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Six things to do
1. Admire: The “Sarajevo roses”, which are small craters formed when mortar shells rained down during the Bosnian War and are now filled with red resin. Although a confronting reminder of the horrors of war, the rose memorials are a way to honour those who lost their lives. About 200 “roses” cover the streets, creating a fragmented pattern that resembles a floral arrangement.
2. Wander: The streets of the old town or stari grad, which marks the spot where the city was founded by the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. There’s something for everyone in the cobblestone laneways, with merchants selling everything from coffee to souvenirs.
3. Visit: Stari Most, the iconic Old Bridge in the city of Mostar, which was built in the 16th Century and is considered a famous piece of Balkan Islamic architecture. The peak of the arch is a staggering 25 metres above the freezing water. Since 1664, tradition has dictated that 16-year-old boys must jump from the bridge as a rite of passage. Nowadays, experienced divers jump off a couple of times a day for the benefit of tourists. If you manage to grab a good seat at the popular restaurant below, you will get a perfect view of the divers.
4. Sip: A traditional Bosnian coffee in the old town. The strong black coffee is served with a Turkish delight and sugar cubes. Locals sip coffee through the cubes for the ultimate sugar hit!
5. Catch: The cable car from the centre of Sarajevo to the disused bobsled track in the mountains. Take in the breathtaking view from the cable car, then walk along the bobsled track, which was built for the 1984 Winter Olympics. It was used to transport mortar shells during the war but now the graffiti-adorned track is the perfect spot to explore the hills that surround the city.
6. Capture: The view from the top of the mosque in Mostar. You can walk up the many stairs to the top of the spire for sweeping views of Mostar and the surrounding mountains. Be careful if you suffer from vertigo, though, as the balustrade is only waist height!