Sarajevo, Bosnia

Graffiti and street art in Bosnia have become a powerful way of expression, reflecting the country’s turbulent history and acting as a voice for political messages, historical remembrance, and global solidarity. In places like Sarajevo, the streets are filled with bold statements that speak out against injustice and stand with movements for change.

The streets of Sarajevo also serve as canvases for solidarity with Palestine, with murals and graffiti calling for justice and freedom for the Palestinian people.
These pieces are more than just art; they’re a way for Bosnian's to vocalise their resistance, share collective memory, and show solidarity with those fighting for a better world. The messages on the walls are powerful, raw, and real, making Sarajevo’s urban spaces a visual reminder of the ongoing fight against injustice.

From honouring the memory of the Srebrenica genocide, which happened during the Bosnian War in 1995. Artists use walls to pay tribute to the victims, with powerful images and phrases like “Never Forget” or “Srebrenica.” The white lily, a symbol of remembrance, is often seen in these murals. These artworks help keep the memory of the tragedy alive and fight against denial of what happened.

To expressing frustration with police brutality through phrases like "ACAB,". The phrase "ACAB" (All Cops Are Bastards) shows up in various places, representing frustration with police forces and systemic problems. This anti-authoritarian message is part of a larger movement seen in other countries as well, calling for more justice and less violence from those in power.

Dobrinja

The area of Dobrinja was originally developed in the 1980's as a suburban residential district, designed to accommodate Sarajevo's growing population. However, during the Bosnian War (1992–1995), Dobrinja found itself on the front lines, enduring heavy shelling and suffering significant damage. Many of its residents were displaced, and the neighbourhood became a symbol of both suffering and hope as it rebuilt itself after the war.

Today, Dobrinja has a noticeable street art scene. Murals and graffiti cover its buildings, telling stories of the neighbourhood’s past, resilience, and hopes for the future. The art gives the area a gritty, authentic vibe, making it a must-visit for graffiti i enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys urban exploration, with abandoned and derelict buildings scattered throughout.

This next spot was discovered accidentally – side passes are the perfect place for graffiti and street art. They offer a hidden space where artists can get creative without worrying about getting caught. The concrete walls and gritty vibe make these spots ideal for bold, colourful pieces that really pop. Plus, the isolation gives artists the freedom to express themselves without the pressure of being in more public areas. Over time, side passes have turned into cool, unexpected galleries, making them a must-see for anyone into street art.

While I was wandering around Sarajevo, I noticed something interesting about the murals. There weren’t a ton of them, especially the big, bold ones that cover entire building walls. In fact, I only found a couple of large murals like that, but they definitely stood out.
These were on the side of a wide building, and it was impossible to miss. The colours so bright and the design super detailed, making it pop against the more traditional buildings around it.

As you get closer to Sarajevo’s city centre, the streets are covered in graffiti. Tags are everywhere—on apartment blocks, along the roads, in car parks, and the underpasses. These are a few of my favourite spots I stumbled upon and loved exploring, especially the underground car parks. There’s something about the way the art takes over those dark, forgotten spaces. It’s like the city’s walls are talking, with wild style lettering and little scribbles scattered all over the place. You can't miss it—every corner has its own splash of colour, and it gives the whole place this gritty, raw vibe. It's like a mix of rebellion and creativity, filling the city with its own kind of energy.