Did you know that Sarajevo’s neighbourhoods stretch up to 900 metres up the mountain? And that although the main sights are in the valley, to see how the locals live, you have to go further out – to the traditional mahalas, the narrow streets and lesser-known parts of the city on the hills.
This tour is a little different from other city tours! But whether it’s your first time in Sarajevo or you already know the old town – this tour is perfect for you if you fancy a bit of adventure and a better understanding of the city’s history and why it’s called the “Jerusalem of Europe”.
Churches, mosques and synagogues are not only among the highlights of a tour in the streets and alleyways of Baščaršija – here too, in the small neighbourhoods of the capital of Bosnia, Sarajevo’s rich history continues and religions mix in a fascinating way.
This tour will bring history to life, as you stroll past an old synagogue, small mosques with wooden minarets, a dervish monastery from the Ottoman period, a Catholic boarding school and many more things as you hike up the hill to finally end up at a viewpoint with your tour guide. This one is a true hidden gem and from where you can enjoy the view of the city and spot important landmarks of Sarajevo.
The traces of the aggression on Sarajevo from the 1990s are still clearly visible here on the mountains. You will learn about the resilience of the inhabitants, see trenches from the Sarajevo siege and realise from the view from above how the city’s most important buildings and its people could so easily become a target.
We finish the tour in the Mahala Sedrenik, where you can savour typical Bosnian dishes over lunch.
What makes this tour different from other Sarajevo tours?
Instead of ‘just’ exploring the heart of the old town, this trip tour takes you to the oldest neighbourhoods of Sarajevo, where you can see how the city’s inhabitants live today. These neighbourhoods are not easily accessible on your own, but your tour guide will bring them to life for you. What’s more, this tour is a city tour and hike in one – it’s called an urban hike.
Is this tour suited for first-time visitors also?
Definitely! You won’t be walking through the Old Town on this tour, but it’s a very special experience to discover the sights outside Sarajevo’s Baščaršija. And you’ll get the same insights into the history of religious and cultural diversity on this tour as on a normal tour in Sarajevo.
What should we bring with us?
Wear comfortable shoes, preferably with a non-slip tread. Hiking boots are not necessary. In summer, wear sun protection and a hat and bring a refillable water bottle – we will have opportunities to fill them along the way.
Where does the walking tour start?
The tour departs at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in the centre of Sarajevo.
Can I book this tour as private tour?
Yes, all our tours can be booked as private tours. Write us an an email.
Is the lunch free of charge?
Lunch is not free, but optional. You can also go straight back down to the city when the tour is finished, but we highly recommend you to enjoy a delicious Bosnian lunch. If you have not yet decided at the time of booking, you can also let us know later, but please give us 24 hours’ notice.
Which main sights of the city will be visited?
The whole of Bosnia and Herzegovina is full of hidden historical sights! And there’s more to discover in our capital city than just the Old Town.
On this tour, you will pass places such as the Olympic Museum, a Sufi monastery (the mystics of Islam), trenches from the Bosnian War, old Ottoman houses that have been converted into museums, Austro-Hungarian architecture and, above all, you will gain many insights into Bosnian culture and the life in Sarajevo.
What if it rains or my plans change?
Unfortunately, the weather in Sarajevo is unpredictable. Bring an umbrella if rain is forecast, and we will try to be indoors more than outdoors. We do not give refunds but reserve the right to cancel the tour if the weather is too extreme to be outside. Should you change your plans, you can cancel free of charge up to 48 hours in advance.
I am not so good on foot. Can I still book?
We walk almost 9 kilometres on this city tour, for short sections it is sometimes a little steeper uphill or downhill, for about 500 metres on a gravel road. If you are not confident on foot or have problems with your legs or knees, we would not recommend this tour.
Please note: The minimum group size is three people. We reserve the right to cancel tours that do not meet the minimum group size – except for private tours.
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Sarajevo Food Tour 