One Day in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina: 7 Best Things To Do (+ Tips & Photos)

Introduction

Mostar was a somber experience. The scars are evident of the city’s tumultuous past. Like a tattoo, bullet and mortar holes are etched in the city, on display for all to see. Mostar was violently torn apart when the former Yugoslavia collapsed. Croats and Bosnians began an inch by inch war in the city fighting for supremacy. Friends and acquaintances were pitted against each other. Often separated by mere yards, it was personal and intimate in the worst way.

A divided city. Croats on one side and Bosnians on the other. Catholicism vs Islam. Churches vs Mosques. It is a city of stark contrasts. Where two cultures merge and often collide. Bridges over a massive river gorge are the only things that seemingly connect this city.

Homelessness. Mostar has one of the highest unemployment rates in all of Europe. You are immediately greeted by beggars praying for anything that you might have to offer. For these reasons many have fled to other countries in the hope of better opportunities. But there is hope. Tourism is on the rise and the work of repairing has long been in effect.

So, is Mostar worth your time? Yes. This city teaches you valuable lessons. Lessons one the importance of love and empathy. Lessons of compassion and listening. Lessons of escalation and poverty. It was not a “good” visit but a worthwhile visit.

What to do in Mostar

City Bridges

Mostar is known for its distinct bridges. The most prominent bridge is Stari Most (Old Bridge). This bridge was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site after it was rebuilt after the war in 2004. Here is where you will see divers jumping to their inevitable death (I jest). You can contribute to their demise by tipping them a few euros to speed up the spectacle. When the divers collect a sufficient amount of money, then they will jump. If this kind of thing excites you, then you can pay to jump from the bridge as well. You will have to do some precursory jumps to prove that you have the technique to jump with control from 75 feet high.

You can get a wonderful view of the bridge on the river bank below. Simple cross over Stari Most and continue down the main road. Eventually you will see some steps leading down on the left side of the street. Take those steps and continue down to the river bank until you see the bridge from below. If you are lucky you will witness a diver jumping from a much better angle.

Eat Bosnian Food

The portions are absolutely massive. I repeat, the portions are absolutely massive. If you love meat, cheese, and fried veggies, then you will love Bosnian food. The food is also ridiculously cheap. My wife and I split a dish and still managed to find ourselves in a food coma. Do not miss out on the opportunity to eat bosnian food. It is not that popular on the global stage, so you might not get another chance.

Mostar Old Bazaar

The Old Bazaar is located on the main road leading to Stari Most. On either side of the cobblestone road you will see shops selling artisanal goods, restaurants bidding you to sit and enjoy delicious food, and cafes with people drinking traditional bosnian coffee. I am still kicking myself to this day for not buying a bosnian coffee set. The remnants of the Ottoman empire and its heritage are strongly felt in the Old Bazaar. Walk among the shops and treat yourself to a coffee set or a turkish lamp.

Mosques

There are more than a few mosques in Mostar. The big pointy buildings, those are the ones. There are two notable mosques worth checking out, Koskin-Mehmed Pasha and Karadoz Rey. Both cost a small fee to enter, but you will be rewarded with beautiful Ottoman architecture and art to gaze at. If you only have time/money for one, then I would recommend Koskin-Mehmed Pasha because it offers a fantastic view of Stari Most

Museums

There are two museums that I recommend: War Photo Exhibition and Museum of War and Genocide. In the War Photo Exhibition a photographer somehow managed to capture the war up close and personal. These pictures exhibit just how far the city has come since that awful and bloody war. The war fought in Mostar was not just simply a tale of war, but also a tale of genocide, concentration camps, giant graves, and crimes against kids. The Museum of War and Genocide explores the much darker side of war.

Turkish Houses

For a small fee you can tour some traditional Turkish houses. The two most prominent Turkish houses in Mostar are Bisevic House and Muslibegovic House. These houses will give you a personal look into the life of another culture. Make sure to bring a camera as these houses are extremely photogenic.

Bosnian Coffee

Drinking bosnian coffee is best described as a process. Honor the process and do it right so you do not look like a buffoon. Here is how you do it: pour yourself a little coffee, dip a sugar cube in the coffee, taste the sugar cube saturated in coffee, take a sip of coffee, rinse your pallet with water, and then repeat until you are finished. Make sure to end your coffee with a turkish delight.

Conclusion

This wraps up my Mostar blog. If you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out to me via email or just simply comment on this blog post. If you enjoyed this blog and found it informative, then please consider subscribing to my newsletter below. Thanks! - Matt