7 Best Things to Do in Mostar: More Than Just a Bridge

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Mostar is the second most visited city in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the cultural heart of the Herzegovina region. It’s best known for Stari Most, the iconic Ottoman bridge spanning the Neretva River.

I visited Mostar on a day trip from Sarajevo and was amazed by how much you can see and do in just one day. Whether you’re staying overnight or visiting on a day trip Mostar is full of charm, history, and atmosphere.

Wandering the historic streets is a highlight, with beautiful architecture and stunning river views. When you’re ready to explore further, here are the top things to do in Mostar.

Table of Contents

1. Admire the Iconic Stari Most

Mostar old bridge — Most beautiful bridge in Mostar

Stari Most (also known as Mostar Bridge) is the city’s most famous landmark, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Originally built in the 16th century during the Ottoman Empire, the bridge was destroyed during the Bosnian War in 1993. It was carefully reconstructed and reopened in 2004, replicating the original design.

Today, Stari Most draws visitors from around the world, not only for its stunning architecture but also for the local divers who leap from the 18-meter-high bridge into the Neretva River.

For the best views (and photos), head to the riverbanks before crossing the bridge.

🤩 I love this Mostar walking tour for the local guide!

2. Explore the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque

mosque with fountain in the front — It’s worth going inside the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque

The Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque is a beautiful example of Ottoman architecture in Bosnia and Herzegovina. For an entrance fee of about €7, you can explore the peaceful mosque and climb its iconic minaret.

The small, colorful prayer room offers a welcome break from the bustling streets outside. Climbing to the top of a minaret was a first for me, and absolutely worth it. The view from the top is stunning, with one of the best views of Mostar.

The narrow, winding staircase can be steep, but during my visit it wasn’t crowded, I had both the mosque and the minaret to myself, making it a truly memorable experience.

view of old bridge — View from the minaret

3. Wander Through the Old Town

Mostar’s Old Town feels like stepping back in time, with its winding cobblestone streets and beautifully preserved Ottoman architecture. The best way to explore is simply to wander, no set plan needed. You’ll see:

The lively old bazaar, perfect for browsing traditional crafts and souvenirs
Numerous historic mosques and centuries-old buildings
Cozy, traditional restaurants serving Balkan cuisine

One of my favorite parts of visiting Mostar was spending time here, just strolling through the streets, taking in the sights, and relaxing at a teahouse with a cup of rich Turkish coffee. It’s the perfect way to soak up the atmosphere of the city.

Enjoying the view of a town from the minaret is one of the best things to do in Mostar — Old town of Mostar

🤩 Book a walking tour through Mostar old town!

4. Enjoy the Peaceful Crooked Bridge

The Kriva Ćuprija (or Crooked Bridge) is often seen as a smaller, more intimate version of Stari Most, and it’s definitely one of the most charming spots in Mostar.

The original bridge was destroyed in a flood in 2000, but has since been beautifully rebuilt.

With its graceful stone arch and quiet setting, Crooked Bridge is a great spot for photography and offers lovely views of the river and the surrounding old town.

5. Visit Biscevic and Muslibegovic House

Courtyard of a historic house — Courtyard at Biscevic House

Biscevic House and Muslibegovic House are two of Mostar’s most fascinating historic homes, offering a glimpse into the city’s Ottoman past.

Biscevic House, built in 1635, is one of the best-preserved examples of Ottoman architecture. It now serves as a small museum, showcasing traditional furniture and historic daily life.

Muslibegovic House, built in the 18th century, is equally impressive. Its highlights include a beautiful courtyard, traditional decor, and a collection of artifacts from the Ottoman era.

6. See the Mostar Peace Bell Tower

High tower in front of a hill — Mostar Peace Bell Tower

The Mostar Peace Bell Tower is a modern symbol of the city’s efforts to rebuild after the Bosnian War. Completed in 2000, it stands next to a Christian monastery.

You can climb the 107-meter tower (either by lift or stairs) to a viewing platform at 75 meters. From the top, you’ll enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the city and surrounding hills.

Interestingly, I learned that the tower’s construction was somewhat controversial, as it’s now the tallest structure in a predominantly Muslim town.

7. Mostar Sniper Tower

Abandoned house in Mostar with street art and bullet holes — Sniper Tower in Mostar

For a glimpse into Mostar’s recent history, visit the eerie Sniper Tower, once a key vantage point for snipers during the Bosnian War.

The building is now mostly blocked off for safety, but from the outside you can still see the bullet holes and scars of the conflict. Its walls are now covered in vibrant street art, adding a striking contrast to the site’s somber past.

If you’d like to learn more about the war, the excellent War Photo Exhibition inside the western tower of Stari Most is well worth a visit.

Best Day Trips from Mostar

Mostar is surrounded by some truly beautiful places and if you have the time, you should definitely visit at least one of them. Here are some top spots to visit:

Kravice Waterfalls

Located south of Mostar, near the Croatian border, the Kravice Waterfalls are among the most beautiful in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The falls are 28 meters high and 120 meters wide, and in summer you can even swim in the refreshing waters.

When I visited in April, the water was still too cold for swimming, but I can only imagine how nice it would be on a hot summer day!

🤩 Check Prices and Availability for a day tour from Mostar!

Blagaj Tekija

Dervish house next to a spring — The Dervish house is a museum now

The village of Blagaj is famous for the Buna River spring (one of Europe’s largest) and the striking Dervish monastery (Blagaj Tekke) built right beside it.

While the actual spring is inside a cave, you can see the crystal-clear water flowing out, and watch birds flying in and out of the cave.

The Blagaj Tekke, now a museum, still hosts Dervish chanting several times a week. The building sits beneath a dramatic 240-meter cliff, which has caused damage over the years from falling rocks.

🤩 This tour is amazing for experiencing the best of Mostar’s surroundings!

Počitelj

view of medieval village — See the historic influences in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Počitelj is a charming small town that feels like an open-air museum. Its architecture reflects Bosnia and Herzegovina’s rich history, with influences from several eras. The three most iconic structures are:

A medieval tower from the Kingdom of Bosnia
A minaret and mosque from the Ottoman period
A tower from the Austro-Hungarian Empire

🤩 Check Prices and Availability for a day tour from Mostar!

Travel and Accommodation

Getting to Mostar

Mostar is easy to reach from several nearby cities:

From Sarajevo → about 2–2.5 hours by car, bus, train, or guided tour.
From Dubrovnik (Croatia) → about 3–4 hours by direct bus.
From Split (Croatia) → about 4–5 hours by bus.

Personally, I did a day trip from Sarajevo to Mostar, which was amazing since I could visit some of the day trip options from Mostar as well as the historic city center in one day.

Where to Stay in Mostar

When it comes to accommodation in Mostar, you have a variety of options catering to different preferences and budgets:

Hotels: Mostar offers a range of hotel options, from budget-friendly to luxurious, accommodating your needs and ensuring a comfortable stay. A popular choice is Villa Sonata.
Hostels: If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, Mostar has several hostels that offer a clean, safe, and social atmosphere perfect for meeting other travellers. Among the highest rated ones is Hostel Musala.
Apartments: For those who prefer the comfort of a home away from home, Mostar has a wide range of apartment offerings. The best choice is Apartment Solis.

Tip for vegans: Since there aren’t any fully vegan restaurants in Mostar, staying in an apartment with a kitchen can make it easier to prepare your own meals, especially for breakfast. The only vegan restaurants in Bosnia are in Sarajevo.

Final Thoughts: Is Mostar Worth Visiting?

I really enjoyed my time in Mostar, standing by the banks of the Neretva River and seeing the iconic Stari Most in person was incredible.

What made the trip even more special was visiting the beautiful surrounding countryside, places like Kravice Waterfalls, Blagaj, and Počitelj really add to the experience.

If you’re mainly looking for a city break with plenty to do, I’d recommend Sarajevo instead, as it offers a wider variety of attractions. But if you’re interested in both history and nature, Mostar is absolutely worth a visit, especially combined with a few nearby day trips.

👉 If you’re planning a visit, check out my post on taking a day trip from Sarajevo to Mostar, it’s a great way to see many of these beautiful spots along the way!