Sarajevo

OK, this is not necessarily a classically pretty city and it offers little in the way of museums etc. However it does have a rather unique charm with its coffee shops and copper workshops amongst a labyrinthine of alleyways - at first this seems rather touristy and false, but it's not. It's a vibrant city with mosques and churches on the same square, and a people who, at least on the surface, seem to have shrugged off the horrors of the past.


Many of the buildings were either badly damaged or destroyed in the three years of shelling. Much money has poured in for restoration since then, and to very good effect - however some bars have tried to recreate an olde-worlde charm, which done badly can look like an O'Neil's. One building that does standout is the former national library (Franz Ferdinand's last engagement before being assassinated up the road) , which was deliberately targeted with incendiary bombs, and now stands as an empty shell.

All in all a good place to chill out for a fews days. If you're passing through I would highly recommend Guest House Rose.



Kirsten's Flashpacker Review:
Guest House Rose, Sarajevo (http://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/GuestHouseRose-Sarajevo-17351) – This friendly family run guest house is located in a residential area near the brewery but is only a couple of minutes walk from the old town. Our room was a good size and clean with lovely views over Sarajevo from the balcony. We were picked up from the train station at no extra change. A large breakfast was available for a small additional charge. This was a comfortable place to stay and definitely good value for money.