Best viewpoints in Sarajevo

The best viewpoints in Sarajevo are the Yellow Fortress, Žuta tabija, on the hill above the Old Town, the White Fortress, Bijela tabija, on the same hill, and Mount Trebević across the valley, which you reach by cable car. Each one shows you the whole city at once, and the Yellow Fortress is the classic Sarajevo viewpoint for sunset.

Sarajevo sits in a long valley with hills on every side, so you never have to go far for a view. Here is where to go and one safety rule for the mountain.

Which Sarajevo viewpoint should you pick?

Yellow Fortress, Sarajevo: why go up?

For the view over the whole Old Town and down the valley. Žuta tabija is one of two forts that still stand on Vratnik, the old walled quarter on the hillside above the city. When Austria-Hungary arrived in 1878, Vratnik had five forts, three towers and five big gates. Today its towers, walls and gates are what remain, and the city's tourist board says its forts give panoramic views of Sarajevo.

The fortress is more than a lookout. During the month of Ramadan, a cannon is fired from Žuta tabija to tell the city it is time to break the day's fast. If you are here then, it is a moment worth seeing.

It is an uphill walk from Baščaršija through the old streets. Wear shoes with grip, and take water in summer.

There is more on the walled quarter on the tourist board's Vratnik page.

Where is the best place to watch the sunset in Sarajevo?

The Yellow Fortress. Sarajevo's tourist board uses sunset footage of the city shot from the road by the fortress, and it is easy to see why: the whole Old Town and the river are laid out below you.

Get there a little before sunset to find a spot on the wall. When it gets dark, the walk back down into Baščaršija is a good way to go and find dinner.

It is the sunset spot we send our own guests to.

What can you see from the White Fortress in Sarajevo?

Most of the city. Bijela tabija is the second fort still standing on Vratnik, and the tourist board calls its view one of the best in Sarajevo. It sits on the edge of a cliff, so the ground drops away in front of you and the whole valley opens up.

Inside the walls are the stone ruins of the old fort, so give yourself time to walk around them as well as look out.

When does the Sarajevo cable car run?

The Trebević cable car runs Monday 12:00 to 19:00 and every other day 9:00 to 19:00. Check the official Sarajevo cable car website before you go, as times can change.

A few things to know before you go:

• A ticket is only valid on the day you buy it.
• E-bikes and e-scooters are not allowed.
• Pets must travel in a proper pet box, and dogs need a lead and a muzzle.
• You can also buy a combo ticket that includes entry to Vijećnica, the City Hall. Our Baščaršija guide covers City Hall.

What is there to do on Trebević?

Walk, look and breathe. Trebević has long been one of Sarajevo's favourite places to get out of the city, and the cable car first opened in 1959 to save people the long, steep climb. At the top you get forest paths and the view straight down onto the city.

Trebević was also one of the mountains of the 1984 Winter Olympics. The bobsleigh track is still up there. It was wrecked in the war and is now covered in graffiti, and you can walk along parts of it.

Stay on the paths. During the 1992 to 1995 siege, the hills around the city held sniper and artillery positions. The UK government's travel advice says landmines and other unexploded weapons are still a risk in less populated areas, and tells visitors: "Do not step off roads and paved areas without an experienced guide." It also warns of more thefts from cars in tourist areas around Sarajevo, "particularly on Mount Trebevic". For more, read our guide to whether Sarajevo is safe.

If you want to hike further, go with a guide. The tour company we recommend is Meet Bosnia, a local agency in Sarajevo. Their Sarajevo Trebević Hiking Tour takes about 5 hours, and their Sarajevo Bobsleigh Track experience takes about 2 hours.

Can you see the view from Hostel Kucha?

Yes. Our terrace looks out over the city, so you can have your morning coffee with a view before you climb anything. When you are ready for the forts and the mountain, our full guide to things to do in Sarajevo fills in the rest of your days.

Want a city view from your own terrace? Book a bed direct on this site, with no booking fees. See our rooms.

Quick answers

• What is the best viewpoint in Sarajevo? The Yellow Fortress for sunset, Trebević for the biggest view.
• When does the cable car run? Monday 12:00 to 19:00, other days 9:00 to 19:00.
• Is it safe to hike on Trebević? Stay on roads and paved areas, and take an experienced guide to go further.