5 Most Epic of the Best Hostels in Sarajevo

This is the only guide you need in 2023 to find out which are the most epic of the best hostels in Sarajevo.

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Sarajevo is an awesome backpacking destination. It has become a fixture in the Balkans backpacker’s trail. The city caters very well to backpackers and budget-conscious solo travellers.

There is so much to do in Sarajevo and at a very affordable price, that you should definitely add it to your itinerary. Incredible culture, dramatic history, breathtaking architecture, and delicious cuisine all attract more and more travellers every year.

The hostel scene in Sarajevo is growing rapidly, with more and more to choose from each year. That’s why I decided to write this up-to-date guide to the best hostels in Sarajevo in 2023.

Before I list the 5 best hostels in Sarajevo I need to point out a few important things you should keep in mind when booking a hostel in Sarajevo.

• Sarajevo is located in a valley surrounded by hills and mountains. Throughout the city runs the river M and this should be your reference point when booking your hostel in Sarajevo.

The further your accommodation is from the centre and the river, the higher the hill you will have to climb. If you want to avoid this, stick to areas near the river like Bascarsija, Bistrik, Skenderija or Marindvor.

If you are reasonably fit, though, the hilly areas are not that bad. In fact, they are quite beautiful! You will get amazing views of the city and a peaceful night of sleep. Worth considering.

• Sarajevo is very walkable and pretty small for a capital city but If you are staying in Sarajevo only for one or two nights I recommend you stay near the tourist centre. This will give you easy access to attractions and also public transport in case you want to travel outside of the centre you want to take a bus to the train or bus station.

Ok, now that we got the basic information out of the way, it’s time to list 5 of the most epic of the best hostels in Sarajevo.

Best Hostels in Sarajevo

Balkan Han Hostel

A very established and almost legendary hostel in Sarajevo. It is a social hostel located just slightly on the hill and only a 10-minute walk from the old town.

I really liked the dorms and the comfortable beds there. Balkan definitely has some of the most comfortable beds! No curtains, but there is a power outlet on each bed.

There is a small garden with a few couches and a table and that is the most social part of the hostel. It’s not a party hostel, but a good place to meet other travellers.

The kitchen is a bit small and cramped. Only one person can cook at a time.
The decoration of the hostel is very interesting, and it is a very eclectic place. Oh, and to welcome you, there is a free shot of rakija from the bar upon arrival! It is definitely one of the best hostels in Sarajevo.

Kitchen – Yes

Common Areas – Yes

Lockers – Yes

Towels included – Yes

Electric Socket by the bed – Yes

Privacy Curtain – No

Breakfast Included – No
Book with Hostelworld
Book with Booking.com

Hostel Franz Ferdinand

Another legend in the Sarajevo hostel market. Hostel Franz Ferdinand has been on the list of the best hostels in Sarajevo for years and for good reason.

It’s a beautiful and well-kept hostel, but above all, it’s one of the most social hostels in Sarajevo without being a party hostel. It’s hard to keep that balance, but they manage it! What I also like about this hostel is that it seems to attract travellers of all ages.

The location is unbeatable: It’s just a few steps away from the Old Bazaar and given its one of the most popular hostels in Sarajevo, the dorms book up pretty quickly. So book well in advance!

They offer very comfortable beds, air-conditioned rooms and lots of tours and activities. They no longer offer free breakfast.

The hostel is very nicely decorated and has an excellent common area, but the beds they offer aren’t one of my favourites. Recently they have slipped a bit in the reviews recently and I’ve noticed that their responses to poor reviews aren’t very classy, which I always take as a bit of a warning sign.

But it is still one of the best hostels in Sarajevo and worth checking out!

Kitchen – Yes

Common Areas – Yes

Lockers – Yes

Towels included – Yes

Electric Socket by the bed – Yes

Privacy Curtain – No

Breakfast Included – No

Book with Hostelworld
Book with Booking.com

Hostel Vagabond

Hostel Vagabond is becoming more popular every year and it’s pretty clear why.

It’s only been on the Sarajevo hostel market since early 2023, but it’s collecting stellar reviews. It’s a very friendly and sociable hostel offering excellent value for money.

The location is excellent – only 5 minutes from the old town and close to all the attractions.

It offers various tours and activities, a laundry service and an airport shuttle. It’s quite a social hostel attracting cool travellers. There is a nice shared kitchen and very decent common rooms.

This hostel is quickly climbing up the podium of the best hostels in Sarajevo.

They offer basic and straightforward facilities without much fuss, but they do it right. The beds are comfy, the kitchen is well equipped and the staff are very friendly and super helpful without being snarky if things go wrong (a real pet peeve for me as someone who used to work in the hospitality industry).

A basic bunk bed with no privacy curtain could not be everyone’s first choice but the hostel makes up for it with a great vibe and stellar location.

Kitchen – Yes

Common Areas – Yes

Lockers – Yes

Towels included – Yes

Electric Socket by the bed – Yes

Privacy Curtain – No

Breakfast Included – No

Book with Hostelworld
Book with Booking.com

Hostel Kucha.

If you’re looking for a well-equipped, perfect little chilled hostel on the hill, this is it.

It’s a quiet hostel, mostly due to its location, so don’t expect a super social vibe, but it still attracts pretty cool travellers.

Here you can relax after a day of sightseeing, cook a delicious meal and sleep soundly in a very comfortable bed for little money.

It’s a warm, cosy and friendly hostel offering excellent facilities. It’s quite high up on the hill, so be prepared for that. I stayed right next to the hostel and it took me a few days to get used to walking up and down in the heat. I’d say that because of its location, the hostel is a good place to stay for at least 2 nights, maybe longer.

The accommodation offers a fully equipped kitchen, a common room and a terrace, as well as very comfy beds and large lockers.

Kitchen – Yes

Common Areas – Yes

Lockers – Yes

Towels included – Yes

Electric Socket by the bed – Yes

Privacy Curtain – Yes

Breakfast Included – No

Book with Hostelworld
Book with Booking.com

The Good Place Hostel

If you want to stay in a hostel where “Where guests are treated like friends”, then this is the hostel for you!

There is no doubt that when the hostel owner lives on the premises and shares his stories and experiences with the travellers it creates a unique and very special experience. That’s what you get at Good Hostel.

Although there is no shared kitchen and communal space is somewhat limited, it doesn’t bother travellers as it is not the dining table that makes the meal great!

Located in the heart of Sarajevo The Good Hostel is collecting raving reviews for its comfort and facilities but most of all for the hospitality of the owner, Igor. 

You will stay in comfortable dorms equipped with comfy beds with privacy curtains! Rare in Sarajevo! As already mentioned, there is no communal kitchen, but given the excellent location, there are many cheap restaurants near the hostel.

Kitchen – No

Common Areas – Yes

Lockers – Yes

Towels included – Yes

Electric Socket by the bed – Yes

Privacy Curtain – Yes

Breakfast Included – No

Book with Hostelworld
Book with Booking.com

Best Hostels in Sarajevo – Final Thoughts

Quite a few hostels dispread recently from the market, unfortunately (might be due to the recent pandemic or just other trouble) but also quite few appeared. It’s a natural way of life. Some of the best hostels in Sarajevo stand strong no matter the wind.

I will keep this list updated and will add any newcomers worth mentioning!

For now, have a fantastic time in Sarajevo and…

Happy Travels!

Pati

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