Bosnian Traditional Handicraft, half-day – do it yourself – Coppersmith Workshop

REVIEW · SARAJEVO

Bosnian Traditional Handicraft, half-day – do it yourself – Coppersmith Workshop

  • 5.013 reviews
  • 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
  • From $72.18
Book on Viator →

Operated by Funky Tours · Bookable on Viator

Copperwork in Sarajevo feels real fast.

This hands-on Bosnian coppersmith workshop lets you learn the local copper trade and create a decorated copper coffee/tea pot, a Dzezva, that you take home. I love the direct, practical teaching style from the studio’s instructor—she’s the only female in her coppersmith profession in Sarajevo and learned from her father. I also love that the session is small and personal, so you can ask questions and get help when you need it. The one potential drawback is that this is truly hands-on: you’ll spend your time decorating and finishing, so it’s not the kind of activity for people who want a sit-and-watch souvenir stop.

If you’re in Sarajevo with kids, this is a rare craft experience that still feels approachable. You’ll start from Besarina čikma 5, then head into the older workshop area to work with copper and learn about Sarajevo’s copper heritage as you go. Light coffee or tea is included, and the whole experience is designed for people who want a meaningful keepsake, not a factory-made trinket.

Key things to know before you go

  • You’ll make a real Dzezva (decorating/finishing included) and take it home
  • Instruction from the only female artisan in her coppersmith profession in Sarajevo
  • Small group size (max 4) for better attention and more conversation
  • Light refreshments with coffee or tea during the session
  • A working artisan workshop feel in an old coppersmith setting on Kovači street

Why Sarajevo’s coppersmith workshop feels personal

Bosnian Traditional Handicraft, half-day - do it yourself - Coppersmith Workshop - Why Sarajevo’s coppersmith workshop feels personal
Sarajevo has plenty of ways to shop for souvenirs. This one is different because you don’t just buy something with your name on it. You learn the craft and make the item with your own hands—then you walk away with a copper Dzezva you can actually use.

What makes it especially rewarding is the instructor. In this workshop you’re guided by a coppersmith who is the only woman in her specific profession in Sarajevo, and she learned her craft from her father. That detail matters. It shapes the way the lesson flows: you’re not just shown steps, you’re taught how the work fits into everyday Bosnian coffee culture and what it takes to get the decoration right.

And because the group is kept to up to four travelers, the session doesn’t turn into a classroom shuffle. You’re more likely to get clear answers and hands-on assistance when something isn’t looking like you imagined.

A few more Sarajevo tours and experiences worth a look

Getting started at Besarina čikma 5 (and what to plan for)

The experience meets at Besarina čikma 5, Sarajevo 71000. The activity is set up so the tour begins there and ends back at the same meeting point, which helps if you’re trying to keep your afternoon simple.

You should also know this is offered in English, so you won’t have to worry about being left out if you don’t speak local languages. It’s also near public transportation, so you can plan around it without needing a private transfer.

Practical tip: since there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off included, plan to get yourself to the meeting point on your own. If you’re using a taxi, give the full address as written—small street-number details matter in Sarajevo.

The Funky Tours stop: coffee/tea and your quick orientation

Your first stop is listed as Funky Tours, which is where you’ll get the initial handoff to the workshop experience. This is also where the session kicks into gear with light refreshments—coffee or tea.

Think of this part as your “set up for success” moment. You’ll get the context for what you’re making and what the instructor wants you to focus on. With a small group, that early chat helps a lot later, because you’ll understand what the finished Dzezva should look like before you start decorating.

The old coppersmith shop on Kovači street

After the initial meetup, you’ll work in a traditional coppersmith setting on Kovači street. That’s a big part of the appeal. You’re not doing this in a modern craft mall booth. The setting feels like where copperwork actually happens.

The workshop is led by the instructor, and the lesson blends two things:

  • learning about Sarajevo’s and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s copper tradition
  • making your own copper product during the session

This mix is what makes the experience feel more grounded than a typical souvenir activity. Instead of only producing an item, you’re getting the story of the craft as you work.

Making your own copper Dzezva: what you’ll take home

Here’s the heart of the experience: you’ll decorate and finish a Dzezva, the copper pot used for Bosnian-style coffee and tea. The tour price covers the finishing phase of the decorating, so you’re not left paying extra just to complete the piece.

You’ll leave with the finished item at the end of the day. For many people, that’s the best “value” part of this type of workshop. A finished copper keepsake isn’t just decoration—it’s something you can use and show, and it reminds you of the time you spent making it.

What I like about this setup is that it respects the reality of a half-day lesson. Copperwork can be detailed. By covering the finishing phase, the workshop helps ensure you’re not starting at step one and then rushed at the end. You’re guided to a real outcome you can be proud of.

A few more Sarajevo tours and experiences worth a look

English instruction that’s easy to follow (and patience when you mess up)

A standout theme in the feedback is the teaching style. The instructor’s English is described as excellent, and she’s patient with the process. Even better, she helps fix mistakes when something doesn’t go the way you intended.

That’s not a small detail. In a hands-on workshop, the difference between fun and frustrating often comes down to whether someone can correct you quickly without making you feel clumsy. Here, the teaching approach is clearly built for real beginners—not just confident artists.

Because the group is capped at four travelers, the instructor can actually spend time with each person. You’re not waiting your turn for every question. You can ask as you go, and you can get direct help while your copper piece is still workable.

Light refreshments and the right pace for a half-day

The experience includes light refreshments: coffee or tea. No lunch is included, so treat the workshop like what it is—a focused, creative block in your Sarajevo day.

The timing is about 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.). That’s long enough to learn, create, and finish something tangible. It’s short enough that you can still plan an evening activity after. If you’re pairing it with other things in Sarajevo, I’d schedule it earlier rather than later. You’ll feel less rushed, and you’ll have time to freshen up and enjoy your evening plans.

Practical idea: if you know you’ll feel hungry afterward, eat a proper meal before you go. Then the coffee/tea included during the workshop becomes a bonus, not your only energy source.

Price and value: $72 for a copper keepsake lesson

At $72.18 per person for about 2.5 hours, the price needs to cover more than just “someone explains something.” Here, your money goes to:

  • professional guidance during a hands-on craft session
  • light refreshments (coffee or tea)
  • the included finishing phase of decorating the Dzezva
  • a small-group setting (max four travelers)

That last part—small-group attention—often turns a craft activity from a rushed demo into a real skill-building session. And the take-home outcome changes the value math. You’re not leaving with a postcard-sized memory. You’re leaving with a copper item you made in the workshop.

If you compare this kind of experience to generic shopping, the value is simple: you pay for the time of a working artisan, plus materials and finishing support that help you get to a finished piece during the scheduled window.

Who should book this workshop

This is a great fit if you’re traveling with family, because children must be accompanied by an adult and the activity has an approachable, guided feel. It’s also a strong choice if you want something cultural that isn’t just watching.

You’ll likely enjoy it most if you:

  • like crafts and hands-on activities
  • want a meaningful Sarajevo souvenir you can actually use
  • want a quieter, small-group experience rather than a large tour crowd
  • enjoy conversation, because the instructor’s perspective includes day-to-day life alongside the copper trade

If you’re coming to Sarajevo just for big sights and you want everything to be low-effort, this may not be your best match. This is creation time, not passive sightseeing time.

A few realistic considerations before you commit

Two things to keep in mind:

First, it’s a decorating and finishing workshop. That’s the point, but it does mean you should expect to focus and participate. Wear comfortable clothing and be ready to put your attention into the process.

Second, there’s no lunch included. Plan your meal timing so you don’t end up hungry mid-session or scrambling afterward.

Finally, because the group is small and the experience has limited capacity, it’s wise to book ahead if your dates are fixed. The activity is typically booked in advance on a regular basis.

Should you book Bosnian Traditional Handicraft with the Coppersmith Workshop?

Yes—if you want a Sarajevo souvenir with a story attached, this is a smart booking. The biggest reasons are practical: you make the Dzezva, the finishing phase is covered, and the instruction comes from a rare artisan who’s described as both patient and clear in English. Add in the small group size, and you get real attention instead of a rushed walkthrough.

I’d skip it only if you dislike hands-on activities, or if you’re searching for a strictly passive tour. Otherwise, this is the kind of experience that turns a half-day into a memory you can hold in your hands every time you brew coffee.

FAQ

How long is the Bosnian Traditional Handicraft workshop?

It lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes (approximately).

What will I make in the workshop?

You will learn the copper craft and create a decorated copper Dzezva (copper coffee/tea pot). The price covers the finishing phase of decorating it.

Is coffee or tea included?

Yes. Light refreshments (coffee or tea) are included.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Where do I meet the group?

The meeting point is Besarina čikma 5, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and hotel drop-off are not included.

What language is the workshop offered in?

The workshop is offered in English.

Can children participate?

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Is it possible to cancel and get a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

More Half-Day in Sarajevo

Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Sarajevo we have reviewed

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Explore Bosnia & Herzegovina