Citizens of EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, and many others do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Check with the Bosnian embassy for your nationality.

What currency is used?

The Bosnian Convertible Mark (BAM). EUR is sometimes accepted but change may be given in BAM. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants.

What languages are spoken?

Bosnian, Serbian, and Croatian are official and mutually intelligible. English is spoken by younger people and in tourist areas.

Is it safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, but take standard precautions: avoid poorly lit areas at night, don't accept drinks from strangers, and be aware of occasional street harassment.

What is the tipping etiquette?

Tips are appreciated but not mandatory. 10% at restaurants rounding up the bill is common. Tip hotel staff a few marks.

How much does public transport cost?

A single tram or bus ride costs around 1.50 BAM (~$0.85). Daily passes are available for ~5 BAM.

What souvenirs should I buy?

Copper coffee sets (džezva), handcrafted leather, traditional šargija (string instrument), and local honey or rakija (fruit brandy).

Can I drink tap water?

No – tap water is not recommended. Bottled water is cheap and widely available.

What plug type is used?

Type C and F, standard European plugs (230V, 50Hz). Bring a universal adapter if needed.

Are there any cultural taboos?

Avoid discussing the 1990s war in a casual manner. Do not photograph people without permission, especially in religious settings.

Sarajevo

CityFederation of B&H, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo is a CITY in Federation of B&H, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a captivating city where East meets West. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Baščaršija, the Ottoman-era bazaar, where the scent of ćevapi and freshly brewed Turkish coffee fills the air. Admire the juxtaposition of Islamic minarets, Catholic spires, Orthodox domes, and synagogues, earning it the nickname 'Jerusalem of Europe.' The Latin Bridge, site of Archduke Franz Ferdinand's assassination, and the poignant Tunnel of Hope museum offer deep historical insight. Beyond history, Sarajevo buzzes with vibrant café culture, art galleries, and a burgeoning food scene. Surrounded by the Dinaric Alps, it's also a gateway to skiing and hiking. The city's resilient spirit and warm hospitality make it an unforgettable destination. Budget-friendly and rich in culture, Sarajevo offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy that appeals to history buffs, foodies, and adventure seekers alike.

Best time to visit Sarajevo

The best times are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when temperatures are mild (15–25°C) and tourist crowds are thinner. Summer (July–August) is hot but lively with festivals; winter (December–March) offers skiing on nearby mountains and a quiet, atmospheric city, but expect cold and snow.

October

Now

Right now

Condition: Overcast
Temperature: 5°
Feels like: 4°
Humidity: 82%
Wind: 2 km/h
Precipitation: 0 mm

Typical for October

Weather: Cool 8 to 17°C

Travel notes

Crowds: Medium
Prices: Mid

Autumn colors; still good for hiking before winter.

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

SJJ

Sarajevo International Airport

International

12 km away

TZL

Tuzla International Airport

International

120 km away

Getting around

"The city center is very walkable, especially the old town. Trams, trolleybuses, and buses (operated by GRAS) cover most areas; a single ride costs about 1.50 BAM (~$0.85). Taxis are affordable but insist on using the meter or agree on a price beforehand. Ride-sharing apps like Uber are not available; try local apps like Moovit for routes. For day trips, trains and buses connect to other Bosnian cities and neighboring countries."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

20 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Widely available in hotels, cafes, and tourist areas

Local SIM

Prepaid SIM cards from BH Telecom, HT Eronet, or m:tel available at Sarajevo airport for ~$5 (with data).

Stay safe

Overall

7/10

Generally safe, but petty crime and taxi overcharging are occasional issues.

Night safety

6/10

Generally safe, but petty crime and taxi overcharging are occasional issues.

Transport

8/10

Scam risk

5/10

"Sarajevo is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing and bag-snatching can occur in crowded areas (Baščaršija, public transport). Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas. Be cautious of unofficial taxis (use only licensed ones with meters). Outside the city, heed minefield warnings (marked with red signs). Scams targeting tourists (overcharging, fake police) are rare but possible. Overall, exercise standard urban vigilance."

Police

122

Ambulance

124

Entry and health

Health information

"Tap water is not recommended for drinking; stick to bottled water. Ensure routine vaccinations (hepatitis A, typhoid) are up to date. Medical facilities in Sarajevo are adequate for minor issues, but serious conditions may require evacuation to Western Europe. Carry a basic first-aid kit and any prescription medications. Health insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly advised."

Culture

Local customs

"Dress modestly when entering mosques (cover shoulders, knees, headscarves for women). Greet with a firm handshake and direct eye contact. Remove shoes when entering someone's home. Tipping: 10% at restaurants is appreciated but not mandatory; round up taxi fares. Avoid discussing the 1990s war lightly. Smoking is common indoors in bars and cafes."

Bosnian (official)Croatian (official)Serbian (official)EnglishGermanBosnianCroatianSerbian

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Budget

Meals

$5-10 | A cheap local meal (ćevapi) costs around 5-10 BAM (~$3-5)

Hotels

$30-70 | Budget hotels/hostels $30-50/night, mid-range $50-70

Local transport

$1 | Single public transport ride ~1.50 BAM (~$0.85)

Cost notes

Prices are in Bosnian Marks (BAM); 1 BAM ≈ $0.55 USD/€0.50

Timezone

Europe/Sarajevo
Local time 04:25

More facts

Population

696,731

Type

City

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Bosna-Sarai, SJJ, Saarayego, Saireavo, Sairéavó, Saraeva, Saraevo, Saraevo osh, Saragebo, Saragiebo, Saragievo, Sarajeva, Sarajevas, Sarajevo, Sarajevs, Sarajevu, Sarajevó, Sarajewo, Sarajèvo, Saraxevo, Saraybosna, Sarayevo, Sarayevu, Seraium, Serayevo, Szarajevo, Szarajevó, Vrh Bosna, carayevo, sa la re wo, sai la ye fu, salayebo, saraevo, saraevuo, sarajyww, sarayavea, sarayebho, sarayevho, sarayevo, sarayewo, sarayh ww, sarayww, sarayyfw, srayyfw, srayyww, sryybw, Σαράγεβο, Σαράγιεβο, Σαραγιεβο, Сараева, Сараево, Сараево ош, Сараєво, Сарајево, Сараѥво, Սարաևո, סאראיעווא, סרייבו, ساراجیوو, ساراييفو, سارايېۋو, سارایه وو, سارایوو, سارایێڤۆ, سرائیوو, سراييفو, सारायेव्हो, সারায়েভো, ਸਾਰਾਯੇਵੋ, சாரயேவோ, സരയാവോ, ซาราเยโว, ས་ར་ཇི་བོ།, სარაევო, ሳራዬቮ, サラエヴォ, 塞拉耶佛, 薩拉熱窩, 사라예보, Grad Sarajevo, مدينة سراييفو, Stadt Sarajevo, City of Sarajevo, Ville de Sarajevo, Cidade de Saraxevo, Città di Saraievo, Општина Сараево, Город Сараево, Град Сарајево, Cidade de Saraievo, साराजेवो, Saraievo, ಸಾರಯೇವೊ, സരയേവോ, ဆာရာယေဗိုမြို့, Naatʼáaniikin, Saragefo, Sarajévo, Sarajêvo, سارایاٛ ڤو, سرائیڡو, 萨拉热窝, Saraglium

Capital CityMajor Hub