Guide to New Year’s celebrations in Sarajevo

The capital of B&H is becoming the center of the region for New Year’s holidays. Whether you like a quiet or crazy New Year’s Eve, as with every year, Sarajevo has made an effort to prepare something for everyone.

 

Saturday, December 29, 2018

 

When you arrive to Sarajevo, take a stroll to the center of the city, Baščaršija. After taking some photos around the Sebilj with the pigeons of Sarajevo, you can warm up at Džirlo teahouse. In the nicely decorated space, you can try 53 types of tea, different coffee flavors and delicious juices made from elderflower, mint, rose… and traditional sweet beverage salep.

 

After that, head towards the Sarajevan cable car and enjoy the ride and magical view of the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and you’ll be at Trebević in just over seven minutes.

 

At Trebević, you should visit Sunnyland, where the alpine coaster is available throughout the year, situated on the slope facing towards Sarajevo. After the ride, you can enjoy yourself at the restaurant with a beautiful view of the city, while the youngsters can have fun in the play area. Apart from Sunnyland, there’s also the wonderful Pino Nature Hotel, as well as Level Up Resort. Whatever you decide, one thing is certain – you’ll have a good time. You must also visit the bobsled, which was built for the 1984 Winter Olympic Games.

 

 

After enjoying the nature, it’s time for lunch. You won’t have to think long and hard when choosing, as it would be hard to walk through Baščaršija without trying some traditional dishes. Don’t hesitate to ask a local for advice.

 

After lunch, we recommend some rest, as fun in Sarajevo lasts all through Saturday night, and it’s up to you to pick the restaurant or club where you want to spend the night.

 

Sunday, December 30, 2018

 

Sarajevans most often like to spend their weekends on the mountains, so since you’re in Sarajevo, you should use the opportunity to do so. Mountains Igman, Bjelašnica and Jahorina are all within easy reach of Sarajevo. Whichever one you decide to visit, you’ll definitely enjoy the clear air, good ski trails and affordable prices, and the rich offer of locales.

 

In the evening, you should be in front of the Sarajevan Cathedral, where you’ll feel the magic of Sarajevo with youth orchestra MuzikArt, who will perform the most well-known classical compositions and evergreen songs.

 

 

On Sunday, at Underground Club on Titova Street, there’ll be a warm-up to New Year’s Eve with Prorocks band, so that can also be on your list.

 

Monday, December 31, 2018

 

The morning of December 31, like all mornings in Sarajevo, starts with a good coffee. You can have just that kind of coffee at Ministry of Ćejf.

 

After that, head towards Sarači Street, where you must try some Bosnian sweets like hurmašica, baklava, tufahija… and if you want to try something new, you’re in the right place, as it is on this street that you’ll find Trdelnik – a traditional Czech delicacy in the shape of a chimney.

 

You can also enjoy yourself at Ilidža, the place of thermal spring waters. It is only a 15-minute drive towards a pleasant stroll or ride on a horse-drawn carriage through Velika Aleja to Vrelo Bosne. A walk might make you tired, so we recommend lunch at „Superfood“, „Barhana“ or „Kilim“.

 

 

Spectacular New Year’s Eve program already starts at 9:00 p.m. in front of the Eternal Flame, and New Year’s Eve will be marked by magic with one of the biggest stars from this region and the hits of Hari Mata Hari.

 

The rich entertainment program at hospitality establishments across the city really makes Sarajevo the New Year’s center of the region. At Hills Hotel, guests will enjoy the hits of Halid Bešlić, at Holiday Hotel Nihad Alibegović will be performing, at the congress hall of Radon Plaza Hotel Neno Murić will be providing the entertainment, while at rotating restaurant “Plava Prizma” guests will be entertained by  tambourine band CroBos.

 

Everyone expects a night of lavish energy, great emotions and warm embraces in the merry winter night when, apart from the magnificent fireworks, you’ll be able to hear the voices of people singing. So have a Happy New Year!

 

Tuesday, January 1, 2019

 

You must not leave Sarajevo without visiting the Yellow Fortress or White Fortress, places which have the most beautiful view of the city.

 

 

While at Baščaršija, you should also visit the wonderful places of worship, which are a symbol of the city’s multiculturalism, which you’ll be able to see for yourself. They don’t call Sarajevo a „European Jerusalem“ for no good reason.

 

In the first night of 2019, visitors will be entertained by Branko Đurić Đuro with cult pop-rock band Bombaj štampa in front of the Eternal Flame. If you find yourself freezing – the doors of clubs and restaurants are wide open. You can have a rerun of New Year’s Eve at a place of your choosing.

 

Welcome to Sarajevo!