Sarajevo in summer with your family: a guide for visitors from the Gulf
Why families stay in Ilidža, days out with children, halal food, visas and the right apartment.
Most Arab visitors to Sarajevo stay in Ilidža, mostly in July and August (University of Sarajevo study). It is green and quiet, the river and the Vrelo Bosne park are close, and the airport is a few minutes away by taxi. This guide covers what families ask us most.
Visas
In recent summers Bosnia and Herzegovina has let citizens of Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain visit without a visa between June and September. The government decides this each year, and rules for other Gulf countries differ, so check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you book flights.
Days out with children
| Place | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Vrelo Bosne park, adult / child 6–18 | 6 KM / 3 KM, under 6 free | zppks.ba |
| Termalna rivijera water park, adult | 10 KM weekdays, 12 KM weekends; outdoor pools in summer only | terme-ilidza.ba |
| Tunnel of Hope, adult | 20 KM, cash in KM | mcsarajevo.ba |
- Velika aleja is a 3.5 km car-free avenue from Ilidža to Vrelo Bosne, on foot, by bike or by horse carriage.
- Bingo City Centar, 130 m from River Walk, has a hypermarket, a pharmacy and a children’s play area.
- For more ideas, see Sarajevo with children.
Food and prayer
Del Gusto on the ground floor of River Walk serves lamb and chicken mandi. Our halal food and mosques guide lists restaurants and mosques in Ilidža and the old town.
Which apartment for your family
| Apartment | Size | Guests |
|---|---|---|
| Three-bedroom, river view | 137 m² | up to 7 |
| Deluxe two-bedroom, river view | 100 m² | up to 5 |
| Two-bedroom Standard | 80 m² | up to 5 |
Every apartment has a full kitchen, a washing machine and air conditioning. A cot for a child under two is free on request; children from age 3 count as guests. Free parking, reception open 24 hours.
Practical
- Pay at reception by card or cash. The price you are shown includes the tourist tax of 3 KM per person for each night. Free cancellation up to 5 days before arrival.
- Carry KM in cash for taxis and small shops. 1 EUR = 1.95583 KM.
- Summer is the busiest season in Ilidža. Book early for July and August, especially for the three-bedroom apartments: there are only three.
- Emergency number 112, ambulance 124.
Questions
Where do Arab families stay in Sarajevo?
Most stay in Ilidža, near the river, Vrelo Bosne and the airport.
Is there halal food near River Walk?
Yes. Del Gusto on the ground floor serves mandi, and our halal guide lists more places in Ilidža and the old town.
Do Saudi citizens need a visa for Bosnia in summer?
In recent summers Saudi, Omani and Bahraini citizens could visit without a visa from June to September. Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the current year.
Which apartment fits a family of seven?
The three-bedroom river-view apartment, 137 m², for up to 7 guests.
