"Sarajevo - Balkan History at Your Fingertips" Sarajevo by mtncorg

Sarajevo Travel Guide: 1,094 reviews and 2,870 photos

Sarajevo sprawling along the Miljacka River

We have heard and seen the fighting in Sarajevo on our TV sets. Some might even know that an assasination in this city started the events leading to WWI. The city was also host to the Winter Olympics of 1984. Most of us don't know a whole lot more about this town, however.

What makes Sarajevo worth a visit is its melange of cultures, religions and ideas. Very few other large European cities will wake you up to the call of the imam, followed by innumerable barking dogs - Turkey and France excepted.

Sarajevo lies along the Miljacka River, sprawling up steep hillsides to the north and south sides of the westward flowing river. The old Turkish quarter - the Bascarsija, lies at the eastern end of the City, compressed by the topography. The western end is socialist sprawl, Novo Sarajevo, with lots of high apartment buildings and the occasional large mosque. Beyond the western end of the town, the valley opens up as the Miljacka flows into the Bosna River. To the south lies the airport with Bijevoso rising high overhead to the west. Atop these peaks are some of the old Olympic sites which are struggling to return to their earlier glory after being the scenes of wartime destruction.

Pros and Cons

Pros:A blend of cultures, religions, ideas
Cons:Evidence that all of the above don't always mix smoothly
In a nutshell:One of Europe's most Exotic Cities

Last visit to Sarajevo: Jul 2003
Intro Updated May 2, 2007
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Reviews (23)

The Sarajevo Olympic Ski Jump Hill - Sarajevo

SKI JUMP? HOW ABOUT HERB COLLECTION? Sports & Outdoors (2)

This was the Olympic ski jump hill. There is o more ski jumping, but locals collect herbs and mushrooms around here, in... more travel advice

Pigeons hold court near the fountain - Sarajevo

BASCARCIJA PIGEONS Warnings and Dangers (1)

Where there are thousands of pigeons, there is pigeon guano galore. Be forewarned -) more travel advice

Open Air Market in the Bascarsija Local Customs (1)

On the north side of the Bascarsija area, along Mula Mustafe Basekije, you can find a large covered open-air market... more travel advice

Hotel Saraj sitting above the City swimming pool - Sarajevo

Grand view over the Bosnian Capital Hotels (1)

The hotel offers a close-in location with a grand view down the Miljacka over the city. A short 15 minute walk will take... more travel advice

Things to Do (11)
See All The Old Serb Orthodox Church
Transportation (2)
See All Street Trams

Restaurants (2)
See All Swimming pool fare?
Off The Beaten Path (3)
See All Cemetaries II

Travelogues (1)

Written Jul 27, 2011

7 photos

Sarajevo Eyeclinic

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Comments (35)

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HORSCHECK Aug 30, 2008 at 1:27 PM

Interesting page with brilliant photos. We will be in Sarajevo in about one week and I am already looking forward to it.
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TheWanderingCamel May 19, 2008 at 9:04 AM

We're going to Sarajevo in September - it will be interesting to see what changes the last few years have wrought. Nice page - your eye clinic workis inspiring. leyle
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sabsi Mar 21, 2007 at 11:45 AM

very informative, interesting and colourful sarajevo page. thanks a lot. very helpful. looking forward to seeing sarajevo in may!
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luciano_null Jan 12, 2007 at 11:06 AM

I've been to Sarajevo and fell completely in love with the place :) I am trying to go back there this year!
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Rusket Apr 13, 2006 at 6:19 AM

Looks like the weather was a lot nicer when you were here! It is snow on the hillsides today :-(
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RickinDutch Jan 20, 2006 at 3:23 PM

Great tips - thanks for sharing!
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DPando Nov 26, 2005 at 3:35 AM

if there is a lovely city in this horrible world this is Sarajevo where you can smell something different in the air..so pure people live there !! i do love it
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rjdbham Jul 10, 2005 at 3:17 PM

"Evidence that all of the above don't always mix smoothly" I think its the politicians profiting from division that stop the multi-ethnic living and mixing. But thats a great photo of a wonderful city!
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Stephen-KarenConn Jun 29, 2005 at 5:52 PM

Both fascinating and sobering. I learned a lot about Sarajevo that I did not know by reading your excellent page.
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maltese24 May 20, 2005 at 2:03 AM

hey there, really great tips and pages!!!!...i read them with great interest! greetings from Malta.