Last year when my sister quit her job to write romance novels full time and was looking for a cheap city to live in I suggested she move to Sarajevo. I had heard that Bosnia and Herzegovina is stunning, and Sarajevo has a wonderful European feel to it.
She didn’t take my advice (shocker).
Then over Christmas my mother and grandmother were trying to decide on a place in Europe to meet up over the summer and I suggested they go to Sarajevo!
They didn’t take my advice either (they chose Paris instead).
While I was tempted to point out to everyone that I write a travel blog, so they should totally take my travel advice, I hadn’t actually ever been to Bosnia before so like, I guess it was fair for them to ignore me.
But I just knew Sarajevo would be amazing! And you guys, it really is.
The entire country – or at least what I saw of it – is breathtaking. In fact, it’s almost absurdly beautiful – as we crossed into Bosnia from Serbia Dan and I kept exchanging stunned looks because it really looked like we had just fallen into a painting. It didn’t seem real.
While traveling along a bright turquoise river, winding through lush green mountains, Dan and I decided that Bosnia and Herzegovina is the second most beautiful country either of us has visited (my number one pick is Norway, while Dan’s is New Zealand).
And then we arrived in Sarajevo.
Oh how I wish my family had taken my advice – everyone needs to see this lovely, lovely city!
With its narrow cobblestone streets, majestic mosques, delicious food (mmm cevapi!), hilltop views, and super friendly locals, it’s hard to understand why Sarajevo isn’t flooded with tourists, travelers, and all the backpackers.
Well, that’s not entirely true. I have an idea why.
While my memories from the early 90s are hazy at best, anyone a little older might just associate Sarajevo with one thing: the Bosnian War. Trying to understand what on earth the Yugoslav Wars were even about is no easy feat, but judging from all the bullet holes on buildings throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, it was brutal. The Siege of Sarajevo lasted nearly four years and was the longest in modern warfare.
Before spending time in the Balkans I had a vague idea that Serbia was the bad guy in the conflict, but the more I learn about it the more complicated it proves to be. Like, maybe one of the worst players was actually the U.N.? Apparently a lot of European leaders were very wary of having an independent Muslim state in Europe.
Uh, what?!
It’s all very confusing, but watching Miss Sarajevo at least gave me a small sense of what happened in Sarajevo. Plus, it features the world’s spunkiest girls! Highly recommended for anyone thinking of traveling to Sarajevo. Or anyone who is a human.
And yet Sarajevo also happens to be home to the bridge where Franz Ferdinand was shot, kicking off the First World War. I’ll bet $5 you can’t walk across it without getting goosebumps.
Did I leave Sarajevo wishing I could have stayed longer? Yes.
Do I still crave every dish I ate in Sarajevo? Yes.
Am I telling every backpacker I see to turn around and book a trip to Sarajevo? Yes.
Did I visit the abandoned bobsleigh track from the 1984 Olympics? Yes. You can read all about my visit to Sarajevo’s abandoned bobsleigh track here!
In Sarajevo we stayed at Travellers Home Hostel which was AMAZING – highly recommended. It’s in a gorgeous building, and the staff are just so nice and helpful. If you’re heading to Sarajevo on a budget you have to stay there! Check current rates and availability here
If you’re looking for something a bit nicer, then I can also highly recommend Hotel Michele in the old town center – the inside is absolutely gorgeous. Check current rates and availability here
Have you traveled to Sarajevo yet?
Megan says
i love sarajevo. it was such a refreshing city for me to visit. and youre right- bosnis and herzegovina is a stunning country and next to the US and a few other places, the most beautiful (and strangely diverse) landscape i had seen in years. i loved sarajevos cafe culture and the people so much. i actually was supposed to head there and then back to croatia to fly back to norway but cancelled my ticket instead and stayed in sarajevo longer 😉
Silvia says
Reading about your time in Sarajevo was one of the reasons I knew I’d love it! Though I hadn’t been prepared for how beautiful the Bosnian countryside was. So, so amazing!
Charli says
I’m going to Sarajevo next month and am so excited! I’m so happy you’ve given it a rave review as it does still seem to be one of the lesser talked about European cities. I’m also very intrigued by the bobsleigh track- I look forward to hearing more about it soon! Charli
Silvia says
You’re going to absolutely adore Sarajevo, I’m sure of it!
Karisa @ Flirting with the Globe says
I’m glad you enjoyed Sarajevo. I traveled to Sarajevo for the first time this past November and LOVED it! Did you make it to Mostar or anywhere else in BiH?
Silvia says
I was going to go to Mostar, but then when I saw how beautiful the countryside was I decided to camp near the Drina instead! I definitely want to explore more of the country in the future though!
Sarah says
Wonderful post!
“Zlata’s Diary” is a wonderful book that details the Siege of Sarajevo and a eleven year old girl’s experience. It details the bridge and has wonderful drawings from her diary.
http://www.amazon.com/Zlatas-Diary-Wartime-Sarajevo-Revised/dp/0143036874
Silvia says
Oh wow, Zlata’s Diary sounds wonderful – I’ll definitely check it out!
jennifer says
When I went to Bosnia, I was intending to go to Mostar. I had to go through Sarajevo and I did not want to leave once I got there. It is such a pretty city and then you see the war remnants and it just strikes you. I must go back.
Silvia says
Right? Sarajevo is such a crazy mixture of beautiful and heartbreaking. I want to go back too!
Jenia says
Sarajevo has been on my short list of places I must make it to soon. We visited Serbia last fall, and the reminders of the war are still over the city, as well as, on people’s minds. I struggled to grasp it all too, but hopefully visiting other coutnries who were once part of Yugoslavia will help with that. Beautiful photos!
Silvia says
It was very strange visiting different areas of former Yugoslavia and trying to understand what happened there in the 90s. What I do know is that every place I saw was beautiful!
Eden says
You’ve just inspired me to visit here, definitely adding Sarajevo to my bucket list. Looks beautiful!
http://www.mintnotion.com
Silvia says
Sarajevo absolutely deserves a place on that list!
Kaelene @Unlocking Kiki says
Sarajevo looks so beautiful! We all should listen to you and head that way 🙂
Christina - CavaforLunch.com says
I’d love to visit Sarajevo one day. Actually, one of my best friends was born in Bosnia during the conflict, and her parents always told us stories about the beautiful Sarajevo while we were growing up. I really need to visit 🙂
Silvia says
Oh wow, that’s really crazy. I’m sure Sarajevo would be extra interesting for you then!
Isabel says
I just visited this beautiful city last week. It is breathtaking! So different and upbeat. Your family should have taken your advice, haha!
Silvia says
Right?! Next time they should take my advice, ha.
Camille says
I actually think this is the first time I see pictures of Sarajevo! I love that you’re putting all these less-obvious destinations on the map for me 🙂
Silvia says
It’s strange that Sarajevo isn’t a bigger destination – but good news for those of us who do go 🙂
anne says
Have you read Joe Sacco? His graphic novels about the wars are marvelous & haunting–I was a little obsessed after visiting last year. Worth checking out!
Silvia says
Ooh no! I haven’t read much of anything from the region, so I’ll definitely need to check out Joe Sacco. Thanks for the tip, Anne!
Maria's Adventure says
So beautiful! Bosnia is a country I really hope to visit soon, both Sarajevo and Mostar looks amazing!
Silvia says
And I want to go back to Bosnia soon!
Ira says
It’s funny, when I hear bobsledding track I think Cool Runnings. Is this the right bobsled track where Jamaica ALMOST triumphed?
Silvia says
I kept thinking that too!
ariana says
I am so happy you LOVED Sarajevo, and i am happy more and more people are visiting B&H (my whole reason i started my blog this year). Alot of people still think of it as a war zone, and not a tourist hot spot. But im glad thats changing 🙂
Ariana
Silvia says
I can’t wait to return to B&H and see more! I’ll have to check out your blog for inspiration 🙂
Sarah (Jetsetting Fools) says
We just spent 10 days in Sarajevo and found it absolutely fascinating. Parts of it were so stunningly beautiful and other parts were gut-wrenching and difficult to comprehend. But, the people were amazing (and so was the food)! We probably would not have gone if we hadn’t have visited Mostar earlier this year. Now, after visiting both cities, we want to explore more of the country. Like you said, it’s like being dropped into a painting.
Silvia says
I would love to explore more of Bosnia as well. So glad to hear that you enjoyed it!
Prachi Sharma says
Wow, That’s one beautiful blog. Bosnia is surely one of the underrated tourist destination.
Silvia says
It really is so underrated!
Raza says
I’m glad that so many people have an interest in Sarajevo! I’ve been to several cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina and I write about them on my blog. I hope you’ll check it out if you’re interested!
Sandra says
Sarajevo is lovely, I’ve been there a few years ago on a tour. I liked Baščaršija the most, so cute.
Mia says
Hi ,
you really inspired me to go there. Bosnia has been in my wishlist for years.
I’ve been looking for someone to review this place and guess what i found you.
BTW, when should i visit there? any recommendation?
Thanks a lot.
Hugs and Kisses from Malaysia
Mia
Silvia says
I loved visiting in the early summer, but other seasons are probably also nice!
Sarah says
Bosnia is visually stunning, but the best part about the country are its warm people and fabulous food.
Silvia says
I agree!
Sonia Jaeger says
Just arrived in Sarajevo and checking out some blog posts before heading out to explore! Already enjoying the vibe and our little balcony on the hill with a view 🙂
Silvia says
I hope you’re loving it as much as I did!
The Flying Roller says
Loved your blog, loved your narration. We visited Bosnia and Herzegovina, and found it very beautiful as you have mentioned. The summer there is very nice and people were so kind.
Silvia says
Seriously, the people there are the nicest!
Joe says
Guys,
If you are going to Mostar, you have to visit two restaurants….Romanca (http://hercegovinavino.com/en/romanca) (it is in a vineyard on the outskirts of the city. The second one if Restoran Del Rio (https://www.facebook.com/DelRioMostar/?fref=ts). Both have incredible food!! Del Rio has the best calamari that I have ever tasted in my life!! And that is coming from a seafood junkie.
I am absolutely in love with this beautiful country!!!!
Check out this new video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIQx1h7ZZsc
Svjetski putnik says
As travel blogger, I’m really happy when I see other travelers write nice things about my country. I’m glad you had a nice time in Sarajevo. You should visit Bosnia and Herzegovina again, and explore other parts of country. These are some locations I recommend: Mostar, Počitelj, Radimlja stećci, Blagaj, Kravice waterfalls, Jajce, Sutjeska, Ostrožac…
Silvia says
Ooh thank you so much for the tips! I’m dying to go back to Bosnia and Herzegovina, so I will remember these places.
Tomasz says
Sarajevo is just an amazing place! Such a salad of cultural influences and the poeple who, despite the experiences of war over the course of time, seem to only want one thing – peace and good time singing, smoking, drinking and, of course!, neverendingly talking! Sarajevo is my love in Europe, no doubt.
Ishmael says
As I write these lines, the U.S.Embassy in Sarajevo reports a PM2.5 level of 177. I live in Madrid (Spain), where we are covered by a sordid brown dome of pollution, and yet here we are registering a meager 50. I consider myself a healthy person, I never catch colds, have no serious allergies, etc. and yet last November (2018), no sooner than I touched down in Sarajevo, I was immediately onslaught by congestion, headaches and an irritated throat. (And no sooner than I left for the countryside, I was cured!) For getting a peek into a different world, I am willing to suffer such inconveniences. Not sure that I’d enjoy living there for very long. Nor would I use the word “lovely” in such a context.
Clazz says
This post has got me SO excited for Sarajevo, I’m headed there in just over a month! Though the first comment worries me a little bit, lol. It looks nice though, even with the war torn signs.
ALEX THOMPSON says
Great Post!!! I truly believe that there is much more to explore new places. The world has incredible beauty which makes us visit new places for sure.
Alice says
My trip to Sarajevo was an amazing experience. The city is full of vibrant culture and history, and the people were incredibly friendly and welcoming. I had a great time exploring the city and trying the local cuisine. Highly recommend.