Welcome to Sarajevo, a city steeped in history, culture, and resilience. Nestled within the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo is a captivating blend of East and West, where centuries-old traditions meet modern-day vibrancy. With its rich tapestry of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav influences, Sarajevo offers visitors a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

In this bustling metropolis, where minarets punctuate the skyline and cobblestone streets weave through a maze of charming neighbourhoods, every corner tells a story. From the echoes of the past in the Old Town to the recent scars of the Bosnian war, Sarajevo beckons travellers to immerse themselves in its captivating atmosphere.

Join me on this 3-day itinerary of Sarajevo as we explore its iconic landmarks, savour its culinary delights, and uncover the hidden gems that make Sarajevo a destination like no other!

Sarajevo: 3 day itinerary

• Day 1:

  • Morning: Sarajevo Walking tour:

    • Sebilj Fountain

    • Gazi Husrev-beg's Madrasa

    • Gazi Husrev-beg's Mosque

    • Blacksmith Market & Caravanserai

    • City Hall

    • Latin Bridge

    • Cathedral Church of the Nativity

    • Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

  • Afternoon

    • Srebrenica Genocide Memorial Exhibition

• Day 2:

  • Morning: Sarajevo Jewish Heritage Tour

    • Museum of the Jews of Bosnia and Herzegovina

    • Ashkenazi Synagogue

    • Bosnian Cultural Centre

    • Synagogue of Mejtaš

    • Old Jewish Cemetery

    • National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina

    • Sarajevo Haggadah

  • Afternoon:

    • City Hall (interior)

• Day 3:

  • Fall of Yugoslavia Tour

    • Tunnel of Hope

    • Sniper Alley

    • Trebević Mountain

    • Yellow Fortress

Day 1

Sarajevo walking tour

With a legacy shaped by centuries of diverse influences, Sarajevo stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of its people amidst the trials of time. From its origins as a bustling Ottoman frontier town to its pivotal role in the tumultuous events of the 20th century, Sarajevo's storied past is etched into every cobblestone, Mosque, and cathedral that grace its winding streets.

To start my 3-day visit to this wonderful city, I joined the Sarajevo walking tour with GetYourGuide, operated by Meet Bosnia Tour. The tour promised to unveil the city's vibrant tapestry of history and culture.

Setting off at 10:30am, our group meandered through the cobblestone streets of old-town Sarajevo, where centuries-old landmarks whispered tales of bygone eras. There’s no better way to get familiar with this incredible city!

Sebilj Fountain

The first part of the tour focused on the Ottoman past of Sarajevo, so the the first stop was the famous Sebilj Fountain. Nestled in the heart of Baščaršija neighbourhood, the fountain is a symbol of Sarajevo's cultural heritage. Constructed in the 18th century during the Ottoman era, the Sebilj Fountain served as a public water fountain, providing clean drinking water to the residents of Sarajevo. Its name, "Sebilj," is derived from the Arabic word "sabil," meaning a public fountain or watering place. The fountain's intricate design features ornate arches, domes, and spires, adorned with intricate carvings and geometric patterns characteristic of Ottoman architecture.

Beyond its practical function, the Sebilj Fountain holds symbolic significance as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Throughout history, it has served as a central meeting point in Sarajevo, where people come together to socialize, share news, and enjoy the ambience of the bustling Baščaršija district. Today, the Sebilj Fountain remains a beloved symbol of Sarajevo's cultural identity, drawing tourists and locals alike to its picturesque surroundings, where they can savour the charm and history of this enchanting city.

Gazi Husrev-beg's Madrasa

We continued to the Gazi Husrev-beg's Madrasa, an esteemed educational institution located in Sarajevo. Founded in the 16th century by Gazi Husrev-beg, a prominent Ottoman governor and philanthropist, the madrasa holds significant cultural and religious importance in the region.

Established in 1537, Gazi Husrev-beg's Madrasa is one of the oldest Islamic educational institutions in the Balkans. It was part of a larger charitable complex built by Gazi Husrev-beg, which also included a mosque, library, and public kitchen (imaret). The madrasa played a crucial role in the intellectual and religious life of Sarajevo, offering education in Islamic sciences, theology, Arabic language, and literature.

Architecturally, Gazi Husrev-beg's Madrasa is a masterpiece of Ottoman design, characterized by its elegant blend of Islamic and Byzantine influences. The building features a central courtyard surrounded by classrooms, lecture halls, and dormitories for students. The façade is adorned with intricate calligraphy and geometric patterns, reflecting the artistic and cultural richness of the Ottoman Empire.

Throughout its long history, Gazi Husrev-beg's Madrasa has served as a centre for religious and cultural learning, nurturing generations of scholars and leaders. Today, the madrasa continues to uphold its legacy as a respected educational institution, offering courses in Islamic studies and providing a space for dialogue, reflection, and intellectual growth.

Gazi Husrev-beg's Mosque

Right across the street, you’ll find the magnificent Gazi Husrev-beg's Mosque, one of the most significant architectural and religious landmarks in Sarajevo. Gazi Husrev Beg’s Mosque is the most monumental mosque of the Ottoman period and one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The mosque was built by Gazi Husrev Beg and designed by Ajam Asir Ali, who was the chief architect of the Ottoman Empire at that time.

Above the entrance to the mosque, an epigram was engraved on a tablet of stone on the occasion of the building of the mosque. The numerical values of the Arabic letters in the last verse give us the year in which the mosque was built: 1530 to 1531 according to the Gregorian calendar.

The central space of the mosque, which is 13m in width and length, is vaulted by a dome which is 26m in height. The central space, on its left and right side, extends into tatimas (side spaces), both of which are square-shaped and in 6,5m in width and length and both of which have separate entrances. The frontal part is dominated by marble pillars which carry the arches of the portico of the mosque. The arches separate the portico into five rectangular domed spaces. From the minaret, which is 45m in height, the voice of a muezzin resounds five times a day calling the believers to prayers, and this has been a tradition ever since the mosque was built.

Adjacent to the mosque stands the iconic clock tower, known locally as Sahat Kula. Built in 1637, the clock tower served as a timekeeping device for the citizens of Sarajevo during the Ottoman era. Its distinctive octagonal shape and tall spire make it a recognizable symbol of the city's historical heritage. The clock tower's mechanism, which was originally powered by a weight-driven system, has been modernized over the years, but it still retains its original charm and significance.

On the eastern side of the mosque, there are two mausoleums which Gazi Husrev Beg ordered to be built during his lifetime. The bigger mausoleum houses today the grave of Gazi Husrev Beg, while in the smaller one Murat Beg Tardič was buried, Gazi’s commander and later also the sanjakbey and the first administrator of Gazi Husrev Beg’s Waqf.

Blacksmith Market & Caravanserai

We continued wandering the narrow streets of the Blacksmith Market, or Kovači, the traditional hub for blacksmiths and metalworkers who crafted a variety of tools, weapons, and household items. Situated near the Gazi Husrev-beg's Mosque, this market thrived as artisans showcased their craftsmanship and traded their goods with locals and travellers passing through Sarajevo. Today, while the blacksmith trade has diminished, the area retains its historical charm and is home to a variety of souvenir shops and cafes, offering visitors a glimpse into Sarajevo's artisanal past.

Adjacent to the Blacksmith Market is the Caravanserai Morića Han, a well-preserved example of an Ottoman-era caravanserai, or inn. Built in the 16th century, this caravanserai provided accommodation, storage, and other amenities for merchants and their animals travelling along the Silk Road and other trade routes. The Caravanserai Morića Han features a central courtyard surrounded by covered galleries and rooms, where travellers could rest and conduct business in safety and comfort. Today, the caravanserai has been restored and repurposed as a cultural centre, hosting exhibitions, events, and performances that celebrate Sarajevo's diverse heritage.

City Hall

As we strolled along, the Sarajevo City Hall certainly stood out among the ancient Ottoman buildings. Constructed between 1892 and 1894 during the Austro-Hungarian period, the Sarajevo City Hall was designed by Czech architect Karel Paržik. The building is an exquisite example of neo-Moorish architectural style, characterized by its intricate facade, domed towers, and ornate decorations. Inspired by Islamic and Moorish architectural motifs, Vijecnica's design reflects Sarajevo's multicultural heritage and its role as a meeting point of East and West.

Throughout its history, the Sarajevo City Hall has served as a symbol of civic pride and cultural identity for the residents of Sarajevo. It originally housed the city government and administrative offices, as well as a library and cultural centre. The building quickly became a centre of intellectual and cultural life in Sarajevo, hosting lectures, exhibitions, and social gatherings that brought together the city's diverse communities.

Tragically, during the Bosnian War in the 1990s, the Sarajevo City Hall suffered extensive damage when it was targeted by artillery fire. The building's magnificent interior, including its priceless collection of books and manuscripts, was nearly destroyed in the ensuing fire. However, in the years following the war, extensive efforts were made to restore Vijecnica to its former glory.

Don’t forget to visit the building inside to admire the incredible design and decorations. I didn’t have enough time during my walking tour, so I’d return here on my second day to learn more about this stunning building.