A week in Sarajevo and around
Two city days, two local days, one mountain, one long day trip and a day left open.
A week in Sarajevo gives you time for two days in the old town and museums, two days around Ilidža 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, a day on TrebevićThe mountain above Sarajevo, 1,627 m. A cable car leaves from the old-town side of the city for views and walks.Trebević cable car: 12 km · about 17 min by car or BjelašnicaA 2,067 m mountain with hiking and cycling in summer, and skiing when winter conditions allow.25 km · about 32 min by car, one long day trip to Mostar or Travnik, and a free day. Staying in one apartment all week means you unpack once and return to the same kitchen each evening.
From River Walk in Ilidža
Baščaršija12 km
TramLine 3 to BaščaršijaIlidža tram stopThe last stop of tram line 3, which runs between Ilidža and Baščaršija in Sarajevo’s old town.600 m · about 7 min on foot, about 7 min on foot from River Walk
Car or taxiabout 17 min
Bjelašnica25 km
Car or taxiabout 32 min
Mostar118 km
Car or taxiabout 2 h 10 min
In this guide
Day 1: arrive and settle in
River Walk is about 6 minutes from the airport by taxi. Collect your keys, buy basics at the market downstairs or at Bingo City Center about 200 m away, and have dinner on the square by the river.
Day 2: Baščaršija and the old town
Take tram line 3 to the last stop. Walk the bazaar lanes from the Sebilj fountain, visit the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque courtyard and City Hall, and eat ćevapi or pies for lunch.
Day 3: Velika aleja and Vrelo Bosne
Walk the 3.5 km avenue to the springs of the Bosna, about 3.8 km from River Walk in all, and spend the afternoon at the thermal pools on Butmirska cesta or resting at the apartment.
Day 4: Trebević and a museum
Ride the cable car from the old-town side up Trebević in the morning, then choose the National Museum or the War Childhood Museum for the afternoon. The National Museum is closed on Mondays.
Day 5: Mostar
Give Mostar a full day. By car it is about 118 km from Ilidža, about 2 hours 10 minutes each way through Konjic and the Neretva valley; by train it is roughly two hours from Sarajevo’s main station. Keep the next morning light.
Day 6: a slow day in Ilidža
Visit the Tunnel of Hope, about 7 minutes away by taxi, or walk to Rimski mostA stone bridge over the Bosna at Plandište. Despite its Roman name, it was built in Ottoman times using older Roman stonework.2.2 km · about 29 min on foot · about 5 min by car, the Ottoman-era bridge about 2.2 km from River Walk. Use the washing machine, cook lunch and leave the afternoon free.
Day 7: Bjelašnica, Igman or Travnik
With a car, drive to Bjelašnica or IgmanThe mountain above Ilidža, with woodland, open meadows and picnic spots.23 km · about 30 min by car, about 30 minutes from Ilidža, for a walk and a mountain lunch in summer or a ski day in winter. The alternative is Travnik, about 92 km and about 1 hour 26 minutes away, for its fortress and the house where Ivo Andrić was born.
Without a car
Days one to four and day six need only the tram, the cable car and one short taxi ride. For Mostar, take the train. For the mountains, rent a car for a day at the airport, book a transfer, or in the ski season use the public bus to Bjelašnica that calls at Ilidža.
Questions
Is a week too long for Sarajevo?
No. Three or four days cover the city and Ilidža; the rest of the week goes to the mountains, Mostar or Travnik, and to slower days.
Should I split a week between Sarajevo and Mostar?
You can, but Mostar’s old town is seen in a day, so most visitors keep one base in Sarajevo and go to Mostar and back.
Do I need a car for the whole week?
No. A car is useful for one or two days, for the mountains and for Travnik. The rest of the week works by tram, train and taxi.
Which apartment suits a week-long stay?
Choose by the number of bedrooms you need. Every River Walk apartment has a kitchen and a washing machine, which matter more over seven nights than over two.
Sources and visitor information
More ideas for your days
