Markets (Pijace)

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 and 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!