Sarajevo’s Old Town is the most picturesque and cultural area of Bosnia’s capital city. The Old Town is full of quaint market stalls, cafes and historical sites. Here’s our guide to the best bars in the Old Town district.
Baghdad is a café and bar, which transforms into a club when the evening begins. It is decorated in a Middle Eastern style, with features such as traditional lanterns and mirrors. This spot is most popular for its cocktails, and has a range of music for all tastes, ranging from edgy house to cheesy pop. The place is usually packed at weekends, and attracts a young and local crowd.
Sloga is a popular and lively nightclub and bar, found near to Tito’s Eternal Flame just on the edge of the Old Town area. It is a fun and atmospheric place, filled with locals of varying ages. It plays a range of mainstream music so it doesn’t alienate those who aren’t familiar with niche DJs. The drinks are at the cheaper end of the scale, and there is a small entrance fee. The cost is well worth it for an evening at one of the area’s biggest and liveliest clubs.
For a more relaxed evening around the Old Town, Halvat is a lovely bar set within an authentic old house decorated with typical Ottoman architecture. It offers a range of drinks plus the opportunity to indulge in some traditional shisha, which makes for a relaxing ambience. This is a great spot for an authentic Bosnian experience in the heart of the picturesque Old Town area.
Often overlooked by passers-by, Kino Bosna is a lovely bar set within a converted cinema. It’s not quite on the main drag, which makes it a quieter an more relaxing spot for a drink. The drinks are some of the cheapest around. Local favorites such as Sarajevska beer and rakija (a traditional spirit) are available for an authentic experience. There are often live local bands playing, and the clientele is slightly older, which offers a more relaxed atmosphere.
Old Town Central Square | Ⓒ Michał Huniewicz/Flickr
Zlatna Ribica
Packed with beautiful antiques, Zlatna Ribica is a cafe and bar that is famous for its unusual and intriguing decor. The bar is small with a busy and intimate atmosphere. It is popular with locals enjoying a friendly catch-up or couples on a romantic evening out. The music playlist is fun and eclectic, and the drinks are a good value, with a range of local wines and beers. This is great option for those looking for character and atmosphere.
One of the Old Town’s most popular shisha spots is Dibek, located just off the central square. The interior is decorated in a traditional Ottoman style, with low sofas and intricate rugs. There are also plenty of tables outside on a shady terrace. The bar offers a basic drinks menu, but the highlight is the range of different shisha flavors, especially the fruit options.
Also a restaurant as well as a bar, Delikatesna Radjna is a lovely spot for a sophisticated evening spent sharing a bottle of wine with friends. It is located towards the Western edge of the Old Town district and closer to the more modern and upmarket area of town. This makes it popular with young professionals. This is a great option for those looking to experience the up-and-coming side of Sarajevo as a vibrant European capital.
