If you have not read my previous trip to Budva and Kotor in Montenegro, you can check that first.
From Montenegro to Sarajevo A Scenic Bus Journey You Should Not Miss
I booked my ticket on traveling.com and the journey took about six and a half hours.
It is a long ride, but I can confidently say this was one of the most beautiful bus journeys I have ever experienced. The landscapes between Montenegro and Bosnia in mid November were truly unforgettable.
The most impressive part was around the Pluzine area in Montenegro. The scenery during this section was absolutely breathtaking. Mountains, lakes, and deep valleys kept appearing one after another, and it honestly felt like I was inside a movie.
I was sitting on the left side of the bus, and I highly recommend choosing that side if possible. The views are simply incredible.
To be honest, it was so beautiful that it made me think I want to see this again at least once in my lifetime.
Arriving in Sarajevo What to Do at Night
I arrived at the bus terminal in Bosnia at around 7 pm.
Whenever I arrive in a new city at night, I usually stay somewhere near the terminal instead of moving around too much. This is especially important in Sarajevo due to its unique situation.
Understanding Bosnia and Herzegovina A Complex Country
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a very complex political structure compared to most countries.
After the Bosnian War from 1992 to 1995, conflicts between ethnic groups such as Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks led to the current system.
Today, the country is divided into two main entities:
- Republika Srpska
- Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
I arrived on the Republika Srpska side, while the Old Town is located in the Federation side. This means you need to move between different areas of the country.
Because of this, I recommend not moving too much at night if you are unfamiliar with the area.
First Night Accommodation
For my first night, I stayed at prenoćište Rale Rale rooms.
The price was 20 euros and payment was cash only.
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Dinner Local Food and Beer
I walked around the neighborhood and found a place called Ćevabdžinica Mrkva Dobrinja where I ordered a hamburger for takeaway.
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I also bought a local Bosnian beer from a nearby supermarket and enjoyed a simple dinner.
A hamburger and beer combination is always perfect.
Getting to the Old Town Local Bus Experience
The next day, I took a bus from the nearby terminal to the Old Town area.
The fare was around 2 convertible marks, and cash was required.
Important tips
Make sure to prepare local currency in advance
Credit cards are often not accepted
I was lucky because I had received Bosnian coins from a Taiwanese traveler I met in Kosovo, which helped a lot.
Staying Near the Old Town
I stayed at Hostel Vagabond Sarajevo for three nights, which cost 36.5 euros.
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The shared space was quite small, so it is not ideal for digital nomads, but the location is excellent.
Sarajevo Old Town Where East Meets West
The Old Town of Sarajevo has a strong influence from the Ottoman Empire.
At the same time, just a short walk away, you will find European style architecture. This creates a unique contrast where Eastern and Western cultures meet in one place.
Sarajevo is also historically important because it is where the assassination that triggered World War One took place.
Things to See in Sarajevo
Sarajevo Rose
These are memorial marks created from mortar impacts during the Bosnian War. Red resin is poured into the holes to honor the victims. You can find them scattered throughout the city.
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Eternal Flame
A memorial for the victims of World War Two. The flame is kept burning continuously to preserve the memory of those who died.
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Sacred Heart Cathedral
A Catholic cathedral located in the city center. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Sarajevo.
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Sebilj Fountain
A wooden fountain located in the center of the Old Town. It is surrounded by many pigeons, so you will easily notice it.
The water is drinkable. I tried it myself and it tasted normal.
If you are not comfortable with birds, you might want to keep some distance.
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Latin Bridge
This is the site where the assassination that led to World War One took place. There is also a nearby museum where you can learn more about the event.
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Yellow Fortress
A viewpoint where you can see the entire city of Sarajevo. It is free to enter and especially beautiful around sunset.
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Places I Want to Visit Next Time
I would like to visit Sarajevo Brewery next time.
It is a historic brewery with a restaurant, but I had to skip it due to time and budget.
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Restaurants
Sedef
A hidden restaurant located slightly off the main street. You can enjoy traditional Bosnian home style dishes.
I ordered a plate with dolma and klepe. The flavors were simple and comforting, and I really enjoyed the meal.
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Dženita
I ordered cevapi and klepe.
Both dishes matched my taste perfectly and were very delicious. Having a beer during the day made it even better.
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One Regret
My only regret is that I did not try Bosnian coffee.
There were many cafes around the Old Town, but I kept thinking I would go later and ended up missing the chance.
Working Friendly Cafe
Since it was difficult to work at the hostel, I used a cafe.
Fabrika Coffee Sarajevo II had a strong digital nomad atmosphere, with more than half of the customers working on their laptops.
However, one downside is that smoking is allowed inside, so it can be uncomfortable if you do not like cigarette smoke.
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Final Thoughts Sarajevo Is a City of Beauty and History
Sarajevo is not just a tourist destination. It is a city where history, culture, and memories of war still remain.
You can experience:
A unique mix of Eastern and Western cultures
Real traces of war that still exist today
A city that continues to live forward despite its past
The bus journey from Montenegro alone is worth the trip.
If you are interested in history or want to experience something different from typical European destinations, Sarajevo is definitely a place you should visit at least once.
My next destination is Zagreb in Croatia.
