Sarajevo is renowned for its intriguing architectural medley, vibrant street life and the irrepressible spirit of its people. Yet both despite and really because of this potent history, Sarajevo is place few visitors will forget. The skiing season runs from November to March, with February being generally the best time to visit for reliable piste conditions. Both resorts offer hotels near the slopes. Spring and autumn offer ideal conditions for hiking in the mountains surrounding the city.
Locals love to go to this collection of lush mini-islands at the Bosna River springs for picnics or restaurant lunches on weekends. While summer draws tourists to the wider region, including to Mostar and the Croatian coast , Sarajevo stays cooler and is less thronged with tourists.
Summer is also packed with cultural events, such as the Sarajevo Film Festival in mid-August. A weekend in Sarajevo will give you enough time to stroll the streets, eat out at restaurants and party with the locals. But we recommend adding a day or two on to your trip so you can venture out into the mountains and enjoy a hike or two with dramatic scenery.
Sarajevo is a very walkable city. You can pre-purchase tickets from kiosks, which are located on the main streets and easy to spot, or buy them directly from the driver as you board. Tickets must be validated once aboard; inspections to catch fare beaters are common. When the weather is warm, tables spill onto the streets, and friends gather for hours, chatting and people-watching.
Living outside of my country of origin, I always miss Bosnian food. So when I return, I go for everything: stuffed peppers, tomatoes and onions. Naturally, I also regularly indulge in burek — filo pastry filled with meat, cheese, potato or spinach — and stuffed pita.
