Embracing Sarajevo’s Artistic Soul

As the rain gently taps on the cobblestones of Sarajevo, the city reveals its hidden layers, inviting travelers to explore its rich cultural tapestry. The forecast for May 3rd suggests a day of overcast skies and rain, a perfect backdrop for an indoor cultural exploration. The Sarajevo Street Art Workshop offers a unique opportunity to delve into the city’s vibrant street art scene. From 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, participants can immerse themselves in the world of graffiti and murals, guided by local artisans and certified guides. The workshop takes place at the iconic Trebević Olympic mountain, where the 1984 Sarajevo Olympic Bobsleigh track serves as Europe’s largest canvas for street art.

The workshop is more than just an artistic endeavor; it’s a journey through Sarajevo’s history and resilience. In the aftermath of the 1995 siege, street art became a powerful medium for expression and healing. Each mural tells a story of the city’s past, its struggles, and its triumphs. As you spray paint your own masterpiece on the bobsleigh track, you’ll feel a connection to the city’s soul, a sense of pride and satisfaction in contributing to its colorful revival.

Highlight in Sarajevo - We stumbled into the Art and Tours office in the Old City by coincidence, looking for a town map. Mak was friendly and we got talking about what tours they offer and our ears pricked up when he mentioned a Street Art Tour and a Street Art Workshop, both sounded fascinating. We had also wanted to do a general tour of Sarajevo and after a bit of planning and thought Mak and his colleagues devised a full day program which combined all three.

The next day we met our guide (and renowned street artist) Alen at 9:00am and started with a walking tour around Sarajevo, learning about the origins of the local street art scene and viewing some of the current highlights on walls around the city.

This was followed by an early lunch, an impromptu introduction to some local artists that were interested in and then a general tour of Sarajevo sights by car and a visit to the Tunnel of Hope museum.

After that we went to Trebevic mountain (panoramic view, bob sleigh track walk) where we did the street art workshop and created - with Alen’s help - our own painting on the wall of the bob sleigh track. This was a lot of fun and we left with a sense of pride and satisfaction, having added a work of our own to the Sarajevo street art.

We finished the day with visits to the Jewish cemetery and yellow fortress and were dropped off at our accommodation around 5:30pm, happy and smiling.

Alen is a wonderful guide with very broad knowledge, who brought the day’s tour to life by sharing his personal experiences, as a street artist, but also as a Bosnian who lived through the war with his family in Sarajevo.

Reviewed at: 2019-10-16

Capturing Sarajevo Through the Lens

On May 4th, as the clouds part to reveal glimpses of sunshine, the city transforms into a photographer’s paradise. The InstaSarajevo Photography-Focused Walking Tour, available from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, offers a chance to capture the essence of Sarajevo through the lens of a professional photographer. This tour is not just about taking pictures; it’s about experiencing the city in a new light, guided by a photographer with a deep understanding of Sarajevo’s architectural and cultural heritage.

The tour begins at the iconic Sebilj Brunnen, the last of its kind in Baščaršija Square, a symbol of the city’s Ottoman past. As you wander through the streets, you’ll encounter a blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, Yugoslav, and modern influences, each telling a story of Sarajevo’s diverse history. The guide, who is also a professional photographer, will share insights into the city’s past and present, offering a unique perspective on its architectural wonders.

Excellent photoshoot - Hi fellow travelers,

I would like to say thank you to Kenan who made the tour very informative and also thanks to Emir who done the photoshoot. This tour is perfect for capturing perfect pictures while learning the area of Sarajevo, culture, people, and food.

Definitely, will book again this tour once back in Sarajevo.

Reviewed at: 2024-10-11

Reflecting on Sarajevo’s Resilience

As the weekend draws to a close, take a moment to reflect on the experiences that have shaped your journey through Sarajevo. The city’s resilience is evident in its art, architecture, and the stories of its people. Despite the rain and clouds, Sarajevo’s spirit shines through, offering a glimpse into its rich cultural heritage.

The activities of the weekend, from the street art workshop to the photography tour, provide a deeper understanding of Sarajevo’s past and present. They reveal a city that has risen from the ashes, embracing its history while looking towards the future. As you leave Sarajevo, carry with you the memories of its vibrant culture, the warmth of its people, and the beauty of its landscapes. These experiences will linger in your mind, a reminder of the introspective journey that Sarajevo offers to those who seek to explore its depths.