Things To Do
in Mostar
Mostar is a historic city in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina carved by the emerald Neretva River. Its iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) stands as a bridge between centuries of Ottoman and Mediterranean influence, drawing visitors to its dramatic arch and riverfront views. Winding streets of the Kujundziluk bazaar, mosques, and a robust café culture tell a story of resilience and hospitality.
Located at coordinates 43.3436, 17.8075, Mostar serves as a gateway to nearby villages and rugged mountains, offering both cultural depth and natural beauty.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a traditional Bosnian coffee at a local café while enjoying the view of the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge). After your coffee, meander through the cobbled streets of the Old Bazaar, where you can admire the intricate craftsmanship of local artisans. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, where you can climb the minaret for breathtaking panoramic views of Mostar.
For lunch, indulge in authentic Bosnian cuisine at a restaurant overlooking the river, sampling dishes like cevapi and burek. Afterward, visit the Muslibegovic House, a beautifully preserved Ottoman-era home, to learn about the rich history of Mostar. Spend the later part of the afternoon exploring the nearby Museum of War and Genocide, gaining insights into the region's complex past.
As the sun sets, stroll along the banks of the Neretva River, soaking in the magical ambiance created by the illuminated Old Bridge. Find a cozy spot at a riverside restaurant for dinner, where you can enjoy grilled fish while listening to the gentle sounds of flowing water. Cap off your evening with a leisurely walk through the Old Bazaar, where you can shop for unique handicrafts and souvenirs.
Begin your day with a visit to a local pottery workshop, where you can observe skilled artisans shaping clay into beautiful ceramics. Participate in a hands-on workshop to create your own pottery piece, guided by experienced craftsmen. Afterward, enjoy a breakfast of freshly baked pastries at a nearby bakery, savoring the local flavors.
In the afternoon, head to the nearby village of Blagaj to visit the historic Blagaj Tekke, a Sufi monastery situated next to a stunning spring. Explore the serene grounds and learn about the significance of this spiritual site. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant with views of the Buna River, tasting regional specialties like pita and grilled meats.
Return to Mostar and immerse yourself in the local music scene by attending a performance at a traditional music venue. Savor dinner at a restaurant that features live folk music, enhancing your experience of Bosnian culture. After dinner, wander the streets to find a cozy café to sip on rakija while mingling with the locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a cafe | $1-3 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $20-40 |
| 🛏️One night's stay in a mid-range hotel | $25-70 |
| 🛒Groceries for a week | $30-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning historic heartbeat plus dramatic river setting
- Affordable food, welcoming people, and compact city to explore on foot
- Hilly and cobbled streets can be tiring; non-paved paths in older areas
- Seasonal crowds in peak summer; nightlife is modest compared with larger cities
- "Dobar dan" - Hello / Good day
- "Hvala" - Thank you
- "Molim" - Please / You're welcome
- "Koliko košta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Gdje je WC?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Možete li mi pomoći?" - Can you help me?
- "Hvala puno" - Thank you very much
- "Govoriš li engleski?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Mostar
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic stone arch spanning the Neretva; a must-cotton shot at sunrise or sunset with reflections on the river.
Winding alleys and Ottoman-era facades provide intimate portrait and street photography opportunities.
An elegant minaret and surrounding courtyards perched above the river; great for architectural detail and city views.
A small, historic bridge near the old town offering a different vantage point of the Neretva and Old Bridge.
Wide river views with the bridge as a backdrop; ideal for long-exposure shots of boats and reflections.
Food in Mostar
Mostar Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled minced meat sausages served with flatbread (lepinja), onions, and ajvar.
Must-Try!
Flaky pastry stuffed with meat, cheese, or spinach; best fresh from a bakery.
A slow-cooked meat and vegetable stew traditionally prepared in a clay pot.
Dumplings filled with seasoned meat, often served with sour cream or yogurt.
Poached apple stuffed with walnut filling and syrup; a classic Bosnian dessert.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Cobblestone lanes offering snacks, pastries, dried fruit, and street bites alongside craft stalls.
Fresh produce, cheeses, olives, and local specialties; an excellent place to taste and buy ingredients.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Bosnian culture values warmth and hospitality; a polite greeting and a smile go far when meeting locals.
Dress modestly when visiting mosques or religious sites; remove hats and show respect in sacred spaces.
If invited to a home, bring a small gift and remove shoes if requested; conversations are generally direct but courteous.
Bosnian is widely spoken; simple phrases in Bosnian help; use right-hand for giving and receiving items in social settings.
Safety
Tipping in Mostar
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 5–10% is customary if service is not included; rounding up the bill is common. Taxi drivers typically appreciate small tips, and many places accept card payments, though carrying some cash is handy for smaller vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, dry days with temperatures often in the upper 20s to mid-30s°C; stay hydrated, seek shade by the river, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes; a great time for hiking nearby trails and enjoying outdoor cafés.
Comfortable weather with changing leaves and fewer crowds; perfect for photography and cultural sights.
Cool to cold and sometimes snowy; some outdoor sites may have shorter hours, but indoor museums and cafés are welcoming.
Mostar at Night
Hiking in Mostar
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest trails with panoramic views over Mostar and the Neretva Valley; suitable for day hikes with proper gear.
Challenging alpine terrain for experienced hikers; bring maps and water, and start early.
Scenic gorge trails and easy to intermediate hikes leading to the Buna spring. Beautiful in spring and autumn.
Airports
How to reach Mostar by plane.
Small regional airport near Mostar; convenient for visitors with flights from select European cities; ground transport options include taxis and shuttle buses.
Major hub about a 2-3 hour drive from Mostar; frequent international and domestic connections; typical transfer by bus or private transfer.
Major Croatian airport a few hours by road from Mostar; convenient if you’re including Dalmatian coast in your itinerary.
Croatian airport serving the Adriatic coastline; about a 3-4 hour drive with a scenic route through the region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population in Mostar, with a rich cultural and religious heritage.
Another major community in the region, contributing to the city’s bilingual and multicultural character.
Small communities and expatriates contribute to a cosmopolitan atmosphere in the city.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Herzegovina, with local clubs and a lively matchday atmosphere in town.
Common in schools and community centers; regional tournaments occasionally draw crowds.
Outdoor enthusiasts pursue trails on nearby Velež and Prenj ranges.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Mostar.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many konobas offer vegetarian dishes such as stuffed peppers, grilled vegetables, and cheese pastries; ask for egg-free and meat-free options and specify no lard or animal fats when cooking.