Europe’s hot in the summer, not just in temperature but also in price. A stay in Paris, Rome, and even Prague can easily set you back hundreds of pounds, not to mention the costs of getting around, dining, and sightseeing. I’d always been curious about Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia, regarded as one of the region’s best-value holiday destinations. However, having been to Southeast Asia, I wasn’t sure the experience could be matched.

While this stay was paid for by Airbnb, all thoughts and opinions are our own. Unedited photos are also either taken from our smartphone or via the Airbnb host. 

All about our (ridiculously) cheap Airbnb in Sarajevo, Bosnia

The groundwork

Sarajevo Academy of Fine Arts
The Academy of Fine Arts is one of the apartment’s attractive neighbours

In spring, I scoured Airbnb, with the aim of getting something decent at around £100 a night. To my surprise, virtually everything for two travellers was under that amount, and far under. Luxury apartments and penthouses were now in my price range. I eventually settled on this luxury apartment in Sarajevo centre for £46. Yes, £46. But was it too good to be true? The photos were quite average, so I wasn’t so sure.

The property held a ‘guest favourite badge’ which means it’s one of the most-loved homes on the platform. Plus with over 100 reviews it had a near-perfect rating. Despite the snaps, I felt confident that it was at least a solid stay.  I kept my expectations low (hello, £46!), and thus, when I arrived I was blown away. Though modest in style, this type of modern apartment would cost four or five times more to rent back in London.

Apartment details

First off, it was located right in the heart of the city. Five minutes walking distance from the action and a little longer to Old Town. Inside, pretty much everything was brand sparkling new. The space was 60 square meters and had all the amenities of a Swiss Cottage condo. It was nicer than my flat, at least. That included air conditioning (which, right now, is essential), high-speed Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, a designer kitchen, and a gorgeous balcony overlooking the hills.

Sarajevo Airbnb Kitchen
The modern apartment felt like home with every kitchen amenity a guest could need, from coffee machines (and fancy pods) to a fridge stocked with drinks

And on our beds was the icing on top for any frequent traveller: slippers. You don’t even get those at expensive four-star chain hotels, let alone at an Airbnb that is £46 a night (have I said that enough, yet?).

Airbnb Bedroom Sarajevo
The host had slippers on our bed along with chocolate. The bathroom also had a shelf of complimentary bathtime goodies, dental kits, and even wipes to take out with us. This picture was taken at night and does not do the bedroom justice, which has an incredible view over Sarajevo.

The host was amazing, too, she was there to greet us upon arrival (I’m guessing she lives close by) and had Sarajevo souvenirs (and chocolate!) to give us as gifts. No wonder she has a guest favourite badge. 

We stayed for two nights and spent next to nothing dining out and exploring the city. Sarajevo’s restaurant scene is an eclectic mix of Turkish and Bosnian-inspired offerings. The average price of a three-course meal is less than a tenner. 

Sarajevo food market
We sampled handmade cheeses and cured meats in this local market on the Viator tour. Other stops included quaint little restaurants, cafes, and a veggie market. Our guide took the language barrier out so we could focus on feasting.

I often use Viator to book tours, and our main activity was this Ultimate Gastro Experience, an awesome local food tour where we tried cheeses, meats, traditional Bosnian cuisine, plus local drinks like Boza (a fermented corn drink). The tour took us to over 10 stops, and we were stuffed. Not bad for 35 quid.

Getting there

Sarajevo view from Airbnb
The gorgeous views over the city from our balcony. It was a scorching 35 degrees in the sun.

It’s worth noting that flights to Sarajevo aren’t ultra frequent, and it’s still very much under the radar when it comes to the tourism map. But that’s what makes it so great: you’re not fighting throngs of crowds and your pound stretches a long long way. 

Our Airbnb was an incredible price, comparable to the standard of rentals I’d paid for in Da Nang, but without the jet lag or the long-haul journey. If you haven’t considered Sarajevo before, I strongly suggest you do. Browse the hotels there (which I also saw were excellent value), and definitely scour Airbnb because you may even find a penthouse you can afford. Sarajevo, the secret is out, you’re a budget traveller’s dream for 2024.

But wait there’s more…