The 11 Top Things to do in Mostar Bosnia Herzegovina
This guide to the top things to do in Mostar explains what to do, where to stay, and other travel tips for the city.
When most people plan a European vacation, Bosnia Herzegovina is not the country that first comes to mind. However, Mostar Bosnia is having a viral moment on social media and quickly becoming a popular vacation destination.
Bosnia Herzegovina is still recovering from the Bosnia war that occurred from 1992-1995. The war was part of the fall of Yugoslavia when Bosnia fought for their freedom.
The remnants of the war are still apparent through the building ruins, developing infrastructure, and governmental changes.
Although the country is in recovery mode, now is the perfect time to visit. The history of the country is amazing – both the recent war and further back history as well.
Since tourism is still growing in the country, it’s still affordable and not too crowded.
The final reason to visit is that Mostar looks like it is straight out of a fairytale. From the moment I stepped into the Old Town, I was in awe of the quaintness of the town, with cobblestone streets, riverside restaurants, and a ton of charm.
Keep reading for the best things to do in Mostar and an easy one-day itinerary for this amazing city.
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The Best Things to Do in Mostar
Most of the best things to do in Mostar are walking and viewing the historic sites of the city. Below, I list what to do and the top sights to see.
1. Mostar Free Walking Tour
When you arrive in Mostar, the best first activity is a free walking tour to get a crash course on the history and an overview of the top sights.
You will learn about the war, history, and significance of Mostar. You will also walk around the town and learn about the important neighborhoods and buildings.
The free walking tour meets at the Spanish Gymnasium, a big yellow building that is a 10-minute walk from the Mostar old town center.
From here, you will walk through the Muslim and Christian sides of the city, over the Mostar bridge, and past the most notable ruins.
Beginning to end, the tour will take around an hour and a half. Even though this tour is free, be sure to provide a tip for your guide. I suggest between 15-30 Euros per person.
2. Stari Most
Stari Most, which translates to “Old Bridge” is the iconic bridge that you will see in most photos of Mostar. It’s an UNESCO world heritage site and dates back to the 15th century.
One of the most popular things to do at the bridge is jump off of it. Each year, Redbull hosts a giant annual diving competition.
At the top of the bridge, will see locals asking for money to jump. Once they raise around 50 euros, they will jump off into the water. If you want to see someone jump, be prepared to wait because it can take up to an hour for them to raise the funds.
Tourists can also pay for a class to jump off the bridge. The class includes instructions on safe jumping, and practices jumps from lower platforms.
3. Koski-Mehmed Mosque
For four Euros, you can climb to the top of the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque for great views of the town
4. Mostar Peace Bell Tower
Another great viewpoint that you can climb for only 3 Euros. There is also a ton of history around this Tower as it used to separate the Muslim and Christian sides of town.
5. Old Town Market
On the Muslim side of the river, there is a small market where you can buy handcrafted gifts and souvenirs. The most authentic item to buy in Mostar is any copper goods. I bought a cute copper bracelet for only 3 euros!
6. Wine Tasting
Before I visited, I had no idea that wine is produced in Bosnia Herzegovina. Turns out, it’s a very bustling wine region!
During your time in Mostar, one of the best things to do is wine tasting. At the very least, be sure to order a bottle (or two) of local wine at dinner.
For a more detailed wine experience, I highly recommend wine tasting at this cute shop near Stari Most. Unfortunately, I don’t recall the name of the shop, but it’s the first shop when you cross the bridge on the Muslim side.
The store sells wine, jams, candles, and other food products.
For the wine tasting, simply approach the store owner. They will take you to the exclusive upstairs wine tasting area and bring you through the tasting.
The tasting includes samples of Bosnian wines and education about it. In addition, the tasting room has some of the best views in the city.
7. Try the Local Food
When you’re in Mostar, you need to have at least one local meal. I highly recommend the mixed grill plate at Hindin Han.
Hindin Han is a super cute, traditional restaurant with a deck that overlooks the river. The mixed grill includes a bunch of traditional Bosnian meats, potatoes, and sauces.
8. Old Bridge Museum
Learn more about the history of Stari Most and the reconstruction process at the Old Bridge Museum. The museum provides insights into the significance of the bridge and its cultural importance.
9. War Photo Exhibition
Gain a deeper understanding of Mostar’s recent history by visiting the War Photo Exhibition, which documents the impact of the Bosnian War through powerful photographs.
10. Karađoz Bey Mosque
Another beautiful mosque in Mostar, the Karađoz Bey Mosque, is worth a visit for its unique architectural features and serene atmosphere.
11. Kriva ćuprija (Crooked Bridge)
Visit this smaller, less famous Ottoman bridge, which is also quite picturesque and provides a peaceful setting for a stroll or photography.
Where to Stay in Mostar
Since Mostar is an up and coming vacation destination, there aren’t many large or luxury hotels in the area.
If you prefer hotels, are chasing loyalty points, or looking to redeem rewards, the Mostar Marriott is a no-brainer.
The other best place to stay in Mostar is a vacation rental. There are many apartments and homes for rent within walking distance to Old Mostar and with views of the river.
Mostar Marriott – This Marriott is the clear best choice for a hotel in Mostar. It’s only a five-minute walk from the iconic Mostar bridge, which is the center of the tourist area.
The hotel is also new, with a trendy design, spacious common areas, and a pool.
Vacation Rental – Since there aren’t many hotels in Mostar, a vacation rental is a great option. There are a variety of houses and apartments near the old town, depending on your group’s size.
Where to Eat
Prior to this trip, I couldn’t have told you what Bosnian cuisine was. Now, I’m obsessed with it. The simplest description of Bosnian cuisine is grilled meats and comfort food.
My favorite thing to order on every menu was the mixed grilled which usually consisted of grilled chicken, steak, sausages, and cevapi.
The mixed grilled was the perfect amount of food to split between two people, especially when paired with pita and sauces.
Below are my favorite restaurants in Mostar. All of them have great food, amazing views of the Neretva river, and reasonable prices.
Hindin Han – Super cute restaurant with two level deck that overlooks the river. The mixed grill plate is also delicious!
Lagero – Arguably the best view in the city and the food is great too! Get here early to secure and outdoor table with views of Stari Most.
Tima Irma – This was the most recommended restaurant in Mostar, but was unfortunately closed during my visit.
Café de Alma – Stop by here for a midmorning break to experience traditional Bosnian and Turkish coffee
Quick Facts
Currency – Bosnia Herzegovina has its own currency, called the Mark. I don’t recommend getting any of this currency unless you are spending a long time in the country or visiting remote areas.
In the popular tourist areas, Euros and Croatian Kuna are widely accepted.
Language – Most people in Mostar speak both Bosnian and English
Climate – Summer in Mostar is in the 70’s-80’s, which is perfect for walking around town. In the winter, temperatures get down into the low 50’s, but it’s comfortable if you have a warm jacket.
The Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Mostar is in the summer. This is when the weather is best and the most activities in Mostar are available.
Typically, I don’t recommend visiting Europe in the middle of summer because the crowds are too large. However, the off season is super slow in Mostar, and most restaurants and tours actually shut down.
In order to do all the top activities, be sure to visit in peak season from May-September.
How Long to Visit
Mostar is an amazing city, well-worth visiting. That said, I don’t recommend staying for longer than two nights.
The town is small, and there isn’t a ton to do. Two nights will allow you enough time to see the highlights and get a feel for the city.
If you are short on time, Mostar can even be visited as a day trip from Split or Dubrovnik Croatia.
You will notice a surge of tourists between noon and 5pm, when tourists are bussed in for the day. After dinnertime, the town will be very calm.
Traveling to Mostar
Flying to Mostar – There is an international airport in Mostar (OMO) that you can fly into
Driving to Mostar – Since Mostar is a short 1–2-day destination, you will likely be combining your time in Mostar with time in other cities.
If you are driving into Mostar, it’s super simple. From different countries, the border crossing is easy and only requires a passport and vehicle documents.
The roads in and around Mostar are well maintained and easy to navigate. Once you are in Mostar, there is quite a bit of street parking, but spots are small so practice your parallel parking.
Getting Around Bosnia Herzegovina – Once you are in Mostar, everything is walkable. However, I suggest renting a car to get between the airport and Mostar, then Mostar and your next destination since public transportation is sparse.
Trip Extensions from Mostar
Balkans Road Trip – The best way to visit Mostar is part of a Balkans Road trip. Driving through countries in the region such as Montenegro, Croatia, and Albania is the perfect way to explore this part of the world. Check out my Balkans road trip itinerary to learn how to plan a trip of your own.
Croatia – Croatia is one of my favorite countries in the world, and it’s only a few hour drive from Mostar. The perfect trip extension after visiting Mostar is heading to Dubrovnik or Split.
These coastal cities have a ton of history, accessibility to amazing islands, and rich culture.
More of Bosnia Herzegovina – I’ve only visited Mostar in Bosnia, but I’ve heard great things about other cities such as Sarajevo.
You could easily hit a few Bosnian cities in a one week trip to get a true taste of the country.
Summary of the Best Things to Do in Mostar
If you aren’t convinced to visit Mostar by this point, I don’t know what to tell you!
This town is so charming and now is the perfect time to visit this hidden gem before everyone else figures it out. Be sure to take the walking tour, then spend the rest of your time wandering the streets eating and shopping.
Shoot me a message if you have any questions about Mostar, or just want to chat.
For more Europe travel itineraries, check out my guides to places like Croatia, Greece, and Italy.
Related Posts:
- Balkans Road Trip 10 Day Itinerary & Ultimate Travel Guide
- The Top Things To Do In Mostar Bosnia Herzegovina – Travel Guide And One Day Itinerary
- Travel Guide & Itinerary For One Day In Dubrovnik Croatia
- 2 Days In Split – The Top Things To Do And See In Split Croatia
- Europe Trip Itinerary: Planning The Perfect 3 Weeks In Europe
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