Ilidža: a neighbourhood guide
Thermal springs, a 3.5 km avenue of old trees, the last stop of tram line 3 and the airport about 6 minutes away.
Ilidža is a green municipality on the south-western edge of Sarajevo, at the foot of Mount IgmanThe mountain above Ilidža, with woodland, open meadows and picnic spots.23 km · about 30 min by car. It is known for its thermal springs, the tree-lined Velika AlejaA 3.5 km avenue of chestnut and plane trees between Ilidža’s spa quarter and the springs of the Bosna. It is closed to motor vehicles. and Vrelo BosneThe springs where the Bosna River begins. Paths and small bridges cross the channels under the trees, with benches and a children’s playground.3.8 km · about 51 min on foot · about 9 min by car, the springs of the River Bosna. The airport is about 3.5 km away, tram line 3 ends here, and BaščaršijaSarajevo’s Ottoman-era bazaar and old town, with craft shops, cafés and restaurants around the Sebilj fountain. Tram line 3 from Ilidža runs here.12 km · tram line 3 · about 17 min by car is about 12 km to the east.
From River Walk in Ilidža
Vrelo Bosne3.8 km
On footabout 51 min
Car or taxiabout 9 min5.1 km
Rimski most2.2 km
On footabout 29 min
Car or taxiabout 5 min2.9 km
In this guide
Where Ilidža is
Ilidža sits where the Sarajevo valley opens out below Igman, beside the rivers Željeznica and Bosna. A Roman settlement grew around its thermal springs, and under Austro-Hungarian rule it became a spa resort with hotels, villas and the long avenue to the springs. Today it is a residential part of the city with its own centre, shops and the tram terminus.
On foot from River Walk
River Walk is at Butmirska cesta 16A and 16B, beside the Željeznica. These are the places guests walk to most.
- Bingo City Center, with a hypermarket and a cash machine: about 200 m
- Pharmacy (Apoteka Al-Hana, Dr. Mustafe Pintola 21): about 450 m, about 6 minutes
- Ilidža tram stop, line 3 to Baščaršija: about 600 m, about 7 minutes
- Thermal pools (Termalna rivijera, Butmirska cesta 18): about 700 m, about 9 minutes
- Rimski most, the Ottoman-era bridge over the Bosna: about 2.2 km, about 29 minutes
- Vrelo Bosne: about 3.8 km, about 51 minutes
Eating and shopping
On the ground floor of River Walk, around the square by the river, are Del Gusto (a restaurant with pizza, pasta, grilled meat and fish), La Soul (a café with burgers), Cloud Cafe and Huqqa Lounge, plus a small market for everyday items. Restoran Brajlović, a family restaurant since 1945 with a garden beside the Željeznica, is known for grilled and roast meat. For a full shop, use the hypermarket at Bingo City Center on the same street.
Parks, water and history
Velika aleja is a 3.5 km avenue of chestnut and plane trees, closed to cars, that leads from the spa quarter to Vrelo Bosne. The park at the springs has paths, small bridges, swans and a playground. The thermal pools on Butmirska cesta have indoor pools open all year. The Tunnel of Hope museum, at the Butmir end of the wartime tunnel under the airport, is about 7 minutes away by car.
Getting to the centre
Tram line 3 runs from Ilidža along the whole valley to Baščaršija. Trams leave every few minutes during the day, from about 5 in the morning until late evening, and a single ticket costs 2.20 KM. By taxi the old town is about 17 minutes away outside rush hour.
Who Ilidža suits
Ilidža suits families and groups who want space and a kitchen, drivers who want free parking, travellers with an early or late flight, and anyone staying a week or longer. If you want to step out of the door into the old bazaar and walk home after dinner, stay in Baščaršija instead: from Ilidža, an evening in the old town means a tram or taxi back.
Questions
Is Ilidža a good place to stay in Sarajevo?
Yes, if you want space, greenery, free parking and a short ride from the airport. The old town is a tram ride away, so it suits visitors who are happy to travel in for sightseeing and come back to a quieter base.
How far is Ilidža from Sarajevo city centre?
Baščaršija is about 12 km from River Walk, about 17 minutes by car outside rush hour. Tram line 3 runs between Ilidža and Baščaršija all day.
What is Ilidža known for?
Thermal springs, the Austro-Hungarian spa quarter, the 3.5 km Velika aleja and Vrelo Bosne, the park at the springs of the River Bosna.
Can you walk from Ilidža to Vrelo Bosne?
Yes. From River Walk it is about 3.8 km, about 51 minutes, most of it along Velika aleja, which is closed to cars. Horse-drawn carriages also run along the avenue.
Sources and visitor information
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