One charming European capital, rich in history and beauty, can be explored for as little as £160 for a weekend getaway.
Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has been dubbed one of the most underrated destinations in Europe, with its mix of stunning architecture, rich culture, and fascinating history.
Travel TikToker @emsbudgettravel handle called it her “most-underrated” European travel destination out of nine countries she’s visited so far this year, which has become even cheaper thanks to direct budget flights from the UK.
In her video, Em said: “This is one of the most underrated countries in Europe and one of the cheapest I’ve been to. I only spent £158.44 in total for everything, including flights, accommodation, food, activities, transport—literally everything.”
Nestled in a valley surrounded by the stunning Dinaric Alps, Sarajevo is a place where East meets West, with Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav influences visible in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions.
Em flew into the capital Sarajevo, where four-star hotels can cost as little as £45 per night.
The city’s old town is a maze of cobblestone streets, where ancient mosques stand alongside Catholic and Orthodox churches, and markets hum with the scent of roasted meats and sweet baklava.
Owing to its turbulent past, being the site of Franz Ferdinand’s assassination in 1914 which led up to World War I, and a brutal siege during the Bosnian War, the city is full of poignant sites.
The Sarajevo Tunnel Museum teaches you all about the Bosnian War, and the historic Latin Bridge marks the place of the assassination, with a memorial and museum dedicated to this pivotal moment in history.
Despite its past, Em described Sarajevo today as a beautiful and safe city with friendly locals.
Em also recommended taking a day trip to Mostar – a small city that’s two hours outside of the capital – which is best known for the historic Stari Most bridge, where some peopke dive into the Neretva River below.
Em added: “The city felt so magical and it was the highlight of the trip for me. Overall, it was an amazing trip, and I definitely wanted more than the four days I had here.”