This Underrated European Capital Set To Surge In Popularity This Summer

This Underrated European Capital Set To Surge In Popularity This Summer


Share The Article

When you consider a European metropolis break, it is in all probability Paris and its grand Haussmann-era boulevards, London’s skyscraper-lined Thames riverfront, or perhaps Milan’s glamorous really feel and haute delicacies that come to thoughts, not an offbeat Sarajevo.

In truth, you is perhaps questioning the place that even is.

The Latin Bridge In Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Southeastern Europe

The (a lot) missed capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a criminally-underrated nation itself, Sarajevo is making some waves just lately, persevering with to see an uptick in arrivals after hitting its target 1.5 million overnights in 2024 (a 26.6% year-on-year improve).

Unheard-of as it could be on our facet of the pond, it is by no means been extra fashionable than it’s at this very second amongst Europeans, with Turks, Croats, Serbs, and Germans leading the way—and it is excessive time we regarded into a few of the the explanation why.

Why Are Tourists Suddenly Flocking Into Sarajevo?

Aerial View Of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Southeastern Europe

Located close to the geometric middle of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is barely becoming for a capital, Sarajevo is one in all Europe’s most numerous capitals, dwelling to Muslims, Orthodox Christians, and Catholics, a cultural hub of the primary order, and maybe the continent’s most unsung vacation spot, at that.

It has a wealthy (albeit complicated) historical past, encompassing durations of Ottoman and Austrian management, and for that cause, it’s usually described as a spot the place cultures conflict:

Istanbul could be the most well-known metropolis to (actually) straddle two continents, however it’s in Sarajevo you will discover ornate medieval mosques and their adjoining bazaars inside brief strolling distance of imposing, Sixteenth-century Orthodox temples and Gothic church buildings.

City Doves Flocking Around A Wooden Monument In Sarajevo Old Town, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Southeastern Europe

Bosnia is a multi-faith nation born out of the necessity to let go of previous variations and grievances, and although that hard-fought peace exhibits its cracks once in a while, nowhere else in the Balkans will you see a melting pot as fascinating as this.

Medieval Mosques, Picturesque Bridges & Cobbled Lanes

Taking a stroll across the riverside Old Town, with its cobbled streets, and a plethora of tea outlets and comfy cafes, you will come across majestic mosques, like Gazi Husrev-beg, a centerpiece of Ottoman structure courting again to the Sixteenth-century, but additionally Orthodox temples and Gothic church buildings.

Also constructed within the Sixteenth century, the Byzantine-inspired Church of the Holy Archangels is a testomony to Sarajevo’s deeply ingrained sense of multiculturalism. It serves the native ethnically Serbian group and is among the many capital’s oldest spiritual websites.

Neo Gothic Sacred Heart Cathedral In Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Southeastern Europe

Interestingly sufficient, a brief 6-minute stroll away is the towering Sacred Heart Cathedral, a Neo-Gothic marvel that includes a marble-cut altar and complex stained glass designs. It caters primarily to the ethnically Croatian inhabitants of Sarajevo and is Bosnia’s largest cathedral.

We know World War I shouldn’t be as widely-taught in faculties throughout America as its way more catastrophic follow-up, however if you happen to had been ever curious as to how the unhappy story of wounded troopers in trenches and bayonet bearers began, look no additional than Sarajevo’s Latin Bridge:

Discover Sarajevo’s War Wounds

Latin Bridge In Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Southeastern Europe

Yep, WWI began not over some disagreement in palatial chambers in Germany however proper there on town’s oldest stone pedestrian crossing, spanning the in any other case peaceable Miljacka River.

This is the place Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914, an occasion that many Historians regard as having sparked the Europe-wide battle, and moreover crossing the bridge to take in the eerie environment your self, you possibly can go to a close-by museum the place you possibly can study all about it intimately.

Unfortunately, Sarajevo’s standing within the Annals of Time didn’t take a flip for the higher in the identical century, as within the 90s, it could be rocked by grotesque occasions and instability as soon as extra.

You’ve heard of the Bosnian War, proper?

Tunnel Of Hope In Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Southeastern Europe

While spared the identical stage of human tragedy that introduced smaller cities like Srebrenica and Mostar to their knees, the capital endured a 4-year siege, and it, too, has its useless to mourn.

For these of you who’re into Dark Tourism, there are nonetheless some faculties, hospitals, and cultural landmarks that carry bullet holes and different conflict scars, most notably the National Library, an Islamic-inspired brick-and-concrete palace proper on the water that was practically burned to the bottom.

Yet one other fashionable attraction is the Tunnel of Hope: regardless of its title, it is in actual fact a conflict tunnel used to smuggle folks and provides over the battlefront throughout the siege, and it now hosts a museum.

However, not all is doom and gloom.

sarajevo from the mountains in Bosnia and Herzegovina

For two of the most effective sundown views on the town, both take the cable automotive from Stari Grad (Old Town) to Trebević Mountain (costing roughly $18), or hike a brief quarter-hour from the middle, as much as the Yellow Fortress, a fort perched atop one in all Sarajevo’s many hills.

This one’s free.

From each viewpoints, you will be rewarded with sweeping views of the minaret and belfry-dotted townscape, the landmark-lined meander that’s Miljacka, and the lush greenery throughout it.

One Of The Cheapest European Capitals

Panoramic View Of Sarajevo, Capital City Of Bosnia And Herzegovina, Balkan Peninsula, Southeastern Europe

We’d exit of our strategy to go to Sarajevo any day, no matter native costs, however it definitely helps that all the pieces from meals to lodging to transportation is shockingly-affordable.

If you are actually on a strict price range, you possibly can pattern scrumptious native delicacies like Bosnian ćevapi, hand-mixed mince meat fashioned right into a funnel, usually served with spices and flatbread, for round $5 in most Old Town eateries, and the identical goes for börek pastries, hen soup with bitter cream, and the record goes on.

Even small luxuries in Sarajevo will not precisely break the financial institution:

Cevapi, A Kebab Style Balkan Dish Typically Served In Balkan Countries, South Eastern Europe

For occasion, Dveri is a well-reputed Old Town restaurant, and a fairly touristy one at that, fashionable for its home made borscht and beef goulash, and a variety of rakija flavors (the native spirit, for these which might be unaware).

On common, eating right here will set you again by round $11–$16 by ordering a essential dish.

Across from the City Hall, Inat Kuća is equally well-known for its fashionable twist added to some Bosnian classics, and its homegrown wine and hearty stews will not run you up by greater than $16 for a sit-in lunch with river views.

Traditional Bosnian Coffee And Tea Table, Bosnia and Herzegovina

After the second stew, you would possibly understand Bosnian meals, tasty as it could be, is not precisely sitting nicely in your abdomen, so if you happen to’re ever in fancy of a Balkan-Asian fusion, be sure Mala Kuhinja is in your record, or the upscale trattoria Tavola, proper within the metropolis middle.

Looking for a spot to remain? Sarajevo has an in depth provide of lodging, starting from price range to luxurious, but when you end up someplace within the center, there are whole, fully-furnished residences can be found on Booking.com from solely $48 per evening for two adults.

This Is How Authorities Are Improving Sarajevo For Tourists In 2025

View Of Sarajevo From Its Cable Car, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Southeastern Europe

You get the gist of it: Sarajevo (and Bosnia as an entire) is very cheap, it is incredibly-beautiful, and it is but to be ruined by the identical crowds which have made Italy’s Amalfi, or the French Riviera a residing hell.

Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ), serviced by low-cost flights from throughout Europe and choose Middle Eastern locations, has already reported a 44% uptick in passengers this 12 months, as confirmed by Statistika, so it has been gaining traction.

You higher get there earlier than it is too late, as this gem will not keep hidden for lengthy.

sarajevo market

On high of that, authorities within the capital are investing closely in making Sarajevo better-connected, and extra tourist-friendly: the small airport has now expanded to host flights from main hubs like Dubai, Riyadh, and Kuwait, and the Old Town is present process revitalization.

It’s not unusual for historic facilities within the Balkan Peninsula to be somewhat rundown, given native authorities’s horrible observe report of defending monuments and materials heritage, however in Sarajevo’s case, important efforts have been made to revive its pre-war glory.

aerial view of sarajevo

Reconstructions apart, it is seen the opening of recent museums, like Sevdah Art House, each an artwork exhibit and a restaurant with an emphasis on sevdalinka, Bosnian people music, and even the buzzing Obala Maka Dizdara, a pedestrian promenade, is present process renovation.

On high of that, for all of the biking fans on the market, a brand new, official bike path connecting Dubrovnik, in Croatia, to Sarajevo has just opened.

The 217-mile route has stops in stunning mountain villages, town of Mostar, well-known for its arched Ottoman bridge, and scenic lakes earlier than reaching the Miljacka River valley, the place Sarajevo lies.

us passport airport

Getting To Bosnia From America

Flying from the United States, the simplest strategy to attain Sarajevo is touching down first in a bigger transit airport, like Istanbul (IST), Vienna (VIE), Frankfurt (FRA), or Munich (MUC), and from there, board a low-cost flight to the Bosnian capital.

Prices for an intra-Europe flight to Sarajevo (SJJ) begin from solely $40, and cities like Vienna or Budapest, served by price range carriers Wizz Air and Ryanair, have a tendency to supply the bottom fare.

Alternatively, chances are you’ll attain it by bus from neighboring international locations that host U.S. flights, like Serbia or Croatia, for equally-cheap costs, or driving.

Ready For Your Trip? Check The Latest Entry Requirements For Your Destination Here

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No adverts, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where vacationers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even discover like-minded journey buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your e-mail handle to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s newest breaking journey information, straight to your inbox.

This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed listed below are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accredited or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the submit.





Source link

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

Translate »