The Avaz Twist Tower is the tallest building in Bosnia and Herzegovina and one of Sarajevo’s most striking modern structures. The building itself is 142 metres tall, reaching a total height of 172 metres including the antenna.

The main attraction for visitors is the open-air viewing platform on the 36th floor. Unlike the viewing platforms on the surrounding hills, you can take a lift up here and visit even in the evening after dark.

You’ll usually need to set aside 30 to 60 minutes for the whole visit.

View hotels in the centre of Sarajevo

The viewing platform or Sky Lounge

First, take the panoramic lift up to the 35th floor, home to the Sky Lounge 35 bar. Entry to the bar is free, and you can enjoy the views through the glass walls simply by ordering a drink.

One floor above is a paid-entry open-air observation deck offering views across the entire Sarajevo valley, the surrounding mountains and the modern city centre. It’s often quite windy on the deck, which you’ll appreciate in summer, but outside the peak season, a jacket is advisable.

The best conditions are usually in clear weather just before sunset. After dark, the illuminated city really comes into its own, and you can round off your visit with a drink at the bar.

Admission and opening hours

Prices are as follows:

• Viewing terrace – 5 bam
• Entry to the Sky Lounge 35 – free

Access to the viewing terrace is via a turnstile that only accepts coins and does not give change. You should therefore have the exact amount in coins ready 5 bam. You cannot pay by card at the turnstile.

The viewing terrace is normally open daily from 7.00 am to 11.00 pm. Opening hours are published on the official Avaz Twist Tower website.

Is it worth a visit?

We recommend the Avaz Twist Tower particularly if you’re in the vicinity of the main railway station, want to see Sarajevo after dark, or are looking for a quick and cheap viewpoint without having to walk uphill.

The view is more urban than romantic. The historic centre is best viewed from the Yellow Fortress, whilst the cable car up to Trebević offers the most beautiful panorama of the entire valley.

Of these options, the Avaz Twist Tower is the cheapest, the quickest to reach and has the longest opening hours.

How to get to the Avaz Twist Tower

The Avaz Twist Tower is situated on Tešanjska Street, just a few minutes’ walk from the main railway and coach stations.

From Baščaršija, take tram number 1 to the Željeznička stanica terminus. From the stop, it takes about 5 minutes to walk to the tower. Line 1 runs at longer intervals, so it is sometimes worth getting off another tram at the Muzeji stop and walking to the tower in about 10 minutes.

Tickets and how the trams work are described in the section on transport in Sarajevo.

If walking from Baščaršija, allow around 30 to 40 minutes. You can also easily visit the tower immediately upon arrival in Sarajevo by train or bus.

There is a 24-hour, secure car park located within the complex. Parking costs approximately 2 bam per hour.

Accommodation in the area

The area around the Avaz Twist Tower is particularly convenient if you’re travelling by train, long-distance coach or car. It takes about half an hour to walk to Baščaršija, or you can take the tram.

• Hotel Holiday – the famous yellow hotel linked to the history of the Siege of Sarajevo, offering free parking and a convenient location between the railway station and the city centre
• Swissôtel Sarajevo – a modern five-star hotel with a swimming pool and wellness centre in the neighbouring Marijin Dvor district

Further accommodation options are available in the Marijin Dvor area.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Sarajevo.