Sarajevo’s old town and food
Walk the old bazaar, stop for Bosnian food and choose one more place to explore.
For a first day in Sarajevo’s old town, take tram line 3 from Ilidža to its last stop, Baščaršija. Walk the bazaar lanes from the Sebilj fountain, eat ćevapi or pies for lunch, then choose City Hall or the 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 cable car for the afternoon. Allow most of a day; a single tram ticket costs 2.20 KM.
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
Time to allowAllow 5-7 hours for the day.
The Ilidža tram terminal is about 7 minutes (600 m) away on foot via Trg Sabita Hadžića. Line 3 goes towards 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. Check current service and your return before travelling.
In this guide
Baščaršija
Begin at the Sebilj fountain in Baščaršija, then explore the lanes of the Ottoman-era bazaar. Craft shops, cafés and restaurants line the streets, with copperwork and old doorways to look out for along the way.
Lunch in the old town
Try ćevapi with somun bread or a Bosnian pie, followed by coffee, baklava or tufahije, walnut-filled apples. Ask the restaurant directly about ingredients, allergies and halal requirements before you order.
City Hall or Trebević
City Hall has a decorated atrium, galleries and stained glass. Opened in 1896, it reopened after reconstruction in 2014. For an outdoor afternoon in clear weather, choose the Trebević cable car for views over Sarajevo and walks nearby.
Back to Ilidža
Tram line 3 connects Ilidža and Baščaršija. Check GRAS service information before setting out, and plan your return journey if you stay for dinner in the old town.
Questions
How do I get to Baščaršija from Ilidža?
Take tram line 3 from the Ilidža tram stop, about 7 minutes’ walk from River Walk, to the last stop. By taxi it is about 12 km, about 17 minutes outside rush hour.
How long do I need in Sarajevo’s old town?
Most of a day for the bazaar, lunch and one more visit such as City Hall. The area is compact and best seen on foot.
What should I eat in Baščaršija?
Ćevapi in somun bread, burek or another pie sold by weight, and Bosnian coffee with baklava or tufahije.
Sources and visitor information
More ideas for your days
Where to eat
Restaurants and cafés in the building and a short walk away in Ilidža.
In the old town
Tram line 3 runs from Ilidža to Baščaršija.
- Ćevabdžinica ŽeljoĆevapi in somun bread, in Baščaršija.Map
- Buregdžinica BosnaBurek and other pita, sold by weight.Map
- Buregdžinica SačBurek and pita baked under a sač, a metal lid covered with embers.Map
- Aščinica ASDŽCooked Bosnian dishes such as dolma and Bosanski lonac.Map
- Čajdžinica DžirloA small teahouse for Bosnian coffee, tea and salep.Map
- Baklava DućanBosnian baklava.Map
