These Are The 8 Best Bars in Sarajevo for 2026

The history-rich capital of Bosnia & Herzegovina, Sarajevo is one of Europe’s must-do city breaks. Centuries of Ottoman and Hapsburg rule have left their mark on the Old Town. Bustling Bascarsija feels like the slightly illegitimate love child of Istanbul and Vienna.

Then, of course, there’s Sarajevo’s modern history. Turbulent and poignantly recent, battle scars from the Bosnian War and Sarajevo’s 1,425 days under siege are there to be seen. 30 years on, Sarajevo’s wounds serve not only as a reminder, but a sign of a city and a country determined to rebuild.

And rebuild, it certainly has. Now, once again, a thriving cultural and economic hub, Sarajevo is my top Balkan capital to visit. Aside from a dozen excellent museums and eclectic mix of restaurants (be sure to stop for some burek whilst you’re exploring the Old Town), Sarajevo has one of the most buzzing nightlife scenes in the region.

Whether you fancy sipping rosé in a relaxing wine bar, sampling the local brews or partying hard late into the night, the best bars in Sarajevo have something for everyone. With that, here is my ultimate guide to the 8 best bars in Sarajevo which every traveler should visit.

Where to Stay to Sample the Best Bars in Sarajevo

Whether you’re trip is all about discovering the best bars in Sarajevo, soaking up culture or delving into the city’s turbulent past, I always recommend staying in the Old Town. Not only are there bars for every occasion, you’ll be spoiled for choice with restaurants and shopping opportunities.

Travel tip: When the time comes to check out the best bars in Sarajevo out with the Old Town, there are fast and frequent trams to Marijin Dvor and Novo Sarajevo (the new town). You can buy tickets from kiosks by the tram stops or from the driver (for a small surcharge).

Staying at Sarajevo institution Hotel Europe is always a good idea. Built during the Austro-Hungarian era, you’ll walk down corridors once frequented by European royalty and nobility. Centrally located Hotel President is great if you’re planning a relaxing city break, whilst Hotel Central offers the perfect balance of comfort and value.

One spot worth considering outside the Old Town is Hotel Holiday. Located in the heart of Marijin Dvor, on the old Sniper Alley, it was once one of Sarajevo’s top hotels. Formerly a Holiday Inn, during the Bosnian War it was a regular haunt for the international press and UN diplomats. I’ll admit, its grandeur hasn’t aged well, but its historical significance makes it worth a stay.

Unmissable Bars in Sarajevo

Old Town

La Cava Pub

Tucked away on a quiet Old Town alley, La Cava is the kind of place you need to be looking for to find. Standing in the shadow of imposing Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, despite being sandwiched between the Old Town’s two main thoroughfares, the majority of customers are locals.

Unlike the tourist spots, drinks prices are fair and the service is friendly. There’s always music playing, plenty of loud chatter and more often than not, you’ll find yourself sharing a table with a cat or two.

The ambience aside, La Cava’s seemingly endless drinks selection cements it as one of the best bars in Sarajevo. From a three dozen strong wine list to craft cocktails and local draft beer, whatever your tipple, you’ll find it at La Cava.

Wine NOT Sarajevo

There is no shortage of wine bars in Sarajevo, but Wine NOT blows the rest out the water. Situated on the eastern side of Gazi Husrev-beg, they’re open every day from Midday to 11 pm.

The wine list is extensive, with a mix of local bottles and international favorites. The majority of wines are available by the glass, with prices starting from as little as 8KM (that’s less than US$5). Besides wine, Wine NOT have an excellent beer selection, plus cocktails and soft drinks.

If you’re visiting during winter, don’t miss their divinely spicy mulled wine. And if you’re in need of warming up, their hot chocolate is too good to miss.

City Pub

When you’re researching which bars in Sarajevo to visit, the chances are City Pub will be one of the first to pop onto your radar. Opposite the Hotel Europe in the heart of the Old Town, it’s one of Sarajevo’s most popular nightlife venues.

I’ll be honest in saying I was debating whether or not to include City Pub in our list of the best bars in Sarajevo. It certainly gets a mixed press but there’s a lot of truth in the saying you shouldn’t believe everything you read, unless you read it on Travel Insighter that is. That said, I really like City Pub.

It’s busy, always busy, and on Friday and Saturday nights you might struggle to get a seat, especially when they have live music on. But if you can cope with the crowds, you can be guaranteed a good night. There’s always a good mix of visitors and locals, and they have a cult student following thanks, most likely, to the exceptionally cheap beer. Aside from the live music, most major sporting events are shown on a big screen. City Pub also offer a basic, but homely, food menu.

Club Mash Sarajevo

Last but not least in our rundown of the best bars in Sarajevo Old Town, Club Mash is my favorite pub in the city. Names can be deceptive, and that’s certainly true in Club Mash’s case. It may conjure up images of a dark and dingy nightclub teeming with bodies, in reality, it’s the opposite.

Quiet, friendly and welcoming, if you want to unwind with friends at the end of a long day’s sightseeing or catch up on emails with a drink in hand, Club Mash is the place to go. If you’re a beer connoisseur, you’ll feel instantly at home. Club Mash have every one of Sarajevska Pivara’s brews and the owner is only too happy to give his recommendations.

Travel tip: Sarajevo Brewery, a short walk from the Old Town, is well worth a visit. They offer tours and tastings along with a shop and an excellent restaurant.

Marijin Dvor

Aquarius Vils

Set back in a parking lot off Sniper Alley, next to a fantastic Turkish restaurant, Aquarius Vils truly deserves a mention as one of the best bars in Sarajevo. Open from early morning to midnight, aside from being an excellent bar, they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Cavernous and expansive with exposed brick walls, booths and bar stools, Aquarius Vils feels more like an American sports bar than a Bosnian pub. There’s no risk of not getting a table and, unlike most bars in Sarajevo, Aquarius Vils doesn’t allow smoking inside. There is, however, a pleasant heated patio for those who wish to.

Old Pub Sarajevo

Unlike Club Mash, there’s nothing deceptive about Old Pub’s name. Just across from Sarajevo’s main railway station, this is the kind of place you’ll find weary travelers rubbing shoulders with the locals who have sat on the same stool since time began.

Pull up a seat and admire the ceiling map, stained glass window and motorcycle paraphernalia whilst sipping on a local beer. There’s a good selection of wines and spirits, along with excellent coffee and a big screen which shows all the important soccer games.

Red Door Pub & Burger Bar

In their own words, “pleasure awaits behind the red door”. It would seem almost rude not to seek it. Starting life as a burger bar in 2016, the pub was added a few years later and ever since, Red Door has been one of the most unmissable bars in Sarajevo.

Open until midnight, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner every day (except Sunday), if you’re a fan of all things between bread, you won’t want to miss Red Door. The highlight, their special President Burger.

On the pub side, the beer selection is phenomenal and pints are served in ice cold glasses. For a local touch, be sure to try at least one of their rakijas. There’s a solid cocktail list too, and live sport.

Sky Lounge 35

When it comes to bars in Sarajevo with a view, nothing can compete with Sky Lounge 35. On the 35th floor of Avaz Twist Tower, Bosnia’s tallest building standing some 172m high, the views of the city are ineffably good.

Open daily until midnight, they serve a massive selection of beers and wines, plus freshly squeezed juices and hot drinks. There’s a modest food menu with toasted sandwiches and extravagant cakes being the stars of the show. Unlike most sky bars, Sky Lounge 35 don’t charge any noticeable premium for the view.

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