Senior travel: Sarajevo
An easier pace for an older traveller: how many stops fit in a day, which places are step-free, and what the guide says about getting around, medicines and stairs.
Was this useful?
Pace for a day
About 2 stops a day. 5 h out − 45 min rest, divided by an average visit of 60 min (from this city’s guide) + 30 min to move.
Places, easiest access first
- Latin BridgeStep-free: yes · about 15 minNone on the roadway.
- Sebilj and Baščaršija squareStep-free: yes · about 40 minNone on the square.
- Sacred Heart CathedralStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 30 minA few steps at the front.
- Gazi Husrev-beg MosqueStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 35 minA few steps at the hall door.
- Vijećnica (City Hall)Step-free: partial (check before you go) · about 45 minA short flight at the front door.
- Gallery 11/07/95 (Srebrenica memorial)Step-free: partial (check before you go) · about 60 minA few at the door.
- National Museum of Bosnia and HerzegovinaStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 90 minA few at pavilion entrances.
- Trebević cable carStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 180 minA few at the stations.
- Svrzo HouseStep-free: no (check before you go) · about 45 minWooden stairs to the upper rooms.
- Yellow Fortress (Žuta tabija)Step-free: no (check before you go) · about 60 minSteep steps and slopes from Bistrik.
Getting around in Sarajevo
Sarajevo is workable on wheels along the river and the tram line, but the old town has cobbles and steps, and the hills are steep. Newer hotels, museums and trams are the easier options; many small cafés and guesthouses have steps.
- Pavements:
- Smooth stone on the main pedestrian streets; cobbles and uneven paving in the bazaar; kerb ramps at most crossings.
- Trams:
- Some trams are low-floor with a ramp; older trams have steps (check).
- Buses and trolleybuses:
- Newer vehicles are low-floor; ask a driver.
- Taxis:
- A standard taxi takes a folded chair; accessible taxis are rare (check).
- Hills:
- Bistrik, Vratnik and the Yellow Fortress are steep; use a taxi to the base.
- Hotels:
- Marijin Dvor hotels have lifts; old-town guesthouses often have stairs (ask before you book).
Medicines and health on the ground
The Bosnia and Herzegovina guide lists no medicine paperwork. Check the official customs page for your medicines.
- Tap water:
- Generally safe to drink; many visitors buy bottled water for the taste.
- Cold and ice:
- Snow and ice on steep lanes: wear shoes with grip and use handrails.
- Summer heat:
- Above 30 °C in July and August: carry water, use sun cream and rest in a café at midday.
- Food:
- Street food and bakeries are generally safe; eat hot food and busy stalls.
- Pharmacies:
- Pharmacies (apoteka) sell common medicines; larger branches have English-speaking staff; carry your prescription in English.
- Insurance:
- Take travel insurance with medical cover; winter sports need extra cover.
More: how much medicine to pack, medicine times across time zones.
Ask your insurer
Age limits and prices differ by policy and the guides do not hold them, so put these to the insurer before you buy.
- What is the oldest age the policy covers, at purchase and on the last day of the trip?
- Does the price or the cover change after a certain age?
- Are existing conditions covered, and what must be declared?
- Does the cover include medical evacuation and trip interruption?
Not medical advice. This page does not know anyone’s health. Ask a doctor before the trip, and carry a list of medicines and conditions.