Sarajevo has been named Europe's cheapest city for a holiday in 2026, according to Post Office Money's City Cost Barometer. The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina topped the rankings among 50 European destinations, with a total basket price of just £248—less than a third of the cost in Oslo, which came in last place.
What the Study Measured
The barometer compared the cost of two nights' three-star weekend accommodation, a three-course meal for two with a bottle of house wine, a cup of coffee, a bottle of beer, a Coca-Cola, a glass of wine, return airport transfers, a 48-hour travel card, a sightseeing bus tour, and tickets to a top heritage attraction, top museum, and top art gallery.
Why Sarajevo?
Despite having a population smaller than Reading and being located inland, Sarajevo offers rich culture, history, and natural scenery. Local tour guide Nermin Numic explained that life in the city is cheap and easy. Traditional dishes like cevapi or Bosanski Lonac can be enjoyed for around £5, while a fancier dinner with drinks costs about £15 per person. In high season, a simple double room is under £50, and higher-end options are around £150.
A City of Diversity
Known as the "Jerusalem of Europe," Sarajevo is a crossroads of cultures, with Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and communist influences visible in its architecture. The city sits on the Miljacka River, surrounded by four mountains that hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics, offering skiing in winter and hiking in summer.
Must-See Attractions
Nermin recommends visiting the disused bobsleigh track, now a canvas for local artists, and the Old Town, which blends exotic and familiar feels. Sarajevo is also a city of 13 bridges, including the Latin Bridge, where Archduke Franz Ferdinand's assassination triggered World War I.
Cheapest Cities in Europe
The top five cheapest cities are all in Eastern Europe: Sarajevo (£248), Bucharest (£258), Tirana (£263), Belgrade (£265), and Trenčín (£272). All offer direct flights from the UK. For example, Ryanair flies from London Stansted to Sarajevo, and Wizz Air from Luton, with return fares around £60 this summer.
In contrast, the most expensive cities include Oslo (£734), Copenhagen (£671), Edinburgh (£668), and Geneva (£644).
When to Visit
Sarajevo is rarely crowded, except in August when the diaspora returns and the film festival brings a buzz. Nermin suggests a minimum of two nights to appreciate the city's diversity and attractions.
