why visit mostar

Why You Should Visit Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

by Cheryl Howard | Feb 4, 2024 | Bosnia and Herzegovina , Destinations , Europe , Mostar | 74 comments

Of all the places I’ve ever traveled to, Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina stole my heart. It all started when I saw photos of Stari Most , the “Old Bridge,” on Pinterest. From that moment, I knew I just had to go there, and naturally, added Bosnia to my future travel agenda. Finally, that trip happened. When I saw the bridge and the surrounding landscape for the very first time, it brought tears of joy to my eyes. I stopped breathing for a moment as I took it all in, as it was far more beautiful than I ever could’ve imagined.

Mostar has since remained one of my favourite places I’ve ever visited and I one of the top places I recommend people to visit.

The Countless Reasons To Visit Mostar, Bosnia And Herzegovina

I’ll admit that Mostar took me by surprise. There is so much more to Mostar than the picture-perfect Old Bridge. From hiking through the nearby forested mountains to taking in holy sites, posing with weird and offbeat statues, walking through medieval towns, swimming under waterfalls, exploring abandoned ruins, and hunting down street art, I couldn’t help but wonder time and time again, why Mostar isn’t on more peoples’ travel radars. This special place deserves much more attention than it gets .

Here are my top reasons why you should plan to visit Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

1) Admire the stunning beauty of Stari Most 

Let’s start with the most obvious reason you should visit Mostar and what brought me there in the first place.

Stari Most is a 16th-century, Ottoman-style bridge, and Mostar’s most notable architectural landmark. Stretching 28 meters across the Neretva River, it connects the two sides of the city. Stari Most proudly stood there for 427 years, until it was destroyed in 1993 during the Bosnian War. Thanks to post-war restoration efforts, a new bridge was built in 2004.

What’s good to know about Stari Most? Here are some of our top tips:

• The bridge is pretty steep and the surface is slippery. Even with the addition of small pieces of raised concrete to help, you’ll need sturdy footwear to make your way across the bridge without looking like a fool. It was a lesson I learned the hard way as my flip-flops simply didn’t suffice. Wear sneakers to avoid looking and feeling silly like I did.

2) Watch brave souls dive off the bridge

These days, tourists flock to the bridge to pose for sexy photos and to watch talented local men dive off the bridge, plunging 20 meters into the cold river below. The practice of diving off the bridge started back in 1664 and became a tradition for the young men of Mostar. In 1968, the city even held a formal diving competition, which continues today. 

There are some important things that you need to keep in mind about bridge jumping in Mostar:

• Throughout the day, you’re likely to spot rather fit-looking men (perhaps wearing tight black Speedos) walking around collecting money. After a certain amount has been collected, you’ll get the extreme pleasure of watching one of them dive off the bridge.
• Do not attempt to jump off the bridge yourself. It’s dangerous and people have been injured and even died doing it. For you more adventurous ( crazy? ) souls out there, for about 20 €, you can receive “training” from locals who will teach you all you need to know about Stari Most bridge diving. You’ll even get a certificate for your successful dive, jump, or belly flop off the bridge.
• If you’re looking for an activity that’s more on the safe side, you can also go for a soak in the river. You’ll notice that just below the bridge, there’s a place where several people are gathered, tanning, and occasionally jumping into the river. No one seems to swim as the current’s fast and the water’s super chilly even on the hottest of summer days.

3) Check out Koski Mehmed Paša Mosque

Constructed in 1618, Koski Mehmed Paša Mosque is a simple but pretty mosque. For a small fee, you can enter the mosque and even climb the very narrow winding staircase in the minaret for one heck of a view of Mostar and Stari Most.

Our top tips for Koski Mehmed Paša Mosque include:

• The climb up to the top of the minaret can be tough for those like me, who are very claustrophobic. I was at the top and started taking photos when suddenly there were tons of other people trying to edge their way outside to enjoy the views. Take your photos quickly and get out of dodge!
• The stairs are super narrow. As I started my way down the stairs, there were even more people coming up. I had to call down to them and ask them to return to the bottom and wait, also informing them there was not enough room for people to pass one another. Thankfully, they obliged and allowed me to come down quickly.
• There is a fee to enter the mosque (2 €) and another fee to climb the minaret (5 €).
• You’ll be asked to cover up: they supply shawls near the entrance. You can keep your shoes on.
• Photos are permitted inside the mosque.

4) Relax with a drink at the café outside the mosque 

Outside the mosque is a garden area and fountain taps. You can also visit a lovely café, where you can relax with Turkish tea or coffee and watch the sunset. To be honest, I don’t remember the name of the café (I’m a bad travel blogger!), but it’s worth the visit. Especially if you need to cool off after the exhausting climb to the top of the minaret in hot weather.

5) Undertake some urban exploration and see all of the Mostar street art

Another reason to visit Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina? The abundance of street art. If you’ve been reading this blog for some time, you’ll know that I’m totally obsessed with street art. Whether it be street art in Krakow , Amsterdam , or Cologne , I can walk around cities for hours on end taking it all in. I also think that street art offers visitors a unique and fascinating way to get to know a city’s culture and beliefs.

There’s no denying that the Bosnian War left its mark on Mostar. To this day, there are abandoned buildings riddled with bullet holes, left to decay and neglect. Although it’s heartbreaking, local young artists have done something quite extraordinary to turn this around. They use these buildings as a canvas to express themselves creatively and offer up messages of peace, criticism of wealth, and protest of past and even current oppression.

As I mentioned in a previous post on the subject, the street art in Mostar is quite touching and especially poignant. There’s an annual street art festival held each spring, where artists from all around the world come to Mostar to create new murals and other works of art.

6) Wander around the former Sniper Tower

As Detroit has its share of abandoned buildings like the Packard Auto Plant and the Abundant Life Christian Church , so does Mostar. Some of the buildings that you can see are the Sniper Tower, Neretva Hotel, and an old airport hangar

The Sniper Tower in Mostar used to be a bank. Positioned along the frontline during the Bosnian War, the building was a base for snipers who would hide in the tower to aim at their targets below.

Today, the tower is decorated with street art and is a site for those looking to take part in less mainstream urban exploration activities. Although it’s not encouraged or exactly permitted, the building is fairly easy to enter – simply jump over the back wall (near the Nelson Mandela quote). You can explore its various floors, check out the street art, and take in another lovely view of Mostar from the top floor. Locals advise that the best time to enter is around sunset.

Some tips for the Sniper Tower in Mostar:

• Wear sneakers if you visit the Sniper Tower, as there’s a lot of debris and broken glass scattered throughout the building.
• Avoid visiting the Sniper Tower at night as there are homeless people who sleep there sometimes. Be nice, allow them a good night’s sleep, and leave them undisturbed.

7) Gaze at the Neretva Hotel from afar

What used to be a grand and opulent hotel, nicknamed “Tito’s palace” as it was a favorite of Josip Broz Tito (the former leader of Yugoslavia), is now a building that sits in ruin. While you can’t enter, you can see it from different vantage points. The newly constructed building adjacent to the hotel provides a dark contrast of progress and … lack thereof in Mostar.

8) Walk through the old airport hangar

While in Mostar , I had a rare but delightful opportunity to visit a massive, formerly top-secret underground airport hangar disguised in the mountains near the Mostar airport. Here Tito stationed fighter planes that were hidden away from the eyes of the Soviets. The planes were always on the ready, should Yugoslavia ever come to be under attack.

You can now walk through the eerie space from one end to the other and there are even various rooms you can explore.

While I took an unofficial and independent tour with a local and a couple of new friends from my hostel, you can see this place by booking a tour with a huge number of local guides. 

A few more tips about the abandoned airport hanger just outside of Mostar:

• If you manage to find your way to the airport hangar, bring a flashlight and a friend or two. It’s pitch black and not a place you want to enter alone.
• Some creatures thrive in the dark – beware of giant mutant spiders if you start exploring some of the smaller rooms in the hangar.
• As with the Sniper Tower, there is a lot of debris and broken glass found throughout the hangar. So again, wear sneakers.

9) Pose with the Bruce Lee statue

You’ll find this weird and offbeat statue of Bruce Lee in Zrinjevac Park . Standing at 1.68 meters high, this nearly life-sized tribute of the martial arts star is a curious site to find in Mostar.

Created by Croatian sculptor Ivan Fijolic in 2005, the statue was originally placed in the Spanish Square back in 2005. Intended to be a fun and lighthearted symbol of peace (it was thought that everyone liked Bruce Lee regardless of their ethnic background), some locals took a dislike to the statue and vandalized it shortly thereafter.

The statue was only put back in 2013 and has remained there ever since. Now tourists can go and take cheesy photos of themselves with Bruce Lee and pretend they’re engaging him in an epic martial arts fight sequence.

10) Head out of the city to Kravice Waterfalls

Just 40 km outside of Mostar, Kravice Waterfalls is the absolute perfect place to spend a summer day. Around 25 meters high, the waterfalls cascade into a stunning emerald-colored lake.

This little piece of paradise is not well known to tourists and is frequented mostly by locals. Swim in the lake and even under the waterfalls. You can even pass the time on a tire swing! There’s also a cafe where you can drink beer and take in some of the local specialties like cevapi .

After seeing Stari Most, Kravice Falls was the highlight of my trip to Bosnia. If you’re visiting Mostar, this is a must-visit.

Our top tips to visit Kravice Waterfalls like a pro:

• Even in the ultra-hot weather (it was around 35 degrees Celsius when I visited), the water was fairly cold. Dive right in and give yourself a few moments while your body adjusts to the change in temperature.
• While you can walk under the waterfalls and jump off some of the ledges into the water below, be extremely careful. A lot of people get injured this way. So just watch what others are doing or ask locals for advice.
• Check out stunning photos of Kravice Falls over at Kollecting Koordinates.

11) Visit Blagag Tekke By Day & Night

Blagag Tekke is considered to be one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most holy and ancient sites. Also known as the Dervish Monastery, the tekija was built to host gatherings of the Sufi Brotherhood. The stunning half-timbered tekija rests beside the fast-flowing blue-green Buna River, which spills out of a darkened cliff cave.

Erected around 1520, the tekija reflects the Ottoman and Mediterranean styles of architecture. The upper part of the building also houses two 15th-century Tajik dervishes. Miraculously, this mystical place remained untouched during the Bosnian war, despite so much death and destruction happening so close by. Only 12 km outside of Mostar, Blagaj Tekke continues to be popular with pilgrims and tourists alike.

How you can best experience Blagaj Tekke:

• Visit Blagaj Tekke at night when it’s much less crowded. Your experience will be all the more special and you’ll appreciate the solitude and opportunity for reflection.
• I came here first at night and then again during the day. For sure, it was worthwhile making the trip twice as there’s such a different atmosphere.
• For a small fee, you can take a boat into the cave.
• The best view of the tekija is from across the river. Follow the footpath behind Vrelo Restaurant .

12) Pay respect at Pocitelj, a sacred Bosnian Site 

Resting on the left bank of the Neretva River, Pocitelj is a fortified medieval town that remains close to its original form. Just 30 km outside of Mostar, this is another site that begs to be seen. Established in 1383 by King Stjepan Tvrtko I, the walled town evolved through the 16th-18th centuries and showcases both Ottoman and medieval influences in its architecture.

Unlike Blagaj Tekke, Pocitelj was heavily damaged during the 1992-1996 Bosnian War by Croatian forces. Sadly, many great Islamic works of art and architecture were destroyed. Even more unfortunate was that most of the townsfolk were completely displaced.

Thankfully, in 1996 the World Monuments Watch named Pocitelj as one of the 100 most endangered cultural sites. Then in 2000, the government of Bosnia and Herzegovina finally placed the site under permanent protection. The protection is ongoing and focuses on the restoration of the town, continued preservation, and encouragement to the former population to return.

To this day, only a handful of people live in Pocitelj, and I feel fortunate to have met one of the locals. Through a tour I did with  Hostel Majdas , our group was invited into her home to sample some delicious Bosnian food and drink.

Our top tips for Pocitelj include:

• Walk around and hike through the site for beautiful views of the town and surrounding areas. Climb the citadel for a truly incredible panorama.
• As it’s quite hot and there are no stores to buy drinks from, be sure to come equipped with water to keep yourself refreshed during your explorations.

13) Go to the Partisan Memorial Cemetery

The Partisan Memorial Cemetery is another curious place to visit in Mostar. The memorial and cemetery were designed in 1965 by architect Bogdan Bogdanović to house the remains of 560 soldiers from Yugoslavia’s National Liberation Army killed during WWII. The cemetery features layered tiers, as well as tombstones in the shape of puzzle pieces. At the back of the cemetery is a massive wall with a centrally placed foundation set against the backdrop of some concrete artwork. There are several upward paths throughout the cemetery leading you through various canyons as well. Despite being such an intriguing historical site to visit, care of the cemetery has been neglected and it currently lies in ruins. 

Recommended reading: If you like dark sites and quirky architectural finds, read this article about the Kyiv Crematorium .  

Good To Know About Mostar

Have I convinced you to visit Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina? I hope that you’re already booking your flight and packing your bags.

1) If you need a place to stay in Mostar, find accommodation on booking.com.

2) If you’re travelling to Mostar from other nearby cities and countries, consider booking a day trip with Get Your Guide.

3) If you like travel in Europe, consider giving some of our other posts a read:

• A Day Trip From Berlin to Visit Szczecin Poland – Why you should visit Szczecin Poland – from old castles to modern architecture, museums, & craft beer, learn how to spend the perfect day.
• The Hospital In The Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum – When in Budapest, visit The Hospital In The Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum to learn the history of this former top-secret location.
• Photos From A Snow-Filled Prague Castle Tour – Do something different and head to Prague during the winter season. Take in Christmas markets or better yet, take a snow-filled tour of the Prague Castle complex.

4) Or read this two week Balkan guide from the California Globetrotter.

*Disclosure  – This post contains some affiliate links. If you book a tour or hotel, I’ll earn a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

74 Comments

WOW! That is absolutely stunning and totally my kind of destination! Yes, you’ve totally convinced me and now my leisurely Sunday evening is going to be spent looking at flights to Mostar!

Arienne – you would love Mostar! And there’s so much more to do there than I mentioned.

I’ll look forward to any blog posts you may write or videos you may do on this awesome place. 🙂 🙂

Bosnia and Herzegovina are included on our list of travels for 2015. I’ve heard great things about this place and now I saw it thru your photos, I got more excited! You’ve got great pictures and the places you featured are all interesting. This will be helpful when I prepare my itinerary.

Thanks Vanessa! Hope you enjoy your time there. Love to hear what you think after you’ve visited too. 🙂

So glad I came across this post. We’ll be in Split, Croatia in April and it’s not far from Mostar. We’ll make sure to check it out, looks great. Frank (bbqboy)

Yay, glad to hear Frank! Mostar will not disappoint you. 🙂

Glad you weren’t a crazy person and take the dive. The pics are stunning though! I did not spend nearly enough time in Bosnia and this makes me want to go back!

Hey Cristina –

Ha ha – I’m terrified of heights so diving off the bridge was never an option. Also, I’d likely belly flop. With my luck, someone would film it, put it on YouTube and I’d become an embarrassing viral sensation.

And thanks for your kind words! Perhaps we’ll travel there together someday. 🙂

Thanks for sharing this! I’ve wanted to go to Mostar ever since I went to Slovenia/Croatia and didn’t have time to dip into this beautiful country. I appreciate the tips — even though Stari Most is beautiful, I could never justify a trip for a pretty picture of a bridge. Sounds like there’s lots to do though!

Hey Becky –

Not a problem. Hope you will make it there at some point.

LOL – a pretty picture of a bridge is enough for me. It was an initial excuse and then set me on a challenge to find out what else was there. And as you can, I was not disappointed.

I’m going back to Bosnia and Herzegovina in 3 weeks and even if I’ve already been to Mostar you made me tempted to go back there, especially for the sniper tower and the street art! These totally sound like my kind of things!

Hey Kami – You should definitely go back. I’m definitely going again this year! There’s still so much more to see and do. 🙂

Oh, Cheryl. These photos are stunning! You are making me want to travel there right.now. The bridge, the views, the waterfalls, the reservoir… just lovely.

Thanks so much Eliza! Mostar and Bosnia are just wonderful and I absolutely recommend a visit there ASAP. 🙂

Yes, I am in Mostar now and it’s beautiful really!

Hey Mike – I am so jealous of you right now! Hope you enjoy and say hi to Bruce Lee for me. 😉

I loved your write up! I hope it will encourage more people to visit Mostar and the rest of Bosnia 🙂 My husband is Bosnian, and every few years we go back to visit his family. It is really the highlight of my (relevant) year! It is such a beautiful little country with so much to offer. It’s natural surroundings is so breathtaking. And the cities and little towns are so quaint and pretty … it’s like stepping back in time! Bosnia will surprise you. You may end up falling in love with it 🙂

Thank you Ilham! So nice of you to say. 🙂

I cant wait to visit again – next time, I want to go to Sarajevo. Heard nothing but good things!

What a lovely post! I was fortunate enough to visit Mostar (just for a day though) a couple of years – took a day trip from Dubrovnik. It was a really hot day in August and the highlight was definitely Stari Most, and watching the divers as well. And it was surreal walking around the town and seeing abandoned buildings with bullet holes! Anyways, would love to go back and spend more time there someday. Your pictures are beautiful too 🙂

Very cool that you got to Mostar as well! You should definitely visit again sometime and see more of the area. 🙂

Brilliant blog and very useful tips for me too as I am going to Bosnia on Wednesday! Cheers Habib

Thanks Habib! Enjoy Bosnia. 🙂

great article, thanks! Bosnia is a hidden gem of Europe travels. We’ve been there twice and I made a 10 day travel plan for all the travellers searching for spare info about this lovely country: http://www.neretvarafting.com/travel-bosnia-trip-plan/

Enjoy Bosnia!

Thanks Tomas. I’m sure others will enjoy your tips as well.

Hi, Cheryl 🙂 After I've read your article about my hometown, I had need just to say thank you girl, for your pleasant words! Thanks for your recommendation for visiting Mostar. This is the only true way to represent what Mostar really is like. And not just Mostar, but whole BiH. Our nature, landscape, people and food…its all just worth visiting, indeed. Regards from Mostar 🙂 Majla

Hiya Majla –

You’re very welcome and your kind words mean a lot to me, so thank you.

I’ll be back to Bosnia again soon and see and do even more. Hoping to see some other parts of the country next time, like Sarajevo especially.

Cheryl xoxo

This was great, Cheryl. I’m traveling primarly to see Croatia, but want to make a detour to Mostar. Would two nights be enough? Should I rent a car from Dubrovnik, or did you manage without one? Where did you stay in Mostar? Thanks!

Hey Sharon,

Glad you enjoyed the article. 🙂 <3

I think two days should be sufficient but would recommend longer if you can. I managed without a car and took a bus directly from Split. You can also take local buses to reach places like the waterfalls.

I stayed at a hostel in Mostar called Hostel Majdas and it’s the BEST hostel that I’ve ever stayed in.

Hope this helps!

Best, Cheryl

Just been in Mostar and Sarajevo. Beautiful places with a heartbreaking recent history. Mostar is fabulous. Even better at night when the tastefully lit minarets look wonderful. Restorant Hans is a great place to eat. Very good value, top notch food.

I’m heading back soon myself and can’t wait! Cool to know that someone else loves Mostar as much as I do. 🙂

I intend to visit Mostar with my Girlfriend in next summers, And for sure I am diving from satari most, It looks so great, Cant wait to see this beautiful creation of Ottoman empire.

That’s great! Enjoy your time there. I hope to get back soon myself. 🙂

Lovely article. I’m going to Montenegro in a couple of months and was considering a day trip to Mostar. It would be a 3 hour drive to get there, but your photos make it look worth it!

I was wondering if you learnt much of the language, or whether most people understand a bit of English? Also, if you happen to remember if there were any car parks near the attractions, or whether it’s quite a walk to get to each place? Not being lazy, just pushed for time! :-p

I did not know any of the language and found most people knew some English due to the amount of tourists. Don’t know about cars as I took a bus here. Enjoy Mostar!! 🙂

What an inspiring post! How did you get to Kravice Falls? I’ll be in Mostar in a few days and I would love to visit the falls.

Thanks! I went on a tour through my hostel. All the related info is in the post above. 🙂

Great post about my town! 🙂 Thank you! If you would like to see something else another time.. Let me know.. 🙂 There are some places witch you can´t find tourist offices or with your hostel guide 😉 Especially if you like organic, domestic food and homegrown fruit and vegetables

Hi Mostarka –

Thank you for reading and you’re welcome! <3

When I return, which I will someday soon, I’ll definitely let you know. 🙂

Wow! Such an exhaustive post!

Bosnia is a beautiful place and yet so so underrated. I wish more people come forward and share their experiences as beautifully as you have done, Cheryl.

Great work 🙂 !

Hiya Prachi – Glad you liked the post. I definitely plan on some more travel to Bosnia more this year. I miss it so much …

In fact you have Cheryl, I've just booked for May! Thank you for these wonderful tips. I've added them to our itinerary.

Awesome Jody! Enjoy Mostar. 🙂

In 2016 we visit Bosnia; thanks for your tips

No problem Pol! Enjoy Bosnia. 🙂

very nice! i will visit soon, by car from timisoara, to sarajevo, mostar, dubrovnik and back. BUT, if you travel by car, take care of your car insurance! most of EU companies DON’T issue “green cards” valid for Bosnia and Herzegovina!!!

Hope you enjoy your visit! Thanks for the tip.

nice tips, they will come in handy! how many days did you stay in mostar?

Hey Matt –

Thanks. I was there for 4-5 days!

I was just there at the end of March and saw and experienced most, if not all, of what you photographed and talked about here. It is WONDERFUL and so interesting. And also tragic. My family and I had an incredible experience there. I am a photographer and it was a dream come true – this beautiful place.

Hey Cynthia!

Glad that you enjoyed Bosnia as much as I did. I only hope that more people will think to visit. 🙂

Oh my goodness! This is magical! I knew the Balkans was beautiful but I had no idea the region is beyond stunning and worlds apart from mainland Europe. This is going on my travel lust list for next year.

Hello Sheenie –

Thanks for reading. 🙂

I hope that you do make to Bosnia next year and discover just how magical it is there for yourself.

Best! Cheryl

Hello Cheryl!! Thank you for your blog!! Its very helpful! =) I’m going to Mostar in Sep2016 and I would like to know how many days to you think we should stay there?Is it easy to go to the Kravica waterfalls and Pocitelj, did you go by bus?

Thank you very much! Marcela

Hello Marcela,

Glad you liked the blog post and found it helpful. 🙂

It’s all about personal preference, but I’d say a minimum of 3 days is required so you really explore the city.

I went to Kravice and to Pocitelj as part of an organized tour with my hostel but believe that buses are available. I’d suggest getting more information from your hotel or hostel, or check with the local tourism board for proper up to date info.

Have TONS of fun there. 🙂

Hi Marcela, be free to contact us while in MOstar for any free information! Regards

Thanks for leaving your info! Sure, it will be helpful to our readers.

Hi, we will be visiting Kotor, Montenegro next month and are trying to decide between Shkoder, Albania or Most as a day trip…any thought s?? Grazie!!

Hey Laura –

I’ve visited Kotor but only on a day trip from Budva. As I love Mostar and have never visited Shkoder, I can only recommend Mostar! I’d also say that Mostar deserves so much more than a day of your time, as seen from all the reasons listed above. 🙂

Sorry that I could not help more.

Kind regards, Cheryl

I will for sure go to Mostar this year. Since its not too far from Hvar. Im there almodt every year, but I nevrr took my time too leave the coast.

You inspired me, really!

Hey Simon – Glad to hear! Enjoy your time in Mostar. 🙂

Funny ting…I’m from Mostar too – going Viking… NICELY DONE!!! Rafting on Neretva from Džajići by Konjic. Prenj mountain is one of the Europe’s finest to climb. Pitty that Mostar has 2 airports, both civil and military, not much in usedvanlig due to lokale politics.

Hi Vanja – Thanks for reading! And thanks for all of the other tips. 🙂

Any time!!!! Many travellog have some suspicions and doubts about my homeland and it is a thriller to ready your poststed I found on People’som Choice Page. For those who are not so fond of tropisk temps (rundt +40°C at the time) so travell in May or early june or september- oktober. Bytting/swimming season could be quite Long.

Hi Vanja! Can you give me the URL of the page where you found my article? That would be really cool. 🙂

We stumbled upon your article while looking for unique experiences in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Your list of places to see and things to do is a true inspiration to us! Especially the exploration of the Airport Hangar would have been something we would have known earlier, while we were on our Bosnia trip ourselves. An alternative tip we will mark for our next visit! We linked to your article in our own article (see below) because your selection of places and activities absolutely convinced us and will surely also appeal to our readers. 🙂 If you want to read which places we uncovered during our time in this remarkable country, we’re happy to share our article with you. Say hello, if you liked it 🙂 http://www.acoupleofcountries.com/2017/09/places-in-bosnia-herzegovina-which-will-uncover-the-truth-about-this-country/

Greets from Montenegro, tina from A Couple Of Countries

Thanks for your comment and link Tina. I’m sure our readers here will also find your article useful. 🙂

Cheryl – thank you for your article, it’s always great to find something not on all the tourist listings. We really appreciated your tip re The Sniper Tower. All entrances are now completely blocked up but definitely worth a visit to appreciate the street art and the historic value.

The views from Koski Mehmet Pasa mosque definitely worth the climb. We managed to visit at c. 10am on a Saturday and there were less than six people in total. The Best views of Stari Most.

They appear to have started renovation on Neretva hotel.

Hiya Karen,

Thanks for reading the article! Thanks also for the update on some of the local sites as well.

– Cheryl

Hi Cheryl, I’m looking to visit Mostar in this december for a couple of days. It’s a good idea to visit the town like the first week of december or it’s just too cold and rainy?

It will prob be cold and wet! Average temperatures will be around 10 and it’s likely to rain. However, there won’t be as many tourists, so you’ll have the fun of experiencing the destination in low season, which is always a bonus. 🙂

I’ve lived in Mostar for many years, moved here to study and somehow stayed. This is a really good post, you showcased a lot of this city’s best points in this post.

Hey Ivana – Thanks so much for your comment. I really loved your city. <3

Absolutely stunning! Thank you on a detailed impressive guide!

Thank you so much for your kind comments.

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Founded in 2010, cherylhoward.com is a travel blog profiling some of the world’s most unusual places and things.

I’m a Canadian from Toronto who’s been living in Berlin for the better part of a decade. I like travelling Europe and writing about unusual places and things, as well as creating unique itineraries for various destinations. Read more.

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Home > 1 Day In Mostar Itinerary & 10 Things You Must Know

1 Day In Mostar Itinerary & 10 Things You Must Know

Written by our local expert SJ

Sarah-Jane has lived in Croatia for 10+ years. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids.

If you’re plotting a route through Bosnia & Herzegovina, carving out one day in Mostar is a smart move. This city isn’t just a checklist destination; it’s a deep dive into a culturally rich, history-packed hub that doesn’t skimp on the views.

In just 24 hours in Mostar, you can walk over the iconic Stari Most bridge, grab a coffee next to the emerald waters of the Neretva River, and meander through streets lined with history. It’s the kind of place where a leisurely stroll can turn into an impromptu history lesson, with each corner offering a new story.

For your Mostar day trip, I suggest that you dive (literally) into the local scene. You’ll find that Mostar is perfectly sized for a day trip—big enough to keep you busy, small enough to feel like you’ve seen its heart. My guide will show you how one day in Mostar will be for the gram.

Mostar is one of Bosnia & Herzegovina’s most beautiful cities and a top attraction in the Balkans . It’s rich in culture, history, and beautiful buildings. Whether you plan to stay for a few days or visit on a day trip from nearby Croatia, Mostar is definitely worth a visit.

Morning In Mostar

Start your early morning with a delicious breakfast, fuelling yourself up for a full day of sightseeing. Remember to get a cup of traditional Bosnian coffee afterward because the caffeine will definitely give you energy!

Next, head to Koski Mehmed Pasha mosque and, take a tour of the interior, and climb the minaret. Here, you’ll see some of the most breathtaking views over Stari Most, and you’ll learn about the mosque at the same time. Remember about mosque etiquette – ladies will need to cover their heads, everyone needs to dress modestly (no shorts or vest tops), and everyone needs to remove their shoes.

Afternoon In Mostar

It’s time for lunch, so stop at one of the small cafes around the Stari Most. Burek is a great lunch snack that will fill you up until dinner and give you a taste of something traditional. Then, head over to the Old Bridge itself. Take your time looking at the architecture all around you, take some photos, and then meander over to the Old Town to walk around the cobbled, winding streets.

You can purchase some great gifts from the souvenir shops to take back home; this area known as the Old Bazaar is quite large, so I urge you to really take your time here. From there, check out the Crooked Bridge and head over to the War Photography Exhibition to finish off your afternoon.

Evening In Mostar

You’re sure to be tired at the end of a busy day of sightseeing, so now you can head to a traditional restaurant to enjoy a delicious meal and a few drinks. Some of the best restaurants have fantastic views over Stari Most at night, and you’ll probably want to take more photographs at this point – snap away!

Bosanski Lonac is a famous dish around Mostar, and it’s perfect if the weather is a little chilly. This is a vegetable and meat stew that you eat with delicious crusty bread. Of course, you can also try the famous cevapi and dolma.

Can you really see Mostar in a day?

While Mostar is indeed a compact city, one day might leave you wishing for more, in my opinion. It’s not just about the number of sites you can cram into your day; it’s the city’s charm that’ll have you lingering.

But there’s more just beyond Mostar’s Old Town, like the serene Dervish House at Blagaj, the preserved Ottoman charm of Pocitelj, or the natural splendor of Kravice Waterfalls . With all these treasures nearby, you could stay a week ( here is where to stay ) and not see it all.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

There’s Plenty To Do In Mostar In One Day

It’s totally doable to see all the major attractions of Mostar in just one day. That’s precisely why it’s such a popular day trip destination from places like Dubrovnik , Split , and Sarajevo .

There are plenty of organized bus tours that can take you there and back, or you can rent a car yourself and enjoy some more freedom on your journey (even take one of these excellent day trips from Mostar on your own).

If you leave early enough, you can even swing by other incredible destinations like the Dervish Monastery in Blagaj Tekke or the historic village of Počitelj, both of which are recommended day trips from Mostar.

The Stari Most

A visit to the city of Mostar should start with the city’s one-star attraction. The Stari Most, known in English as Old Bridge, is in the very heart of the old city center. Spanning the beautifully clear Neretva River, this is one of the most iconic landmarks in the entire Balkan region .

Just seeing and walking across this world-renowned and famous bridge makes spending a day in Mostar worth it.

The visitor center is also near the Stari Most. Pay a visit for more in-depth information, and pick a city map. It’ll help you navigate the winding maze of ancient streets in the Old Town of Mostar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Find local tour options here.

Bustling bazaars and beautiful mosques.

There’s much more to Mostar than the Stari Most, though. While many people come here to see the famous old bridge, there’s a lot more to explore. Countless shops, boutiques, and bazaars dot the Old Town, many of which line Kujundžiluk, Coppersmith’s Street in English.

This street is effortless to find, basically an extension of the cobblestone across the Stari Most on the Neretva River’s east bank.

As its name suggests, this bustling street is filled with stores selling all kinds of copper objects, from bracelets and other jewelry to kitchen tools and decorations. It wouldn’t be a bazaar if there weren’t an abundance of oriental rugs and other things being sold as well.

This is a super-fun street (with cobblestones!) to walk through. If you’re into shopping, you could spend hours browsing the shops. Needless to say, this is the perfect place to pick up some Mostar souvenirs .

Historically, Mostar has always been a city home to various ethnicities and religions. You’ll find churches, synagogues, and mosques here. The minarets of the latter are prominent features of the Mostar cityscape. Just behind the far end of Coppersmith’s Street, you’ll come across the Koski Mehmet-Pasha Mosque. This striking mosque is open to the public, and you’re strongly encouraged to visit it. You can climb one of the minarets for a spectacular view of the Old Town.

Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque

This beautiful mosque is the second largest in the city, having been complex back in 1618. The original was destroyed during the war, but it has been rebuilt since. If you want the very best view of Stari Most, head to the top and climb the minaret. A tour inside the mosque is also a great way to spend your time.

Kriva Cuprija – Crooked Bridge

Built in 1558, this is a smaller version of the famous Stari Most, and it’s a beautiful place to visit . It’s close to the original bridge, so you can easily see both in an hour or so.

Traditional Ottoman Houses

Stroll through the Old Town, and you’ll find a collection of traditional houses that offer a window into the Ottoman way of life—Peek into one to get a real sense of the past.

My favorite is the Muslibegovic House, once the residence of a distinguished local family, now a charming museum and hotel that retains its 17th-century splendor. For more of this historical vibe, Biscevic House and Kajtaz House are also must-visits, each with their unique stories to tell.

Bosnian War Photography Exhibition

Next to the Old Bridge, you’ll find Helebija Tower, which houses the War Photography Exhibition. This is a somber place to visit, but I 100% guarantee it is worth visiting. It allows you to learn more about the conflict and, therefore, more about the area as a whole.

Mostar Food And Drinks

After all that urban exploration, you might like to refuel at a local restaurant or bar . Luckily and conveniently, you’ll find plenty of those at Male Tepa and Braće Fejića, which are basically the northern extension of Coppersmith’s Street.

This vibrant boulevard is home to many eateries and watering holes, the perfect spot to finish off your day in Mostar with some typical Bosnia & Herzegovina food. If you’re feeling like a party , there are also some nightlife options in the area.

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10 things to know before you visit mostar.

Before you visit, you should know a few things in advance, such as:

1. You Need Proper Training To Jump Off The Bridge

Mostar’s Stari Most is an iconic landmark in the city and is famous for the (primarily male) divers that plunge off its ledge.

While tourists can join them, you need to be trained first. The divers club will train you how to jump correctly into the churning waters below without injuring yourself for a fee.

The bridge is about 24 meters above the water (depending on water levels), and the water below is cold with a strong current. It is dangerous , and jumpers have died taking the plunge. However, if you decide to go ahead and pay for training and complete the jump, you will get a certificate and your name in the official book.

2. When Is The Best Time To Visit Mostar?

Mostar is a year-round place, but if you want to be able to walk around more freely, it’s best to choose a time when rain or heat isn’t going to impact your visit. April to October see the best weather in the Mostar area, with sunny conditions and temperatures into the mid-30s. However, this part of the country can see rain at any time, so it’s always best to keep an umbrella in your bag in case of a short downpour.

During the winter months, Mostar is still open, yet you are far more likely to experience wet weather, and it will also be cold.

Winter tends to be the worst time to visit Mostar regarding weather since it is freezing and wet. However, prices will be lower at this time of year, so that’s something to consider if you’re trying to stick to a budget. There will also be fewer people to get in your way when you’re exploring.

3. The Stari Most Today Is Not The Original

Mostar’s famous landmark was destroyed during a war, blown into pieces.

The divers salvaged some of those pieces, and many line the shore, acting as seats for those watching the divers. The old bridge was rebuilt following the original design in 2004. If you are interested in learning more about the bridge, be sure to visit the Old Bridge Museum .

If you are interested in seeing photos of Mostar during the war, check out the War Photo Exhibition.

4. You Can’t Just Hike Through The Hills Alone

If you look out into the distance, you will notice that Mostar is surrounded by hills, many of which look perfect for hiking.

However, these hills are still full of landmines, making them incredibly dangerous. There are safe paths for  those who still want to hike , but it is recommended that you go with a guide who knows the way. Even then, make sure not to stray.

5. Most Locals Do Not Want To Talk About The War

Tourism surrounding the Balkan wars is to be found in Mostar, but let me remind you that it has been 25 years since the city was at war, so you are safe. That said, many residents still remember it and lost friends and family members during that time.

If you are interested in the stories, take a tour. The guides will tell you all the history, facts, and likely even personal stories. But please don’t press the locals unless they offer to tell you.

6. The City Is Still Very Divided

The war may be over, but the city still has animosity. There is still a physical divide: the Bosniak side to the east, the Croat side to the west.

The central divider is Boulevard Dr. Ante Starcevica, and those on one side rarely cross to the other. There are separate schools, churches, and even separate post offices.

Should you, as a tourist, travel both sides, you will notice a difference.

7. Visiting The Sniper Tower Is Considered Trespassing (Everyone Still Does It)

If you are familiar with the war, you will know about the sniper tower (I am unfamiliar with the history to give you specifics). Today, the building is an empty shell filled with smashed glass, chunks of concrete, and plenty of graffiti.

While it may not be legal, I recommend hopping the wall at the back and exploring the abandoned tower . It’s an incredibly atmospheric place that will help you better understand the horrors that happened. Just make sure to go during the day, while you can see. Plenty of open spaces, especially on the stairs, can be pretty dangerous.

8. Yes, You Can Swim In The River. But You Might Freeze!

It can get scorching in Mostar, making the River Neretva look incredibly attractive to take a dip.

You can, and many do, swim in the river on hot days. But it’s cold. The Neretva is one of the coldest rivers globally, averaging about 8 degrees Celsius (46 degrees Fahrenheit) in the summer months.

If you decide to take the plunge, it is recommended that you splash your body first to adjust a little bit before submerging yourself.

9. You Don’t Have To Climb For Amazing Views

Most people head up to the Koski Mehmed Pasa Mosque tower for views of the city. Granted, the views are spectacular, but there are many stairs to climb, and perhaps not an easy feat for everyone.

In this case, I recommend heading to Bjeli Bar Terasa, grabbing a cold drink ( or coffee) , and taking in the view. From here, you are above the crowds with a clear view of the river, the bridge, and some of the city. It’s especially beautiful at sunset.

Find a Mostar travel guide and tour options here.

10. bosnian coffee culture is huge.

Bosnian coffee ( aka Turkish coffee ) is not just a drink. Preparing it and drinking it is a local custom meant to be enjoyed slowly and among friends. If you drink too quickly, you are actually ‘punished’ by tasting the grounds.

Drinking slowly and waiting the appropriate time for everything to mix ensures the perfect cup of Bosnian coffee.

Mostar is a unique and beautiful city and an absolute must-visit when you are in the area. Hopefully, these tips have provided you with some extra information and tips to make the most of your time in one of the most beautiful places in the Balkans.

What is Mostar known for?

Mostar is known for its iconic Old Bridge, Stari Most, which is a popular tourist attraction in Bosnia and Herzegovina .

How long should I spend in Mostar?

It is recommended to spend at least a day in Mostar to explore the city and its attractions thoroughly.

What can I do in Mostar in one day?

In one day, you can visit the Old Bridge, explore the Old Bazaar, enjoy Bosnian coffee, visit the Koski Mehmed Paša Mosque and Tepa Market, explore museums, have lunch at a traditional restaurant, cross the Kriva Ćuprija bridge, admire the views from Lucki most, and revisit the Old Bridge at night.

Can Mostar be a base for exploring other areas?

Yes, Mostar can serve as a base for exploring the southern Herzegovina region and its attractions. There are several day trips you can take from Mostar to nearby attractions and cities such as Blagaj, Pocitelj, Medjugorje, Neum, Dubrovnik, and Split.

What types of accommodations are available in Mostar?

Mostar offers a range of accommodation options, including hostels, boutique hotels, and apartments. The choice depends on your preferences and budget.

How can I travel to Mostar?

You can reach Mostar by train or bus from cities like Sarajevo, Dubrovnik, and Split.

What are the best local dishes to try in Mostar?

In Mostar, you must try Ćevapi (grilled minced meat), Burek (meat or cheese-filled pastry), and Sogan-dolma (onion stuffed with meat). For a sweet treat, sample Baklava or Hurmašica.

How do I get around Mostar easily in one day? Is the town walkable, or do I need public transport?

Mostar is quite walkable, especially the Old Town and major attractions. For farther spots, local buses or taxis are available.

What are some hidden gems or less touristy spots in Mostar that I could visit?

Explore the quieter streets of the Old Town, visit the War Photo Exhibition, and take a stroll along the Neretva River for a more local experience.

What’s the average cost for a day in Mostar, including meals, transportation, and entrance fees?

Average costs can range from 30 to 50 BAM, depending on your choice of meals, transportation, and paid attractions.

Is it possible to include a short trip to nearby attractions like Blagaj or Pocitelj within a day?

Yes, it’s doable to visit either Blagaj or Pocitelj, as they are close to Mostar. Organized tours or local buses can take you there.

Where can I find the best views of Mostar for photography?

The Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque offers panoramic views, and the Old Bridge is perfect at sunrise or sunset for photos without the crowds.

What is the best time of day to visit the Old Bridge to avoid crowds?

Early morning or late evening are the best times to avoid crowds at the Old Bridge.

Are there luggage storage facilities available in Mostar?

Yes, luggage storage is available at the bus station and may be offered by some local accommodations.

• Where To Stay In Mostar
• You Can Find More Balkan Travel Here
• Stay In The Capital City Of Sarajevo
• Day Trips From Sarajevo
• Where To Stay In Medjugorje
• Best Restaurants And Cafes In Mostar
• Best Day Trips From Mostar
• What To Do In Bosnia And Herzegovina
• How To Spend A Day In Mostar
• Must-Try Bosnian Desserts

Comments (3)

NICE POSTING

A real gem. Loved Mostar. Sad and beautiful at the same time.

Excellent article thanks. And stunning photos!

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10 Reasons to Visit Mostar

Futoma | mostar travel guide.

The Herzegovina region represents a charming sub-Mediterranean component of the country that sits in the heart of the mountain range of the Dinaric Alps. Herzegovina is also included in the country’s official name and this will probably lead many people to the conclusion that there is a political distinction in there somewhere.

On the contrary, Herzegovina shares its political struggles with Bosnia. Besides the unfortunate legacy of the (relatively) recent war that ended 25 years ago, its specificity lies in its distinct geography as well as in an original local form of patriotism tied to the Herzegovinian name.

Mostar lies in the place that naturally connects the Adriatic coast and hinterland of Bosnia. The city thrives with a charming combination of karst topography and an abundance of watercourses. Different historic moments have staked their claim to the city and sculpted Mostar in a sense that wins the affection of visitors from New Zealand to Canada, and from Chile to Japan. 

There are many reasons why everybody should firstly consider, and then make the decision to put Mostar on their bucket list. We will mention 10 and leave it up to you to update the list once you visit Mostar. So, check it out:

The goldsmith’s street in the heart of Mostar’s Old Town. Former craft workshops were mostly turned into souvenir and gift shops, even though some of them are preserving the old tradition offering real handmade stuff (in addition to imported, manufactured items of course). During the season’s peak this street is extremely busy and it is this empty only in the early morning hours. 

1. Mostar is a Highly Accessible City

For the last decade, Mostar has been incorporated in most of the tourist routes. It would be hard to find any prominent tour operator covering the Balkans that doesn’t offer Mostar in its itineraries. Mostar lies halfway between Sarajevo (BiH), Dubrovnik, and Split (Croatia). Just 130 km and roughly 2h – 2h 15min of an easy and comfortable ride will take you to Mostar from each of these frequently visited and highly popular destinations. The Bay of Kotor, which is also a popular destination with its marina and airport, is not far away.

A variety of options are available once you’re in the mentioned places, either taking a bus ride, renting a car, or booking a tour. The latter one stands as one of the most popular choices since it covers cool stops in the wider Herzegovina region. You could choose either the one-day trips from Split, Dubrovnik, or Kotor to Sarajevo, or two-day options with the overnight in Mostar. Whatever you set your mind to, Mostar will be impossible to avoid even if you haven’t originally planned to visit it. 

The extensive connecting flights of Sarajevo, Split and Dubrovnik airports offer good and cheap deals. 

2. The Cohabitation of Different Traditions, Cultures, and Customs

Bosnia and Herzegovina as a country bears the epithet of the place where East meets West and vice versa. A destination where Orient meets Occident, where Islam meets all of the three major branches of Christianity (Catholic, Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox), and where Jewish influence played a significant role in the past. 

Being an unofficial capital of the Herzegovina region, Mostar will show you how three Abrahamic religions and their traditions lived next to each other for the last centuries. Mostar is the most charming place amongst the 65 in the country where we see at least three (four in Mostar) different religious buildings relatively close to each other. Mostar is also the place wherein one street architectural style converts from authentic Ottoman-Mediterranean to Austro-Hungarian to Yugoslav brutalist. Like you’re jumping back and forth from the 16th to 19th or 20th century. Even if you’re not into cultural diversities when traveling, Mostar’s specificities will spark your interest.

The view on Hajji Kurt or Tanner’s mosque and St. Peter and Paul Church. The first was built during the golden period of the Ottoman rule in Mostar, while the latter one was built 12 years before Mostar fell under the influence of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. Mostar is one of those places where it is possible to hear at the same time Roman-Catholic and Orthodox church bells, and a Muezzin’s call to prayer from many local mosques. 

3. Mostar is a Historic Melting Pot

At the outskirts of the city, in the Blagaj settlement, the monumental residence of the medieval ruler of Herzegovina sits at the top of the hill. The place of construction was purposefully chosen, for its defensive and strategic advantages. The fortress of Herzog Stephen (bos. Stjepan) nowadays simply known as Stjepangrad overlooks the neighboring Bišće karstic plain and is also a cozy hiking option. The role of the Medieval Herzog (ger. duke) was so essential that it subsequently gave the name to the entire region of Herzegovina (ger. dukedom). 

The first historic source mentioning not Mostar but its two fortified towers guarding the bridge is dated to 1452. In the following period, the Ottoman Empire laid the foundations for the urban development of Mostar. During the four centuries of Ottoman rule, Mostar rose as the second most developed trading and merchant center in the Bosnian Eyalet. Therefore, the UNESCO site of the present Mostar Old Town has a specific Oriental, Islamic style. 

The Austro-Hungarian and Yugoslav periods of rule have left their stamp on the city too. Bringing different groups of people into the city and merging them made Mostar a very desirable place for living. The logical result was blooming development in art, culture, industry, sport, music and science.

Mostar Gymnasium built in the specific Pseudo-Moorish style with exterior ornamentation inspired by the Alhambra Palace. Operational ever since 1893, it highly resembles Sarajevo City Hall. The gymnasium was originally named after one of the most prominent poets from Bosnia and Herzegovina, a local Mostarian Aleksa Šantić, and many distinguished cultural workers attended it. The school sits on Boulevard street, the one which nowadays symbolically separates Mostar into two parts, Croatian and Bosniak, and it separated the two territories during the war. But it serves as the only high school attended by students from both sides of the city itself. In addition to that, United World College Mostar operates within the school building as of 2006 too.

4. Budget-Friendly Travel Destination

Bosnia is the destination that provides the most for the price you pay. The city of Mostar will not leave you broke. Local cuisine is generally less expensive compared to popular coastal destinations (such as Kotor, Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar). For a traditional kind of meal-for-one, you will generally pay no more than 8,5 € in the center of the touristic zone.

The aforementioned UNESCO site of the Mostar Old Town provides multiple choices in regards to restaurants offering tasty traditional food. Most of the old craft workshops – that would have been organized in the system of guilds – have been converted into various kinds of restaurants and souvenir shops. The Old Town of Mostar will not let you stay hungry, thirsty, or dessert deprived! Sweet traditional cakes, such as baklava, tufahija and, hurmašica will help you to recharge your batteries for not more than 1,5 €, before continuing to explore the idyllic cobbled streets of Mostar. 

Accommodation opportunities in Mostar are rated from budget-friendly options such as Hostels towards four or five-star Hotels like Eden and Mepas which are also very affordable. 

Mostar’s Old Town is full of options when it comes to restaurants and places offering traditional dishes. From savoury dishes to desserts to juices. Amongst many other restaurants Šadrvan, situated 10 m far from the Old Bridge, offer a traditional setting with a tranquil garden.

5. UNESCO site - The Old Town of Mostar

Given its importance and symbolic power as an exceptional and universal symbol of the coexistence of communities from diverse cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds as well as its “Outstanding Universal Value” the historical center of Mostar was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List one year after its reconstruction in 2004. 

Being an outstanding example of a multicultural urban settlement, the historic town of Mostar was the first location from Bosnia to be recognized as a World Heritage Site. The Old Bridge currently stands as the most recognizable monument in the country and as a trademark of the entire city. The current city’s name, Mostar, was mentioned for the first time in 1474 and derives from the bridge itself:  “mostari” – the bridge keepers. 

In fact, a huge number of those who’ve visited Bosnia admitted that it was seeing a video or photo of the Old Bridge (bos. Stari most) that triggered them to step out of their comfort zone and travel to a new off-the-beaten-path destination. 

The Old Bridge spanning the Neretva river connected two riverbanks again in July 2004. For 427 years Mimar Hajrudin’s masterpiece represented the strongest symbol of the Mostarian and wider Herzegovinian pride.  Therefore, the reconstruction that took place in the aftermath of the war was never questioned and it was extremely important to build an even “older bridge” than Hajrudin’s one was. 

6. A plethora of outdoor activities

Mostar’s surroundings abound with various locations suitable for different kinds of outdoor activities. Regardless of level of athleticism and physical fitness, Mostar’s nature does offer something for everybody. 

At Fortica hill, which is a part of Velež mountain, there is the Adventure Park which boasts such diverse activities as zip line, rock climbing, abseil (Rappel), via ferrata, mountain biking, and mountain safari.

Hiking trails at the mountains of Velež, Čvrsnica, Čabulja and Prenj are numerous, with different levels of intensity. For those who prefer an easy hike, Hum hill or Mostarska bijela are great opportunities.  

The mountain plateau of Podveležje is just 20-30 min of easy hike from the center of the city. Herzegovinian karst is full of breathtaking sceneries and will meet everybody’s personal requirements. 

7. Siege/War lesson

Mostar is an example where every belligerent fought against each other at some moment of the war. Those who witness the beauty of the Old Bridge could hardly guess that what they see is the authentic replica of the original one erected in 1566. Locals made a very original point once the rebuilt bridge was unveiled: “We’ve made an older bridge than the “Old” one used to be”. 

Mostar suffered greatly during the war period (1992 – 1995). The fact that it was the most ethnically diverse city in all of Yugoslavia brought Mostarians to a moment of total division under the new violent reality. Front lines, between the Croatian Defense Council and the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, were established in the middle of the urban city area. 

War scars are still visible to a serious extent, mainly in what is known as Mostar’s Eastern bank. Once there, visitors will be in a position to hear about the art of survival in almost unbearable conditions. Learn how life looked like when characterised by shelling, sniping, hunger, curfews, but also with mutual support, care, and empathy. By embracing uncertainty, locals developed hope and faith for a better tomorrow.

The war period brought serious tribulation to all of the Mostar citizens. Especially during the conflict between Bosnian and Croatian forces, the worst kind of urban warfare was set up in the middle of the city. Neighborhood streets were turned into frontlines and freedom of travel was soon determined by the sniping activities and the other forms of artillery shelling.

8. Mostar is a Gem for Urban Exploration

Wartime left its significant scars, and, despite the excessive restorations, a serious number of ruined and abandoned sites are scattered all around the city and surroundings of Mostar. 

A rich history in Mostar is still very obvious in the architecture. On surrounding hills, we are still able to find Austro-Hungarian fortresses and towers from the late 19th century, as well as Italian bunkers from the WWII period.  Leftovers of the formerly developed Mostar military and civilian industry were either demolished during the war or subsequently dilapidated in the aftermath of the war. 

Sites such as the abandoned aircraft hangar, Soko aeronautical industry, Tobacco Factory Mostar, infamous “Sniper tower”, Razvitak Shopping Mall, “South camp” military barracks, and other former devastated residential buildings will provide much-needed insight into the (in)glorious past of Mostar.

Numerous buildings still stand demolished, especially at the eastern city bank and alongside Boulevard street, the war dividing line between warring sides. In the photo, we see the present condition of the University library building, situated next to the renovated Mostar gymnasium.

9. Old Bridge Diving/Jumping

Since the Old Bridge is one of the most iconic sites in the Balkans, and generally the trademark of the city and entire Herzegovina region, you wouldn’t think that anybody plunges off its ledge daily… but they do. 

Members of the local Bridge Divers’ Club “Mostari”, in a centuries-old tradition, dive 24m into the ice-cold Neretva. Legend has it that the local boys and men were trying to impress the girls and women, therefore this activity turned into a famous tradition. The first recorded occurrence of somebody performing the bridge jump or dive is dating back to 1664.

Aiming to improve the tourist offer, the local community inaugurated a formal annual diving competition back in 1968 and it has been held every year since at the end of July. Back in the 9-year period of “absence” of the bridge, competition did not lack. Dives/jumps were organized from a mounted platform at the remnants of the Old Bridge.

Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series are being organized in Mostar since 2015. and are slowly turning into a separate popular tradition apart from the already existing one.  For adrenaline rush seekers, divers’ club members provide the required training to take a jump. 

Divers/Jumpers from a local club “Mostari” continue their centuries-old tradition thanks to tips. The tariff depends on the season, type of jump, frequency of the tourists willing to contribute etc. Usually, younger members will approach you and kindly ask you for a symbolic contribution to a performance that is praiseworthy.

10. Unique Partisan Memorial Cemetery

The cemetery complex commemorates 810 fallen WWII partisan soldiers from Mostar, who gave their lives for freedom against Axis German and Ustaše forces. The sprawling stone memorial was designed by one of the most distinguished Yugoslav architects Bogdan Bogdanović who was already well known for his works inspired by the National Liberation War (WWII). The strange boneyard was designed in rows, like a paddy terrace, and the tombstones are shaped like puzzle pieces. 

It took five years to finish works and the place was opened by none other than president Josip Broz Tito himself.  A cemetery complex is purposely emphasized in this list since it represents the paradigm of the present national relations in Mostar which is an unofficially divided city on eastern (Bosniak) and western (Croatian) sections. The memorial complex has been vandalized many times in the aftermath of the war, but it was thoroughly renovated three years ago. 

Once here, visitors will understand why freedom isn’t taken for granted in Mostar, and how the lessons from WWII had to be relearned half a century later.

Located in the western part of the city, the Partisan memorial cemetery is deliberately founded on a higher elevation to express the symbolic meaning of the role of those who died during WWII – to overlook and defend the values of antifascism they died for.

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25 Amazing Things to Do in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina is among the Balkan highlights and one of the most popular places to visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina (or maybe even the most popular one). And it is so famous for a reason – the city is just amazing and definitely offers more Mostar attractions than just the iconic Old Bridge.

Mostar is also one of my favorite cities that I always like returning to. I was lucky to visit Mostar a few times and I had a chance to get to know the city a bit better than most of the tourists who usually can spend only one day in Mostar.

While you can see all the highlights in those few hours I recommend staying in Mostar a bit longer, to enjoy it to the fullest. And today I will be happy to share with you all I know about this amazing city, including all the best things to do in Mostar as well as some tips that will help you plan your trip to Mostar.

Planning a trip to Mostar?

Here are the highly-rated hotels, tours, and services recommended for your trip:

Accomodation:

• Hotel Sinan Han (9.0/10)
• Hotel-Restaurant Kriva Ćuprija (9.4/10)
• Hotel Almira (9.2/10)

Tours and activities:

• Mostar Private Walking Tour
• Discover Herzegovina Day Tour
• Break-up of Yugoslavia & The War in Mostar: Life Under Siege

Internet: Stay connected with Airalo eSim card – click here to get yours!

Insurance: Get insured for your trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina with SafetyWing

Car rental: Compare prices and find the best deals on rental cars in Bosnia and Herzegovina on Discover Cars .

Table of Contents

Where is Mostar

Mostar, the city of around 60 thousand inhabitants, is located in the southern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, some 130 km from the capital – Sarajevo and not too far from the border with Croatia . The name of the city comes from the word “mostari” meaning bridge keepers.

Why visit Mostar

Most of the people visiting Mostar come here to see the famous Old Bridge and that’s the first solid reason why you should consider a trip here. But Mostar is more than just this iconic structure. There are numerous other, interesting monuments in Mostar that I will tell you in detail later on.

Wandering through the colorful bazaar, on the slippery stones makes you feel like the time has stopped here.

After the recent Balkan War in the 1990s Mostar has been unofficially divided between Bosniaks and Croats so discovering the city beyond the old part is like a live history lesson.

Mostar can be also used as a base for some great day trips around – in the close proximity to the town you will find old towns, historical monuments, and some amazing nature.

Mostar is a great introduction to Bosnia and Herzegovina and thanks to its location the city can be easily added to your Balkan itinerary.

A brief history of Mostar

The area of Mostar was inhabited already in Roman times. In medieval times, two banks of the Neretva river were connected by the wooden bridge. The settlement was on the trading route from the Adriatic Sea to the mainland and grew as the Turkish administrative center.

In 1875, after the anti-Turkish uprising, the city became part of the Habsburg Empire and after its collapse, in 1918, it was incorporated into the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. In the times of the Yugoslavia, Mostar developed and became one of the most important cities in the region, but the Old Town remained the same, with its charming vibe.

Since March 1992 Mostar is in the independent Bosnia and Herzegovina however already two months later, in May 1992, the terrible fights of the homeland war have started. Not only many people lost their lives and had to relocate but also numerous monuments have been destroyed, including the iconic Old Bridge.

The war ended in 1995 and even if you still can see a lot of remnants from these tragic times Mostar is a laid-back and safe place to visit.

Mostar travel tips

How much time to spend in mostar.

Most tourists visit Mostar only for a few hours, as a day trip from Dubrovnik , Split or Sarajevo. And you can see a lot in one day in Mostar but also the town can be a bit packed with tourists and you will be rushed in your sightseeing.

I recommend spending at least 2 days in Mostar – you can see the Old Town without the crowds, discover the city beyond as well as explore the area around Mostar – it hides some really great places!

How to get to Mostar

Getting to Mostar is actually rather easy from all the directions.

If you travel from Sarajevo you have frequent buses as well as two trains per day. I recommend taking the train – the views along the way are breathtaking! The bus offers some nice views too but those from the train are much better.

You also have at least one bus connection per day from other cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, such as Bihac , Banja Luka, Tuzla, Travnik , Jajce or Trebinje .

If you travel from Croatia you can easily get to Mostar by bus from Dubrovnik or Split , there are a few connections daily. You can also take the direct bus all the way to Zagreb but this would be a long journey so it’s better to split it somewhere along the way.

There is also a direct bus from Belgrade (Serbia) but it takes 11 hours, fortunately it goes overnight.

Kotor (Montenegro) is fairly close but the buses go around via Podgorica and therefore take way too much time. If you plan to go from Kotor to Mostar (or the other way around) I recommend direct transfer by 360Monte , they are cheaper and faster than the bus.

How to get around Mostar

Most of the Mostar attractions are located within a walking distance from each other and that’s your best way to get around the city. Even to some of the places located a bit further away, such as the Bruce Lee monument, you can get on foot.

If you would like to visit Hum mountain or the abandoned hangar you should go by car. For the day trips around Mostar, it’s best to go by car too or to join the organized tour (like this one ).

Is Mostar expensive?

Even if Mostar is a very touristy place the prices there are affordable (especially if you compare them to nearby Dubrovnik). You can expect to pay €10 or less for the meal in the restaurant, the coffee should be around €2 or less. The accommodation prices depend on the location and the standard but they are very fair too.

In general, Mostar is not an expensive place to visit.

Solo female travel in Mostar

I often travel solo to the Balkans and a few of my trips to Mostar were solo as well. I never had any issues.

I remember when I arrived in Mostar for the first time, in the evening. The city can be a bit dark in the evening and it might feel abandoned but there was not much to worry about and my biggest enemy was my imagination.

If you are a careful observer you might notice some tensions between two parts of the city but as a tourist, it shouldn’t bother you too much. People in Mostar are very friendly and welcoming and I made some good friends with locals there as a solo traveler.

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Things to do in Mostar

Now, that you know all about visiting Mostar it’s time to talk about all the best things to do in Mostar. And there are plenty of them, you won’t be bored for sure!

Walk across the famous Old Bridge

The Old Bridge in Mostar is probably the most famous and most photographed place in Bosnia and Herzegovina and one of the most iconic sites to visit in the Balkans.

Originally it was built in the middle of the 16th century and replaced the older, wooden bridge connecting two parts of the city divided by the Neretva River. Unfortunately, during the Balkan War, on November 9th, 1993 the bridge was destroyed ( you can see the heartbreaking video here ) and what we can see now is the rebuilt version. Stones from the original bridge were used to complete the new structure that was finished in 2004.

In fact, the city Mostar was named after the bridge – “Old Bridge” means “Stari Most” in Bosniak language.

The bridge is only 30 meters long and 4 meters wide but crossing it can be a bit tricky, especially with too many tourists around (which happens often in Mostar). The bridge is rather steep and really slippery so you need to be extra careful when walking. Be sure to have comfortable shoes, flip flops are definitely not recommended!

The Old Bridge in Mostar, together with the surrounding Old Town is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2005.

Climb to the minaret for the best view of Mostar

There are a few excellent viewpoints from where you can admire the Old Bridge in its full glory but the most spectacular one is from the minaret of the nearby Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque.

Getting to the top can be difficult, especially for those who are claustrophobic – the staircase is very narrow. During my visit, there were parts where the light was not working so I had to go up in the complete darkness (fortunately there were no other tourists so we didn’t have to maneuver to pass each other).

But once you are on top of the minaret you forget about the struggle as you are in awe with the view. You can see the 360 degree panorama of Mostar, with the Old Bridge right in front of you. This view is actually worth every effort, you can’t find a better vista anywhere else in the city.

Find other viewpoints to admire the Old Bridge

If you feel like getting to the top of the minaret of Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque is too difficult for you I have good news – there are many other great viewpoints in Mostar.

My two favorite ones are from Lučki most bridge (the next bridge on Neretva river, you can see it from the Old Bridge) and from the riverfront on the left side when facing the bridge. To get to close to the river you need to turn right on the Gojka Vukovića street, near the Konzum store, next to the parking and the ruined houses.

This place is usually less crowded than the bridge and surroundings but offers such a good view of the Old Bridge. I spent hours there, just relaxing and enjoying the place.

You can also have a good view of the Old Bridge from one of the restaurants located near it, many of them offer terraces where you can dine with enjoying the beautiful panorama around.

Find the Crooked Bridge

After seeing the Old Bridge you should find the Crooked Bridge (Kriva ćuprija). It is a bit hidden behind Onešćukova street (main shopping lane leading to the Old Bridge), only a few steps away from its more famous brother.

The Crooked Bridge was built in 1558, eight years before the Old Bridge and it is an identical, smaller version of the iconic Mostar attraction. The tiny bridge over the Radobolja River was created as the prototype of the Old Bridge hence all the similarities.

What you can see now is the rebuilt version of the bridge – the original one was destroyed during the flood in 2001.

While there are usually crowds on the Old Bridge, the Crooked Bridge is blissfully empty and you can easily admire the engineering masterpiece of the old times.

Wander around the bazaar

The Old Bazaar – Kujundžiluk – is the most charming (although a bit kitschy) place you will find in Mostar. It is also one of the oldest parts of the city, dating back to the middle of the 16th century.

The Bazaar with its cobbled, winding lanes used to be the center of Mostar, with over 500 workshops! Today the place is very colorful, bustling with souvenirs sellers and tourists doing their shopping in Mostar.

This is actually the best place for souvenirs shopping in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the prices are really reasonable.

The bazaar might be a bit small, only a few streets on both sides of the Old Bridge but wandering around it surely is a big pleasure and one of the best things to do in Mostar.

Shop for local goodies

If you like to try local produce, especially in the liquid form, you can buy some home-made rakia and other alcoholic fruit drinks in Mostar. They are very good so it’s easy to lose track when trying them all. Just a friendly advice – you want to learn from my mistakes so don’t mix them or you will have a very difficult morning.

Besides alcohol, you can also buy locally made jam and honey. The local produce in the Balkans is very good so you can be sure the things you can buy here will be delicious.

You will find the shops with local goodies in the bazaar area.

Visit Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque

The view from the minaret isn’t the only reason why you should visit Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque. It was built at the beginning of the 17th century and is one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture in Mostar.

The interior of the mosque is bright and colorful and so very beautiful. During the Balkan War, the mosque was badly damaged but it was restored and can please the eye of the visitors again.

Visit other mosques in Mostar

While the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque is the most popular mosque in Mostar, there are a few more Islamic temples that are worth visiting.

Karađoz Bey Mosque from the 16th century is the largest mosque in the region, with the impressive dome. This is still the working mosque so remember to respect all the rules and prayers time when visiting.

Another mosque worth paying attention to is Nezir-agina mosque near the Crocked Bridge.

Visit the War Photo Exhibition

If you are interested in the recent Mostar history I recommend visiting War Photo Exhibition.

It is located in one of the Old Bridge towers (on the opposite side of the river from Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque) and shows photos from the 1990s Balkans War in Mostar. There are around 50 pictures, taken by the New Zealand photographer Wade Goddard, showing how the life in Mostar looked like in this tragic time.

From the tower you can also look at the Ol Bridge from the unique perspective so that’s another bonus from visiting the exhibition.

Visit the Museum of the Old Bridge

In the opposite tower, you can visit the Museum of the Old Bridge. It was opened in 2006, shortly after the bridge was rebuilt, and focuses on the iconic structure, its history and important events. There are also archeological objects that were found at the beginning of the 2000s, during the reconstruction of the bridge.

This is a great place to learn more about the famous Old Bridge and its background.

Visit the Catholic Church and Franciscan Monastery

When you visit Mostar you will notice the high tower of the Catholic Church right away. Originally it was built in 1866 but was destroyed during the war. The rebuilt version included a much higher tower (to emphasize the Croat group and the Christian legacy in the city) and the Franciscan Monastery.

You can take the elevator up to the top of the tower to see Mostar from another perspective.

Visit Muslibegovic House and Biscevic House

To see the beautiful old residential houses from the Ottoman period you should visit Muslibegovic House and Biscevic House. They were built in the 17th century and today both serve as the museum now and can give you an insight into the life in old-times Mostar.

Moreover, you can spend the night in Muslibegovic House which was considered one of the best accommodations in the world a few years ago. Click here for more details about the accommodation in Muslibegovic House.

Find war remnants in Mostar

Mostar was badly hit during the 1990s War, with heavy fights in and around the city. Still today you can see many remnants of these tragic times.

While in Sarajevo the majority of the destroyed buildings is in fine condition now, in Mostar you can find ruins around every corner. In the Old Town, everything looks nice and shiny and only a more observant visitor will spot “Don’t forget ’93” signs.

But if you go a street or two beyond the touristy area you will find destroyed houses and bullet holes on the walls. The symbol of the war in Mostar, besides the Old Bridge, is the so-called “Sniper Tower”. The former bank’s building was used as a shooting position and today only the skeleton of the building is left, reminding everyone of the tragedy of Mostar.

You can read more about Mostar war remnants here.

See the infamous Sniper Tower

This is probably the most haunting building in Mostar, a sad reminder of the war in Mostar, contrasting with the stunning gymnasium that is located on the opposite side of the street.

Before the 1990s War the building served as the bank but when the fights have started snipers used it as their position – after all you could see most of the city from the high building. Today the building is a ruin but the local artists used it as their gallery – you can see lots of murals on the wall surrounding the Sniper Tower as well as inside of the building.

It is forbidden to go inside and the entrance was bricked up but if you are fit enough you can jump over and do some urbex.

Say hello to Bruce Lee

You might not expect that but in Mostar you can meet Brue Lee, or at least his life-sized statue. It was unveiled in November 26th, 2005 and was the first Bruce Lee statue in the world (the famous one from Hong Kong was unveiled only a day later). You can find it in Park Zrinjevac, next to the Sniper Tower in the center of the city.

It is supposed to be a symbol of the solidarity in the ethnically divided city, however the sculpture was often vandalized as locals saw it as a provocation. Still, it is such a quirky place to visit, showing you that Mostar is more than just the famous bridge.

Enjoy the street art scene

One of the most surprising things in Mostar is its amazing street art scene. You will find some amazing murals all over the city, especially on and around the abandoned Sniper’s Tower, near the university and along Alekse Šantića street. There is also the annual street art festival with artists from all over the world creating their works on the walls of Mostar.

I wrote the whole article about street art in Mostar – click here to read it .

Admire the beautiful gymnasium building

Located a bit away from the Old Bridge, the gymnasium is one of the most beautiful buildings you will see in Mostar. It looks almost like a copy of Vijecnica – the Town Hall in Sarajevo.

The gymnasium was established in 1893, as the second school of this kind in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the stunning building was finished in 1902. It was designed in the Moorish Revival Style, as the way to promote Bosnian national identity and today it is considered a national monument.

The gymnasium is still located in the building but you can at least admire how beautiful it is from the outside.

Enjoy the food scene

Bosnian food is really delicious and you can try it in Mostar. Most of the restaurants are located in the Old Town and even if they are in the tourist area the prices are still fair.

Some of the Bosnian dishes you should try include grilled meat, cevapi and pljeskavica (minced meat).

Unfortunately, vegetarians will find it a bit difficult to eat local dishes but restaurants usually have some meat-free options too, often grilled vegetables which are very delicious.

Drink the famous Bosnian coffee

Bosnian coffee is a heaven for all the coffee-lovers. It’s strong, thick and will definitely give you lots of energy when you get tired of Mostar sightseeing. What’s more, it’s served in a traditional set, called džezva – it’s a small pot with a long neck, usually beautifully decorated). The coffee in it tastes even better!

You can try traditional Bosnian coffee in numerous places around the Old Town.

Admire brave divers

Each year in the summer, at the end of July, the famous diving competitions take place in Mostar. Brave men jump from the Old Bridge to the cold Neretva river and this event always brings a lot of people who admire their exceptional skills and courage.

But even without the competitions, you can see local guys hanging out at the bridge, collecting money for the jump – once they have enough (usually it’s around 50€) you can see them jumping in the traditional style. It takes only a few seconds but it sure looks impressive!

Go to the Hum mountain for the stunning view of the area

You most likely will notice the hill with the big cross towering above the city – that’s Hum mountain. The Millennium Cross that appeared on top of the mountain, seen from most parts of Mostar, was a bit controversial among the Muslim community in the city (just like the tower of the Catholic Church).

The best way to get to the mountain is by car but if you decide to walk be sure to follow the road too as the hillsides might be still mined. From the mountain, you can admire the spectacular panorama of Mostar and the surrounding area.

See the real face of the city

Most of the people visit Mostar only to see the Old Bridge and the area around and don’t really go beyond the old town. That’s a big mistake!

It’s worth to go out from the touristic bubble and wander around the random parts of the city. You will see how the real Mostar looks like, with numerous cafes where local hang out and sadly still too many reminders of the difficult times in the 1990s. But to get the full idea of the city it’s worth seeing these parts of Mostar too!

Visit the abandoned aircraft hangar

Fans of urbex and exploring abandoned places will find yet another interesting spot in Mostar. On the outskirts of the city there is an abandoned aircraft hangar.

It is hidden on the hillside and was used to keep fighter jets in the time of the Yugoslavia. Today this is just a huge concrete cave with nothing inside.

Be sure to take comfortable (and covered!) shoes and a flashlight when you decide to visit the place, you will need them.

Walk around the Old Town in the evening

The majority of tourists visiting Mostar come for a day only, often as a day trip from Dubrovnik. In the evening the Old Town is blissfully empty and that’s when you will see and feel the true magic of the place.

If you are lucky and visit off-season, you might even have the whole area to yourself and hear nothing but your own steps on the cobbled streets.

In the evening, when the crowds are gone, Mostar reveals the different face and that’s what makes this town so unique and amazing. You don’t want to miss that!

Go for day trips from Mostar

While Mostar itself is a great place to visit, the city can be also used as a perfect base for some day trips around.

The most popular places you can go to from Mostar are Blagaj (with the Dervish house and spring of river Buna), Pocitelj (a charming little town, glued to the hill above Neretva river, a perfect example of the Ottoman architecture), Kravica Waterfall and Medjugorje (famous for the religious cult). The best way to see all these places at once is to join the tour – click here for details.

However, you can also visit places a bit further away, such as Konjic, Trebinjne or Stolac. You might even go for a day trip to Dubrovnik from Mostar!

Final thoughts on visiting Mostar

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina was my dream destination from the moment I saw the picture of the iconic bridge. It was years ago, I had no idea about the history, background and importance of the city but this single view was enough for me that I’ve wanted to visit Mostar really badly.

The city didn’t disappoint, I fell for it hard from the moment I saw the Old Bridge and enjoyed it more and more with every minute. Today it is still one of my favorite places to visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the Balkans and each time I see the Old Bridge my jaw drops a bit. This view never gets boring.

I’m sure that you will enjoy Mostar as much as I did. It is a truly unique and amazing destination that you can’t miss during your trip to the Balkans!

Further reading

I’m a frequent visitor in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Balkans and I covered this region extensively on this blog. You can find those articles interesting and useful when planning your trip to the Balkans:

• Your ultimate Balkan travel guide
• 17 best places to visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Best things to do in Sarajevo
• Where to stay in Sarajevo – best Sarajevo accommodation
• 23 Amazing Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
• and many more!

For my Polish readers, I highly recommend checking my friend Paweł’s blog who also wrote a lot about Mostar (and took a few pictures that you could see in this article).

Travel Resources

Below you can find the brands I trust and use when planning trips:

• You can find the best accommodation options at Booking . They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina
• I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Viator or Get Your Guide .
• To always stay connected I use Airalo eSim cards – click here to get yours!
• For transportation and booking tickets online , I usually use 12Go or Omio
• Looking for the airport pickup ? Check Welcome Pickups!
• Never travel without travel insurance , you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for Bosnia and Herzegovina here.
• If you plan to rent a car during your trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina check Discover Cars to compare prices and find the best deals
• Make sure to have the offline map always installed on your phone, they can save you so many troubles. I always use the free app Maps.Me .

For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

• Sign up to my newsletter or follow me on Bloglovin to get updates about the new posts
• Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
• I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Mostar too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. Thank you!

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12 Comments

Hi Kami I loved reading about Mostar – a place I really want to visit. Like you, the bridge and the fairytale buildings just seem to want to lure me there. I have pinned for future reference. I was not expecting to see the Bruce Lee statue in Mostar! I have seen the one in Hong Kong so guess I need to see the one here as well.

Thank you, Angela! I love Mostar but there is so much more to see there than just the bridge. I hope you will go there one day and discover all these great places yourself! :)

How good is Mostar! We absolutely loved hiring a car from Dubrovnik and spending a few days in this region! My daughter was 5 at the time, she loved watching the diver off the bridge and skimming rocks into the river. We adults of course enjoyed the food and coffee! Your post definitely covers all the important places to see in Mostar! Our family has such fond memories here!

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed Mostar too. This is such a unique city!

Hi! Thanks so much for posting this. I am about to plan a trip to Bosnia, and I am not sure whether it’s a good idea to rent a car from Sarajevo to Mostar if train riding is so praised:) can I easily access Kravica waterfall, Tekija Blagaj and Pocitelj from Mostar by bus?

You can easily get by train or bus from Sarajevo to Mostar but then the places near Mostar are available by car mostly (only Blagaj can be reached by bus). But you can go on a tour or find a driver for a reasonable price that would take you there (that’s what I did).

Benjamin Ibragic

Great info! Thanks a lot!!!!

Glad you found it useful!

With an agency, we did a bus daytrip tour from Osijek to Mostar and Blagaj. It was long and exhausting trip. 18 hours in bus, and only hour and half in Blagaj and 3 hours in Mostar. I am definitely not a fan of that kind of trip, but sometimes I go with agency because I don’t have to worry about driving. Blagaj was our first stop. It was nice to see spring of Buna river and have a coffee in a nearby restaurant. After that, we visited Mostar. We walked only around old city and admired old bridge. Čevapčići in restaurant was delicious. I would like to come back and explore more of the Mostar, beyond old city. Staying overnight sound as a good idea. Happy travels!

Many people visit Mostar only on short day trips but this place and it’s surroundings definitely deserve more time as there is so much to see and do, and the atmosphere is so great. Hopefully you will be able to return there one day and enjoy it some more!

Hello Kami,

your information about Mostar is so comprehensive. I am so excited to go there as it is happening at the end of August but I joined a tour so I cannot expect longer time to see all. I am so disappointed even before going since that will not be as joyous as you mentioned. I will do my best most out them. thank you for the info.

I’m sure you will enjoy Mostar anyway. This is such a wonderful city, so beautiful and full of history. Have a wonderful trip there!

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Everything you Need to Know about Wonderful Mostar

Welcome to Mostar! A beautiful and history-rich city located in the south of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the canyon of the Neretva River.

With this post, we will show you how to explore a city that is divided and connected by the same river. Two coasts, two different cultures, two nations, two religions, all in the same city, still partly in ruins from the Bosnian war.

Did you know that the “ National Geographic ” magazine listed Mostar as one of the top destinations to visit in 2020? So this is what I’m here for… to persuade you – with very good reasons – to visit Mostar! 

Can’t read now? Pin for Later!

Where to Stay in Mostar

We have written a very convenient guide to the best accommodation in Mostar , that includes all of our most favorite hotels in the city. However, if you’re in a rush and have no time to check the accommodation guide, these are some fast suggestions that can come in very handy!

Budget:  If you want a gorgeous place to take your Instagram coffee photos while on a super-budget, you can’t do much better than the lovely riverside table on some of the balconies at  Villa Park .  Check availability and rates here.

Mid-range:  If you want to be in the heart of the Old Town with gorgeous views of the bridge never far from your camera’s reach (especially great if you want to roll out of bed for some sunrise Instagrams!), don’t miss staying in the beautiful  Kriva Cuprija .  Check availability and rates here.

Luxury:  For style seekers,  City Hotel  is the place to go if you want modern, sleek décor not far from the center of Mostar. It’s a bit outside the city center, about 1 kilometer, so keep that in mind when booking.  Check availability and rates here.

Everything you Need to Know about Mostar

Mostar is situated on the margin of the Neretva River and is the fifth-largest city in the country. The city received its name after the bridge keepers (known as mostari) who during the Middle Ages were in charge of guarding the Stari Most, or Old Bridge over the Neretva.

This iconic bridge dates to the 16th century and was built by the Ottomans. It is one of the country’s most visited spots, attracting visitors all year round as it is an exemplary piece of Islamic architecture in the whole Balkan region.

The city, which is divided into two distinctive areas, has a west side mostly inhabited by Croats who profess the Roman Catholic religion, while the eastern side is inhabited by Bosnians, most of whom are Muslims.

The city has 65 000 residents and 22 000 students attending two state universities and a couple of private ones, along with United World College Mostar, the first UWC in the Balkans. 

How to Visit Mostar? 

Mostar has a small and quite limited airport, mostly handling charter flights and some, but not really many, international flights as well. 

You can also plan to travel to Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is only 129 Kilometres away by car. Dubrovnik (Croatia) is 131 Kilometres away and Split (Croatia) is just 169 Kilometres away.

The whole Balkan region is greatly connected with buses and taxi rides. A train ride from the south to the north of Bosnia and Herzegovina is guaranteed to be one of the best travel experiences in your life!

When to Travel to Mostar 

Any time of the year is a great time to visit Mostar. If you are a summer type, Mostar has a mild Mediterranean climate with hot summers and cold winters. The temperatures in Mostar go up to 45 degrees Celsius, so always bring a refillable bottle of water with you.

You can always seek your refreshment by swimming in Neretva, Buna, or in one of the many smaller rivers nearby. And the Adriatic sea is just a couple of hours away.

If you like a touch of winter, Mostar is surrounded by two mountains, Prenj and Velež, with winter houses, lots of snow, and almost untouched wildlife. The winters in Mostar, however, are famous for the “ bura ”, a strong and extremely cold Northern wind.

Why Should You Visit Mostar

Where to start? There are countless reasons to visit Mostar. Unique historical sites, stunning nature, cohabitation of various religions and nations… I will name you the most convincing ones.

Check These Things to Do in Mostar

In no particular order, these are some of the things you should see and do in Mostar…

The Old Bridge

The name “Mostar” literary means “bridge keeper”. And the Old Bridge is worth keeping for, trust me.

The pearl of the Neretva river and the trademark of the city was made from a local stone called tenelija . The construction started in 1557. by the order of Suleiman, the Magnificent, and was finished in 1566-1557.

Mimar Hayruddin undertook the honor and responsibility to build it and would have been immediately charged with the death penalty had he failed. Hayruddin started a task that seemed so impossible that he prepared for his own funeral. But the result was astonishing. Hump-backed, 4 meters wide, 30 meters long, and 24 meters high, the bridge is secured with two fortified towers.

Halebija tower on the north-east and Tara tower on the south-west became “the bridge keepers”. When finished, it was the widest man-made arch in the world, at that time.

The Old Bridge was destroyed in 1993. during the War in Bosnia and Herzegovina. After the war, the World Bank, UNESCO, and many others formed a coalition to restore the Old Bridge to its former glory. The Bridge was restored between 2001 and 2004, and it became part of the UNESCO world heritage, as well as the old town located near the bridge. 

Diving from the Old Bridge is a tradition and a test of manhood. Every year, at the end of July, young men from the city gather to test their strength, courage, and skills by jumping to the cold clinch of Neretva. The bridge is high, the Neretva is cold and quick, so it requires experience and bravery to conquer it. Since 2015, the Old Bridge has been part of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series Tour.

The Old Bazaar – Kujundžiluk

When you cross the Old Bridge, you will feel like you have traveled back in time. The cobblestone streets of the town’s oldest quarter, “Kujundžiluk” dating back to the middle of the 16th century, hide a maze of small artisan craft shops, tiny galleries, and souvenir stalls.

In past times, this area was the pulsing heart of the business world in the whole of the region, with more than 500 workshops during the years of the Ottoman era. Together with the Old Bridge, the Old Bazaar adds a touch of nostalgia to the place, which mixes with the crowds of tourist groups in a provoking contrast.

In local slang, “Kujundžiluk” is a term for a place where all languages are understood – and Mostar’s Old Bazaar is one such place. Stop by and have a taste of strong Turkish coffee and sweeten it with baklava or Turkish delight, maybe.

Rujište is a nature park, located on the Prenj mountain. It has an altitude of 1703 meters and is just 18 kilometers from the center of Mostar. The untouched nature and the fresh, clean air scented with endemic aromatic herbs and trees, are the reasons to visit this oasis of peace.

In the summer, the usual temperature is 11 degrees lower than in Mostar, so locals and tourists seeking refreshment come here to hike, ride bicycles, and climb the mountains, or just to relax and enjoy the day. I

n the winter, Rujište becomes an ice kingdom. The layers of untouched snow attract skiers and snowboarders from every corner. The residents in this small weekend settlement enjoy the winter magic with their families.

To combat the cold temperatures, small motels offer homemade strong liquors, wine, and traditional homemade meals. Every January, locals, and teams all around the Balkans gather to compete in “ grahijada ”, a traditional bean cooking contest. Truly an undiscovered gem, this magnetic place is just a half-hour ride from Mostar. 

Blagaj – Tekija

Blagaj is a small settlement, located 12.5 kilometers southeast of Mostar. Its name means “mild place” and it was named after its mild microclimate. Blagaj was built in the spring of the Buna river, the biggest karts spring in Europe, and it has a priceless historical value.

Tekija is a term for a Dervish monastery by the river built around 1520. Ottoman and Mediterranean architecture styles intertwine in this beautiful national monument, built for Dervish cults, and now a place of religious tourism.

On the hill above is Blagaj fort, the former seat of the Grand Duke of Bosnia, Stjepan Vukčić, and the birthplace of Bosnian queen, Katarina Kosača – Kotromanić.

The river Buna held seven watermills and four stone bridges at that time. An Orthodox Church was built in 1893, and a Roman Catholic Church in 1908, embracing multiculturalism.

Blagaj has 11 Cultural Heritage monuments and it is best to visit in spring or summer when you can enjoy a tasty meal in one of the many restaurants located on the sides of the Buna river. We recommend fresh fish, caught from the river, homegrown fruits and vegetables, and a traditional fig cake as a dessert.

Partisan Memorial Cemetery

The Partisan Memorial Cemetery is located on the west part of Mostar. It was built in 1965 as a monument to honor the fallen antifascists and partisans as well as the freedom fighters who gave their life defending Yugoslavia against the Nazis in World War 2.

World-famous architect Bogdan Bogdanović designed this beautiful park memorial on 5000 square meters and 6 terraces. In 1965, 20 years after the end of World War 2, the park was opened by Josip Broz Tito in a great ceremony. During the Bosnian war, the cemetery was badly damaged and never fully restored to its former glory.

In 2005. it was reconstructed and reopened and in 2006, it was proclaimed a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sadly enough, since then, the cemetery is in utter decay because of the negligence of the local and state authorities. However, it still is a great experience to visit it, just to admire this beautiful example of colossal socialistic architecture.

Festivals you Should Attend in Mostar

Festivals are a time when the people of this city forget all the disagreements or differences from the past and just enjoy the present. They are a perfect opportunity to get to know the legendary hospitality of Mostar. Let’s name some of the most interesting ones that you can attend: 

Winterville Fest

It takes place every December, and during this festival, the center of the Mostar becomes a fairy-tale village. The ice rink is set in Zrinjevac, the biggest city park.

And around the rink, lots of small, portable wooden houses sell mulled wine, sausages, Christmas cookies, and almost everything you desire. On New Year’s Eve, there is a big concert with fireworks and good vibes to greet the arrival of the new year.

Mostar Blues and Rock Festival

This fest started back in 2003, the official “Year of the Blues”. The initial enthusiasm of a few music-lovers began to grow and turned this festival into a respectable manifestation putting Mostar on the map of famous European Festival Cities.

Lots of great musicians perform on the small Mostar stage: Dr. Feelgood, Deborah Coleman, Tito & Tarantula, Sugar Blue, and many, many others.

Mostar Summer Fest

Although young at heart, this fest already outgrew the borders of Bosnia and Herzegovina and gathers the biggest regional musicians. Since 2012, the middle of the summer is marked by three days of urban music genres.

Rock, pop, hip-hop, rap, reggae, funk, you name it …we got it! The fun part is that the festival takes place in the industrial region of Mostar, precisely in the place of the former Yugoslavian combat aircraft factory (SOKO). See you there on June 25-27th. 

Red Bull Cliff Diving Tour

What to say? The eyes of the whole world watch the world’s greatest cliff divers as they jump from the Old Bridge in September.

One championship that includes 8 beautiful locations: Indonesia, France, USA, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Australia, and Mostar. An authentic acknowledgment of the beauty of the Old Bridge.

How Much is Mostar Gonna Cost?

Not as much as you expect. Bosnia and Herzegovina is not yet part of the European Union and the prices are more than acceptable for tourists. Just remember – the prices are a bit higher on tourist hotspots. So check this info so you don’t overpay anything or get scammed. 

The currency used in Bosnia and Herzegovina is called “konvertibilna marka” (BAM) or (KM). 1 KM is worth about €0.50. Average prices are more or less as follows:

Espresso: 1.00 – 2.00 KM

A pint of draft beer: 3.00 – 6.00  KM

Soda or juice: 2.00 – 4.00 KM

Pack of cigarettes: 5.00 – 7.00 KM

Medium-sized pizza: 9.00 – 12.00 KM

Beefsteak: 25.00 – 30.00 KM

Taxi ride: 1 KM per kilometer 

Overnight stay: 20+ KM (this is variable, private accommodation is quite cheap while a 5-star hotel is not!)

What if I Get Bored in Mostar?

There is zero chance for that to happen. The city is full of life, every minute of every day, every time of the year. But, if you have spare time and an adventurous spirit, there are places nearby Mostar well worthy of a visit: 

28 Kilometres from Mostar. A small village and a popular site of Catholic pilgrimage due to an (alleged) series of apparitions of the Virgin Mary to local children that last since 1981. Authorized by the Vatican from 2019. 

Yearly visited by about a million tourists. If you don’t feel like traveling to Medugorje on your own, then we suggest you join this gastronomic day tour to the area.

Počitelj  

29 Kilometres from Mostar. A historic village from the 14th century and an open-air museum. Back in 1996, Worlds Monument Watch named it one of the world’s most endangered cultural sites.

Visit the “Kula”, a military silo-shaped fort built on the top of the hill to overlook the settlement, and the “Sahat Kula”, a bell tower located close to the river. If you’re staying in neighboring Dubrovnik, we suggest you visit Mostar and Počitelj with this tour .

Stolac  40 Kilometres from Mostar. Visit the site of the city of Daorson, a more than 2300 years old Illyrian settlement. Then proceed to Radimlja, a large “stećak” tombstone necropolis from the 15th century.

The whole area is dominated by a magnificent 15th century Ottoman fort.

A visit to Mostar offers a great opportunity to learn about and enjoy the local hospitality. There is more to Mostar than meets the eye, more than just past times. The scars from the last war still hurt a bit, but we are walking together to a brighter future. 

What to Bring with You to Mostar

If you’re planning a trip to Bosnia & Herzegovina, you’ll want to pack all the normal essentials, but here are a few things we strongly recommend bringing that may not have crossed your mind. For more inspiration to plan your trip, check out our 10 most instagrammable spots in Mostar . In the meantime, pack these:

–  A physical guidebook, in paper or on Kindle . We recommend the  Lonely Planet Western Balkans which includes Bosnia & Herzegovina but also Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Serbia. Blogs are great, but a combination of a blog and a guidebook is key to having the best access to information easily at your fingertips.

–  A water bottle with a filter . While generally, the tap water in touristy cities is drinkable, we generally recommend using a water bottle with a purifying filter to reduce your plastic consumption and ensure you won’t drink any funny-tasting water on your stomach that could make your trip unpleasant! We recommend the GRAYL water bottle  – it filters water perfectly in an instant so that you can even drink from lakes, bad taps, etc.

–  Motion sickness pills . Bus rides can be hot and cause motion sickness! If you have a weak stomach as we do, save yourself and bring some non-drowsy motion sickness pills .

–  Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, TP & other Balkan transit needs.  Bathrooms in the Balkans on trains and buses tend to be… how can we say it?… not so well-stocked. Save yourself the disappointment and bring a mini-rescue pack of  wet wipes  &  hand sanitizer .

–  Travel safety items . We think Bosnia & Herzegovina is very safe to travel to, but at the same time, it never hurts to be prepared! Some people like to carry money belts , but neither Allison nor I use these.

Instead, we both carry the same  PacSafe anti-theft backpack . It has locking zippers, slash-proof construction with metal mesh hidden in the fabric, and tons of other smart security features — all while being cute and stylish enough to be our everyday bag. We recommend it highly for both male and female travelers, as it’s neutral enough to be unisex. We also strongly recommend travel insurance! Our recommendation is at the bottom of the post.

More Bosnia Travel Resources

If you’re planning a trip to Bosnia, we have a ton of resources with you! First of all, check out our guide to the  most beautiful places in Bosnia  so you can start planning your itinerary.

Since you’re definitely visiting Mostar, be sure to also check out the  best Instagram spots here .

If you’re planning to visit Sarajevo also, we have even more for you. We have a guide on all the  best things to do in Sarajevo , the  best Sarajevo tours , a guide on  where to stay in Sarajevo , and finally  a Sarajevo Instagram guide .

We’re creating new content on our site almost daily, so bookmark our  Bosnia & Herzegovina page  or our  Balkans page  to see what’s new!

Finally, Don’t Go to Bosnia without Travel Insurance!

Make sure you always travel with a valid  travel insurance  policy. While Bosnia & Herzegovina is safe, accidents can happen anywhere. If you experience an accident or theft, travel insurance will help you recover your costs and enjoy the rest of your trip. 

For travel insurance, I use  World Nomads .  I’ve been a happy customer of theirs for almost three years, and I’ve never had an issue when making a claim. I’m happy to refer them to anyone I meet.

Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here.

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26 Unmissable Things to Do in Mostar (incl. day trips!)

Dear reader: This article contains links to products and services that I may be compensated for, at no extra cost to you.

Mostar, nicknamed the “City of Sunshine” for its high frequency of sunny days, is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina , and an essential stop on any Balkans road trip .

Mostar has a rich history characterized by the peaceful coexistence of three peoples: Muslim Bosniaks, Orthodox Serbs, and Catholic Croats. The city is most well-known for its iconic UNESCO-designated Old Bridge, or Stari Most, from which local divers plunge into the icy Neretva river below. The bridge lends the city its name, Mostar, or “Bridge Keeper,” and many of the top things to do in Mostar center on Stari Most.

After the breakup of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, Mostar was dragged into the brutal Croat-Bosniak war, claiming the lives of 2000 Mostar residents and leaving much of the Old City, including Stari Most, in ruins.

While scars are visible everywhere today and some tensions remain, the Old City has undergone extensive reparations, and an international effort saw the rebuilding of Stari Most, which officially reopened on 23 July 2004.

To learn more about how the city was affected by the Bosnian War, join this Mostar War tour led by a guide who personally endured the siege of Mostar.

Prior to COVID-19, Bosnia and Herzegovina was undergoing one of the fastest tourism growth rates in the world , and Mostar in particular was seeing an influx of daytrippers and overnight visitors from Croatia, with the extremely popular destinations of Dubrovnik and Split only a few hours away. Those who make the trip quickly realize that it is one of the most underrated places to visit in Europe .

Mostar has a lot going for it, from its charming Old City and unbeatable bridge views to its ancient mosques and eclectic mix of people. It is more budget-friendly than neighboring Croatia, and offers visitors a taste of southeastern European Muslim culture and the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the worst tragedy in the Europe since WWII. Last but not least, the region’s cuisine and locally produced wine & beer is nothing short of exceptional.

Like so many others, we visited Mostar as a side trip on our Croatia family trip . After stops in Istanbul , Italy , Kotor , Perast , and Dubrovnik , we rented a car on RentalCars.com and drove from Dubrovnik to Mostar, after that continuing to our trip across Croatia then on to Austria with our kids .

Mostar and the other places we saw outside of the city in Bosnia and Herzegovina proved to be one of our favorite parts of our trip. We made good use of our time there and saw a lot, the best of which I have summarized in this detailed list of what to do in Mostar, plus five more ideas for day trips or things you could visit while traveling to or from Croatia.

Table of Contents

Mostar Essentials

– It’s possible to visit Mostar on one of these highly-rated day trips from Dubrovnik or from Split , including a stop at Kravice Waterfall, or this option from the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo .

– However, if you want to see more of Mostar’s attractions on this list, or do any of the Mostar day trips I recommend at the end, then you should consider staying for a night or two and, if possible, renting a car .

– Mostar is also included on this 3-day best of Bosnia tour .

– When searching for a place to stay in Mostar, you’ll want to be right in the Old City, where almost all of the interesting attractions are located. We stayed at budget-friendly Apartments Old Bridge ( see on Booking / Agoda / TripAdvisor ), which was only a 2-minute walk from Stari Most.

– For more choices, find the best deals on accommodation in Mostar here .

The Best Things to Do in Mostar

The following are the top Mostar attractions and other things to do. Quick movers can cover most if not all of them in one full day, but if you want to do any of the day trips at the end, I’d definitely recommend adding at least one more day.

Stari Most (Old Bridge)

Stari Most is the focal point of Mostar’s Old Town, and it tops the list of things to see in Mostar. The bridge is a gorgeous example of Balkan Islamic architecture, and one of the country’s most iconic sights.

The bridge was commissioned by the Ottoman ruler Suleiman the Magnificent in 1557, when Mostar was a frontier town of the empire. It replaced an earlier wooden suspension bridge which swayed so much that people were scared to cross it.

In 1566, the 30-meter-long, 4-meter-wide, 24-meter tall hump-backed stone bridge was completed, using a mortar that some believe consisted of egg whites. So important was the bridge in the city’s development that the name Mostar means “bridge keeper.”

On November 9, 1993, the bridge was almost entirely destroyed by Croat forces in the Croat-Bosniak War. In a project funded by a number of organizations, including UNESO and the World Bank, the bridge was fully restored to its former glory, official reopening on July 23, 2004. The bridge and the area around it acquired UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2005 . It is one of three UNESCO sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina , another of which is also a bridge.

Today the bridge connects two distinct areas of the city: the Catholic Croat side west of the Neretva River, and the Muslim Bosniak side to the east. Simply walking across the bridge is an experience in and of itself. The views on either side are stunning. The bridge’s surface is noticeably smooth and slippery, with ridges designed to stop your foot from slipping at each step.

View the Bridge from Afar

There are numerous places from which you can admire the bridge from completely different angles. North of the bridge, the best places to see Stari Most include the restaurant patios on either side of the river, the Old Bazaar (see below) on the eastern side, and Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque (see below), especially from its minaret.

South of the bridge, the best views of Stari Most are from riverbank and steps right below it on the western side, and from Lučki most, the next bridge to the south. To look right down on the bridge from above, try the Stari Most Museum (see below).

Read more about the best spots to photograph Stari Most here .

To learn more about the bridge and the ancient streets around it, go on a private walking tour with a local guide .

Stari Most Bridge Divers

A big part of the Stari Most experience today is watching members of the local diving club plunge from the side of it to the freezing river 24 meters below. Jumping from the bridge is a local rite of passage that goes back 500 years, and there is an annual diving competition.

It’s impossible to miss the bridge divers; the handsome young men are usually straddling the side of the bridge in tiny bathing suits, shouting for donations for their next jump.

Before jumping, they’ll make a lot of noise for attention. After, their partners will collect more donations from onlookers both on the bridge and at the riverbank below.

If you want to jump from the bridge, it can be done. Just approach one of the guys (or their office on the west end of the bridge). You’ll need to pay a fee of 25 euros, and do a smaller jump to prove you have the guts to do it. If you’re not quite brave enough to dive off the bridge, you could at least consider ziplining by Mostar Bridge instead!

Read more about the Mostar bridge divers here .

Old Bridge Museum (Muzej Stari Most)

It’s easy to miss it with all the tourist souvenir stalls set up around it, but the entrance to the Stari Most Museum is at the eastern end of the bridge.

The museum consists of three sections. Section A occupies the six-story tower at the end of the bridge. There are a few displays inside, but mainly the point of going up is to get a bird’s-eye view of Stari Most.

For section B, head out the exit and follow the signs left, which lead to an underground archaeological excavation area that few visiting tourists even realize is there. Section C, the “labyrinth” section, leads through a corridor with displays and images detailing the history, destruction, and restoration of the bridge.

Finally, you may be a little surprised when you exit onto a section of the Old Town Bazaar a ways north up the road. Entrance to the museum is 5€/10KM/40kuna and it is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and till 8 p.m. on weekdays.

Mostar Old Bazaar (Bazar Kujundžiluk)

Bazar Kujundžiluk is an Ottoman-era market on either side of Stari Most that today consists of tourist-oriented shops & restaurants. The cobblestone streets and ancient edifices are picturesque but jam-packed with visitors in the high season.  Souvenirs range from textiles and the usual tourist trinkets to some beautiful lanterns, traditional teaware, and ceramics.

The pedestrian market street stretches west from the western side of the bridge on Onešćukova street, with a more relaxed lane (Jusovina) containing several great restaurants branching off to the south and leading to the Crooked Bridge (see below).

On the eastern side of the bridge, the market street veers north after the bridge and follows the river up past Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque. The northern section contains multiple artisan shops, in particular bronze working, and becomes less touristy as you continue north.

Most of the restaurants where you’ll probably eat are found on these streets, as well as multiple enticing gelato stalls (we found the ice cream wasn’t as good as what we had in Croatia and Italy, although it was much cheaper).

Halebija Tower

The tower on the western side of Stari Most is a beautiful landmark. When we visited, it housed a war photo museum (see photo above) which no longer seems to be there.

The tower now seems to house a small Bosnian coffee house and a few souvenir shops. When open, the second floor offers a unique view looking down on the bridge.

Koski-Mehmed Pasha Mosque

A few minutes’ walk north of Stari Most on the Muslim (east) side of the river, Koski-Mehmed Pasha Mosque (Koski Mehmed-Pašina Džamija) is the most popular mosque in the Old City. This comes as no surprise, as the mosque offers fantastic views of the bridge, not to mention that the mosque looks spectacular when viewed from the bridge.

The mosque is exemplary of Ottoman mosque architecture in Bosnia and Herzegovina and dates to 1618. Today it is totally given over to tourism and is not a functioning mosque.

You can enter the courtyard in front of the mosque to have a look at the exterior, but to enter it or access the Stari Most viewing areas at the side, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee of 3€/6KM/24kuna.

To access the minaret as well the mosque, which involves squeezing past other tourists as you ascend a narrow, spiraling staircase to the top, you’ll need to pay double the above fee. It’s worth it for the view, but take note of where the sun is before you bother; if you’re shooting into the sun, your Stari Most pictures won’t turn out well.

The mosque is open daily 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (summer) and 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (October to March).

Karađoz Beg Mosque

Five minutes’ walk north of Koskin-Mehmed Pasha’s mosque, there is another mosque worth visiting: Karađoz Beg Mosque (Karađozbegova džamija).

Unlike the latter, Karađoz Beg is a working mosque, which means that you won’t be able to enter when prayers are taking place. Karađoz Beg Mosque dates to 1557 and is one of the largest mosques in Bosnia and Herzegovina (it’s still quite small compared to mosques in other parts of the world though).

The mosque also charges an entrance fee (2.5€/5KM/20kuna, double if you want to climb the minaret as well). The minaret offers stunning views in all directions, but you can’t see much of Stari Most from this one.

When I visited on my own, I only paid to enter the mosque (not the minaret), but the kind attendant let me go up to the minaret without paying when nobody was looking.

As I was leaving, I also met a welcoming, 26-year-old imam (Muslim priest) from the mosque. We chatted for a while, and he gave me an armful of fresh oranges to take with me when I left. This is the kind of hospitality I’ve grown accustomed to when traveling in Muslim countries!

Museum Of War And Genocide Victims

If you visit just one museum Mostar, this should be the one. The museum covers the history and atrocities of the Bosnia War of 1992-1995 , which was part of the break up of Yugoslavia.

With over 600 concentration camps, 200,000 casualties, and many more raped, injured, or missing, this war was the worst in Europe’s history since WWII.

The museum is run by victims of the war. It includes detailed exhibits on the history and causes of the conflict, many personal stories and relics from the atrocities, and video footage of the destruction of Stari Most. Some displays are graphic and may not be suitable for young children.

The museum’s entrance is right across from Karađoz Bey Mosque. Entrance is 5€/10KM/40kuna, with a discount for students, and it is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. You can also buy your tickets online here .

A few other small museums on the way to the Museum of War and Genocide Victims include Herzegovina Museum (Muzej Hercegovine) and BosnaSeum .

Biscevic House and Muslibegovic House

If you are interested in Mostar’s Ottoman history, it’s worth popping in to one of its beautiful Turkish homes for a look.

Biscevic House (Bišćevića kuća) is only a one-minute walk from Karađoz Bey Mosque and the Genocide Museum. The house dates to 1635, and while there isn’t much to see inside besides a few objects on display, the gorgeous living room on the second floor overlooks the Neretva river, and sitting it is like stepping back in history.

A few minutes away on foot, Muslibegovic House (Muslibegovića kuća) is another finely preserved example. Today it houses a small museum (essentially just a few rooms of the house that you can look at), and has been converted into this hotel .

Both houses have an entry fee of a couple euros. Although I wouldn’t consider these homes “unmissable” Mostar attractions, as the title of my article suggests, I include them for those who are interested in better understanding the history and Turkish influences in Mostar.

Abandoned Buildings and Sniper Tower

It’s not difficult in Mostar to find ruins of the war. There are reminders everywhere, from bullet holes in walls to abandoned buildings.

One such building that has became a miniature attraction is the “Sniper Building” ( find it here on GoogleMaps). The building really was used by snipers during the siege of Mostar. Today you can find your way in and look down on Mostar as a sniper would have. There’s also cool street art in the building.

Crooked Bridge (Kriva ćuprija)

Crooked Bridge is the miniature version of Stari Most, built eight years before it to test out the design. It was rebuilt in 2001 and being destroyed by flooding.

The bridge spans the Radobolja River (barely a creek when we visited), which flows into the Neretva near Stari Most. It’s a few steps south of the Old Bazaar on the western side of Stari Most, and connects to Jusovina, a walking street with several laid-back restaurants.

The bridge and its surroundings are quite pretty, and since it’s only a minute away from the Old Bazaar, it’s an obvious add-on to your stroll through the Old Bazaar. Also try walking through the area after sunset, when the small valley and its restaurants take on more romantic atmosphere.

Restaurants with an Old Bridge View

After a day that mostly focuses on Stari Most bridge and the sights around it, why not finish with a meal and drink overlooking the bridge? There are several restaurant patios on either side of the river offering fantastic views of the bridge.

The restaurants are all on the north side of the bridge (unfortunately, not the side the divers jump from), with a larger collection on the west of the river. Terrace Lagero Restaurant is the one that is recommended in most articles about Mostar, so we purposely tried a different one, Bella Vista , which is right beside it.

The food was decent although nothing so special, but we felt the patio there had an even better view than the one at Lagero. Although it seems to now be closed, there are at least a couple restaurants in a row here, so take you pick!

Across the river on the eastern side, the highly visible terrace at Teresa bar and restaurant definitely has the most elevated view; you can find the entrance on Maršala Tita road, right in front of the apartment where we stayed actually.

It’s worth noting, as well, that some of the best restaurants in Mostar actually don’t have a river/Stari Most view. Tima-Irma is the best rated restaurant in town. It is known for its huge portions at reasonable prices, and is only a one-minute walk west of the bridge in the Old Bazaar.

We loved our meal at Hindi Han in a quiet spot near the Crooked Bridge, where I enjoyed trout and my wife enjoyed an enormous platter or various grilled meats. Our kids’ favorite part was the army of cats that showed up during our meal, reminding us of the huge number of cats we saw on our family trips to Kotor in Montenegro , Oman , and Turkey .

Best Coffee in Mostar at Café de Alma

You can find traditional Bosnian coffee at most restaurants in the Old Bazaar area, but what sets Cafe de Alma apart is that it is they only café where the beans are freshly roasted and ground in house, and the fact that the barista will come out and show you how the coffee is prepared and explain what the subtle differences between Turkish and Bosnian coffee are.

What’s more, Café de Alma is located right off the Old Bazaar on the west side of the river, but it’s tucked away in a small, quiet lane behind the Tabačica Mosque (Hadži-Kurtova Džamija), providing the perfect little retreat from the busyness of the main street.

Besides the excellent coffee (Bosnian-style only!), they serve pomegranate, elderflower, and rose juice. The café is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on Mondays.

Turkish Hammam

Unfortunately you can’t actually take a bath at the Turkish Hammam (“Hamam Museum” or Cejvan Ćehajin Hamam), which is a few steps away from Café de Alma. But history buffs can take note that this 16th century Ottoman bath is one of the few remaining examples in the whole country.

The bathhouse now houses a very small museum of Turkish bathhouse culture and a gift shop. Unfortunately, when I last updated this article, the museum seems to be closed, but stay tuned!

Mostar Peace Bell Tower, Franciscan Monastery

If you have any doubts about which side of the Neretva river is the Christian one, the 107.2-meter bell tower, or Mostar Peace Bell Tower (Mostarski Zvonik Mira) at the huge Franciscan Monastery should help.

The Bell Tower is the tallest structure in the city, and visitors can ascend it for a 360-degree panoramic view. To reach the 75-meter observation floor, you can take an elevator up 45 meters (3€/6KM/24kuna), then walk up the remaining 30 meters.

The monastery is only five minutes’ walk past the western entrance of the Old Bazaar. It is usually open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Bruce Lee Monument

Why is their a Bruce Lee statue in Mostar? I’m afraid I don’t have an answer for you, but it’s there! The statue can be found in Park Zrinjevac, which locals call “Big Park”, located about 10 minutes’ walk north of the Peace Bell Tower. It is labelled “Bruce Lee Bronze Monument” on GoogleMaps.

If you make the walk up there, also visit Spanish Square (Španjolski trg) beside the park, which has some historic and abandoned buildings and monuments to the deceased.

Bosnian Craft Beer

To find out what’s going on in the local craft beer scene, enjoy a few pints at Craft Beer Garden Imaimože , a few steps from the western entrance to the Old Bazaar. They also offer wine, rakija, snacks, board games, and great vibes.

North of the tourist area, there’s also a good selection of craft beers at Pub Beer ti&ja .

Best Day Trips from Mostar

Blagaj tekija.

The ancient Dervish monastery (tekija) of Blagaj , a village 20 minute’s drive southeast of Mostar, is one Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most impressive sights.

The monastery dates to 1520 and sits beside a high-volume, blue-water karstic spring on the Buna river, at the base of a mighty cliff. The monastery itself contains several prayer rooms with Persian carpets, creaking wooden floors, and even a little domed hammam (bath).

The picture-postcard view of the monastery is from across the Buna river, where in summer boats will also take visitors into the cave from which the spring flows. Romantic restaurant patios line either side of the river, with side canals flowing right through them.

The Blagaj Tekija entrance fee is 2.5€ (under 12 free).

If this site is of interest of you, then you may also want to check out my article on Ostrog Monastery , an impressive Serbian Orthodox place of worship built into the cliffs in central Montenegro.

Getting from Mostar to Blagaj Tekija

Buses #10, 11, or 12 run a limited number of times per day from the Spanish Square in Mostar to Blagaj Tekija and take 30-45 minutes. Alternatively, you could hire a taxi to take you there and wait for you. We drove and paid 2€ to park on site in October; that amount may rise in summer.

Blagaj Tekija is included on this day tour from Mostar .

Počitelj is a beautiful little historic village on the Neretva river downstream from Mostar, and is a popular stopover for those traveling from Dubrovnik or other destinations in Croatia to Mostar.

Like many others, we also stopped there on our drive from Dubrovnik to Mostar. As soon as we stepped out of the car, we saw the beautiful fort dominating the town, and heard the prayer call from Šišman Ibrahim-Immersed (Hajji Alija mosque) Mosque, which dates to 1563.

Walking up past the mosque to the fort on the hill is the main thing to do in town. We were just having a rest stop and lunch with out kids, but we did walk up to the mosque to have a look. Počitelj is also known for its fruit juices, and the pomegranate juice we tried was so delicious that we bought several more to go.

Počitelj is also included in the day tour mentioned for Blagaj Tekija above.

Getting from Mostar to Počitelj

Počitelj is 40 minute’s drive south of Mostar. Here’s a guide for getting from Mostar to Počitelj .

Kravice (Kravica) Waterfall

Often compared to Krka Waterfall in neighboring Croatia, Kravice is the most famous waterfall in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The karstic waterfall is 25 meters at the highest point and a staggering 120-meters wide, rather like a cluster of waterfalls spilling into the same pool.

Visit in summer to swim below the falls (it’s now roped off so you can’t swim right up to them) or to have a beer from one of the stands set up beside the base of the falls.

When we visited in late October, the water was very chilly but I still went for a quick dip. We also paid a local boatman 10 euros (5 per adult, kids free) to paddle us right up to the base of the falls. It was worth the small fee to get up so close to the falls, with the mist spraying in our faces!

The entrance fee to Kravice is 5€/4€/3€ (summer/June & September/October to May), and the walking trail to the waterfall takes 10 minutes. There’s also a smaller waterfall downstream.

Getting from Mostar to Kravice Waterfall

Kravice waterfall is a 30-minute drive west of Počitelj, so it makes sense to combine them if you’ve got your own wheels. Note that for Počitelj, you’d want to cross the Croatian border at Metković if coming from Dubrovnik, while Kravice is closer to the Bijača, especially if you’re heading north in Croatia from there like we did.

You can cover all three of the above (Blagaj Tekija, Počitelj, and Kravice Waterfall) on this small-group day-tour from Mostar !

West Herzegovina Wine and Food Tour

Our visit to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina was a detour on our Croatia trip, but in the couple days we were there, we fell in love with Bosnian wine and were mesmerized by the attractive vineyards along our drive from Dubrovnik to Mostar. We also loved the food that we ate in Mostar, which was heavy on grilled fish & meats, with some delicious cheeses as appetizers.

If we went back again, we’d love to try this full-day wine and food tour which departs from Mostar and ventures into the countryside of West Herzegovina. The tour includes tasting various cheeses, meats, and wines made from local Zilavka and Blatina grapes.

Day trip from Mostar to Dubrovnik

While many people do Mostar as a day trip from more popular Dubrovnik, it is of course also possible to do it the other day around. If you’re squeezing all of Dubrovnik into a one-day trip from Mostar, it’s advisable to get a private transfer from Mostar to Dubrovnik to avoid wasting time dealing with buses.

For more information on this super popular city, read about how we tackled Dubrovnik with two kids and mostly managed to avoid the crowds. Also feel free to peruse my guides to other cities we’ve visited in the region, including Skradin , Perast , Kotor , Lake Bled , and Cetara .

Well, I hope I’ve managed to convince you that there enough unique things to do in Mostar, Montenegro that you can’t miss this alluring city on your Balkan adventure! Please don’t hesitate to leave any thoughts or questions in the comments section below!

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4 thoughts on “26 Unmissable Things to Do in Mostar (incl. day trips!)”

I read your review with a pleasure. It was very interesting for me and Mostar tipps very useful. Thanks a lot! Greetings!

Thanks for reading!

Excellent travel notes! Any natural park or forest in Mostar or surroundings worth visiting? I am in Mostar right now 🙂

Thanks for reading! If you’re looking for a green space in the city for a walk/jog, you can go to Trimuša, a forested park with an interesting cemetery. The various spaces/beaches along the river through town are lovely too. Further afield, you can try Park Sajmište (30 min), Jablanica Lake (one hour) or Kravice Waterfall (also one hour). Hope this helps!

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Top Things To See And Do in Mostar, Bosnia Herzegovina

Mostar is one of the most frequented attractions in Bosnia , thanks to its outstanding natural beauty, architecture, and, of course, its famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Stari Most. The city lies on the Neretva River, the largest river in the eastern part of the Adriatic basin, famous for its beauty and force and its history . Mostar is full of quintessential Ottoman architecture, with plenty of traditional restaurants , market stalls, mosques and other historic buildings. It is also surrounded by stunning landscape waiting to be explored. We discover the top things to see and do in and around Mostar.

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One of Mostar’s and also Bosnia’s most famous sites is the Stari Most, or ‘Old Bridge’. The bridge was built by the Ottomans in the 16th century and is exemplary of typical Islamic architecture and fine engineering. It crosses over the beautiful turquoise Neretva river, and is at the heart of Mostar’s historic Old Town. During the civil war, however, the bridge was destroyed by Croat forces but it has since been rebuilt to its exact original specifications. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, having received this status in 2005 soon after it was rebuilt, and it attracts thousands of tourists to Mostar every year.

A short drive south of Mostar is the small village of Blagaj. Within Blagaj is the famous tekija , or monastery, which was founded by Dervish monks in the 16th century. The monastery is nestled at the foot of a cliff face, looking over a beautiful pool, and exemplifies classic Ottoman architecture, with its wooden window frames and overhanging roof. Today, the monastery houses a restaurant with tables looking out over the water, which makes for a picturesque and tranquil lunch setting. It is also open to look around for a small entrance fee, but since it is still a functioning religious building appropriate clothing is required.

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The ‘Don’t Forget’ Stone

This small stone is found near to the Stari Most, and serves as a reminder of the civil war. As tourists visit the stunning town of Mostar, it is important not to gloss over the fact that terrible atrocities were committed here relatively recently, and that the city still feels the effects of a divided population. While tourism has ensured that Mostar has been able to thrive since the war, not long ago it was under siege, and many of the locals living in the city today would have lost friends and family members. The ‘Don’t Forget’ stone serves to gently remind visitors to reflect on the city’s tragic past.

In the heart of Mostar’s picturesque Old Town is its market, or čaršija . There is a market on each side of the river near to the Stari Most, due to the split between the Bosniak and Croat ethnic groups that inhabit the city, although the difference between the two is not noticeable to visiting tourists. The market has a distinctly eastern feel, thanks to the historic Ottoman influences, with stalls selling rugs, painted plates, copper items, and souvenirs. The market is busy with locals as well as tourists, and gives visitors a good glimpse at a traditional Bosnian way of life.

Bridge Diving

One of the key activities of life in Mostar naturally revolves around its famous bridge: bridge diving occurs mainly during the summer months, and involves trained professionals diving from the top of the Stari Most to entertain the crowds. The distance between the top of the bridge and the river below is about 20m, so must only be undertaken by professionals or by tourists who have taken a training class beforehand. There is even an official annual competition as part of Red Bull’s cliff diving competition.

Kravice Falls

A short drive south of Mostar are the Kravice Falls, some amazing waterfalls near the small town of Kravice. The falls are currently not a well known attraction amongst tourists, meaning they are peaceful and not yet highly commercialised, although there is a small but useful boardwalk taking visitors closer to the falls. The best time to go is during the spring when there is the most water; but although there is less water during the summer, this means that visitors can swim right underneath the falls. A visit to the falls is a lovely day out away from the crowds of Mostar.

Muslibegović House

One of Mostar’s best examples of Ottoman architecture is the protected national monument, Muslibegović House . It was once inhabited by the noble Muslibegović family, and is now both a luxury hotel and museum. The interior is in keeping with traditional eastern styles, such as Ottoman rugs, white walls and wooden furnishings, with the museum exhibiting items such as books, manuscripts and handmade crafts. One of the highlights is the outer courtyard, which is shady and well kept with plenty of lush flowers and greenery. While the hotel can be considered quite expensive (it has been named one of the world’s top 10 hotels , after all), the small entrance fee for the museum gives visitors a good feel for the place.

Koski Mehmed Paša Mosque

This stunning mosque is not only an attraction itself, but is also a spot for some of the best views of the Stari Most. The mosque was built in the early 1600s by the Ottomans, and today it is one of the best preserved mosques in the area. There is a small entrance fee that includes the climb up the minaret for 360º views of the bridge, and a stroll around the outside courtyard which also offers amazing views. The interior of the mosque is small but features some lovely ornate decorations, although it is certainly worth a visit just for the views.

War Photo Exhibition

Inside one of Mostar’s historic buildings is a photo gallery, featuring shots taken in Mostar by a New Zealand photographer during the civil war. It is located right next to the Stari Most, and is housed in a traditional dwelling which matches the personal stories of Mostar locals told through the photos. The photos not only show the destruction of the war but also the daily struggles experienced by the local population, many of whom were simply trying to get on with their lives. The exhibition is a great opportunity to understand more about Mostar’s history and what has shaped it.

Kriva Cuprija

For a smaller and less touristic version of the Stari Most, the Kriva Cuprija (or ‘Crooked Bridge’) is worth a visit. It is older than the Stari Most, and is thought to have been a test-run of sorts for the later construction of the larger and more famous bridge. It has only one arch so is relatively small, but still exemplifies typical Islamic architecture of the 16th century, and is a much more peaceful place to sit and enjoy a relaxing lunch at one of the nearby restaurants. The bridge was washed away by floods in the year 2000 but was rebuilt with aid from UNESCO a year later, and was relatively unscathed by the civil war.

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27 Best Things To Do in Mostar, Bosnia Herzegovina

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Mostar, Bosnia Herzegovina is a historic and fascinating destination that is both charming and complicated; idyllic and evocative. The first sight of the centerpiece Stari Most Mostar Bridge makes visitors swoon – but seeking out alternative corners of the city reveals intriguing stories and welcoming people.

When we visit Mostar, we like to dig into the history, venture into nature and connect with locals. From our experiences, we have compiled a complete list of Best Things To Do in Mostar, Bosnia Herzegovina!

Best Things To Do in Mostar

Our list of Mostar Thing To Do includes the top attractions and sights. In addition to What To See in Mostar, we provide insider tips on top activities and off-the-beaten-path experiences. At the end of the post, we include pertinent information – like how to get to Mostar, where to stay, what to eat and our pick for the best tour guide in Mostar!

Pin, Bookmark or Save our What To Do in Mostar List to plan your trip to BiH!

#1 Walk Across Stari Most: Old Bridge Mostar

When you visit Mostar, standing atop the historic Old Bridge is an essential experience. The bridge, which spans the Neretva River, marks the center of the Mostar Old City. 

Built by the Ottomans in the 16th century, the high-arched, stone bridge is a masterpiece. It long stood as a symbol of how the diverse Mostar population co-existed peacefully. Sadly, the original Stari Grad Mostar bridge was destroyed in the Bosnian War in 1993.

However, after the war, the Old Bridge was rebuilt to the same specifications of the original bridge – even using local Tenelia rock and the Ottoman method of construction. Due to the historic reconstruction and the symbolic reconciliation of the community, the Mostar Old Bridge was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005. 

Pro Tip : The footing on the Old Bridge is slick! Be sure to use the stepping stones.

#2 Visit Koski Mehmet-Pasha Mosque Mostar

Mostar is home to many mosques – just look at the horizon and count the number of minarets piercing the sky. The 17th century Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque Mostar is the second biggest mosque in Mostar and is located on the right bank of the Neretva, just upriver from the Old Bridge.

Visitors are invited inside the Mostar mosque and can climb the 88 stairs of the minaret for 360 degree views of Mostar. For those who fear heights and confined spaces, the views from the riverside behind the mosque are also lovely (but still require a ticket).

The staff at the mosque are open and helpful. Don’t hesitate to ask questions – especially if this is your first visit to a mosque.

Pro Tip : There isn’t just one Mostar religion like there are in many of the cities in Europe. The diverse population of Mostar is comprised of Muslims, Catholics and Orthodox Christians. 

#3 Eat Local Bosnian Cuisine at Mostar Restaurants

Meat lovers rejoice: the cuisine in Mostar is meat-heavy…and delicious . At the restaurants in Mostar, visitors can feast (and we mean feast ) on platters of cevapi (sausages), japrak (grape leaves filled with meat and rice) and shish kebabs (skewers of beef and lamb).

For quick take-away, indulge in burek – a meat-filled pastry and Balkan specialty that is filling enough to be a complete meal all on its own. Popular for breakfast in Mostar, burek can be eaten for any meal of the day – even a late-night snack.

Pro Tip : Want to know where to eat in Mostar? Find our list of top restaurants in Mostar at the end of the post! 

#4 Visit the Franciscan Church and Peace Bell Tower Mostar

The church bell tower is the tallest structure in Mostar, standing at 352 feet. It was completed in 2000 and is a Mostar must see sight. 

Next to the bell tower is the Franciscan Church of Saints Peter and Paul – also rebuilt in 2000 – which resembles an airplane hangar more than a church and has a plain façade that is mimicked on the interior as well.

Visitors can ride to the top of the bell tower via an elevator. From the height of 262 feet visitors can take in panoramic views over Mostar.

Top Tip : There is some contention that the soaring height of the tower is meant to emphasize the presence of the Catholic church in Mostar, fueling the dissonance still lingering from the Croat-Bosniak War. However, many locals in Mostar refer to the tower as the Tower of Peace; as the church assures peace and co-existence.

#5 Get the Best Views of Stari Most, Mostar

While the views from the Old Bridge are phenomenal, views  of the Old Bridge are perhaps even better. On the west bank of the river, wind your way through the Old Town down to the riverside, south of the stream. The embankment is a great spot to pose for a picture with the iconic bridge in the background.

Pro Tip : Want a view that encompasses the Stari Most Bridge and Old Town? Head south of the the lookout spot to the next bridge, Lucki Most, for an amazing landscape view. 

#6 Buy a Mostar Copper Souvenir at the Old Bazaar

One of the highlights of Mostar sightseeing is the Old Bazaar, called Kujundžiluk. The Old Bazaar is found along the cobblestone streets that lead away from the Old Bridge. Now lined (mostly) with tourist shops offering souvenirs, in the 16th century, the area housed workshops where locals produced goods – like copper pots and woven rugs.

Today, visitors can find magnets and scarves are for sale…and one-of-a-kind Mostar mementos. Some of the unique finds are war relics – such as artillery shells, gas masks and bits of Yugoslavia-era memorabilia.

For authentic souvenirs that aren’t tinged with a heavy heart, we suggest seeking out homemade merchandise, like Bosnian coffee pots (called dzezva) or copper jewelry. Locally hand-crafted copper goods are a unique keepsake and make great gifts, too.

Pro Tip : If you hear a tinny hammering sound, it is likely a coppersmith making a new creation. Follow the sound and watch as they work!

#7 Visit the Historic Village of Pocitelj

Located about 30km south of Mostar along the banks of the Neretva River is the village of Pocitelj. With it’s high hills, the land has long held strategic significance.

Although many of the current structures – the mosque, religious school, bathhouse and houses – were damaged in the war and had to be reconstructed, the fortress at the top of the hill was left unscathed. For phenomenal views over the Pocitelj and the Neretva River, climb to the top of the tower and peer through the windows. 

Pro Tip : Pocitelj is often just one of many stops on day trips from Mostar. We offer our best tips and suggestions for Mostar tours at the end of the article.

#8 Cross over Kriva Cuprija: Crooked Bridge Mostar

While the famous Stari Most Bridge of Mostar garners the most attention, we think it is worth it to seek out Crooked Bridge as well. Resembling Stari Most, the Kriva Cuprija Crooked Bridge straddles the Rabobolja Creek. It was built in the same style as the nearby mill houses (now restaurants, bars and boutique hotels).

The original Crooked Bridge was built in the mid-1500s by the Ottomans; however, a flood in 2000 washed the bridge away and it was rebuilt two years later.

Pro Tip: Two of the best Mostar bars – Old Crew Gastro Pub (formally Black Dog Pub) and Craft Beer Garden Imaimoze – are located just steps from the Crooked Bridge. More on Mostar craft beer later!

#9 See the Partisan’s Memorial Cemetery

Built in 1965 in remembrance of the Yugoslav Partisans soldiers from Mostar who died in World War II, the Partisan’s Memorial Cemetery (Partizansko Spomen-Groblje) is a somewhat hidden – and incredibly unique – monument. It’s one of the interesting places to see when visiting Mostar. 

The multi-level tribute features puzzle-piece gravestones, fountains and an elaborate entry staircase.

Unfortunately, the cemetery was heavily damaged during the Bosnian War and left in a derelict condition for years. Renovations were completed in 2005 and, in 2006, it was named as a national monument. While the area is still slightly run down (neither fountain had water in it during our visit), we think it’s one of the most fascinating places to visit in Mostar.

Pro Tip : On the far end of the second level, visitors can hop over the wall onto a trail that leads into the small forested Trimusa Park.

#10 Ponder the Street Art at the Mostar Sniper Tower

The former high-rise bank building that was nicknamed the Sniper Tower during the Bosnian War, now stands as a concrete shell without windows or walls.

Although the entrance is blocked, street artists have gained access to the interior and have ‘redecorated’ it with colorful and expressive street art. Graffiti decorates the outside of the sniper tower building as well.

While, perhaps, not one of the mainstream Things To Do Mostar, visitors who want a glimpse at the edgier side of the city should seek it out. 

Pro Tip : Signs forbid entry, as the building is truly in a state of disrepair.

#11 Find the Mostar Bruce Lee Statue in Zrinjevac Park

Definitely one of the quirkiest Mostar attractions, a statue of Bruce Lee stands in the middle of Zrinjevac Park. The seemingly out of place Kung Fu fighter monument actually has a story…and it’s a good one.

Martial arts have long been a popular sport in the region; however, during the Yugoslavia era, residents could only access Bruce Lee movies via pirated video tapes. And, it seemed, everyone loved him.

Fast-forward several years to post-war Mostar when the youth were intent on reestablishing a unified city. They turned to long-time favorite Bruce Lee, who they saw as a symbol of loyalty, skill, friendship and universal justice.

The statue, which depicts Bruce Lee ready to fight and holding nunchucks, faces north – a neutral-facing direction in a town that is still somewhat divided into east and west.

Pro Tip : Have a little fun! Strike your best imitation pose for a hilarious photo op.

#12 Watch a Mostar Sunset from the Terasa Bar

Perched above the shops on Kujundziluk Street on the east side of the river is the small and simple Terasa Bar.

The rooftop patio provides patrons a view of the Old Bridge, river, and mountains. With drinks costing slightly more than in other cafes in Mostar, snagging a front row seat at sunset can’t be beat.

Pro Tip : The patio tends to fill up right before the sun goes down. Get there early to get a good spot!

#13 Hike Mostar Mountains

The mountains surrounding Mostar are an ideal escape for some nature and fresh mountain air. Trails cut through pine forests and lead to high peaks.

Hum Hill Millennium Cross

The cross that stands on Hum Hill to the southwest of town is part of the Mostar landscape (although, it is also a source of contention). Visitors who want to climb Hum Hill to the large cross can negotiate their way on a trail from the city center. We have yet to do this hike, but many trekkers say it takes about two hours each way. 

Fortica and the Zipline

Rising to the east is a rocky hill that was once topped with a fortress. On the hillside are the words, “BiH Volimo Te,” which means: Bosnia and Herzegovina, I Love You. The fort is long gone, however, there is a trail that zigzags to the top. From the viewpoint, hikers can see the Old Town and Stari Most Bridge. Visitors seeking a thrill can take a ride on the Fortica Zipline or venture out on the Mostar Skywalk.

Rujiste Mountain

To really get a good dose of nature, visitors should drive into the mountains of Herzegovina and then hop on a trail. Rujiste Mountain – which stands 5,587 feet – is best known for its ski resort, but in the summer, there are hiking trails through the forest. After hiking Ruijiste Mountain, stop at Snjezna Kuca-Rujiste for a traditional Bosnian mountain meal.

Pro Tip: Not up for a hike? All three places can be reached by car! 

#14 Reflect at a Mostar Cemetery

At times it’s almost hard to believe that Mostar’s quaintly rebuilt Old Town could have been exposed to such tragic events. However, you won’t have to look far to see the scars of war. To better understand the conflict and reflect on the reality of it, wander into one of the many cemeteries in Mostar. You will find the many of the gravestones date to the early 1990s.

Pro Tip : Interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the war that raged in Mostar? Join the popular Mostar War Tour , which is led by a local who shares personal stories. Visitors can also learn by at one of Mostar’s war museums – which we detail at the end of the post.

#15 Drink Local Mostar Craft Beer

Mostar is not missing out on the craft beer revolution, and there are a few local breweries making unique beers. The best place to taste what is brewing locally is at Craft Beer Garden Imaimoze. 

Craft Beer Garden Imaimoze

Just a few steps from the Crooked Bridge is Craft Beer Garden Imaimoze , the tasting room for locally produced OldBridz beers. In addition to offering their brews on tap, they also feature beers from other small brewers in the region and have bottled beer to-go, as well. Guests can sit in the main bar or in the Beer Garden that overlooks the creek. 

Pro Tip : Calling all non-smokers: Craft Beer Garden Imaimoze is smoke-free! 

Pub Beer Ti & Ja

Located north of the Old Town by Mepas Mall, Pub Beer Ti & Ja is one of the best craft beer bars in Mostar. The casual sports bar has heaps of local craft beer on tap. What we like best, however, is that it is a fun local hangout for Mostar nightlife.

Old Crew Gastro Pub (formerly Black Dog Pub)

Black Dog Pub was once our favorite spot for Mostar craft beer. Unfortunately, it has permanently closed – but now reopened as Old Crew Gastro Pub. 

Hanging over the Radobolja creek that flows into the Neretva, Old Crew is just upstream from the small Crooked Bridge. While the interior exudes the feel of a cozy bar, the outdoor riverside terraces are a relaxing retreat. We hear they’ve continued the Black Dog tradition of draft craft beer, live music and Quiz Night!

#16 Swim and Swoon at Kravica Waterfalls

As fascinating as it is to learn about the history and culture of Mostar and the surrounding villages, it is equally enchanting to immerse yourself in the region’s natural wonders.

At Kravica Waterfalls, the Trebizat River spills over tufa rocks, cascading 80 feet down into pools of glowing cerulean water. Visitors to the Kravica Waterfalls can wade right in for a swim next to the Bosnia waterfalls or stay dry on the shoreline and enjoy a beverage at one of the cafes.

Taking a Kravice Falls tour from Mostar is one of the most popular day trips! 

Pro Tip : Follow the dirt trail along the flow of the river for a peaceful stroll or rent bikes from the café and ride to more waterfalls downstream.

#17 People-Watch at Caffe Stari Grad, Mostar

Find a seat at one of the outdoor tables at Caffe Stari Grad and watch the endless stream of people as they make their way to and from the Stari Most Bridge. You’ll likely see tourists eating ice cream, couples strolling arm-in-arm, shopkeepers chatting and families assisting toddlers learning to walk on the slick stones.

Pro Tip: Try the Mostarsko Pivo produced by local Hercegovacka Brewery – and then taste test it against Sarajevsko Pivo made in Sarajevo and see which one you like best!

#18 Tour the Dervish Monastery at Blagaj

Built in 1520, Blagaj Tekija (or Tekke)– a Dervish monastery – stands at the base of a high cliff at the mouth of the Buna River karstic spring, Vrelo Bune. The house, which has been used by various orders, is a place to pray – although, today, it also functions as a tourist site.

After touring Blagaj Tekija, find a place along the river to enjoy a Bosnian coffee or meal and enjoy the peacefulness.

Pro Tip : For the best photos of Blagaj Tekija, cross the bridge to the opposite side of the river and follow the dirt path to the clearing.

#19 Drink Bosnian Coffee

Bosnian coffee delivers a caffeine jolt that is steeped in tradition. Similar to Turkish coffee, the thick liquid presented in a dzezva – a small (usually copper) pot with a long handle.

The drink is served with a tiny ceramic cup, two sugar cubes, a glass of water and a gummy, sweet Turkish delight – all of which is situated perfectly on a tray.

If you have never had a Bosnian (or Turkish) coffee, how to consume it can appear a mystery at first. The waiter can help, but we will fill you in with a few of the basics.

First, scrape the foam from the top and stir it gently into the coffee, but be careful not to unsettle the grounds that sit in the bottom of the pot. Put one sugar cube in the ceramic cup and slowly pour the coffee over the sugar until it is covered.

Use a spoon to help dissolve the sugar, then add more coffee without letting any grounds spill into your cup. Sip and enjoy…and finish with the Turkish delight! 

Pro Tip : If you want a local guide to help you with your first Bosnian coffee experience, join a food tour !

#20 Walk in the Marshlands at Hutovo Blato 

The Hutovo Blato Nature Park is a preserved wetlands area – which was once used as hunting grounds. Declared a nature reserve in 1995, the park covers 28 square miles and has one of the largest wintering bird populations in Europe.

Some of the Mostar activities at the park include bird watching, fishing, biking and taking a boat ride through the marshy waters.

Pro Tip : The nature park is not far from Pocitelj and can be added to a customized day tour from Mostar. 

#21 Watch Mostar War Film

At the east end of the Old Bridge is a bookstore and souvenir shop, Old Bridge Gallery . In the back of the store, they play a short documentary on the Bosnian War – and, more specifically, on the destruction of the Old Bridge – on a continuous loop. Visitors can watch the historic footage when the Mostar bridge destroyed. 

Pro Tip : Although images and video of the war can be found on the internet, there is a profound impact of watching the film in the store and then moments later stepping onto the very bridge you just witnessed crumbling into the river.

#22 Explore Streets Beyond Mostar Old Town

Many tourists never leave the confines of the Old Town – and by doing so, they miss the neighborhoods where most locals live and work. Crisscross the bridges up and down the Neretva River or explore the lanes that crawl into the Mostar neighborhoods.

Walk a stretch of Bulevar, the front line that divided the opposing sides during the Bosnian War. On the parallel street to the east of Bulevar, seek out street art and abandoned buildings. Venture into the western suburbs and you may feel as if you’ve walked all the way to Croatia.

Notice the mix of new and old buildings – and a smattering of structures destroyed in the war that have been left with only a shell and are still waiting to be renovated.

Pro Tip : Be sure to pass through Spanish Square (Spanski trg), where the Mostar Gymnasium (Gimnazija) is located. The striking yellow building, which was rebuilt in 2009, houses Mostar’s only integrated school, which is attended by both Bosniaks and Bosnian Croats.

#23 Visit Mostar Fortress of Herzog Stjepan

Dating to the 15th century, the crumbling remains of the medieval Fortress of Herzog Stjepan stand atop Buturovice Hill near the town of Ljubuski (southwest of Mostar). Built as a residence for Herzog Stjepan Vukcic Kosaca, the structure was later occupied by the Ottoman army.

The fortress once marked the Croatian border; however, it was left abandoned in 1835. Easily accessible via an inclined path, visitors can freely explore the ruins and take in the landscape views.

Pro Tip : The 360 degree views are astounding – and especially stunning bathed in late-afternoon light. Time your visit to coincide with sunset for a particularly breathtaking scene. 

#24 Taste Bosnian Wine

Many visitors may not realize that Mostar is in a wine-growing region, but just outside the city center the land is covered with vineyards. The two main grapes that are used to make wine in Bosnia Herzegovina are Blatina (for red wine) and Zilavka (for white wine).

Wineries that are close to Mostar – like Hercegovina Vino – offer tastings on-site. Visitors without a car can join a tour to explore nearby wineries (like this one !)

Pro Tip : Visitors who want to just get a taste of local Mostar wine without leaving the city center should go to Vinoteka Wine Shop . At the small, classy wine shop, they offer local wine by-the-glass, in the bottle or can even accommodate group tastings.

#25 Watch a Mostar Bridge Jump

For more than 400 years, divers have been leaping from the Mostar Old Bridge into the swift waters of the Neretva River. The plunge from the bridge – the Mostar bridge height is 24 meters (78 feet) – used to be a rite of passage, but more recently, the divers of the Mostar Diving Club have become entrepreneurial.

Now members of the club only dive from the bridge when enticed by tips from tourists (we’ve seen them earn up to 100 Euros for one dive).

In 2015, the inaugural Cliff Diving World Series sponsored by Red Bull took place on the Old Bridge. The event included a diving competition and other stunts – and due to popularity, has become an annual occurrence.

Pro Tip : The best place to watch the divers is from below the bridge…but be patient. They tease the crowd by standing on the edge of the bridge, but don’t jump until they’ve agreed on a price.

#26 Meet and Mingle with Mostar Locals!

To get a real feel for Mostar, strike up a conversation with a local. English is well-spoken – especially by the younger generation and those in the tourist industry. The people tend to be open and honest – and conversations can cover a wide range of subjects from Yugoslavia to the war to bridge jumping to current politics.

Top Tip : Be sensitive when asking questions about the Bosnian War. Anyone over the age of 40 most likely has firsthand memories of the fighting…and anyone younger surely grew up hearing personal stories about the conflict.

#27 Stroll through Old Town Mostar at Night

After the sun sets and the shops close their doors, take a stroll through the quiet streets of the Mostar Old Town at night. Without the buzz of activity, the streets transform into a place of peacefulness.

The stones on the Old Town Mostar streets, polished by thousands of footsteps, glow under street lamps and the sounds of the babbling river rise on a light breeze.

For those who are early-to-bed-and-early-to-rise, the stillness of the Old Town Mostar can also be experienced at dawn.

Pro Tip : Nightlife in Mostar isn’t nearly as lively as it is in Sarajevo and other Balkan cities, but visitors looking for a unique club experience might want to check out Ali Baba Cave Disco Club. 

More Things To Do in Mostar, BiH

Our list of things to do in Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina includes our favorite sights and activities. There are, however, more to see and do!

Visit Mostar Museums

Visitors can gain a much better understanding of the region, people and culture by visiting one of the many museums in Mostar.

Museum of War and Genocide

Learn about the brutal war that took place in Bosnia at this highly rated museum. 

Mostar War Photos Exhibition Museum

At the west end of the Stari Most Bridge is a small museum that features Mostar photos from the war. The harrowing pictures of Mostar in the war photo exhibition provide a glimpse into what the city looked like in the 1990s.

Museum Stari Most

At the east end of the Old Bridge, visitors can learn more about the bridge construction and collapse in the Stari Most Museum.

Muslibegovic House

Listed as a national monument, the Muslibegovic House doubles as a museum and a hotel. Once the residence of a noble family, the Ottoman house has been preserved with original details and furnishings.

Turkish House Mostar – Biscevic House and Kajtaz House

Both Biscevic and Kajtaz were typical residences during the Ottoman period. The Ottoman houses are open for visitors who want to learn more about that time in Mostar.

Turkish Hamam Museum

The Turkish bathhouse dates to the 1500s, although it is no longer used as a public bath. Instead, it has been renovated and transformed into a museum.

Mostar Rafting on the Neretva River

Watching the Mostar Diving Team plunge into the water from the Old Bridge isn’t the only way to have fun on the Neretva River. Adrenaline-fueled travelers can go white water rafting down the Neretva on a full day trip from Mostar. Find out more!

Walking Tour Mostar

Mostar is a city that is easy to explore using your own two feet. Rambling without a specific destination can reveal parts of Mostar that are less-often seen by tourists. For a more engaging and educational walk, however, join a local for a Mostar Old Town Walking Tour . 

Pro Tip : Use our guide of Mostar Things To See and create your own Free Walking Tour Mostar!

Day Trips from Mostar

Some of our recommended Things To Do in Mostar require taking a trip outside of the city center. Not all sites are reachable via public transportation and will require a car or organized tour.

In our list of Things To Do in Mostar, we included a few top day trip destinations – like Blagaj Tekija, Kravice Waterfalls and Pocitelj village. However, there is one place to visit near Mostar that we didn’t include: Medjugorje.

Medjugorje and the Herceg Ethno Village

We have yet to visit Medjugorje, but it is one of the top destinations in the region. The area is a popular Catholic pilgrimage site after local girls witnessed the apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1981. A tour from Mostar to Medjugorje can be combined with a visit to Etno Herceg , a resort complex featuring traditional style stone homes, handicraft shops, a restaurant and so much more!

Mostar Day Tour with Guide

While it is possible to explore the sights on your own (as long as you have a car), we think it is beneficial to go with a local Mostar tour guide. Tours from Mostar can easily be organized for individuals and small groups. Because of the close proximity of many of the destinations, day tours from Mostar can include multiple stops for a full day adventure.

Recommended Mostar Tour Guide

We have taken multiple day trips from Mostar with Tarik, owner of Happy Apartments . He and his wife can customize any tour (at prices that are more affordable than big group, pre-planned tours) – and they offer excellent insight into their country. Visitors can contact Tarik direct by email .

Mostar Restaurants

There are so many amazing restaurants in Mostar! And, not only is the food in Mostar incredibly delicious, it is also very affordable. 

Best Restaurants in Mostar

While it is difficult to pick a favorite Mostar restaurant, we have a few recommendations based on our personal experiences. 

Cevabdzinica Tima Irma

Popular with both tourists and locals, Tima Irma specializes in preparing local cuisine. Their most iconic dish is their meat platter, which comes piled high with a variety of grilled meats and roasted vegetables. Believe us: two people can easily share a Meat Platter for One! 

Urban Grill, Mostar

The menu at Urban Grill features classic Bosnian fare (try the cevapi!), but the real treat is the outdoor terrace that overlooks the Stari Most bridge. 

Konoba Taurus

Situated on the creek near Crooked Bridge, Konoba Taurus has a cozy and inviting atmosphere. There are tables overlooking the creek, but we opted to eat inside by the fireplace. Try the japrak! 

Buregdzinica Musala: Fast Food Mostar

Burek is a must-eat when in the Balkans – and the burek at Buregdzinica Musala is amazing (and amazingly affordable). Guests can sit inside, outside or take it to go!

Megi Italian, Mostar

Need a break from traditional Bosnian fare? We recommend dining at Megi – an Italian restaurant with a Bosnian influence that is heavily favored by locals.

Mostar Travel Information

Now that you know what to do in Mostar, we have some practical information and a few more tips for your Bosnia trip!

Mostar Population

The population of Mostar is 115,000 (est. 2023).

Mostar Currency

The currency in Mostar is the Bosnian Convertible Mark (BAM) Check current rates.

Weather in Mostar

The temperature in Mostar varies by season. Summers are typically hot, with average temps in the 80s Fahrenheit. The wettest month is November. Always check the current weather for Mostar before your trip!

Tourist Information Mostar

The Office of Tourist Info Mostar has limited hours – open only from May to October in the mornings from 9am to 12noon.

You’re better off with one of the many tourist agencies in Mostar, and also check out Tour Guide Mostar for a source of reliable Mostar info. Their website has a wealth of tips and recommendations – direct from Mostar locals – that can enhance your trip to Mostar.

Mostar Travel Guide Book

While our list of Things To See in Mostar is comprehensive, we always think it is a good idea to travel with a guide book. The Rick Steves’ Croatia and Slovenia guide book includes a section on Bosnia and Herzegovina that travelers might find helpful.

Planning a Trip to Mostar

Travelers planning a Mostar trip can use our list of things to do, restaurant recommendations and top tips. 

Visitors coming from abroad can also get our best advice for Planning a European Vacation . We share all the need-to-know tips for traveling overseas. 

Organization is key when planning a big trip! Our printable Travel Planner will help keep you organized and on top of all the necessary details.

More Balkans Travel Tips

Travelers visiting Bosnia-Herzegovina often plan on seeing more of the Balkans region. We have traveled extensively through out the Balkans – and with our insider tips, you can plan your perfect vacation!

• Best Croatia Travel Tips – and  How To Plan a Croatia Trip
• What To See in Slovenia
• Travel Advice for Montenegro
• Tips for Traveling to Kosovo
• Things to See in North Macedonia
• Advice for Serbia Travel

How To Get to Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Travelers who want to visit Mostar can arrive via car, bus, train or plane. Visitors in nearby destinations – like Sarajevo , Dubrovnik or Split – can visit on their own or join a Mostar day trip excursion. Below, we detail all of the options for getting to Mostar.

Day Trip to Mostar

We don’t think one day in Mostar is enough…but visitors short on time should make the most of it! While it is possible to create your own Mostar itinerary, we recommend that visitors coming from nearby destinations join an organized Mostar day trip – or coordinate with a local guide, like Tarik, to make the most of the day.

Sarajevo to Mostar Day Tour

Discover more of Bosnia and Herzegovina on a full day trip from Sarajevo that includes multiple stops. Highlights include Konjic, Pocitelj, Blagaj and Mostar. Find out more!

Dubrovnik to Mostar Day Trip

A Mostar day trip from Dubrovnik is a great way to get an introduction to the region. Visit top sights, including the Mostar Old Town, Pocitelj and Kravice Waterfalls, on a full day of exploration. Get the details for a highly-rated Mostar tour from Dubrovnik! 

Split to Mostar Day Trip

Travel on a day trip from Split into BiH and spend the day seeing top Mostar sights! Tour the Mostar Old Town and visit the famous mosque in Mostar and the Biscevica Turkish House, then head to the Kravica Waterfalls – one of the most beautiful natural spots in the country! Book it now!

How To Get To Mostar By Public Transport

Mostar is connected by train or bus. That said, the train only connects Mostar to Sarajevo (but reviews from other travelers say it’s a very scenic ride). Every time we have visited Mostar, we have taken a bus from Croatia.

Mostar Bus Stations

There are two Mostar bus stations: East and West. Some long-haul buses make stops at both terminals, but not all. Bus Station Mostar East is located on Marsala Tita ( Map ). Bus Terminal Mostar West is located north of the Piramida Shopping Centar ( Map ).

For a Mostar bus timetable, travelers can begin a search on GetByBus. We also recommend confirming schedules and purchasing tickets at the actual Mostar bus station closest to your accommodations. 

Dubrovnik, Croatia to Mostar

Getting to Mostar from Dubrovnik is fairly simple using the bus. There are multiple Mostar-Dubrovnik buses that depart daily. Travel from Dubrovnik to Mostar takes at least 3 hours, but can be up to 4 hours. Remember to keep your passport handy, because the trip includes a border crossing.

Staying in Dubrovnik? Use our guide to the Best Things To Do in Dubrovnik !

Split, Croatia to Mostar   

How to get from Split to Mostar is nearly as easy as from Dubrovnik…except that it takes a little bit longer. The Split to Mostar bus takes about 4 hours (sometimes 4.5 hours) and there are multiple daily departures. Just don’t forget your passport! Note : There was once a Split to Mostar train, but the route is not currently available. 

Staying in Split? Use our guide of the Best Things To Do in Split !

Top Tip : Travelers can plan a trip from Split to Dubrovnik via Mostar using a private driver. Book it here!  

Sarajevo to Mostar

The Sarajevo-Mostar bus is an efficient way to get between the two cities. There are several daily departures and the ride takes just about 2.5 hours.

Staying in Sarajevo? Use our guide to the Best Things To See in Sarajevo !

Train Sarajevo to Mostar

However, using the Train Sarajevo-Mostar is a unique and scenic way to travel in Bosnia. The Mostar train from Sarajevo  takes about 2 hours. Find out more here .

Top Tip : Going on to Dubrovnik from Sarajevo? Book private transport from Sarajevo to Dubrovnik with a stop in Mostar! Find out more!

Deciding between Sarajevo or Mostar? Sarajevo and Mostar are both historic and evocative. If you have to choose between visiting one or the other, we recommend making your decision based on your interests. In Sarajevo , there is a more history about the war – specifically the Siege of Sarajevo – and a vibrant nightlife and more amazing Bosnian food . While in Mostar, the highlights are the beautiful Old Town and stunning nature.

Kotor, Montenegro to Mostar

It is possible to travel to Mostar from Kotor on public transport. The Kotor to Mostar bus takes about 6 hours and there are multiple daily departures but you may need to switch buses in Dubrovnik .

Staying in Kotor? Use our guide to the Best Things To Do in Kotor !

Flights to Mostar

Travelers who want to fly to Mostar have a few options. For 2024 their are scheduled flights to Mostar from Rome , Munich , Verona, Bari and Belgrade . Start your search for flights to Mostar on SkyScanner . 

Where To Stay in Mostar

There are so many things to do around Mostar that visitors can easily spend at least 2 days in Mostar…which means, you will need to find a place to stay. When searching for accommodation in Mostar, there are several options – from holiday apartments to hotels to hostels.

During our visits to Mostar, we have always stayed in Happy Apartments owned by the Super Host, Tarik . Not only are his Airbnb Apartments clean, comfortable, well-decorated and very close to the Old Town, he goes a step further and organizes tours for his guests – like the full-day tour mentioned above. We highly recommend booking with Tarik!

Hotels in Mostar, Bosnia and Heregovina

Visitors who prefer staying in traditional accommodations can find a hotel in Mostar. There are many hotels in Mostar that are in – or close to – the Old Town. Check out these top-rated hotels for your upcoming trip:

• Hotel Kapetanovina (which has three viewpoint rooms each with their own terrace) – Get rates!
• Hotel Kriva Cuprija – Check availability!
• Hotel Eden Mostar – Book it here!
• Hotel Bristol Mostar – Book it now!

Start your search for the best hotels in Mostar on Booking.com  – but first, read our Guide to Finding Hotels for Cheap !

Mostar Hostels

Budget travelers looking for less expensive Mostar accommodations can book a room (or bed) at a Mostar hostel. Two that are highly rated by fellow travelers are Mostar Downtown Hostel and Hostel Backpackers . 

What To Pack for your Mostar Trip

When preparing for your Mostar trip, be sure to check out our top packing hacks and other advice on our Packing Tips page. Grab your Free Packing Checklist !

Walking Shoes

The Mostar Old Town is paved with small, smooth rocks…which are beautiful, but can be difficult to walk on. We recommend packing comfortable travel shoes – like these Columbia shoes for women or these Merrell shoes for men. 

Travel Camera

The city of Mostar is a stunning sight! Rather than relying on your phone camera to capture that beauty, upgrade to a real camera for your trip. We use a Canon Rebel with an everyday 18-135mm lens , which takes incredible photos. We also us a smaller Canon Powershot – which is a great budget camera , small enough to fit in a pocket and takes great pictures, too.

Mostar Map, Guidebook And Day Pack

We already mentioned that it’s a good idea to carry a regional guidebook , but it’s also important to have an actual map (especially if you intend to drive).

And whether you travel to Mostar with a backpack or a suitcase , you’ll also want a great day bag to organize all your everyday travel essentials !

Bosnia Herzegovina Travel Insurance

Travel insurance may help with trip delays, cancellations or lost luggage , but also with unexpected illnesses or injuries abroad ! If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip to Mostar, consider traveling protected with World Nomads .

Start planning your trip to Bosnia ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

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13 Amazing Things to do in Mostar, Bosnia Herzegovina!

13 Minute Read

In this article, you’ll discover some of the best things to do in Mostar, Bosnia Herzegovina . This charming small city sits nestled on the banks of the Neretva River and is surrounded by mountains.

I first visited Mostar in 2010 and fell in love with the beauty of the place.

The juxtaposition of bombed-out buildings from the Yugoslav wars of the 1990s and the gorgeous old town, river and surrounding mountains gives it a very unique feel.

In September 2022 I returned to visit (with all new photos added to this article) and fell in love with the city all over again.

Boring stuff: I have visited each of the places I recommend and give you my honest opinion, warts and all. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and may not be reproduced without permission. Affiliate links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

The Top Things to do in Mostar

1. walk around mostar old town.

Mostar’s beautiful old town with its cobbled streets, tea houses, antique shops and bazaar starts off on the east bank of the Neretva River. It culminates at the Famous Stari Most (old bridge), before crossing the Neretva River onto the west bank.

There are many interesting shops and market stalls, as well as plenty of restaurants and bars overlooking the river and bridge.

The old town is definitely one of the top places to visit in Mostar for its incredible architecture and stunning views of the river gorge and mountains beyond. This is a great place to grab a bite to eat and sample some traditional Balkan cuisine line Cevapi.

Book a Full Day Tour of Mostar with Get Your Guide

2. See the Stari Most or Mostar Old Bridge

The Stari Most Bridge is one of the most iconic places to visit in Mostar, and in the whole of Bosnia Herzegovina for that matter. Also known as Mostar Old Bridge, this bridge crosses over the Neretva River and connects the two sides of the city, east and west.

Construction of the bridge began in 1557 after being commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent. The design of Stari Most was undertaken by Mimar Hayruddin, who was an apprentice of the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan .

Unfortunately, the bridge was destroyed on the 9th November 1993 during the Bosnian war. After a temporary fix, plans were put into place to reconstruct the bridge after the war had finished.

Reconstruction of the bridge began after the war using the same locally quarried stone and design techniques as the original. It was completed in 2004, and Stari Most was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005.

Today it attracts thousands of visitors each year and it isn’t difficult to see why. Visiting this incredible bridge is one of the most popular things to do in Mostar and is a must whilst exploring this city.

3. Visit the Museum of War and Genocide Victims

The best way to experience a country is to learn about its history, and that’s why you should visit this museum . Although such a beautiful country, Bosnia has a traumatic and tragic past.

After the Yugoslav republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1992, war broke out between the Muslim Bosniaks and the Croats and Serbs.

Over the course of the next few years, Bosnian Serb forces committed atrocious crimes against the Bosnian Muslim community and Croatian civilians.

It is estimated that these crimes resulted in the deaths of around 100,000 people by 1995, with 80% of those deaths being Bosnian Muslims.

Here the war photo exhibition will take you back through the turbulent early nineties and the violent breakup of Yugoslavia.

5. Visit the Old Frontline

The Old Frontline from the war can still be seen in the city of Mostar. The frontline was actually a four-lane divided road across the river, and throughout this area, bombed-out buildings can still be seen on the side of the road.

Many of the bombed buildings have been preserved as a reminder, and you can see these from the pavement. Many of the inhabited houses still bear the signs of war with bulletholes sprayed across walls and holes where shells have penetrated still on display.

It’s a grim reminder of the horrors the city faced during the breakup of Yugoslavia and the ensuing Bosnian war, but interesting to see these scars over thirty years later.

6. Shop in the Old Bazaar

Located in the centre of the city you will find the old Bazaar, which is one of the oldest parts of Mostar. This area of the city dates back to the 16th century and is called the Kujundziluk.

Today you will find this small cobbled street filled with craft shops and authentic restaurants.

This is one of the best things to do in Mostar, as you get a true idea of what the city used to look like back in the Ottoman era.

6. Watch the Stari Most Bridge Divers

During the warmer months, you can watch members of the Mostar Divers Team plunge from the bridge into the Neretva. It is also possible to try this yourself for a fee of €50, but due to the extreme height, this is not recommended for novices!

Jumping from the Stari Most into the icy, fast-flowing waters of the Neretva 20 metres (65 feet) below has been a right of passage for many “Mostarians” for centuries.

There has been an annual diving competition since 1968, and since 2015 Mostar has been a stop on Red Bull’s world cliff-diving tour!

Bridge diving from Stari Most is incredibly popular, and tourists travel from all over just to give it a go. If you are looking for some of the more adventurous things to do in Mostar, then this is for you.

However, this can be an incredibly dangerous activity and unfortunately, people have died jumping off this bridge in the past. Unless you are an experienced bridge diver, it is best to sit this out and simply observe from a distance.

7. See the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque

This beautiful mosque was built in 1618, and then later had to be rebuilt after the war due to extensive damage.

Now it stands proud once again with a peaceful courtyard to walk around, plenty of multicoloured Windows for you to gaze at and there are lots of different tombs scattered throughout the area.

The most popular part of this unique mosque is the viewpoint from the top of the famous minaret. You can’t visit Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque without climbing up it!

Although it’s a tight squeeze to get to the top and not a feat for the claustrophobic people out there, the views from the top will leave you mesmerized.

8. See the Crooked Bridge (Kriva Cuprija)

Kriva Cuprija closely resembles the famous Stari Most but is of smaller dimensions. Also, known as the Crooked bridge, Kriva Cuprija is located along the Neretva River.

The bridge was destroyed in 2000 because of flooding, and afterwards, a reconstruction project went underway to restore the bridge to its former glory.

Now it’s one of the most popular Mostar attractions and gives you a more peaceful experience than Stari Most.

9. Head up the Mostar Peace Bell Tower

If you are a fan of beautiful views, then taking a trip up the Franciscan church bell tower is a must. Also known as “Mostar’s Peace Bell Tower ”, this tower sits at an impressive 107m high and is the city’s highest building.

If you’re worried about walking all the way to the top, there is a lift that will take you over halfway up. After that, you can head on up to admire the incredible views of the city of Mostar.

There is also a Franciscan church located below the bell tower, which is still in the process of being reconstructed. It was built as a replacement for a Basilica that was badly damaged due to the war.

10. Admire the Street Art on Mostar’s ‘Sniper Tower’

Visiting the city’s sniper tower is definitely one of the more unique things to do in Mostar. Originally a bank, this building took on a darker identity during the Bosnian war.

Due to the building’s height and location, it was taken over as a sniper tower during the siege of Mostar and because of this many Bosniaks died.

Snipers aimed at them simply for having a walk, running errands or even driving their cars.

Although you aren’t allowed to enter the tower due to the instability of the building, you can admire the street art that has been graffitied on the side by local street artists.

This building may have a terribly sad history, but now people are starting to dress the tower in colour.

Popular day trips from Mostar

Aside from visiting Mostar, there are plenty of other destinations to visit not too far away from the city. Here are just a few of the day trips you can take from Mostar:

11. Swim at Kravice Waterfalls

The beautiful Kravice waterfalls are located 25 miles south of Mostar and are found on the Trebižat River. Also known as Kravica waterfall by the locals, this beautiful destination will blow you away. To give you an idea of how special this place is, you only have to hear its nickname – “the mini Niagara falls”.

The falls are 25 metres high, and there are numerous cascades that fall down into a beautiful emerald-coloured pool of water. It is the perfect place to relax and head out for a swim. If you are feeling adventurous you can also hire kayaks to explore the area around the falls.

Kravice waterfalls are located about two hours away from the city of Dubrovnik, so often people will visit both sights in one day.

Book a Tour to Kravice Waterfalls with Get Your Guide

12. See the Spring at Blagaj Tekija

Picturesque Blagaj Tekija is a Dervish monastery that is found about 9 miles outside the city centre. This monastery is over 600 years old and is located at the base of a cliff, next to the spring of the Buna River.

Estimated to have been built between 1446 and 1520, this beautiful monastery was constructed for a sect of soldier monks who were called the ‘bektašije’.

Aside from the monastery, there are also a few restaurants here where you can have lunch and admire the picturesque views. The best way to get here from Mostar is by taking the public bus from the city centre.

It’s also possible to take a dinghy into the cave which is the source of the Buna River.

Book a Tour to Blagaj with Get Your Guide

13. Visit the Village of Počitelj

Počitelj is a historic town located on the banks of the Neretva River. It is thought that Počitelj and its surrounding settlements were built by the King of Bosnia in 1383, who was named Stjepan Tvrtko.

During the war in Bosnia, the entire town suffered quite extensive war damage, so in 2000 the government started the programme of the permanent protection of Pocitelj.

Sites within the town such as the fort of Počitelj, the Haman (the old baths) and Sahat Kula clock town are incredibly historic and are part of why this town is so important.

This spot is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a great place to visit during your stay in Mostar. The best way to get to Pocitelj is by taking the public bus from the centre of Mostar.

Top Tip: Some hostels, such as Hostel Miran offer day trips that take in Kravice Waterfalls (including time for a swim), Blagaj and Pocitelj. The cost is around €50.

Book a Tour to Pocitelj with Get Your Guide

Getting to Mostar

Buses to Mostar

When travelling by bus in the Balkans you will always need to pay the equivalent of one or two euros in local currency to store your bags (even if your ticket says baggage is included).

It’s also worth noting that the advertised journey times are usually grossly underestimated, so be careful if you have onward connections. As a rule of thumb add two hours to any journey, especially if you need to cross a border.

Sarajevo to Mostar

There are multiple daily buses between the capital Sarajevo and Mostar. I’ve taken this bus twice and the scenery as it follows the river is amazing. The journey time is 42h35m and costs from €10 if booked online .

Dubrovnik to Mostar

I took the Dubrovnik to Mostar bus on my first visit in 2010 and the journey and the border crossing were quick and easy. The journey time is around 3h15m and costs from €20 if booked online .

Split to Mostar

The Split to Mostar bus follows the coastal road along the Adriatic before heading across the mountains into Bosnia. The scenery is incredible, and also a little hair-raising at times.

I did this trip in September 2022 and the scenery was incredible. The journey took five hours including the border crossing. You can book online here .

Book Tour of Mostar from Sarajevo with Get Your Guide

Getting Around Mostar

A lot of the top sights are located relatively close to each other. Exploring on foot is the perfect way to get around and see these attractions as Mostar is quite a small city, and generally, most of the sights are located within the old town.

The best food dishes to try in Mostar

There are plenty of tasty Bosnian food dishes for you to try but here are some of the most popular ones!

Japrak – Japrak is an authentic Herzegovinian dish that consists of a minced meat filling that is wrapped in raštika, which is a local leaf cabbage.

Ćevapi – Bosnian ćevapi is the country’s favourite dish and a must-try. They are small, hand-rolled minced meat sausages that are often made with ground beef or a combination of beef mince, veal, lamb or pork.

Sarajevski ćevapi – This unique variety of ćevapi originates from the city of Sarajevo. Often Sarajevski ćevapi is made only with ground beef and salt in order to keep the favour clean.

The weather in Mostar

The weather changes quite considerably throughout the year in Mostar. Generally, there are four main seasons in Bosnia and these are Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.

The hottest month to visit Mostar is in July, with an average high temperature of 31°C. July also tends to encounter the least amount of rainfall. The coldest month of the year tends to be January with an average low temperature of -1°C.

On both visits (June 2010 and September 2022) the weather was warm and sunny, with the addition of a few showers most recently.

What is the Best Time to visit Mostar?

The city can be visited all year round, although the best time tends to be from April to October. The peak season for tourism occurs during the summer months, so between June to September.

However the city is often very crowded, and soaring temperatures can occur during this time. Generally, the best time to visit Mostar is in May or September when the weather is a bit more pleasant and when there are fewer crowds.

Is Mostar Safe to Visit?

Mostar is a perfectly safe city to visit but a few precautions should be taken.

Many of the bombed-out buildings are still standing from the war, and they are not in the best of condition.

Aside from being very unstable, some of these buildings have unexploded ordnance in them left over from the war. So if you see a ‘keep out’ sign then definitely don’t ignore them!

If hiking in the beautiful hills above Mostar, stick to well-worn paths and heed signs warning of landmines!

Be sure to take out comprehensive travel insurance on your trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina! Our partners at SafetyWing specialise in off-the-beaten-path destinations like Mostar!

Accommodation in Mostar

Whether you want to travel to Mostar on a budget or relax in luxury; there are plenty of choices.

Staying in the old town is your best option, as this is where all the popular sights are located. Here are some accommodation options for each budget:

Budget: Hostel Miran

I stayed at Hostel Miran in both 2010 and 2022 and would highly recommend this wonderful, welcoming hostel. Miran also arranges tours to nearby attractions such as the Kravice Waterfalls.

Mid-range: Hotel Emen (a double or twin room located 500m from the city centre).

Luxury: Villa Cardak (a deluxe suite with a river view located 100 yards from Stari Most).

Is Mostar Worth Visiting?

So the million-dollar question – is Mostar worth visiting? The answer is definitely yes! This city is one of a kind and is the perfect example of an off-the-beaten-path destination.

Now you know what to do in Mostar, whether you are an adventure seeker looking to dive off the famous Stari Most bridge, or wanting to explore the city’s unique markets, restaurants or museums; there is something for everyone.

There are so many amazing things to do in Mostar, so make sure to put this fantastic destination on your bucket list. I will be back for a third visit for sure.

Don’t delay, book your Mostar tour today!

You might also like these articles.

About the author: Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.

Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World . See the About page for more info.

Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲

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Things to Do in Mostar Bosnia and Herzegovina: A Mostar Travel Guide 

Posted on Last updated: May 21, 2022

You should be proud that you’ve made it to one of Europe’s most underrated cities: Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina! There are tons of things to do in Mostar when you aren’t simply walking the streets and ogling over all the amazing Turkish-influenced markets.

This Mostar travel guide will take you through all the historic, adventurous, scenic, culinary, and full-of-nature things to do in and around the town of Mostar. Trust me, you’ll be totally impressed with this place and the surrounding countryside – it’s a sight to behold. I went to Mostar as part of my Balkans Road trip one summer, and will never get enough.

But first, let’s get a few important pieces of info out of the way:

When’s the Best Time to go To Mostar?

It’s important to note that Mostar weather is HOT during the summer. No, like REALLY hot. Uncomfortably hot. The kind of hot that will make you not want (or be able) to leave the house. For maximum adventure and to be able to accomplish all these awesome things to do in Mostar Bosnia and Herzegovina, you’ll want to visit when it’s a bit more of a manageable temperature.

This means that July and August are basically off-limits. I would personally recommend May or late September/early October, if that makes sense with your travel dates. This way, the temperature will be nice, warm, and manageable. Do June or early September if you must; or even more off-season months to beat the crowds.

What is the Currency in Mostar?

The currency in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the ‘Konvertible Mark,’ or as you will see on any street signs, the ‘KM.’ As of the late 2018, the KM was worth almost exactly twice as much as a Euro, and all businesses converted it this way. Many businesses will take Euros for exactly half the amount you would owe in the local currency.

How do You Get to Mostar?

Some of the best ways to get to Mostar are from Dubrovnik, Croatia, and Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It’s just over two hours away from both Dubrovnik and Sarajevo. So, it’s quite easy to fly into either of those bigger cities and get a bus, private transfer, or rent a car to drive to Mostar.

• Check for all bus routes on Bookaway
• On a Balkans Road Trip – check out the ultimate itinerary (that I did myself) here
• Private Transfers – Dubrovnik to Mostar
• Many car rental companies allow international use in Balkan countries. I used Sixt to do my Balkans road trip this year.
• You can fly directly to Mostar international airport from Zagreb, Stuttgart, and Dusseldorf. Many other airports will have indirect routes through these airports. Check routes here.

And now, here are all the awesome things you can do once you get to Mostar!

Things to do in Mostar Town

Here are all the things to do in Mostar one of the best places to visit in Bosnia , that are walkable from anywhere in the city. There are tons of activities to do, and the main area of town is actually quite small! There are things to do on each side of the Stari Most (which directly translates to ‘Old Bridge’), which is basically the center of the main part of town itself.

Explore Old Town

One of the best and most obvious things to do in Mostar is to get totally lost in the cobblestone medieval streets of the old town! The old town extends on either side of the Stari Most (Old Bridge) and it’s covered floor to ceiling with market stalls with the most unique, colorful, and cultural souvenirs.

Wandering the streets of Mostar is the easiest way to understand how heavily the Turkish/Ottoman Empire influenced the country of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It’s like another world if you have just come from Croatia or Slovenia, because the souvenir shops are totally different.

In Mostar/Bosnia as a whole, the markets are full of Aladdin-type gold and silver lamps, cutlery sets, coffee sets, jugs, and plate sets, tons of turkish rugs and scarves, Amazing Turkish patterns on pouches and bags, skirts, hats and tops laden with old coins that clang when you walk, the type of stained glass lamps you’s expect to see in Morocco, and even war souvenirs such as little tanks and pens made from bullets.

Go ahead, get lost! But make sure you leave time for all the other awesome things to do in Mostar. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Stari Most / Old Bridge

Well, this should be the most obvious place to visit in Mostar! The Stari Most is quite possibly one of the most famous landmarks in all of the Balkans, and rightfully so – it’s downright incredible!

The Stari Most  is perhaps the most well-known for incredibly brave people jumping off of it. People do it almost every day! But, it’s not for the faint of heart – it’s 24m (79ft) tall!! Wow!

There are some locals who do it daily for money, and who also take tourists under their wing each day and teach them the correct jumping form off a nearby platform for a small fee. If you want to jump it, I would 10000% recommend not doing it on your own! 24m is NOT for the faint of heart, and these guys give you a full tutorial, help you jump, yell at you while you’re in the air at the exact point you should pencil your body, and even have guys in boats there waiting if you mess up. It’s a good deal.

Not a jumper? Don’t worry; most people aren’t. Let’s stick to looking at the bridge then, shall we? There are a lot of great views of the old bridge, but here are the best views of Stari Most I recommend:

• From standing on the bridge , of course! Walk across it as many times as you like, look off the edge on both sides, and imagine what it would be like to jump off of it – cringe! Make sure you don’t slip while walking on the Stari Most, though – step on top of each step or you might eat it on the slippery tiles.
• From below – if you’re standing on the bridge, you’ll see a few huge platforms below it on one side where people sit and relax. Grab a takeaway from anywhere in old town (I recommend the cevapi – they come nice and easy inside a pita here – more on food below) and find a nice place to sit below the bridge. There are plenty of shaded spots both close to and a bit farther from the bridge. Choose a place you like, take some classic pictures under the bridge, and hope that you’re lucky and get to watch some jumpers during your meal. (I got to see two! Check my IG story highlights of Bosnia to see them)
• From a restaurant for dinner on the opposite side of the bridge from the platforms. There are lots of them that have views of the bridge, and it’s absolutely lovely when it’s lit up at night.

Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque (To Climb)

This is one of the most famous mosques in Mostar, and also happens to probably have the best view in Mostar. It’s definitely not for you if you’re claustrophobic, though; you actually have to climb up a stone spiral staircase all the way up a really tall temple spire/minaret. It’s not ideal, but oh, is it worth it!

Once you get to the top, you’ll see why this is one of the must-do things to do in Mostar. This view of the Stari Most might be better than the three above combined, and you can see more of the river and countryside than most places in town. The mosque is also very beautiful inside. Just make sure to cover up properly before going in (they also have scarves for you if you don’t have one)!

Cost of Entry: 6 Euro

Kajtaz House

The Kajtaz (kai-tahz) house is a fascinating old historic Turkish house that is now and UNESCO protected world heritage site. Located very close to town, the Kajtaz is actually run by a descendant of some of the original inhabitants back in the 16th century. He is extremely kind and knowledgeable about the entire history of the house and its rooms, and shows everyone around for a very small fee.

Unfortunately half of it was ruined in the Yugoslav wars, but they have done a fantastic job preserving the rest of it and setting the rooms up with traditional rugs, texts, pottery, and clothing that was worn when the home was new.

Cost of Entry: suggested donation of 2 Euro each for a tour

Nesuh-Aga Vučjaković Mosque

Not too far from the Pasha Mosque, we have the oldest mosque in Mostar. You can see just by looking at it that it’s quite ancient, and you can go inside and check it out more closely if you’re into that kind of thing.

War + Genocide Museum

This is a difficult, yet very important thing to do in Mostar. Recently opened, the Mostar Museum of War + Genocide Victims goes deep into tear-jerking detail about the war that happened in the Balkans/previous Yugoslavia a mere 26 years ago, from 1992-1995.

If you don’t know much about the Yugoslav Wars, you absolutely must visit this museum. There were terrible atrocities that occurred here during many of our lifetimes, and educating yourself about what happened is the first step to trying to empathize and understand what this country has gone through.

Cost of Entry: 10KM per person/5 Euro

Try a Real Bosnian Coffee… and Yes, It’s Different than Turkish Coffee (But Similar!)

Did you know that Bosnian coffee is different than Turkish coffee? They’re actually really similar, but just prepared a bit differently. Make sure you don’t say ’Turkish coffee’ to a Bosnian, because they are adamant that theirs is far superior (it’s something about the roasting process and how Bosnians don’t burn theirs as often as Turks do, due to something…. ask at the cafe! 😛 ).

The best place to try a real Bosnian Coffee is Cafe de Alma. It’s a bit hidden behind a temple, but it’s super cute and authentic. Enjoy it with a turkish delight (unclear if they would be called Bosnian delight here?!), and maybe someone can read your fortune at the bottom of the cup!

Biscevic House

This is another old Turkish house – this one from the 17th century – right next to the War + Genocide Museum. Similar to some other historic houses to visit in Mostar, you can view old artifacts and information with a terrace over the river.

Things to do in Mostar, Surrounding Areas, and Herzegovina

Now it’s time for the second half of my Mostar travel guide, which refers to all the amazing places to visit outside of (yet close to) Mostar Town. I meant it when I said that this is one of the most scenic countries ever, so make sure to visit some nearby points of interest.

Getting to the Areas Outside of the City

To see the areas described below (Kravice, Blagaj, Pocitelj, and Medugorje), you can either rent a car and drive it yourself, or you can do a day tour from Mostar  that will take you around.

Blagaj Spring + The Dervish House/Tekija

One of the most unique things to to in Mostar and even the Balkans is to visit Blagaj (pronounced blah-guy) Spring. The spring is at the base of a very tall cliff, and is actually the deepest spring in Europe. Blagaj is actually the source of the entire Buna River, producing 43,000 gallons of water PER SECOND. No joke. The water is pure and cold, and many surrounding restaurants actually use it to cool their drinks rather than using fridges!

Next to the spring you have another old Turkish house that is now a tourist/historical site. This one is quite similar to the Kajtaz but has a bit of a different history, being occupied by ‘Dervishes.’ Dervishes are known to be the ‘Islamic hippies’ if you will, and they used to live very simply and off the land in this scenic white house near the spring.

Nowadays you must cover up to go inside, as with most old houses in Bosnia. You can visit all the different rooms, learn what each one was for and how they used them, and of course take pictures in the beautiful rug-adorned rooms.

Kravice Waterfalls

Kravice waterfalls (Krav-eet-zay) are some incredible waterfalls about an hour outside of Mostar. These waterfalls are extremely scenic; many people revel at how beautiful they are. I’ve seen a lot of waterfalls in my travels but I still love visiting Kravice Falls, especially because you can swim in the water surrounding them. I love them so much I have written a specific guide to visiting Kravice Falls, too!

They have recently put up a lane line around the falls, but I personally had no problem climbing up to get closer to the falls and explore the rock pools. Just be careful – I didn’t tell you to do it!

There are loads of restaurants surrounding Kravice Falls where you can get a bite to eat overlooking the water. There’s also a tram that takes you up and down for 2 euro, but if you take the stairs the walk is easy enough.

Pocitelj Castle

Pocitelj Castle/Fort (po-chee-tell-ee) is an old Ottoman walled hillside town next to a beautiful river. It’s only about 15 minutes from Kravice Falls, and you can visit them both together quite easily. Just prepare for some stairs (some bus tours use a drop-off point above, but the parking lot is below).

I’d recommend walking in a big circle from one main tower to the other (you’ll find your way easily enough) and seeing the views of the town and river from both sides. One tower has been fortified by glass, but most of the rest of town is as authentic-ruins as it gets. The eastern tower is crumbling a bit, and you can climb up to the top level to look out the windows just like Rapunzel.

You can pick pomegranates off the trees as you walk around the town – hopefully you get them while they’re ripe! You can also buy pomegranate juice, rose juice, and tons of little cones of fresh fruit and nuts from the locals who likely picked them from their gardens.

Medugorje (med-oo-gohr-ee-yay) is a famous Christian pilgrimage site where, supposedly, the Virgin Mary appeared to some young people many years ago. Today, people from all over the world make pilgrimages to Medigorje, often for Christmas and religious holidays.

There is a MASSIVE outdoor church – the biggest I’ve ever seen – for people to attend mass. You can go into confession booths in like 20 different languages, and revel at quite a few statues of Jesus, Mary, and a few other religious figures. In the town, you’ll find gift shop after gift shop all centered around Virgin Mary. You can take your pick: life size Virgin Mary statues, Virgin Mary necklaces, magnets, cups, plates, bobbleheads, posters, keychains… literally everything. So if you’re into the Virgin Mary… this is your place, yo.

Visit a Winery

Yep, they do make wine in Bosnia and Herzegovina. There are many family wineries near Mostar, many of which you can visit and have a taste for yourself. I mean, Bosnia isn’t KNOWN for its wine, but when in Rome, right?

Where to Watch the Sunset in Mostar

It wouldn’t be an Adventure + Sunset guide without sunset spots, right?! Mostar isn’t the best place to see the sunset, but you best believe I always try the find the best sunset views no matter where I am. Here are some suggestions:

Drive Up the Hill Overlooking the City

You’ll see a big hill overlooking the city with a cross on top. You can drive up this (don’t try to hike though, I did that once – no trail along the road). This would be a great place to see the twilight over the city.

Riverside Restaurants

Grab yourself a table with a view for sunset – bonus if it has a view of the Old Bridge, too.

Platforms Under the Bridge

Watching the sky change with the Stari Most in the background is nothing but magic. And those platforms are a wonderful place to relax. Bring a picnic!

Where to Eat + Drink in Mostar

Phew, that was a lot of adventuring you had to do to complete all those cool things to do in Mostar Bosnia and Herzegovina! You must be hungry. Don’t worry, I have some great places for you to try.

But first, I want to warn you that sometimes the food can get a bit… sketchy in Mostar. It’s kind of the one thing that sucks about Mostar – I got reeeeeeally sick here once, and they think it was either salmonella or a parasite. Scary, I know – it’s not common, I just want you to be cautious and not eat anything that you feel unsure of.

I felt unsure about my chicken salad, but I ate it anyway (who gets sick from a chicken salad?! it was probably the eggs). Not good. I have since found some super reliable places to eat in Mostar, so go to the places I recommend and exercise a general amount of caution (eat local dishes, order reliable things) and you’ll be totally fine.

The Food House

This place is a bit more affordable and has some absolutely delicious options both of very traditional food and more western-ish things you might be more familiar with. It’s very close to the bridge and is very reliable. A great chance to try something new.

Šadrvan

This place is right near the old bridge and perhaps has the best food in Mostar. The workers are all dressed up in traditional clothing, and provide great service as you sit among the fairy lights strung between trees. It’s super cute, really. Get a tasting platter that has a bit of everything, and get amongst the local/Turkish influenced food.

Cafe de Alma Coffee Shop

I already mentioned this, but you MUST try Bosnian coffee, and this is a good place to do it. If it’s full (which it often might be) there are a lot of other small cafes too.

Grab Food to Go and Picnic Near the Bridge

Grab some takeaway cevapi in the town – many places do this. (If you don’t know, cevapi is basically like little sausage sticks of hamburger meat. They’re a classic food for the Balkans, and in Bosnia they come with chopped onions and ajvar/red pepper sauce inside a pita. Delicious and hard to mess up.) Take the food to one of the public platforms near the old bridge and enjoy the sunset and/or old town lit up at night as you eat.

Alternatively, grab some groceries from a nearby market and make yourself a picnic fit for a king, with a view. You can’t go wrong with charcuterie platter supplies. I did this while traveling solo for my birthday one year.

There are lots of fresh and delicious bakeries, and they get cheaper and cheaper the farther you go from the main town.

Black Dog Pub

Black Dog Pub is the place to go have some drinks after dinner. It’s right along a smaller stream that empties into the Neretva, with a smaller version of the Stari Most bridge that was constructed prior to the larger version to make sure it was constructionally sound. You might meet some locals there who will take you to Mostar’s nightclub on the other side of the bridge, in a cave-like opening in the cliff.

Where to Stay in Mostar

The last part of my Mostar travel guide has come: where to stay in Mostar. There are hostels in Mostar to stay in, but honestly this place is so cheap that you might as well treat yourself to a private room for no more than 30-40 Euro, or a nice airbnb.

I was able to find a one bedroom from a travel agency for 35 /night right next to the bridge a few years back. Another time when I was with a few others, I stayed at a lovely airbnb right outside of town and not far from the Kajtaz house. There are a few boutique hotels, with even nicer ones under construction. There are plenty of options! Here are a few links:

Best Vacation Rental in Mostar

When traveling with a family, I stayed in Villa Secret Gardens here with 3 rooms (7 guest capacity) right next to the city and loved it.

Best Hotel in Mostar

Stay at the Hotel-Restaurant Kriva Ćuprija for a central boutique hotel with a true authentic Mostar feel to it. It has a stone exterior and overlooks a smaller river. The restaurant is great too

There are SO many awesome hostels in Mostar, too…. none of them are massive but most are smaller homes with a great community vibe. For a fun and funky hostel near the center, book Mostar Downtown hostel.

Where to Travel From Mostar

The Balkans are a stunning area to travel through, and many of Bosnia’s neighboring countries are worth visiting on a Balkans road trip.

Many people travel to Croatia from Mostar. Check out the best places to go in Croatia and also tips for planning a trip to Croatia for all the info you need about this country. You can also read my guides to Split, Dubrovnik , Hvar , Korcula , and more.

Montenegro is an east border crossing from Bosnia. Check out all the best things to do in Montenegro in my Montenegro Road Trip Guide.

Well, that’s it for things to do in Mostar! Did you enjoy my Mostar travel guide? Is there anything I missed?! Let me know if the comments!

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27 Wonderful Things To Do In Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

The beautiful city of Mostar is one of my favourites in the Balkans thanks to its traditional markets, sublime scenery and tasty food. You won’t find endless things to do in Mostar but that’s part of its charm. Pull up a chair, pour a Bosnian coffee and watch the world go by! Although these days Mostar seems peaceful and idyllic, you only need a brief summary of the history to know it was home to one of Europe’s most recent wars and the most recent genocide. As well as strolling over the Old Bridge, shopping for souvenirs and soaking up the sunshine, I urge you to learn about the heartwrenching history of Bosnia & Herzegovina to better understand this fascinating country.

MOSTAR ESSENTIALS Accommodation : Booking.com / Hostelworld Getting there : flight / car / bus Mostar activities : GetYourGuide / Viator

Read next: Balkans trip itinerary

How to get to Mostar

By air: The most common way is to fly into Sarajevo (I use Skyscanner to get the best prices) and get a bus to Mostar. Buses take 2.5 hours and cost around €12, best booked at the station. Overland: it’s easy to arrive by bus if you’re coming from Split , Croatia or Kotor , Montenegro. From Split, book with Flixbus and from Kotor, book on GetbyBus . Both journeys cost around €20 and take 4.5 hours. Tip – have some local currency left over when leaving any country in the Balkans because fees for luggage and to use the bus station are common! By day trip: although it wouldn’t be my chosen method now, around 6 years ago I took a Mostar day trip from Dubrovnik that also included Počitelj and Kravice Falls. It was fast-paced taking in a lot during one day. The obvious downside is that you have limited time to explore all the Mostar attractions. But if it suits your travel style, browse Mostar from Dubrovnik day tours with Viator .

Where to stay in Mostar

• Hostel – there are lots of cosy hostels starting from €10 a night. The best rated one is Hostel Majdas , closely followed by Taso’s House and Hostel David .
• Budget hostel – stay at Pansion Villa Nur for incredible views, affordable prices and brilliant reviews. Check availability from €40 .
• Mid-range hotel – don’t miss Hotel Kapetanovina for beautiful rooms and studios, a rooftop terrace and superb reviews. Check availability from €65 . Another beautiful residence with a mid-range price tag is Shangri La Mansion for €55.
• Splash-out hotel – just moments from the UNESCO bridge, Hotel-Restaurant Kriva Ćuprija is set inside a heritage listed building with spacious, bright rooms and breakfast included. Check availability from €90 .
• Apartment – the best views in town can be seen from Next to the Old Bridge Apartments (€150) and Apartment Light de Luxe (€100)
• Browse all hostels on Hostelworld and hotels and apartments on Booking.com .

What to do in Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

From beautiful photo spots to museums and walking tours, here are the top activities in Mostar that you won’t want to miss…

Mostar Old Bridge

When you Google ‘Mostar’ or browse any stand of postcards and fridge magnets in the market, you’ll be greeted with endless images of the Old Bridge, a must for sightseeing in Mostar. Although it dates back centuries, it was a wooden bridge until 1557 when the sultan, Suleiman the Magnificent (what a thing to call yourself!) ordered it to be replaced with a stone bridge. Our walking tour guide explained the original bridge had been built with ‘glue’ comprising egg yolk and goat’s hair. Although this doesn’t sound very sturdy, it stayed up for 427 years. Impressive! Stari Most AKA the Old Bridge of Mostar isn’t just a pretty picture: it’s intrinsically tied to the history of the city when you consider it’s called ‘Mostar’ after the keepers of the bridge. It was entirely destroyed during the Balkan War in the 1990s and replaced in 2004, funded by the World Bank, UNESCO and others.

Watch bridge jumpers

Watching professional jumpers launch themselves off the Old Bridge is one of the most entertaining things to do in Mostar. However, they won’t jump until they have recieved €25 in donations so you may be waiting a while. If you can time your trip around September, you may be lucky to catch the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series! It was held here from 2017-19 and again in 2022 but we’re still waiting to hear if it will return in 2023. Just to be clear, it’s watching the professional jumpers that I’m recommending NOT jumping yourself! Our walking tour guide told us all kinds of horrific and gory stories about tourists who’ve tried, overly confident after too many drinks. Let’s just say, they won’t be trying again, partly because they can’t. Just don’t go there!

Wander across Kriva Cuprija (Crooked Bridge)

Although the Old Bridge is the most popular tourist attraction in Mostar, there are several other bridges where you can soak up views and learn about the history. One is Kriva Cuprija (Crooked Bridge) crossing Rabobolja creek. This cobbled bridge beside a cobbled street is an idyllic part of the city. It was also destroyed and rebuilt, not due to war but floods in 2000.

Snap photos from Lučki Most

Although it’s a short walk from town, it’s worth visiting Lučki Most (a third Mostar bridge) for the views. This bridge isn’t so impressive itself but due to its location further along the Neretva river from the Old Town, you’ll get prime photo opportunities while crossing it.

Take the free walking tour

This is a must! Almost everything I know about Mostar was gleaned during this fascinating walking tour. I take these in every new city I go but rarely are they led by guides who can actually tell you about war on their doorstep from their own memories. The Balkan Wars were so recent that someone in their late 30s will have childhood memories, and someone in their late 40s will have survived it as a young adult. This is why travelling to Bosnia & Herzegovina and speaking to the locals is so important. Obviously, it’s a sensitive topic that you won’t broch with a stranger on the street, so the Mostar Free Walking Tour is an ideal way to learn. Times: the tours run at 9.30am and 6pm from June-August. Afternoon tours are earlier in shoulder season (5pm in April, May & Sept, 4pm in Oct), then from Nov-March, there’s just one daily tour at 11am.

Related activity: for specific areas of interest, take a breakdown of Yugoslavia tour or a Mostar life under siege tour

Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque

Koski Mehmed Pasha is the most beautiful mosque in town and a must-visit place in Mostar, welcoming Muslim and non-Muslim travellers. The interior features spectacular rugs, stained glass and artwork. Entry to the mosque and the minaret climb costs 14KM (€7), a little expensive but worth it.

Climb the minaret for the best view in Mostar!

For a fantastic photo opp of the Old Bridge, one of the top things to do in Mostar is climb the minaret tower at Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque. It’s included in the entry price and offers spectacular, elevated views of the Old Town, Neretva river and surrounding scenery. It’s a tight squeeze up the circular staircase so hopefully no one is coming down at the same time you are going up! At the top, it’s also a tight squeeze and only a few people can fit at once.

Other mosques in Mostar

Karađoz Beg Mosque is another beautiful mosque in Mostar where tourists are permitted to enter and climb the minaret. The friendly imam will show you around the mosque built in 1567 and tell you about its history. For an authentic spot that feels less touristic than Koski Mehmed Pasha, it’s a real gem.

Browse the Old Bazar

In the heart of Stari Grad (the Old Town) lies one of the oldest places in Mostar full of history, food fabrics, jewellery and souvenirs. Once a point of connection between Turks and Bosnians doing business, it’s now a tourist hotspot but a lovely one. The Old Bazar (Kujundziluk in the local tongue) is located in the cobbled streets on the left bank of the river. It’s a car-free zone that hasn’t changed much since its Ottoman Empire days. Be prepared to haggle and you’ll get great deals. I bought beautiful earrings for €5 that I’m still wearing months later and a tote bag showing Mostar bridge that doubles up as a laundry bag while backpacking.

Learn about traditional crafts

As well as browsing for souvenirs, a trip to the Old Bazar is a chance to learn about traditional Bosnian crafts dating back centuries and passed through generations. More than 500 workshops used to operate here in Ottoman times but, due to the rise of mass production, the number is far fewer today. During the free walking tour, we were lucky to witness a demonstration at Mostar Art Gallery and see how copper is hammered with detailed designs showing images from the region’s past. We met a young guy who had learnt the trade from his dad and would be continuing the family business. For an educational and arty thing to do in Mostar, pop in to see skilled craftspeople at work and maybe even buy something to support them.

Spot street art brightening old buildings

If there’s one thing I love to find when travelling, it’s street art ! From Porto to Zagreb , I’ve seen some fantastic street art in Europe lately. The murals in Mostar brighten up old buildings, particularly those damaged by war. The Sniper Tower is one place to see street art and I also liked the bird mural (top left) on Drage Palavstre near the War & Genocide Museum. Birds seem to be a theme in the art in Mostar.

Climb Mostar Peace Bell Tower

For the tallest viewpoint around, the 75m Peace Bell Tower is one of the best places to visit in Mostar. In case you’re wondering, you don’t have to climb to the top! Once you pay your €3 entry fee, you’ll jump in a lift almost to the top then climb the final few stairs. Rather than an open top, you’re looking through glass windows that are slightly dirty in places. It wasn’t the most impressive attraction in Mostar for me, but it does give a good sense of scale. It’s also interesting to see the WHOLE city including Yugoslavia-era blocks as well as just the polished UNESCO centre. Beside the Peace Bell Tower is a modern Franciscan church that replaces an older one destroyed by war.

Find the bizarre Bruce Lee Bronze Monument

For a quirky thing to do in Mostar, find the Bruce Lee statue Have questions? So did I. The statue has a curious history, dating back to days of communist Yugoslavia when locals, whether they were Bosniak, Croat or Serbian, developed an obsession with kung fu movies accessed via pirated VHS. Although Mostar is now divided into Bosniak and Croat sections on either side of the river (with Serbs largely leaving during the war), they’re united by their love of Bruce Lee. The Mostar Urban Movement youth group erected the statue in 2005 as an attempt at unity but sadly, it was vandalised quickly. Watching a child swing off his arm, I wondered if ethnic tensions will ever end in ex-Yugoslavian countries. Surely if one generation stopped passing negativity down to their children, unity could be achieved within decades… Although I guess media, governements and world events also play a huge part. Sigh.

See the Sniper Tower

For a riveting piece of history with a tragic story, pass by the Sniper Tower close to the Bruce Lee statue. Now an abandoned structure covered in urban art, it was once a Yoguslav Bank that was taken over by Serb and Croatian forces during the war. Bosniak people risked their lives passing this tower so it’s an important part of the history, perhaps explaining why it’s never been taken down or replaced.

Cultural things to do in Mostar

For museums and history, check out…

The Old Bridge Museum

Unsurprisingly located beside the Old Bridge, this small but informative museum explains the history of the Old Bridge. As I briefly explained above, the bridge is integral to Mostar’s history and has withstood (well, apart from the multiple times it was destroyed) invasion, war and bombings. Not only that but it represents the multiculturalism of the region, as the two remaining ethnic majorities are still geographically divided today on either side of the bridge. Basically, a visit to the Old Bridge Museum will help you better understand Mostar.

Bosnamuseum

Located on the west side of the river near the Old Bazar, this is a fairly interesting museum (although far from amazing) covering the history of Bosnia & Herzegovina. At the Bosnaseum , you’ll learn about different eras and ethnic groups – Croatian Catholics, Orthodox Serbians and Bosniak Muslims – via exhibits displaying clothing, food and handicrafts. There are also exhibits about the war and destruction of the Old Bridge. Entry is 10 BAM (€5).

Museum Of War And Genocide Victims

Without competition, the most powerful and captivating museum in Mostar is the Museum Of War And Genocide Victims documenting what happened to Muslim Bosniaks in the 1990s following independence from Yugoslavia. It’s easily one of the most upsetting and traumatic museums I’ve been to. But, as I always think when I’m upset by the suffering of others, if they had to live it (or die during it), the very least I can do is learn about it. Still, very sensitive people should probably not visit this museum. Entry is 12 BAM (€6) and it’s probably the most worthwhile money you’ll spend while learning about the history of Bosnia & Herzegovina. It will have you thinking deeply about religion, race, peace in the world and the value (or lack thereof) of the UN. Note – if you’re visiting Sarajevo, the Museum of Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide is similar so you can probably pick one or the other.

Step back in time at Biscevic House

To learn about a completely different period of history, one of the best things to do in Mostar is visit a historic house from the Ottoman era. The Biscevic House is a 17th-century Turkish residence built into the hillside. Now a museum, it’s an educational place to explore featuring Turkish rugs, clothing and ceramics dotted around rooms preserved for 400 years. Entry is 4 BAM (€2).

Visit Muslibegovic House – or stay overnight!

After the Biscevic House, I walked 5 minutes to the other popular historic house in Mostar. The Muslibegovic House is fairly similar but with an added quirk: you can stay overnight! The friendly owner was keen to explain that, if I come back to Mostar, I should stay overnight in a preserved Ottoman suite . I certainly will! Entry is 4 BAM (€2).

Kajtaz House

After visiting the two historic houses above, I skipped Kajtaz House but I hear it’s a lovely 16th-century residence near Lučki Most. Reviews say it has an exquisite collection of rugs, woodwork and traditional clothing that can be seen as part of a tour with a friendly guide.

War Photo Museum

Okay, I went to not one but TWO museums thinking they were this one… And never made it to the War Photo Museum! First I followed the incorrect Google pin to Bosnamuseum which, confusingly, does have a small collection of war photos. I read on TripAdvisor that the War Photo Museum is located at the corner of the Old Bridge so I looked for it, but unfortunately got dupped by a sign beside the Old Bridge Museum advertising war photos. I ended up paying 10 BAM to watch an old 7-minute of the bridge coming down. As yo can tell, I would highly NOT recommend this place. After further research (too late as I had left town), the correct War Photo Museum is the OTHER side of the bridge above Mostar Diving Club . I hear it’s a powerful place to visit in Mostar so you may wish to do so… If you can find it!

Where to go near Mostar

Exhausted the things to do in Mostar? With a second or third day, there’s time to explore the surroundings. You can visit these 3 places listed below separately or take an organised tour to see them during the same day.

Browse tours to the 3 places below

For beautiful places to visit near Mostar, you can’t beat Blagaj. I took a cheap and cheerful day trip from Mostar to Blagaj by local bus for the bargain price of €2 return. This peaceful village is best known for the Dervish House, Blagaj Tekke , a 600-year-old Ottoman residence built into the cliff face. Once home to a guesthouse, madrasa and mausoleum, it was a key place for Dervish Muslims to visit and pray in its carefully-selected position beside the river.

Although some people just snap photos outside, I’d highly recommend going inside to tour the beautiful residence. Women must cover their legs, shoulders and hair; there are scarves to borrow for free. I caught the bus from the stop outside the United World College in Mostar. It cost just 2 BAM (€1), and entry to the Dervish House is 10 BAM (€5) making it a cheap day out. There are some slightly overpriced restaurants along the river but I departed Mostar early and arrived back in time for lunch.

Kravice Falls

Kravice Falls are the most sublime waterfalls, cascading into a refreshing swimming hole. If they were over the border in Croatia, they’d likely be a hundred times busier. However, word is getting out these days so it’s worth visiting early if you’re coming independently. Once tour groups arrive, it’s pretty crowded. No public transport connects Mostar (the falls are 43km away) so it’s best to hire a car, take a taxi or hop on a day tour to Kravice Falls . Entry costs up to 10 BAM depending on the season and parking costs 2 BAM. They’re open 24 hours so it’s free if you visit outside of the ticketed entry times of 8am-8pm.

Visiting the idyllic village of Počitelj is like stepping back in time, dubbed an ‘open-air museum’ because of the historic architecture comprising mosques, churches and the remains of a castle. For hundreds of years, the town was a stronghold to protect against the Ottomans. Given the mosques here today, you can guess they eventually conquered. Počitelj is famous for the pomegranates and figs growing in abundance around the town. Vendors in the streets will sell you fresh fruit and pomegranate juice. Getting there: a bus taking 40 minutes departs Mostar at 11.10am and returns at 2.45pm. Otherwise, you can drive, charter a taxi or take a day tour .

Foodie things to do in Mostar

You won’t find an article on my website not mentioning food! Bosnian food may not be known around the world but I think it’s delicious. You’ll find typical Balkan dishes as well as food with Turkish origins introduced during Ottoman times.

Try the typical dishes

Some of these are…

• Ćevapi – small ground meat sausages are a Balkan classic found everywhere from fancy restaurants in Split to modest eateries in rural towns. They’re usually served with bread and chopped onion.
• Japrak – this is a tasty dish made with stuffed vine leaves, mashed potato, sour cream and/or stew.
• Sogan dolma – stewed onions are stuffed with minced meat, paprika, sour cream and spices.

Go on a restaurant crawl

A few of my favourite restaurants in Mostar are…

• Restaurant Šadrvan – I ate in this restaurant in 2017 and came back in 2022… If that isn’t dedication, I don’t know what is! They serve a fantastic range of traditional Bosnian dishes. Prices are slightly geared towards tourists but really not bad at all.
• Tima Irma – this is an amazing and affordable barbeque restaurant serving some of the best cevapi in town. Don’t forget to order a side of kaymak (cream cheese) and ajvar (red pepper paste). The only complaint is there’s no bathroom.

Enjoy Bosnian coffee

If you haven’t yet tried Turkish coffee, now is a great time. I confess I’m still learning to love it because it has more of an earthy taste than Italian coffee. However, it usually comes with sugar cubes and delicious Turkish delight. Yum!

… With dessert!

Bosnian desserts are great, as I learnt when I rented an Airbnb room from a local family in Sarajevo who baked me hurmašica after I mentioned it was my favourite! Hurmašica are syrup-drenched pastries while baklava is a better-known and equally syrup-drenched dessert made with pistachio and filo pastry. There are countless cafes and bakeries in Mostar where you can (and should) try them!

Costs of visiting Mostar

My daily spend in Bosnia & Herzegovina was about €45 which is a mid-range budget. I did private rooms rather than hostels for once, plus I paid lots of museum and attraction entrance fees to work out what to do in Mostar and make this blog the best it can be (feel free to support my work !) plus I’m a huge foodie and have at least 2 coffees a day. You could easily travel on a budget in Bosnia on €25 a day ! Stay in hostels, eat local food and buy ingredients to cook from time to time. Average spends:

• €10 for a bed in a hostel dorm
• €12 for a private room in an Airbnb, from €20 for a whole Airbnb
• €5 for museum entrance
• €10 for a meal and drink in a touristic restaurant (half that in very local places. Don’t pay more than €5 for cevapi anywhere!)
• €12 for the Mostar to Sarajevo bus
• €25+for day tours with GetYourGuide or Viator
• €1 public transport for example the bus to Blagaj.

Here’s some extra info for planning your trip to Mostar.

Is Mostar worth visiting?

Absolutely! It’s beautiful, cultural and historical with plenty of options for learning or simply relaxing, soaking up the vibes and enjoying the cafes. Of course, if you ONLY love huge cities with skyscrapers and international cuisine… Well, maybe then you won’t think Mostar is worth visiting!

How many days to spend in Mostar?

Some will tell you a day is enough in Mostar but I don’t agree. Yes, you can whizz around the main things to do in Mostar and soak up the ambience of the city, but there are lots of museums, mosques and historic houses plus so much food to try! So if you love culture and want to learn about the history, spend two days in Mostar. I spent a third day visiting Blagaj (I had visited Kravice Falls and Počitelj on a previous trip but you can opt for a day tour including all three ).

Where next?

Most travellers don’t visit Mostar alone because there’s no international airport for quick mini breaks. It’s more common to visit as part of a trip including other places in Bosnia & Herzegovina or a Balkans backpacking trip. Some of my favourite places nearby are…

Although Mostar is charming, it was Sarajevo I really fell for. For a European capital city, it’s incredibly traditional and well-preserved. You’d barely know it was the modern day! The history is another persuasive reason to visit Sarajevo , there are many fantastic places and people to learn from. The free walking tour is a great place to start. I’d also recommend staying in Apartmen Dove with a friendly local family upstairs. It’s a no-frills place up a steep hill but I had a great time.

Read next: 35 things to do in Sarajevo

After 3 months living in Croatia in 2023, I’m your girl for tips and tricks. It’s easy to catch a bus from Mostar to Split in 4.5 hours or Mostar to Dubrovnik in 3 hours. You’d barely believe this is Bosnia’s neighbour because it’s so much more touristy and expensive and has a different feel because of the architecture relating to the Catholic rather than Muslim majority, and the coastline rather than inland cities. Dubrovnik is the smaller and more touristic of the main coastal 2 cities, although Split is also rammed in the summer. I would suggest going in shoulder season to enjoy Split day trips to the islands and Krka Falls without too many other people around. Zadar is another beautiful coastal city for your Croatia itinerary . The capital of Zagreb isn’t my favourite but it has decent cafes and street art , plus it’s a good base to explore Plitvice National Park .

I would definitely encourage a trip to Montenegro because it’s stunningly beautiful with incredibly clear waters and opportunites for swimming and boat trips. It’s somewhere between B&H and Croatia in terms of tourism. Kotor and Budva are popular cruise stops in the summer months but there are plenty of hidden gems and less-visited places, too. It’s a small country so you can base somewhere and explore as day trips by car or group tours. Stari Bar near Bar was my favourite stop on my Montenegro itinerary as a relaxed, idyllic spot to unwind.

Read my guides to other Balkan countries including Serbia , Kosovo , North Macedonia , Bulgaria , Romania and Albania

Thanks for reading!

More Balkans blogs:

• Balkans itinerary for up to 2 months
• What to do in Belgrade, Serbia
• Is Belgrade a good place to visit?
• The top attractions in Pristina, Kosovo
• The ultimate Albania itinerary
• Tips for the Theth to Valbona hike, Albania
• Things to do in Tirana, Albania
• Is a trip to Albania worth it?
• Montenegro itinerary – without a car
• Guide to Kotor, Montenegro
• Things to do in Skopje, North Macedonia
• 2 week Romania road trip
• Things to do in Brasov, Romania
• Things to do in Timisoara, Romania
• How to spend 2 days in Sofia, Bulgaria

For more travel content, follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

TRUSTED RESOURCES FOR VISITING BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA Getting around by air – I use Skyscanner and search by month to see the cheapest dates. Driving in Europe – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals in European countries (and all around the world). For hotels and self-catering apartments, I use Booking.com . You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. Browse tours and Mostar activities on GetYourGuide and Viator . Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and budget tips from my 10+ years on the road!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

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The Perfect 1 to 2 Day Mostar Itinerary

Last Updated on February 29, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Those looking to explore the Balkans or dip their toe into Bosnia & Herzegovina are likely to plan a 1 or 2 days in Mostar itinerary if they’re planning on visiting this historic place.

Because of its small size and relative proximity to neighbouring Croatia, many tourists in Mostar opt to visit the city as a day trip from Split or Dubrovnik. And while you can certainly see a good portion of this compact city in the span of a few hours, it is far more worthwhile to a couple of days exploring Mostar and its surroundings.

If you have the time to include it as a proper stop on your itinerary and are wondering what to do in Mostar, then make sure to follow this guide so you get the most out of your visit to this Bosnian city.

Table of Contents

Is Mostar Worth Visiting?

Well, likely I wouldn’t be writing an entire article on a city that wasn’t worth it to visit, so I would have to answer that question with an emphatic “yes.”

Mostar has a ton to offer visitors and though it is small in size, you’ll find it hard to get bored if you plan on spending one or 2 days in Mostar.

The city is incredibly historic and it’s also one of the most beautiful in the region, with impressive views of the Stari Most, the cobbled old town, the deep blue-green of the Neretva River, and the dotting of minarets that pepper the skyline.

It is one of the most interesting places to visit in the entirety of Europe and its mixture as both a historic Ottoman-era town to its more recent Austro-Hungarian influences make it unique among other cities on the continent, as well.

Mostar has a fascinating history and it is also one of the best places to visit if you want to learn more about Bosnia & Herzegovina’s heartbreaking role in the Balkan wars of the early 1990s.

Mostar was actually the second-most destroyed town in all of former Yugoslavia during the conflict in the ’90s, just after Vukovar, Croatia. You can still see many of the scars of the war in Mostar to this day and it remains one of the most ethnically divided cities in Europe.

Getting To & Around Mostar

Mostar is a popular place to visit amongst tourists and locals alike in Bosnia and Croatia, so you will be able to find numerous bus connections there from many other neighbouring cities both domestically and internationally.

For instance, there are very frequent bus connections between the capital of Sarajevo to Mostar every day and there are also a handful of trains that leave daily, as well.

From further afield, Mostar is well-connected with cities like Split and Dubrovnik in Croatia and you can also reach the city from Kotor, Montenegro.

Once in Mostar, all you need is your own two feet to be able to see most of the city. Mostar is quite small and compact and, besides that, the entirety of the Old Town is pedestrianised so you have to get around on foot anyway.

Also, contrary to the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo , Mostar is relatively flat so you’re not going to have several steep hills to contend with during your sightseeing.

It is worth noting that the cobblestones in the old town can be fairly uneven and slick, so it is worth wearing good footwear to avoid slipping or twisting any ankles. Basically, flip-flops are a bad idea.

1 to 2-Day Mostar Itinerary

If you only have 1 day in Mostar spend it exploring the main sites within the city and its old town. Your second day should be spent exploring some of the surrounding area.

Day 1 – Explore the Old Town

Bosnian coffee.

Start your morning with a caffeine boost at Cafe de Alma, located close to the Hamman Museum in the Old Town.

This is one of the only coffee shops in Mostar that roasts its own beans and its incredibly friendly, helpful and passionate owner is more than happy to teach you all about the culture of Bosnian coffee while also showing you how to properly drink it.

Bosnian coffee is very similar to traditional Turkish coffee and that is due to the Ottoman influence in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Contrary to the “grab and go” coffee culture common in North America, Bosnians cherish their coffees by sitting down in a cafe and sipping slowly and enjoying some leisurely conversation. So take some time in the morning to do as the locals do and sip a delicious Bosnian coffee!

After you’ve been sufficiently caffeinated, it’s time to head to one of the most famous and iconic Mostar attractions — the Stari Most, or Old Bridge. No visit to this city without walking across this historic site at least a few times and it is one of the best things to see in Mostar.

This bridge was originally constructed in the 16th century by Ottoman architect Mimar Hayruddin (who was an apprentice of famous architect Mimar Sindin — the man responsible for designing Istanbul’s famous Blue Mosque). At its highest point, the bridge stands at about 22 metres above the Neretva River, depending on how high the water is at the time of year.

Until 1993, the bridge stood in its original construction from the 16th century. It was, however, almost completely destroyed on the 9th of November 1993 by Croatian forces during the Balkan wars. It was reconstructed to look exactly as it did originally and was officially opened to the public in 2004.

Though the vast majority of the bridge has been recreated, the first eight steps on either side of the Stari Most are the original from the 16th century.

If you’re fortunate enough, you might be able to see a local diver make the 20+ metre jump from the highest point of the bridge. Divers collect money from tourists on the bridge throughout the day to raise money for the diving club, and there are usually a couple of jumps that occur each day.

It is truly something that is interesting to see, especially when you can observe the incredible technique of the divers as they plunge into the chilly waters of the Neretva.

Old Bridge Museum

On the east side of the Stari Most lies the Old Bridge Museum , which is located in one of the towers of the bridge. If you want to learn more about the history of this iconic landmark and also about its reconstruction and destruction, then this is the place to go.

You can also see some great views of the bridge and the Old Town from the museum, along with learning all about the history, innovative architecture (for the 1560s), and significance of Mostar’s most famous site.

You could also spend some time browsing the tourist shops in the nearby Old Bazaar.

Crooked Bridge

Mostar means “bridgekeeper” in Bosnian and, as the city is spread between two banks of the Neretva river, there are numerous bridges throughout the city. If you want to see one of the most beautiful bridges (and the only one that wasn’t destroyed during that 1990s war), then make sure to head to the crooked bridge.

The Crooked Bridge is almost an exact replica of the Stari Most on the other side of the river, however, it is significantly smaller. It was built as something of a “practice run” before construction was started on the Old Bridge.

As I previously said, it is the only bridge in Mostar that wasn’t destroyed in the war, however, it did completely collapse after due to strong winds and flooding and was reconstructed.

In fact, 80% of the Old Town was more or less destroyed in the war and was historically recreated to look exactly as it once did to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

War Photo Exhibition

The next stop on this Mostar itinerary is another museum — the War Photo Exhibition. Located on the west bank of the Stari Most, this small exhibition displays exactly what you think it would — photos of Mostar during the 1990s wars.

As mentioned previously, Mostar was the second-most bombed city in the Balkans during the conflict in the ’90s and this small museum gives an excellent and sobering insight into just how much devastation the city endured.

Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque

If you want to learn more about Mostar’s Islamic heritage in a beautiful setting, then you cannot go wrong heading to the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque in Mostar. This historic mosque acts as a museum where you can learn more about Islam in Mostar.

For an extra fee, you can also climb to the top of the minaret to take advantage of some of the most beautiful views of the Old Town — which is one of the best things to do in Mostar.

After a morning full of sightseeing and museums, it’s time to get some sustenance with some lunch.

There are several great restaurants to choose from in Mostar, but if you want a great lunch suggestion, we recommend heading to Food House if you want to eat in a nice setting within the Old Town.

They have a range of menu items including vegetarian options and traditional Bosnian food along with some international favourites.

Museum of War and Genocide Victims

After lunch, it’s time to head to another sobering stop in Mostar, the Museum of War and Genocide Victims . This is an excellent place to visit if you want to learn more about Bosnia & Herzegovina as a whole during the war in the 1990s.

The museum concentrates on the human toll that this horrible conflict cost the people of Bosnia & Herzegovina and how it has shaped the country — both culturally and politically — today.

Sniper Tower

Not far from the Old Town lies yet another sobering site that brings to mind the conflict and horror that the city of Mostar endured less than 25 years ago.

This abandoned building, which lies on the west side of Bulevar road — a street that acts as an unofficial dividing line between the Croat and Bosniak sides of town — was at one point a bank building that was then used as a sniper tower for Croatian forces during the 1990s war.

Today, the building is a shell of what it once was and, while officially closed to the public, it is a place of “dark tourism” that many people like to visit. It is covered in graffiti, some of which can be seen from outside of the tower.

It is worth noting that visitors aren’t allowed to enter the building, however, many people hop the fence to see more graffiti and climb to the top. If you do so, please be careful as there are no protective barricades.

Mostar Gymnasium & Spanish Square

Not far at all from the Sniper Tower lies the Mostar Gymnasium, an Austro-Hungarian era school that is still in operation today. It is located next to the Spanish Square so named — to honour Spanish troops who perished during the Balkan wars.

What makes this school unique — aside from its distinctive Moorish-revival style architecture (reminiscent of the city hall in Sarajevo) — is that it remains the only fully integrated school in the city.

Mostar is one of the most ethnically divided cities in Europe and there are separate schools (and sides of the city) for both ethnic Bosniaks and ethnic Croats. The Mostar Gymnasium, however, is the only school that integrates the two ethnic groups in the city.

If you want to get some of the best views from of the Old Town and the Stari Most, you need to walk a bit further down the road from the Mostar Gymnasium and the Sniper Tower to the Lučki Most.

This bridge, which is open to both cars and pedestrians, is located just south of the Old Bridge and offers some of the most spectacular views (and photo opportunities!) of the bridge and Old Town as a whole.

You will also notice a distinct lack of tourists here, even though it is only a few hundred metres from the Old Town.

After all this sightseeing and sobering war history, it’s time to unwind for the afternoon while enjoying a locally brewed craft beer.

One of the best places to enjoy a Bosnian microbrew is at the Craft Beer Garden , which is located just above the Crooked Bridge and offers quite charming views of Old Mostar.

This place serves up beers from microbreweries all over Bosnia, however, if you want a beer local to Mostar, we recommend trying one from Old Bridz Brewery.

You can get an introduction to a number of these sites on the Mostar Free Walking Tour . Run by the highly knowledgeable Sheva, he will give you an incredibly detailed look into the history and culture of Mostar and offer some insight into all of the sites and monuments mentioned here. If his schedule doesn’t suit, you can also book a private tour.

After working up quite the appetite during your full day of sightseeing and museum hopping, it’s time to head to dinner.

We recommend eating at Hindin Han restaurant, which is situated over the Neretva River in the Old Town. They offer a wide array of traditional Bosnian cuisine at affordable prices in a good atmosphere.

Day 2 – Explore the Surrounding Area

If you have more than one day in Mostar and are wondering what to do in Mostar for a second day, then most people choose to head out of the city centre and explore the area surrounding the city.

While the main sites of Mostar can certainly be seen in one day, allowing yourself two days to be able to see the city and the surrounding area is a fantastic idea.

Located fewer than 15 kilometres outside of the Mostar city centre lies the beautiful and tranquil Blagaj Tekija, which is one of the most popular day trips from Mostar.

This traditional Dervish monastery dates back to the 16th century and it is still in operation today. It is a beautiful spot to visit and is well worth it if you want to see a slice of Bosnia’s history.

Kravice Waterfall

The Kravice Waterfall is arguably the most famous day trip from Mostar. Located about 45 kilometres southwest of Mostar close to the Croatian border, this beautiful waterfall and its inviting blue waters are incredibly worth visiting in the warm summer months.

You can walk around and enjoy the beauty of falls, however, if you’re daring enough, you can also take a plunge and swim in the clear, icy waters.

Located a bit further east of Kravice and about 30 kilometres due south of Mostar is the historic village of Počitelj. Today, this village acts as an open-air museum and it is famous for its beautiful setting on the west bank of the Neretva and its excellently preserved Medieval-era fortress.

Another of the most famous day trips from Mostar is to Medjugorje, a historic Christian pilgrimage site located about 25 kilometres southwest of Mostar, also close to the Croatian border.

It is famed for its apparent apparitions of the Virgin Mary to six local children in 1981. It has only officially been a pilgrimage site recognised by the Vatican since 2019.

If you don’t have your car, one of the best ways to see all of these sites easily is on a day tour from Mostar. If you are a backpacker, you will find that many hostels will operate a tour with a driver. However, if you aren’t staying in a hostel, you can take this full-day tour which will take you to most of these sites with a helpful guide.

Where to Stay in Mostar

Hotel Eden — A centrally-located hotel situated within easy walking distance of Mostar’s most famous sites, they have a range of clean and comfortable rooms available and a bar and swimming pool on site.

Hostel Majdas — If you’re a backpacker, budget or solo traveller, this small hostel is an excellent choice. Family-run by incredibly friendly owners, they have a few comfortable dorm rooms available, great common areas, they offer day tours of the area surrounding Mostar and have a great breakfast included in the rate.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Mostar!

Figuring out what to do in Mostar really isn’t a hard task, as there is so much to do in and around this historic city that you are sure not to be bored over the span of a short trip.

Are you planning to visit Mostar? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

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Home » Destinations » Europe » Bosnia & Herzegovina » 12 Great Things to Do in Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

12 Great Things to Do in Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

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Here Are Some Pretty Cool Things to Do in Mostar!

Let us guess – you’re looking for reasons why you should visit Mostar? Well, we’ve got a few of them for you in this post!

From the famous Mostar bridge called the Stari Most to the war photo exhibition – there are certainly enough things to keep you busy for one day in Mostar or if you’re there for longer.

It’s no secret that we absolutely loved our time travelling around the Balkans. Bosnia and Herzegovina was a later addition to our itinerary. 

We are so happy we made the trip to explore parts of the country. We loved it and we wrote a whole post about our experience in Bosnia and Herzegovina !

Ready to explore Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina? Here we go!

Table of Contents

Things to Do in Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

If you find yourself in Mostar, you’ll definitely be looking for things to do. While some things are obvious, others can be a little hidden if you don’t know where to look.

It’s also probably important to mention that while the war ended many years ago, the two “sides” of the river are distinctly different.

The west side is predominantly Bosnian Croat while the East side of the river is the Bosnian Muslim (Bosniak) side.

This is important to know for directions later in this post as well as understanding the ethnic and religious tensions of Mostar and in Bosnia, in general.

Our guesthouse family spoke to us about how the city is still divided – with segregated schools on each side only allowing their respective ethnicity to attend.

There is one immersion school in all of Bosnia and it’s in Mostar – so we will show you what that looks like down below!

The city isn’t necessarily dangerous for either side, but tensions do remain built into the systems and the people. If you aren’t sure which side you are on, just look for the mosques on the horizon.

They are beautiful and you’ll figure it out pretty quickly! So, that being said, here are 12 things to do in Mostar!

Cross the Stari Most (Old Bridge)

We started with the most obvious first because, well, frankly it’s the reason most people even know about Mostar in the first place.

It’s also why Mostar is called “Mostar” in the first place! The Old Bridge or Stari Most, was an old arched bridge built in 16th century by the Ottoman ruler of the area.

Known for its beautiful shape and architecture, the original bridge was a beautiful attraction with a functional purpose.

The bridge took a decade to build back in the day. It actually replaced an old wooden bridge that made traders and locals scared for their lived when crossing it!

In the Bosnian war from 1992-1995, conflict engulfed the entire country. We talked about the conflict in Sarajevo in our Sarajevo post  but the ethnically-fueled fighting was brutal in Mostar, as well.

The difference here was that although Sarajevo was under siege by the Bosnian Serbs, the battles in Mostar was mainly between Bosnian Croats and Bosniaks (Muslim Bosnians).

It was the Bosnian Croat army who destroyed the bridge on November 9th, 1993. You can find the old footage of the shelling of the bridge and the collapse on YouTube if you search hard enough.

After the war, members of international community funded the estimated 15.5 million USD reconstruction of the bridge and declared it (and the old town Bazaar area) a UNESCO world heritage site.

The bridge was rebuilt using as many materials from the local area as possible. Builders also (to the best of their ability) used the original construction methods from hundreds of years ago.

Today, the bridge serves as a reminder of the rich history of the area and of a violent past that isn’t actually that old. 30 years seems recent when you think about total in the context of many centuries.

The bridge is a major attraction and so crossing it in the mid-day can be quite the challenge. Even in the beginning of May, the day-trippers from Dubrovnik (and everywhere else close by) made it like a slow cattle walk across.

It’s stunning – but really busy.

We, being the young and chipper souls that we are, got up at 6:00 AM to have the bridge to ourselves. We didn’t actually know if it would be empty – but we had a hunch that 6:00 am was early enough to only have to deal with a few early risers.

Turns out, we were right! It was an absolutely incredible experience.

Watching the sunrise around the valley and seeing the world slowly wake up with the river flowing below was a very humbling experience.

We’re super glad we did that – so if you want the best pictures and a memorable experience, try getting up early!

We then went down to the river’s edge to snap a few photos from below. Usually the rocky shore is covered with people but this morning there were none.

You can see how busy it gets in a photo below. To our luck, there was a nice pair of ladies also taking early photos and we exchanged taking photos of one another.

Lisa and I rarely get a photo together because we travel without a tripod – so we got a great shot at the Stari Most with no one on it. We’re really happy we did!

PRO TIP: Wake up at 6 am to see the bridge empty. 

Wander the Old Town Bazaar (Market)

The Turkish Old Town on the Muslim side of the bridge is quite the sight at any time of the day.

In the morning, the keepers start to open their shops, during the day the paths are bustling with people, and in the evening the streets die down again into a peaceful echo.

If you want things to take home with you – this is where you do it. You’ll find many Bosnian/Turkish coffee sets made from copper and other kinds of metals.

There are MANY shops and stalls so be sure to shop around and don’t just settle on the one you find first. Aside from coffee, there are lots of artisan goods like beaded jewelry and many items made from carved wood.

The main material you’ll find things made form is copper. As a traditional and soft metal, copper is easy to work with to create all sorts of items and tools.

You’ll find lots of coppersmiths banging away creating everything from coffee pots to spoons in the old town.

Eric, however, always tries to buy a backpack patch of the flag of the country. Having missed a few countries because we didn’t find one (thanks, Romania), Bosnia came through.

We found the perfect flag backpack patch and it’s a great souvenir with lots of meaning.

Visit the Beautiful Mosques

As we mentioned above, you’ll find the mosques on the east side of the river. The minarets (towers) make them easy to spot.

Even if you don’t care too much about religion, some of these structures are worth checking out for the architecture and history.

Koski Mehmet-Pasha Mosque was originally built in 1618 and, while it’s been rebuilt over the years, has a minaret that can be climbed for amazing views.

We didn’t do this but we did enter the inner courtyard off the main road and had a peek inside the complex. It was very beautiful.

Entering the mosque and minaret costs a few Bosnian Mark but we’re told ( and Trip Advisor ) says it’s worth it!

Address of Koski Mehmet-Pasha Mosque: Mala Tepa 16

Drink a Bosnian Coffee

You can’t go to Bosnia without trying a Bosnian/Turkish coffee. Traditionally made in a copper pot called a dzezva, the experience of pouring the brewed coffee with the grounds into your fildzani (cup) without getting the grounds into your cup takes practice.

We had many coffees in Bosnia, and one of the best ones was at the coffee shop just past the west end of the Stari Most, across from the more established “ Caffe Stari Grad “.

Although, a coffee from this Caffe Stari Grad would be a similar experience so try them all if you’ve got the time.

Coffee plays a huge cultural and social role and we always enjoyed sitting down for a cup and a Turkish delight candy with it!

Take a Dip on the Neretva River

If you’re keen to take a dip then you can do so in the sparkling blue Neterva river. However, there are a few things you should know.

The river has a very fast current so if you aren’t a strong swimmer this might not be a great activity for you.

You can ask a local about the conditions and where it is safe to go in, if at all. Generally, they will tell you it’s warmest between July and August.

We’d advise to just follow the locals and dip off to the side close to shore where the water isn’t too deep.

You’ll see the divers jump from the bridge throughout the day (after they fill a hat with tourist money) but they are professionals and jump/swim in the river all the time. Just be careful.

Go Hiking in the Local Mountains

Because of Mostar’s unique geography in a valley and split by a river, there are lots of hills and nearby mountains to be explored. A popular route is up to the cross on Hum Hill.

We won’t get into the history, but as we’ve mentioned above, the cross itself stands as a bit of a contested symbol for the Muslim Bosniak side of Mostar from the Croat side – which is Catholic.

In any case, there is a trail up to the cross that you can take for great views. We’re told the hike can take 2 hours up and 2 hours back into the centre of Mostar.

We STRONGLY suggest asking a local or hiring a local guide if you are doing any hiking anywhere in Bosnia.

It’s no joke that there are still uncleared landmines across the country in the remote areas that haven’t been de-mined yet.

Yes, many of the main walking paths and routes are mine-free but this is an actual safety consideration if you’re in the Bosnian countryside.

The war may have been 30 years ago but in many ways tensions (and reminders) still linger.

Walk the Spanish Square

On the other side of the bridge from Eni Hostel was The Spanish Square. The small green space with memorials and trees is named after the Spanish soldiers who died fighting in a special mission during the Bosnian War.

We sat there for a while just enjoying the sunny day and it was super peaceful.

Then you can check out the Gymnasium Mostar. Officially called the United World College, it is the only immersion school in all of Bosnia & Herzegovina that allows for Serb, Bosniak, and Croat youth to go to school together.

A pretty bold statement considering the political state of the country right now.

Close by, you also can’t miss the tall old concrete building that stands covered in graffiti. Before the war, it was bank offices.

Now, the tallest building in Mostar is known by tourists because snipers during the war used it as their vantage point. On Google, you’ll find it called the “Sniper Tower”.

Now, let’s be clear. This is not an attraction. It’s not open to the public. This is a war-time ruin that is yet to be dealt with in Mostar.

Nonetheless, people wander in and climb but it’s kind of dangerous with broken glass and no railings. Apparently, the graffiti is lovely though, and if you’re really keen to check it out then power to you.

We’re all for unique experiences but we actually saw a police officer hop the fence to do a quick scan of the property – as if to check if people were trespassing or not.

Needless to say, we didn’t make the effort to fence hop and check it out and we didn’t plan to.

Eat Burek. Lots and Lots of Burek.

We fell in love with the flaky Balkan pastry filled with either meat, cheese, or spinach when we first had it in Montenegro. After that, we were hooked. Bosnia (and Mostar, specifically) took burek to a whole new level of love for us.

At the end of the street at Eni Hostel, there was a little pekara (bakery) that sold the freshest, best burek we had on the whole trip (with the exclusion of Ulcinj and Kotor , Montenegro). It’s not healthy – but each morning it made the perfect breakfast.

Best of all – it’s cheap. One Bosnian Mark got you one burek which was a large serving of spiraling pastry that you can tear off piece by piece or eat from the napkin.

There was a little green park near the Lučki most bridge so that’s where we frequently ate our breakfast – overlooking the river. It was beautiful and delicious.

So, if you’re in Mostar go to any pekara for burek but try the one we’ve described. We can’t even find it on Google Maps so you’ll have to search – but it’s worth it!

Visit the War Photo Exhibition

With such a long and divided history, we wanted to continue learning about the Bosnian war. Understanding the history of the former Yugoslav Republic and the Balkans, in general, was also important to us.

That’s why we’re a little disappointed we didn’t research the War Photo Exhibition beforehand. TripAdvisor says that this is a must-not-miss if you want to see photographs about the sobering history of the Bosnian War.

It’s right at the west end of the Stari Most in the buildings that tower up.

Take a Free Walking Tour

If you’ve been following along on our Balkan journey, you’ll know that we like free walking tours. They are a great way to get to know an area as told by a local and all you have to do is tip what you think it was worth.

We’ve always had really good tours, and the free walking tour in Mostar by Mostar Free Tour was reviewed as the same!

Unfortunately, the few days we were in Mostar was the weekend and then a holiday Monday. As such, we didn’t get to go on a tour. We had looked up Mostar Free Tour and they weren’t running that Monday.

The tour left from the Spanish Square and, ironically, on Tuesday’s bus to Dubrovnik we saw the tour   meeting about to head off on their tour. So sad! We will definitely go next time we are in Mostar.

Eat Cevapi at The Food House and Tima Irma

Okay, you don’t have to eat cevapi – they do serve other food! We ended up going to dinner at two different places – and we really liked each of them.

Cevapi are the Balkan-style sausage that is served in many different countries. While the Mostar version was good, the Sarajevo version was better and fresher.

However, that is understandable – there are cevapi restaurants in Sarajevo that  only  serve cevapi. We’ve written a Sarajevo food and restaurant post if you want to learn more!

One of the first places we went to was Food House. We can’t find the website but you can read all the good reviews on Trip Advisor .

It’s all the same information – good for vegetarians, good location close to the Stari Most, friendly staff, you can’t go wrong!

Eric had the mixed meat platter which you can see below, and Lisa had the rice leaf meat rolls. Think cabbage rolls, but made with green leaves instead of clear cabbage.

Both were excellent. We ate outside in the evening with perfect weather and good cheap food and a beer. It was a really great dinner experience overall!

The second place we tried was Tima Irma. Again, we had a great experience. This one is more on the main path towards the bridge so it’s a little busier with people walking by but nothing too crazy. Once again, the evening weather was perfect for sitting outside.

Eric had the cevapi (pictured below) while Lisa had another local dish called pljeskavica. It’s a Serbian hamburger, essentially, that is made from the same meat as cevapi but done a little differently.

She liked it! They also serve vegetarians well with many veggie dishes and non-meat goodness on the menu.

If you want to check out the website for Tima-Irma, you can find it here . They are a little more put together with a website and everything.

Overall, there are lots of places to eat in Mostar. Some are noticeably touristy while others you’ll find further away from the centre to be more local.

Not that “touristy” is bad, but we usually don’t eat at the places that hand you a menu as you walk by.

If you’re feeling up for it, go wander about not just in the touristy centre and try a place or two. That’s how we found the bakery at the end of our street and we are so glad we did.

Address for Tima: Onešćukova, Mostar

Take a Day Trip to Kravice Waterfalls

This is something that we wish we would have done if we had done more research before heading into Bosnia.

As we mentioned, the itinerary was booked on the fly so we did the transportation beforehand to stick to certain dates to be in certain countries. In short, we needed more time in Bosnia & Herzegovina!

Like Krka National Park in Croatia , Kravice is a beautiful set of falls about 40 kilometres south of Mostar. They cascade as part of the Trebižat River.

If you have a car, it would be very easy to get to. Otherwise, you can rent a taxi for the day and be taken there for a fixed price – as suggested by our guesthouse family.

Since visiting Mostar, we personally know people who have been to the falls and we are very jealous as they look beautiful.

If you are in Mostar with limited time, you could look into a tour to Kravice from Mostar . This one with Get Yout Guide is basically the above option of hiring a private driver for the day. Thought we’d include it for you!

If you want to learn more about day trips from Mostar, you can read all about them soon. We got a guest contributor and local from Mostar to help us out and suggest the best ones. It’s being written as we speak!

Accommodation in Mostar

Finding a place to stay in Mostar shouldn’t be too difficult given how popular the destination is.

Day trippers choosing to stay overnight or travellers passing through on a Balkan route will have plenty of accommodation options to choose from. You can search for deals in Mostar here to get started .

The options include guesthouse-style places, actual hotels near the river, hostels with dorm-style rooms, and lots of private accommodations.

Depending on how close you stay to the centre – which in this case is the Stari Most/Old Town area – prices will vary.

We were able to find cheap accommodation at Eni Hostel . Technically, it’s a guesthouse.

Located very close to the centre, it was walkable to all locations in Mostar. The bakery at the end of the street was an added bonus for our morning breakfasts.

Inside the gated house, there was a lovely little backyard. The house is run by a nice family who was very kind and easy to get a hold of for check-in.

We had a private room and shared a bathroom with the other rooms on our third floor – but since it was the off-season, we didn’t have too many neighbours!

So, if you want a guesthouse experience with a nice host family and a back courtyard, Eni is for you! They have amazing reviews – so  check here for availability on Booking.com !

And there you have it – some of the best things to do in Mostar! What do you think? Did we get it right or did we eat too much burek?

You can get in touch and let us know – we’re always happy to chat about Bosnia and Herzegovina!

As always, Happy Mostar Waddlin’, -L&E

• Compare flights on Skyscanner
• Check for Hotel Deals or Book A Hostel
• Get A Rental Car (depending on the destination)
• Research plug types and possibly get a travel adapter
• Go over our packing list

Related Articles

If you’re planning to explore more of the Balkan region, here are a few other posts that might interest you as well:

• Things to Do in Sarajevo, the capital
• Great Restaurants in Sarajevo
• Taking the bus from Mostar to Dubrovnik
• Things to Do in Dubrovnik

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7 Best Things to See in Mostar, Bosnia

by Ryan | Jan 13, 2023 | Bosnia and Herzegovina , Mostar

What Are the Best Things to See in Mostar?

From exploring the iconic Stari Most bridge to visiting the historic Old Town, there are plenty of must-see attractions in Mostar. If you’re interested in architecture, the best things to see in Mostar are:

• Mostar Old Bridge
• Karadjoz Bey Mosque
• Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque
• Crooked Bridge

Old Town Cafes and Galleries

• Muslibegovic House

Abandoned Buildings

We spent the entire month of May visiting the sights in Mostar . Based on our experience, we compiled this list of the top things to see.

If you don’t have a month to explore, don’t worry! We’ve put together a Mostar Walking Tour . If you follow our suggested itinerary, you will see all the best sights in less than an hour. This estimate allows time to stop for photos and take a peak inside the mosques but does not include tours of the attractions. Also, t he entire tour requires less than 1 mile of walking (actually, just a little more than a 1/2 mile)!

This website contains affiliate links that may earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Best Things to See in Mostar

Mostar Old Bridge, Stari Most Bridge , is a famous bridge and a Unesco World Heritage Site . It was originally built during Ottoman rule in 1566 but was destroyed in 1993 during the Croat-Bosniak War. After the war ended, it was rebuilt, from 2001 to 2004, in its original design and with the original stone from the bottom of the river. Powerful pictures of the bridge and Mostar’s destruction from the 1990s war can be viewed at the War Photo Exhibition in the small tower on the west side of the bridge.

Views of the bridge can be seen from many locations in the Old Town area. The cafes and restaurants on both banks of the Neretva River offer great views. You can access a rocky beach on the river’s edge just south of the bridge for the best views looking up at the bridge. Lastly, the views from Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque to the north are excellent!

The enormous Karađoz Bey Mosque  ( Karađoz-begova džamija) is located on the main street running through the Old Town on the east bank of the Neretva River. It was built during the 16th century but did suffer severe damage during the 1990s war. It was reconstructed from 2002 to 2004.

The mosque is open to the public except during prayer times. Visitors can climb the tall minaret for a small fee, which provides a beautiful view of the city.

The Crooked Bridge ( Kriva Cuprija ) is located on a crooked cobblestone path winding through the area where many restaurants are located on the west side of the River. Mostly, the food served at these restaurants is of equal quality. So, it’s not entirely unreasonable for a view of the Crooked Bridge to be the deciding factor.

Mostar has a strong cafe culture. The cafes and local galleries in the old bazaar area are brightly colored and highly visited by locals and tourists alike. There are many souvenir shops that sell handmade Bosnian coffee sets.

The Muslibegovic House is a 17th-century Turkish-style home that was built by the noble Muslibegovic family. Today it is a small hotel and museum. We stayed at the Ottoman-era home  during our first visit to Mostar. It was a memorable experience that we highly recommend.

The scars of the Bosnian War and the Croat-Bosniak War are seen in the abandoned buildings and buildings with bullet holes located throughout the Old Town and across the city. Like the “Don’t Forget” stone on the Old Bridge, they are a stark reminder of the war between the Serbs, the Bosnian Croats, and the Muslim Bosniaks that ended three decades ago.

According to one local, the abandoned buildings have not been rebuilt due to ownership disputes. The mortgages were held by state-owned banks, which no longer existed following the collapse of Yugoslavia. In many ways, the buildings make Mostar a unique and intriguing destination.

Mostar is a city known for its rich history and beautiful architecture, but it also has a vibrant street art scene. The colorful murals are all over the city, with some of the most impressive pieces found in the abandoned building throughout the old town area. These works of art are visually stunning and provide important social commentary on issues such as politics and human rights.

If you’re still on the fence after reading about the seven best things to see, check out “ Is Mostar Worth Visiting .” We review a long list of factors you should consider before adding Mostar to your Balkans itinerary.

Mostar Walking Tour

Mostar is very small and easily walkable. If you have limited time, we suggest visiting the recommended sites in the following order:

Following the suggested route, you will pass the 7 Best Things to See in Mostar , including the Old Town cafes and galleries and numerous abandoned buildings.

The tour will take approximately 1 hour to complete. This allows time to stop for photos and take a peak inside the mosques but does not include tours of Mostar attractions.

Map of Things to See in Mostar

Our suggested Mostar Walking Tour starts at the Crooked Bridge, crosses over the Old Bridge, passes numerous attractions including the Karadjoz Bey Mosque, and ends at the Bosnian National Monument Muslibegovic House.

City Tours in Mostar

Want to learn about the history of Mostar with a guide? Book a highly-rated day tour while visiting Mostar!

Mostar Information and Travel Tips

What is special about mostar.

Mostar is a city in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. One of the most iconic landmarks in Mostar is the Stari Most bridge, originally built in the 16th century and reconstructed after being destroyed during the Bosnian War. The bridge spans the Neretva River and is a symbol of unity and resilience for the people of Mostar. In addition to its beautiful architecture, Mostar is also home to a lively market district, with bustling streets lined with vendors selling everything from handmade crafts to traditional foods. The city has a diverse population, with Muslims, Catholics, and Orthodox Christians living side by side and contributing to its unique cultural identity. Overall, Mostar is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and breathtaking scenery.

Why Visit Mostar?

Mostar’s old bridge, unique architecture, history, and food make it a beautiful and memorable destination.

What can you see in Mostar?

Mostar is a beautiful city in Bosnia and Herzegovina with plenty of things to see and do. Some of the top attractions include:

1. Stari Most: This iconic bridge, which spans the Neretva River, is one of the most famous landmarks in Mostar.

2. Old Town: The Old Town area of Mostar is full of narrow streets, historic buildings, and shops selling traditional crafts and souvenirs.

3. Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque: This 17th-century mosque offers stunning city views from its minaret.

4. Museum of Herzegovina: This museum showcases the history and culture of the Herzegovina region, with exhibits on everything from archaeology to traditional costumes.

5. Blagaj Tekke ( Blagaj Tekija ): This mystical monastery is located in a stunning natural setting at the source of the Buna River.

Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or natural beauty, Mostar has something for everyone to enjoy!

Is Mostar Safe?

Yes, the city of Mostar is very safe. We spent a month in Mostar and walked through areas of the city that most tourists don’t visit and always felt safe.

Is Mostar Expensive?

No, Mostar is not expensive. Mostar offers a beautiful destination at a great value for both accommodation and food. A grilled meat platter for two with four beers costs about $30 (approx. 28 euro). Both hotels and Airbnbs are some of the best value we have seen in Europe.

Where to stay in Mostar?

There are many good places to stay on both sides of the river in Mostar. For the best experience, we recommend staying near the Old Bridge (the castle marker on the below map). The best restaurants and bars are near the Old Bridge, and it is the most beautiful area of the city.

Here’s an interactive map with hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.

Book your stay now!

Is one Day Enough For Mostar?

Yes, you can explore Mostar Old Town, take pictures of the bridge, visit one or two Mosques, and enjoy a meal of grilled meats and veggies in one full day. For this reason, it is a very popular day trip destination from Dubrovnik, Split, or Sarajevo.

Book a day trip to Mostar from Split, Dubrovnik, or Sarajevo!

How Many Days Do You Need in Mostar?

While you can see everything in Mostar in one day, you should spend one night and two days there if possible. This allows you to leisurely see everything in the Old Town, have a large grilled meat platter for two with a couple of beers in the evening, spend the night at the Muslibegovic House (which makes for a unique experience), have a Bosnian coffee at a local cafe in the morning, and take a short trip to Blagaj to see the Dervish Monastery perched on the Buna River before leaving for your next destination.

If you have more time, Kravice Falls is located just 25 miles from Mostar. It is one of the largest waterfalls in Bosnia & Herzegovina. The cascading falls stretch over 300ft and have a natural pool at the base, making it a popular swimming spot. It’s an excellent day trip from Mostar and offers a scenic spot to relax away from the city. The falls resemble Plitvice Lakes in Croatia but on a much smaller scale.

What is the Best Time to Visit Mostar?

The time of the year with good weather and fewer crowds is often referred to as the shoulder season. The shoulder season in Mostar is April, May, September, and October. For many, this is the best time of the year to visit. We spent the month of May in Mostar and thought the weather was very hot during the day. There were lots of tourists, but the crowds were manageable.

The peak season in Mostar is during the summer months. You should expect large crowds of day-trippers and very hot, sunny weather.

Do I need to speak the local language to visit Mostar?

It’s not necessary to speak Bosnian to visit and enjoy Mostar. A large percentage of the locals speak English. They don’t expect you to speak their language or have an attitude when you don’t.

What do I need on my Mostar Packing List?

We recommend ladies bring their more conservative summer clothes for their stay in Mostar. It’s not required, and you will be safe in a tube top and short skirt, but you will stick out.

Best WIFI for a Mostar visit?

Do you need wifi during your trip and don’t want to pay for roaming? We use eSIMs from Airalo during our travel and highly recommend them. They are cheap, easy to set up, and allow you to leave your primary sim card in your phone (so you don’t loose it). Click below for more info.

How To Get to Mostar?

Mostar does have an airport, but the very few flights make it an unpopular way to get there.

The most popular way to get to Mostar is by driving from Dubrovnik or Split. You can rent a car in Dubrovnik or Split and drive or hire a private transfer. We have both rented a car and driven ourselves and hired a private transfer and would recommend both.

For a comparison of rental car offers from large, international brands and smaller regional brands, we recommend Discover Cars .

The first time we traveled to the Balkans we took an epic road trip starting in Lubljana, Slovenia. From there, we went to Lake Bled, Slovenia, to Rovinj, Croatia, to Split, Croatia, to Plitvice Lake National Park, to Mostar, Bosnia, to Dubrovnik, Croatia, to Kotor, Montenegro. We then returned to Dubrovnik for our flight back to the United States. It was a great trip that we would recommend to anyone!

If you are traveling from Dubrovnik or Split, you should consider a stop at the Kravice Waterfall. The falls are along the fastest drive from Split to Mostar and are 40min out of the way on the drive from Dubrovnik to Mostar.

Another popular option is to fly into Sarajevo and take the train, hire a private transfer, or rent a car and drive.

Book your private transfer with one of these great options!

How To Get Around Mostar?

The best way to get around Mostar is by walking. All the best sites in Mostar are a short walk from each other and in a pedestrian-only area. We spent a month in Mostar without a car and were able to easily see everything on foot.

Where is Mostar?

Mostar is in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is a 2hr 30min drive north of Dubrovnik, Croatia, and a 2hr 15min drive southwest of Sarajevo.

Ten reasons to visit Bosnia & Hercegovina

Jun 15, 2015 • 6 min read

Jumping from Mostar's Stari Most. Image by Tim E White / Getty

One of Europe's less-visited countries, the former-Yugoslavian nation of Bosnia & Hercegovina (BiH) is a treasure-trove of architectural and natural beauty. Even if you have just a couple of days, it’s worth nipping in from neighbouring Croatia or Serbia to see Mostar’s iconic bridge or to stroll the Ottoman-flavoured alleys of Sarajevo. But if you've got longer, there are many more highlights to discover.

Daredevil bridge-jumping in Mostar

Forget bungee-jumping. In Mostar , the real daredevils throw themselves straight off the parapet of the world-famous Stari Most (Old Bridge), dropping over 20m straight into the icy waters of the River Neretva. It’s a tradition dating back long before the 1990s war which saw the bridge bombed to rubble. The bridge was painstakingly rebuilt in 2004, recreating the swooping stone arch of the 1567 original.

Each July there’s a bridge-diving competition. At other times, professional jumpers will only perform once their touts have collected sufficient photo money from passing tourists. Some visitors even try it for themselves, paying €25 for advice and a practice jump from a lower platform on the river bank. But that doesn’t mean it’s safe – travellers have died in the attempt.

War and peace in Sarajevo

Bosnia’s capital, Sarajevo , has a delightful Ottoman-era centre ringed by neo-Moorish Austro-Hungarian architecture, all set deep within a mountain valley blushing with red-tiled roofs and dotted with minarets. It’s a photogenic, friendly city. Yet most visitors know its name for only two reasons. And both are associated with war.

A century ago, a gun-shot fired on the street corner beside Sarajevo’s Latin Bridge killed Franz Ferdinand. That’s the Austro-Hungaran Crown Prince, of course, not the Scottish rockers. His death proved the fuse that ignited WWI. The other conflict, Bosnia’s messy 1990s civil war, finished 20 years ago. For nearly four years Sarajevo was besieged by Bosnian Serb forces and the only way in or out of the city for the defenders was through a hand-dug tunnel beneath the airport runway. Today, a section of that tunnel, along with the battle-scarred house in which the entrance was hidden, forms the unmissable Tunnel Museum .

Wine-touring in Hercegovina

Intense summer sunshine beats down on the arid mountains of Hercegovina around the charming towns of Trebinje  and Mostar. And that sunshine packs BiH’s classic yet little-known grape varieties with wine-making potential. For dry, yet fruit-filled whites try a živalka . Meanwhile blatina and vranac produce reds that can be velvety and complex. If you’re driving around Hercegovina, follow the brown Vinska Cesta ( wineroute.ba ) signs that dot the countryside to locate a whole series of wineries. If you’re just wanting to sample a few glasses, note that most restaurants have domaći (house) wine that’s sold by the carafe that rarely costs more than €8 per litre. That's far less than by the bottle and ensures that you're drinking a really local drop.

'The World’s Biggest Pyramid' in Visoko

Is all of traditionally taught pre-history wrong? That is the controversial message propagated by the archaeologists and new-age dreamers of Visoko’s Pyramid of the Sun Foundation. Their central claim is that the hills surrounding the otherwise forgettable leather-tanning town of Visoko, are in fact, the world’s biggest pyramids. The main ‘pyramid’ is even said to have an energy beam emanating from its apex. And beneath town is a labyrinth of tunnels that they claim to be well over 10,000 years old. Volunteers are busy digging out these tunnels, revealing rune stones, ‘energy rocks’ and water claimed to have special ‘happy’ properties. Whatever you might think of the claims, which have been widely discredited by mainstream archaeologists, it’s certainly curious to delve into the labyrinth or simply drop by the foundation’s Sarajevo office-shop for some mind-bending conversation.

Rich and distinctive coffee culture

‘Any time Bosnians want to discuss something, they’ll head for the nearest cafe,’ says Asem, my local guide. ‘Coffee is just the setting for conversation. But I don’t ever worry that it might be bad.’ Indeed, wherever you go in BiH, it does seem almost impossible to find a bad brew. Many Bosnians now choose an Italian-style espresso, but a proper Bosnian coffee is something unique. It comes in an individual, long neck copper pot called a džezva . Flavour-wise it’s similar to Turkish – served mud-thick in thimble-sized cups, often with a cube of lokum (Turkish delight) – but unlike Turkish coffee, the grounds are brought to the boil several times to create a suitable crema. And thanks to the džezva those grounds stay out of your cup... as long as you wait. ‘Aha!’ adds Asem... ‘Coffee also teaches you patience!’

Ottoman architectural treasures

Where it has survived or been painstakingly rebuilt, Bosnia’s architectural heritage is a fascinating interplay of medieval Ottoman and later Central European styles. The old city centres of Mostar and Sarajevo are the prime examples, but the town of Travnik retains a fine sprinkling including two old clock towers, a ‘many-coloured mosque’, a fortress and array of Ottoman graves. Travnik was the setting for one of the great novels of Nobel Prize-winning Bosnian author Ivo Andrić. Meanwhile in Višegrad, the author is commemorated in a new pseudo-antique town core built as a kind of historic theme-park. Višegrad was the setting for Andrić’s masterwork, Bridge on the Drina , whose main ‘character’ is a real-life 1571 stone bridge. The Mehmet Paša Sokolović Bridge  still stands and often appears to ‘float’ in the misty canyon that fronts the town.

The Una Valley's rapids and waterfalls

The adorable Una River goes through a variety of moods. In the lush green gorges northwest of Bihać , some sections are as calm as mirrored opal. Others gush over widely fanned rapids, as happens at Kostelski Buk where you can enjoy the spectacle while dining at one of BiH’s most appealing riverside restaurants. Most dramatic is the glorious Štrbački Buk , a waterfall that forms the centrepiece of the Una National Park . The Una Regatta in late July sees hundreds of kayaks and rafts following a three-day course from Kulen-Vakuf to Bosanska Krupa, a quaint castle town where it’s still possible to snap a photo of Catholic, Muslim and Orthodox places of worship all in a single frame.

Easy-access skiing at Bjelašnica

Out of the plane and onto the piste in an hour? Not many resorts can offer you that. But being under 30km from Sarajevo’s compact airport, Bjelašnica is one place where you just might manage it. The small resort is hardly glitzy, but two of its three hotels are new and fashion-conscious, and the slopes are of international quality. After all, events of the 1984 Sarajevo Winter Olympics were held here. Today there’s the added attraction of floodlit night skiing (6pm-9pm). And in summer, the area of mountain villages tucked behind Bjelašnica offers a whole gamut of exploration possibilities on foot, mountain bike or quad.

Hiking through pristine forest in Sutjeska National Park

Perućica is one of Europe’s last genuinely primeval native forests with stands of spruce, fir and beech sometimes exceeding 50m high, ranged around a 70m waterfall. As a Strict Reserve it can only be visited with an official guide, but numerous other trails in the surrounding Sutjeska National Park  are open to all. These allow hiking and mountain bike access to some fabulous upland lakes. Start a visit by buying a map from the Hotel Mladost at Tjentište, where bicycles are also available for rent.

Dozens of atmospheric castles

Perched high above the Una Valley, Ostrožac Fortress is so spookily gothic that it feels like the film set for a horror movie. Jajce, one of Bosnia’s finest fortified towns, is made all the more photogenic by a ring of urban waterfalls that cascade in front of the old citadel area. On a crag overlooking a deep cut valley high above Ključ, the recently restored castle was the last of many Royal Bosnian fortresses to fall to the Ottomans (1463). But there are many, many more... from Sarajevo’s hefty Vratnik Citadel to the pretty fortress village of Počitelj outside Mostar, and dozens of lesser-known ruins, there’s a remarkable wealth of fortifications for castle-addicts to explore.

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VisitMostar.info

Mostar, bosnia and herzegovina.

''When you spend a night in Mostar, it is not the sound that wakes you up in the morning, but - the light. I know this from my own experience. It was the light that welcomed me when I arrived, it followed me from the morning to the evening, and when I left, that light forever stayed in me as the main characteristic of my memories of Mostar.'' Ivo Andrić

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