Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Travel Guide to the City of the Old Bridge

Mostar is one of the most beautiful towns in the Balkans, famous for its graceful Ottoman bridge arching over the turquoise Neretva River. Its cobbled old town, minarets and stone houses create a postcard setting, while its recent history adds depth to any visit. Surrounded by the sun-drenched landscapes of Herzegovina, with waterfalls, dervish monasteries and vineyards nearby, Mostar is an essential stop on any Balkan itinerary.

Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Mostar

1. Stari Most and the Bridge Divers

The Stari Most (Old Bridge) was built in 1566 by the Ottoman architect Mimar Hayruddin, a student of the great Mimar Sinan. For more than 400 years, its single stone arch spanned the Neretva River, becoming a symbol of the city and of coexistence between communities. On 9 November 1993, during the war, the bridge was destroyed by shelling. It was carefully rebuilt using traditional techniques and some original stones recovered from the river, and reopened in 2004. A year later, the bridge and the surrounding old town were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, members of the local diving club continue a centuries-old tradition by jumping from the bridge into the cold river about 20 metres below, usually after collecting enough money from spectators.

Booking tip: The bridge is free to cross. Guided tours on GetYourGuide, including day trips from Sarajevo, Dubrovnik or Split, explain the bridge's history and its destruction and reconstruction.

2. Kujundžiluk and the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque

Kujundžiluk, the old bazaar street, leads up to the bridge from the east bank. Its cobblestone lane is lined with shops selling copperware, carpets, jewellery and souvenirs. Nearby, the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, built in the early 17th century, offers one of the best views of the Old Bridge from its courtyard. Climb the narrow minaret for a panoramic view over the old town and the river.

Booking tip: Tickets for the mosque and minaret are sold at the entrance. Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds of day-trippers.

3. Ottoman Houses and the Crooked Bridge

Mostar's traditional Ottoman houses, such as the Bišćević House and the Muslibegović House, offer a glimpse into the lives of wealthy families during the Ottoman era, with carpets, wooden ceilings and courtyards. Nearby, the Crooked Bridge (Kriva Ćuprija), a smaller stone bridge built a few years before the Old Bridge, crosses a tributary of the Neretva in a picturesque setting.

Booking tip: Small entrance fees apply for the houses. Guided tours often include visits to these homes.

4. Blagaj Tekke

About 12 kilometres from Mostar, the Blagaj Tekke is a 16th-century dervish monastery built at the foot of a towering cliff, next to the spring of the Buna River, one of the largest karst springs in Europe. The setting is breathtaking, with the white buildings reflected in the turquoise water. Inside, visitors can see the rooms where dervishes lived and prayed.

Booking tip: Tickets are available on site. Many day trips from Mostar on GetYourGuide combine Blagaj with Kravice and Počitelj.

5. Kravice Waterfalls and Počitelj

The Kravice Waterfalls, about 40 kilometres from Mostar, are a series of cascades on the Trebižat River, up to around 25 metres high, forming a natural amphitheatre surrounded by lush greenery. In summer, visitors swim in the lake at the base of the falls, and small boats and kayaks can be rented. On the way, the fortified Ottoman village of Počitelj, perched on a hillside above the Neretva, is a charming stop, with stone houses, a mosque, a clock tower and a hilltop fortress offering beautiful views of the valley.

Booking tip: Day tours on GetYourGuide combine these sites with transport.

Practical Travel Tips for Mostar

Getting Around

• By train: the scenic railway from Sarajevo takes about two hours.
• By bus: buses connect Mostar with Sarajevo, Dubrovnik and Split.
• On foot: the old town is compact and walkable, but the cobblestones are slippery, so wear shoes with good grip.
• Day trips: tours and taxis make it easy to visit Blagaj, Kravice and Počitelj in a day.
• Money: the currency is the convertible mark (KM or BAM). Cards are accepted in many restaurants, but carry cash for small shops.

Local Culinary Specialties

• Ćevapi: grilled meat sausages served with bread and onions.
• Herzegovinian wines: try Žilavka (white) and Blatina (red), produced in vineyards around the city.
• Japrak: vine leaves stuffed with meat and rice.
• Klepe: small dumplings filled with meat, served with yogurt and garlic.
• Tufahija: poached apples stuffed with walnuts and topped with cream.
• Riverside dining: many restaurants have terraces overlooking the Old Bridge.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October): pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
• Summer: very hot, often above 35°C; the traditional diving competition takes place in late July.
• Winter: mild and quiet, with far fewer day-trippers.

Conclusion: Plan Your Trip to Mostar

Mostar combines Ottoman architecture, moving history and stunning natural surroundings. Whether you're watching the bridge divers, exploring Kujundžiluk or visiting Blagaj Tekke, it's a destination that will stay with you.

Plan ahead: book your day trips and guided tours on GetYourGuide, and get ready to discover the city of the Old Bridge.