The Best Boutique and Cultural Hotels to Book in Sarajevo

This charming property in the old district of Sarajevo features six individually designed rooms, with interiors crafted by local designers and artists. Despite the traditional influences, the place has a hip feel, with exposed brick walls and naked light bulbs. This place makes for an authentic place to explore the surrounding area, where you’ll find a hotchpotch of galleries, designer boutiques, restaurants, clubs and cafés. Start your day with a spread of Bosnian treats at the onsite restaurant, Čaršija.

Hotel Sana is a superb place to stay if you’re craving a little modernity while exploring Sarajevo’s old town. There are 17 rooms and one apartment, and all have slick and functional interiors, with bold pops of blue being a running theme. Rates include breakfast in the lobby restaurant and, if you want to escape the bustle of the city, the outdoor terrace on the first floor is a welcome retreat.

If you still want to sample the delights of Sarajevo, but not be in the thick of things, escape to the Heritage Hotel Krone which is framed by greenery in the town of Ilidža. This halal-certified boutique hotel is housed in a century-old Austro-Hungarian villa. Despite its historic facade, the rooms are modern, with a bold use of colour used throughout, from hot pink armchairs to lime green beds. Couples particularly rate this hotel, along with its spa to retreat to after a day of sightseeing.

Delve into some true culinary history with a stay at the family-run Hotel Aziza in the Baščaršija part of Sarajevo old town. This special venue began life in 1923 as a bakery owned by Muharem Poričanin, and the same family still runs it today. Despite the history, the rooms are fresh and modern with plenty of space to play with. The hotel overlooks the Kovači district, with the Vratnik Gates, the Ottoman-era Saburina House and the Museum Alija Izetbegović (named after Bosnia-Herzegovina’s first president) on the doorstep.

When it comes to cutting-edge architectural design, Pino Nature Hotel does a splendid job. This striking property in the countryside just outside of Sarajevo, features natural colours and triangular roof designs so it blends in with the verdant landscape. Rooms all have their own character; some are named after animals, so you can drift to sleep in Rabbit or Wolf. This is a fantastic place for outdoor types, with a mountainous landscape on its doorstep. To indulge after a day of exploring, the hotel has a spa and a restaurant serving traditional Bosnian specialities and international classics.

Slap bang in the pedestrianized Old Town, Hotel Old Town is a great spot to explore the surrounding area. The rooms are surprisingly modern and comfortable given the modest prices, with the majority benefitting from outstanding city views. There is free wifi throughout the property and breakfast is served buffet-style.

This five-star hotel in the centre of town is one of Sarajevo’s most popular spots. Founded in 1882, the facade of this property has a classic Austro-Hungarian feel but its interiors – especially the bedrooms – are thoroughly modern.There are 160 rooms to choose from, and 14 suites, two of which are presidential suites. Then there is the fitness centre, an indoor swimming pool, Turkish bath, a sauna and massage treatment rooms. The Viennese Cafe is one part of the hotel that does retain its historical character and it’s one of the city’s most famous coffee spots.

Set within the Old Town area and near several prime sightseeing spots, City Boutique Hotel is a luxury hotel with 19 modern, spacious and comfortable rooms with contemporary bathrooms, while the hotel features a delightful roof terrace with sublime views of the surrounding area. Given the small size of this property, the service is top-notch. Breakfast is included, and there is also a bar offering drinks for guests to enjoy on the terrace.

As the name suggests, Hotel Central Sarajevo places you in the heart of the city. There are just 15 rooms inside this Austro-Hungarian building, and despite its historic facade, they all feature modern furnishings and amenities for the 21st-century traveller, including flat-screen TVs, hot drink-making facilities and free wifi. Its state-of-the-art basement spa comes complete with swimming pool, sauna, steam room and treatment suites. There is also a restaurant which offers local dishes as well as international cuisine.

If you’re looking for an authentic and personal experience, the Garni Hotel Konak in the heart of Sarajevo’s Old Town hits the mark. The interior design is modern but with some traditional touches, such as the carved wood pieces and copper objects that are in keeping with the Old Town atmosphere. The hotel is small and personal, with a free breakfast buffet and airport pick-ups available.

Looking for a peaceful place to lay your head for the night? Look no further than Hotel Lula. This quaint and cultural property near Sarajevo’s Old Town has just seven rooms, with traditional Bosnian interiors running throughout. It is set within a traditional building, with only two floors and typical whitewashed walls and terracotta roof tiles. The breakfast, which is included, offers local items such as traditional bread and Bosnian coffee.

What do Morgan Freeman and Richard Gere have in common? They’re among the star guests who have stayed at Sarajevo’s Hotel Michele. This family-run property, located in a quiet residential area, serves up an authentic atmosphere and a friendly service. There are six apartments, two luxury rooms and 12 standard rooms and all feature a mix of antique-style furnishings. If you’ve hired a car, there is parking available.

Exclusive Apartments Bistrick serves up a selection of stylish, self-catered apartments in the southern part of the city. Each one has two bedrooms and features a bathroom and kitchen, and some also include a private terrace. The complex is nestled into the hills, with great views of the city and beautiful landscaped gardens. All the apartments are generously proportioned, with modern and contemporary fixtures and fittings. It’s a great option to enjoy visiting Sarajevo while taking in a more local atmosphere, away from the main tourist spots.

Hotel Boutique 36, found near the Old Town, is a small boutique hotel with comfortable and contemporary rooms. Regular rooms are available, as are studio apartments, and the hotel offers free wifi, a breakfast buffet and airport transfers. The central location of this hotel, just a five-minute walk from the central tourist area, makes it a fantastic option for those wishing to be at the heart of the action.