£28+ Cheap flights to Sarajevo

Sarajevo overview

Sarajevo, the cosmopolitan capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a city of contrasts between the past and the present and the Orient and the West.  With a small population of just over 400,000, it is a lively, interesting and cultural place to explore. In the cobbled streets of the old town both Catholic and Orthodox churches sit comfortably alongside mosques and synagogues. Sarajevo was the site of the 1914 assassination of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand, triggering the First World War and a plaque at the Latin Bridge commemorates this event, and there is a small museum nearby. A pleasant walk along the River Bosna will lead visitors to the Yellow Fort with its commanding views of the city and surrounding mountains. A 20-minute stroll in the opposite direction leads into the heart of the beautiful countryside and the source of the river. Visitors interested in the city’s history will enjoy a visit to Sarajevo Museum, where the area’s origins are traced back through prehistory, the Roman Empire and subsequent occupations. A more intimate look at the past can be found in a visit to Svrzo House. This is an 18th century Ottoman house showing how the Svrzo family lived.

Getting around Sarajevo

The historic centre of Sarajevo is easy to explore on foot but there is also an efficient public transport system. Tickets for the buses or trams can either be bought in advance from kiosks or, more expensively, from the driver. The tram loops through the city, linking the centre to the mainline station and the Bascarsija Square. Visitors wishing to take a guided tour will find several available in the city including, amongst others, a daily free walking tour and the Sarajevo Siege Tour. One thing visitors need to bear in mind is that all passports have to be registered with the local police if staying at a private residence, with friends or families, foreign passport holders will have to report to a police station within 24 hours of arrival. If you are staying in a hotel, this will not be required.

Getting from the Airport to the City

Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) is situated connect you a convenient 3.5 miles from the city centre, with a direct bus service linking the airport to the town. For a more interesting arrival, visitors can take a bus to Nedzarici and then continue their journey by tram. Taxis are available at the airport but charge a high and non-negotiable rate, so unless carrying heavy luggage or arriving in the early hours, using public transport is the best option. Many hotels will run a shuttle service to the airport. Visitors wishing to hire a car to explore the city or surrounding countryside will find the desks of several international car hire companies at the arrivals hall.