Local Insight:Sarajevo’s Baščaršija was founded in the 15th century by Isa-beg Ishaković. The name itself comes from the Turkish “baş,” meaning “main,” and “çarşı,” meaning “market.” For over 500 years, its cobbled streets have been the city’s commercial and social heart, where the scent of coffee and the sound of coppersmiths create an unforgettable atmosphere.

Bosnian coffee is more than a drink—it’s a ritual. Served in a džezva (copper pot) with a fildžan (cup) and rahat lokum (Turkish delight), it’s meant to be sipped slowly. In Baščaršija, this tradition has been upheld for centuries in cafes where time seems to stand still.

Within a 100-meter radius in Sarajevo’s Old Town, you can find the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque (16th century), the Sacred Heart Cathedral (19th century), the Old Orthodox Church (16th century), and the Ashkenazi Synagogue (20th century). This unique proximity earned Sarajevo the nickname “Jerusalem of Europe.”

Every cobblestone in Baščaršija has a story. From 15th-century merchants to 20th-century Olympians and survivors of the siege, these streets have witnessed it all. A guided tour doesn’t just show you buildings—it connects you to the resilient spirit that defines Sarajevo.