Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sarajevo
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sarajevo
Updated Tue, Nov 11, 2025
Overview
This captivating Balkan capital has survived siege and emerged stronger. Wander through the Turkish bazaar Baščaršija for handmade copper crafts and Bosnian coffee rituals. Locals gather at Ilidža's thermal springs and hidden kafanas serve ćevapi until dawn. The city's resilient spirit shines through art galleries in former war tunnels.
Best time to visit. Visit May through September for warm weather and outdoor cafes. Spring brings blooming gardens while autumn offers fewer crowds. Winter transforms the city into a cozy retreat perfect for kafana hopping.
City stats
Population
395,133
Land area
55 sq. mi.
Currency
Bosnia and Herzegovina convertible mark
Year founded
1461 CE
Official langauge
Bosnian
English speaking
Somewhat spoken, esp. in hospitality
State/Province
Sarajevo Canton
Timezone
Central European (UTC+1)
Driving side
right
Website
Google Maps link
Quick links
How to get there
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Cities within 8 hours
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Breakfast and brunch
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Where to stay for work trips
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Average weather
Country holidays
Major annual events
Cultural tips
City details
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Nearby
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Things to do
Food & restaurants
Work friendly
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 39°F - 27°F | 35°F - 21°F | Cloudy | 7:35 am | 4:45 pm | 8 days 2.7 in | 12 days 6.0 in | 7 mph |
| February | 43°F - 30°F | 39°F - 24°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:10 am | 5:30 pm | 7 days 2.4 in | 9 days 4.6 in | 7 mph |
| March | 52°F - 37°F | 48°F - 32°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:25 am | 6:15 pm | 9 days 3.0 in | 4 days 1.6 in | 7 mph |
| April | 61°F - 43°F | 59°F - 39°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:30 am | 7:05 pm | 11 days 3.2 in | 1 days 0.2 in | 4 mph |
| May | 70°F - 52°F | 70°F - 50°F | Partly Cloudy | 4:50 am | 7:50 pm | 12 days 3.7 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| June | 77°F - 59°F | 79°F - 59°F | Partly Cloudy | 4:30 am | 8:15 pm | 11 days 3.5 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| July | 81°F - 63°F | 84°F - 63°F | Sunny | 4:45 am | 8:05 pm | 8 days 2.8 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| August | 81°F - 63°F | 85°F - 63°F | Sunny | 5:20 am | 7:30 pm | 7 days 2.7 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| September | 73°F - 55°F | 73°F - 54°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:00 am | 6:45 pm | 8 days 3.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| October | 63°F - 46°F | 61°F - 43°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:40 am | 5:50 pm | 9 days 3.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
| November | 50°F - 37°F | 46°F - 32°F | Cloudy | 6:25 am | 4:25 pm | 10 days 3.6 in | 2 days 0.7 in | 7 mph |
| December | 41°F - 30°F | 37°F - 25°F | Cloudy | 7:25 am | 4:15 pm | 9 days 3.1 in | 8 days 3.7 in | 7 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Nationwide celebration of the new year with fireworks, parties, and family gatherings. | Avoid travel; most places closed. | ||
| Orthodox Christmas | January 7 | Christmas celebration for Orthodox Christians with church services and family feasts. | Limited services; festive atmosphere. | ||
| Independence Day | March 1 | Commemorates Bosnia and Herzegovina's independence from Yugoslavia in 1992. | Expect closures; patriotic events. | ||
| Labour Day | May 1 | International Workers' Day with parades, rallies, and family picnics nationwide. | Many closures; outdoor celebrations. | ||
| Eid al-Fitr | Varies (based on Islamic calendar) | Muslim holiday marking the end of Ramadan with prayers, feasts, and family visits. | Festive atmosphere; some closures. | ||
| Eid al-Adha | Varies (based on Islamic calendar) | Important Muslim holiday featuring animal sacrifices, prayers, and family gatherings. | Some closures; religious observances. | ||
| Victory Day | November 25 | Commemorates the 1943 declaration of a democratic Bosnia and Herzegovina. | Some closures; patriotic events. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Christmas celebration for Catholic Christians with church services and family gatherings. | Limited services; festive atmosphere. |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sarajevo Winter Festival | February | Cultural festival featuring theater, music, and film performances across the city | Great time to visit with many cultural events | ||
| MESS International Theatre Festival | October | Premier theater festival showcasing contemporary performances from regional artists | Excellent for culture lovers, venues busy | ||
| Sarajevo Film Festival | August 15-23 | Major international film festival attracting celebrities and film industry professionals | Crowded but exciting, book accommodation early | ||
| Baščaršija Nights | July | Summer cultural event with concerts and performances in the historic old town area | Pleasant summer atmosphere with evening events | ||
| Jazz Fest Sarajevo | November | International jazz festival featuring local and international musicians in various venues | Perfect for jazz enthusiasts, normal tourism |
1 | Greet locals with 'Dobar dan' (good day) or 'Zdravo' (hello). Bosnians appreciate when visitors make an effort to use basic phrases in their language. |
2 | Remove your shoes when entering someone's home. It's customary to leave footwear at the door, so be prepared with clean socks or slippers if offered. |
3 | Be sensitive when discussing the 1990s war. Many locals have personal experiences and losses from this time. Let them bring up the topic if they wish to discuss it. |
4 | Expect coffee invitations. Bosnian coffee culture is important, and locals often invite guests for a leisurely coffee. Accept if you can, as it's a great way to connect. |
5 | Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Cover shoulders and knees in mosques and churches. Women may need to cover their heads in some mosques. |
6 | Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Round up the bill or leave 10-15% in restaurants if you're satisfied with the service. |
7 | Be prepared for a smoking culture. Many public places allow smoking, including some restaurants. Non-smoking areas are becoming more common in larger cities. |
8 | Learn to navigate the complex ethnic dynamics. Bosnia has three main ethnic groups: Bosniaks, Serbs, and Croats. Avoid making assumptions about someone's background. |
9 | Try local specialties like ćevapi (grilled meat fingers) and burek (filled pastry). Food is an important part of Bosnian culture and hospitality. |
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