1. Caffe Tito
Ever wanted to grab a kafa with Tito? You can’t do exactly that, but you can get close by going to the Caffe Tito in Sarajevo and reminisce on the good ole’ days.
This cafe is dedicated to Yugoslavia’s only leader Josip Broz Tito and celebrates his life by showcasing his most famous photos, quotes and anything else associated with Tito and his life visitors will be able to spot it.
There are also actual tanks visitors can climb on top and take pictures with if they’re feeling brave. If you are lucky enough to be there in the summer, you might be able to hear live bands play on the stage next door.
Address: Zmaja od Bosne 5, Sarajevo 71000
2. Bitka na Neretva Muzej
“Bitka Na Neretvi” was a popular film of Partisans fighting against the Axis forces during WWII, and today, visitors can visit exactly where the events took place.
Opened initially in honor of Josip Broz Tito in 1978, the museum passes right through the town of Jablanica, giving visitors a chance to become up close and personal with the actual bridge that was demolished during WWII.
There is also a museum right next door filled with photographs, weapons, flags, models, art relating to the battle on the Neretva river that will intrigue anyone fascinated by Yugoslavia’s involvement in ww2.
Address: Bitka za ranjenike, Jablanica 88420
3. YugoTour
Whose Balkan parents haven’t shared a story about a Yugo 45 with their kids? Yugotours operates in both Belgrade and Sarajevo and takes visitors around socialist funded neighborhoods and buildings all while driving around in a Yugo 45.
Some lucky visitors can also take a Yugo out for a spin! If you decide to take on a Yugotour in Belgrade, there are four different tours to choose from that include the significance of Yugoslavian architecture, society, and history.
Or visitors have the option of selecting a tour all about the history of Belgrade just like a city. The Sarajevo tour takes visitors through communist era neighborhoods, a nuclear shelter and the sight of the 1984 Winter Olympics all while listening to some of the most famous Ex-Yu rock bands that came out of Sarajevo.
Address: Braće Krsmanović 5, Beograd 11000, Serbia
4. 1984 Olympic Sights & Museum
In February 1984, athletes from 49 countries made their way to Sarajevo to compete in the 14th Winter Olympics. Although former venues have been overtaken by nature, graffiti and endure conflict wounds from the 90’s, it is still a compelling sight.
Yugoslavia was the first communist state to host the Olympics, and at the time of the Cold War, it was quite significant. Visitors can take a trip up to Mount Igman to see where the ski jumps took place or to take a picture on the medals podium.
In the center of Sarajevo is the abandoned speed skating venue available for anyone to visit. Tourists might also be inclined to go to the ice skating rink in Zetra Hall that was rebuilt in 1999. For a history lesson of the ’84 Olympics, visitors should go to the Olympic Museum, which features programs, exhibitions, lectures, and conferences.
Address: Alipašina bb, Sarajevo 71000
5. Eternal Flame
The Eternal Flame or Vjecna Vatra might not look like more than a fire but it holds a significant meaning for Yugoslavia and Sarajevo. It serves as a memorial to the Partisans that died during WWII to liberate Sarajevo.
The flame was first displayed on April 6, 1946, and has not stopped burning ever since (except 1991-1995). Behind the fire is a message commemorating the fighters in the sequence of colors of the Yugoslav flag. Located in a junction between the most pedestrian-heavy streets in Sarajevo, it is hard to miss.
Address: end of Marsala Tita and beginning of Ferhadija Street in Sarajevo
6. Museum of Yugoslavia
While the name of this museum might seem like a dead giveaway to tourists, this museum is slightly different than just a history lesson. Not only will visitors learn of the in’s and out’s of Yugoslavia, but they will also learn modern interpretations from all sides of Yugoslavia to understand the cultural and social significance the country played on its citizens lives. The museum strives to be an open space for dialogue, knowledge, experience, and sometimes even has held live discussions about a variety of topics relating to Yugoslavia.
Address: Михаила Мике Јанковића 6, Beograd 11000, Serbia
7. House of Flowers
Located on the same grounds as the Museum of Yugoslav History in Belgrade, this is the final resting spot of Josip Broz Tito and his wife, Jovanka Broz.
According to Travel to Serbia, over 17.5 million people have visited the mausoleum since 1982 to pay their respects to the late Marshal. Within the House of Flowers is engaging information on the private life of Tito, as well as his contribution to Yugoslavia.
Address: Mihaila Mike Jankovica 6 | Museum of Yugoslavia, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
8. Vijecnica
Initially opened in 1896, Sarajevo City Hall was burned down in 1992, then rebuilt back to its exact design and completed in 2014. While the city council does still conduct regular sessions, a large portion of the City Hall is dedicated to the history of Yugoslavia and history of Sarajevo itself.
The museum begins at the timeline of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, a contributing factor to the creation of Yugoslavia and concludes at present day.
Visitors are allowed to wander through different exhibits and learn of significant actors in Yugoslavia and events that took place in Sarajevo. For a summary of Sarajevo, visitors are encouraged to view the exhibit “Sarajevo 1914-2014,” full of photographs and information on history, culture, and society.
Address: Obala Kulina bana, Sarajevo 71000
9. Red History Museum
At the Red History Museum in Dubrovnik, visitors are immersed in what was the everyday life in Yugoslavia. Learn about the Non-Aligned Movement and the history of Yugoslavia through art and politics. Visitors learn about cultural aspects as well, such as favorite music and what citizens of Yugoslavia thought of the communist rule. Don’t forget to download their app for an augmented reality experience, in which history comes to life.
Address: Ul. Svetog Križa 3, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
10. Iliden
The Ilinden Memorial is another example of the “concrete utopia,” Yugoslavian architecture is often referred to. This monument is meant to commemorate two specific events, beginning with the Ilinden Uprising against the Ottoman Empire in 1903, while the Ottomans defeated the IMARO rebels in Macedonia.
After WWII, the monument was also created to pay tribute to the liberation of Macedonia under Axis and Fascist occupation. Fully restored by the end of 2018, visitors can take a trip with a guide to grasp greater detail of the history and symbolism within this building.
Address: Gumenja Hill in Kruševo, Macedonia
11. Tito’s Bunker
In the edge of Zlatar Mountain lies one of Yugoslavia’s best-kept hidden secrets. A nuclear fallout shelter that was originally built to protect Josip Tito and others in his circle took nearly 26 years to build, just a year before Tito’s death.
Citizens of Yugoslavia weren’t made aware of the bunker until the 1990’s and today it is open for all tourists to visit and walk through the remains of the bunker. The bunker also serves as a meeting point for artists across the former Yugoslavia and encourages visitors to embrace the history and culture of the region.
Address: Polje Bijela bb, Konjic 88400
This article was written by Leila Doric, a student at Iowa State University, majoring in Journalism and Political Science.
