Three days in Sarajevo from Ilidža
The old town by tram, the springs on foot and a mountain by cable car, with a swap for rain.
With three days in Sarajevo and a base in Ilidža, spend day one in 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 and the old town by tram, day two walking 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. to 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 with the Tunnel of Hope in the afternoon, and day three 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 by cable car. In rain or deep winter, swap the mountain for the museums.
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
Vrelo Bosne3.8 km
On footabout 51 min
Car or taxiabout 9 min5.1 km
Trebević cable car12 km
Car or taxiabout 17 min
In this guide
Before you start
You do not need a car for this plan. The Ilidža tram stop is about 7 minutes from River Walk on foot, and line 3 runs to Baščaršija. A single ticket costs 2.20 KM and a day ticket 7.10 KM, which pays for itself from the fourth ride. Wear comfortable shoes: the old town is cobbled and day two is a long, level walk.
Day 1: Baščaršija and the old town
Take the tram to the last stop and give the whole day to the old town.
- Morning: the Sebilj fountain, the coppersmiths’ lane and the courtyard of the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque
- Lunch: ćevapi in somun, or pies sold by weight
- Afternoon: City Hall, opened in 1896 and reopened in 2014, then the Latin Bridge along the river
- Late afternoon: Bosnian coffee and baklava before the tram back to Ilidža
Day 2: Velika aleja, Vrelo Bosne and the Tunnel of Hope
Stay in Ilidža. Walk to Vrelo Bosne in the morning, about 3.8 km along the avenue, and come back by carriage or taxi if you prefer to walk one way only. After lunch at River Walk, take a taxi to the Tunnel of Hope, about 7 minutes away; the last entry is at 16:30 from April to October and 15:30 from November to March. Finish with dinner on the square by the river.
Day 3: Trebević, or the museums
On a clear day, take the tram to Baščaršija and the cable car up Trebević for the view over the city and a walk along the old Olympic bobsleigh track. The operator currently lists a 12:00 start on Mondays and 09:00 on other days. In rain, choose the National Museum, which is closed on Mondays, or the indoor thermal pools in Ilidža.
If you have a car
Replace day three with BjelašnicaA 2,067 m mountain with hiking and cycling in summer, and skiing when winter conditions allow.25 km · about 32 min by car, about 32 minutes from Ilidža, for a mountain walk in summer or skiing in winter. Mostar is possible as a long day, about 2 hours 10 minutes each way, but it takes the place of a day in Sarajevo.
Arrival and departure days
The airport is about 6 minutes from River Walk by taxi, so even a late-morning flight leaves time for breakfast on the square. Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out until 11:00; reception is open 24 hours a day.
Questions
Is three days enough for Sarajevo?
Yes, for the old town, Ilidža and Vrelo Bosne, and either Trebević or the museums. Add a fourth day if you want Mostar or Bjelašnica as well.
Can I fit Mostar into three days?
Yes, by giving it one full day in place of day three. Go by the morning train or by car, about 2 hours 10 minutes each way.
What should I do if it rains?
Swap Trebević for the National Museum, City Hall or the indoor thermal pools in Ilidža, and keep Vrelo Bosne for the driest day.
Do I need a car for this itinerary?
No. The tram, the cable car, one short taxi ride to the Tunnel of Hope and your own feet cover all three days.
Sources and visitor information
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