Sarajevo Free Walking Tour: History & Hidden Gems

Our tour begins in front of the largest Catholic church in Sarajevo – a beautiful Gothic structure built during the Austro-Hungarian period. It’s not just an architectural gem but also a meeting point for locals and travellers alike.

Just a few steps away lies a symbolic line in the pavement – a literal and visual reminder of Sarajevo’s unique identity. To one side, the Austro-Hungarian buildings. To the other, Ottoman-era shops. Here, the East and West stand face to face.

Next, we visit one of the oldest synagogues in the region, now home to the Jewish Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Learn about the long-standing presence of the Jewish community in Sarajevo and their contribution to the city’s diversity.

Step into the heart of the old town and admire the most important Islamic building in the country. Built in the 16th century, this mosque is not just a place of worship, but a centre of learning, trade, and architecture.

A few meters away is the last preserved caravanserai (inn) in Sarajevo. Once a resting place for traders and travellers, Morica Han is now a peaceful courtyard filled with coffee and conversation.

Baščaršija is Sarajevo’s old bazaar. At its centre stands Sebilj, the famous wooden fountain that has become one of the city’s most photographed landmarks. Legend says: if you drink from it, you’ll return to Sarajevo.

Stroll through Sarajevo’s traditional craft streets. Here you’ll find coppersmiths, small eateries, and shops that have kept the same family traditions for generations. It’s a step back in time – and a treat for the senses.

Cross the Miljacka River and stand before one of Sarajevo’s most iconic buildings. Once the city hall, then the national library, this architectural masterpiece was destroyed in the war and beautifully restored to its original glory.

Directly across the river is a house with a bold backstory. Its owner refused to sell the property to the Austro-Hungarians and moved it, brick by brick, just to prove a point. A tale of stubbornness turned into legend.

One of the oldest mosques in the Balkans, built shortly after the Ottoman conquest of Sarajevo. It’s a peaceful place, nestled beside the river, and a reminder of the city’s deep Islamic roots.

Stand on the bridge where history changed forever. This is the spot where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914, triggering the start of World War I. A quiet place, yet heavy with historical weight.

Peek into the remains of a 16th-century Ottoman caravanserai, right next to one of Sarajevo’s oldest hotels. A rare blend of old and new sits quietly in this small but significant corner.

Continue into the heart of Sarajevo’s religious diversity with a visit to one of the largest Orthodox churches in the region. Its rich interior and peaceful surroundings reflect the city’s long-standing spirit of coexistence.

Our tour ends at a square that has seen both celebration and sorrow. The nearby Markale Market is a functioning open-air market today – but also a site that witnessed the tragedies of the 1990s siege. It’s a powerful reminder of the city’s strength and the will to rebuild.

We end the tour at the Eternal Flame, a solemn World War II memorial dedicated to the military and civilian victims of fascism. It continues to burn in memory of Sarajevo’s resilience.