Groceries & Shopping

Markets

Sarajevo’s pijaces are more than just places to buy fruits and vegetables-they are at the heart of the city’s daily rhythm. These bustling markets are where locals gather to shop, chat, and share everyday life. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned expat, exploring the pijaces offers an authentic taste of Bosnian culture, hospitality, and flavour.

Spread across the city, each market has its own character, shaped by its neighbourhood and the people who frequent it. From the historic old town to more modern residential areas, here’s a guide to the most popular pijaces in Sarajevo, organised by neighbourhood:

Sarajevo’s Pijaces by Neighbourhood

• Gradska tržnica Markale – Centar
  Elegant indoor market for meats, cheeses, and dry goods in a beautiful neoclassical building
• Pijaca Markale – Centar
  Sarajevo’s most iconic open-air market, bursting with fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers
• Pijaca Telali – Stari Grad (Old Town)
  Traditional vibe, perfect for a historic and local market experience
• Pijaca Ciglane – Ciglane
  A multi-level market filled with everything from produce to power tools—organized chaos with character
• Pijaca Grbavica – Grbavica
  Neighborhood favorite, great for groceries and friendly interactions
• Pijaca Hrasno – Hrasno
  Small and homey, with a reliable supply of seasonal produce
• Pijaca Kvadrant (Otoka) – Otoka
  Practical, no-fuss shopping for everyday items
• Pijaca Alipašino Polje – Alipašino Polje
  A lively neighborhood market with fresh essentials
• Pijaca Dobrinja – Dobrinja
  Warm community vibe with all the basics
• Pijaca Ilidža – Ilidža
  Leafy setting, perfect for weekend strolls and produce hauls
• Pijaca Vogošća – Vogošća
  A bit further out, but full of local charm
• Pijaca Stup – Stup
  Convenient and well-stocked for west Sarajevo residents

When shopping at outdoor markets, knowing a few basic Bosnian phrases can go a long way – not just to help you communicate, but also avoid getting the “foreigner price”.

Here are some useful phrases to keep in your back pocket:

• Koliko Košta? (koh-lee-koh koh-shta) – How much does it cost?
• Jedan kilogram, molim – One kilogram, please.
• Numbers come in handy too: Jedan (1), dva (2), tri (3), četiri (4), pet (5), šest (6), sedam (7), osam (8), devet (9), deset (10)
• Hvala– Thank you
• Treba li kesa? – Do you need a bag? Answer: Da (Yes), Ne (No)
• Još nešto? (yosh neshto) – You’ll often hear this in markets or supermarkets; it means Anything else?
• To je to (to yeh to) – That’s all
• Karticom, molim (kahr-tee-tsom, molim) – I’ll pay by card, please.

Before heading to the pijaca, bring cash, preferably small change, as most vendors don’t accept cards and won’t appreciate large bills. Don’t expect price tags; always ask (“Koliko košta?”) to avoid surprises. Knowing a few Bosnian phrases or using a translator app will help a lot, as English isn’t widely spoken. And don’t forget to bring your reusable bags!

Supermarkets

Sarajevo offers an abundance of fresh, locally-sourced produce and meats; especially if you know where to look. While supermarket selections may vary, Crvena Jabuka is known for its higher-quality offerings (though it does seem to have a bit of a love affair with plastic packaging—bring your own bags if you want to stay on Mother Nature’s good side!). For the freshest fruits and vegetables, local outdoor markets are a great option, often featuring seasonal and domestic products. When it comes to meat, traditional butcher shops (Mesnica) typically provide superior quality and personalized service.

Shopping Centres / Malls

Sarajevo offers a few shopping mall options and a traditional charming historic bazaar. While the shops may not be as extensive or high-end as those typically found in larger European cities, the city still provides enough to explore, such as Alta, Aria (Previously BBI), Bingo City Center, Importanne, Mercator Ložionička, Westgate, Sarajevo City Center (SCC), and more.

Alta Shopping Center spans six levels, including a two-floor underground garage, and features over 50 shops, blending international brands with local boutiques. You’ll find everything from fashion and accessories to electronics, home goods, a supermarket, and even a gym. When it’s time to recharge, there are plenty of dining options, including the rooftop Four Seasons restaurant with beautiful views of Sarajevo. Alta is open Monday to Saturday, 9:00–10:00. The garage runs 24/7, with parking at 2 KM/hour (08:00–22:00) and 1 KM/hour (22:00–08:00).

Aria Shopping Mall offers a vibrant shopping experience with over 100 stores, blending international brands and local boutiques. From fashion and electronics to beauty and home goods, there’s something for everyone. The food court features both traditional Bosnian dishes and international favorites, while the full-service restaurants offer a more relaxed dining option. Parking is available 24/7, with rates of 3 KM/hour (Mon–Fri) and 2 KM/hour (Sat–Sun). Frequent visitor passes are also available, and if you spend 50 KM or more, you can get two hours of free parking—just show your receipts at the Info Desk on the ground floor. Operating hours: Dining area: Daily, 08:00–23:00, Shops: Mon–Sat, 09:00–22:00, Supermarket: Daily, 08:00–22:00.

Importanne Centar in the Marijin Dvor area is worth a visit. Part of the Importanne business and residential complex, this mall features high-end stores, stylish cafes, and fine dining options. It also houses a fitness center, making it a great choice for those who want to combine shopping with wellness. This mall seems to be less popular amongst the younger generations of Sarajevans, a video on social media made the following joke: “What is something a Sarajevan will never say? Let’s go to Importane!”. Importanne Centar is open Monday through Friday 07:00 – 22:00. Parking is available 24/7, with rates for Monday to Saturday of 1.50km/hour (08:00 – 16:00), 1KM/hour (16:00 – 22:00) and 0.50 KM/hour (22:00-08:00), with the first hour being free. For frequent visitors, monthly or daily parking passes are available.

Sarajevo City Center (SCC) is one of the most prominent shopping malls in Sarajevo. As the largest and most modern mall in the city, SCC boasts over 180 stores, including popular international brands like LC Waikiki, Zara, Pull&Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka and DeFacto. The mall features a diverse food court with options ranging from quick bites to sit-down meals. Whether you’re craving traditional Bosnian cuisine, Italian pasta, Asian flavors, or a classic burger, SCC has something to satisfy every palate. The mall also houses several cafés and dessert spots, perfect for a coffee break or a sweet treat. Parking in the underground garage costs 3 KM for the first hour and 2 KM for each additional hour, with the first 15 minutes free of charge. The shopping center is open from 10:00 to 22:00, while the supermarket and café operate from 08:00 to 22:00.

Bingo City Center is a popular shopping center in the city, conveniently located in Otoka, a short drive to the city center. At its heart is the Bingo store, the biggest in town, offering everything from clothing, toys, electronics, and home goods to fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and pet supplies – you name it, they likely have it! Beyond shopping, BCC also provides entertainment for all ages, including a CineStar cinema and fun gaming zones, making it a go-to spot for families. When you’re ready to take a break, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from. You’ll even find the only drive-through KFC in Sarajevo, located right in the BCC parking lot.