I returned to the Balkans to visit a few more countries in the region that I missed during my first trip. Bosnia and Herzegovina was my next stop after a brief stay in Serbia.
During my trip I visited Mostar and Sarajevo.
Travel Guide Budget and Itinerary for Sarajevo
Sarajevo is the economic, cultural, and political hub of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It's one of the rare cities in Europe that is home to a synagogue, Orthodox and Catholic church, and a mosque in the same neighborhood. You can see and experience this eclectic mix of cultures while exploring the city. The Ottomans used the city as a stronghold as they ventured into Europe. The outbreak of World War I in 1914 took place because of Franz Ferdinand's assassination in the city. The Bosnian War in the 90s ravaged Sarajevo. Despite its tumultuous past, the city is growing. It's a noteworthy addition to your trip around the Balkans.
Get a Visa
Filipinos need a visa to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, you can enter the country without one if you have a valid multiple entry US or Schengen visa. You can stay up to 90 days. This will be shorter depending on the validity of your visa.
Here are posts that might help you:
How to Get to Sarajevo
You have options when it comes to entering Sarajevo.
By AirThe most convenient way to enter the city is to book a flight. You can find a few flights that take you directly to Sarajevo. My go-to site for looking is www.skyscanner.com. Once oyu find an ideal schedule, you can book directly with the airline.
By LandIf Bosnia and Herzegovina are part of a longer trip around the Balkans, you can travel by bus to enter the country. You can get bus tickets from Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, and Belgrade just to name a few cities. I book tickets through www.flixbus.com.
Things to Do in Sarajevo
Bosnia and Herzegovina provides a mix of eastern and western influence. You can see this when you explore the historic center. You can add these attractions and things to do when you plan your budget and itinerary for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Baščaršija BazaarThis old bazaar dates to the time of Sarajevo's founding in the 15th century. It's the historical and cultural beating heart of the city where you'll find centuries old buildings. Some of the historically important buildings in the area include the Emperor's Mosque, Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, Baščaršija Mosque, Old Synagogue, and the Old Church just to name a few. The historic center has a mix of Islamic, Jewish, and Christian heritage as exemplified by the different places of worship built in it over the centuries. You can also find several shops and restaurants while exploring the area.
SebiljThe Sebilj is one of the most recognizable structures in Sarajevo's historic center. Mehmed Pasha Kukavica had this Ottoman-stlye fountain built in the 1750s. Alexander Wittek (an Austrian architect) had it relocated in the 1890s.
Gazi Husrev-beg MosqueThis mosque is the largest in the country and is historically significant. It dates to the 16th century and is a fine example of Ottoman architecture in the region. Many locals still go to the mosque to worship and pray, specifically for Friday noon prayers or jumu'ah.
Sarajevo City HallThe City Halls is one of the most recognizable buildings in Sarajevo. Its style is a reminder of the Austro-Hungarian influence of the city. Construction began in the 1890s and finished in the same decade. Its attention grabbing yellow facade makes for a good photo op. Restoration took place over the years. The City Hall reopened in May 2014. It is the headquarters of the city council and the mayor.
Sacred Heart CathedralIn Sarajevo you'll see mosques, an Orthodox church, a synagogue, and also a Catholic church. The Sacred Heart Cathedral is the largest cathedral in the country. Construction began and finished in the 1880s.
Latin BridgeThis bridge connects both banks of the city and dates to the Ottoman times. It's also the site where Gavrilo Princip assassinated Austria's Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914. The assassination led to the outbreak of World War I.
Yellow FortressThis fort was part of the city's defensive wall. It's also one of the best spots to get overlooking views of the city. Try going early so that you can get a good place to view the sunset.
Day Trip to MostarWhen planning your budget and itinerary for Sarajevo, you should definitely include a day trip or overnight stay in Mostar. It got its name from the bridge keepers that protected the Stari Most (Old Bridge) during the times of the Ottomans. The Old Bridge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Suleiman the Magnificent had it built in the 16th century. Walking around Mostar is like stepping into a time warp with its many old and historic buildings.
Other places you might want to include in your budget and itinerary for Sarajevo include:
- Abandoned Olympic bobsleigh track
- Trebević Mountain
- Sarajevo War Tunnel
- Gallery 11/07/95
Getting around Sarajevo
It's easy to get around Sarajevo on foot. However, if you don't want to walk everywhere you can take public transportation, taxis, and rent a bike or scooter. You can buy a transport ticket in one of the kiosks which you'll use for trams, buses, and trolleybuses.
Where to Stay in Sarajevo
Sarajevo is an affordable city where you can find all sorts of accommodation based on your budget. I stay in hostels because they offer the lowest prices, especially if you stay in the dorm. I often use www.booking.com when I look for accommodation. You can use the site when you're planning your budget and itinerary for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Budget for Sarajevo
Sarajevo (and the country in general) is an affordable addition to your trip around Europe. Food, accommodation, and transportation are all cheap. The country uses the Bosnian Mark or BAM as its currency. A budget of BAM 100 or just around €50 a day can get you a bed in a hostel dorm, use of public transportation, food and drinks, and a few attractions. You can add to that amount or spend less depending on your travel style. I ate at a few touristic restaurants and got to buy a few souvenirs with that budget. I was also able to visit Mostar during my trip.
Other places you might want to visit while in the region include:
Itinerary for Sarajevo
You could visit a lot of places in Sarajevo in one day and an extra day will give you enough time to visit Mostar. You can use your third day in the city to just walk around the old bazaar, eat and/or drink, and soak in the atmosphere.
Day 1Baščaršija Bazaar
Sebilj
Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque
Sarajevo City Hall
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Latin Bridge
Yellow Fortress
Day 2Visit Mostar for a day
Day 3You can spend the day revisiting or hanging out in your favorite parts in the city
If you have the time and the budget, you can extend your stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina to see more of what the country has to offer.