Things to Do in Mostar

Mostar, Bosna i Hercegovina / Босна и Херцеговина - Complete Travel Guide

Mostar, the cultural heart of Herzegovina, is a captivating city where East meets West along the emerald waters of the Neretva River. Famous worldwide for its iconic 16th-century Old Bridge (Stari Most), this UNESCO World Heritage site represents one of the most stunning examples of Islamic architecture in the Balkans and serves as a powerful symbol of reconciliation and cultural diversity. The city's Ottoman-era Old Town, with its cobblestone streets, traditional bazaars, and historic mosques, creates an enchanting atmosphere that transports visitors back centuries. Beyond its architectural marvels, Mostar offers a rich tapestry of experiences from watching daredevil bridge divers plunge into the Neretva's turquoise waters to exploring vibrant markets filled with handcrafted copperware and traditional Bosnian coffee culture. The city's complex history, evident in its mix of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav influences, provides visitors with profound insights into the Balkans' multifaceted heritage while its warm hospitality and stunning natural surroundings make it an unforgettable destination.

Top Things to Do in Mostar

Explore Stari Most and the Old Town

Walk across the famous 16th-century Old Bridge and explore the cobblestone streets of the Ottoman-era Old Town. Visit traditional craft shops, historic mosques, and witness the famous bridge divers who leap 24 meters into the Neretva River below. The area comes alive in the evening with atmospheric lighting and bustling cafes.

Booking Tip: Entry to the Old Town is free, but climbing the mosque minarets costs around 5-10 BAM. Bridge diving shows happen regularly during summer months (tip divers 10-20 BAM). Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best photos and fewer crowds.

Visit Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque

Climb the 89 steps to the top of this 17th-century mosque's minaret for breathtaking panoramic views of Stari Most, the Neretva River, and the surrounding mountains. The mosque itself features beautiful Ottoman architecture and provides insight into the city's Islamic heritage. The views from the minaret are considered among the best in the city.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 8 BAM and includes access to the minaret. Open daily except during prayer times. Best visited in late afternoon for optimal lighting. Modest dress required - scarves available at entrance for women.

Discover Blagaj Tekke

Take a short trip to this mystical 16th-century Dervish monastery built into a cliff face beside the source of the Buna River. The tekke (monastery) offers a serene spiritual experience with its stunning natural setting where the river emerges from underground caves. Enjoy traditional Bosnian coffee while taking in the peaceful atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Located 12km from Mostar, accessible by taxi (30-40 BAM round trip) or organized tours (40-60 BAM). Entry fee around 5 BAM. Combine with Počitelj village for a half-day trip. Restaurant on-site serves fresh trout and traditional dishes.

Experience Traditional Bosnian Coffee Culture

Immerse yourself in the ritual of Bosnian coffee preparation and consumption at traditional kafanas (coffee houses) throughout the Old Town. Learn about the cultural significance of coffee in Bosnian society while enjoying the slow-paced, social atmosphere. Many cafes offer stunning views of the bridge and river.

Booking Tip: Coffee costs 3-5 BAM per serving. Look for authentic places like Sadrvan or cafes with terraces overlooking the bridge. Coffee is served with Turkish delight and sugar cubes. Allow 30-45 minutes for the full experience as it's meant to be savored slowly.

Explore War Photo Exhibition and Museum

Visit this powerful museum that documents the 1992-1995 conflict through photography and personal stories, providing crucial context for understanding modern Mostar's history. The exhibition offers a sobering but important perspective on the city's recent past and the ongoing process of reconciliation and rebuilding.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 10 BAM. Open daily 9 AM-8 PM in summer, shorter hours in winter. Allow 1-2 hours for visit. Emotionally challenging content - not recommended for young children. Guided tours available for deeper understanding of the historical context.

Getting There

Mostar is accessible by bus from major Balkan cities, with regular connections from Sarajevo (2.5 hours, 25-30 BAM), Dubrovnik (3 hours, 25-35 BAM), and Split (4 hours, 30-40 BAM). The city's bus station is centrally located, just a 10-minute walk from the Old Town. For those flying, the nearest airports are Sarajevo (130km) and Split (150km), both requiring bus transfers. Rental cars provide flexibility for exploring surrounding attractions, though parking in the Old Town is limited and expensive (10-15 BAM per day).

Getting Around

Mostar's compact Old Town is best explored on foot, with most major attractions within a 15-minute walk of each other. The city center is largely pedestrian-friendly, though cobblestone streets can be challenging with heavy luggage. Local buses connect different neighborhoods for 1.50 BAM per ride, while taxis are readily available for trips to nearby attractions like Blagaj or Počitelj (negotiate prices in advance). For day trips to surrounding areas, organized tours or rental cars are most convenient options.

Where to Stay

Old Town (Stari Grad)

East Bank (Istočni dio)

West Bank (Zapadni dio)

Bišće Polje

Rondo area

Alekse Šantića neighborhood

Food & Dining

Mostar's dining scene blends Ottoman, Mediterranean, and Austro-Hungarian influences, with ćevapi (grilled meat sausages) and burek (flaky pastry) being local favorites. Traditional restaurants in the Old Town offer atmospheric dining with views of the bridge, serving specialties like Bosnian pot (bosanski lonac) and fresh trout from the Neretva River. For authentic experiences, seek out family-run konobas (taverns) away from the main tourist areas, where meals cost 15-25 BAM per person. Don't miss trying local wines from the Herzegovina region and finishing meals with strong Bosnian coffee and baklava.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Mostar is late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) when temperatures are pleasant (20-25°C) and crowds are manageable. Summer months (July-August) bring hot weather (often exceeding 35°C) and peak tourist crowds, but also the most bridge diving performances and liveliest atmosphere. Winter visits (December-February) offer fewer tourists and atmospheric misty mornings, though some attractions have reduced hours and weather can be unpredictable with occasional snow.

Insider Tips

Visit Stari Most at sunrise for magical lighting and empty streets - the bridge area is completely different without crowds

Learn a few basic Bosnian phrases as locals greatly appreciate the effort, and it often leads to warmer interactions and better service

Bring cash (Bosnian Marks) as many small shops, restaurants, and attractions don't accept cards - ATMs are readily available throughout the city