Sarajevo, the historic capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has been named Europe's best-value city break for 2026, according to the UK's Post Office Travel Money 'City Costs Barometer'. The annual report ranks European cities by affordability, and Sarajevo tops the list with a weekend cost of just £248 for two people. This marks the first time the city has achieved this recognition, highlighting its appeal as an underrated bohemian destination.
What Makes Sarajevo Affordable?
The study analysed 12 everyday tourist items across 50 cities, including a cup of coffee, a bottle of beer, a three-course evening meal for two, and two nights' accommodation in a three-star hotel. In Sarajevo, a bottle of beer costs £2.46, a 48-hour travel card is £5.21, and two nights' accommodation averages £157. These low prices make it an attractive option for budget-conscious travellers.
Top 10 Cheapest European City Breaks
- Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: £248/€287
- Bucharest, Romania: £258/€299
- Tirana, Albania: £263/€304.50
- Belgrade, Serbia: £265/€307
- Trenčín, Slovakia: £272/€315
- Riga, Latvia: £278/€322
- Lille, France: £289/€334
- Vilnius, Lithuania: £289/€334
- Strasbourg, France: £319/€369
- Podgorica, Montenegro: £332/€384.50
At the other end of the scale, Oslo is the most expensive, costing £734 for the same items.
History and Culture
Nestled in the Dinaric Alps along the Miljacka River, Sarajevo boasts a rich history shaped by Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian empires. Key landmarks include the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Sahat Kula clock tower, the Neoclassical National Theatre, and the 16th-century Gazi Husrev-beg Bezistan market. The city is also known for the 1914 assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand at the Latin Bridge, which sparked World War I, and for hosting the 1984 Winter Olympics.
Things to See and Do
Baščaršija, the 15th-century Old Town bazaar, offers a glimpse into Ottoman times with its cobbled streets, shisha bars, and traditional coppersmith shops. The Brusa Bezistan building, now part of the Sarajevo Museum, showcases exhibits from prehistoric to modern eras. The Latin Bridge is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. For outdoor adventures, take the Sarajevo Cable Car to Mount Trebević, where the abandoned 1984 Olympic bobsled track now serves as an open-air art gallery covered in graffiti. The Museum of Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide, founded by war survivors, is a poignant educational experience with entry at £7.
Food and Dining
Sarajevo's cuisine blends Eastern and Western influences. Try ćevapi (minced-meat sausages in flatbread with onions and ajvar), burek (flaky pastries filled with spiced meat), and Bosanski lonac (slow-cooked stew). Food walking tours, priced around £30, take visitors to local eateries for tastings.
Travel Tips
Budget airlines like Ryanair offer flights from London Stansted to Sarajevo from £43 in June, with a flight time of 2 hours 30 minutes. June temperatures average 26°C. Accommodation options include the four-star Hotel Bistrik City Center from £64 per night or the Ottoman-style İsa Begov Hamam Hotel from £110.
Sarajevo's growing popularity is evident: it recorded 806,000 tourists in 2024, with steady growth continuing in 2025. With its affordability, rich history, and vibrant culture, it's an ideal destination for a budget-friendly European getaway.
