Important numbers
Country Code: +387
Police: 122
Fire department: 123
Ambulance: 124
Mountain rescue Service: 061 299 443
Working Hours in Sarajevo
Most public offices operate Monday to Friday, from 08:00 to 16:00. Banks are open until 18:00 on weekdays and until 13:00 on Saturdays. The post office is also open on Saturdays, and the Main Post and the Post Office at Cemalusa Street are open until 20:00. Stores usually open earlier in the morning and usually stay open until 20:00, while shopping centers are generally open until 22:00.
In Sarajevo, most supermarkets, shops, restaurants, and malls are closed on Sundays, with a few exceptions. Bakeries, gas stations, florists, cinemas, and some restaurants / catering businesses remain open.
However, if you need to run errands or go shopping on a Sunday, you can head to East Sarajevo (Istočno Sarajevo) – a separate administrative area that is part of Republika Srpska, just adjacent to central Sarajevo. Businesses there typically remain open on Sundays.
East Sarajevo is primarily inhabited by ethnic Serbs, and while it’s part of the same metropolitan area, it falls under a different entity within Bosnia and Herzegovina. For many locals and expats alike, it’s a practical option for Sunday shopping or accessing services that may be unavailable in the Federation part of the city.
Public Holidays in Bosnia
Bosnia and Herzegovina observes a mix of religious, national, and entity-specific public holidays, reflecting its multicultural and multi-ethnic population. The country recognises both Christian (Catholic and Orthodox) and Islamic holidays, including Eid (Ramazan and Kurban Bayram), Christmas, and Orthodox Easter. National holidays such as New Year’s Day (January 1–2) and Independence Day (March 1) are widely celebrated, though public holiday calendars can vary depending on whether you are in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina or Republika Srpska. On holidays, government offices, schools, shops and many businesses may close, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead. Sarajevo also comes alive with cultural celebrations and family gatherings during these times-expect fireworks, traditional food, and packed cafés! For a detailed and up-to-date calendar of holidays, you can refer to Time and Date’s Bosnia and Herzegovina Holidays 2025.