Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, was labelled as one of the best budget-friendly destinations to visit in 2024 – and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular
If you’re on the hunt for an affordable getaway in the upcoming year, a recent study has pinpointed a city in Bosnia as an ideal “budget” holiday destination.
The picturesque city of Sarajevo, nestled within the Sarajevo valley and surrounded by the Dinaric Alps, may be small but it’s brimming with history. With its breathtaking views of tree-dotted mountains, an array of museums celebrating local heritage, and numerous tours, this tourist-friendly capital is perfect for a short break.
One of its major attractions for budget-conscious Brits, according to experts from eurochange, is its affordability.
“Countries in South Eastern Europe such as Bosnia, Slovenia and Montenegro have absolutely stunning scenery, but are very cheap to travel to and stay,” said Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital engagement at eurochange.
Research conducted by eurochange suggests that a three-course meal in the city could cost less than £11. Fancy a beer with your dinner? That’ll only set you back around £1.75 on average, reports the Express.
To put that into perspective, the average price of a beer in London in 2024 is currently £56.50, according to Finder.com. This figure drops slightly to £5.44 nationally across the UK – highlighting just how much of a bargain Sarajevo can be.
But it’s not just food and drink that are easy on the wallet in this city. On average, accommodation starts from £56 per person, per night, and flights can be as low as £48 (based on flight data for July 2024 departing from London Stansted).
Laura, a travel expert, describes Sarajevo as the ‘Jerusalem of Europe’, boasting one of the most diverse cultures in Europe. She says, “Saravejo is known as the ‘Jerusalem of Europe’, and has one of the most diverse cultures on the continent, making it one of the most intriguing cities you can visit. It is one of the only places where you can visit a Mosque, a Catholic church, an Eastern Orthodox church and a synagogue in one place,”.
Nestled within a long, narrow valley and encircled by forested mountains, the city provides a picturesque setting.
Laura adds: “Its broad mix of cultural influences means its architecture is also absolutely beautiful, and its restaurant scene is an eclectic mix of Turkish and Bosnian-inspired offerings. And, with prices averaging at just £10 per person for a three-course meal, your money really does go far here.”
While there are more expensive options in the city, with some of its top-rated hotels costing over £100 a night according to Booking.com, there are also budget-friendly choices available.
At the time of writing, a quick search reveals that you can book a stay at the three-star Hotel Grand, located just 250 metres from Sarajevo Central Station, from £32.40 a night (based on dates in June 2024).
Alternatively, the reliable hotel chain ibis Styles Sarajevo offers one-night stays from £71 during the summer months, based on the Booking.com search results.
For those planning a trip to Sarajevo from the UK, direct flights are available from London via Ryanair and Wizz Air, both renowned for their budget-friendly fares. According to current data from Skyscanner, tickets from London to Sarajevo can be snapped up for as little as £28.
