I was looking for a hidden gem when I visited about six years ago. Bosnia and Herzegovina. I had already visited Paris, London, Rome, and so when I came across Mostar I was looking for something lesser known. Located in southern Bosnia and south of Herzegovina, this small city has now become one of the most popular destinations in the Balkans. Despite its popularity over the summer months, Dubrovnik tourists make day trips and are relatively peaceful after summer. Below are my highlights to help you plan your visit with this complete guide to Mostar.
Your Guide to Mostar
Old bridge
In the heart of the old town is the old bridge (Stari Most), a picturesque structure that connects both sides of the old town. In the summer, we will hold a popular bridge jump competition with locals and tourists. On the eastern shore of the bridge, make sure you head across the bridge so that you can find more interesting Muslim parts of the town. Meanwhile, the West is primarily home to Catholic Croatians. The Stari bridge therefore serves as a calm reminder of the disparities and difficulties facing this country. Today, Bosnia and Herzegovina are peaceful, but the past is unforgettable.
Please visit don’t forget stone
Throughout the city you can find constant reminders of a stone-written war with “not forgetting.” At the entrance to the Stari Most Bridge, there is a reminder to visitors of the collapse of the bridge during the siege of Mostar. The stones remain to remind us of the Bosnian War.
When I was in Sarajevo, I had a hard time seeing the remnants of the war that took place between 1991 and 1995. But in Mostar, many of the cities reflect war and help to remind people to never forget.
War Photo Exhibition
In the town west above Stari, there are most bridges War Photo Exhibition. The exhibition features 50 images of the Bosnian War. It costs just 3 euros to enter, which proves to be a truly fascinating view of Bosnian past. If you want to understand this country on a deeper level, I highly recommend a visit!
The alley near the bridge is full of trinkets and treasures. If you’re looking for a genuine souvenir to take home from a trip, this is the perfect place to find it. Follow the narrow staircase leading to the minaret of the Kosky Mehmed Pasha Mosque. Here you can find panoramic views of the city.
Old Bazaar
If you’re shopping for souvenirs at Mostar, you might consider some of these handmade trinkets from one of the vendors near the old bridge.
Handicrafts made of bullets – After Bosnian war ammunition was scattered all over the country. Some clever locals have collected used ammunition and turned them into various quirky souvenirs.
War tools – Speaking of war, there are many opportunities to buy helmets, badges, knives, and tanks of all kinds.
Pointy slippers – Perhaps my favorite souvenir to buy in Bosnia was the slippers of a house used by Bosnians. When entering the house, the Bosnians remove both their shoes and socks. Therefore, wearing house slippers has become a common practice.
Day Trip: Blagaj Tekija
If you’ve been visiting Mostar for more than a day, we recommend exploring elsewhere in Bosnia. As beautiful as Mostar, there are other cities and attractions nearby that have not been visited. Blagaj is just a 10 minute drive so it’s a great place to get started. You can visit famous people here Blagaj TekijaThe Delviche Abbey built on a cliff.
read more: How to Visit Blagaj Tekke In Bosnia
Day Trips: Pocitelj, Capljina
If you have more time, another great day trip is to visit Pocitelj, Capljina. The town is a short drive from Mostar, just 32 km. Hillside Village is generally considered one of the most beautiful photo shoot locations in Bosnia. Above all, not many tourists know about it! I visited this town with my local host.