Sarajevo is the embodiment of our beloved Balkans. One hears a lot about it. Many prejudices, some justified. But many also completely miss the reality. The Balkans in itself is so diverse and different that it is difficult to summarize it in a few words and typical characteristics. But then there are also points that already quite correspond to reality and life.

No country is more Balkan than Bosnia and Herzegovina. Geographically, it is located in the heart of the Balkans. But also in terms of land and people, it is probably the Balkans that one imagines in all its beauty.

The more you go into the interior of Bosnia-Herzegovina (from now on simply called “Bosnia”), the more you feel the authenticity of Bosnia. Beautiful, hilly landscapes to the left and right already enchant you on the way there, while you continue to follow the signs on the highway in the direction of Sarajevo.

If, like us, you don’t have too much time to take a leisurely look at the incredibly exciting Sarajevo with all its beauty, you should at least take the time to experience Baščaršija (pronunciation: Bash-tchar-shi-ya).

As soon as you arrive, you realize that something is different here. The whole Bosnia is divided into Croatian, Bosnian and Serbian parts. You will notice that already when passing through, because depending on the area, different flags are waving in the wind.

In Sarajevo, however, everything is mixed. Not surprisingly, the city is sometimes called Little Jerusalem or European Jerusalem. Here you will find mosques, Serbian Orthodox as well as Roman Catholic churches and synagogues close together. Something that always delights us as a human being and fills our hearts.

If you were lucky enough to find a parking space, it’s finally time to discover Baščaršija authentically. Women with headscarves, Arab guests, modern dressed young people and a mediocrity of both.

In Sarajevo, everyone lives as they want to and as their faith allows them to. The local people are so warm and loving, as we have rarely experienced on other trips. During our travels, with few exceptions, we have more or less always met polite people. But in Bosnia it is even more warm and loving.

It may well be that the open nature may not suit you. Because in Bosnia you are partly treated like at home. When we really wanted to eat Ćevapi, the restaurant Galatasaray was recommended to us. A great choice and highly recommended. The delicious meal cost us just under $7 per person.

Here, as a guest, you may not be served “professionally”, but simply authentically and genuinely. The waitress talked to us about God and the world as if we had known each other forever. This is exactly the kind of people we loved and appreciated during our trip.

As you walk along with a full stomach, you get to meet older people who have been making art out of copper for generations and have since passed on the knowledge to their sons. All the little stories about their lives and everyday life make the visit something unforgettable.

Bosnians have a relaxed manner with which they do not hold back. No matter who you are, where you come from and what status you have. In Baščaršija and the rest of Sarajevo, everyone is equal. It’s a wonderful feeling that we wouldn’t want to miss.

We only stayed in Sarajevo for a few hours due to time reasons, which is why we did not book any accommodation, but left our car on a parking space.

Prices are per person, except for the parking space, which we shared between 2 people.

Restaurant: $7.50 / meal

Snack: $2 – $3 / meal

Pleasure: $3 – $5 / event

Parking: $6 / space