Bascarsija

Bascarsija is the famous Old Town neighborhood in Sarajevo dating back to the Ottoman era when it was the center of trade and commerce. The ancient streets are covered with cobblestones with cafes, shops, restaurants, and bars lining the streets. This is a great area to stay in as it leads visitors to many of the city’s historic attractions and points of interest that are within walking distance. There are plenty of hotels and hostels here to choose from. It is the oldest neighborhood in the city and sometimes referred to as “little Jerusalem” packed with a Catholic church, an Orthodox church, a synagogue, and several mosques. Bascarsija is set in the heart of Sarajevo and features the ornate gazebo-like Sebilj drinking fountain that was built in 1891. The bustling markets of the city can also be found on the eclectic pedestrianized streets.

City Center - Marijin Dvor

The city center of Sarajevo is a cosmopolitan European city with a unique Eastern twist. It is the main shopping district in the city and the location of most of the government buildings along with food markets, and plenty of accommodation options. The infamous Sniper Alley is found here. The correct name for the city center is Marijin Dvor dating back to the 19th century when the Austro-Hungarians controlled the city and filled with a fascinating, romantic history. It is located 1.25 miles west of historic Bascarsija, it is home to Maria’s Palace. This neighborhood is the commercial and administrative center decorated with Austro-Hungarian architecture and many modern hotels and skyscrapers. The National Museum of Bosnia is found here and the Alta Shopping Center, one of the largest in the city. The main railway stations sit just north of the neighborhood and keep visitors well connected to the other areas of the city.

Outskirts

Sarajevo is surrounded by hills with small neighborhoods tucked on the green slopes offering fantastic views over the city. The hills offer a taste of the suburban Bosnian life and some of the city’s oldest residential areas, and there are many mosques in the region. Skenderija is one of the small hillside neighborhoods famous for its significance as the sports and cultural hub of the city. The 1994 Winter Olympic Games took place here. Gorica is located just north of the city and is one of the outskirts where the iconic Avaz Tower stands and offers great views across the city. This is still an up and coming neighborhood for tourism, allowing visitors easy access to explore the main sights of the city and stay in a peaceful area. The neighborhood offers a great nightlife with excellent craft beer options at The Brew Pub. Maison Coco features some of the finest Bosnian pastries, and Rive Gauche serves up delicious local cuisine in an authentic atmosphere.