Sarajevo with children
Open space and pools in Ilidža, a cable car and museums in the city, and an apartment with a kitchen to come back to.
For a family, stay in an apartment with separate bedrooms, a kitchen and a washing machine. At River Walk in Ilidža a family of four fits the one-bedroom apartment (72 m²), five fit a two-bedroom with two bathrooms (80 or 100 m²) and up to seven fit the three-bedroom with three bathrooms (137 m²), with free parking, reception at any hour and the airport six minutes away. From there, the paths, swans and playground of 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 and the thermal pools are close by, and tram 3 runs to the old town.
From River Walk in Ilidža
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
Near River Walk
Velika aleja is 3.5 km of level avenue without cars, good for scooters, bikes and pushchairs, and horse-drawn carriages run along it to Vrelo Bosne. In the park, children watch the swans from the bridges and use the playground. Entry for visitors from abroad is currently 6 KM for adults and 3 KM for children aged 6 to 18; under-sixes go free.
Pools
The thermal pools at Butmirska cesta 18 are about 9 minutes from River Walk on foot. The indoor pools are open all year; the outdoor pools open in the warm months. A day ticket currently costs 10 KM for adults and 5 KM for children aged 4 to 12 on weekdays, and 12 KM and 7 KM at weekends, with opening hours listed as 09:00–22:00. Pay the venue directly and check what is open before you set off.
In the city
Take tram line 3 to Baščaršija, where children like the Sebilj fountain, the coppersmiths’ street and the sweet shops. The Trebević cable car climbs from the old-town side to views over the whole city and to the old Olympic bobsleigh track, which you can walk along. The National Museum has natural-history collections and a botanical garden; it is closed on Mondays.
A rainy day
Choose the indoor pools in Ilidža, the National Museum or City Hall, whose painted atrium and stained glass hold children’s attention for a short visit. Keep the day to one outing and come back for a meal cooked in the apartment.
Places to think about first
The War Childhood Museum and the Tunnel of Hope deal with the siege of the 1990s. They are suitable for older children who have had the story explained, and parents should decide. Younger children are better served by the park, the pools and the cable car.
In winter
Bjelašnica, about 32 minutes from Ilidža by car, has children’s slopes, ski schools, equipment rental and sledging. In town, the indoor pools stay open and the cable car runs on clear days.
Practical notes for families
A cot for a child up to two years old is free on request, subject to availability. Every apartment has a kitchen and a washing machine, and River Walk has a lift. Del Gusto and La Soul on the ground floor both have children’s menus. If you need a child seat for a taxi or transfer, ask when you order.
Practical notes for families
A cot for a child up to two years old is free on request, subject to availability. Every apartment has a kitchen and a washing machine, and River Walk has a lift. Del Gusto and La Soul on the ground floor both have children’s menus. If you need a child seat for a taxi or transfer, ask when you order.
- Family of four: two-bedroom apartment, 80 m² or 100 m², two bathrooms
- Family of five: two-bedroom apartment using the sofa bed
- Two families or up to seven guests: three-bedroom apartment, 137 m², three bathrooms
Two-bedroom apartment with river viewThree-bedroom apartmentPlan your days
Questions
Is Sarajevo a good destination for children?
Yes. The city is compact, and Ilidža adds a traffic-free avenue, a park with swans and a playground, and thermal pools. Keep to one main outing a day.
Is there a pool or water park in Sarajevo?
The thermal pools in Ilidža, at Butmirska cesta 18, have indoor pools open all year and outdoor pools in the warm months.
Is Vrelo Bosne suitable for a pushchair?
Velika aleja, the 3.5 km avenue to the park, is level and closed to cars. Check the paths inside the park if you need step-free access throughout.
Which River Walk apartment suits a family of five?
A two-bedroom apartment, 80 m² or 100 m², with two bathrooms; the fifth guest sleeps on the sofa bed in the living room.
Can I get a cot?
Yes. A cot for a child up to two years old is free on request, subject to availability, so ask when you book.
Sources and visitor information
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