Tripology Travel Experts Blog

Vacation in Sarajevo, Bosnia

Sarajevo’s streets and people are friendly in such a way that were it not for the bullet riddled buildings, you would not realize how difficult their modern history has been.  The city, through all of the tribulations of the 90s, has remained welcoming to visitors, and is a popular destination for many European travelers.  The pace of life is comfortably, respectably slow, and you will find yourself lingering over coffee for hours in one of the Old City's pedestrian roads.

      Though there are typical tourist sites in the city, a trip to Sarajevo is more about walking around and taking in the history at every corner than burying yourself in a few museums.  The richness of the city doesn’t seem to come from any one thing in particular; you will get the most out of your stay by keeping your eyes open and asking questions to whomever will speak to you about the Seige. (Once you find someone who will open up about it, just listen…the frankness with which they speak of the difficulties is moving.)

      The Tunnel museum is not to be missed.  In the suburb of Butmir, the museum is a family-run enterprise outlining the creation and varied uses of the tunnel that led into the city, ushering in new soldiers, weapons, food and supplies and taking out the wounded and sick.  (At first the operation was so secretive even the president didn’t know about it.)

      If you are not familiar with the details of the longest city siege in history, stop by the Bosnian Historical Museum before taking a tram, taxi, or bus to Butmir.  The pictures are graphic, but the information vital to understanding the city.  It’s located a few blocks down sniper alley, so even getting there will awaken your sense of place.

      The old city, containing the Baščaršija bazaar, is reminiscent of Diagon Alley with its cobbled streets that wind through old wooden vendor stalls full of copperware, clothes, and artisan shops.  Stop in the many mosques and churches, and get a coffee or drink at one of the cafes.  Behind the Old Town is the Latin Bridge, where Serb Gavrilo Princip assasinated Franz Ferdinand, beginning WWI.

      The hills surrounding Sarajevo offer amazing views, but be careful not to leave the paved and graveled paths; there are still uncleared landmines in the area.  Eat at Park Princeva or Kuca, high in the hills surrounding the city, which both offer romantic views with dinner.

      There are two festivals of note in the city:  August’s annual Sarajevo Film Festival and the Winter International Festival, held even during the years of the seige.

      Whichever time of year you choose to visit, Sarajevo is sure to be one of your favorite vacations.  Tripology can help you find cheap flights and accommodation in the city so that you can make the most of your Bosnian vacation.

Share:

20 Responses

You must login to post a comment

Request a Free Quote From up to 3 Travel Specialists

Save time. Great values. Tripology.com






  • Services required:

Subscribe to Tripology Blog

Featured Travel Video

powered by

Watch more travel videos at www.tripfilms.com

Latest Tripology Blog Posts