How Much Does Sarajevo Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Sarajevo is one of Europe’s most affordable capital cities, offering a rich historical experience at a fraction of the cost of Western European destinations. Visitors can expect a daily budget ranging from $39 / 65 KM for solo budget travelers to $391 / 650 KM for those seeking high-end luxury. The city provides a unique blend of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian architecture, where a traditional coffee in the old bazaar costs just $2.4 / 3.99 KM. While prices are significantly lower than in nearby Zagreb or Ljubljana, costs have stabilized as the city's popularity grows. Most attractions and dining options remain remarkably accessible, making it an ideal destination for history enthusiasts and value-seekers alike.
Is Sarajevo expensive to visit?
Sarajevo is highly affordable—expect to spend between $39 / 65 KM and $391 / 650 KM per day depending on your accommodation and dining choices.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Sarajevo
$39
per person /day
$126
per person /day
$391
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $118 | $379 | $1,173 |
| 5-Day Trip | $195 | $632 | $1,956 |
| 7-Day Trip | $274 | $885 | $2,738 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to carry a 15% budget buffer to account for the ~$1.2 / 2 KM daily city tax and the fact that several major sites, including the War Tunnel Museum ($12 / 20 KM), frequently only accept cash (BAM).
How Does It Compare?
See how Sarajevo stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Sarajevo
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Budget Meal (10 Cevapi) A classic Sarajevo staple. Add yogurt or kajmak for ~$1.18 / 1.96 KM extra. | $6.01 10 KM |
| Mid-range Dinner (3 courses) Approx ~$41 / 67 KM for two people; roughly ~$20 / 34 KM per person including a drink. | $27 45 KM |
| Traditional Bosnian Coffee Bosnian coffee served in a traditional džezva in the Old Town typically costs ~$2.35 / 3.91 KM. | $2.4 3.99 KM |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Single Public Transport Ticket Valid for one ride on tram, trolleybus, or bus. Buy from kiosks to avoid surcharges. | $1.32 2.19 KM |
| Airport Shuttle Bus (Centrotrans) Shuttle runs between the Airport and Baščaršija (Vijećnica). Return ticket is ~$4.83 / 8.02 KM (8 BAM). | $3.01 5.01 KM |
| Official Taxi Start Fee Always ensure the meter is running. Most city trips cost between ~$4.71 / 7.82 KM and $9.42 / 16 KM. | $1.51 2.5 KM |
| Trebević Cable Car (Return Ticket) One-way ticket for foreigners is ~$12 / 20 KM (20 BAM). Residents pay significantly less (~$3.53 / 5.87 KM). | $18 30 KM |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Hostel Dorm Bed Rates for highly-rated central dorms like Balkan Han or Hostel Kucha typically range from ~$12 / 20 KM to $18 / 29 KM. | $18 30 KM |
| Mid-range Hotel Room (Double) Average for a well-reviewed 3-star hotel in the city center like Hotel Sana. | $72 120 KM |
| Luxury Hotel Room (5-star) Top-tier international luxury standard at Swissotel or Hotel Europe. | $265 440 KM |
Activities (2)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| War Tunnel Museum (Tunel spasa) Accepts cash only. Audio guide is an additional ~$1.77 / 2.93 KM (3 BAM). | $12 20 KM |
| National Museum of BiH Price drops to ~$3 / 4.99 KM (5 BAM) during the last hour of opening (18:00–19:00). | $12 20 KM |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Tourist SIM (15GB / 10 Days) Available at the airport and kiosks. Includes ~$3 / 4.99 KM (5 BAM) credit. | $12 20 KM |
Other (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Sarajevo Haggadah Vault (Private) Professional guidance viewing for small groups. Standard viewing without guidance is included in the ~$12 / 20 KM ticket during set hours. | $90 150 KM |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The dining landscape is dominated by hearty, inexpensive Balkan staples, with a 10-piece serving of cevapi costing just $6.01 / 10 KM in the heart of Baščaršija. For a more formal experience, a three-course mid-range dinner averages $27 / 45 KM per person, representing excellent value for the quality provided. Traditional 'Aščinicas' offer the best value for home-cooked Bosnian stews, while the ubiquitous pekāras (bakeries) provide filling snacks for under $2.35 / 3.91 KM.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Ćevabdžinica Željo
$3.01–$6.01 / 5.01 KM–10 KMBaščaršija · Local chain
Ordering 'pola' (half portion) of 5 cevapi costs only ~$3 / 4.99 KM.
Buregdžinica Sač
$2.4–$9.63 / 3.99 KM–16 KMBaščaršija · Street food area
A standard individual portion (~250g) costs roughly ~$2.41 / 4.01 KM (4 BAM).
Ćevabdžinica Petica Ferhatović
$3.61–$7.22 / 6 KM–12 KMOld Town · Local chain
Considered the slightly 'upscale' cevapi spot with excellent service.
Aščinica Hadžibajrić
$4.81–$9.03 / 8 KM–15 KMBaščaršija · Local chain
Try the 'Sogan-dolma' (onions stuffed with meat) for a truly local taste ~$6 / 9.98 KM.
Pekara Imaret
$0.6–$2.4 / 1 KM–3.99 KMBaščaršija · Bakery
Grab a 'Kifla' or fresh Somun for less than ~$0.59 / 0.98 KM for a quick snack.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Navigating the city is inexpensive, with single public transport tickets priced at $1.32 / 2.19 KM for trams, buses, and trolleybuses. The most cost-effective way to reach the city center from the airport is the Centrotrans shuttle bus for $3.01 / 5.01 KM, as taxis can be significantly more expensive. Most of the central historical sites between Baščaršija and Marijin Dvor are easily reached on foot, making transport a minimal part of the daily budget.
Accommodation Overview
Value for money in lodging is high, with clean and central hostel dorm beds like those at Balkan Han or Hostel Kucha starting at $18 / 30 KM. Mid-range travelers can find well-appointed 3-star rooms at places like Hotel Sana for approximately $72 / 120 KM per night. For luxury, the city offers international standards at Swissotel or the historic Hotel Europe for around $265 / 440 KM.
Accommodation Budget in Sarajevo
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Visit the National Museum of BiH during the final hour of operation (18:00–19:00) when the entry fee drops from $12 / 20 KM to approximately $3 / 4.99 KM.
- 2 Always purchase public transport tickets at tobacco kiosks (tisak) for $1.32 / 2.19 KM to avoid the higher surcharges often applied when buying directly from drivers.
- 3 Fill water bottles for free at the historic Sebilj fountain or other public 'česma' taps throughout the Old Town, as the tap water is safe and cool.
- 4 Eat at local Aščinicas like Hadžibajrić in Baščaršija for authentic, cafeteria-style Bosnian meals that are significantly cheaper than tourist-oriented restaurants.
- 5 Purchase a return ticket for the Airport Shuttle Bus for $4.83 / 8.02 KM rather than two singles to save on the transit to and from the city center.
- 6 Avoid Euronet ATMs which often charge a flat fee of ~$6 / 9.98 KM; use local bank ATMs like BBI or Raiffeisen for lower or no transaction fees.
- 7 Walk the 2km length of Vilsonovo šetalište (Wilson's Promenade) instead of taking the tram to enjoy the greenery for free.
- 8 Opt for a Tourist SIM card for $12 / 20 KM at the airport or kiosks to get 15GB of data, avoiding expensive roaming charges while navigating.
- 9 Look for 'Buregdžinica' signs for the cheapest filling meals; a portion of meat or cheese pie (burek or sirnica) at Sač is a budget staple.
- 10 Share a taxi if traveling in a group of three or four; a typical city trip of $4.71–$9.42 / 7.82 KM–16 KM can be cheaper than individual bus tickets.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jul, Aug, Dec
+25-40%
Nov, Jan, Feb
-20-30%
May, Jun, Sep
Winter (December) is peak for nearby skiing, while August is busiest for the Film Festival. May and September offer perfect hiking weather without the crowds.
Events to Watch
- ● Sarajevo Film Festival (August): +50% hotel prices
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Watch the sunset from the Yellow Bastion (Žuta Tabija) for panoramic views of the city valley.
- 2 Pay respects at the Eternal Flame (Vječna Vatra), a memorial to the military and civilian victims of World War II.
- 3 Walk the 1984 Olympic Bobsled Track on Trebević Mountain, which is now covered in street art and open to hikers.
- 4 Cross the Latin Bridge, the historic site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
- 5 Explore the Kovaci Martyrs' Cemetery and the adjacent viewpoint for a somber but beautiful look at the city's history.
- 6 Visit the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque courtyard to admire the Ottoman architecture (interior requires a small fee).
- 7 Walk through the Baščaršija bazaar to soak in the atmosphere of the 15th-century market stalls.
- 8 View the Bridge of Festina Lente, a modern architectural loop bridge located in front of the Academy of Fine Arts.
- 9 Wander through the Jewish Cemetery, one of the largest and most significant Sephardic burial grounds in Europe.
- 10 Visit the Markale Market to see the local daily life and the memorial for those lost during the siege.
- 11 Explore Wilson's Promenade (Vilsonovo šetalište), which is closed to traffic in the evenings and on weekends.
- 12 See the Sarajevo Roses, concrete scars from mortar shells filled with red resin found throughout the city sidewalks.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Sarajevo Haggadah Private Vault Tour
A rare chance to see one of the world's oldest and most beautiful Sephardic Jewish manuscripts in a private setting.
Gourmet Tasting Menu at Four Rooms of Mrs. Safija
Exceptional fine dining in a historic 19th-century villa that tells a romantic local legend. Approx ~$54 / 90 KM.
Guided Olympic Bobsled Track Tour
Includes transport to Trebević and expert insight into the 1984 Olympics and the track's role in the 90s siege.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Sarajevo
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Sarajevo and what they cost
Mostar
$14 / 24 KM by train
$6.01 / 10 KM
$36 / 60 KM
Lukomir Highland Village
$60 / 100 KM by guided tour
Free
$78 / 130 KM
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Bosnia-Herzegovina Convertible Mark (BAM)
1 $ ≈ 1.66 KM
Yes
Widely accepted in hotels and malls, but cash is king in the Old Town (Baščaršija) and for street food.
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Rounding up the bill or leaving ~10% (approx ~$1.77–$3.53 / 2.93 KM–5.87 KM) in restaurants is standard.
Use bank-affiliated ATMs (Raiffeisen, UniCredit) for the best rates. Avoid standalone 'Euronet' machines which can charge ~$5.89 / 9.78 KM fees.
Only expected in the Baščaršija bazaar for handicrafts and copperware. Not practiced in restaurants or fixed-price shops.
Connectivity
eSIM: $5.89–$12 for 5GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $12 / 20 KM (20 BAM) for 15GB
WiFi: Excellent in cafes and hotels throughout the city center.
BH Telecom's 'Tourist 1' SIM (20 BAM) is the best value for 10 days of high-speed data.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Sarajevo.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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