As main part of Bosnia and indeed of the old Yugoslavia there are a lot of cool things to do in Mostar. Therefore YPT have curated our list of the best “things” to do in Mostar, as well as some check food and drink recommendations.
So, in classic YPT style we count from 10-1!
10. Visit the Old Bazaar
Start with the Old Bazaar. It’s touristy but it’s also where Mostar’s soul lives. Cobblestone streets lined with stalls selling leather, copper pots, and tourist tat. The smells of grilled meat and fresh bread will follow you. Don’t pay full price, always Haggle (a little), after all its part of the game.
9. Explore Kujundziluk
This is the old Turkish street, the original shopping district. Narrow lanes, wooden balconies, and tiny shops selling handmade crafts. It feels like stepping back in time. Pick up some local honey or a souvenir you won’t see in the big stalls.
8. Walk Across Stari Most
You can’t visit Mostar and not walk the bridge. The iconic Ottoman stone arch that was destroyed in the war and painstakingly rebuilt. The views are stunning, and the bridge is steep and slippery, so don’t be an idiot. Watch the divers or just take in the scene.
7. Climb the Minaret of Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque
For a small fee you can climb the narrow, twisting stairs up the minaret. The view from the top is worth the climb. It overlooks the river, the bridge, and the red rooftops of the old town. Perfect for photos and a bit of peace away from the crowds.
6. Eat Cevapi
Bosnia’s answer to street food. Grilled minced meat sausages served with flatbread, raw onions, and a bit of red pepper paste. Eat at a small joint off the beaten path where locals go. It’s cheap, filling, and bloody tasty. You’ll be eating cevapi at least twice a day before you leave.
5. Visit the War Photo Exhibition
Mostar’s scars from the 1990s war are still visible, but this small photo museum tells the story better than any guidebook. It’s brutal and powerful. Worth a visit if you want to understand the place beyond the postcards.
4. Take a Dip in the Neretva River
If the weather’s warm, join the locals and cool off in the icy river. There are some spots a short walk downstream from the bridge where you can swim or sunbathe on the rocks. Bring a towel and some beers for a proper peace day out.
3. Day Trip to Blagaj
A quick drive or bus ride from Mostar is Blagaj. A peaceful village with a stunning Dervish monastery built beside a turquoise spring. You can explore the cave, sip coffee by the river, and escape the Mostar crowds. This place is magic.
2. Enjoy the Nightlife
Mostar quietens down once the daytrippers leave, but the nightlife is alive. Grab a beer or two at one of the riverside bars, watch the bridge lit up at night, and soak in the laid-back vibe. You’ll find locals hanging out, street musicians, and decent drinks at good prices.
1. Watch the Bridge Divers
Saving the best for last. The locals who jump off the Stari Most bridge are a spectacle. They make a living by diving into the freezing river below for cash tips. It’s nerve-wracking and impressive. Grab a spot early to see the action and maybe catch a big jump.
5 Bars and Restaurants to do in Mostar
At YPT we very much understand that you might well want to do more than just look at things in Mostar, with food and drinks also being great “things to do in Mostar”.
So, our 5 top tips again counted from 5-1!
5. Šadrvan Restaurant
A classic Mostar institution right in the heart of the old town. Šadrvan is famous for traditional Bosnian dishes like cevapi and stuffed peppers. The courtyard setting is peaceful, perfect for watching the old town go by while you tuck into some slow-cooked lamb or fresh grilled fish. The rakija here packs a punch, so pace yourself.
Address: Musala 1, Stari Grad, Mostar (Муcала 1, Стари Град, Мостар)
4. Lager Cafe
If you want to grab a cold beer after a day of sightseeing, Lager Cafe is a solid choice. It’s got a relaxed atmosphere, decent music, and a good selection of local and international beers on tap. The outdoor seating by the river is a bonus. It’s a great spot for people watching and planning your next things to do in Mostar.
Address: Ćemaluša 28, Mostar (Ћемалуша 28, Мостар)
3. Tima-Irma
This small family-run restaurant is a hidden gem. The staff treat you like old friends and the food feels like a home-cooked meal. The portions are generous, the prices reasonable, and the homemade pies are a must-try. If you want to experience authentic Bosnian hospitality, this is the place to do it.
Address: Rade Bitange 12, Mostar (Раде Битанге 12, Мостар)
2. Sadrvan 2
Not to be confused with the original, Sadrvan 2 is another excellent place for Bosnian comfort food. It’s a bit more casual and buzzy, popular with locals as well as tourists. The grilled meats here are top-notch and the salads fresh. It’s a proper Balkan feast, perfect after a day spent ticking off things to do in Mostar.
Address: Kujundžiluk 11, Stari Grad, Mostar (Кујундџилук 11, Стари Град, Мостар)
1. Lager Bar
Number one goes to Lager Bar, not to be mixed up with Lager Cafe. This is where Mostar’s nightlife really comes alive. It’s a lively spot with good tunes, friendly crowd, and plenty of local beers. They also do decent cocktails if you want to mix things up. The vibe here is relaxed but buzzing, a perfect way to end a day exploring Mostar.
Address: Tepa 12, Mostar (Тепа 12, Мостар)
So, there you have it, the YPT take on things to do in Mostar, which can be done in part on our Yugoslavia Tour.
About Post Author
