A glass of beer or wine in Sarajevo costs an average of 2.30 euros, and a one-night stay on Airbnb in the city costs an average of 40 euros.
Against the backdrop of forecasts about the rising cost of travel in 2026, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo, has been recognized as the best destination for a city break (or a few days of city life).
This is the opinion of the travel and entertainment publication Time Out, which analyzed the prices of accommodation, food, and other tourist services in cities across Europe.
Why is Sarajevo the best European city for a city break in 2026?
According to the study’s authors, a glass of beer or wine in Sarajevo costs an average of 2.30 euros, and a one-night stay on Airbnb in the city can be found for an average of 40 euros.
Located in the lush Dinaric Alps and divided by the Miljacka River, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina offers tourists an unforgettable and authentic experience.
After admiring the nature, you can go to the indoor food market Gradska tržnica Markale and enjoy a burek (a traditional non-sweet pastry), and then order a couple of mugs of beer or wine (both of which cost only 2 euros). Meanwhile, you can enjoy a cup of authentic Bosnian coffee at Caffe Divan.
At the same time, experts emphasize that Sarajevo not only offers low prices for food, drinks, and sightseeing, but also, unlike many other popular destinations, does not require tourists to pay money at every turn.
In turn, Time Out’s travel guide editor Ella Doyle recommends visiting the city in August, when it is at its sunniest. Also during this time, the Sarajevo Film Festival is held there – one of the best of its kind in Southeast Europe.
The top five European cities for budget-friendly vacations in 2026
In addition to Sarajevo, Time Out has identified four other cities where you can spend a few days in an interesting and budget-friendly way.
The full top 5 list looks like this:
- Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Tirana, Albania.
- Hull, United Kingdom.
- Miskolc, Hungary.
- Zagreb, Croatia.