Is Sarajevo Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is generally a safe destination for solo female travelers. The locals are known for their warmth and hospitality towards tourists. Street crime levels are relatively low. However, like any city, it is advised to stay alert, especially at night, and avoid isolated areas. It's common to see women out late in the city centers. Avoid political gatherings or protests, which can occasionally occur. Besides the city, public transportation is reliable and safe, but one should be cautious of sporadic traffic. Local customs and cultural norms are respected, and it's important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.

Safety rating

4.3 /5

Based on 16 experiences from female travelers

4 /5

Based on our research and crime data

2.7 /5

Based on 3 experiences from local women

Sarajevo is currently ranked #1 safest place in Bosnia and Herzegovina for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 4.3 out of 5. . Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Sarajevo?

Safety at night:Safe

Sarajevo, being the capital and largest city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, generally has good safety measures in place, especially in areas frequently visited by tourists. However, it's always best to remain cautious when walking alone at night. While violent crimes are rare, petty crimes like pickpocketing may occur. Stick to well-lit areas and avoid deserted streets. Public transportation and taxis are reliable during the evening if walking isn't an option. Locals are usually friendly and helpful should you need any assistance.

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Saravo, Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally considered safe for solo female travelers. Trams and buses are the predominant modes of transport and usually come regularly. The drivers and locals are helpful. Just remember to buy and validate your tickets to avoid on-spot fines. Like in any other city, be aware of your surroundings and where your belongings are, especially during rush hours, as pickpockets have been reported in crowded areas, albeit infrequently.

Street harassment:Low

Sarajevo, as the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is generally safe and welcoming to solo female travelers. Instances of street harassment are relatively rare, with locals often demonstrating respect and politeness towards women. However, like in any other city, it's always crucial to be vigilant, particularly at night or in less crowded areas.

Petty crimes:Low

Sarajevo, like all urban locations, has its share of petty crime such as pickpocketing, particularly in busy tourist areas or crowded public transportation. That said, it is generally considered safer than many popular tourist destinations globally. Vigilance, common-sense precautions like keeping your belongings secured and avoiding walking alone late at night would be a wise approach. Discrepancies like overcharging at local shops or restaurants may occur, so it's critical to be aware. Overall, tourists are generally safe from petty crime in Sarajevo with appropriate precautions.

Is Sarajevo worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 16 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.4/5

Safety

4.3/5

Food

4.2/5

Budget-friendly

3.7/5

Family travel

I stayed in Sarajevo for 3 days and always felt safe, even at night. The people are welcoming and the city has a calm and relaxed atmosphere. I stayed in an apartment in the center, a perfect location to get around on foot: almost everything is within walking distance. I recommend visiting Baščaršija (the old town), the Tunnel of Hope, the cable car that goes up Mount Trebević (amazing views), and simply getting lost among the streets full of history. The War Museum disappointed me a bit because of how it is maintained, so I would skip it. For food, I absolutely recommend Ćevabdžinica Željo and trying local desserts like baklava. In general, it's a low-cost trip, perfect if you want to see a different city, full of culture and with a touching past. The itinerary was flexible, so no rushing, just relaxed exploration.

Posted: May 11, 2025

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Family travel

I felt safe in Sarajevo but I don’t know if that’s because i was with my family or not but I think it’s a calm city. I didn’t feel particularly alarmed. Just be aware of your surroundings but I wouldn’t say that it’s dangerous to solo travel here.

Posted: January 31, 2025

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Family travel

Food was good, people were nice. TIP If u want to buy something in a local street store better ask someone local if he / she can buy it for you. Because when they hear turist price is double😆 .......

Posted: January 9, 2025Experienced: July, 2024

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Arwa

United States

Solo travel

It was amazing in Bosnia 🇧🇦 i fall in love with nature, it was really like meditation for me i enjoy going to the mountains and rivers, people are so friendly, life is simple, i rent a car snd i was driving and exploring the areas , truly i will come back snd i recommended to stay a 3 night in Sarajevo and going to other villages and cities near to Sarajevo

Posted: June 10, 2024

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Solo travel

Really enjoyed Sarajevo. It is such an interesting city with an incredibly tragic history. It felt so safe as a solo female traveller as the locals are so friendly! I recommend staying 3-4 nights as there is so much to do.

Posted: July 21, 2023

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Solo travel

Sarajevo is such an underrated place. It has a lot of charm, and the people are very friendly. I participated in several activities, such as a trip to Mostar. I also visited an abandoned bobsleigh track. There is so much amazing history there, and the food was incredible. I felt safe, but I'm not overly interested in nightlife, so I had dinner and returned to my Airbnb.

Posted: April 10, 2023

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Is Sarajevo safe for women?

Safety index

2.7 /5

Based on 3 local experiences

Crime index

2 /5

Based on 3 local experiences

Nidara

thankfully i haven’t had any overly unpleasant situations and i generally feel safe at night until i see someone. it’s good to have something for self defence.

Posted: February 28, 2025

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Very calm country feels like it is still 2015 compared too big cities. Not very kind but definetely not rude people,just little bit cold. Veeeeery cold in winter but very hot in summer. Food is awesome. Good pubs,international restaurants. Bunch of museums and landscapes. Cheap compared to ant other european country. Public transport is enough and very simple. I havent experienced bad yet but I still dont recommend to take a public transport or walk alone after midnight.

Posted: January 30, 2025

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