Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina - The Ultimate Travel Guide

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Mostar is one of those places that completely takes you by surprise. Tucked away in the south of Bosnia and Herzegovina, this charming city feels like stepping straight into a storybook, with cobbled streets, Ottoman-style houses, colorful market stalls, and the emerald Neretva River flowing right through its heart.

Of course, Mostar is best known for its iconic Stari Most, the fairytale-like bridge that arches gracefully over the river and has become the symbol of the city. But there’s so much more to Mostar than this postcard-perfect view. From wandering through the old bazaar and sipping Bosnian coffee to discovering hidden viewpoints and learning about the city’s moving history, Mostar is a destination that deserves more than just a quick stop.

It was definitely one of the highlights of our Bosnia & Herzegovina road trip!

In this travel guide, I’ll take you through the very best things to do in Mostar, where to find the most beautiful views, how much time you need, where to stay, and all my personal tips to help you plan the perfect visit.

Quick tips for visiting Mostar
How to reach Mostar
Parking in Mostar
Best time to visit Mostar
Where to stay in Mostar
Old Town Oasis
Things to do in Mostar
Best day trips from Mostar

Quick tips for visiting Mostar

Where to stay – Old Town Oasis is the one you should book if you’re looking for a stay in Mostar that combines epic views with a very good price.
Must visit places – Old town Mostar, Stari Most, Kriva ćuprija, Blagaj, Počitelj and Kravica Waterfall.
Best restaurants – URBAN taste of orient for the best oriental breakfast, Restoran Neretva for delicious local food.
Good to know before you arrive – Cash is king (but Euros are also accepted) and I would suggest to stay for 2 nights.
Best tours – Sarajevo: Mostar, Konjic, Blagaj, Pocitelj and the Kravica waterfalls, From Mostar: daytrip to Blagaj, Pocitelj and the Kravica waterfalls.

How to reach Mostar

Mostar is located in the south of Bosnia and Herzegovina, close to the Croatian border, which makes it a very popular stop on a road trip through the Balkans. While the city does have its own small airport, most travelers reach Mostar by car, bus, or as part of a day trip from Croatia.

The easiest and most flexible way to reach Mostar is by car. This is especially convenient if you’re traveling from Dubrovnik, Split, Sarajevo, or along the Dalmatian Coast. The roads leading to Mostar are generally in good condition and the drive is incredibly scenic, especially when approaching the city through the mountains and river valleys. Do keep in mind that Bosnia and Herzegovina is not part of the EU, so border crossings can take some extra time during the busy summer months.

🚗 Rent a car by using SunnyCars. There’s never any hidden costs with them and free cancellation up to 1 hour before rental start. Their price is transparent and everything is included.

Another wonderful option is taking the train from Sarajevo to Mostar. This route is often considered one of the most scenic train journeys in the Balkans, with the tracks winding through rugged mountains, deep canyons, and along the turquoise Neretva River.

Mostar can also be visited as a day trip from Dubrovnik or Split, but I personally recommend staying at least two nights. The city becomes so much more magical in the early morning or late afternoon, once the day-trippers have left and the golden light hits the old stone bridge.

Parking in Mostar

f you’re visiting Mostar by car, the good news is that parking is pretty straightforward.

The easiest option is to park in one of the official parking areas just outside the Old Town. From there, it’s usually only a 5 to 10-minute walk to the famous bridge and the main sights. This is definitely the most stress-free choice, especially during the busy summer months when the streets around the historic center can get crowded.

Most parking lots in Mostar are paid in cash, so make sure to have some Bosnian marks with you!

Once your car is parked, Mostar is best explored on foot. The Old Town is compact, charming, and full of cobbled streets, little shops, viewpoints, and cafés, so you really won’t need your car again until it’s time to leave.

Best time to visit Mostar

The best time to visit Mostar is during spring or early autumn, when the weather is warm and sunny but not overwhelmingly hot. April, May, June, September, and October are especially lovely months to explore the city, with pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful light for photography.

Try to explore early in the morning or later in the afternoon. This is not only more comfortable, but it’s also when Mostar is at its most beautiful. The soft golden light over Stari Most and the Neretva River is absolutely magical, and the Old Town feels much calmer once the biggest day-trip crowds have left.

This is exactly why I recommend staying a couple of nights in Mostar instead of only visiting on a day trip. That way, you can enjoy the Old Town in the early morning and evening when it’s much quieter, and use the middle of the day to head out on day trips to nearby places such as Blagaj, Kravica Waterfalls, Počitelj, or even the surrounding wine region.

Where to stay in Mostar

Old Town Oasis

If you’re looking for a stay in Mostar that combines epic views with a very good price, then Old Town Oasis is the one you should book! The appartement itself is simple with 1 bedroom, a kitchen, a living area and a small bathroom. But the view, the location and the price simply can’t be beat! We booked the appartement on the ground floor, the ones on the top floor don’t come with a garden terrace.

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Things to do in Mostar

Mostar may be a small city, but there’s plenty to see and do, especially if you take your time instead of rushing through on a day trip.

1. Visit the iconic Stari Most

No visit to Mostar would be complete without seeing Stari Most, the city’s famous Old Bridge. Arching gracefully over the turquoise Neretva River, this 16th-century Ottoman bridge is the symbol of Mostar and one of the most photographed places in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The bridge connects the two sides of the Old Town and offers beautiful views over the river and surrounding stone houses. Just keep in mind that the surface can be quite slippery, especially if you’re wearing sandals, so take your time crossing it.

2. Wander through the Old Bazaar

Mostar’s Old Bazaar, also known as Kujundžiluk, is one of the most atmospheric parts of the city. This cobbled street is lined with tiny shops selling copper coffee sets, colorful lamps, handmade souvenirs, carpets, jewellery, and all sorts of beautiful little treasures.

Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s also incredibly charming. Go early in the morning if you want to experience it before the day-trippers arrive, or return later in the evening when the light is softer and the streets feel a little calmer.

3. Visit the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque

For one of the best views over Stari Most, head to the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque. You can visit the mosque itself and climb the narrow minaret for a stunning panoramic view over the bridge, the Old Town, and the Neretva River.

The climb is steep and a little tight, but the view from the top is absolutely worth it. This is one of my favorite photo spots in Mostar, especially if you want that classic postcard view of the bridge from above.

4. Walk down to the riverbank

For a completely different perspective of Stari Most, make your way down to the riverbank below the bridge. From here, you can look up at the bridge towering above the turquoise water, and it’s one of the most beautiful angles for photography.

The path can be uneven and slippery in some places, so wear comfortable shoes and be careful, especially after rain.

5. Have oriental breakfast at URBAN taste of orient

One of the best ways to start your day in Mostar is with an oriental breakfast at URBAN taste of orient. This cozy spot is located right in the heart of the Old Town and serves a beautiful breakfast spread filled with different local and oriental flavors.

Think fresh bread, creamy spreads, cheese, olives, eggs, vegetables, and little sweet touches that pair perfectly with a strong cup of Bosnian coffee or fresh juice. It’s the kind of breakfast where you’ll want to take your time, order a little bit of everything, and slowly ease into the day before the streets of Mostar get busier.

💡 TIP – They open at 8am. If you want one of the best tables on their terrace I recommend coming between 8am and 9am. Making a reservation is not possible. They only work on a first come, first served basis.

6. Try traditional Bosnian food

Mostar is a wonderful place to try Bosnian cuisine. Make sure to order ćevapi, a plate of grilled minced meat served with flatbread, onions, and kajmak. Other dishes to look out for are burek, dolma, sogan-dolma, and slow-cooked stews.

For dessert, don’t skip baklava or tufahija, a sweet poached apple dessert filled with walnuts. And of course, you have to sit down for a traditional Bosnian coffee at least once.

7. Learn more about Mostar’s history

Mostar is beautiful, but it’s also a city with a very complex and emotional history. You’ll still see traces of the Bosnian War around the city, from damaged buildings to memorials and museums.

If you have time, visit one of the local museums or take a guided walking tour to better understand Mostar beyond its pretty views. It adds so much context to your visit and makes you appreciate the city in a much deeper way.

Best day trips from Mostar

1. Blagaj Tekija

Blagaj Tekija is one of the easiest and most beautiful day trips from Mostar. Located just a short drive from the city, this historic Dervish monastery sits at the base of a dramatic cliff, right next to the crystal-clear spring of the Buna River.

It’s one of those places that looks almost too picture-perfect to be real. The white monastery, the turquoise water, and the towering rock wall behind it make this one of the most photogenic spots in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

You don’t need a lot of time here, but it’s absolutely worth visiting, especially in the morning before it gets too busy.

💡 TIP – There’s a small parking lot at the entrance and payment is done in cash: 4BAM or €2

2. Kravica Waterfalls

Kravica Waterfalls is one of the most popular places to visit near Mostar, and for good reason. This stunning semicircle of waterfalls cascades into a large natural pool, surrounded by greenery and cliffs.

During the warmer months, you can swim here, relax by the water, or simply enjoy the view from one of the terraces. It does get very busy in summer, so try to arrive early if you want to experience it at its most peaceful.

Entrance fee – €10/per person

💡 TIP – Yes, you can swim at Kravica Waterfalls, but do know that there can be watersnakes inside the water.

3. Počitelj

Počitelj is a beautiful historic village built into a hillside overlooking the Neretva River. With its stone houses, Ottoman architecture, old fortress, and winding cobbled streets, it feels like stepping back in time.

The climb up to the fortress is a little steep, but the views from the top are absolutely worth it. From here, you can look out over the village, the river, and the surrounding landscapes.

Počitelj is quite small, so you can easily combine it with Blagaj or Kravica Waterfalls on the same day.

If you have any questions about how to visit Bosnia & Herzegovina or if you want to share your experience, comment below!

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