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!
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…
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Sarajevo
- Best Overall Hostel in Sarajevo – Balkan Han Hostel
- Best Hostel in Sarajevo for Solo Travelers – Hostel Vagabond Sarajevo
- Best Cheap Hostel in Sarajevo – Yugo Hostel
- Best Party Hostel in Sarajevo – Hostel Franz Ferdinand
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Sarajevo – Hostel Kucha
The 5 Best Hostels in Sarajevo
Now let’s dive deep into exactly which hostels to stay in Sarajevo…
1. Balkan Han Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Sarajevo
- Dorm (mixed): From $14
- Private Room: From $66
- Address: Dalmatinska 6, Sarajevo, Bosnia And Herzegovina
Balkan Han Hostel is the top-rated 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 the onsite bar that has a sociable yet chilled atmosphere. AKA a great add to your Balkans trip.
The bar is a good place to pregame before you hit the town in search of Sarajevo’s best nightlife (or day life). It’s a good one. If you like music there’s not only a guitar but a bongo drum and a keyboard here too!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- 10 minutes from the Old Town
- Near public transit
- Iconic outdoor patio
Cheap accommodation is RARELY this clean either, nor is the vibe this good. It was so easy to meet other travelers, and the staff are fantastic too! Dorm rooms obviously make up the cheapest hostel prices, but you can also book private rooms if that’s more your style.
Being within walking distance from this cool city’s most popular sites is definitely a vibe too – the location of Balkan Han couldn’t be better. I have no doubt you’ll see why it’s the most popular out of all Sarajevo hostels!
2. Hostel Vagabond Sarajevo – Best Hostel in Sarajevo for Solo Travelers
- Dorm (mixed): From $13
- Private Room: From $61
- Address: Ferhadija 21, Sarajevo, Bosnia And Herzegovina
Cute, stylish, not overly expensive – that’s what I like to see when trying to find cheap accommodation, and that’s how it is at Hostel Vagabond.
It’s a lovely, colorful 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 mismatched furniture going on in the common area. But the best part is the people you’ll get to meet, which is why this is best hostel for solo travelers in Sarajevo.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Pub crawls!
- Perfect location
- Amazing staff
While it may not always be a crazy party here at Hostel Vagabond, you can always find some pointers and connections, be it from other travelers or the lovely owners. Being right on Main Street in the city, you really could not be in a more convenient part of the city. Literally all of the top things to do in Sarajevo are just about within walking distance!
You can go for one of their more expensive private rooms, or spend the night in the dorms, all of which are mixed.
3. Yugo Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Sarajevo
- Dorm (mixed): From $13
- Address: Mula Mustafa Baseskije 12, Sarajevo, Bosnia And Herzegovina
Yugo Hostel is… somewhat basic, but then again it’s cheap and conveniently located. I mean it’s only 500 meters from the famous Latin Bridge. You’ll get all the amenities that come with staying in a backpacker hostel for just over $10 for a dorm bed. It does NOT get more budget backpacker friendly than this!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Best price in town!
- Super cool kitchen
- Comfy beds
While it doesn’t have all the amenities that some other Sarajevo hostels might offer, it is my ultra-budget pick after all! Very bare bones, but cute, if you will. Decide between the 6 or 8 bed mixed dorm – no private room options here. There’s free wifi, along with a shared kitchen and a lounge that does in fact have a guitar!
The location isn’t bad either – you’re right next to the Old Town! Though do get instructions from the staff on how to find it Yugo Hostel, it’s a little bit easy to get lost.
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Hostel Franz Ferdinand – Best Party Hostel in Sarajevo
- Dorm (mixed): From $14
- Private Room: From $37
- Address: Jelica 4, Sarajevo, Bosnia And Herzegovina
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.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Super strong Wifi
- Free coffee and tea
- Reading lights & charging stations
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, a proper boutique hostel, AND it’s closet to all of the city’s must-sees. While the private rooms will up your budget quite a bit, the dorm bed rates are extremely competitive.
The beds were insanely comfy (super important for me!) and there’s a small communal kitchen and common area for meeting other travelers!
5. Hostel Kucha – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Sarajevo
- Dorm (mixed): From $15
- Private Room: From $37
- Address: Zaima Šarca 24, Sarajevo, Bosnia And Herzegovina
Perfect design-magazine-esque surroundings, stylish furniture, a muted colour palette of pale wood and pastels, with plenty of places to get on that nomad grind. If you want somewhere that you can comfortably work from without killing your budget, I reckon I’ve found the best hostel for digital nomads in Sarajevo, which is Hostel Kucha.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Stunning terrace
- Unmatched interior design
- Right next to tons of shops and restaurants
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 a bit more expensive than some of the other options, but not by much.
Private rooms are also pretty affordable for what you get. I also loved how they had a female-only dorm since many are mixed these days. The common area is also social when it’s busy, so you’ll find travel buddies to go out with!
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Sarajevo Hostels
Want to stay in the party district or maybe somewhere more laidback? Decide on what part of Sarajevo to stay in before booking your hostel.
The Good Place
- Dorm (mixed): From $17
- Address: Cemalusa 7, Sarajevo, Bosnia And Herzegovina
As Hostelworld’s top-rated Sarajevo hostel, The Good Place sets high expectations. And they do in fact deliver. Situated right in the center, you’ll find absolutely every travel essential from ATMs to bars all just 50 m of the hostel. Get a taste of the city’s rich history – some of the best sights are within walking distance after all. There are no private rooms here, just 6-bed mixed dorms, but that means the price is right! The hostel is also super social – perfect if you’re solo travelling.
One Love
- Dorm (mixed): From $12
- Private Room: From $31
- Address: Pehlivanuša 67, Sarajevo, Bosnia And Herzegovina
The not exactly originally named One Love is set in this beautiful old building, with lots of natural light and an amazing balcony. 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. Unexpected touches like an oven, hair dryers and a dishwasher make this one of the most comfy hostels in town. It feels like someone has actually thought about where you’re gonna be staying rather than sticking a load of bunks in a room. Feels homely.
Hostel Ljubicica
- Dorm (mixed): From $28
- Address: Mula Mustafe Bašeskije 65, Sarajevo, Bosnia And Herzegovina
With over 26 years of experience, this cheap backpacker hostel knows what they’re doing! Located in the historical center of Sarajevo, it’s hard to find a better spot to base from. You won’t be far from iconic sites like the Sarajevo City Hall. The staff is amazing and really goes out of their way to make you feel welcome! This is definitely the place to you if you want to get a feel for real Bosnian hospitality. The space is comfortable, clean and has a fun and social atmosphere. The dorms are mixed only, and the beds aren’t hard which is always a win.
Tower Hostel
- Dorm (Female): From $20
- Private Room: From $22
- Address: Hadzisabanovica 15, Sarajevo, Bosnia And Herzegovina
This cute pink house is a solid choice for a peaceful stay in Sarajevo! Slightly more expensive than other options, it does come with a lot of perks. One of my favorites is that they offer free, safe parking which is particularly ideal for any overlanders reading! Free towers, maps, hairdryers, wifi and stove usage are more cool amenities at the Tower Hostel. While it is a bit out of the city center, it could be worth it for the extra peace and quiet.
FG Boutique Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $17
- Address: Mula Mustafe Baseskije 8, Sarajevo, Bosnia And Herzegovina
A super cute boutique hostel in Sarajevo, I loved that they had their own cafe right inside. It serves everything from wine to full blown meals, so this was super convenient. The design blends modern comforts with old Sarajevo charm, you can’t go wrong with their affordable dorm beds! They do provide free lockers (with key cards) to keep your things safe while you’re out exploring. The best part of any stay here is the staff – they really go above and beyond what you’d find from a hotel!
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.
Residence Rooms
Residence Rooms is… somewhat basic, but then again it’s somewhat historical. I’m 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 I 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.
Travellers Home Hostel
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.
Hostel Check Inn
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, but with its awesome combo of location and price, and super friendly and helpful staff, it can’t be beat!
The Doctor’s House
Not… quite sure on the whole Doctor’s House name. Maybe I’m missing something, but I don’t get it. However I 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.
Hostel City Center Sarajevo
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 I 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 I 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.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting 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!
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FAQ about Hostels in Sarajevo
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Sarajevo.
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 my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
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.
Final Thoughts on Sarajevo’s Hostels
By now I hope my epic guide to the best hostels in Sarajevo has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
All of these are absolutely INCREDIBLE choices, so I have no doubt you’ll be in great hands no matter which one you choose. You’ll be in Sarajevo after all, perhaps one of the coolest city in all of Europe!
Go get out there and enjoy all it has to offer – all while being based in a dope hostel!
- 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.
- Check out all of the amazing hostels in Mostar Bosnia
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You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
hi i’m staying at travellers home hostel and i love it, but you might want to add that there is no breakfast served–just a kitchen you can use. as an older traveler in my sixties, i often travel as a couple, but sometimes on my own. when it makes sense on my own I like to stay in a hostel to meet other travelers and breakfast is often a great time to do that. I just clicked on the link above assuming that there would be a breakfast, but there wasn’t. i chose a private room which is on the third floor and is just perfect, and super-cheap, so i don’t know about the group dorm beds, but everything else about this hostel i’ve loved. highly recommend.