Hotel Hints
Cash Rules (Card Payment Availability):
While Hotel Cosmopolit works with credit cards, Sarajevo is a cash city. Most traditional Cevabdzinicas and Buregdzinicas in the Old Town do not work with cards. You will need Convertible Marks (BAM/KM). There are plenty of ATMs near the hotel on Marsala Tita street. The exchange rate is pegged to the Euro (1 EUR = approx 1.95583 BAM), so the math is easy (divide prices by 2 to get Euros).
Coffee Rituals:
Do not ask for "Turkish Coffee" in Sarajevo; ask for "Bosnian Coffee" (Bosanska Kafa). It is served in a copper pot (džezva) with a side of sugar cubes and a Turkish delight (rahatlokum). There is a specific way to drink it (spoon the foam first). The staff at the hotel can recommend the best authentic cafes nearby, but for a modern caffeine fix, EspressoLab or Metropolis are just around the corner.
Water Quality:
Sarajevo’s tap water is mountain spring water. Excellent and safe to drink. Do not buy plastic bottles. Drink from the tap in your hotel room.
Room Orientation:
If you are a light sleeper, ask for a room facing the inner courtyard or back of the building. Trams in Sarajevo run late and start early (about 5:30 AM), and it is quite loud screeching metal wheels on tracks if your window faces directly to the main street. Dining Recommendation:
For a fast, affordable, and amazingly tasty meal close to the hotel, head to "Kljuša". A big local favorite for "gotova jela"(ready cooked meals) such as goulash, stuffed peppers, and beans. Real deal. Non-touristy. Very near. Best Cevapi? You have to walk to the Old Town (Željo or Hodžić). Nice dinner close by? "Blind Tiger". Great burgers. Cocktails. Cool atmosphere.
The Smog Factor:
Should your visit fall in winter (December-February), bear in mind that Sarajevo lies within a valley and consequently, there is heavy smog/air pollution. The hotel’s air conditioning/filtration system helps somewhat but this is more of an outdoor problem. On most days it is well worth breaking through the layer of smog by taking the Trebević Cable Car(uphill but walking distance from the hotel to station) to get some real fresh air basking above all that sunshine.