Capital city in Sarajevo Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sarajevo
Compact, cheap and layered: Ottoman bazaar, strong coffee, cevapi and the Siege story, ringed by hills and ski areas. Winter smog, a small expat scene and thin transit apps are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,040–1,500Comfortable, one person · KM1,800–2,600Details
- Value for money70/100Better value than 69% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Aug, 28°CDetails
- Internet37 MbpsFixed broadband, Bosnia and Herzegovina medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe and cold; drinking fountains (sebilj and street taps) are common in the old town.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$23–58Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundTram (Baščaršija–Ilidža)Very walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards and contactless in cafés, hotels and supermarkets; keep cash for bakeries, markets, taxis and smaller guesthouses.Details
Where to stay in Sarajevo
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Baščaršija (Old Town) | First-timers: bazaar, cafés, hostels, short walks everywhere |
| Marijin Dvor–Centar | Long stays: Austro-Hungarian streets, trams, supermarkets, offices |
| Mejtaš–Bistrik | Quiet hillside living above the old town, great views |
| Ilidža | Cheaper, greener base by the Vrelo Bosne springs and the airport |
Apps that work in Sarajevo
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Glovo | Widest restaurant choice in the centre |
| Korpa | Local app with many Bosnian restaurants |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: Viber, WhatsApp
- Taxis: No major ride-hailing app is reliable here. Use metered taxis or call a company; confirm the meter is on before you go.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards and contactless in cafés, hotels and supermarkets; keep cash for bakeries, markets, taxis and smaller guesthouses.
- Currency: Marka (BAM). US$1 ≈ KM1.74 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Plenty of ATMs in towns; some banks charge foreign cards a fee. Use bank ATMs and decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: Round up in cafés and taxis; about 10% in sit-down restaurants for good service.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work on contactless terminals in cities; carry cash for markets, bakeries and villages.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Outside Schengen: Bosnia's own 90-days-in-180 rule applies. Make sure your passport is stamped on entry and exit.
- Register with police or the Service for Foreigners' Affairs within 2–3 days of arrival; hotels and most hostels do it for you.
- EHIC and UK GHIC aren't valid here, so arrive with travel insurance.
Emergency numbers
Police 122 · Ambulance 124 · Fire 123
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Bring your passport. BH Telecom is strongest in Sarajevo, m:tel in Republika Srpska, HT Eronet in Herzegovina. Data is cheap; EU SIMs pay roaming. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.