What to Do in Mostar?

Most of you reading this are searching for the best way to organise a short daytrip from Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital, to Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s landmark city. And although the views of this gorgeous UNESCO Old Town present a breath of fresh air, we are going to give you tell you everything to do in Mostar in 24 hours, that will make you wish you were there for more days!

Take a picture on the Old Bridge and watch divers take a jump! 🤳

Your morning will start by strolling the incredibly Instagrammable Old Town and looking at the surrounding shops. However, before some shopping, you’ll probably want to stop and stand on the Old Bridge and take in the sights. The bridge was commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16^th century. However, today it you can see the reconstructed bridge, as the original was destructed during the war in the 90s.

It’s very likely that you’ll come across some locals that do traditional jumps from the Old Bridge. In fact, the best time to visit Mostar is July for the traditional diving competition, that has been organised for more than 450 years continually. But even if you’re not there for the yearly competition, you can still witness the locals that jump for entertainment.

Note: the bridge is quite steep and slippery, so walking on cobblestone is best done in sneakers or comfortable shoes.

Local’s Tip no. 1: Do you want an epic picture of the Old Bridge from this angle? 📷

Okay, we’ll spill the secrets and tell you how you can get this angle without the use of a drone. The Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque offers entrance on the minaret, from which there is a splendid view of the Old Bridge! Have in mind, to enter the mosque you need to be properly dressed. For women, this entails covering their head and wearing clothes that go over the knees. Men also have to wear clothes that go over the knees. For an additional fee of circa 8 EUR (subject to change), you can get at the top of the minaret and take a splendid shot of the Old Bridge (if you liked this tip tag us on your picture)!

Stroll the Old Town Bazaar

The Old Town is a bazaar full of shops with local handmade trinkets! When buying souvenirs, the best one are usually made from local artists. And one such shop is the locally famous AbrakaBakra Copper Art shop, a coppersmith store is known for its stunning jewellery made of recycled copper!

During your strolls, don’t forget to pass by some of the local monuments such as: Karađoz Bey Mosque, the Mostar Watch Tower (Sahat kula) and Kriva ćuprija (the test version of the Old Bridge).

Additionally, here’s another fun fact for you! Pay attention to street signs while being in the Old Town, because there you can find Mostar’s shortest street! It’s called the Kurluk Street, and it only has a total of three addresses!

Eat the best food of your life! 😋

After exploring the shops in the Old Town UNESCO area, it’s time to finish your day with some lunch! And the yummiest food is the traditional one! However, here are some picks for different tastes:

Wine lovers, enjoy some fine dining at the Emporia Restaurant, a member of the Herzegovina Wine Route. Nestled amid its vast vineyards just outside of Mostar, you will be positively surprised to find out Mostar’s versatility in food choices.
For something more traditional and closer to the nucleus, try Šadrvan, the famous restaurant of traditional Bosnian and Herzegovinian food. You can choose between any national dish such as ćevapi, sogan dolma or pita.
For a stunning view of the Old Bridge, try URBAN Taste of Orient restaurant. Not only can you try traditional dishes, but you can even start your day here with breakfast with a view!

Local’s Tip no. 2: Wine tasting bar with the perfect view of the Old Bridge 🍷You probably didn’t know that Mostar is Europe Dionisio Wine City 2024! And we know the perfect place to try local wine sorts with an epic view for some pre-dinner aperitif. Enter The Spirit of Herzegovina, a wine and spirits shop right next to the Old Bridge. The lovely owner Emica will gladly show you around and present the best local wines and spirits made by the Herzegovina Wine Route Members. Remember, sometimes the best souvenirs come in a bottle 😉

A sunset view to remember: Fortica 🌇

To finish off your epic 1-day itinerary in Mostar, it’s only fair to now experience the city from a high viewpoint. By walking on this glass bridge, take in the views of the city and drink a Bosnian coffee from the coffee shop nearby.