Sarajevo

Muslim Travel Guide

Sarajevo is the largest and most densely populated city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is a vibrant city bustling with restaurants, shops, and tourists. There is lots to do, see and eat. You can easily spend 2-3 days in Sarajevo exploring the city. The majority of the locals in Sarajevo are Muslims. Halal food is easily accessible, Masjids are in every corner and overall Sarajevo is a safe city, making it a Muslim friendly travel destination.

Sarajevo has gone through a war less than 25 years ago. Many lost family members and the city was 75% destroyed. However, Sarajevo has recovered and the city is slowly getting back on its feet. Tourism has picked up once again and I can confidently say that tourism will explode in Sarajevo, Mostar and Bosnia and Herzoginva as a country very soon.

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Things to Do and See

The Baščaršija is the main tourist attraction in Sarajevo. It is where you will find the iconic Sebilj fountain and Ottoman Architecture.

  • Walk around the Baščaršija (Old Town).
  • Take a drink from Sebilj – The iconic water fountain
  • Pray at Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque and Emperor’s Mosque
  • Learn about Srebrenica at Gallery 11/07/95 – The best museum experience I had. Make sure to get the audio guide.
  • Go underground inside the actual Tunnel of Hope – The tunnel that kept Sarajevo alive for 4 years.
  • Take a gondola up to Mount Trebević for a view of the entire city
  • Go on a FREE Walking Tour

Other things to do and see

Where to Pray

Like Mostar, there is no shortage of Masjids in Sarajevo. As you walk around the city, you will hear the adhan (call to prayer) and see masjids in every corner. The most famous Masjid in Sarajevo is Gazi Husrev-Beg. It is located in the heart of the Old Town and cannot be missed. Make sure to catch Maghrib, Isha or Fajr there and enjoy some incredibly beautiful Quran recitation.

Gazi Husrev-Beg

Emperor’s Mosque

Located across the street from the Old Town, the Emperors Mosque was the first Masjid built by the Ottomans.

Where to Eat

Sarajevo has many restaurants to choose from. Here are a few places I recommend to check out. This is not an exhaustive list and you can search up other great places to eat using Google Maps.

Accommodation

The best place to stay in Sarajevo is around Baščaršija (Old Town). The best restaurants are around this area as well as all the main tourist attractions. Here are my top recommendations for accommodation.

How to get around

Travel within Sarajevo (Old Town)

The main touristy area is around Old Town. You can easily walk around everywhere and don’t need to take any type of public transit.

From Mostar to Sarajevo

The train is the best way to get travel between Sarajevo and Mostar. Tickets cost around 10 Bosnian Marks on the fast train. This is the cheapest, fastest and most scenic option. One important to note is that the fast train operates only two trips per day. One early morning and in the evening. Check out the official website for more details.

You can also get a private transfer or taxi for around 80-120 Bosnian Marks. The journey is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.

There are many Buses that operate multiple trips throughout the day. This option is the slowest and will cost a bit more than the train.

is the best way to get travel between Sarajevo and Mostar. Tickets cost around 10 Bosnian Marks on the fast train. This is the cheapest, fastest and most scenic option.

How to Stay Safe

Over 50% of the population in Bosnia and Herzegovina is Muslim. Sarajevo is a safe destination for Muslim Travellers.

Take normal safety precautions as you would anywhere else.

General Tips

  • Read 9 Things you need to know about Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • It can get cold in Sarajevo, check the weather and pack accordingly
  • Not everything is Halal. When buying groceries, look for the Halal symbol on any meat products. At restaurants, ask beforehand.
  • You will come across beggars on the streets. I have been told by the locals that they are not actually in need and are trying to make a quick buck.

Interesting Facts

  • After the 90’s war, 75% of Sarajevo was destroyed
  • 8300+ Muslim Bosniaks were killed in Srebrenica
  • The incident that triggered WWI took place in Sarajevo
  • The 1984 winter Olympics were in held in Sarajevo
  • Brother Eddie from The Deen Show is a Bosniak Muslim!

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