Perhaps one of the most popular cities in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Mostar had long been on my bucket list of places to visit! I am still in disbelief that I got to visit this beautiful city. Mostar is honestly like no place I have ever been before. Even though Mostar is small and can be seen in a day or two it definitely packs a punch and leaves a lasting impression. I will always remember the wonderful, friendly and kind Bosnians I met in Mostar. From an Old Bridge that was an architectural marvel back in its day to its cobble stoned Old Town, Mostar is full of history and mystery. This post covers 15 amazing things to do in Mostar, Bosnia.
1. Stari Most – Old bridge
Stari Most or Old Bridge is hands down number 1 on this thing to do in Mostar, Bosnia list! The Ottoman Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, commissioned the first bridge that stood here in the 1500. The bridge was considered an important landmark and symbol for 427 years until it was unfortunately destroyed in the Croat-Bosniak conflict. The current bridge that stands here today was rebuilt after the war. They used the same original quarry to hand cut the stones and used the same technology as they did 400+ years ago to assemble the stones as well. The bridge was finally completed in 2004 and is now a UNESCO world heritage site. Incidentally, it took longer to build the bridge in the 21st century than it did in the 16th!
The bridge is very slippery so watch your step on the way down. The best advice is to walk on the raised tread than the space in between. I almost splipped once!
2. Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque
This mosque has been an integral part of Mostar from the 17th century. You will see this mosque from Stari Most. It’s easily accessible to tourists and the people are so welcoming. Pay the small fee to visit and step inside. Climb the minaret for the best views of Stari Most! The stairway is narrow and steep but fully worth it! You have to wear appropriate clothing to enter (i.e., shoulders and knees must be covered)
3. Wander Through the Old Town
This was another favorite thing to do on this 15 amazing things to do in Mostar, Bosnia list. There is something really charming in the cobble stoned Old Town. It almost feels like you stepped back in time. The Old Town itself is very small and you can easily cover the 2 sides of the river in an hour or two.
4. The Old Bazaar
The Old Bazaar dates back to the 6th century and is filled with souvenir and trinket shops.
5. Kriva ćuprija or Crooked Bridge
A miniature Stari Most, this bridge is said to have been the “trial run” before Stari Most was built and therefore is the older of the two.
6. River Bank
Head down to the river bank for some close up views of Stari Most. You can also take a short boat ride up and down the river for a small cost.
7. War Photo Exhibition
This small exhibition displays pictures from the Bosnian war and is a good way to learn a little about the war if you are interested.
8. Lučki Most
This bridge is the bigger bridge that vehicles use to cross, a few meters from Stari Most. I really liked the view of Stari Most from this bridge as well. Especially at night.
9. Don’t Forget
There are a couple of stones with the words “Don’t forget 93” as a remembrance of the war, around Old Town. There’s one at one of the ends of Stari Most.
10. Francisan Chruch of Saints Peter and Paul
This church, a few minutes from Old Town .was built in 1997 after the war ended. There were older versions of this church but were destroyed in various wards (WWII and Yugoslav War in 1992). You can climb the tower for a small fee if you would like to.
11. Eden Hotel & Spa
Mostar can get hot in the summer months. Even when I went in Mid May, it was over a 100 degrees by afternoon. If you are looking for a way to cool down, check out Eden Hotel & Spa. You can pay a fee to use their indoor swimming pool and saunas and it was well worth it! They also have a large selection of different massages but you have to book these in advance. You can check this out HERE
12. Vrelo Bune and Blagaj Tekija
Blagaj Tekija is a Dervish Monastery about 12 km from Old Town Mostar. It sits as the base of a cliff on the Buna River. The source of the Buna river, Vrelo Bune can also be found here.
13. Try Bosnian Food and Herzegovina Wine
Bosnian food is absolutely delicious! It consists mainly of grilled meats, cheese and vegetables. Tima -Irma in the Old Town is a great place to have some traditional Bosnian food. I loved the wine in Mostar. I was told it was produced in Herzegovina. It was so good I kept coming back for more!
14. Dine with a View
There are lots of restuarants and cafe’s along the river but pick one with a view of Stari Most. It makes for a more enjoyable meal. I went to Restoran Lagero and it was awesome!
15. See Mostar Early Morning and Late Night
One of the most memorable times I had during my visit to Mostar was when I walked around Old Town and crossed Stari Most early in the morning just after sun rise. It was so peaceful without the crowds and well worth waking up early. The same was true for late night too. The vibe is very different at these times verses the middle of the day.
Click here for a Complete Travel Guide to Mostar with all the information you need for your visit
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Are you traveling to Mostar from Split or Dubrovnik? Check out my posts on these cities below!
I visited Mostar as a part of a 12 day road trip around the Balkans! Check out this trip HERE or below!
Driving is Bosnia and other surrounding Balkan countries? Check out my detailed post HERE or below!
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