This a warning for all of those intrepid travellers venturing to Sarajevo. Be wary of a 40-50 year old woman who loiters around the bus and train stations hoping to entice naive backpackers into staying at her house for the night. She claims all of the hostels are full and that she's been sent to the station to offer people a bed for the night. In reality, this is a lie.

The Hostel Ljubicica (highly recommended) has enough rooms dotted around the city to cater to Sarajevo's visitors, even in the peak season. Her ruse is to take you back to her flat (supposedly 20-30 minutes from the centre) and show you to a bed - separated from her bed by a curtain! Suffice to say, it's a very uncomfortable stay and an hour or so later she'll ask you if you are ok and would you like me to try and find out if any hostels have had a cancellation? She then leads you back into the city, dumping you at a hotel/hostel and does one with your money.

This is a real danger; I was in Sarajevo for three nights and met two groups of lads (one from Wales, the other from Japan) who'd fallen for it. The tale gets stranger. She has a thing for Asian males and makes her best effort to keep them around, hoping for something extra. The two Japanese lads had to unlock a window and drop themselves down to get away! Once again, this is no joke so be warned.

On a happier note, Sarajevo is a brilliant city. For those into their beer, try the Sarajevsko Pivo brewery for a fun day out. The market place is also always worth a walk around (try some burek, a pastry full of meat, which is delicious). The more adventurous types might like to walk into the hills surrounding Sarajevo and check out the little villages up there. I did and it was a great experience. Friendly locals (unlike some of their inner city counterparts!), beautiful views and a peek into real Bosnian life, shouldn't be missed.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends