The U.S. magazine National Geographic has included the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo, among the must-see destinations in 2014. Sarajevo is one of 20 destinations which National Geographic considers to be a must-visit next year. The list reflects all that is authentic and that is rich in cultural wealth in the world today.
Besides Sarajevo, the list includes the John Muir Way in Scotland, Nahanni National Park in Canada, Put cocoa in Ecuador, Liechtenstein, Bolaven Plateau in Laos, Deravan islands in Indonesia, Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda, Puglia in Italy, and many others . These are just some of the interesting places recommended by National Geographic. The American magazine called Sarajevo the Balkan urban phoenix.
When to Go: Spring, summer, and fall (April-October) are generally clear and comfortable. In July, the hottest month, average temperatures are only about 70°F. Downhill skiing is available in winter at Mount Jahorina Ski Resort and Bjelašnica, which hosted 1984 Winter Olympic events.
How to Get Around: Public transportation (tram, trolleybus, and bus), taxis, and walking are the most convenient ways to navigate the city. Bus and train routes connect Sarajevo to other destinations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Where to Stay: The 186-room Hotel Bristol Sarajevo is a 12-story, luxury hotel located about five minutes from the Old City via taxi or the hotel’s free shuttle. There’s an indoor swimming pool, free underground parking, and a mini-fridge stocked daily with free soda, juices, and water. Boutique Hotel Michele offers less luxury, yet more charm. The six apartments and two spacious guest rooms are appointed with antique furnishings. Room 43 has skylights, a wood-beam ceiling, and city views.
Where to eat or drink: Sarajevo’s ubiquitous street food is pita, in Bosnia a stuffed, coiled phyllo dough pie. The filling determines the name you’ll see on the menu, such as burek (ground meat and onions), krompirisu (potato), and zeljanica (spinach and cheese). Sample some at tiny Old City pita shops like Buregdžinica Bosna and Buregdžinica Sac.
What to Buy: Coppersmithing is one of Sarajevo’s oldest craft traditions, dating back to 1489. Shop for traditional copper, tin-plated, and metal items like coffee pots, coffee serving sets, plates, and cups in the tidy workshops linking narrow Kazandžiluk (Coppersmiths Street).
Cultural Tip: Drinking kafa (coffee) in Sarajevo isn’t done on the fly. Seek out a kafić (café) that serves traditional Bosnian coffee cooked in a copper pot called a džezva (pronounced jez-vah) and served with Turkish delight. Then relax and enjoy, but make sure to ask your waiter how to properly spoon the froth and when to dip the sugar cube.
What to Read or Watch Before You Go: Inspired by a true story, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks's epic People of the Book traces the survival story of the Sarajevo Haggadah, the famed Hebrew illuminated manuscript.
Helpful Link: Tourism Association of Sarajevo Canton
Fun Fact: From Sarajevo, it’s only about a 20-minute public bus ride to the village of Nahorevo, starting point for hikes to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s biggest waterfall, 322-foot-high Skakavac. Green Visions’ local, English-speaking guides lead day hikes along a mountain road to the top of the waterfall and down to the base.