With its sweeping mountainous backdrop, historic Old Town and idyllic Neretva River cutting through it all, Mostar is a small but impossibly beautiful city that’s a popular day trip destination, thanks largely to its proximity to tourist mega-hub, Dubrovnik.

But me? I stayed for three days. And could have easily stayed for more.

Don’t get me wrong – the touristic heart of Mostar is tiny, but it’s one of those places where I’d be content to just stay and marvel at the view forever.

So what is there to actually do in Mostar… and why am I so obsessed? In this post, I’ll share all the top highlights, from (yes of course) the famous bridge and its lesser-known mini counterpart, to the best views and must-eats. I hope you find it helpful! 

First: Where to Stay in Mostar

I need to make one thing clear before we begin: I owe my Mostar obsession to the hostel I stayed at, Majdas (pronounced my-dahs).

Though I have outgrown hostel life over the years, I would stay here again in a heartbeat. Homey accommodation, delicious homemade breakfast every morning, but most importantly: the feeling that you’re instantly part of the family.

Within hours of arriving, Majda had taken me and some other girls with her to go shopping, then brought us to a bakery where we got to watch them make fresh Burek. She also took the time to teach us about her country’s recent turbulent history, and provided important context to all the sights we were seeing. If you need a place to stay in Mostar, I couldn’t recommend this place more.

PS: If Bata is still running his “Crazy Tour” from here, make sure you do it. Probably the best way to see Mostar’s (gorgeous) surrounding sights. 

1. Stari Most (Old Bridge)

Now, let’s start with the most famous thing to do in Mostar – a visit to its gorgeous 16th century Ottoman bridge.

Connecting the city’s Muslim and Christian quarters, Stari Most (AKA Old Bridge) is renowned for its elegant design, characterized by a single stone arch that gracefully curves 24m above the river below.

Despite suffering damage during the Bosnian War in the 1990s, the bridge was meticulously reconstructed using traditional methods and materials, reaffirming its role as a symbol of reconciliation and unity in a divided city. Today, the bridge is not just a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but a cherished landmark… and common jumping point for tourists. Literally.

For those who dare, you can join the Mostari Diving Club in jumping off the bridge, straight into the river! The cost is (last I heard) about 25 euro, and you get a certificate after to prove your dazzling feat of bravery. If this doesn’t sound like your idea of fun, then during warmer months, there should be members of the diving club on the bridge who jump off a few times per day as a type of unhinged busking.

2. Kriva Ćuprija (Crooked Bridge)

Now speaking of bridges, another Mostar attraction to check off your list is the lesser-known (but equally charming) Kriva Ćuprija, AKA Crooked Bridge.

It’s believed that this bridge was built as a trial run for the Stari Most, as it was constructed in 1588 – eight years before the big version. Granted, it collapsed in 1999 after disastrous flooding in the area but was rebuilt and restored to its former glory not too long after, making it possible for tourists like you and me to still photograph it centuries later.

At just 4.15m high, it’s considerably smaller than the Old Bridge, and mainly a cute photo opp, but you have to admit it’s pretty photogenic:

3. Old Bazaar (Bazar Kujundžiluk)

Throughout the years, Mostar has had a tumultuous history, experiencing periods of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav rule, contributing to the city’s unique architectural blend of Eastern and Western influences.

And while much of the city suffered significant damage during the Bosnian War in the 1990s, today (after large-scale reconstruction efforts) there are again parts of Mostar that feel like a step back in time. The city’s Old Bazaar is one such place – where you’ll find a labyrinth of cobblestoned streets lined with colourful shops, cafes, and craft stalls (with the occasional cheesy souvenir shop mixed in).

This is one of the best parts of Mostar to explore and shop – I’d recommend getting there early though to avoid the usual crowds of tourists who might make it tough to see everything properly!

Oh, and fair warning… you will inevitably leave with the desire to own an ornate Bosnian coffee set.

4. Old Bridge Museum

One of the lesser known attractions in Mostar is a museum dedicated to (you guessed it) the Old Bridge!

This museum is (mostly) housed in the Tara Tower, which is part of the fortified structure of the Old Bridge. Inside the museum are exhibits that detail the bridge’s history, from its original construction to its destruction during the Bosnian War in the 1990s and its subsequent reconstruction.

This is a cool little museum that many people miss, which is a shame. The exhibits are quite atmospheric spread out within the tower, with a unique underground section as well.

NOTE: You do need to be able to climb some almost ladder-like stairs to get to the different floors but at the top you’re rewarded by awesome views of the bridge itself!

5. Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque

Another nice place to visit in Mostar is the the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, nowadays no longer an active mosque, but rather one opened for tourism.

Best known for its serene courtyard and a panoramic view of Mostar from the minaret, this mosque was constructed between 1618 – 1619 but suffered significant damage during the the Bosnian War. Luckily it was restored in the 90s and is now a popular tourist attraction.

You do need a reasonable amount of fitness (and it’s probably not for the claustrophobic) to climb the very tight spiralling stairs of the minaret but if you can manage it then the views from the top are spectacular. The whole building is also gorgeous, particularly if you enjoy looking at Ottoman architecture.

NOTE: If you’re interested in seeing another (active) mosque, there is also Karađoz Beg Mosque which is open to the public when it’s not used for prayer.

6. Enjoy Local Cuisine

Now with the main sights out of the way, I have to say one of the best things to do in Mostar is simply eat. Local food is delicious and affordable, with tons of amazing must-tries including…

• Burek: A flaky pastry filled with meat, cheese, spinach, or potatoes, rolled into a spiral shape and baked until golden brown. Truly one of the greatest snacks on Earth
• Ćevapi: Small, grilled minced meat sausages, typically made from a mix of beef and lamb, served with somun (a type of flatbread), chopped onions, and a red pepper-based condiment called ajvar
• Bosanski Lonac: A traditional Bosnian meat and vegetable stew cooked in a clay pot
• Bosanski Ćufte: Bosnian-style meatballs made from a mixture of ground beef or lamb, onions, garlic, and breadcrumbs, seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika. Often served with mashed potatoes, rice, or bread, and topped with a rich tomato-based sauce
• Klepe: Bosnian dumplings filled with seasoned minced meat, typically beef or lamb, and served in a savory broth or with yogurt sauce

7. Dine & drink with a view

With a gorgeous bridge, a gorgeous river, and gorgeous food, it’s no surprise that Mostar is also home to many gorgeous restaurants boasting gorgeous views.

Have I mentioned I think Mostar is gorgeous?

… Anyways, there’s no shortage of places to grab a scenic bite or drink with views of the river or bridge, so I’d recommend just walking around and seeing what calls to you. Here are some spots I really enjoyed:

• URBAN Taste of Orient: 2 euro wine with the most amazing views of the bridge (prices may have changed since I’ve gone but the views would be worth even double that cost!)
• Hindin Han: Tasty and affordable local plates next to a quiet stream

8. Mostar Peace Bell Tower, Franciscan Monastery

Another tower in Mostar you’ll likely notice as you’re exploring is the Mostar Peace Bell Tower, which is part of the Franciscan Church of St. Peter and Paul and the tallest bell tower in the country.

The original church was constructed in 1866, but it was destroyed during the Bosnian War and rebuilt in the early 21st century. The modern bell tower, standing at an impressive height of 107 meters, was built as a symbol of peace and reconciliation after the war. Today you can see many items from the original monastery inside the church, along with religious artworks and a prestigious library containing fifty thousand ancient books.

You can also go up this tower as well. There’s a lift/stairs to take you to a viewing platform at 75 metres high, at which point you’ll need to walk the remaining 148 stairs to get all the way to the top.

Note: If you do want to climb the tower you need to go to the café next door called Campanile to pay €3 and get a key to access it. And be aware that as this is a working bell tower, so you may be inside when the bells all go bong – very loudly!

9. Museum Of War And Genocide Victims

If you like museums and want to learn about the Bosnian War, then Mostar’s Museum of War and Genocide Victims is a sobering but important stop.

Located in the heart of Mostar, this museum is a popular place to learn more about the darker chapters of Mostar’s recent history. Inside, exhibits include personal testimonies, photographs, documents, and artifacts that illustrate the harrowing experiences of war and genocide survivors.

The museum also explores the broader context of the war, including its causes, key events, and aftermath, offering educational resources to help visitors understand the complexities of the region’s history. While it deals with pretty dark events, it does help travellers to understand the historical background of Mostar and the wider country.

10. Take a War Tour

While a walk through the more modern parts of Mostar will quickly reveal buildings still riddled with bullet holes, and abandoned buildings including the infamous Sniper Tower, I’d highly recommend booking a local tour like this one that helps put everything you see into context.

All things considered, the Bosnian War is a relatively recent conflict, meaning most of the adult residents you meet today will remember it in some form. It’s a terrible chapter of the city’s history, but an important one that helps you appreciate the resilience of the city and how far it has come.

While not necessarily a “fun” thing to do in Mostar, I do think it’s one of the most important. If you don’t want to book a tour, do make sure you read a little bit about the war before you go – it’ll help add much-needed context to all the sights you encounter.

11. Biscevic House

Biscevic House, also known as Bišćevića Kuća, is a remarkable example of Ottoman-era residential architecture in Mostar and well worth a visit if you’re interested in seeing how locals lived once upon a time.

Constructed in the 17th century, this historic house, perched on the east bank of the Neretva River, offers a fascinating glimpse into the lifestyle and culture of the period. The museum house is renowned for its beautifully preserved interiors, which include richly decorated rooms with traditional Bosnian carpets, carved wooden ceilings, and ornate furnishings.

There are also exhibits that display traditional clothing, household items, and other artifacts that illustrate the customs of the time… but mainly it’s just fun to swan around this beautiful former residence – the views out over the river are particularly stunning.

12. Say hi to Bruce Lee

One of Mostar’s quirkier sights is a statue of Bruce Lee, which can (possibly) be found in Park Zrinjevac on the western side of Mostar. I say possibly, because the statue has gone missing at times, so you may only find an empty plinth if you go looking for it…

People in Bosnia and Herzegovina loved watching “kung fu” movies from Hong Kong during the 70s and 80s, in particular those starring legendary Bruce Lee. In 2005 the Mostar Urban Movement youth group unveiled a life-size statue to Bruce, which was made by Croatian sculptor Ivan Fijolić.

The statue has already travelled to Zagreb in Croatia before returning to its original location, although as of my last Google maps search, apparently only the plinth remains. If you want to get a photo pretending to be Bruce Lee then you might want to visit, or perhaps the figure may have returned by the time you’re in Mostar!

13. Venture out to see more of the area

Finally, it’s worth mentioning that Mostar is an excellent base for further explorations, so if you have time, please make sure you see more of the country!

Highlights close by include…

• Kravice Waterfalls: a stunning natural attraction featuring a series of cascading falls, lush greenery, and a tranquil pool, making it a popular spot to visit.
• Blagaj: a picturesque village known for the historic Blagaj Tekija, a Dervish monastery nestled at the base of a cliff beside the source of the Buna River.
• Počitelj: a charming, fortified medieval town, famous for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture, including the imposing Počitelj Fortress, winding stone streets, and traditional houses.

As I mentioned earlier, I saw all the sights on Bata’s Crazy Tour, run by my hostel Majdas, but this tour seems to follow the same itinerary.

Did I miss any of your favourite things to do in Mostar?

Let me know in the comments so I can add more of the best Mostar activities to the list. Happy and safe travels! 🙂