.
Sebilj
The very first structure that caught my eye in the old town was Sebilj , the Ottoman-style wooden fountain in the town square. It felt like meeting a friend whom I have never personally met and finally got to see in person. Sebilj was pictured in every blog I read about Sarajevo.
Built in 1753 this unique structure does not look like any of the fountains in Europe. It is said that if visitors drink from it, they will return to Sarajevo someday.
Baščaršija the old Ottoman Bazaar
This Bazaar is well-known and I was determined to see Sarajevo just from photos I have seen online of the Bazaar alone. Images of Ottoman-era architecture alongside buildings from the Austro-Hungarian periods set the tone of our visit to this area of Sarajevo.
From the shops selling traditional handcrafts to the bigger international branded shops , there is not a lack of shopping opportunities. The “Kazandžiluk Street” is known for its copper shops where traditional craftsmen can be seen creating copperware.
Same with restaurants here , there are endless food options : from Bosnian cuisine to international fare. We tried both!
Another usual scene to come across are the locals meeting to drink coffee and socialize at the many bustling cafes and teahouses. People watching is definitely a must-do here.
Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque
The mosque was built back in 1530 in Ottoman architecture and has a minaret 45 meters tall. It has a fountain inside the courtyard. Today surrounding this mosque are the small alleys of the Sarajevo bazaar. The main entrance door is ornately decorated with a large inscribed stone slab above it.
Opening Hours : 09:00 – 12:00; 14:30 – 16:00; 17:30 – 19:00 (Apr-Oct) 09:00 – 11:00 (Nov-Mar)
The mosque was built back in 1530 in Ottoman architecture and has a minaret 47 meters tall. It has a fountain inside the courtyard. Today surrounding this mosque are the small alleys of the Sarajevo bazaar. The main entrance door is ornately decorated with a large inscribed stone slab above it.
In the vicinity is a mausoleum, a library and a clock tower keeping lunar time, for determining accurate prayer times for those of Islamic faith.
Sacred Heart Cathedral Sarajevo
This Cathedral is Catholic and known as the Cathedral of Jesus’ Sacred Heart and is the largest in the country. It has twin spires and is built in the neo-Gothic style.
Eternal Flame Memorial
The Flame is a symbol of remembrance and dedication to the military and civilian victims of World War II.
Sarajevo Roses
We saw these strange marks on the floors of the old town. Only later I learned that the crater from the mortar fire during the Siege of Sarajevo is filled with red resin. It is now memorials to mark the spots where people were killed during the siege.
The Latin Bridge
The bridge was the historic spot where the Austro-Hungarian heir Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated on 28 June 1914. The event triggered World War I and shifted the European country lines quite significantly. Nearby there is a museum which details the events and the Austro-Hungarian rules at the time.
Sarajevo City Hall
Built in the times of the Austro-Hungarian rule, the building was formally opened in 1896. The design has a lot of Moorish influences similar to the buildings in Southern Spain and North Africa. Today it is an eye-catcher by the banks of the river with its yellow and red design.
Where to see sunset in Sarajevo
Yellow Fortress
Come sunset , there are people walking uphill towards the sunset watching point above the city. We joined them heading to the same destination as well.
Estimate about 20 minutes to make it uphill past the 19th century cemetery (Kovači Cemetery) which houses hundreds of tombs – one of them belonging to the first president.
Tip: Be sure to estimate more time before sunset as the sun goes fast behind the tall mountains. It is also a very nice scene to take in from up at the viewpoint. We saw too many people huff up only to miss the sunset.
Best Bosnian Coffee Place in Sarajevo
You cannot leave Sarajevo without trying the Bosnian coffee. I can recommend the “MINISTRY OF ĆEJF . They have multiple locations but the one we tried was at Kovači 26. They offer Bosnian coffee, tea, Italian style coffee as well as cakes.
Where to eat in Sarajevo
Restoran Dženita
Our dinner at the Bazaar area of Old Town Sarajevo led us to this restaurant. They offer traditional Bosnian cuisine which was what we were looking for. Check out the menu and prices here.
My Verdict: Recommended
Metropolis Titova
For lunch we decided to try a restaurant recommended by our Host. The menu is international and the Chicken Alfredo was really delicious. So was the walnut and fig ice cream and Pistachio Tiramisu. Check out the menu and prices here.
My Verdict: Recommended
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