Top 5 Things to See in Mostar

I love the Balkans. To me, it is the western variation of Southeast Asia - cultural, vibrant and exceptionally full of life. It was in this region that I learned to immerse in the sights and sounds presented before me and just to explore freely.

The sweetest reminiscence I have of this region is the emerald green river flowing through Mostar. As one of the most ethnically diverse city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mostar is rich in culture and in history. This former war-torn city has undergone extensive restoration to be reinstated as the beautiful destination that it is today.

Read also: Must-Try Local Bosnian Food

Koski Mehmed Paša Mosque
Top 5 Things to See in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina


I arrived at the Old Town of Mostar misty-eyed and sentimental. How can a place be this beautiful?

Just days ago, I witnessed the bluest of seas and earth's most beautiful stretch of mountains as I traveled across Greece, Albania and Montenegro. Being able to experience all of Balkans' raw, undisguised beauty will forever remain as my life's best adventure.

Mostar is different.

This quaint Ottoman town is laced with cobblestone streets and charming old stone buildings. There is so much more to this town than just the iconic Old Bridge. It welcomes hearty locals and curious visitors alike to its lush forested mountains, cherished medieval holy sites and offbeat statues. One can blithely swim under waterfalls, explore abandoned ruins and be on an endless hunt for creative expressions left behind by poetical artists in the form of street art.

    Top 5 Things to See in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

    Stari Most

    Stari Most or Old Bridge is a rebuilt 16th-century Ottoman bridge which crosses the river Neretva. It is the most iconic landmark in the country and an exemplary Balkan Islamic architecture that is 28 meters long and 20 meters in height. In mid summer each year, the Stari Most diving competition is held where bold local men jump off the bridge and into the cold Neretva river - making it a sight not to be missed!
    Mostar Old Bridge
    Stari Most: Mostar Old Bridge
    Stari Most
    The Stari Most connects two parts of Mostar
    Mostar Old Bridge
    Mostar Old Bridge spanning the picturesque Neretva River


    Čaršija

    Located in the heart of Mostar's Old Town is a lively market, which streets are lined with stalls selling copper tableware, traditional pipe flutes, colorful rugs and delicate souvenirs. 

    mostar old market
    Visit the Čaršija at Mostar
    mostar old market
    Mostar: An Enchanting Balkan City
    Čaršija market
    The busy market of Čaršija
    Old Bazar Kujundziluk
    Mostar Old Market


    Koski Mehmed Paša Mosque

    Built on the river bank just 150 meters away from Stari Most, this is the second biggest mosque in Mostar. Similar to the bridge, the building was also destroyed in the war and was rebuilt to be restored to what it is today.

    Koski Mehmed Paša Mosque
    Koski Mehmed Paša Mosque
    Koski Mehmed Paša Mosque
    Ottomon influences can be observed in the art and architecture of Mostar


    Kravica Waterfalls

    Located 40 kilometers south of Mostar, Kravica makes a popular swimming and picnic destination in the summer. Tourists can find restaurants, cafes, a rope swing, an old mill and a sailing ship around the waterfall to fuel their travel adventures.

    Kravica Waterfalls
    Kravice Waterfalls at Mostar


    Don't Forget Stones

    The Siege of Mostar took place twice - in 1992 and 1993. It resulted in approximately 2,000 casualties, 90,000 refugees and the destruction of historic bridges, religious buildings and cultural institutions. Today, tourists can find stones placed across the town to remind them of the history and the lives lost to the wars.

    Don't Forget Stones
    Don't Forget Stones in Mostar


    Mostar is an incredibly beautiful destination, perfected with distinctive Ottoman-style buildings, friendly locals and delightful Bosnian fares. It deserves a place on everyone's travel wish list!

    Happy traveling! Don't forget to share your travel & dining moments with us on Instagram by tagging @rollinggrace or #RollingGrace. Happy travelling!

    Comments

    1. The amazing part is when the river soooo clean and beautiful even located in between of crowded places. This place is truly magical ❤️

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    2. Bila tengok suasana negara ornag ni memg lain dari lain. Tengok craft dia lawa2. View pun cntik.. Sungai bersih betul

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    3. Interesting that you compared the Balkans to Southeast Asia. Based on the only Balkan state I've been to (Bulgaria), I think I have to agree.

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    4. Senibina arkitektur Islam memang cantik. Btw emerald river tu betui2 hijau ye sedangkan tak adalah pokok2 hutan hijau tepi sungai. Yg penting tmpat2 nya lawo.

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    5. Even my eyes tear up as I read your post - so imagine being there yourself.

      Looking at that emerald green river from a bird’s view is everything!

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    6. Love love design bangunan kat sini. Begitu juga pemandangan sangat cantik dan menarik

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    7. Masa baca tu Nur bayangkan diri Nur ada dekat sana. Bestnya! Emerald green river. Beautiful waterfall. Old stone building. Moga ada rezeki ke sana

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    8. Cantiknya pemandangan kat sana.. siapa sangka tempat yang pernah diserang bangkit seindah ini

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    9. wah so many breathtaking views here. i wish once in lifetime I can go here.. thanks sharing the list of amazing places

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    10. really enjoyed my view & read of this sharing, thanks for all the beautiful photos, cannot travel & reading travel stories to ease the miss travel feeling. cheers, siennylovesdrawing

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    11. Thank you for sharing! While eating and reading your blog is nice! I imagined myself there too!

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