Mostar Travel Guide: Tips to Travel to Mostar

July 02, 2024 14 min read.

If you are planning a trip to Mostar, you are in the right place. Here you will find all the necessary information to make your trip unforgettable. From the best places to visit, the typical dishes you can't miss, and even useful tips for traveling to Mostar. Let's start this adventure together with our travel guide!

General Information about Mostar

Mostar is a city located in the southern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is situated on the banks of the Neretva River and is the fifth-largest city in the country.

The city is known for its historic Old Bridge, or Stari Most, which was originally built in the 16th century and reconstructed after being destroyed during the Bosnian War in the 1990s. The bridge is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of the city’s resilience and reconstruction.

Mostar has a diverse population, with a mix of Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs living in the city. The official language is Bosnian, which is spoken by the majority of the population.

The economy of Mostar is based on tourism, agriculture, and light industry. The city has several museums, including the Museum of Herzegovina and the Museum of the Old Bridge, as well as a number of religious sites, such as the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque and the Franciscan Church.

Mostar has a continental Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The city is easily accessible by road and rail, with the nearby Mostar International Airport providing flights to several destinations in Europe.

Location of Mostar

Below, we show you where Mostar is located.

Map of Mostar on Google Maps

Points of Interest in Mostar

Mostar is a city with a rich cultural and historical heritage. Here are some of the sites of interest in Mostar:

Old Bridge (Stari Most): This iconic bridge is the symbol of Mostar and one of the most recognizable landmarks in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The original bridge was built in the 16th century and destroyed during the Bosnian War in the 1990s. It was reconstructed in 2004 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Old Town (Stari Grad): The old town of Mostar is a charming area with narrow streets and historic buildings. It is home to many shops, cafes, and restaurants where you can sample local cuisine.
Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque: This 17th-century mosque is located on the bank of the Neretva River and offers a great view of the Old Bridge and the city.
Museum of the Old Bridge: This museum is located in a restored 17th-century Ottoman house and showcases the history of the Old Bridge and the city.
Museum of Herzegovina: This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the Herzegovina region, including archaeological finds, traditional costumes, and handicrafts.
Franciscan Church: This beautiful church was built in the late 19th century and features stained glass windows and a bell tower with a great view of the city.
Biscevica House: This 17th-century Ottoman house has been restored and converted into a museum showcasing the traditional way of life in Mostar.
Blagaj Tekke: This 16th-century dervish monastery is located in the village of Blagaj, about 12 kilometers from Mostar. It is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike.
Kravice Waterfalls: These beautiful waterfalls are located about 40 kilometers from Mostar and offer a great place for swimming and relaxing in nature.
War Photo Exhibition: This exhibition showcases powerful images from the Bosnian War and its aftermath, providing insight into the city’s recent history.

Beaches Near Mostar

Mostar is an inland city located in the southern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and is not situated near any beaches. However, there are several beaches in the surrounding region that are easily accessible from Mostar. Here are some of the popular beaches near Mostar:

Kravice Waterfalls: Located about 40 kilometers south of Mostar, Kravice Waterfalls is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning waterfalls and natural pools.
Hutovo Blato Nature Park: Located about 25 kilometers south of Mostar, Hutovo Blato is a nature park that features a large wetland area and several lakes. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and bird watching in the park.
Buna River: The Buna River is a popular destination for swimming, fishing, and kayaking, located about 12 kilometers south of Mostar. The river is known for its clear blue water and scenic views.
Blagaj: Located about 12 kilometers southeast of Mostar, Blagaj is a small town known for its historic Ottoman-era fortress and the Buna River spring. Visitors can enjoy swimming and boating in the river, and exploring the town's narrow streets and traditional houses.

While Mostar may not have its own beaches, the surrounding region offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation.

Off the Beaten Path Mostar

Mostar has plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences to offer travelers who want to explore beyond the city's popular tourist sites. Here are some ideas for offbeat things to see and do in Mostar:

Visit the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque: While the Old Bridge and its surroundings are the most famous landmarks in Mostar, there are several other historic mosques worth visiting, such as the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque. This mosque is located near the Old Bridge but is often overlooked by tourists, making it a peaceful spot to visit.
Explore the abandoned Partisan Memorial Cemetery: Located on a hill overlooking the city, the Partisan Memorial Cemetery is a hauntingly beautiful spot that is often overlooked by visitors. The cemetery was built in honor of Yugoslav soldiers who died during World War II and is now abandoned, with crumbling tombstones and overgrown vegetation adding to its eerie charm.
Take a hike in the surrounding hills: Mostar is surrounded by beautiful hills and mountains, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking and outdoor exploration. One popular hiking spot is the Bijele Stijene Nature Park, where you can hike to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the city.
Visit the abandoned village of Blagaj: Located just a short drive from Mostar, the village of Blagaj is home to several abandoned houses and buildings that offer a glimpse into rural life in the area. The village is also home to a stunning 15th-century monastery built into a cliff face, which is well worth a visit.
Explore the local markets: Mostar has several bustling markets where you can find fresh produce, handmade crafts, and other local goods. The Kujundziluk market, located in the heart of the Old Town, is a popular spot, but there are also several other markets throughout the city that are worth exploring.

Old Bridge of Mostar, river, and mountains

Foto de Ilse en Unsplash

Typical Food and Drinks of Mostar

Mostar, like the rest of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has a rich culinary tradition with a variety of delicious dishes and drinks to try.

Some of the local specialties you should try when visiting Mostar are cevapi, a popular grilled dish made of small sausage-like rolls of minced beef or lamb served in a flatbread (somun) with onions and sour cream, and Bosnian Pot, a hearty and flavorful stew made with various meats and vegetables, usually served with homemade bread.

Also you should try burek, a savory pastry made with flaky phyllo dough and filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. It is a popular breakfast food in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

And for dessert, we recommend you the tufahije, poached apples stuffed with walnuts and sweetened with sugar syrup or honey, often served with whipped cream or Baklava, a sweet pastry made of layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and honey syrup.

As for drinks, you should drink rakija, a strong alcoholic drink made from fermented fruit, usually plums or grapes. It is often served as an aperitif or a digestive and Herzegovinian Wine. The Herzegovina region is known for its high-quality wines, particularly red wines made from the local Vranac grape.

Festivals of Mostar

Mostar hosts several cultural and religious festivals throughout the year. Here are some of the major festivals and events in Mostar:

Mostar Summer Fest: This is a month-long festival that takes place every year in July and August. It features a variety of cultural events, including music concerts, dance performances, theater shows, and film screenings.
Mostar Blues and Rock Festival: This festival takes place every year in June and brings together some of the best blues and rock musicians from Bosnia and Herzegovina and abroad.
Mostar Film Festival: This international film festival takes place every year in April and showcases independent films from around the world.
Dženan Jahić Days: This festival takes place in June in memory of Dženan Jahić, a young musician from Mostar who passed away in 2015. It features a variety of music performances and cultural events.
Stari Grad Nights: This festival takes place in July and August and features cultural events and performances in the old town of Mostar.
Holy Mary of Mercy Day: This religious festival takes place on September 24th and is a major celebration for the Catholic community in Mostar. It includes a procession and mass at the Franciscan Church.
Eid al-Fitr: This is a major religious holiday celebrated by Muslims at the end of Ramadan. It is marked by prayer and feasting with family and friends.
Orthodox Christmas: The Orthodox Christian community in Mostar celebrates Christmas on January 7th with a special liturgy and traditional feast.
Day of St. George: This religious festival is celebrated by the Serbian Orthodox community in Mostar on May 6th with a special liturgy and procession.
International Workers Day: May 1st is a public holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina and is celebrated with parades and cultural events in Mostar and other cities across the country.

How Is the Culture in Mostar?

The culture in Mostar is a blend of different traditions and influences, reflecting the city’s rich history and diverse population. Mostar has been influenced by the Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav cultures, as well as the Catholic, Muslim, and Orthodox religious traditions.

Mostar is known for its traditional crafts, particularly metalworking, woodcarving, and calligraphy. The city has a number of workshops and galleries where visitors can see these crafts being made and purchase handmade souvenirs.

Mostar is also home to several cultural institutions, including the National Theatre Mostar, the Croatian Theatre Herceg Stjepan Kosača, and the Muslibegović House, which is a museum of Ottoman culture and architecture.

Religion also plays an important role in the culture of Mostar, with Catholic, Muslim, and Orthodox communities coexisting in the city. There are several historic churches, mosques, and synagogues in Mostar that reflect the city’s religious diversity.

Overall, the culture in Mostar is diverse, vibrant, and deeply rooted in the city’s history and traditions.

Destinations Near Mostar

Mostar is a wonderful destination due to its historical heritage and its fascinating culture.

In turn, due to its proximity to Bled and Ljubljana, many travelers combine their trip to Mostar with these destinations, which is why you will find these sites in several of our offers. There are travel packages for all tastes. Choose your own adventure according to your needs!

How to Get to Mostar?

Mostar is located in the southern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and can be reached by several means of transportation. Here are some ways to get to Mostar:

By plane: Mostar International Airport is located about 8 kilometers southeast of the city center, and offers direct flights to several European cities, including Munich, Cologne, Stuttgart, and Dusseldorf. Alternatively, travelers can fly to Sarajevo International Airport, located about 130 kilometers north of Mostar, and take a bus or rental car to Mostar.
By bus: Mostar has a well-developed bus network that connects it to major cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina and neighboring countries. There are several bus companies that operate daily routes to and from Mostar, including Centrotrans, Globtour, and Flixbus.
By train: Mostar has a train station that is connected to Sarajevo and other cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, train travel in Bosnia and Herzegovina is relatively slow and infrequent, and buses are usually a faster and more convenient option.
By car: Mostar is located on the E73 and E761 highways, which connect it to other major cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina and neighboring countries. Travelers can rent a car at any major airport or city and drive to Mostar, but should be aware that roads in Bosnia and Herzegovina can be narrow and winding, and driving conditions can be challenging in winter.

Best Time to Visit Mostar

The best time to visit Mostar depends on your preferences and interests, as the city offers different attractions and experiences throughout the year. Here are some things to consider when planning your visit to Mostar:

Weather: Mostar has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. The peak tourist season is from June to August, when temperatures can reach over 35°C (95°F). If you prefer milder weather, the best time to visit is in the spring (April to June) or fall (September to November), when temperatures are cooler and crowds are smaller.
Festivals and events: Mostar hosts several festivals and cultural events throughout the year, including the Mostar Summer Fest in July, the Mostar Blues Festival; Rock Festival in August, and the Mostar Film Festival in April. If you want to experience the city’s cultural scene, plan your visit around these events.
Tourist crowds: Mostar can get quite crowded during the peak tourist season, with long lines and high prices. If you prefer a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere, consider visiting in the shoulder season (March to May or September to November) when there are fewer tourists.
Outdoor activities: Mostar is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes and offers several outdoor activities such as hiking, rafting, and swimming. The best time to enjoy these activities is in the spring or fall when temperatures are cooler and nature is at its best.

Overall, the best time to visit Mostar depends on your interests and preferences, and you should choose a time that suits your needs and expectations.

How to Get Around in Mostar?

Mostar is a relatively small city, and it’s easy to get around on foot. However, if you prefer to use public transportation or need to travel outside the city center, here are some options for getting around Mostar:

Bus: Mostar has a network of local buses that connect the city center with the suburbs and nearby towns. The buses tickets can be purchased on board. However, the schedules and routes can be confusing for visitors who don’t speak the local language.
Taxi: Taxis are widely available in Mostar, and can be found at taxi stands or hailed on the street. Taxis in Mostar are not metered, so it’s important to agree on a price before getting in. It’s also a good idea to ask your hotel or a local for a recommendation for a reliable taxi company or driver.
Car rental: If you want to explore the surrounding area or travel independently, renting a car is a good option. There are several car rental companies in Mostar, including Europcar and Sixt. However, driving in Mostar can be challenging due to narrow streets and heavy traffic, and parking can be difficult to find in the city center.
Walking and cycling: Mostar is a pedestrian-friendly city, and walking is the best way to explore the historic center and the Old Bridge. Bicycles can also be rented in some locations and are a popular way to explore the surrounding countryside.

Overall, getting around Mostar is relatively easy, and visitors can choose the mode of transportation that best suits their needs and preferences.

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