A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sarajevo vs. Bled for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sarajevo or Bled?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Sarajevo and Bled. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Sarajevo or Bled?

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and is one of the most culturally and historically interesting cities to visit in Europe. The city was at the crossroads where the Eastern and Western Roman Empires divided, and the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches divided. Today it is most associated with the Civil War that occurred here between 1992 and 1995. There are still many remnants of the war left, from the cemeteries that dot the countryside to the leftover damage done by bombs. Despite its brutal history, Sarajevo has begun to thrive again, both economically and as a tourist destination.

Bled

Bled is an incredibly scenic place, on the east side of Lake Bled. The lake is a beautiful, rich, emerald green. There's a small island in the middle of the lake where you'll find a nice white chapel. The lake is surrounded by striking green mountains, among which you'll find the Bled Castle overlooking the scene. Bled also offers access to the nearby Triglav National Park, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies. Within the national park you'll find countless waterfalls and the lovely Lake Bohinj. You can find plenty of opportunities for mountain climbing, rafting, and hiking. There's even a cable car if you're looking for an easy way to get some good views of the mountains and landscape.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina, The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ljubljana, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Ljubljana.


Which place is cheaper, Bled or Sarajevo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sarajevo is $102, while the average daily cost in Bled is $146. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Sarajevo and Bled in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sarajevo $30
    Bled $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sarajevo $60
    Bled $130
Compare Hotels in Sarajevo and Bled

Looking for a hotel in Sarajevo or Bled? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Sarajevo


Hotels in Bled


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Sarajevo Hotel Prices and Bled Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sarajevo $7.73
    Bled $40
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sarajevo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Sarajevo:


  • Tram Tickets (for 2)
    $1.80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarajevo

Also for Sarajevo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from city of Sarajevo to city of Mostar: $274
  • Transfer from Sarajevo to Kotor+Herzegovina tour: $138
  • Tunnel of Hope Tour, Transfers & Optional Trebevic: $26
  • Private Airport Transfer SJJ: $71
  • Sarajevo ⇄ Mostar / Private Transfer: $222
  • Sarajevo to/from Dubrovnik Transfer Tour via Mostar & Herzegovina: $179
  • Sarajevo to/from Belgrade UNESCO Transfer Day Tour (Fees Incl.): $173
  • Sarajevo to Dubrovnik: Transfer With Herzegovina Tour: $179
  • Sarajevo to Belgrade: Transfer With East Bosnia Tour: $155
  • Sarajevo Airport Private Transfers (from/to): $47
  • Sarajevo Airport Private Transfer: $35
  • Reliable Sarajevo Airport Transfer: Hassle-Free Service (to/from): $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bled

Also for Bled, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private transfer from Tržič to Ljubljana city: $149
  • Private transfer from Tolmin to Ljubljana city: $225
  • Private Transfer from Bohinj to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $181
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Bled to Ljubljana Airport (Brnik): $137
  • Get a Transfer for you, Family, Group of Cyclists, hikers-around Julian Alps: $24
  • Bohinj Lake: Convenient Transfer to/from Bled Central: $22

Is it cheaper to fly into Sarajevo or Bled?

Prices for flights to both Bled and Sarajevo change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Sarajevo $59
    Bled $57
Typical Food Prices in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Restaurant Dinner (for 2)
    $13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Ethnic Village Food Tour With Optional Mountain Hiking: $55
  • Bosnian Cooking Lessons: $95
  • Experience Bosnian Cooking Class: $105

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sarajevo $13
    Bled $15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Sarajevo

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Sarajevo's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • National Museum (for 2)
    $8.41

Tours and Activities in Sarajevo

For Sarajevo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Srebrenica Genocide Tour from Sarajevo: $119
  • 1984 Sarajevo Olympics Adventure - Half Day Tour: $101
  • 7-Day Balkans Small-Group Tour: Sarajevo, Mostar & Dubrovnik: $1,062
  • Bentbaša: Guided Walking Tour: $23
  • Best of Sarajevo - Ultimate Full-Day Experience: $83
  • Bijambare Cave Tour : $48
  • Bosnian Castles Tour: Vranduk Tešanj Srebrenik from Sarajevo: $149
  • Bosnian Kingdom Capitals: Travnik & Jajce Tour from Sarajevo: $154
  • Bunker: Tito's Secret & Boracko Lake Tour from Sarajevo: $214
  • CENTRAL BOSNIA | A medieval tour (Jajce + Travnik + Pliva lakes): $89
  • Climb Via Ferrata Experience: $85
  • Cycling & Adventure One day tour 59 euro : $71

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bled

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Bled's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Rafting
    $109

Tours and Activities in Bled

For Bled, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hour Scenic Quad Tour in Bled: $167
  • 4 hours Fratarica Canyoning Adventure: $125
  • 7 Alpine Wonders- Day Tour Bled, Soca valley, Slovenia : $190
  • Adventure Day: Rafting and Canyoning: $174
  • Bled Castle Skip the Line Entry Ticket with Audio Guide: $32
  • Bled eBike Tour: $116
  • Bled eBike Tour : $118
  • Bled lake day tour from Ljubljana: $129
  • 3-Hour Family-Friendly Rafting Adventure: $64
  • City Highlights Tour with Hiking & Bled Cream Cake: $158
  • EBike Tour Lake Bled & Triglav National Park Private: $257
  • Europe's Longest Zipline Adventure over Dolinka River: $111

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sarajevo $8.08
    Bled $16

Typical Alcohol Prices in Bled

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bled are as follows:


  • Bottle of Champagne
    $21

Sample the Local Flavors in Bled

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bled:

  • Slovenian wine tasting at Hotel Triglav Bled's wine cellar: $35
  • Wine Tasting Bled with a sommelier: $68
  • 2-Hour Interactive Wine Tasting Experience in Bled: $69


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sarajevo and Bled, we can see that Bled is more expensive. And not only is Sarajevo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sarajevo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sarajevo and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bled would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bled than you might in Sarajevo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sarajevo Expensive? and Is Bled Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sarajevo or Bled?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Bled. When comparing the sizes of Sarajevo and Bled, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Sarajevo or Bled?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Sarajevo or Bled in the Summer?

Both Bled and Sarajevo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Sarajevo for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Sarajevo is generally around the same temperature as Bled. Daily temperatures in Sarajevo average around 26°C (78°F), and Bled fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Bled. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. Sarajevo usually receives more sunshine than Bled during summer. Sarajevo gets 323 hours of sunny skies, while Bled receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Sarajevo usually receives less rain than Bled. Sarajevo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bled receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sarajevo 26°C (78°F) 
    Bled 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Sarajevo or Bled in the Autumn?

Both Bled and Sarajevo during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Sarajevo is around the same temperature as Bled in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sarajevo averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Bled fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Sarajevo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bled. Sarajevo gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bled receives 167 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. Sarajevo usually gets more rain in October than Bled. Sarajevo gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Bled receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sarajevo 17°C (62°F) 
    Bled 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Sarajevo or Bled in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarajevo and Bled. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

In the winter, Sarajevo is a little warmer than Bled. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sarajevo in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Bled averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Sarajevo usually receives more sunshine than Bled during winter. Sarajevo gets 113 hours of sunny skies, while Bled receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sarajevo usually receives more rain than Bled. Sarajevo gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Bled receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sarajevo 6°C (42°F) 
    Bled 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Sarajevo or Bled in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sarajevo as well as Bled. Many travelers come to Sarajevo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Sarajevo is generally around the same temperature as Bled. Daily temperatures in Sarajevo average around 14°C (58°F), and Bled fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Sarajevo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bled. Sarajevo gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bled receives 177 hours of full sun.

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Sarajevo usually gets more rain in April than Bled. Sarajevo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Bled receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sarajevo 14°C (58°F) 
    Bled 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Bled and Sarajevo

Sarajevo Bled
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 127 mm (5 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 65 mm (2.5 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 109 mm (4.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 153 mm (6 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 203 mm (8 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)