As a budget traveller, I always look for free things to do in every city I visit. When I find some gems, I like to create these posts for others. I have discovered no shortage of fascinating and fun things to keep me occupied and interested. Here are 5 free things to do in Sarajevo that you might enjoy too.
Bascarsija
The Old Town of Sarajevo, founded in the 15th century by the Ottoman Empire, is a wealth of beauty to explore. Wander down these old cobblestone streets and little alleys. Let yourself get lost and wonder at the ancient feelings all around.
Old wooden shops with sparkling trinkets, original stone mosques and fountains, all of these really made me feel like I was walking around in Türkiye. This neighbourhood of Ottoman culture, lifestyle and architecture is such a delight for the senses.
Exterior Displays at the History Museum
Quite by accident, on a stroll by the river, I stumbled onto tanks and other military machines! Hidden by bushes and trees, these are actually displays that form part of the History Museum.
There are no fences or barriers however, and they are looking a little worse for wear, but fascinating none the less. Most appear to be from the WW’s and even include the skeleton of an airplane up on the landing. Each piece is labelled so you can see and understand what you are looking at.
1984 Olympic Bobsled Track
Hidden in the forest on the side of Mount Trebevic is the 1984 Olympic bobsled track! One can simply hike up from the Old Town and wander up or down this magnificent and abandoned concrete structure.
Still in remarkable condition, even after suffering through the Bosnian War, it is such fun to walk or run through this maze. Covered heavily with graffiti, its also a superb place to see this art that is current and ever changing. I cannot express how much fun this is to experience.
Canned Beef Monument
Near the National Museum, visitors will find this very strange monument. It is indeed a large can of beef. The monument was erected in 2007, after the Bosnian war, by the Grateful Citizens of Sarajevo.
What it has come to symbolize however, is something much grimmer. During the Siege of Sarajevo, the longest in history, food and medicine was delivered to the city, 160,000 tons worth in fact. A lot of the food was not appreciated as some was leftovers from the Vietnam war, and had expired 20 years prior. More was pork, which is a problem with over half of the population being Muslim.
Colina Kapa Astronomical Observatory
This observatory was established in 1972 and was the only one of its kind in the country. While in use, scholars would visit from all over the country and world to study and develop their night photography here.
The three domed building and all of its instruments was completely destroyed in the war of 1992-95. Today what is left is an abandoned structure with crumbling walls. The hike up the mountain to reach this spot will offer amazing views of the city, and when you reach here, there is ample space for a picnic.
Without this observatory, astronomy is non-existent in Bosnia. There is talk and perhaps plans to rebuild. Right beside, is the Austro-Hungarian Bistrik Tower, a defensive fortress built in the late 19th century. This is another excellent building to explore, but please use caution as always, inside any abandoned structure.
This will give you some ideas of things to explore that might not be in the typical lists you find online. I have so many other ideas, perhaps a part two is in order for Sarajevo. I have loved discovering this city, its vibrancy and joie de vivre is infectious.
