InterNations Insider Tips: 5 Sides of Sarajevo

Malte Zeeck, InterNations Founder & Co-CEO, has some travel tips to offer after his recent trip to the Bosnian capital.

The purpose of my trip to Bosnia was to reunite with my friends from the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, something we do regularly for our annual business retreat. One member of our group was able to host us in Sarajevo.

What made this trip truly special was the guided tour of the city that our host’s cousin Amir gave us. As all experienced travelers know, there’s nothing quite like the insights of a local when you arrive in a new place. In this case we even had the privilege of being shown round by a professor of the University of Sarajevo.

The Tunnel of Hope — Taking You Back to the 1990s

While the Lonely Planet describes present-day Sarajevo as “a photogenic, friendly city”, it was a war-torn capital under siege just a few decades ago. The Siege of Sarajevo, lasting for three-and-a-half years, gave rise to an 800-meter tunnel which supplied the city with essentials and even provided a way out for a lucky few.

Much like the Sarajevo of the early 90s, only little remains of the Tunnel of Hope — about 20 meters. Visiting the cellar of the Kolar family home which (still) hides the entrance of the tunnel takes you back to the tumultuous times the city has been through, with historical videos, photos, and, of course, a walk through what little of the tunnel is left.

The Old Town — Food and Franz Ferdinand

After the somewhat depressing visit to the Tunnel of Sarajevo, a bit of time for reflection and relaxation might be a good idea. Visit the Old Town — BašÄ�aršija — and take your pick of the many cafés in the area. The charm of this neighborhood doesn’t end with the coffeehouses, though.

Reminiscent of the Ottoman era, Sarajevo’s old market is divided into a variety of sections, with stalls showcasing different skills (such as woodworking) and products (like local specialties). This is the perfect opportunity to admire traditional arts and crafts, and, more importantly, taste some of the Bosnian cuisine. Ä�evapi (sausages), burek (pastry made with filo dough), and, to satisfy any potential burger cravings, pljeskavica (a patty made of a mix of ground meats).

Finally, the history buffs should not miss this opportunity to visit the site where the infamous assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife Sophie took place — two fatal gunshots that plunged the whole world into war.

Sarajevo’s Religious Diversity — the “Jerusalem of the Balkans”

In the same neighborhood, namely that of Stari Grad, you’ll find a large variety of sacred buildings belonging to different faiths. The legacy of the Ottoman Empire, which ruled in Bosnia until the late 19th century, is clearly visible judging from the number of mosques and even hamams in the city center.

However, you can divide your time equally amongst the different religions: the Catholic Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Sarajevo’s medieval Orthodox Church, and a 16th-century Sephardic synagogue are actually located in the very same street.

When Darkness Falls over Sarajevo…

… it’s time to eat, drink, and be merry! Dinner-time soon approached, and Kibe Mahala, a top-class restaurant on one of Sarajevo’s many hillsides, provided the stunning view of the city I was looking for, not to mention some more typical Bosnian treats. This is a great time to combine some of the local food you might have seen at the market earlier on, combined with a glass of fine wine from southern Bosnia.

If you’re looking for a place to burn off all those calories on the dancefloor, City Pub, right in the heart of Sarajevo, is a great choice that tends to attract an international crowd. Live performances are frequent and they really set the tone for the rest of the evening. After a couple of rounds at the pub, the lounge bar at Hacienda was our Sarajevo destination for the night and the DJ did not disappoint.

Quadding through Mountains — and Minefields

The Olympic Village built for the 1984 Winter Olympics is quite a sight to see. It is no longer in use and even though it retains a certain flair, it is sad to see such infrastructure just wasting away. However, I definitely recommend visiting the village, if only to peer down from the top of the ski-jump ramp.

Our host lived nearby and, after taking us to the village, he evidently thought it was time for some exercise of our own: so he suggested driving quad bikes through the Bosnian mountains and, wait for it, not far from some minefields. On any other trip this turn of events might have surprised me, but having seen how diverse Sarajevo is, from the Tunnel of Hope to the vibrant nightlife, it seemed like a fitting way to end my trip.

(Image credit: 1), 2), 4), 5) Malte Zeeck/InterNations 3) iStockphoto)