Sarajevo on Foot: A Journey Through History, Flavors, and Culture
Walking Tour of Sarajevo
There’s no better way to get to know Sarajevo than by walking its streets and soaking in the mix of cultures, flavors, and history at every turn. This tour takes you from grand Austro-Hungarian buildings to hidden Ottoman courtyards, past sizzling grills and pastry shops, and through markets buzzing with life. Along the way you’ll taste local favorites, stumble across centuries-old landmarks, and feel why Sarajevo is a city that always pulls you back.
A walk through Sarajevo begins at the grand Vijećnica, the city’s Austro-Hungarian jewel, before slipping into the quiet of the Old Serbian Orthodox Church, one of its oldest sanctuaries. From there, the narrow streets of Baščaršija draw you in with the aroma of local dishes at Aščinica Stari Grad and the cool waters of the Sebilj fountain, promising you’ll one day return. The clang of hammers on Copperware Street recalls centuries of craftsmanship, while a warm slice of burek at Buregdžinica Sač or a plate of ćevapi at Željo carries forward Sarajevo’s proud culinary traditions.
Further along, the historic Morića Han caravanserai speaks of merchants and travelers from long ago, just as the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque rises in timeless Ottoman elegance. Nearby, the Brusa Bezistan whispers of silk trade, while the Sarajevo Museum marks the spot that sparked World War I. For something sweet, the old-world Egypt Pastry Shop tempts with baklava, kadaif, and tufahija before the spires of the Sacred Heart Cathedral pull your eyes skyward. A ride on the Trebević cable car offers sweeping views and a reminder of Olympic history, while the bustle of Markale Market grounds you in Sarajevo’s everyday life. At the Eternal Flame, you pause to remember, before stepping into the city’s modern face at the BBI and SCC shopping centers.
The walk continues to the Vidovdan Heroes Chapel, a symbolic resting place of Gavrilo Princip and his companions, before ending with dinner at The Four Rooms of Mrs. Safija, where Bosnian tradition meets refinement. As the day closes, cocktails at the Courtyard rooftop lounge overlook the city lights, and for those who wish to go deeper, the Tunnel of Hope tells a story of survival etched into Sarajevo’s soul.
Beyond the city, mountain roads lead to Vila Andrea on Trebević, where pine forests frame rich Bosnian meals, while Bašča kod Ene in Sedrenik serves stews and homemade dumplings in true homestyle fashion. Rustic Stare Vrbe in Vogošća offers hearty tagarica, and Toplik in East Sarajevo delights with trout pulled fresh from its own waters.
🗺️Sarajevo Walkin Tour (Google Map)
1 Vijećnica (City Hall)
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Sarajevo Vijećnica, also known as City Hall, is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, originally built in 1896 during Austro-Hungarian rule.
2 Old Serbian Orthodox Church
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This historic church dates back to 1539 and may be built on even older foundation structures.
3 Aščinica Stari Grad (local eatery)
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Aščinica Stari Grad is a traditional Bosnian restaurant located in the old town, offering authentic home-style dishes. It’s a place where you can enjoy specialties like begova čorba, sogan-dolma, and burek in a cozy setting. Popular among both locals and tourists, it reflects the spirit of Bosnia’s culinary heritage.
4 Sebilj
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An iconic Ottoman‑style wooden fountain located in Baščaršija Square, originally constructed in 1753 and rebuilt in 1891. It is a beloved Sarajevo symbol, and local legend says that anyone who drinks water from it will return to the city
5 Copperware Street (Kazandziluk)
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A picturesque cobbled street in the heart of Baščaršija, known for centuries as a center for copper craftsmanship. Live artisans fashion intricate copperware in these workshop-front stores, offering visitors a living glimpse into Sarajevo’s artisanal past
6 Buregdžinica Sač
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Buregdžinica Sač in Sarajevo is famous for its traditional Bosnian pies baked under a sač, especially burek made in the old-fashioned way.
7 Ćevabdžinica Željo
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“Ćevabdžinica Željo” is a well-known traditional eatery in Sarajevo’s historic Baščaršija district,located in the Old Town. It’s famed for its authentic Sarajevo ćevapa beloved local specialty—and operates without requiring reservations, serving breakfast through late dinner
8 Morića han
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Sarajevo’s only surviving caravanserai (roadside inn), built in 1551 and reconstructed after fires. It once housed caravans, animals, and merchants, and now contains a restaurant and traditional shops—highlighting its historical importance and adaptive reuse
9 Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque
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Constructed in 1530–31, this is the largest and most significant Ottoman mosque in Bosnia and Herzegovina. A masterpiece of early Ottoman architecture, it served as a key religious and educational center during its era
10 Brusa Bezistan
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Brusa Bezistan in Sarajevo is a 16th-century covered market built by Rustem-pasha, the Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire. Originally used for trading silk and textiles.
11 Sarajevo Museum 1878 – 1918 (Gavrilo Princip Steps, Assassination site)
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Located at the site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914, this small museum preserves the spot with a plaque marking Princip’s act that ignited World War I
12 Egypt Pastry Shop
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Egypt Pastry Shop is best known for its classic Sarajevo sweets and nostalgic charm. People especially go there for tufahija (baked apples with walnuts), creamy ice creams, baklava, and kadaif, all served in an old-world setting that feels unchanged for decade
13 Sacred Heart Cathedral
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The Sacred Heart Cathedral in Sarajevo is the largest cathedral in Bosnia and Herzegovina and a symbol of the city’s Catholic community. Built in the late 19th century in Neo-Gothic style, it stands in the heart of Sarajevo’s Old Town and often hosts important religious and cultural events.
14 Mountain cable car
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A scenic ride up Trebević Mountain where you can enjoy panoramic views of Sarajevo and hike along the remnants of old Olympic bobsled tracks—perfect for combining nature and history
15 Gradska tržnica Markale
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An elegant Austro-Hungarian–era indoor market, opened in 1895, featuring a neo‑Renaissance façade. Inside, you’ll find local produce, meats, cheeses, and delicacies in a vibrant, historic setting
16 Eternal Flame
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A powerful World War II memorial unveiled on April 6, 1946 (Sarajevo’s liberation anniversary), this eternal flame honors the city’s wartime military and civilian victims. Located centrally, it symbolizes resilience and remembrance.
17 BBI Centre (Shopping mall)
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A modern shopping mall in central Sarajevo offering a mix of local and international shops, dining, and services. It provides a contemporary contrast to the historic tour stops.
18 SCC – Sarajevo City Center (Shopping mall)
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Another major contemporary shopping destination, the SCC offers retail, entertainment, and leisure options—great for a rest or retail break during your tour. This place offers an extensive shopping experience for watches.
19 Vidovdan Heroes Chapel
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It was built in 1939 to honor the conspirators of the Young Bosnia movement, including Gavrilo Princip, who carried out the 1914 assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo. Their remains, along with those of several other members, were moved to this chapel, making it a symbolic resting place for figures considered heroes by some and controversial by others.
20 The Four Rooms of Mrs. Safija (Koševo)
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🌐https://restoransarajevo.com/
It is the best restaurants in Bosnia and Herzegovina, known for its refined ambiance and exquisite fusion of Bosnian and European cuisine.
The most celebrated meal here is the sea bass fillet served in a delicate saffron sauce
A beloved and warming choice to begin with is the Bey’s chicken soup, anchoring the meal in Bosnian culinary tradition with elegant depth.
14 Courtyard Sarajevo (Skenderija)
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🌐Hotel In City Center Of Sarajevo, Bosnia And Herzegovina | Courtyard Sarajevo
The Courtyard by Marriott Sarajevo rooftop, known as S One Sky Lounge,offers stunning 360° views of the city, river, and surrounding hills.
It’s a stylish spot for cocktails and relaxation, popular with both hotel guests and locals.
15 Tunnel of Hope (East-South Sarajevo)
📍 Map Link
🌐https://www.mcsarajevo.ba/tunel-spasa
Tunnel of Hope in Sarajevo was a secret underground passage built in 1993 during the siege to transport food, weapons, and people in and out of the besieged city, and now serves as a museum symbolizing survival and resilience.
Additional Places Worth Visiting
16 Vila Andrea (Trebević) (need car)
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Vila Andrea on Trebević is a popular restaurant and excursion spot with stunning views of Sarajevo. Surrounded by pine forests.
Vila Andrea’s standout meal is their house specialty—stuffed sirloin steak with sauce, praised for its rich flavors and elegant presentation.Other favourites include ćevapi, sarma (cabbage rolls), and hearty pasta dishes, plus standout sides like polenta and fritters served with kaymak or fine goat cheese.
17 Bašča kod Ene Restaurant (Sedrenik)
📍 Map Link
🌐https://www.basca.ba/?page_id=794
At Bašča kod Ene in Sedrenik, a favorite choice is the hearty mućkalica, a slow-cooked meat stew full of flavor. Guests also love their homemade klepe (Bosnian dumplings) and warm uštipci with cheese or kajmak, perfect for a traditional Bosnian meal.
18 Stare Vrbe Restaurant (Vogosca North Sarajevo)
📍 Map Link
🌐http://vrbe.co.ba
Stare Vrbe Restaurant in Vogošća, North Sarajevo, is a well-known spot for traditional Bosnian cuisine. With its rustic charm and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a favorite for family gatherings and hearty local meals.
Tagarica is a hearty, slow-cooked stew or casserole typically made with beef or veal, combined with potatoes and vegetables such as onions, carrots, tomatoes, and peppers. It’s traditionally prepared in a clay
19 (East Sarajevo)
📍 Map Link
🌐https://toplikresort.com/restaurant
Toplik is renowned for its house specialties. The standout dish is smoked trout from their own fishpond, prepared in several creative and unique ways—including filet, smoked variants, tartare, carpaccio, and river trout tapenade
One particularly memorable specialty is a “popara” made with homemade bread, smoked trout, truffles, and sheep cheese aged in a leather sack (ovčiji sir iz mijeha).
