If you’re coming to visit Bosnia-Herzegovina then you will certainly find yourself in the capital Sarajevo.
Sarajevo is small for a capital city and has plenty to offer backpackers in term of fun things to do.
There are some nice museums, interesting mosques, a beautiful old quarter, fine open air markets, and even some pretty hip cafes.
The backpacker scene in Sarajevo is still on the rise. As a result, there are nowhere near as many backpacker friendly accommodation options in the city as there are in other European capitals.
That is exactly why I wrote this guide to the best hostels in Sarajevo for 2024!
Get all of the insider information regarding the best places to stay in the city.
Whether you are looking for the best party hostel in Sarajevo, a comfy private room, or just a place to sleep cheap, this list has got you covered.
The goal is for you to find the right spot quickly and easily, so you can get back to preparing for your Sarajevo backpacking adventure.
By the end of this guide you will have your hostel sorted and your questions answered.
Let’s dive right in…
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Sarajevo
- Best Hostel for Couples in Sarajevo – Hostel Kucha
- Best Party Hostel in Sarajevo – Hostel Franz Ferdinand
The 10 Best Hostels in Sarajevo
Travellers Home Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Sarajevo #3
It’s really really nice and it’s also really really quite cheap, which makes for a great combo for a budget hostel in Sarajevo. The not exactly originally named Travellers Home is set in this beautiful old building, so inside as you might imagine it’s pretty homely and comes with period features like high ceilings and huge windows, that sorta thing. Nice touches like plug sockets and individual lights for each bunk make it feel like someone has actually thought about where you’re gonna be staying rather than sticking a load of bunks in a room. Feels homely.
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View on Osprey View on REIHostel Kucha – Best Hostel for Couples in Sarajevo
Literally idyllic. Perfect design-magazine-esque surroundings, stylish furniture, muted colour palette of pale wood and pastels, nothing garish, all of it deliciously minimalist and modest – the perfect place for a couples’ getaway. You want somewhere that’s basically pretty swanky but without killing your budget, and we reckon we’ve found the best hostel for couples in Sarajevo in Hostel Kucha. Ugh, it’s totally a dreamy place. Very Instagrammable. Coolest hostel in Sarajevo, 1000%. And if that wasn’t enough for this top hostel in Sarajevo, the staff are also excellent. Dorms are on the pricier side (relatively, anyway).
Hostel Franz Ferdinand – Best Party Hostel in Sarajevo
Nice history reference in the name – this place gets extra points for that. And not only that, but it also gets extra points for being the best party hostel in Sarajevo. Pub crawls, general indoor parties held weekly where guests mingle and meet and make merry, all that kinda stuff, it’s all facilitated by the awesome staff at Hostel Franz Ferdinand. Now, all this fun doesn’t come cheap – it’s one of the more expensive hostels in Sarajevo – but it’s all nice and modern here, very boutique-y, and there’s a free breakfast. So, party on.
Hostel Check Inn – Overall Best Hostel in Sarajevo
Check Inn. How original. But behind the simple name is the overall best hostel in Sarajevo. Don’t believe us? Ok, so, the dorms are a little… umm… cosy, and the common room isn’t… really… well it’s not much to speak of, but the LOCATION here is incredible. Right near bars, restaurants, and all the hotspots of Sarajevo’s old town. And that PRICE too, wow – it’s literally one of the cheapest places to stay in town. So whilst facilities-wise it may not be the best hostel in Sarajevo 2021, but with its awesome combo of location and price, and super friendly and helpful staff, it can’t be beat!
The Doctor’s House – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Sarajevo
Not… quite sure on the whole Doctor’s House name. Maybe we’re missing something, but we don’t get it. However we do get why this is such a well recommended hostel in Sarajevo. The staff (who are also world travellers) are super nice, which sets a precedent for a great sociable atmosphere; the whole place is clean and modern but set in an old house, the views from the terrace across the city are IMMENSE, they make their own beer, offer walking tours of the city (which are really good – bakeries are involved, so they’re gonna be good), and loads more. Best hostel for solo travellers in Sarajevo, definitely.
Hostel City Center Sarajevo – Best Cheap Hostel in Sarajevo #1
Well, you can tell by the name of this place that it’s got a pretty good location, being in the city centre as it is. And its prices are very nice too, which is why we reckon this is the best cheap hostel in Sarajevo. Inside it’s all pretty warm and friendly, with a great chilled yet social vibe. Not a party hostel, but at the same time it can get lively. Depends who’s there we guess! But yeah, it’s got orthopaedic mattresses meaning the beds are suuuper comfy, a decent and cosy common room, generally nice decor, accommodating staff. You get your money’s worth at this budget hostel in Sarajevo, basically.
Residence Rooms – Best Cheap Hostel in Sarajevo #2
Residence Rooms is… somewhat basic, but then again it’s somewhat historical. We’re not sure whether to be like, ugh this is so old-looking, or more like, wow this is so cool and retro! Y’know? It’s a tricky one. But we reckon, since it’s a hostel, it’s alright either way. And for the price, pfft, who cares? It’s one of the cheapest in town. And it’s centrally located. And the family who runs it are really lovely. And, if you were wondering, the building is 105 years old. Overall it feels like a real Bosnian home, which is cool, so this is definitely a recommended hostel in Sarajevo.
Hostel Vagabond Sarajevo – Best Hostel with a Private Room in Sarajevo
Cute, stylish, not overly expensive – that’s how we like our private rooms, and that’s how they come at Hostel Vagabond. Though the name suggests otherwise, there’s actually no murals or inspirational quotes on the walls here, no communal guitar, no tie-dye or bean bags – it’s just a lovely looking place decorated by someone with taste; wooden beams stand out against the white painted ceilings, the kitchen is nicely modern, there’s a bit of mismatch furniture going on in the common area. The location is also perf and close to all of the top things to do in Sarajevo. For these reasons we say, yes, this is the best hostel with a private room in Sarajevo.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Best Hostels in Sarajevo
Want to stay in the party district or maybe somewhere more laidback? Decide on where to stay in Sarajevo before booking your hostel.
Balkan Han Hostel
Far from being the coolest hostel in Sarajevo (lime green walls in one of the dorms, for instance), Balkan Han Hostel is a highly recommended hostel in Sarajevo because of its warm, friendly atmosphere, the welcoming nature of the staff (especially the owner), the cleanliness and comfort of its rooms and dorms, and for the onsite bar that has a sociable yet chilled atmosphere. The bar is a good place to pregame before you hit the town in search of Sarajevo’s best nightlife (or daylife). It’s a good one. Though it’s a little bit pricey, even for a top hostel in Sarajevo, it’s a solid option. If you like music there’s not only a guitar but a bongo drum and a keyboard here. But do you really wanna be that person?
Haris Youth Hostel
This youth hostel in Sarajevo doesn’t exactly win any awards for creativity in naming a hostel (that doesn’t mean you should go naming it in the ‘Adjective Animal’ pattern, please), but it is a top hostel in Sarajevo for its awesome owners, who are very nice people. It’s also not a bad location (10 min walk to the old town) – be warned that there is a hill here, so if that poses a problem for you… well, yeah. It’s a pretty nice place in general though, it’s clean, it’s basic, it does everything a hostel should do really, and moreover: it’s cheap. Perfect for anyone on a budget.
What to Pack for your Sarajevo Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
Why you should travel to Sarajevo
Well guys, you have come to the final chapter is the saga of best hostels in Sarajevo 2024.
Like any city with an up and coming backpacker scene, finding the top hostels in Sarajevo can be hard as the locals are still figuring out the whole hostel game.
After reading this guide you are now prepared to find the best hostel in Sarajevo for your own traveling needs.
Backpacking in Sarajevo is bound to be a great experience, heavily aided by the fact that some pretty cool hostels exist in this city.
The hidden hostel gems of Sarajevo have now come out of the wood-work and lay before you.
Booking an awesome hostel is easy when all of the options are clearly on the table!
All of the best hostels in Sarajevo are on the menu. You just have to order up the right one for YOU.
Feeling conflicted on which hostel is actually the best hostel in Sarajevo? Not sure which one to go with? No worries…
When in doubt, I typically recommend that you just book my overall top pick for best hostel in Sarajevo: Hostel Check Inn. Good luck guys!
FAQ about Hostels in Sarajevo
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Sarajevo.
How much does a hostel cost in Sarajevo?
The average price of hostels in Sarajevo can range from $11 – $18+ per night. Of course, the private rooms are on the higher end of the scale than the dorm beds.
What are the best hostels in Sarajevo for couples?
If you and your partner are looking for a hostel to stay in, then look no further than Hostel Kucha!
What are the best hostels in Sarajevo near the airport?
The airport is quite far from the central area, so it is usually better to find the best place that offers airport transfers or will help you arrange transport. Once you’re in the city, I highly recommend the Balkan Han Hostel, a friendly hostel with a bar on site.
Travel Safety Tips for Sarajevo
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Sarajevo has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
If you’re in Bosnia and Herzegovina, make sure to also pay a visit to Mostar. It’s one of my favorite places in Europe, and what’s more, Mostar has some amazing hostels! Defo worth a night or two…
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
- Check out the best places to stay in Sarajevo before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Balkans backpacking guide.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
