Avaz Twist Tower is a 172-meter glass skyscraper at Tešanjska 24A in Sarajevo‘s Marijin Dvor business district. It opened in May 2009 as the headquarters of avaz-roto press, publisher of the daily Dnevni avaz. Architect Faruk Kapidžić designed it, and the operator bills it as the tallest business tower in Southeast Europe. Travelers come for the 36th-floor observation deck and the Sky Lounge 35 coffee bar, which offer some of the widest views of the Miljacka valley and the surrounding mountains.
What to Expect at Avaz Twist Tower
The tower’s signature feature is its spiralling facade. The glass skin rotates as it rises, so the building’s silhouette changes as you walk around it. The tower holds 32,000 square meters of offices and rests on foundations 30 meters deep. More than 200 companies built it in under three years. High-speed elevators take visitors from the ground-floor lobby straight to the upper levels.
On the 35th floor, Sky Lounge 35 serves espresso, Bosnian coffee, soft drinks and light refreshments beside floor-to-ceiling windows. One level up, the open-air observation deck looks out over Trebević, Igman and Bjelašnica, Olympic mountains from 1984. Below, the view takes in the old Baščaršija quarter to the east and the post-war boulevards to the west.
- 36th-Floor Observation Deck: A 360-degree outdoor terrace at about 172 meters, ideal at sunset.
- Sky Lounge 35: A coffee bar with panoramic seating where an inexpensive drink comes with the view.
- Twisting Facade: Kapidžić’s rotating glass form, best photographed from Tešanjska street.
- City Orientation: Spot Vijećnica, the Holiday Inn, the Bosmal towers and the Miljacka from one vantage.
- Six-Story Garage: Hundreds of secure spaces connected internally to the tower, open 24/7.
Avaz Twist Tower at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Tešanjska 24A, 71000 Sarajevo |
| Neighborhood / Area | Marijin Dvor / Centar, near the main railway station |
| Operating Hours | Daily 7AM-11PM |
| Admission / Price Range | Small paid entry to deck/lounge ($); drinks low-cost |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 45 to 90 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Tram stops along Zmaja od Bosne; on-site 24/7 six-story garage |
| Official Website & Phone | avaztwisttower.ba · +387 33 281 350 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive about an hour before sunset to see the valley in daylight and then watch the city lights come on. Weekday mornings are the quietest time. On clear winter days you can see snow on the peaks, while summer evenings are best on the open deck. Trams on Zmaja od Bosne stop a short walk away, and the main railway and bus stations are within about 10 minutes on foot. Drivers can use the 24/7 garage, which has disabled access and connects directly to the tower’s elevators.
Elevators make the lobby, lounge and deck largely step-free, though the deck can be windy. Afterward, walk to the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina or the History Museum in Marijin Dvor. Alternatively, take the tram east to Baščaršija and Brusa Bezistan for ćevapi and Ottoman-era lanes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Avaz Twist Tower open?
The tower is open daily from 7AM to 11PM. Late afternoon into sunset gives the best light and views.
How much does it cost to visit?
Access to the upper levels is inexpensive, and coffee at Sky Lounge 35 is budget-friendly. No reservation is needed. Confirm current fees at the official website.
How long should I spend there?
Allow 45 to 90 minutes. That covers the deck, a coffee in the lounge and photos of the twisting facade from street level.
Is it accessible and family-friendly?
Yes. Elevators serve the upper floors, and the garage offers disabled access. Children enjoy the view, but supervise them on the exposed deck.
When planning your Sarajevo travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Sarajevo, pair this stop with standout local spots including Yellow Fortress, Dveri, Nanina Kuhinja, and Hotel Grand Sarajevo (0.3 km away).
