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Mostar is a beautiful city in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina known for its Stari Most bridge, mosques & Ottoman history.
But, more than that, visit Mostar because it's one the must-see attractions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and one of the most interesting little places in the Balkans. Travel to Mostar is safe, and it's a picture perfect place for a holiday!
Still not convinced? Check out my Mostar info, starting with a list of Mostar highlights that offer great reasons why you should visit this interesting little town on holiday...
Top sites and things to do in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Top sites and things to do in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Stari Most / Old Bridge / Mostar Bridge
- Stari Most / Old Bridge / Mostar Bridge
The Mostar Bridge is beautiful up close and at a distance.
This photogenic stone bridge was originally built in the 1500s. Stari Most crosses the gorgeous river Neretva. It's an exemplary piece of Balkan Islamic architecture. After being destroyed during conflict in the 1990's, it was rebuilt perfectly and joyfully reopened in 2004.
Vrelo Bune
2. Vrelo Bune
2. Vrelo Bune
Vrelo Bune offers unique, world class beauty.
At the Buna river spring, you'll find the 'Vrelo Bune' natural and architectural ensemble. Crystal clear river water with a blueish green tint pours out of a cliff cave. You'll find a restaurant with tasty food too. It's one of the attractions in the tiny village of Blagaj, which is just minutes up the road from Mostar.
Dervish House
3. Dervish House
3. Dervish House
Blagaj Dervish House is fascinating inside and out!
Dervish House is a historic Sufi monastery built on the cliffs by the water at Vrelo Bune around 1520. It has a mausoleum and an old Turkish bath. You can explore inside! It's considered one of the most mystical places in the country.
Kriva ćuprija
4. Kriva ćuprija / Kriva Cuprija Bridge of Mostar
4. Kriva ćuprija / Kriva Cuprija Bridge of Mostar
Kriva ćuprija is a cute and photogenic little stone bridge.
Stroll over Rabobolja Creek on this adorable bridge that closely resembles the Stari Most in design. The quirky name translates to 'The Crooked Bridge'! It's such a little treasure that previous restoration work has been funded by UNESCO!
Karagöz Bey Mosque
5. Karagöz Bey Mosque
5. Karagöz Bey Mosque
An interesting design, striking at sunset.
Karagöz Bey Mosque is a large 16th-century mosque featuring Classical Ottoman architecture. Located in central Mostar, it's especially beautiful at sunset and sunrise.
Kujundžiluk
6. Kujundžiluk
6. Kujundžiluk
Kujundžiluk is Mostar's Old Bazaar.
Wander the cobblestoned streets of Kujundžiluk. Marvel at the small stone-roofed shop-houses selling all sorts of artisanal and traditional goods! Then, you can relax in a riverside café and enjoy the view.
Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque
7. Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque
7. Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque
A beautiful building with a stunning view.
The Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque has a dome painted with stunning botanical motifs and was completed in 1618. It's the second biggest mosque in Mostar. It's placed on the cliff overlooking the Neretva river, in the heart of the city.
Blagaj Fortress
8. Blagaj Fortress
8. Blagaj Fortress
Medieval ruins and stunning views.
Is a medieval town-fortress complex overlooking the river Buna. This incredible structure is steeped in history.
Zip Line Fortica - Mostar
9. Zip Line Fortica
9. Zip Line Fortica
Long zipline! Huge fun!
Get ready for great fun! Zip over an incredible landscape on this long zipline. This park also has mountain bike trails, a rock climbing area and observation deck (Vidikovac Fortica). Book ahead!
Museum of the Old Bridge Mostar
10. Museum of the Old Bridge, Mostar
10. Museum of the Old Bridge, Mostar
Go inside the bridge!
This affordable museum gives you access into the structure of the Stari Most. Explore inside Tara Tower. Marvel at historic exhibits and the panoramic view of Mostar.
Kajtaz House
11. Kajtaz House
11. Kajtaz House
An old Turkish house full of stories!
Explore inside this historic 16th-century turkish residence, enjoying the tour, period artifacts & garden.
Emporia vineyards - Carski Vinogradi Mostar
12. Emporia vineyards - Carski Vinogradi Mostar
12. Emporia vineyards - Carski Vinogradi Mostar
A grape experience!
Also known as the Imperial Vineyards, this winery offers a local flavour. Taste this wine if you have a chance. You'll pass it on your way to Vrelo Bune.
Music in Mostar: 5 ways to experience Mostar's music scene
Music in Mostar: 5 ways to experience Mostar's music scene
Mostar has interesting connections to music.
Visit the Muzički Centar Pavarotti (Pavarotti Music Centre). It's a non-profit arts institution located in Mostar. Its establishment was funded by War Child thanks to concerts organized by Luciano Pavarotti, Brian Eno, members of U2 and other artists.
Seek out the work of the world-fusion musical ensemble from Mostar called Mostar Sevdah Reunion .
Check out some of the music recorded by the Mostar Rock School .
Seek out the music of Divanhana.
Explore live music bars such as OKC Abrašević.
You'll also find some music supply stores and musical training run by interesting personalities in Mostar!
Top 5 Instagrammable Locations in Mostar
Top 5 Instagrammable Locations in Mostar
Wow. This is hard! There's so many photo spots on Mostar. It's hard to pick shoot locations. At a pinch, I'd say the top instagrammable location in Mostar are:
Stari Most
Dervish House
Zip Line Fortica
Kajtaz House
Kujundžiluk
Popular hashtags for Mostar travel posts on instagram, facebook twitter and other social media include: #mostar #bosnia #bosniaandherzegovina #travel #herzegovina #travelphotography #balkan #oldtown #bosniaherzegovina ... and the location (e.g. #mostarbridge #starimost ) . Consider adding related hashtags such as #oldbridge , for example.
Fun in Mostar: 10 Reasons you must visit Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Fun in Mostar: 10 Reasons you must visit Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Ok, let's wrap it up. I've told you about the attractions and the music. In a nutshell, you should visit Mostar for its:
incredible natural scenery including caves, cliffs, bubbling creeks, and mountainous landscape
diversity of fascinating historic architecture
zip line adventure
hiking
mountain biking
museum treasures
music culture
unusual history
old bazaar shopping
oodles of instagram worthy locations and experiences
This is a wonderful destination in the Balkans. Mostar should totally be on your bucket list!
Share your Mostar Holiday Tips!
Share your Mostar Holiday Tips!
I know there are even more things to do and see in Mostar and I want to hear ideas from you! Comment below or head over to our Travel Fun Music Community Facebook Page , Travel Inspiration Instagram account or join the Our Travel Addict Conversations on Twitter. You can also leave tips in the comments on the Travel Fun Music YouTube Channel . Use the #travelfunmusic hashtag and it’ll show up on our website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mostar worth visiting?
Is Mostar worth visiting?
Mostar is a leading attraction in the Balkans, and one of Bosnia and Herzegovina's most beautiful cities. It's full of natural beauty, fun activities, and interesting buildings. Whether you plan to stay for a week or visit on a day trip from nearby Sarajevo, Mostar is definitely worth a visit.
How long do you need in Mostar?
How long do you need in Mostar?
Two full days with an overnight stay is ideal. This gives you enough time to explore the Old Town and other attractions within the city, sample the food and culture, and enjoy a trip out to see the incredible nearby sites.
Is Mostar safe to visit?
Is Mostar safe to visit?
Yes, Mostar is safe to visit. Local communities are kind and crime is very low.
But, like you would elsewhere, respect any 'private' and 'do not enter' signs posted on old abandoned buildings. Beware that they could be highly unstable and could contain dangerous explosives left over from conflict in previous decades. As long as you don't act silly and deliberately put yourself in harm's way [here's looking at you, fellow YouTubers!], you should have a wonderfully safe holiday!
Currency in Mostar
Currency in Mostar
The main currency is the Bosnia-Herzegovina Convertible Mark. Some places accept payment in Euro or kunas, but don't count on it! You can find currency exchanges in Mostar. But, there are a lot of ATMs. Also, major credit and debit cards are accepted in most accommodation, shops, supermarkets and restaurants. You don't need to tip, but it shows appreciation for good service.
Mobile Phone Service / Roaming in Mostar
Mobile Phone Service / Roaming in Mostar
SIM cards are easy to buy in almost every grocery store, news stand, and post office. Don't expect to be able get your SIM card in Sarajevo Airport though, so use the 1 hour free wifi they give you wisely before you leave. The main service providers are BH Telecom, M:tel (Mtel) and HT ERONET. Prepaid SIM cards are popular. I bought a prepaid BH Telecom SIM card in Sarajevo for 5KM (about USD $3), which included 1 Gig of data. No ID was required. I bought it from a Tobacco Gift Shop. The pack included instructions in English, which made it super easy to set up.
The calling code for Bosnia and Herzegovina is +387.
Airbnb
Airbnb
Airbnb is active in the country. For example, I stayed in an excellent one nearby in Sarajevo called 'Sophies World'.
Best places to stay in Mostar (Hotels in Mostar)
Best places to stay in Mostar (Hotels in Mostar)
The places I recommend in Mostar are:
EDEN Hotel & Spa: Mostar's EDEN Hotel & Spar offers panoramic views. You can expect luxury design, indulgent comfort and a very warm welcome.
Hotel Mepas: This is a great place if you want to be pampered and do a bit of shopping inbetween outings. It's in a handy location too.
Getting Around Mostar
Getting Around Mostar
The local bus service isn't easy to figure out, so I recommend planning to walk or use a taxi to get around. Car hire is available, but the prices and other requirements (e.g. bond) are relatively uncompetitive when compared with other countries. Vrelo Bune (14km) and most of the other nearby attractions are within a short taxi ride away.
Getting To Mostar / How to travel to Mostar
Getting To Mostar / How to travel to Mostar
You can fly in via the Sarajevo International Airport ("Butmir Airport"). From the Airport, you can hire a car and drive to Mostar. Alternatively, you can take a take a bus or taxi into the Sarajevo Train Station or central Bus Stop. Trains and buses to Mostar only run a couple of times a day from Sarajevo to Mostar, but they do run. If you want to do a road trip into Bosnia and Herzegovina to visit Mostar, you'll find road connections from Serbia, Croatia, and Montenegro. Plan and be ready for border control procedures.
P.S. I've also received these questions. Don't worry - I haven't forgotten you folks! I just haven't had the chance to update this article to answer them yet! Sorry!
What to wear / what to pack for a trip to Mostar.
How To Use Public Transportation In Mostar
The Perfect Mostar Travel Itinerary (with a map to download)
10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Mostar
Top 10 Free Things To Do In Mostar
Top 10 Things You Can’t Miss In Mostar
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