Free Mostar Travel Guide & Mobile App

Plan your Mostar trip with Evendo. Get free guides to top attractions, restaurants, hotels, and bars. Web access or download the mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Mostar
Mostar photo 2
Mostar photo 3
All photos

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, pairs the UNESCO-listed Old Bridge with Ottoman streets, river views, Balkan cuisine, cultural traditions and mountain scenery.

The Bridge and the River

Mostar rises along the turquoise Neretva River in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, where steep limestone hills frame a city shaped by Ottoman, Mediterranean and Austro-Hungarian influences. Its defining monument is Stari Most, the 16th-century Old Bridge reconstructed after the destruction of the 1990s war and recognised with the surrounding Old Bridge Area as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The bridge arcs above the river between stone lanes, domed roofs and copper workshops, while local bridge divers continue a long-standing tradition of plunging into the Neretva during organised events.
Read more about Mostar

Old Streets and Living Culture

The historic centre is compact enough to explore on foot, with the cobbled lanes of the Old Bazaar, known locally as Kujundžiluk, leading past craft shops, cafés and viewpoints over the water. Nearby, the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque offers a significant Ottoman architectural setting and elevated views, while the Crooked Bridge and courtyard houses reveal quieter details of the old town. Beyond the tourist core, Mostar's cafés, markets and residential neighbourhoods give the city a more contemporary rhythm, with Bosnian coffee, grilled specialities and regional wines part of everyday life.

A Gateway to Herzegovina

Mostar's warm climate and rugged setting make it a natural base for exploring Herzegovina. The Buna spring at Blagaj, the waterfalls of Kravica and the medieval town of Počitelj lie outside the city and are commonly visited as regional excursions. Within Mostar itself, the contrast between river, mountains, historic masonry and modern reconstruction is central to its character: the city is both a celebrated architectural destination and a place where different religious and cultural histories remain visibly interwoven.

When is the best time to visit Mostar?

Best: July–September · 28–33°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January10120
February12110
March18100
April2390
May2790
June3160
July (best)3330
August (best)3330
September (best)2850
October22120
November16140
December11150

Getting to and around Mostar

How to get there

Mostar is served by Mostar International Airport, although flight options are limited and seasonal, so many international visitors arrive through Sarajevo International Airport and continue by road or rail. Sarajevo has regular long-distance connections with Mostar, and the railway journey through the Neretva valley is one of the country's most scenic routes when services are operating. Intercity buses link Mostar with Sarajevo, other Bosnian and Herzegovinian towns, and destinations in neighbouring Croatia and Montenegro, though schedules vary. Mostar also lies on the main road corridor between Sarajevo and the Adriatic coast. Check current railway, bus and airport schedules before travelling, particularly outside the summer season.

Transportation

Mostar's historic centre is compact and best explored on foot; the Old Bridge, bazaar, riverside lanes and several principal monuments are close together, although the polished cobbles and steps require comfortable footwear. Local buses serve the wider urban area, while taxis are useful for the railway and bus stations, accommodation outside the centre and nearby sights. A car is practical for regional trips, but parking and narrow streets can make driving within the old town inconvenient. Cycling is possible on quieter roads and along parts of the valley, but traffic, heat and uneven surfaces call for care. Confirm taxi fares and bus information locally rather than relying on outdated online timetables.

Best attractions in Mostar

Mostar's principal sightseeing experience centres on Stari Most, the restored 16th-century arch spanning the Neretva and linking the two halves of the historic town. From the bridge, visitors can follow the cobbled Kujundžiluk bazaar, where copper workshops, stone buildings and riverside cafés occupy the old commercial quarter. The Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque provides an important Ottoman setting and elevated views towards the bridge, while the more modest Crooked Bridge offers a quieter photographic vantage point. The Museum of War and Genocide 1992, housed in the old town, addresses the city's recent past, and the Museum of Herzegovina presents regional history and culture. Outside the centre, the Partisan Cemetery is a significant Yugoslav-era memorial landscaped on a hillside. Together these places show Mostar as more than a bridge destination: it is a compact city of religious architecture, difficult memory, river scenery and layered urban life.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Mostar

Stari Most is Mostar's defining landmark, a finely engineered Ottoman stone arch completed in 1566 and rebuilt after its wartime destruction, with the surrounding Old Bridge Area recognised by UNESCO for its historic urban and cultural significance. The Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, set above the river, represents the city's Ottoman religious heritage, while the clock tower and surviving houses around the old bazaar help reveal the form of the historic settlement. The Crooked Bridge, a small stone crossing nearby, is traditionally associated with the development of the larger bridge and adds a more intimate architectural detail. In the newer city, the Spanish Square and Austro-Hungarian buildings mark imperial-era expansion, while the Partisan Cemetery commemorates Yugoslav resistance and uses a distinctive terraced landscape. Churches and mosques on both sides of the river further express Mostar's layered religious and civic history.

Show more landmarks

Explore Mostar on the map

Plan your Mostar trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Mostar

Mostar's food culture reflects Herzegovina's Ottoman, Mediterranean and Balkan connections. Traditional menus commonly feature ćevapi, small grilled minced-meat portions served with flatbread and onion; japrak, vine leaves filled with meat and rice; dolma, grilled meats, fresh salads and hearty soups. Herzegovinian specialities include trout from the region's clear rivers, while local produce such as figs, grapes, pomegranate and honey appears in markets and seasonal cooking. The old town is filled with restaurants and cafés serving Bosnian dishes beside the Neretva, though quieter neighbourhood establishments can offer a more everyday setting. Bosnian coffee is prepared in a džezva and served with a small sweet, making it a ritual as much as a beverage. Herzegovina's vineyards also shape the dining scene, with wines from the surrounding region often accompanying grilled meat, cheese and seasonal vegetables.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Mostar

Mostar's evening scene is centred less on large nightclubs than on sociable cafés, riverside terraces and bars around the Old Bridge and the streets leading towards the modern centre. After sunset, the illuminated bridge and Neretva create a distinctive backdrop for slow Bosnian coffee, local wine, beer and relaxed conversation. Some venues offer live acoustic music or regional performances, while younger crowds gather in contemporary bars away from the historic lanes. Cultural evenings may include concerts, theatre and events at local arts venues, although programming changes with the season. The city is active during summer, when outdoor terraces stay open later, but nightlife is comparatively compact and quieter outside the main tourist periods. Visitors should respect nearby homes and religious buildings, and should not mistake bridge-diving displays or river gatherings for casual late-night entertainment.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Mostar

Mostar's evening scene is centred less on large nightclubs than on sociable cafés, riverside terraces and bars around the Old Bridge and the streets leading towards the modern centre. After sunset, the illuminated bridge and Neretva create a distinctive backdrop for slow Bosnian coffee, local wine, beer and relaxed conversation. Some venues offer live acoustic music or regional performances, while younger crowds gather in contemporary bars away from the historic lanes. Cultural evenings may include concerts, theatre and events at local arts venues, although programming changes with the season. The city is active during summer, when outdoor terraces stay open later, but nightlife is comparatively compact and quieter outside the main tourist periods. Visitors should respect nearby homes and religious buildings, and should not mistake bridge-diving displays or river gatherings for casual late-night entertainment.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Mostar

Shopping in Mostar is closely associated with the stone lanes of Kujundžiluk, the old bazaar beside Stari Most, where copperware, engraved coffee sets, jewellery, textiles and small handmade souvenirs are displayed in traditional-style workshops. Visitors will also find ceramics, carved wood, embroidered goods and locally produced food items, although quality and authenticity vary between shops. The bazaar's craft tradition reflects Mostar's historic position on Ottoman trading routes and its long association with metalworking. For everyday goods and a less heritage-focused retail atmosphere, the modern streets west of the old town contain supermarkets, cafés and contemporary shops. Regional products such as Herzegovinian wine, honey, dried fruit and olive oil can make more meaningful purchases than generic memorabilia, but travellers should check customs rules before carrying food or agricultural products across international borders.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Mostar, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Mostar essentials

Currency and Payment
Bosnia and Herzegovina uses the convertible mark, written as KM or BAM. Cards and contactless payments are accepted by many hotels, larger restaurants and established shops, particularly in the tourist centre, but smaller cafés, market stalls, craft workshops and independent businesses may prefer cash. ATMs are available in central Mostar, though international banks may apply withdrawal or conversion charges. Euros may occasionally be accepted in tourist-facing businesses, but the exchange rate is not always favourable and change is normally given in marks. Keep smaller notes and coins for coffee, local transport, toilets and modest purchases, and choose to pay in BAM when a card terminal offers a currency conversion option.
Safety
Mostar is generally navigable for visitors who take ordinary urban precautions, but the old town becomes crowded in peak periods and belongings should be kept secure in busy lanes, buses and cafés. Take care on the smooth, steep cobbles around Stari Most, particularly after rain, and stay behind barriers near the river and bridge edges. Use marked roads and paths when walking beyond the centre, as terrain can be uneven and traffic may not always give pedestrians much space. At night, remain aware in quiet or poorly lit areas and use a reputable taxi when necessary. Do not enter damaged or abandoned buildings, and follow local signs around any areas with restricted access.
Emergency Situations
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, 112 is the general emergency number; police can also be reached on 122, the fire service on 123 and ambulance services on 124. Give the operator the precise location, explain whether medical, fire or police assistance is required, and ask accommodation staff or a local speaker for help if communication is difficult. Keep travel insurance details and identification accessible. For urgent medical needs, contact the ambulance service or attend an appropriate emergency department; pharmacies can advise on routine medicines but are not a substitute for emergency care. In remote Herzegovinian landscapes, mobile coverage and shade can be limited, so carry water and tell someone about longer outings.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress respectfully when entering mosques and other religious buildings, covering shoulders and knees where requested and removing shoes if local instructions require it. Ask before photographing worshippers, private homes or ceremonies, and observe signs in museums and historic sites. Bosnian coffee is traditionally served slowly and socially, so it is better treated as a pause than a takeaway drink. Tipping is not compulsory, but rounding up or leaving a modest amount for good service is customary. Avoid treating the war's damaged buildings and memorials as theatrical backdrops, and do not make casual assumptions about people's ethnicity, religion or wartime experiences. Follow bridge and river safety rules rather than imitating professional divers.
Local Tips
Use the Old Bridge as an orientation point, then explore both banks of the Neretva to see how the Ottoman core connects with later neighbourhoods and Austro-Hungarian streets. The bazaar is ideal for examining copperware and traditional crafts, while quieter riverside viewpoints offer a different perspective from the busiest bridge approach. Mostar's summer heat is strongest in the middle of the day, making an early walk or a slower café break more comfortable. Regional excursions to Blagaj, Počitelj and Kravica require separate planning and should not be confused with sights inside the city. Railway and bus information can change, so verify departures locally when arranging onward travel.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloZdravo[Zdrah-voh]
GoodbyeDoviđenja[Doh-vee-jen-ya]
YesDa[Dah]
NoNe[Neh]
Please/You're welcomeMolim[Moh-leem]
Thank youHvala[Hvah-lah]
Excuse me/SorryIzvini[Eez-vee-nee]
How are you?Kako si?[Kah-koh see?]
Fine. And you?Dobro. A ti?[Doh-bro. Ah tee?]
Do you speak English?Govorite li engleski?[Go-vo-ree-te lee eng-les-kee?]
I don't understandNe razumijem[Neh rah-zoo-mee-yem]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMogu li vidjeti meni, molim vas[Moh-goo lee vee-dyeh-tee meh-nee, moh-leem vahs]
I don't eat meatNe jedem meso[Neh yeh-dem meh-so]
Cheers!Živjeli![Zhee-vyeh-lee]
I would like to pay, pleaseŽelim platiti, molim[Zheh-leem plah-tee-tee, moh-leem]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Pomoć![Poh-mohtsch!]
Go away!Idi odavde![Ee-dee oh-dahv-deh!]
Call the Police!Pozovite policiju![Poh-zoh-vee-teh po-lee-tsee-yoo!]
Call a doctor!Pozovite doktora![Poh-zoh-vee-teh dohk-toh-rah!]
I'm lostIzgubio/la sam se[Eez-goo-bee-oh/lah sahm seh]
I'm illBolestan/na sam[Boh-lehs-tahn/nah sahm]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Želim kupiti...[Zheh-leem koo-pee-tee]
I'm just lookingSamo gledam[Sah-moh gleh-dahm]
How much is it?Koliko košta?[Koh-lee-koh koh-stah?]
That's too expensiveTo je pre skupo[Toh yeh preh skoo-poh]
Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cijenu?[Moh-zheh-te lee spoo-stee-tee tsee-yeh-noo?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Koliko je sati?[Koh-lee-koh yeh sah-tee?]
It's one o'clockJedan je sat[Yeh-dahn yeh saht]
Half past (10)Pola (deset)[Poh-lah (deh-set)]
MorningJutro[Yoo-troh]
AfternoonPopodne[Poh-pod-neh]
EveningVeče[Veh-cheh]
YesterdayJučer[Yoo-cher]
TodayDanas[Dah-nahs]
TomorrowSutra[Soo-trah]
1Jedan[Yeh-dahn]
2Dva[Dvah]
3Tri[Tree]
4Četiri[Cheh-tee-ree]
5Pet[Peh-t]
6Šest[Shehst]
7Sedam[Seh-dahm]
8Osam[Oh-sahm]
9Devet[Deh-vet]
10Deset[Deh-set]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Gdje je...[Gdyeh yeh...]
What's the address?Koja je adresa?[Koh-yah yeh ah-deh-sah?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li mi pokazati (na mapi)?[Moh-zheh-te lee mee poh-kah-zah-tee (nah mah-pee)?]
When's the next (bus)?Kada je sljedeći (autobus)?[Kah-dah yeh sleh-deh-chee (ow-toh-boos)?]
A ticket (to ....)Jednu kartu (do ....)[Yehd-noo kahr-too (doh ....)]

History of Mostar

Medieval Settlements Along the Neretva

The Mostar area developed around crossings of the Neretva and routes linking the Adriatic coast with the interior of the Balkans. Before the present city took shape, settlements and fortified sites occupied the river valley and surrounding hills. Medieval documents refer to a settlement connected with a bridge and towers, while the wider region formed part of the shifting political landscape of medieval Bosnia and Hum, later Herzegovina. The river crossing gave the settlement practical importance, and the name Mostar derives from mostari, traditionally understood as bridge keepers. Although little of the earliest urban fabric survives intact, the geography that encouraged settlement remains legible: the river constricts beneath the historic centre, creating a natural crossing point between the two banks.

Ottoman Mostar and Stari Most

Mostar expanded significantly under Ottoman rule, which reached the region in the 15th century. The city became an important administrative, commercial and religious centre, with mosques, markets, baths, houses and bridges shaping an urban culture strongly connected to the Ottoman world. The most celebrated achievement was Stari Most, completed in 1566 under Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent and attributed to the architect Mimar Hayruddin, a pupil of Sinan. Its single stone arch transformed the crossing and became the centre of civic life. The surrounding bazaar, later known as Kujundžiluk, developed with workshops and trading activity, while the Neretva linked the city to routes across Herzegovina.

Austro-Hungarian Administration

After the Congress of Berlin in 1878, Austria-Hungary occupied and administered Bosnia and Herzegovina, bringing new forms of government, infrastructure and urban planning to Mostar. The city grew beyond its Ottoman core, and administrative buildings, schools, roads and bridges reflected the empire's architectural and political presence. The period also intensified economic connections with the wider Austro-Hungarian market and introduced modern municipal institutions. Rather than replacing the older city, the new development created a layered urban landscape in which Ottoman houses and mosques stood alongside Austro-Hungarian civic architecture. This contrast remains one of Mostar's clearest historical characteristics, particularly in the streets extending westwards from the old centre.

Kingdom, Yugoslavia and Industrial Growth

Following the First World War, Mostar became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, later the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, and after 1945 part of socialist Yugoslavia. The city expanded as a regional centre, with modern housing, public institutions and industrial employment changing its scale and social composition. Rail connections and road improvements strengthened links with Sarajevo, the Adriatic and other Herzegovinian towns. Socialist-era development introduced broader avenues and new neighbourhoods beyond the historic centre, while the old bridge and bazaar remained important symbols of local identity. Mostar's population included communities of different religious and cultural backgrounds, a characteristic that continued to shape its civic life before the conflicts of the 1990s.

War and the Destruction of the Bridge

The Bosnian War brought severe destruction to Mostar between 1992 and 1995, dividing neighbourhoods and damaging homes, religious buildings, infrastructure and cultural monuments. Stari Most was destroyed on 9 November 1993 after being shelled during the conflict, an event that became an international symbol of the loss of shared cultural heritage. The war also left deep human and social consequences that remain part of the city's contemporary memory. Reconstruction followed the conflict through international cooperation and the work of local institutions and communities. The restoration was completed in 2004, using traditional materials and techniques alongside surviving stones where possible, while documentation and conservation helped preserve the bridge's historical form.

Reconstruction and World Heritage

The restored Old Bridge and surrounding historic area were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005, recognising Mostar as an example of a historic urban settlement shaped by cultural exchange and the coexistence of architectural traditions. Reconstruction has not erased the visible traces of war: damaged buildings and memorial sites remain part of the city's landscape, alongside restored mosques, churches, houses and public spaces. Contemporary Mostar combines heritage conservation with tourism, education, crafts and everyday life along the Neretva. Its history is therefore encountered not as a single uninterrupted story but as a layered record of Ottoman urbanism, imperial modernisation, Yugoslav development, wartime rupture and continuing efforts to rebuild civic connections.

Mostar in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Cities near Mostar

The closest cities to Mostar, if you have time for more than one stop.

Explore more

Bosnia and Herzegovina
More of the region

Explore more of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Discover the hidden beauty of Bosnia and Herzegovina—a land of stunning landscapes, rich history, and diverse culture in the heart of the Balkans.

Explore Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Mostar

Discover Mostar like never before with Evendo - a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Evendo is your comprehensive travel companion for Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. This free app offers detailed insights on attractions, landmarks, shops, and much more, ensuring you make the most of your visit.

  • Comprehensive history and travel essentials for Mostar
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near me' feature
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Mostar, a city of rich history and breathtaking beauty. With Evendo, your travel guide to Mostar, you can explore this magnificent city effortlessly. From the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) to the bustling Old Bazaar (Kujundžiluk), Evendo provides detailed information, local tips, images, maps, and contact details for all must-see attractions.

Looking for the best dining experiences? Discover local favorites like Sadrvan and Tima-Irma, renowned for their delicious Bosnian cuisine. Dive into Mostar's vibrant nightlife with recommendations for top bars and nightclubs.

Evendo not only guides you to the best spots but also allows you to book hotels, tours, tickets, and unique experiences right from the app. No more hassle of planning and organizing; everything you need is just a tap away.

Whether you're interested in the history of Mostar, travel essentials, or curated local tips to experience the city like a local, Evendo has it all. Plus, with its 'Near me' feature, you can easily discover what's around you, no matter where you are in the city.

And the best part? Evendo is 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs. Download Evendo today and unlock the treasures of Mostar - and beyond!

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.