Photo: Jess Borten
Situated among the lush, flourishing countryside of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mostar is a town oozing with fascinating history, incredible scenery, and plenty of budget-friendly gelato.
I’ve just spent three days exploring Mostar and it exceeded all expectations. Although I managed plenty of time peacefully meandering around the old markets and secluded alleyways, my days were also jam-packed with history lessons, adrenaline-pumping activities and day trips to nearby villages. Mostar, I discovered, is much more than the Old Bridge (Stari Most) that has become a ubiquitous symbol for the city.
If you’re planning a trip to this Balkan hotspot, here are 17 of the best things to see and do on your visit to Mostar!
1. Watch locals dive from Stari Most
No visit to Mostar is complete without seeing one of the local divers jump from Stari Most! Although the diving is less frequent than most travellers might think (myself included), it’s a good idea to sit beneath the bridge for a few hours and wait for one of the locals to put on a show. Be sure to have a few cents handy as it’s polite and customary to tip the divers for their efforts.
Image source:Darcey Beau / unsplash
2. Take a free walking tour around the Old Town
One of the best ways to explore a new city and learn about the history of its people is by taking a walking tour. Mostar is rich with intricate, unnoticed, barely-there details that one might miss completely if it weren’t for the knowledge of a local guide. Taking a free walking tour can also be the perfect way to find your bearings in a new place and make sense of all the chaos.
3. Eat lots (and I mean LOTS!) of gelato
If I had a euro for every gelato I devoured in Mostar… I’d still have no euros because I would simply keep spending them on gelato!
One of the best surprises I found waiting for me in Mostar was the ridiculously cheap gelato – I’m talking 1€ for a massive scoop! Not only is it affordable, but there are also stands on practically every street corner, so you’ll be hard-pressed to avoid sampling any if not all the flavours. Keep a change purse handy with coins so you’re ready for spontaneous gelato adventures.
4. Enjoy a speedboat ride beneath Stari Most
This one is for all the adrenaline junkies. If you make your way down to Mostar Beach, you’ll be greeted by a herd of speedboats waiting to be taken for a spin. A local will take you up and down the river giving a unique view passing under Stari Most. But hold on! There might be a few sharp twists and turns along the way! A speedboat ride is priced at 10€ for 10 minutes – fun on a budget – and is one of the best things to do in Mostar.
Image source:Contiki
5. Dine along the river
Those of you with an appetite for local cuisine and foodie experiences will want to stop by one of the terraced restaurants or cafes overlooking Stari Most and Neretva River. Surprisingly affordable, most places offer everything from Bosnian dishes and desserts to good old-fashioned pizza and burgers. Don’t forget to bring cash as most places won’t accept card, or split the bill for big groups.
6. Buy trinkets at the old markets
Scattered around the Old Town, you’ll find plenty of authentic bazaars selling trinkets and souvenirs. After an authentic Bosnian coffee set? Maybe some one-of-a-kind jewellery made by local craftspeople? Take a wander through Mostar’s selection of markets and you’ll surely find the perfect keepsake.
7. Day trip to the Kravice Waterfalls
If you’re eager to take a dip and cool off, consider a day trip or tour to Kravice Waterfalls. Contriving several cascades, the waterfalls are a popular swimming and picnic spot for travellers – you can relax on lounge chairs and sunbathe, eat gelato, or maybe enjoy a quick boat ride to the thunderous base of the waterfalls.
Image source:Jess Borten
8. Visit the War and Genocide Museum
Not 40 years ago, Mostar was centre-stage in one of history’s most catastrophic conflicts and deadliest genocides. The Museum of War and Genocide is an intimate collation of artefacts donated by survivors of the war. From notebooks, clothes, toys and even a set of playing cards made from ballpoint pen on cardboard, a visit to the museum is a solemn but essential way to understand the history of Mostar through the eyes of its many survivors.
9. Walk across the crooked bridge
A short walk from Stari Most and Old Town, the lesser-known Kriva Ćuprija (Crooked Bridge) stands proudly over the Radobolja River. Built in 1558, Kiva Ćuprija is Mortar’s oldest bridge. It starkly resembles its larger successor and is believed to have been built as a prototype by Ottoman architect Ćejvan Ketoda.
10. Day trip to Pocitelj
A short drive out of Mostar, Pocitelj is a historic settlement with old buildings and mosques. There’s a fortress with a great view of Herzegovina and ruins to explore. Pocitielj is noticeably less busy than Mostar, so it’s a great way to escape the crowds for a few hours.
Image source:Jess Borten
11. Watch the sunset
There are two ideal spots to watch the sunset in Mostar. If you have a car, drive up the slopes of Fortica (a local hiking area) for an impressive and complete view of Mostar from above. While you’re there, brave the Skywalk – a glass-floored walkway – and watch the sunset behind the city.
If you don’t have a car, or can’t afford a taxi, you’re in luck! You can still see the sun disappear behind the mountains from the heart of Old Town. Right beside the UNESCO World Heritage Plaque, you’ll catch a glimpse of the sunset – grab some gelato while you’re there!
12. Get a bird’s eye view from a city mosque
One of the most popular things to do in Mostar is to climb one of the many towers, giving visitors an epic view of the city. The Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque is located just upstream from the Stari Most. For 8€ you can climb a measly 99 steps up a steep and winding staircase for an insane view of the old town. Looking to go higher? The Mostar Peace Bell Tower is located just outside of Old Town and offers a 360° panoramic view of the city. Entry is only 3€.
13. Day trip to Blagaj
Blagaj is another protected heritage site located along Europe’s largest underground river, Buna. Famous mainly for the Blagaj Tekke (a traditional Dervish Monastery), this small corner of the world boasts a peaceful and picturesque escape from the hustle of the Mostar streets. For just 1€ (one way), you can catch a bus to Blagaj and explore – there are also plenty of restaurants by the river to treat yourself to some local cuisine.
Image source:Mujo Hasanovic / unsplash
14. Check out the street art
Creatives and artists rejoice! The streets and walls of Mostar are saturated in radical and colourful street art detailing the history and triumphs of its history. There are three main artworks I would recommend seeing: the Velez 1922 mural commemorating the foundation of Mostar’s own football team, the Anti-Corruption Mural designed and painted by local artists, and the famous “some gave all, all gave some” print – a tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the Bosnian War.
15. Admire views of all the hills
Mostar is beautiful but don’t forget to look beyond the streets and gelato towards the surrounding mountains. The city is nestled between Mount Hum and Velez Mountain, both creating a bewitching contrast between the rugged green terrain and stone city. You can see picturesque views from almost anywhere in the city so be sure to look up from the sightseeing once in a while.
16. Experience the city at night
Are you a natural night owl? Still fighting with jet lag? Mostar is a beautiful city to explore at night and in the early evening. Stari Most is illuminated and the riverbed is freckled with twinkling lights from restaurants and terraces. Exploring any city at night can also be a great way to avoid crowds, but be sure to take a friend, let someone know where you’re going and always be aware of your surroundings.
Image source:Jess Borten
17. Check out the Bunksi Kanal Most
One of the best things to do in Mostar is explore the surrounding countryside. If you’re making your way through the Balkans with a car, add the Bunski Kanal Most to your itinerary. South of Mostar, and just passed the airport, you’ll find a secluded bridge crossing the Bunski Kanal. Stop and treat yourself to views of the river and mountains – it’s also an ideal and quiet location to park up for the night if driving an RV.
