Last Updated on 26/04/2024 by kami
I bet you have seen before many Sarajevo pictures that made you curious about the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is one of the most unique cities in Europe, where East meets West (literally, you have the sign on the street telling you where exactly it happens), with the multicultural past and tragic history.
Thanks to the location, with mountains around, there are many great Sarajevo viewpoints that offer some amazing photo opportunities. But there are more places where you can take beautiful Sarajevo pictures.
Today I will share with you my favorite Sarajevo photo location and most Instagrammable places in Sarajevo. And who knows, maybe these pictures will inspire you to visit Sarajevo soon.
Sarajevo essentials
- Airport transfer: Pre-book the airport transfer from Sarajevo airport to your accommodation in Sarajevo here.
- Where to stay in Sarajevo: İsa Begov Hamam Hotel (8.9/10) / Hotel President Sarajevo (9.0/10)
- Best Sarajevo tour: Fall of Yugoslavia, Sarajevo War Tour with Tunnel of Hope Museum and Frontlines
- Best day trip from Sarajevo: Tour to Mostar, Blagaj, Počitelj & Kravice Falls
- Get insured for your trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina with SafetyWing
Where to take the best Sarajevo pictures
The city gives so many opportunities to take great Sarajevo pictures.
In and around the old part – Baščaršija – you will find picturesque spots around every second corner and even a random residential street can look pretty on your photos. If you are a fan of street photography (I’m still learning) you will find Sarajevo photography heaven – there is always something going on, especially in Baščaršija.
Below you can find my favorite photo locations in Sarajevo, in no particular order. But I’m sure you will find some other places that will steal your heart too.
All the Sarajevo viewpoints (you can find the best ones here), but especially Yellow Bastion. The best time to take pictures from there is around the sunset when the whole city is covered in the soft yellow light.
Čajdžinica Džirlo teahouse on Kovači street, on the way to Yellow Bastion, one of the most charming places you will find in Sarajevo
Streets of Baščaršija, especially Kazandžiluk where you can find numerous craftsmen shops and see local craftsmen at work
Baščaršija Square, so-called “Pigeon Square”, with the 18th-century wooden fountain Sebilj in the middle. This is one of the most picturesque places in Sarajevo
Vijećnica – the town hall. Badly destroyed during the Sarajevo siege, it was beautifully restored and today has one of the most stunning interiors in the city. There is an entrance fee, 10 BAM, but it’s definitely worth the money.
Pivnica HS – the restaurant located in the local brewery with a beautiful interior, a testimony to the previous tavern founded in this place at the beginning of the 20th century.
Inat kuća – a traditional Bosniak house, built on the bank of Miliacka river.
Numerous random streets around Sarajevo, especially those going up. You need to wander aimlessly around to find your favorite ones.
Latin Bridge – the Ottoman bridge in the center of Sarajevo, the place where World War I has started.
Morića Han – the 16th-century inn with a charming courtyard and picturesque carpet shop
Cafes in Baščaršija – located in tiny buildings from Ottoman times, with small tables and stools. My favorite one was “Andar”, set in a former shoemaker shop and referring to its tradition. When going for a coffee in Sarajevo be sure to order Bosniak coffee, it’s served in beautiful sets that always look good on the pictures.
“Sarajevo Meeting of Cultures” sign – the symbolic place where Eastern and Western cultures meet. When looking on Ferhadija street you will see grand architecture from the times of Austria-Hungary, on the opposite side, on Saraci street there are lower Ottoman houses.
Main pedestrian streets in the Old Town – Ferhadija and Saraci.
Strossmayerova street with the best view of the Catholic cathedral.
Trg oslobođenja – Alija Izetbegović – the large square with the Orthodox cathedral, you will find there local men playing chess.
Eternal Flame and Marsala Tita street – lined with beautiful architecture from Austria-Hungary times. Pay attention to all the details on the houses, they are beautiful.
Zlatna ribica – probably the craziest cafe/pub in Sarajevo, with the insane interior.
Funky Festina Lente bridge and the beautiful building of The Academy of Fine Arts.
Beautiful grand houses along Miljacka river, with university and main post office.
Ciglane neighborhood – this is especially interesting for fans of urbex, this residential complex built on the hillside with the rusty funicular going to the upper parts looks very interesting.
The Jewish Cemetery – one of the largest Jewish cemeteries in Europe, established some 500 years ago.
The abandoned bobsled track, located high on the mountains above the city. Destroyed during the 1990s war, today it’s covered in graffiti and makes a great place to visit by fans of urbex.
Mr. chat – the famous greening cat that you can see painted on many walls around the city, the symbol of Sarajevo street art.
Tips for taking the best Sarajevo pictures
As everywhere else, early in the morning is your best chance of taking photos without people on them. At the same time, all the small shops will be closed and they are usually very picturesque. I went for a walk on Saturday one March morning and the old town was empty.
Try to be at the Yellow Bastion around the sunset time – not only Sarajevo looks magical in the yellow light but the sound of the call for prayer that you can hear from all over the city is an unforgettable experience.
When walking around and taking pictures, especially in the evening, pay attention to your belongings – that’s how I lost my passport, someone opened my backpack and took out a small pouch bag with my passport among few other things in it.
Streets of Baščaršija can get busy – if you like street photo – you will love it, if you like taking pictures of the place – you will have a hard time dealing with it.
Further reading
I published many articles about Bosnia and Herzegovina that you might find useful when planning your trip there. Here are some of them:
- 17 best places to visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- 37 Best Things to Do in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Ostrozac Castle – the Hidden Gem of Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bihac, Bosnia and Herzegovina – the Getaway to Una NP
- 25 Amazing Things to Do in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Visit Travnik – the Heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina
- What to See in Jajce, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Visegrad, Bosnia and Herzegovina – See the Iconic Bridge on the Drina
- and more!
If you are looking for articles about a specific destination – check out the map with all the articles I’ve published (and their locations). You can also join my Facebook group about traveling in the Balkans and ask your questions there.
For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:
- Sign up to my newsletter or follow me on Bloglovin to get updates about the new posts
- Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
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