Timeless cultural gem! Mostar enchants with its iconic stone bridge, turquoise river, historic streets and a unique blend of cultures.
Where is Mostar?
Mostar is located in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the historic region of Herzegovina. The city stretches along the Neretva River and is surrounded by mountains, creating the beautiful setting Mostar is known for. It is around 130 km from Sarajevo and can also be easily combined with a trip to Croatia, with Dubrovnik just a few hours away by car.
Mostar is close to the Adriatic coast, making it a popular stop between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. Its central location also makes it a great base for exploring places such as Blagaj, Kravica Waterfalls and the surrounding Herzegovina region.
How to get to Mostar?
Mostar is easy to reach from other parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as from neighbouring Croatia and Montenegro. Whether you arrive by plane, bus, car or with a guided tour, getting to Mostar is part of the adventure.
Arriving by Plane
Mostar has its own international airport, although flight connections can be limited depending on the season. Sarajevo International Airport is another popular option, while Dubrovnik Airport in Croatia can also be convenient when combining Mostar with a trip along the Adriatic coast.
Take a Guided Tour
A guided day trip is an easy way to visit Mostar, especially if you are staying in Dubrovnik or Sarajevo. It takes the stress out of transport while giving you the chance to discover the Old Town and Stari Most with a local guide.
Getting There By Bus
Buses connect Mostar with several cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as destinations in Croatia and Montenegro. The bus is a convenient option if you are travelling through the Balkans without a car.
Getting There By Car
Driving to Mostar gives you more freedom and makes it easy to combine the city with nearby highlights such as Blagaj and Kravica Waterfalls. From Croatia, Mostar is also a popular stop on a Balkan road trip.
Arriving by Car in Mostar!
Getting to Mostar by car is relatively easy, with good road connections from Sarajevo, Dubrovnik and other destinations in the region. The scenic roads through Herzegovina also make the journey part of the experience.
Parking:
Parking in Mostar is available around the city centre and Old Town, although spaces can become limited during the busiest summer months. For exploring Stari Most and the historic centre, it is usually easiest to park outside the pedestrian area and continue on foot.
Traffic:
Traffic in Mostar is generally manageable, but roads can get busier during summer, weekends and peak sightseeing hours. If you are driving into the city, allowing a little extra time for traffic and parking is a good idea.
Our Bosnia & Herzegovina Essentials
Things to Do in Mostar
Walk Across Stari Most
The famous Stari Most (Old Bridge) is the eponymous landmark of Mostar and is part of the impressive culture in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Stari Most Bridge is undoubtedly the most famous and most visited attraction in the city. It connects the more Muslim-influenced eastern part of the city with the more Catholic-influenced western part of the city.
Since the 17th century, people have been throwing themselves from the Old Bridge in Mostar, Bosnia, into the ice-cold waters of the Neretva. Nowadays the bridge is also a competition venue for the Red Bull cliff divers, who jump down from the 20 meter high bridge. Overall, our July visit combined warm summer days with refreshing mountain air, making it our personal favorite time to experience Innsbruck.
Enjoy the Neretva River
A pristine river that is ideal for kayaking, paddling, rafting and swimming. The Neretva is one of the most important and significant rivers in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The water originates from the mountains of the country, not far from the capital Sarajevo. With its unique colors, it is certainly one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe. After around 225 kilometers, the Neretva flows into the Adriatic Sea. It flows 203 kilometers through Bosnia and Herzegovina and 22 kilometers into Croatia.
Visit Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque
It is one of the most beautiful and interesting mosques in Mostar. From here you have a wonderful view of the city and the surrounding region. The picturesque mosque dates back to the Ottoman Empire and was built in 1618/19. The Koski-Mehmed Pasha Mosque was built on a rock above the Neretva north of the craftsmen’s quarter of Mostar.
Explore Mostar’s Old Bazaar
The picturesque old town with the beautiful old bazaar Kujundziluk along a cobbled street, is a truly fascinating and great place in Mostar that you should definitely visit. In the bazaar are countless shops, restaurants, cafés, bars and many small corners to explore. A great place with lots of bright colors.
Discover Kriva Ćuprija (Crooked Bridge)
Tucked away in Mostar’s Old Town, Kriva Ćuprija, also known as the Crooked Bridge, is a small but beautiful stone bridge over the Radobolja River. With its curved shape and peaceful setting, it is often described as a little sister to Mostar’s famous Stari Most.
A Hidden Gem in Mostar
Just a few minutes from Stari Most, Kriva Ćuprija is an easy stop when exploring Mostar Old Town and a lovely place to escape the busier streets for a moment.
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Visit Blagaj Tekke
Around 10 kilometers southeast of Mostar is a small village called Blagaj. Here you will find a picturesque place called the Dervish Monastery. Behind a high mountain wall and at your feet the crystal clear Buna River. A popular excursion destination from Mostar. In the immediate vicinity of the Dervish Monastery are several restaurants where you can eat very well and cheaply.
You can also see the Dervish Monastery from inside, it costs 10KM (around 5€) and can only be paid in cash (as of summer 2023). Many places even accept euros.
Step Inside Karađoz Bey Mosque
A mosque located in the predominantly Muslim eastern part of Mostar. It was built in 1557 and is one of the largest mosques in Herzegovina. Here, too, you can climb the high minaret of the Karadozbeg Mosque and it can generally be visited outside of prayer times. The inner courtyard with the washing pavilion, fountain and old gravestones, is also interesting.
Take in the Views from Formica Hill
From here you have a wonderful view over Mostar and the entire surrounding area. The great city panorama is located about 20 minutes by car from the center. The road to Fortica Hill is relatively well developed. Here you have a glass viewing platform, there is a restaurant and a large parking lot. Many people also come here because there is a super cool zip line. They say that the view over Mostar while ziplining is incredible.
Where to Stay in Mostar
If you are wondering where to stay in Mostar, we recommend staying close to the Old Town. That way, you can easily explore the city on foot and, at the same time, enjoy Mostar in the evening when the crowds have gone.
For our stay, we spent one night at *Hotel Villa Milas, Mostar. The location was perfect for us because it is within walking distance of the Old Town and the famous Stari Most.
Tips for Choosing Where to Stay in Mostar
- Stay close to the Old Town: Most of Mostar’s main sights are within walking distance.
- Be near Stari Most: The Old Bridge is the heart of the city and a great area to stay.
- Choose a walkable location: This way, you can explore the Old Town without needing a car or taxi.
- Stay at least one night: Mostar feels especially beautiful in the evening, once the day-trippers have left.
- Consider parking: If you are travelling by car, check whether your accommodation offers parking, because some areas around the Old Town are difficult to reach by car.
- Look for restaurants nearby: Staying close to the centre means you can easily walk to cafés and restaurants after a day of exploring.
Where & What to Eat in Mostar
One of the best ways to experience Mostar is through its food. While exploring the Old Town, you will find plenty of small restaurants, traditional cafés and local spots serving Bosnian food. From ćevapi and burek to baklava and Bosnian coffee, there is plenty to try.
Where to Eat in Mostar
If you are looking for where to eat in Mostar, these are some of the places we would put on your list. From traditional Bosnian food to modern flavours, there is something for every taste.
- Restaurant Šadrvan: Traditional Bosnian food in a charming setting.
- URBAN taste of orient: Oriental and Middle Eastern-inspired dishes with a modern touch.
- Tima – Irma: A popular spot for traditional Bosnian ćevapi.
- Hindin Han: Traditional Bosnian dishes close to the Old Town.
- Food House Mostar: A casual choice with a varied menu.
- Mimar National & Steak House: Great for local dishes, meat and steaks.
- Vrata Orijenta: Traditional flavours in the heart of Mostar.
- Milo Food & Bar: A relaxed spot for modern food and drinks.
What to Eat in Mostar
No trip to Mostar is complete without trying some traditional Bosnian food. The cuisine is hearty, simple and full of flavour. While exploring the Old Town, you will find plenty of restaurants where you can try these local specialities.
→ Traditional Food to Try in Mostar:
- Ćevapi: Grilled meat sausages served with flatbread, onions and kajmak.
- Burek: Crispy pastry filled with minced meat, cheese, spinach or potatoes.
- Dolma: Vegetables or vine leaves filled with meat and rice.
- Begova Čorba: A traditional chicken soup with vegetables and okra.
- Bosnian Coffee: Strong coffee traditionally served in a small džezva.
- Baklava: Sweet filo pastry layered with nuts and syrup.
- Tufahija: Poached apple filled with walnuts and topped with cream.
Mostar Travel Tips
A little preparation can make your visit much more enjoyable. From choosing the right season to avoiding the busiest hours, these are some of our tips for visiting Mostar.
Best Time to Visit Mostar
Mostar can be visited throughout the year. However, spring and autumn are particularly pleasant because the temperatures are usually milder and the city is less busy than during the summer months.
👉 March – May
Spring brings warmer days, fresh green landscapes and a more relaxed atmosphere to Mostar. Therefore, it is a great time for exploring the Old Town on foot.
→ Why visit in Spring?
- Warm but not extreme temperatures
- Longer days
- Green surroundings
- Good conditions for sightseeing
👉 June – August
Summer is hot and sunny, with temperatures often rising significantly during the day. Therefore, plan your sightseeing for the morning or late afternoon and take a break during the hottest hours.
→ Why visit in Summer?
- Long, sunny days
- Hot weather
- Great for outdoor dining
- Lively atmosphere in the Old Town
👉 September – November
Autumn brings cooler temperatures and is a great time for walking through the Old Town, visiting viewpoints and exploring the area around the Neretva River.
→ Why visit in Autumn?
- Cooler temperatures
- Pleasant days for walking
- Autumn scenery
- Good time for exploring outdoors
👉 December – February
Winter is generally cooler and warmer, so you may need to plan around the weather. However, Mostar’s historic center can still be explored, especially on dry days.
→ Why visit in winter?
- Cool weather
- Quieter atmosphere
- Lower season travel
- Great for a slower city break
- But probably the worst time of the year
Getting Around Mostar
Our tip for getting around Mostar: walk whenever you can. The historic centre is quite compact, and most of the main sights, including Stari Most, the Old Town and many restaurants, are easy to reach on foot. Therefore, you do not really need a car while exploring the city itself.
If you are arriving by car or planning day trips around Bosnia and Herzegovina, however, having a car can be useful. Just make sure your accommodation offers parking, as driving and parking around the Old Town can be tricky.
Carry Some Cash
It is a good idea to carry some cash when visiting Mostar. While many restaurants, hotels and shops accept cards, smaller cafés, local spots and market stalls may still prefer cash. Therefore, having some Bosnian convertible marks (BAM) with you can be useful.
Book a Hotel With Parking
If you are traveling through Bosnia and Herzegovina by car, check the parking situation before booking your accommodation. Staying close to the Old Town is convenient, but parking can be limited in the historic center. You will still find plenty of parking spaces, though, but accommodation with parking is an advantage.
How Long Should You Stay in Mostar?
We recommend staying at least one night in Mostar. Many travellers visit the city as a day trip from Croatia, especially from places like Dubrovnik or Split, and therefore only have a few hours to explore.
However, staying overnight gives you more time to enjoy the Old Town without rushing. You can also see Stari Most in the evening, have dinner in the historic centre and experience a much quieter side of Mostar once the day-trippers have left.
Visit the Old Town Early
We recommend exploring Mostar Old Town early in the morning. The streets around Stari Most can get quite busy later in the day, especially when day-trippers arrive from Croatia. In the morning, however, you can walk through the Old Town at a slower pace and enjoy the historic streets before they get crowded.