Žuta tabija, or the Yellow Bastion, is one of the best free viewpoints over Sarajevo. The Old Town lies directly below you, and beyond its rooftops you can see practically the whole of Sarajevo, nestled amongst the surrounding mountains.

If you only want to visit one viewpoint within walking distance of Baščaršija, choose Žuta tabija. The fortification itself is small, and the main reason to visit is the view.

View hotels in the centre of Sarajevo

The view and the best time to visit

From the ramparts, you can see the historic centre, the minarets of Baščaršija, Kovači Cemetery and the more modern parts of the city stretching westwards along the valley.

The viewpoint is particularly famous for its sunsets, when both tourists and locals gather here. On summer evenings and at weekends, therefore, arrive about half an hour before sunset if you want to find a good spot to sit.

• The best light for photographing the city is in the morning
• You’ll experience the most beautiful atmosphere just before sunset

The view from Žuta tabija isn’t as high as that from the top station of the Trebević cable car, but the historic centre is significantly closer from here.

During Ramadan, a cannon is fired from the bastion every evening at sunset to signal the time of iftar and the end of the day’s fast. Expect a very loud bang and a significantly larger number of visitors.

A brief history

Žuta Tabija was one of five bastions in the defensive fortifications built around the Vratnik district in the first half of the 18th century. Its construction followed the sacking and burning of Sarajevo by the army of Eugene of Savoy in 1697.

The bastion took its name from the yellowish stone used in its construction. In 1878, it became one of the sites of resistance against the advancing Austro-Hungarian army.

Admission and duration of visit

Žuta tabija is a freely accessible outdoor area with no traditional ticket office. Entry is free.

The visit itself will take you about 20 to 30 minutes. If you come to watch the sunset, allow at least an hour.

During the warmer months, there is usually a simple refreshment stand here, but do bring your own water with you. The climb is steep for almost the entire way.

How to get to Žuta tabija

From the Sebilj fountain, walk along Kovači Street past the cemetery of the same name and continue uphill along Jekovac Street to the entrance to the bastion.

The route from Baščaršija on Google Maps is just under a kilometre and takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. The distance is short, but the climb is quite steep.

If you want to avoid the climb, take a taxi directly to the entrance. The route by car takes you through the narrow streets of Vratnik, and parking near the bastion is limited, so it’s best not to drive here in your own car.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Sarajevo.