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On February 29th 1996, ended one of the most unbelievable tragedies in modern history: the Siege of Sarajevo.Over a span of three and a half years, 12,000 people were killed and 50,000 injured as this historical city was shelled on a daily basis. Survival depended on cleverness, resiliancy and international aid. The city was in ruins.

Knowing this, why would anybody want to go to Sarajevo? Because eight years later, that very same resiliancy that allowed its citizen to survive has allowed them to not only rebuild it, but also give it life. Thanks to them, Sarajevo is again an extraordinary mix of incredible fun, eastern and western culture, old and new combined to an unfortunate hint of sadness.

The first thing any traveller will notice is the scars of the siege. Wether you arrive by car, plane or train, the city greets you with some of its deepest scars: Sarajevo airport, the former Bosnian government office, buildings scarred by bullets. Although stunning and sad, don’t let these monuments (left as such to remind all of what happened) bring you down or give you a false perception of the city. Its buzzing rythym, crowded terrasses and cafes, modern bars and chic boutiques will make you rapidly forget what happened. Such is the incredible power of Sarajevo.

Furthermore, the city’s location has granted her both natural and historical gifts. In the heart of a valley, the views from the city and from its surrounding mountains are breathtaking. Definitly worth a stroll but be VERY MINDFUL of land mine warning if you go into the mountains. As for the historical gift, Sarajevo was the meeting point between the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian empires, thus giving the city a unique richness. Minarets neighbor bell towers, as mosques, orthodox and catholic churches reveal the city multicultural wealth. The same can be said about the city’s architecture (here to be included the dreadfully stale communist architecture) and the spared sporting grounds of the 1984 winter olympic games.

The price of visiting such a marvel? Practically nothing. Hostel prices vary from 8 to 20 euros and they offer clean rooms and facilities. Alcohol prices range from .50 euros to 2 euros and anyone can get a hearty meal for 2 euros. In other words, the city is dirt cheap. The only downside is figuring out how much transportation costs are, for they have yet to be given to western europe. But within the Balkans, a to and from train ticket is roughly 60 euros and 2 low fare airlines go to Sarajevo airport.

Now is really the time to go while the city is not overcrowded by tourists (for many, war still rages on) as I am convinced the jewel of the Balkans will soon become THE city to visit in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. This is the place to be to see a piece of unforgettable history and to have a great time.