Despite Sarajevo having a sizeable Muslim population, Bosnians still like to enjoy themselves and have a good time after hours. Drinks, from local wine and cocktails to cold beer and strong coffee, are favourites in Sarajevo where patrons can enjoy jazz clubs, dance halls or just relax in one of the many cafes.
Sarajevo’s nightclubs differ from what you may be familiar with back at home, and it’s worth mentioning a few things to prepare yourself. Expect lots of cigarette smoke in a small enclosed area. The level of service varies too, and you could find yourself getting the true Yugoslavian experience with stern waiters who seem always to ignore you. If you can deal with these, you’ll love the following places to hang out in Sarajevo.
1. Underground Club:
Revellers come for the Bosnian rock music. Draft beer and a selection of spirits are available at affordable prices, and partygoers fill the dancefloor. Admission is free, and the party gets started at around midnight. Expect a combination of rock, pop and house music. The Rock and Jazz is said to be especially good on New Year’s Eve.
Opening hours from 7.00pm to 5.00am.
Address: Maršala Tita 56, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Tel: +387 61 502 476.
2. Lounge Bar Baghdad:
Found in the Bascarsija, this lounge attracts a crowd of 20-something Bosnians into the trendy café turned nightclub. DJs blast all types of music, from house to classic pop as people dance away the hours inside the Moorish-style interior. Baghdad Café has two floors with upstairs being more spacious. Come and enjoy a few cocktails with the energy of the Bosnian youth. The Baghdad Café tends to get busy after 10:00pm.
Opening hours from 9.00am to 1.00am.
Address: Bazardžani 6, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Tel: +387 62 918 440.
3. Kino Bosna:
Kino Bosna, formerly called Cinema 1, is a nightclub inside a smoky old Yugoslavian cinema. Live music and local gigs are common throughout the week with Monday being a popular day. Very few tourists venture here, and you have the cultural experience of hanging out with the locals with an atmosphere that mimics the Tito days. Drinks are limited, and most of the locals stick to Vodka.
Opening hours from 6.00pm to 12.00am.
Address: Alipašina 19, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Tel: +387 61 866 946.
4. Sloga:
Some love Sloga. Others hate it. The large club has two floors with the upstairs hosting living rock bands and local DJs playing the latest hits. Downstairs has more traditional and turbo-folk styles. You have a selection of drinks, including beer, spirits and wine to choose from, though the bar staff have a poor reputation for their service. Expect up to 500 people crowded inside with many on the dance floor.
Opening hours from 6.00pm to 5.00am.
Address: Mehmeda Spahe 20, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Tel: +387 33 218-811.
5. Club Monument:
Club Monument creates the perfect atmosphere of a jazz club inside a moody, dimly lit basement. Drinks are inexpensive and live music usually begins at 10.00pm and continues until closing. Live music and stand-ups are a big part of the atmosphere at this club. Admission is 5KM ($3).
Opening hours from 8.00pm to 3.00am.
Address: Strossmayerova 3, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Tel: +387 33 209-660.
6. Club Black Angel:
This Hookah lounge turns into an active nightclub after dark, with revellers choosing between smoking shisha or having the time of their life on the dancefloor. Few tourists visit the Black Angel, and the locals inside create a laid-back atmosphere. Regular drink and shisha promotions attract patrons to the club every day of the week.
Address: Dobrinjske bolnice bb, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
7. Anonymous Night Club:
Anonymous Night Club serves food and coffee to young Bosnians throughout the day and blasts traditional and turbo-folk music at night. Each night has a different theme for drink promotions or the style of music, all making it a favourite amongst young locals. Women sometimes get free cocktails on Saturdays, and it makes sense to check out what the theme is when you’re in town. Admission is 5KM ($3).
Address: Zelenih beretki 14, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Tel: +387 33 650-312
8. Club & Bar Nostalgija:
Club and Bar Nostalgija attract Bosnians from all walks of life to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere inside the lounge club while listening to some of the latest music. You can find some good cocktails and a selection of spirits here.
Address: Muvekita 8; 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Tel: +387 33 831-369.
9. La Cava:
If you’re a fan of wine and want to sip a glass of Bosnian White, then check out La Cava near the Bascarsija. Expect an endless selection of wine in this café/wine bar/nightclub with an equally impressive list of cocktails. Locals and tourists often come here for a few quick pre-drinks before heading somewhere more active.
Opening hours from 10.00am to 1.00am.
Address: Kundurdžiluk 1, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Tel: +387 62 726 031.
10. Zlatna Ribica:
The pink interior and large collections of antiques on display around Zlatna Ribica make this nightclub an interesting place to visit. Waiters in traditional dress provide table service, and DJs pump out anything from classic pop to modern house. Tourists tend to fall in love with this nightclub because of the different vibe, affordable drinks and late hours.
Opening hours from 8.00am to 3.00am.
Address: Kaptol 5, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Tel: +387 33 836-348.
11. Savana Bar:
The Savana Bar offers a thematic café in Sarajevo with a selection of drinks including top-shelf spirits and beer on draught. Music starts as the evening progresses and many take to the dance floor for a night of partying. The staff is friendly at the Savana Bar and usually up for a friendly chat.
Opening hours from 7.00am to 11.00pm.
Address: Spasovdanska 22, Lukavica 71123, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Tel: +387 65 054 399.