Where to stay in Sarajevo: areas and hotels

If you're visiting Sarajevo for the first time, the best base is Baščaršija, the old Ottoman quarter, as most of the attractions, cafes, and markets are located there, and everything is within walking distance. If you're travelling on a tighter budget, the same part of the city also has very cheap guesthouses, so saving money doesn't necessarily mean staying far from the centre, as is the case in other European capitals.

For couples looking for something quieter but equally central, the area around Ferhadija Street and the modern city centre combines cafes, restaurants, and easy access to both the old town and the Austrian quarter with its Habsburg-era buildings. Families and those who want space, tranquillity, and access to nature usually prefer Ilidža, to the west, near the airport, with parks, thermal springs, and more modern hotels with swimming pools.

There's also a fourth option for business trips or for those who want a hotel chain with all amenities: the Skenderija and Marijin Dvor area, next to the Miljacka River, where large hotels and conference centres are located, with easy tram connections to all parts of the city.

Baščaršija, the heart of the old town

Baščaršija was built in the 15th century as the commercial centre of the Ottoman city and remains Sarajevo's core to this day. Narrow cobbled streets, coppersmith workshops, mosques, the Sebilj fountain, and dozens of small restaurants serving ćevapi create an atmosphere that feels more like Istanbul than Central Europe. It's an area every visitor should walk through at least once early in the morning, before it gets crowded. In the evening, the lights of the small shops and the smell of grilled meats give the area a different character, more vibrant and noisier.

Staying here is ideal for those who want everything within easy reach, without needing a taxi or tram. The downside is the noise, especially on summer evenings when shops stay open late, and the cobbled streets which are not convenient for those with wheeled luggage or mobility issues. Accommodation prices here range from very affordable, in small guesthouses, to mid-range in characterful boutique hotels.

1. Hotel Old Sarajevo

Located in the heart of Baščaršija, just a few metres from the main attractions. It stands out for its impeccably renovated building and excellent breakfast. Ideal for couples and those who want to feel the pulse of the old town.

• Average cost: 70 to 110 € per night
• Ideal for: couples, first visit

2. Hotel Sahat

A quiet hotel next to the city clock tower, with comfortable rooms and staff who genuinely help guests organise their days. A good choice for those who want comfort without excessive cost.

• Average cost: 65 to 100 € per night
• Ideal for: couples, solo travellers

3. Hotel Ovo malo duše

A small, retro-decorated hotel in the old town, with a fantastic breakfast and unique character in each room. It's not a large establishment, so early booking is recommended.

• Average cost: 60 to 95 € per night
• Ideal for: couples seeking character

4. Old Town Hotel

A classic choice in the centre of the old town, with excellent reviews for its location and breakfast. Staff often share personal stories about the city, something many guests remember after their trip.

• Average cost: 70 to 105 € per night
• Ideal for: couples, families with one child

Centre and Ferhadija, the modern city

A few minutes' walk west of Baščaršija, the city's pace changes. Ferhadija Street, a pedestrian zone with shops, banks, and cafes, leads to the Austrian quarter, built after 1878 when Austria-Hungary took over the administration of Bosnia. Here you'll see buildings with neoclassical facades, Sarajevo Cathedral, and the spot where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914, an event that triggered World War I. The area is quieter than the old town but equally central.

The city centre suits those who want to combine access to attractions with a bit more tranquility in the evenings, as well as professionals needing good connections to banking services, offices, and public transport. The downside is that some hotels here are slightly more expensive than their counterparts in the old town, though the distance doesn't differ significantly.

5. Hotel Sana

Located on Mula Mustafe Bašeskije Street, between the old town and the city centre, with a very good breakfast and helpful staff. It works well for both couples and business travellers.

• Average cost: 75 to 115 € per night
• Ideal for: couples, business trips

6. Hotel Boutique 36

A small boutique hotel with unique decor, close to all major points of interest. Guests often mention the staff's helpfulness in difficult situations, such as issues with a rental car.

• Average cost: 65 to 100 € per night
• Ideal for: couples, small families

7. Hotel Central Sarajevo

A larger hotel with a swimming pool, sauna, and event hall, right in the city centre. A good choice for those who want more amenities without losing the central location.

• Average cost: 80 to 120 € per night
• Ideal for: families, couples who want a spa

Skenderija and Marijin Dvor, for business trips

The area around Skenderija and Marijin Dvor is located next to the Miljacka River, between the old town and the newer, socialist-era side of Sarajevo. Here you'll find large international chain hotels, the national museum, and office buildings, while the tram line passes directly through here, connecting the area to both the airport and the old town in a few minutes. It's less picturesque but a practical base.

It suits travellers who want reliability, well-known chains, quick check-in, and all the typical amenities of a large hotel, such as a gym and an on-site restaurant. It's less suitable for those who want to experience the city's local character, as the architecture here is more modern and less scenic compared to the old town.

8. Residence Inn by Marriott Sarajevo

A modern apartment hotel next to the river, with a fully equipped kitchen in every room. Very convenient for families or longer stays, with easy walking access to everything.

• Average cost: 95 to 140 € per night
• Ideal for: families, longer stays

9. Movenpick hotel Sarajevo

A tall, modern building with an indoor pool and high level of service, ideal for business trips but also for families seeking comfort.

• Average cost: 100 to 150 € per night
• Ideal for: business trips, families

10. Hotel Holiday

A historic hotel, known from the 1984 Olympic Games, with large rooms and an indoor pool. It's located in the centre of the newer side of the city, close to museums and shops.

• Average cost: 85 to 125 € per night
• Ideal for: couples, business trips

Ilidža, peace and quiet near the airport

Since the 19th century, Ilidža has been a favourite resort for Sarajevo residents, thanks to its thermal springs and large park with the sources of the Bosna River. It's about fifteen minutes from the city centre and very close to the airport, making it suitable for those with early morning or late evening flights who don't want to waste time commuting. The atmosphere is greener and more relaxed, with many jogging and cycling paths along the water.

It's ideal for families who want space, a pool, and tranquility, as well as for those interested in spas and thermal springs. The downside is the distance from the old town, meaning any evening outing to the centre requires a tram or taxi, which isn't ideal for those who want to be amidst the city's hustle and bustle every night.

11. Hotel Hills Sarajevo Congress & Thermal Spa Resort

A large modern complex with indoor and outdoor pools, waterslides, and a thermal spa, next to Ilidža Park. Very popular with families with children who want to spend time within the hotel.

• Average cost: 90 to 140 € per night
• Ideal for: families with children

12. Hollywood Hotel

Located near the green part of Ilidža, a few minutes from the airport, with an indoor waterpark that makes it popular with families. It's a more economical option than the large spa hotels in the area.

• Average cost: 60 to 95 € per night
• Ideal for: families, travellers with early flights

13. Sarajevo Center Point

A small guesthouse in the Skenderija area, with comfortable rooms, a balcony, and city views. A very economical option for those who want a good location without high costs.

• Average cost: 45 to 70 € per night
• Ideal for: couples, budget travellers

History, what to see and when to visit

Sarajevo was founded as an Ottoman city in the 15th century and for centuries served as a meeting point for four religions – Muslim, Orthodox, Catholic, and Jewish – which is still evident today from the mosques, churches, cathedral, and synagogue, all located within a few minutes of each other. The city came under Austro-Hungarian administration in 1878, and it was then that the buildings with European facades seen around Ferhadija were constructed. In 1914, it became the starting point of World War I, when Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated near the Latin Bridge.

In the 20th century, Sarajevo hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics, an event that radically changed the city's infrastructure. Just eight years later, in 1992, the siege of the city began during the Bosnian War, the longest siege of a capital in modern history, lasting almost four years. Today, scars from that period, such as the so-called Sarajevo Roses on the pavements and bullet-ridden buildings, coexist with a city full of life, music, and youthful energy.

Among the things worth seeing are Baščaršija with the Sebilj fountain, the Tunnel of Hope built during the siege to connect the city with the outside world, the siege museum, the Yellow Bastion with views of the mountains, and a ride up Trebević hill by cable car, from where you can see the entire city spread across the valley. The best time to visit is spring, from April to June, and autumn, in September and October, when temperatures are pleasant and the city is less crowded. Summers can be quite hot in the valley, while winter is cold but picturesque, especially if you combine your visit with skiing in the nearby mountains where the Olympic Games were held.

Area comparison table

Practical information for your stay

Sarajevo International Airport is located in Ilidža, about twelve kilometres from the city centre. Transfer is usually by taxi, costing around 15 to 20 euros to the old town, or by bus which goes to the central station, and from there you continue by tram. Many hotels in Ilidža also offer their own shuttle service, which is useful if you arrive late at night or have a lot of luggage.

Within the city, the tram is the most convenient mode of transport, with one main line crossing the city from Baščaršija to the western suburbs, passing through the centre and Skenderija. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks or directly on the vehicle, and the cost is very low compared to other European cities. The old town is explored exclusively on foot, as its narrow cobbled streets do not allow car traffic.

Accommodation prices remain relatively low compared to other European capitals. In winter and on weekdays, you can find rooms from 40 to 60 euros per night in a good location, while in summer and on weekends, prices increase, especially in the boutique hotels of the old town. If you're planning a trip during the Sarajevo Film Festival in August, it's advisable to book accommodation several months in advance, as demand significantly increases.

If you plan to combine your trip with other Balkan destinations, it's worth checking out our guide on where to stay in Belgrade, as well as the corresponding guide for Ohrid, two destinations that are easily combined with Sarajevo via a road trip. If your trip also includes Sofia, also see the best areas to stay in Sofia.

For the overall cost of the trip, if you're looking for budget solutions, you can read our tips for renting a car on your holiday, useful if you want to explore the surrounding area, mountains, and nearby towns in Bosnia. Also useful is the guide to the top five affordable destinations in Europe, where Sarajevo is often included. If you're looking for general money-saving tips for travel, also see the article how to travel affordably.

Finally, if your flight has a layover or you're concerned about delays, the guide what to do in case of flight delay or cancellation is useful, as are the tips for finding cheap flights, given that direct flights to Sarajevo from Greece are limited and usually require a layover.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best area for a first visit to Sarajevo?

Baščaršija is the most convenient option, as you're next to the main attractions and can walk everywhere without needing a taxi or tram.

How many days are needed to see Sarajevo?

Two to three days are enough for the city's main attractions, while if you want to add an excursion to the Tunnel of Hope or Trebević mountain, it's a good idea to allow an extra day.

Is Sarajevo expensive compared to other European capitals?

No, Sarajevo remains one of Europe's most affordable destinations, both for accommodation and food, with prices significantly lower than Western Europe.

How do I get from the airport to the centre of Sarajevo?

By taxi in about twenty minutes, or by local bus to the central station and then by tram, a more economical but more time-consuming option.

What is the best time of year to visit Sarajevo?

Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant temperatures, while winter suits those who want to combine their visit with skiing in the nearby mountains.

Do I need a car to stay in Ilidža?

Not necessarily, as the tram line connects Ilidža with the centre, but a car makes it easier if you plan to explore the surrounding areas of Bosnia.

Is Sarajevo safe for tourists?

Yes, Sarajevo is considered a safe city for visitors, with low crime in tourist areas, although as everywhere, care should be taken with personal belongings in crowded markets.