In my opinion, the Balkans is the hidden gem of Europe.

This area is home to a fascinating — yet tragic — history that effectively erased it from tourist maps in the 1990s. Back then, the former country of Yugoslavia broke into several smaller territories, but the separation wasn’t peaceful. Bosnia and Herzegovina undoubtedly suffered the most. The Bosnian War raged between 1992 and 1995, leaving this beautiful country in ruins.

Tourists rediscovered the country in the 2000s, often raving about the nature, mountains, clean water, and camping opportunities. But visiting urban areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina is an experience worth having. And the best place to start is Sarajevo.

Sarajevo has the vibe. It isn’t the prettiest ex-Yugoslavian city I;ve spent some time in, but it’s the one I always come back to.

My love affair with Sarajevo started back in 2007, when I lived there for six months. I would often go out and explore its street when I had free time. Baščaršija is hands down my favorite place in the city, thanks to small cafes, delicious coffee, and the oriental vibe.

Ferhadija Street is my go-to food place, but I also recommend that you find a local bakery close to your accommodation. Pastry shops are everywhere in Sarajevo, so you can grab something to eat on the go at any time of the day. A plain kifla quickly became a part of my daily menu.

Sarajevo has developed significantly since 2007, but it is not as crowded as other European capitals. I adore the fact that you can see and feel different cultures all around the city.

Time moves differently in Sarajevo, and you will notice this right away. People love coffee here, so don’t be surprised to see full cafes around noon. They also enjoy socializing, and you won’t find a lot of loners slurping on their drinks somewhere in a corner.

Making new friends is easy in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Younger generations speak English well. Don’t be a stranger and introduce yourself. Bosnians will treat you like an old friend even if they know you only for a day or two.

The architecture tells a tale of different empires and monarchies that ruled over Sarajevo. Each left its mark and made the city prettier and more unique. It is the place where east and west meet, and the combination is just magical. The perfect example is Baščaršija, which mostly features ottoman buildings, but you can see Austro-Hungarian style surrounding it.

The City Hall is the most striking building in Sarajevo, and I can understand why. The colors and details are phenomenal, but the interiors are even more majestic.

Sarajevo is well-known because of an unfortunate event that pushed the entire world into a conflict – the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The Latin Bridge where the murder happened is a must-see for tourists and history buffs. Those who want to find out more about this period can visit a nearby museum.

If you are ready to begin your tour of Sarajevo, here are some of my favorite spots in the city:

Explore Baščaršija

Baščaršija is the historic center of Sarajevo. This part of the city was built in the 15th century, and it quickly expanded. So it is no wonder it is the main tourist attraction today. The cobbled streets look magical at any time of the day. It is my first stop whenever I visit, mainly because of the mood. Charming little restaurants and cafes line the narrow streets. Here you can try out the famous local dishes, such as ćevapi, burek, and baklava. 

Sebilj, the symbol of Sarajevo, is at the very heart of Baščaršija. It is a water fountain, often seen in cities that used to be a part of the Ottoman Empire. There were hundreds of these fountains all over Sarajevo. However, only one remained to this day.

If you want to taste authentic Turkish coffee, you should order one in a cafe close to Sebilj. It is an unforgettable experience. The drink is served in a cezve (or džezva in Bosnian), and you drink it from a tiny cup called fildžan. Of course, there will be a small piece of Turkish delight to sweeten things up.

Browse around Kazandžiluk

Those visiting Sarajevo for the first time and are on a quest for a souvenir will probably find something interesting in Kazandžiluk. There are plenty of tiny stores in this part of Baščaršija that offer handmade goods. 

The previously mentioned džezva, which is essentially a long-necked coffee pot, is an excellent choice. These are made of brass or copper and look unusual and elegant at the same time. 

The atmosphere here is reminiscent of Turkish markets, with craftsmen doing their work as people walk by. They will be happy to demonstrate how various items are made if you ask. You can learn something new in Kazandžiluk and get to know the Bosnian culture while having a great time.