Are there still secret places left to discover in Europe? Absolutely. Experience Europe off the beaten track. Today I'd like to share an article about Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina. My series "Travel off the Beaten Track" consists of ten different episodes and intends to inspire you for one of your next journeys! Enjoy.
Sarajevo: The Hidden Gem Among the Capital Cities
Europe is one of the most popular travel destinations on earth. The countries within Europe generate massive tourism figures from both within the continent, and from every corner of the globe. You’re probably very familiar with Europe’s most famous tourist destinations, including London, Paris and the South of France, Italy, and even parts of Germany. While there are definitely great things to see in all these places, they can often feel crowded, over commercialized, and lacking in charm.
If you want to have a unique experience, then you’ll need to travel Europe off the beaten track. I’ve discovered that Sarajevo is one option that won’t disappoint; offering a visitor’s experience that feels fresh and exciting.
About Sarajevo
The capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo is home to more than half a million people in the city center and nearby areas. It’s a city that’s rich in history, with formal settlement of the area being traced back to at least the 13th century. The city has been part of the medieval Kingdom of Bosnia, and of the Ottoman Empire which spanned much of Southeast Europe and the Mediterranean basin.
Sarajevo has seen tough times and even war in recent memory. However, the city is now peaceful, progressive, and highly developed. It is home to a friendly populace and charming architecture that gives it the feeling of being a true European hidden gem.
Getting to Sarajevo
As the capital and largest city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo is easy to access. There are direct flights from most major centers in Europe to Sarajevo International airport, which is just a few kilometers outside of the city proper. If you are traveling from outside of Europe, particularly from the other side of the Atlantic, then connecting flights through London’s Heathrow Airport are available.
There are rail services into Sarajevo, with daily connections coming from Zagreb in Croatia, and the seaport of Ploče near Dubrovnik, also in Croatia. Note: At the moment there is no operation of international trains. Please check this website for updates.
Air is obviously the best way to get into the city, however, rail can offer a unique experience if you will be traveling through Croatia before you get to Sarajevo.
If you have a car and are traveling through Southeast Europe then you will find that there are high quality road connections throughout Sarajevo / Bosnia, and the surrounding countries.
What to Do in Sarajevo
There’s plenty to do in Sarajevo, and it’s one of those cities that can offer something for everyone. Whether you like to mingle with the locals with great nightlife, or explore history, you’ll find something to love when you travel to Sarajevo.
Visit the Yellow Fortress (Žuta Tabija)
Ask any cab driver or local in the city and you won’t have trouble finding the Yellow Fortress. You can even walk to the fortress from the city if you don’t mind the exercise. This is a great way to get acquainted with the city, and you’ll take more in than if you were to simply jump in a taxi.
The Yellow Fortress sits above Sarajevo and offers one of the best views of the surrounding areas. The ruins are known locally as Zuta Tabija. Translating to Yellow Fortress or Yellow Bastion in English, this walled area has been destroyed and rebuilt many times throughout the history of Sarajevo. The whole area is rich in history, dating back to AD 1727. The Walled City of Vratnik and the Yellow Fortress needs to be seen by anybody who is interested in the history of Sarajevo and European history in general.
The Sarajevo War Tunnel is also a popular attraction for visitors. There’s a guided museum tour available, known as the Sarajevo Tunnel of Hope Museum Tour. The tour focuses on the history of the Siege of Sarajevo during the Bosnian War of the 1990s.
Take a Day Trip from Sarajevo
If you want to see more of the country including beautiful architecture and natural landscapes, then you can take a day trip out from Sarajevo to Mostar and other cities in the nearby areas. There are guided tours available, some which include breakfast and lunch, and an opportunity to taste traditional Bosnian pie. If you are someone who loves to take in as much of a country as possible in a relatively short time, then a Sarajevo daytrip should be on your list of things to do.
Enjoy Nightlife and Meet the Locals
There are several bars, cluqbs, and wine bars to enjoy in Sarajevo. A wine bar would be a great way to wind down after a long day of touring, and you’ll be able to sample vintages from Bosnia and the surrounding regions. La Cava is the name of a popular wine bar with great food. It’s located on Kundurdziluk 1 in Sarajevo.
The Brew Pub is another popular bar with both visitors and locals. It’s a craft brewery where you can discover Sarajevo’s growing micro brew scene. The atmosphere is perfect and it’s one of the best bars that you’ll find on the Balkan Peninsula. It’s located on Kranjceviceva 18 in Sarajevo, and local taxis as well as hotel staff will be familiar with the area.
Take the Family Out to Sunnyland
If you’re traveling with family, then this would be a great place to visit. Sunnyland is an amusement park that is set high up in the mountains above Sarajevo. You will be above the clouds here, giving you amazingly picturesque views. There’s a restaurant located here, as well as an alpine rollercoaster. This is one of the highest roller-coasters in the world by elevation. If you are going to travel to Sarajevo and want to add some excitement to your trip, then this is one destination that you shouldn’t miss. There are cable cars running from Sarajevo up to the mountain where Sunnyland is located.
Don’t Pass on the Opportunity to Visit Sarajevo
Sarajevo is one of the true hidden gems of Europe. You’ll find a trip to this city will be extremely rewarding, with wonderful people, great sights, and a progressive culture that is recovering well from a tumultuous history.
If you really want to see Europe off the beaten track, then Sarajevo is a city that you should not miss!
Best regards, Stefan.
Feedback appreciated!
- Have you ever visited Sarajevo?
- If not, would you consider to do so?
- Do you have any additional tips for what to do in Sarajevo?
About @stefan.travels: I'm a passionate traveller and like to share my stories and thoughts to inspire others. So you'll find tips, pictures and thoughts about travelling to beautiful places on my account. If you like my posts, please leave an upvote or comment. If you don't like them, just do the same. ;-) Following attracts good karma as well... :-)