Top 5: Summer Activities in Sarajevo

The Bosnian capital is a great place to be in the summer, when the snow clears and people spend all of their time outside. Here are some of the best summer activities in town.

Explore by Bike

Cycling is increasingly popular in Sarajevo and there are bike paths across the city. Head to Dariva, Wilson’s Promenade and Velika Aleja to take a look at how the locals enjoy the warm weather. Hire a bike from one of the local shops or take out a Nextbike, the city’s public bike rental service.

Hike the Mahalas

The steep, narrow streets on the hills of Sarajevo are known as mahalas, residential areas built during the Ottoman period. They remain the heart and soul of the city, with great community life and some amazing restaurants. Take a stroll around and stop off for some food when you stumble across a traditional eatery.

Watch the Sunset

Go to the mahalas above the Baščaršija district and you’ll be able to watch the sun come down over town while you listen to the call to prayer from nearby mosques. After night has fallen, walk back down into the center for dinner.

Visit the Olympic Bobsled Run

In the 1980s, Sarajevo was a city on the up, and it hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics before the Balkans descended into chaos. A visit to the bobsled run is an interesting way to experience the twist and turns of the country’s recent history.

Take a Swim

Summer in Sarajevo is hot and you’ll more than likely want to cool off at some point. Head to the Olympic Swimming Pool at Otoka or Termal Rivijera in Ilidža for a refreshing dip.