We believe that your goal is to enjoy travel, but also not to fall into tourist traps. In this post, we bring you our ways to avoid tourist traps.
There are many ways you can avoid tourist traps. Some of them are:
1. Do your research
The best way to never fell into a tourist trap is to do the research before and after you arrive. Search the internet for the information and ask locals for a recommendation – use multiple sources for information. If you take a free walking tour or other tours ask your guide for help with recommendations and ask what are things that you should be aware of.
2. Try local food at places where locals eat
Ask locals where are the places where they eat. In Sarajevo locals eat traditional food in the Old town of Sarajevo called Baščaršija – it is a place where you can eat traditional kebab – ćevapi and pies – pite without fear that it is a place just for tourists.
3. Compare prices
Everything is more expensive in the center. If you buy something near a tourist attraction, it will most definitely be overpriced. Rather buy souvenirs from local markets. So do you research and compare prices – don’t buy things right away, but first look at several places, it will surely be cheaper somewhere. Bonus tip – buy water, snacks and other things like that from supermarkets, the small shops near tourist attractions are always overpriced.
4. Always ask for a menu
In restaurants, cafes, night clubs (especially night clubs and bars) ask for the menu first. In that way, you will see prices and you wouldn’t be scammed.
5. If you can – pick low-season
If you are flexible with your travel you are bound to get more authenticity and space in the low-season. At that time it is not so crowded, you will be able to see various places and take photos in places where during the season it would be difficult to do that and you will also be able to get by better with the prices.
6. Think about booking hotel in non-touristy area
It makes sense that the restaurants and shops around the hotels in touristy areas are full of chain stores, fast food restaurants, and hawkers selling tours. And all of that is overpriced in that area. Do your research and find the area that’s referred to as quieter or away from the main areas—assuming public transportation isn’t a problem.
7. Pay attention to taxi meter
Whenever you take a taxi in Sarajevo, make sure to ask them to turn on the taxi meter. It´s also recommended to map out your journey first, so you have an idea as to how long the trip should take. And be aware of any taxi driver that claims their taxi meter is broken.
8. Keep all valuables hidden from the public
Pickpocketing is unfortunately present. It would be best to keep the most important things in the inner pockets or well-protected compartments of the bag. Don’t let any crowd, game, or anything else distract you so much that you forget about your stuff. Just watch out for your staff and everything will be fine.
We know you’ll enjoy your trip to Sarajevo, just be aware that there are some tourist traps to avoid, like in any other city.
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