Sarajevo among Europe’s ten most desirable cities, according to Wanderlust readers

The results of the 25th Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards were announced on 4 November in Greenwich, London. A total of 251,461 readers of the British travel magazine Wanderlust took part, casting more than 8.2 million votes – a record in the history of the awards.

In the Most Desirable City (Europe) category, Sarajevo was ranked tenth, alongside cities such as Athens, Copenhagen, Lisbon and Istanbul. Bosnia and Herzegovina took an impressive fourth place in the Most Desirable Emerging Destination category.

Sarajevo and BiH were nominated in July, and readers voted until 27 October (read about the nomination here). The award adds to a series of international accolades for Sarajevo: National Geographic readers named it the best destination in the world for 2025, and TimeOut recently listed it among the most beautiful winter destinations.

Where to start

If you are planning to visit a city that more and more travellers are discovering, start your walk in Baščaršija, at the Sebilj and Gazi Husrev Bey’s Mosque, then continue to Vijećnica (the City Hall) and the Latin Bridge. For a view over the whole city, take the Trebević Cable Car or head up to Žuta Tabija (the Yellow Fortress) at sunset.

The Tunnel of Hope tells the story of the city’s recent history, Vrelo Bosne is a favourite excursion spot among locals, and in winter the Olympic mountains of Jahorina and Bjelašnica await (winter guide to the Olympic mountains).

For more ideas, see our picks 10 reasons to visit Sarajevo and 20 things to do, and check what’s on in the city these days in the events calendar.