Perched along a turquoise river and framed by mountains, this historic city is one of the most captivating destinations in the Balkans. Although many travelers visit only briefly, its rich history, striking architecture, and vibrant local culture reward those who take the time to explore.
Mostar sits along the banks of the Neretva River in the southern part of the country and ranks among its most popular tourist destinations. Famous for its fairytale-like Old Town, fascinating museums, and excellent local cuisine, the city offers an impressive blend of scenery, culture, and history.
From wandering its atmospheric streets to discovering historic landmarks and riverside viewpoints, there are plenty of memorable experiences waiting. Exploring the best things to do in Mostar reveals a destination that deserves far more than just a quick stop on a Balkan itinerary.
Walk Across the Old Mostar Bridge
If you do just one thing while you’re in Mostar, it has to be visiting the Old Mostar Bridge. Known locally as the Stari Most, this reconstructed arched bridge serves as an emblem of the city, and it’s this legendary landmark that enticed me to visit in the first place.
The original bridge was destroyed in 1993 after Mostar suffered intense shelling but was recreated around ten years later and has stood proudly in the heart of the Old Town ever since.
Pro tip: This bridge and the surrounding areas are the city’s busiest spots, so you’ll likely be joined by dozens of other tourists while you’re there. Stop by in the late afternoon to avoid the crowds when most day-trip visitors have left.
Watch Divers Jump From the Bridge
After strolling across the bridge, walk down to the riverbanks and take in the views below. If you’re lucky, you’ll be right on time to catch thrill-seeking locals plunging into the river from the edge of the bridge.
You don’t have to be a seasoned diver to take on the hair-raising 24-metre jump, as I spotted a handful of courageous tourists signing up right beside the bridge.
Unless you’re feeling particularly adventurous, it’s much less daunting to find a spot alongside the river and enjoy watching the adrenaline junkies in action!
Explore the Old Town
Ambling around the Old Town is one of my favourite things to do in Mostar, and the Ottoman-era buildings and enchanting cobblestone streets instantly take you back in time.
Much like the Old Mostar Bridge, this area can get pretty congested during the early afternoon. With that in mind, it’s best to discover the winding laneways and centuries-old architecture in the morning time or as the evening sets in.
Sip on Bosnian Coffee
Mostar’s coffee culture is incredibly vibrant, and the city is peppered with a diverse line-up of cafes. Get your caffeine-fix Bosnian style and indulge in a steaming serving of coffee from one of the signature copper mugs.
Similar to Turkish coffee, Bosnian brews are unfiltered and rather intense but are a must-try even if you prefer your cup of joe on the milder side!
Pro-tip: Because Bosnian coffee is quite bitter, it pairs perfectly with a sweet and sticky slice of baklava.
Sample the Local Cuisine
Tasty coffee isn’t the only gastronomic speciality in Bosnia, as the local fare is just as delicious. Before my visit, I knew very little about the cuisine, but I left with an affinity for favourites like burek, cevapi, and sarma.
Among my most beloved dishes is Bey’s soup, a simple but oh-so-satisfying chicken and vegetable-packed broth. Hearty and nourishing, this is a must if you’re visiting outside of the warm summer season.
Visit the Sniper Tower
Mostar, much like vast swathes of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has a harrowing and heartrending history. Between 1992 and 1995, just as the country declared its independence from Yugoslavia, the Bosnian War broke out and took the lives of tens of thousands of Bosniaks.
The aftermath of this conflict is evident throughout Mostar, most notably at the Sniper Tower. Left relatively untouched since the war concluded, this former bank is a chilling sight but an important one nonetheless.
Marvel at the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque
The Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque is easily one of Mostar’s most recognisable landmarks and is as stunning as the views it boasts from its soaring minaret.
Small but beautifully constructed, be sure to pencil in some time to climb up top and snap some stellar photos of Mostar from above. It costs around €7 (14 BAM) to enter, which I thought was very much worth it for the sprawling vistas.
Pro-tip: The mosque closes during prayer hours, so I recommend researching the times before you stop by.
Admire the Street Art
Something that captivated me throughout my time in Mostar was the abundance of extraordinary street art dotted in various pockets of the city.
Mostar is akin to an open-air art gallery, with murals inspired by local history, culture, and the city’s resilient spirit. Though colourful and creative masterpieces are present in several neighbourhoods, the most famous works are found near the Sniper Tower and the surrounding streets.
Wander Along the Riverside
Mostar spreads out from the Neretva River, and the scenery from the river’s edge was simply breathtaking. I spent quite a lot of time roaming along the banks and admiring the old-world stone buildings rising up from the waterside.
When you’re feeling a little peckish, pay a visit to one of the stylish restaurants or cafes nestled above the water and enjoy some people-watching.
Discover Bosnia’s Dark Past at the Museum of War and Genocide Victims
Though haunting and gut-wrenching, brushing up on your understanding of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s recent history should be on your to-do list during your trip.
The Museum of War and Genocide Victims is the best way to do just that, and the artefacts and personal stories are some of the most touching and profound of any exhibition I’ve seen.
Many of the accounts are explicit and gruesome, so it’s worth keeping this in mind if you’re travelling with little ones.
Pro-tip: As the displays are relatively word-heavy, I’d suggest setting aside around two hours to explore the museum in depth.
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