Sarajevo Streets & Food: Private Cultural and Food Walking Tour in Sarajevo

As soon as we leave our office at Besarina Čikma 5 in the heart of the old town of Sarajevo, first stop of the walk will be Baščaršija square and its most interesting symbol, fountain Sebilj. Sebilj is a perfect spot to get an insight into the turbulent history of the city and some of its interesting stories and legends.

Our next stop will be Kazandžiluk street and story of origins of copper and tin industry in Sarajevo. We will see the masters on their work and, for those of you who are interested in making your very own souvenir, please make sure to check our coppersmith workshop.

Narrow and maze-like streets of Bascarsija are intertwined and a walk through Kazandziluk street will lead us to another recognizable street of Sarajevo – Bravadziluk, also known as a place from where the famous Bascarsija’s aromas and flavours start.

Bravadžiluk street in 16th century used to be a heart of production of locks and padlocks and that is how it got the name (brava = lock). Today, it is a home to some of the finest Bosnian food places – Ćevabdžinicas and Buregdžinicas. This is also where we shall make our first food treat and taste some of the finest pitas (pies).

We will make a break and taste the amazing variety of Bosnian pies: burek (meat pie), krompirusa (potato pie), sirnica (cheese pie) and zeljanica (spinach pie) and learn a bit more from the locals about the traditional recipes that have been transferred from generation to generation.

>Golden colour of freshly baked cheese pie. Crispy from the outside and melting heaven from the inside.

We will continue towards Vijećnica (Sarajevo city hall). This glorious and most honoured building of the city is something you can not miss, and will actually notice it while strolling over Bravadziluk street. We will take a walk over Šeher-ćehaja bridge with stories about Yellow and White Bastions including a photo stop at famous Inat Kuća (House of Spite).

Small alleys in vicinity of Vijecnica will take us to the Sarajevo Brewery which historians consider to be the oldest industrial plant in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Besides its history and tradition, this is a place where we shall follow the steps of bohemian milleu of Sarajevo and its poets, writers, actors, journalists whose favourite gathering spot was this very place. This is where we will have a chance to take another break and taste some of the finest cold Sarajevsko beer, dark or light, or just a locally produced juice, it is all up to your choice. After the brewery, we will make a short stop at the charming Franciscan monastery nested just next to the brewery and a “must” while learning about the city.

Next stop will be the oldest mosque in Sarajevo, Imperial mosque. Being the first mosque to be built in the city, this classical Ottoman style mosque is one of the most important landmarks of Sarajevo and largest single subdome mosque in the country. It features amazing decorative details from its inside and outside and is warmly welcoming any Islam follower or just a curious visitor.

Just bridge further down the Miljacka river, we shall arrive to Atmejdan park and Latin bridge. This is a place where Archduke Ferdinand and his wife Sophie were assassinated by Gavrilo Princip which led to WWI that changed the European history and reshaped the European continent. 

Once we are introduced to all the intriguing WWII stories, it is time for another food break. We will visit the most popular place among the locals and taste the absolute Sarajevo favourite – cevapi. Ćevapi need no marketing. These luscious small dumplings made of minced meat and top secret spices that vary from place to place are the national grilled specialty and one of the most famous Bosnian brands abroad. 

>Ćevapi are fried on the grill, and are traditionally served in somun or lepinja (type of homemade bread) dipped in grill sauce with the addition of finely chopped onions.

After the mouth-watering experience we will continue with a bit older history and take a stroll in Gazihusref-beys covered market-bazaar (Gazi Husref-beys bezistan) which was built in early 16th century for trading reasons still today serves the original purpose.

History of Jewish people in Sarajevo and visit to Jewish Synagogue is unavoidable part of the tour. Once expelled from Spain in 1492 majority of Sephardic Jews settled regions of the Ottoman Empire, among which Sarajevo and Bosnia have hosted large numbers.

Next in line of religions who have dominated life and culture of Sarajevo, are Bosnian catholics, and next site on the visit is their greatest temple in Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cathedral of Sacred Jesus Hearth.

>Authentic and colorful Markale Market is a great place to meet up the friendly local vendors and enjoy the amazing variety of locally produced fruits and vegetables.

Just at the square, if you look around, you will notice red stains on the ground. Those are the worldwide known Sarajevo Roses.

Couple of minutes away from pedestrian zone we will be welcomed by “Markale Pijaca“, a vibrant market offering a variety of locally raised vegetables and fruits. This colourful market is a heaven for those who are choosing to self cater or simply those who are into meeting the friendly vendors. We will learn about the Markale massacre and story of Sarajevo roses, taste some heavenly refreshing home-made juice, grab an apple from a local garden and  head to another stop only 10 meters away.

Just across the street we will find a large yellow building that resembles more of a theatre than an indoor city market. The City Market of Sarajevo was built in 1895 and its remarkable Neo Renaissance style will make this experience into an artistic way of grocery shopping and tasting. This is where we will finally have a chance to treat our taste buds with some samples of amazing dry beef and plethora cheese products varieties.

>We will make sure to taste some of the finest local products and cheese plate is simply a “must”

Few steps away will take us to the junction of Mula Mustafa Bašeskija, Titova and Ferhadija street where we will make a short stop at the Eternal flame (Vječna vatra), favourite meeting place of locals which will give us a chance to soak up some good local atmosphere.

As we continue with the amazing European Jerusalem experience, our next stop will be just a perfect way to display the rich history of religious and cultural diversity that is simply breathtaking – The Orthodox Cathedral Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos.

Afterwards, we will admire the Hotel Europe which is both and hotel and historic building. Built and opened in the early days of what turned out to be a 40-year Austro-Hungarian occupation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

>Eternal Flame: symbol of fallen fighters and civilians in World War II, but also a symbol of life and vibrancy of the city.

Summer garden of the hotel Europe which is an Austro-Hungarian building was actually built on top of the remains of Tašlihan, place constructed in Ottoman period. Two historical places at one sight. Tašlihan was one of three caravanserais in Sarajevo, which served both travellers and horses.

We will go through endowment of Gazi Husref bey, by visiting the Gazi Husref beys mosque, Clock tower famously called Sahat Kula and its belonging building Muvekithana, Madrassa, Khanikah and Library, first public toilette in Sarajevo, Imaret kitchen (once serving only poor), burial place of Gazi Husrev-bey and few other locations important for understanding this complex which is biggest in the Balkans.

Morića Han will be our next stop and this is certainly one of those corners where you can imagine yourself being in a tale from 1001 Nights Middle Eastern Book . This inn is Sarajevo’s only remaining caravanserai, a place where merchant caravans could find accommodation during the Ottoman period.

Old Orthodox Church, the oldest religious structure in the city will be our last stop for a day and will offer you a shocking experience of “time travel” as soon as you place your foot in its stunning garden.

Our last stop will be kept as a surprise, but lets just say that it will be a unique place that exudes the spirit of Sarajevo and serves the best possible Bosnian coffee and baklavas. This is where we will threat our taste buds with mouth – watering baklava, layered pastry dessert made of filo pastry, filled with chopped nuts. Who doesn’t know what baklava is in the end. We will learn how to properly make and drink strong Bosnian coffee and, most importantly, enjoy sharing the impressions over the pleasant conversations.

>You can never “grab” a coffee when in BiH. Coffee is a way of life for every Bosnian man and woman and, no matter how important is the “thing you have” you must find some time for a coffee. Coffee is not an urge or need, it is a tradition.