Sarajevo – The City that Unites East and West
Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a destination that takes you into two worlds at once. In its streets, you encounter the atmosphere of both East and West, with Islamic tradition standing side by side with Christianity, and the old embracing the new. It is a city that still carries the scars of the 1990s war, yet at the same time it bursts with life, warm hospitality, and a culture that fascinates every visitor. Most impressive of all, within the same square you can find an Orthodox church, a synagogue, and a mosque — a powerful symbol of peaceful coexistence among different religions that makes Sarajevo truly unique in the Balkans.
How We Got to Sarajevo
Our trip began with Ryanair, with tickets costing only €40 round trip, making Sarajevo an incredibly affordable destination. Since we wanted to explore more than just the capital — with plans to visit Mostar and Konjic — we decided to rent a car from Enterprise (Enterprise Sarajevo Airport), which turned out to be a very practical choice for getting around.
At first, we had booked accommodation in the city center, but due to some issues with the host we had to cancel. Out of respect, we won’t publicly mention the property’s name, but if anyone wants to avoid it, feel free to contact us directly.
In the end, we stayed just 15 minutes outside the center at a four-star hotel, which turned out to be an excellent choice: New Hotel Sarajevo. It offered comfortable rooms, free breakfast, free parking, excellent service, and very good value for money — we highly recommend it.
First Day in Sarajevo
After settling into the New Hotel Sarajevo and leaving behind the hassle with our initial accommodation, our first day started with a sense of urgency, as we wanted to explore the city center before nightfall.
Our first stop was the historic Baščaršija, the heart of the old town, where cobblestone streets and small shops with handmade products create a unique and charming atmosphere. Here, we took our first memorable photos at the Sebilj Fountain, the famous wooden fountain that has become a symbol of the square.
Next, we couldn’t leave without trying the traditional ćevapi, small grilled meat sausages served with somun bread and fresh onions — the perfect introduction to Bosnian cuisine. We also picked up some souvenirs from the first day to keep the memories of our Sarajevo adventure alive.
As sunset approached, we headed to the Yellow Fortress , one of the best spots in the city for panoramic views. From there, our eyes wandered over the minarets, red-tiled roofs, and surrounding mountains, while the setting sun painted the sky in magical colors — an unforgettable sight.
After the sunset, we made our way back to the city center, strolling along the Miljacka River, enjoying the beautiful evening views and photographing the impressive City Hall. Our walk concluded at a traditional local café, where we savored künefe, a sweet cheese dessert with syrup, and a meat pie, indulging in authentic Bosnian flavors before heading back to the hotel to rest..
Our first day in Sarajevo was filled with sights, tastes, and small adventures — just a glimpse of what the city had in store for us in the coming days.
Second Day in Sarajevo – The Tunnel of Salvation
Our second day started calmly. After a good night’s sleep, we enjoyed breakfast at the hotel, accompanied by traditional Bosnian coffee, served with a touch of sweetness and a special ritual that makes it unique. We prepared our camera, full of anticipation for the day’s exploration, and headed to one of the city’s most historically significant sites: the Tunnel of Salvation (Tunel Spasa).
The Tunnel of Salvation is not just a tourist attraction — it is a living monument to resistance and survival during the war of the 1990s. The tunnel was secretly built beneath Sarajevo International Airport to connect the besieged city with the outside world. Through this narrow and dark passage, residents could transport food, medicine, weapons, and even escape from the siege that lasted nearly four years.
During our visit, we walked through the original section of the tunnel, observing the walls that still bear the marks of the rapid construction and the anonymity of those who built it. The accompanying museum displays photos, objects, and personal stories from that period, giving a moving insight into daily life under siege and the strength of human resilience.
Tip: From the courtyard of the Tunnel of Salvation, you can also watch airplanes taking off and landing, as the site is located right next to the Sarajevo runway. It’s a small but exciting experience for photography enthusiasts or anyone who wants to see the city come alive with each flight.
The experience at the Tunnel of Salvation is not only historical but also deeply emotional — a reminder of how important freedom and solidarity are in difficult times. Our visit left us full of respect and reflection, while also inspiring excitement to continue exploring the city.
After visiting the Tunnel of Salvation, we had planned a free guided tour of the city center to explore Sarajevo’s most historic and significant sites. Unfortunately, the weather had other plans, and the tour was canceled due to a sudden storm.
Undeterred, we organized ourselves and set off on a self-guided tour of the city’s main historical and cultural landmarks. We walked across the Latin Bridge, and then photographed the impressive Sacred Heart Cathedral, the Serbian Orthodox Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos, and the Ashkenazi Synagogue (Sarajevo Synagogue), all located relatively close to each other, forming a unique mosaic of religious and cultural heritage.
We continued along Maršala Tita Street, passing the green and peaceful Veliki Park and the smaller yet charming Mali Park, enjoying the beautiful corners perfect for photos. Finally, we visited Pijaca Markale, the city’s traditional market, where locals sell fresh produce, traditional delicacies, and handmade items, vividly bringing the pulse of everyday life in Sarajevo to life.
The end of the day was a sweet pause. We sat at a traditional café, Caffe Bar “ANDAR”, to enjoy an authentic Bosnian coffee. The café has a beautiful story: it used to be a shoe shop, and when the father of the current owners retired, his children transformed it into a café, while preserving the warm and traditional atmosphere of the old town.
As we returned to our car to head back to the hotel, we passed by the Sarajevo Meeting of Cultures, a spot symbolizing the peaceful coexistence of different religions and cultures in the city, and we photographed it, adding yet another beautiful memory to our day.
The second day was essentially our last in Sarajevo, as on the third day we had planned a day trip to Konjic and Mostar. On the fourth day, we would essentially be returning to Greece. The wonderful experience from this day trip deserves a separate article, as it combined the beauty of two unique cities with a breathtaking journey through mountains, lakes, and rivers, leaving us with unforgettable memories.
Farewell Sarajevo: A Journey Through the City’s History and Soul
Sarajevo captivated us with its authenticity and vibrant spirit. Every corner of the city tells a story, every street and square exudes history, culture, and emotion. From the historic landmarks to the peaceful parks and traditional markets, the city manages to blend the past with the present in a unique way. Sarajevo is not just a travel destination; it is an experience that touches the soul, leaving unforgettable memories and a desire to return again.
Tips from www.travelguideviews.com
- Make sure to have cash in the local currency, as most places do not accept cards. If you cannot find an exchange office in Greece, you can exchange money at Sarajevo Airport.
- ATM withdrawals may involve high fees, so it’s best not to wait until the last minute.
- Try the traditional Cevapi, one of Bosnia’s most famous and delicious dishes.
- Enjoy the traditional Bosnian coffee, served with a special ritual and a touch of sweetness.