The best things to do in Mostar, where to stay, hidden gems, and so much more!
One of the most beautiful medieval towns in Europe is definitely Mostar, in Bosnia and Herzegovina! This town is amazing for a day trip or a weekend away from Croatia, Sarajevo, or Montenegro. In this travel guide, you’ll find all the best things to do in Mostar + hidden gems!
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About Mostar
Mostar is a city in the southern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Europe. The town is named after its famous Old Bridge: Stari Most. Mostar is one of the most impressive medieval cities in Europe, where simply walking through the city will make you feel transported back in time.
And that’s not all the interesting things about this city… Walking through Mostar, is like a live history lesson; it has been unofficially divided between Croats and Bosniaks after the recent 1990s Balkan war. Throughout the town you’ll find many historical monuments, museums, and remains of the war.
In Mostar, they speak the Bosnian language, however, English is also a popular language here.
The official Bosnian currency is the Bosnian Mark (often displayed as KM or BAM), but in Mostar, paying with Euros is possible in many places.
Is Mostar worth visiting
Absolutely! There is no better place to experience this much culture and history in such a small town. Mostar is my number 1 destination in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and it might become your favorite as well 😉
How many days in Mostar
The old town of Mostar is quite small and a super popular day trip destination from Croatia and Sarajevo.
Yes, Mostar can easily be explored in a day. However, I highly recommend staying for 1 or 2 nights. Because while it’s can be super crowded during the day (in the high season), you’ll be able to explore the town before the day tourists arrive and after they leave.
And believe me, you’ll want to wander through the town at night as well. It’s like walking through a Disney fairy tale, except for that it’s real!
I also highly recommend exploring the town early in the morning, before everything opens. And with early I mean, like, 7 am early, in summer. Believe me, it’ll be worth it and you’ll be able to take tourist-free photos!
Stick around to find the best accommodations in the end of this post!
Is Mostar expensive?
Not at all 😉
After traveling many countries in Europe, I was so surprised by seeing the prices in Bosnia and Herzegovina, that I didn’t even believe it at first! I thought, there must be a catch or some tourist trap, but there wasn’t!
It’s incredible how affordable your trip to Mostar can be!
You can expect to pay around €9 to €12 euros for a meal in a restaurant, per person. Coffee will cost you €2,- or less. Accommodation can be a bit more diverse, depending on location and type. We stayed in an Airbnb apartment about 20 minutes from the old town for just €44,- a night.
18 Incredible things to do in Mostar
Now let’s dive into the best activities in Mostar; you’re gonna love them!
Get lost in the Old Town and the Bazaar
Imagine walking the cobblestone streets in a fairytale town, where time stands still since the 16th century…
That is Mostar. Or at least, how the town lives in my head.
The medieval old town of Mostar looks straight out of a storybook! You’ll be able to get lost in all the labyrinth-like small alleys, find the most hidden gems, taste local delicacies, and so on!
I walked into this town right before sunset, making everything look magical and glowing! The colors of the town are amazing and will blow your mind!
And make sure to go shopping for the finest cashmere and Bosnian silk at the old Bazaar. This is also the best place to find souvenirs and the most delicious fresh baklava!
Make sure to take your time exploring the old town, it’s the best place in Mostar!
Psst, Make sure to walk down to the beach below Stari Most, to snap some amazing photos!
Photograph the Famous Old Bridge: Stari Most
The thing that Mostar is most famous for, must be the Old Bridge: Stari Most. This bridge is the hotspot in the whole town, and during the day, you’ll find it’s full of tourists. But believe me, with the beauty of this bridge, you won’t mind the crowds at all!
This single-arched Ottoman bridge is only 30 meters long and about 4 meters wide, and 24 meters high. Walking it is a must, but might be a bit challenging, because it’s very steep and quite slippery!
The bridge actually has an incredible story to it…
The original bridge was built in 1557, to replace the wooden suspension bridge that connected the 2 parts of the city back then. Sadly, during the Balkan war, on November 9th, 1993, the bridge was completely destroyed (you can see the video here). The bridge was rebuilt and finished in 2004, with stones from the original bridge.
Watch the Mostar Bridge Divers
The 24 meters height over the Neretva River, doesn’t seem to stop the bridge divers from jumping right in!
Once a big crowd gathers on the bridge, you know it’s going to happen. Most divers first gather money from tourists, and only jump when they’ve raised enough.
Even though it’s dangerous to jump off the bridge and many have lost their lives doing it, these professional divers do it daily, for the right price. It’s exciting, but also nerve-wrecking to see the jump happen!
Visit the Old Bridge Museum
Of course, with a story like the Stari Most’s, there must be a museum where you can learn more about it! In the Old Bridge Museum, located at the foot of the bridge, you’ll be able to learn all about the bridge’s history!
And along with that, there’s a big display of archaeological remains and artefacts, that you can admire in the museum.
I highly recommend going to the Old Bridge Museum, it is so interesting!
Search for the smaller version of the old bridge: Crooked Bridge
While all the tourists go to the Stari Most, and eat by the Neretva River, I encourage you to go into the other direction: The Crooked Bridge (Kriva Cuprija). This is the most charming, picturesque, hidden bridge, that is a bit smaller than the Stari Most.
Around the Crooked Bridge, you’ll find the cutest small cafes where you should sit down for some Bosnian coffee with Baklava!
Snap a photo of Mostar from Lucki Most
One of the best photo spots in Mostar is surely the other bridge: Lucki Most. From this bridge, you’ll get the greatest view over Mostar and the Old Bridge, and most tourists even skip this place!
It’s not so far away from the old town and will give you incredible views. You have to check it out!
Find more views at Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque
If you haven’t seen enough viewpoints in Mostar yet, this place is for you! The incredible Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, in the middle of town, is definitely worth a visit. The mosque dates back to the 17th century and is absolutely stunning on the in- and outside.
For €7,- a person you can go inside and a piece of silk is provided, to cover your shoulders. Once inside, you’re free to explore the mosque and climb the tower, for a great view over the city!
Enjoy a meal by the Neretva River
Even though, every tourist goes for a meal by the river, there are quite enough restaurants to make the whole experience feel more authentic.
When we were in Mostar, we had some incredible Bosnian breakfast in Urban: Taste of Orient. It was a bit hard to find, because the restaurant entrance is hidden inside a delicacy shop. If you don’t know about this place, you won’t find it. But to find it, all you have to do is walk into the Ottoman shop and they will direct you to the hidden riverside terrace!
Another place that we really enjoyed for dinner is Restaurant Mimar. This place will also give you incredible views of the old bridge and the river, and the food here is fresh, high-quality, and simply delicious!
Try Bosnian coffee and delicious Baklava
One thing that was on my ‘’Mostar-Bucket-List’’ was trying Bosnian coffee (which is basically Turkish coffee) and fresh baklava. I tried it in the same place I had breakfast: Urban. However, there is a more hidden spot that you might want to try…
It’s a café right above the divers club at the Old Bridge. Najstari Kafic is the most hidden gem in Mostar, as you can look at the bridge from an unknown place, in peace.
To get to the café, all you have to do is going to the divers club and climbing the slightly hidden stairs. There’s a sign saying caffe Cardak, if you see it, you know you’re in the right place.
Now you can enjoy a strong Bosnian coffee with baklava and admire the incredible view. Enjoy!
Climb the Mostar Peace Bell Tower (Mostarski Zvonik Mira)
If you’re looking for more stunning views over the city, the Peace Bell Tower is the place to be. This bell tower belongs to the unfinished Franciscan below, that is a replacement for an 1866 Basilica that was badly damaged during the Balkan war.
The tower is accessible with a 3 euro (6 marks) ticket. An elevator will take you more than halfway up, saving you 222 of the 370 steps. Once you have reached the 75 meter high top, you’ll be stunned by the view!
Take a boat ride along the Neretva River
Not my favorite activity, but definitely a popular one! Down at the Stari Most beach, you can book a boat tour along the Neretva River. And it’s not just any boat.. It’s a speedboat. It will take you along the Neretva River, offering the most spectacular views of the city from a unique perspective.
All the while, giving you an adrenaline boost! Make sure to check out the Stari Most beach, to book these tours!
Or simply jump into the river… From a big height…
Another way to get some adrenaline into your trip to Mostar, is jumping from a big height into the river. Because yes, even though, the bridge divers are doing it everyday, risking their lives, so can you!
It costs €25,- to jump off the bridge, and the bridge diving club will make sure it’s done safely. They will let you borrow a wetsuit and practice jumping with you on the diving platform with several heights, just to check your technique.
I wouldn’t dare jump off the bridge, but if it speaks to you, you have to check out this post for more information on jumping off the bridge!
Shop for souvenirs at Kujundžuša Street
One of the oldest streets in Mostar is Kujundžuša Street. This street is like the Bazaar, perfect for souvenir shopping! From the beautiful copper Bosnian coffee sets, to beautiful artwork, to stunning lanterns, you’ll find it all in this street!
Visit the Museum of war and genocide victims
The best way to learn more about Bosnia’s most recent war; the Yugoslavian war, is by visiting the Museum of War and Genocide Victims. Now, just the name gives me plenty goosebumps, which is why I chose to skip this activity.
However, I heard that this museum is very interesting, especially if you’re intrigued by this history, you should take a look!
Tickets for this museum are 15 Bosnian Marks (€7,50).
Try out different beers in the Craft Beer Garden
One of my favorite ‘’stumble-upons’’ in Mostar is definitely the Craft Beer Garden! As a craft beer enthusiast myself, this felt like coming home. With great rock music, a cozy terrace, and so many homemade beers, this place is great for any beer enthusiast!
It’s located on the edge of the old time, making the prices very cheap.
Take a trip to the stunning Kravica Waterfall
The stunning Kravica Waterfalls surprised me greatly! We actually went here right after Mostar, with our campervan, allowing us to sleep a stone’s throw from the waterfalls! And when we explored the waterfalls early in the morning, it was magical!
The Kravica Waterfalls are incredible, with an amazing atmosphere in the many bars and restaurants, and refreshing places to swim!
You can easily book a tour for a day trip to the waterfalls.
But if you want to camp here, make sure to stop at Auto Camp Kravica. You can choose your own place here and sometime in the evening the owner will come to pour you a homemade drink at collect €15 euros to stay the night. You’ll be sleeping right by the river in the most sociable place!
Hike to the Fortica Skywalk
One of the best viewpoints in Mostar is the Fortica Skywalk. You can easily drive or hike (1,5 hour one-way) here, to be rewarded with amazing views of the city of Mostar and the surrounding mountains!
At the top, you can find the skywalk along with a restaurant and a 570 meter long zipline!
Discover the war destroyed buildings
If you wander a bit out of the city, you might notice that there are quite some destroyed buildings. Old houses filled with gunholes, completely destroyed buildings, abandoned buildings, and more, can be seen in the city of Mostar.
I want to lay some special attention on Sniper Tower. This is a tall building, that was built to be a bank, but it never opened due to the Bosnian war. It was used as a sniper base instead, leaving the building completely abandoned to this day.
You can admire some cool graffiti here and climb to the top of the building (jumping the fence) for a great view!
Visit the beautiful Dervish House
Just outside of Mostar, you’ll find the breathtaking town of Blagac. In this Ottoman and Mediterranean influenced town, you’ll find the famous Tekke Dervish House. This 15th century house sits on the Buna River, which is so close to the spring, you can drink this fresh river water!
Walking around the Dervish house is free, but if you want to enter, it costs 10 Marks (€5).
How to get to Mostar
Mostar is a city that’s easily accessible by car and small enough to walk from one place to the other. If you’re coming by car, make sure to park a bit outside the city, for more affordable and quiet parking.
Another way to easily get to Mostar, is by booking a day trip through GetYourGuide. With a tour, everything is take care of, all you have to do is be at the right place on the right time.
If you’re interested in going to the city by yourself, from Sarajevo, there are 2 trains going to Mostar every day. I highly recommend taking this train ride as it’ll take you through picturesque landscapes.
For more flexibility, you can also take buses from Sarajevo.
From Croatia, Mostar is also easily reached by bus. There are several buses leaving Split and Dubrovnik daily, to Mostar.
Book your trip through Trainline!
Where to stay in Mostar
Mostar is filled with amazing hotels and accommodations! My top picks are:
For a luxurious accommodation, my top pick is Hotel Amira. You’ll be served an included delicious breakfast every morning, and sleep in a luxurious room with incredible views of the city. With everything you need included, like wifi, parking, coffee and tea, you’ll feel like a king, staying here!
For a budget accommodation, you have to check out these City Zone Apartments! You will get a fully equipped apartment from €61,- a night! Plus, there are all the basic amenities and extras like free parking, air conditioning, free wifi, and more! That’s incredible value for an apartment in the old town!
The best family accommodation is surely Pansion Bubamara Mostar! This hotel has unique, welcoming rooms, for up to 4 persons. It also has free parking, free wifi, a restaurant, and a bar. This is my absolute favorite hotel in Mostar!
Final thoughts about things to do in Mostar
Now that you know exactly how to spend your time in Mostar, all that’s left for me to do is wishing you a good trip!
Happy travels!
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18 Incredible Things to do in Mostar: Complete Mostar Travel Guide for You!
