Hotel Europe adds history, a pool and spa beside the bazaar; Hotel President offers a modern base in the Old Town. We compare location, rooms, breakfast, guest feedback and transfers.

Where to stay in Sarajevo: Hotel Europe or Hotel President by Baščaršija?

In Sarajevo, the city’s layers make sense on foot: leave Baščaršija’s bazaar and cafés and walk towards Austro-Hungarian buildings, tram crossings and the Miljacka River. Staying in the Old Town lets you begin that route without a vehicle, but nearby hotels offer different styles. Hotel Europe has a history that forms part of the urban landscape; Hotel President favours more contemporary lines and services a few steps from the same squares.

Hotel Europe, at 5 Vladislava Skarića, opened in 1882 and has 160 rooms, suites, restaurants, Mozart Patisserie, an indoor pool and spa. Remains of Tašlihan caravanserai, uncovered during renovation, are preserved in its courtyard. Travellers often highlight the location, breakfast and wellness facilities, although some reviews question the condition of certain rooms or maintenance details. It suits guests who want their accommodation to tell part of Sarajevo’s story.

Hotel President is at 1 Bazardžani, in the historic centre. Rooms include air conditioning, a minibar and Wi-Fi; the hotel has a bar, breakfast depending on the rate and airport transfers on request. Comments praise its proximity to Sebilj, the Latin Bridge and the bazaar, as well as staff. Views differ on breakfast selection and the comfort of some beds, so read recent reviews for the room category you plan to book.

Both hotels put mosques, churches, bazaar shops and the bridge at the centre of several historical stories within walking distance. Public transport and taxis widen the itinerary for Trebević or other districts; the airport is not walkable and transfers should be arranged. Europe adds a pool and spa, useful for a pause after a long day, while President keeps a straightforward urban-hotel offer and lets guests request a transfer through the property.

The official classifications are five stars for Europe and four for President; Google Hotels guest ratings are a separate measure: 4.3/5 from 3,520 reviews for the former and 4.5/5 from 1,051 for the latter. The difference is not an automatic verdict because the properties and facilities are not identical. Choose Europe for history, a pool and services within the building; choose President for a modern, central base focused on walking. If arriving by car, ask about parking and access before entering the Old Town.

Bottom line

Europe appeals to travellers seeking history and wellness within the hotel; President prioritises a modern base for exploring Sarajevo on foot. With either, confirm room type, parking and breakfast before booking.

Editorial selection

Options to compare

These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.

Five-star historic hotel beside Baščaršija

Hotel Europe Sarajevo

Vladislava Skarića 5, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia y Herzegovina

4.3 /5 3,520 reviews

Hotel Europe opened in Sarajevo in 1882 and occupies a distinctive address between Baščaršija and the city’s Austro-Hungarian centre. The walk that connects these worlds begins just outside: the bazaar, mosques and traditional cafés are minutes away, while the Latin Bridge and the Miljacka riverbank

Why it made the selection

160 rooms, 14 suites, indoor pool, spa, restaurants and patisserie

Hours: The hotel operates a front desk; confirm breakfast, pool and spa hours for your stay dates. Verified: October 11, 2026

View Maskay profile → Official website ↗

Modern four-star hotel on Bazardžani beside Sarajevo Old Town

Hotel President Sarajevo

Bazardžani 1, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia y Herzegovina

4.5 /5 1,051 reviews

Hotel President is at 1 Bazardžani in Sarajevo’s historic centre, a short distance from Sebilj Square and the bazaar lanes of Baščaršija. Its location also works for walks towards the Latin Bridge, Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque and City Hall; the local tourism office recommends exploring on foot the sequen

Why it made the selection

Breakfast, bar, air-conditioned rooms and airport transfers on request

Hours: Hotel reception; confirm breakfast, parking and transfer hours when booking. Verified: October 11, 2026

View Maskay profile → Official website ↗

Verification

Sources & references

Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.

Official website of Hotel Europe Sarajevo ↗ Primary source Hotel Europe Group · Accessed October 11, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
Official website of Hotel Europe Sarajevo ↗ Primary source Hotel Europe Group · Accessed October 11, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
Official website of Hotel Europe Sarajevo ↗ Primary source Hotel Europe Group · Accessed October 11, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
Official website of Hotel Europe Sarajevo ↗ Primary source Destination Sarajevo, oficina de turismo · Accessed October 11, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
Official website of Hotel President Sarajevo ↗ Primary source Hotel President Sarajevo · Accessed October 11, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
Official website of Hotel President Sarajevo ↗ Primary source Hotel President Sarajevo · Accessed October 11, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
Official website of Hotel President Sarajevo ↗ Primary source Hotel President Sarajevo · Accessed October 11, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
Official website of Hotel President Sarajevo ↗ Primary source Destination Sarajevo, oficina de turismo · Accessed October 11, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
Official website ↗ Primary source Hotel Europe Group · Accessed October 11, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
Official website ↗ Primary source Hotel President Sarajevo · Accessed October 11, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
Official website ↗ Primary source Destination Sarajevo, oficina de turismo · Accessed October 11, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
Hotel Europe, Vladislava Skarića 5 ↗ Secondary source Google Hotels · Accessed October 11, 2026
Google Hotels: 4,3/5 y 3.520 opiniones de la sede exacta; clasificación de cinco estrellas. Consultado el 11/10/2026.
Comentarios de huéspedes sobre habitaciones y servicios ↗ Secondary source Google vía Wanderlog · Accessed October 11, 2026
Síntesis de reseñas: ubicación, desayuno y spa reciben elogios; hay opiniones que piden renovar habitaciones y señalan ruido o mantenimiento. Consultado el 11/10/2026.
Hotel President Sarajevo, Bazardžani 1 ↗ Secondary source Google Hotels · Accessed October 11, 2026
Google Hotels: 4,5/5 y 1.051 opiniones de Bazardžani 1; clasificación de cuatro estrellas. Consultado el 11/10/2026.
Opiniones recientes de huéspedes ↗ Secondary source Booking.com · Accessed October 11, 2026
Opiniones de huéspedes sobre ubicación, limpieza, desayuno y comodidad; Booking utiliza escala propia separada de Google. Consultado el 11/10/2026.