Mostar, the pearl of Bosnia and Herzegovina, will enchant you with its natural beauty. It will captivate you with its historic architecture and fascinating attractions, and amaze you with its culture, traditions, and food.
Like most people, you may have opted to travel to larger European cities. Therefore, Mostar may have never crossed your mind until now!
Perhaps, this is the first time you have been hearing about the town or you heard about it and want to learn about the best things to do in Mostar.
Whatever the case is, one thing is for sure — before you even reach the end, thoughts of visiting Mostar will fill your head. Trust us, the land of premium wines and remarkable sites will draw you, convincing you to fly out there for your next European vacation!
Mostar Old Bridge – A Story to Tell
Mostar, Herzegovina’s historical capital, was already an established settlement during the Roman Empire. First noted in 1452, the town had a wooden bridge above the Neretva River but the Turks replaced it with a stone bridge in 1566.
The 1875 anti-Turkish rebellion led the town to join the Habsburg Empire. In 1918, the Kingdom of Yugoslavia claimed the town as theirs.
The civil war, which lasted from 1992 to 1995, played a vital role in the dissolution of Yugoslavia’s rule over the country as Croatia and Slovenia had already gained their independence in 1991.
Mostar is part of liberated Bosnia and Herzegovina but suffered damage during the war. The civil war led to the destruction of several historical sites, including the Old Bridge but since then, it has been restored.
Where is Mostar Located? It is situated in the southern region of the country. You can reach the town from the capital city of Sarajevo by car in two hours. It is also close to Croatia’s border. Through the city, the Neretva River flows with houses and buildings on both sides and rests on the Sarajevo-Ploce rail line.
What’s Behind the Name? The town received its name after the Mostari or the bridge keepers. They guarded the Old Bridge during the medieval era.
Things To Do in Mostar
Here are the best things to do in Mostar:
1. Old Bridge Mostar
The Old Bridge or Stari Most draws large crowds each year. Created in the 16th century, the bridge was destroyed in 1993 during the Bosnian War and later, reconstructed in 2004. UNESCO has recognised Mostar Old bridge as a World Heritage site.
Around the Ottoman-inspired bridge, you will find several stores, restaurants, and coffee places.
2. Mostar Bridge Jump
While you’re still there, try the Mostar bridge jump, which is a 500 years old tradition performed by young men. Mostar bridge height is 24 metres.
If you want to jump, it will cost you 10€ for a training session, and 25€ for the actual jump.
If you’re not much of a diver, check out the Muzej Stari Most Museum, consisting of three sections with displays, and take in a bird’s-eye view of the bridge. The “Don’t Forget” Stone, near the bridge, ensures no one forgets about the civil war.
3. Bazar Kujundziluk in Mostar Old Town
Bazar Kujundziluk or Mostar Old Bazaar has been around since the Ottoman period. In the market, you will find numerous restaurants, artisan shops, and souvenir shops.
4. Herzegovina Wine Tours
Herzegovina wine tours take tourists to meet prominent winemakers located in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Your guide may take you to the Andrija wine tasting cellars. They make exceptional wine using indigenous grapes, including several foreign varieties.
5. Crooked Bridge
The Crooked Bridge (Kriva Cuprija) was constructed eight years before the Old Bridge as a “test” design for the Mostar Bridge. Cross the bridge to reach Jusovina, a pedestrian street full of restaurants.
The bridge covers the Radobolja River, which cascades into the Neretva River.
6. War Photo Exhibition and Tower Helebija (Kula Helebija)
The War Photo Exhibition, featuring 50 black and white pictures, depicts not just the destruction and hardship the people experienced during the civil war, but also everyday life. Every photo has a story and you get the sense of what the people of Mostar endured during the conflict.
You can also visit the Tower Helebija to see the view from the windows before you. The museum provides tourists with an English explanation and there’s a small entrance fee.
7. Karadoz Bey Mosque
Karadoz Bey Mosque (Karadoz Beg Mosque) is a functioning mosque, which means while the processions are in session, you won’t be able to enter. It’s been around since 1557 and ranks as one of the country’s largest mosques. There is an entrance fee, with an additional fee to visit the minaret.
8. Mostar Peace Bell Tower
The Peace Bell Tower, also known as Mostarski Zvonik Mira, is the tallest edifice in the city, ranging 107.2 m in height. The bell tower is located at the Franciscan Monastery and it offers visitors a 360-degree sweeping view of the city.
You will be charged a small fee but it’s worth it. Once you reach the 75-m point by elevator, go the rest of the 30 m on foot.
9. Koski-Mehmed Pasha Mosque
Koski-Mehmed Pasha Mosque is one of the most breathtaking sights you will see in the town. Created in 1618, it endured destruction during the civil war, but later was restored. From the mosque’s minaret, you can see a panoramic view of the Old Town. They have converted the mosque into a tourist attraction with a café.
10. Biscevic House and Muslibegovic House
Two of the best things to do in Mostar are visiting the Biscevic House and Muslibegovic House.
The Biscevic House has existed since 1635. However, you will only find a few displays inside. If you want to explore a house with a lot of history, you will be glad you stopped by.
Next, you can visit the Muslibegovic House on foot. The house features a museum with only a few rooms for the public to explore. The silver lining is that you can stay there, as it has been converted into a hotel. There’s an entry fee to visit both houses.
11. Pocitelj
Pocitelj has been created in a natural karst environment next to the Neretva River. The Ottoman town is 30 min away from Mostar by car and is a sight you won’t forget with its maze of steep stairs, ancient stone structures, and pomegranate bushes.
During your visit, you will encounter the restored Hadzi Alijina Mosque, created in 1562, and a clock tower.
If you’re in the mood to work out, visit the Utvrda fortress to climb the Gavrakapetan Tower. While there, look out to capture the enchanting views of the surroundings.
12. Blagaj Tekija Monastery
Blagaj Tekija Monastery, Bosnia is a holy site with the Dervishes brotherhood calling it their home for more than 600 years. The holy site escaped the destruction brought on by the civil war and to this day, people from across the world visit it for the beauty and serenity it offers.
The area also has restaurants, a trail leading to incredible views, and a boat that travels to a cave and the origin of the Buna River. Also, visit the Blagaj village to see Tekija, a monastery built in the 16th century by the Dervish monks.
The monastery has a restaurant overlooking the river. For a small fee, you can explore a religious building, given you’re wearing appropriate attire.
13. Kravica Waterfall
Kravica Waterfall is an amazing tufa waterfall that flows into the Trebizat River. You can cool down in the emerald green lake. In the spring, the water cascades over the cliffs. It’s a wonderful place to come with your friends and family for a hike, swim, and picnic.
Where to Stay In Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina:
Choose one of the following hotels to stay in Mostar:
1. Shangri La Mansion Hotel
Shangri La Mansion is a short walk away from the Old Bridge. The hotel offers rooms equipped with high-quality amenities. The staff can arrange a rafting trip on the Neretva River, a journey to the Kravice waterfalls, and hiking excursions in the mountains.
Near the hotel, you will find the Old Bazar (Bazaar) Kujundziluk, Mepas Mall, Saint Jacobs Church, and the Muslibegovic House. You can fly out to other cities from the Mostar airport.
2. Apartments Villa Mike
Apartments Villa Mike offers guests spacious and comfortable rooms with a terrace offering a mountainous view. They have a large garden with an outdoor swimming pool and a kiddie corner. You can go to Stari Most and the Old Town on foot.
The airport and train and bus stations are also a short drive away. Some nearby attractions include the Mepas Mall, the Muslibegovic House, Saint Jacobs Church, and Old Bazaar Kujundziluk.
3. Palmera Hotel
Palmera provides guests with fully-equipped rooms with a terrace and amazing garden views. Living in this hotel will be a delight for tourists due to its proximity to several incredible tourist attractions such as the Old Bridge, Old Bazaar Kujundziluk, the Muslibegovic house, and more.
For thrill-seekers, Fortica Mountain offers ziplining. You will also find several restaurants and cafés around the hotel. If you need to travel, the Mostar airport is nearby.
4. Villa Floris
Villa Floris has family rooms equipped with high-quality amenities, a terrace, and a garden. Some famous sites within reach include the Old Bridge, Muslibegovic House, Apparition Hill, and the Old Bazaar Kujundziluk.
There are also several restaurants and cafés nearby. You can travel to another city via the nearby airport.
5. Villa Panorama City
Villa Panorama City is an amazing find for couples with children, as they offer a playground, a private swimming pool, and a fully-equipped kitchen. The airport isn’t far, making it easier to travel. The hotel is near tourist hotspots such as the Old Bridge and Muslibegovic House.
Where to Eat in Mostar?
Here is a selection of restaurants to visit in the town:
1. Restoran Lagero
Restoran Lagero is a family-owned restaurant that serves traditional Bosnian cuisine. From the restaurant, you can see the picturesque Mostar Bridge.
2. National Restaurant Cevabdzinica Tima Irma
National Restaurant, known for its delectable Bosnian cuisine, offers a friendly and comforting ambiance. Lovely traditional décor adorns the eatery’s walls, imbuing a sense of authenticity.
3. Food House Mostar
The Food House offers a wide selection of food, including delicious vegetarian dishes such as hummus and falafel.
4. Pablo’s Restaurant & Club
Pablo’s Restaurant & Club has some of the most affordable steaks in town. The charming ambiance with music playing in the background creates a wonderful environment and enhances the dining experience.
Where to Drink Coffee in Mostar?
You can grab your coffee here:
1. Café de Alma
Café de Alma freshly roasts and grounds beans with the barista showing you how they prepare the coffee and explaining what makes Bosnian coffee different from Turkish coffee. If you’re not a coffee person, you can order rose, elderflower, and pomegranate juice.
2. Caffe Bar La Dolce Vita
La Dolce Vita is a large coffeehouse with two floors with indoor and outdoor seating available. The coffeehouse attracts locals and tourists, especially large groups. The café is also close to several historical sites.
3. Caffe Lasta
Caffe Lasta offers Turkish coffee, baklava, and vegan ice cream. Situated near the Old Bridge, the coffee house has a large selection of vegan ice cream available in various tasty flavours.
How to Travel to Mostar
You can travel to the city by renting a car, joining a tour, or taking a bus. You can also fly out of town via Mostar airport.
Take a Bus Dubrovnik to Mostar
If you are traveling Dubrovnik to Mostar by bus, it will take you 3.15h to get there.
If you are traveling from Split, you can take the Split to Mostar bus.
Current tickets Bus Sarajevo to Mostar cost 13€ one way, and will take you between 2 to 2.30h to get there.
Rent a Car in Mostar
With Expedia you can find good deals for Mostar car rental. Another option to rent a car in Mostar is to check on the deals with Kayak.
Flights to Bosnia and Herzegovina
If you are looking for flights to Bosnia and Herzegovina, here is a list with the main airports:
- Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ)
- Mostar International Airport (OMO)
- Banja Luka International Airport (BNX)
- Tuzla International Airport (TZL)
FlyBosnia is the country’s flag carrier and also the Turkish Airlines operates daily flights from Istanbul to Sarajevo.
What Are the Temperatures in Mostar?
Best time to visit Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina is from June until September because of warm weather and little rainfall. The highest average temperature in Mostar is 27°C in August and the lowest is 4°C in January.
Mostar — Make It Your Rare Find
Mostar has a story to tell. Through its ancient architecture, the city will take you on a historical journey into the past. A tale revolving on the damage it took and the steps it took to resurface from it to become a city that thrives — a city determined to live! Are you ready to listen to Mostar’s story, experiencing it through sight? If yes, put Mostar down as your next destination.
