Caffe Bar Cheers
Caffe Bar Cheers sits near the heart of Bascarsija with a rooftop terrace that delivers one of Sarajevo's better views. The ground floor functions as a standard cafe-bar with a long counter and table seating. Head upstairs and outside for the real draw: a terrace overlooking the old town rooftops, minarets, and the hills that ring the city. The beer selection includes local Sarajevsko and several imports, plus a cocktail menu that covers the basics without overreaching. The space accommodates maybe 80 people across both levels, with the terrace holding about 30. Prices sit squarely in the Bascarsija average, which means remarkably cheap by any European standard. The crowd mixes tourists who found the terrace on Google Maps with locals who've been coming since the bar opened. Service is casual and friendly, though it slows when the terrace fills on summer evenings.
What to Expect
A standard ground-floor cafe that becomes something special when you climb the stairs to the terrace. Old town rooftops spread out below, and the call to prayer from nearby mosques provides the soundtrack at certain hours.
Relaxed rooftop drinking with a view that justifies the climb. Unpretentious and tourist-friendly.
Background pop and lounge music, barely audible on the terrace where the city sounds take over
Casual. Anything goes in Bascarsija.
Photography enthusiasts, couples looking for a sunset drink, first-time visitors to Sarajevo
Cash (BAM) and cards accepted
Price Range
Beer 3-5 BAM, cocktails 7-10 BAM, coffee 2 BAM
Beer ~EUR 1.50-2.50, cocktails ~EUR 3.50-5, coffee ~EUR 1
Hours
09:00-00:00 daily, until 01:00 Fri-Sat
Insider Tip
The rooftop terrace is the entire point. Grab a table up there before sunset for the best light on the minarets. The draft Sarajevsko is cheaper than bottled imports and tastes better fresh.
Full Review
The ground floor of Cheers is perfectly adequate but unremarkable. It's a standard Bosnian cafe-bar with espresso machines, a beer tap, and table service. What you're here for is upstairs.
The rooftop terrace opens to a panorama of Bascarsija that captures what makes Sarajevo visually distinct. Ottoman-era rooftops with their clay tiles, the pencil-thin minarets of several mosques, and the green hills behind create a composition you won't find in any other European city. The terrace itself is simple: metal tables, chairs, and an awning for shade. No design pretensions, just a good vantage point.
Drinks are basic and well-priced. The draft Sarajevsko beer comes cold and costs about EUR 2. Cocktails won't challenge a mixologist, but they're mixed correctly and served generously. The coffee is Bosnian style if you ask for it, though espresso is the default.
The main challenge is the terrace's limited capacity. On a warm Friday evening, tables fill by 7 PM and don't open up until people move on to dinner. If you're set on a rooftop seat, arrive during the late afternoon and settle in. The view improves as the light fades and the minarets illuminate.
The Neighborhood
Steps from Sebilj fountain on Bravadziluk, surrounded by copper workshops, souvenir shops, and cevabdzinice. Other bars are within a 1-minute walk in every direction.
Getting There
From Sebilj fountain, walk north on Bravadziluk. The bar is on the left side, identifiable by the small terrace signs. From the Bascarsija tram stop, it's a 3-minute walk east.
Address
Bravadziluk bb, Bascarsija, Sarajevo
Other Venues in Bascarsija
Zlatna Ribica
An eccentric vintage bar crammed with antiques, old telephones, and taxidermy. The quirky interior and strong cocktails have made it a Sarajevo institution since the 1990s.
Cafe Tito
A lounge bar decorated with Yugoslav-era memorabilia and Tito portraits. The ironic nostalgia theme pairs with a solid drinks menu and a relaxed crowd mixing tourists with university students.
Underground Club
A basement club near the old town that hosts DJ nights, live bands, and themed parties. The stone walls and low ceilings create an intimate atmosphere that gets packed on weekends.
Cajdzinica Dzirlo
A traditional Bosnian tea and coffee house that transforms into a relaxed evening bar. The courtyard seating under grapevines is one of Bascarsija's most atmospheric spots for an early evening drink.