Mostar

Food | Wine | Architecture

Explore Mostar: Food, Wine & Architecture

Mostar is one of the most visually distinct cities in the Balkans, known for its Ottoman-era architecture, culinary traditions, and proximity to southern Bosnia’s wine-producing regions.

We visited Mostar for the first time in 2012. Perhaps more than any other place we’ve been, it had a significant emotional and intellectual impact. The diverse blend of cultures and a truly unique setting make Mostar a one-of-a-kind destination.

When we began planning our long-term travel, we knew Bosnia would play a significant role in our strategy to avoid obtaining long-term visas.

Over a decade after our first visit, we returned to Mostar for the entire month of May. During our stay, we explored Mostar’s historic neighborhoods, food markets, and nearby vineyards. This guide highlights what to eat, drink, and see in the city—plus useful tips for planning your visit.

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Table of Contents

Mostar Food

Mostar’s food culture reflects Bosnian culinary traditions—slow-cooked meats, seasonal vegetables, and simple seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauces are rarely used, resulting in dishes that are lighter than those found in other parts of Eastern Europe. Many meals emphasize a balance of grilled meats, fresh bread, and dairy-based sides.

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Tepa Market in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mostar Wine

Mostar lies at the center of southern Bosnia’s wine-producing region, with vineyards stretching across nearby towns such as Čitluk, Međugorje, and Ljubuški. While most wineries are outside city limits, local wine shops in Mostar offer tastings of regional reds and whites.

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Old Town Wine Shop in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Mostar Architecture

Mostar’s architectural landscape includes Ottoman-era mosques, Austro-Hungarian facades, and the reconstructed Stari Most bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While many structures were rebuilt after the Bosnian War, remnants of damage remain visible in the old town, including bullet-scarred buildings and exposed stone walls.

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Karadjoz Beg Mosque in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Where Is Mostar Located?

Mostar is in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is a 2 hr 30 min drive north of Dubrovnik, Croatia, and a 2 hr 15 min drive southwest of Sarajevo.

What Is The Best Time To Visit Mostar?

The best month to visit Mostar depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want the best weather, fewer crowds, or the best value? Following are our suggestions for each.

Weather

The best weather is a personal preference. We find the best weather for exploring a city is around 55° F and sunny. Weather in Mostar during the summer can be very hot, and you should consider an alternative time if you do not enjoy hot and sunny weather.

Below is a chart showing the average high and low temperatures for each month so you can decide what is best for you.

Shoulder Season

The time of the year with good weather and fewer crowds is often referred to as the shoulder season. The shoulder season in Mostar is April, May, September, and October. For many, this is the best time of the year to visit. We spent the month of May in Mostar and thought the weather was very hot during the day. There were lots of tourists, but the crowds were manageable.

Best Value

January and February are good months to visit Mostar for the best value and with few crowds. It does get cold and snows during the winter in Mostar so you should pack accordingly.

Best Places to Stay in Mostar

Hotels in Mostar

There are many good places to stay on both sides of the river in Mostar. For the best experience, we recommend staying near the Old Bridge (the castle marker on the below map). The best restaurants and bars are near the Old Bridge, and it is the most beautiful area of the city.

Here’s an interactive map with hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.

Book your stay now!

Other Things to Know About Mostar

Airport

Mostar International Airport (code: OMO) – there are no direct flights from the United States to Mostar Airport. There are so few flights to this airport you will most likely need to fly to either Dubrovnik, Split, or Sarajevo airport.

Dubrovnik Airport (code: DBV) – there is a direct flight from Newark to Dubrovnik Airport seasonally and numerous options to connect in Europe year-round. From Dubrovnik, it is a 2 hr 15 min drive to Mostar.

Split Airport (code: SPU) – there are no direct flights from the United States to Split Airport, but there are several connecting airports in Europe. From Split, it is a 2 hr 30 min drive to Mostar.

Sarajevo Airport (code: SJJ) – there are no direct flights from the United States to Sarajevo Airport, but there are several connecting airport options in Europe. From Sarajevo, it is a 2 hr drive or 2 hr 30 min train ride to Mostar.

Train Station

Mostar Railway Station – Trg Ivana Krndelja 1, Mostar Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Time Zone

Central European Standard Time (GMT +1)

Currency

Bosnia-Herzegovina Convertible Mark

Language

Bosnian – Mostar is a city where English is abundantly spoken.

Visa

Citizens from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia don’t need a visa to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina if they stay 90 days or less. For more information on visa-free travel in Bosnia and Herzegovina, check out our article on traveling visa-free.

Electricity

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s electrical outlets are Type C, F, and L. They have a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Travelers from the United States will need an adapter.

If you have many items to plug in, we recommend a travel power strip with multiple USBs and standard plug-ins. Using a power strip, you will only need one adapter to plug the strip into the wall.

SIM Card

Travelers will want a SIM card for Bosnia and Herzegovina. You can get either a local SIM card or an eSIM card.

To get a local SIM card, you have to find a local cellular service provider, often stand in line for assistance, show your passport, and complete some paperwork. The SIM cards work great, but purchasing them is somewhat inconvenient. This option is best if you need more than 5GB of data.

We use eSIMs exclusively because they can be purchased through an app prior to arrival in a new country and activated when you hit a cell tower in the country. We use Airalo eSIMs. They work great, and I recommend them if you plan to use less than 5 GB of data during your stay or if you need internet immediately on arrival.

Car Rental

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a limited train system, and rental cars or private transfers are often required when visiting the country.

A very popular way of visiting Mostar is to pick up a rental car in Dubrovnik or Split, Croatia, use it to explore Bosnia, and then return it back to its pick-up location. Keep in mind this will require a couple of border crossings which typically only take a few minutes but can take an hour or longer, so it’s important to plan accordingly.

For a comparison of rental car offers from large, international brands and smaller regional brands, we recommend Discover Cars.

FAQs About Mostar

Is Mostar, Bosnia Worth Visiting?

Whether it’s worth visiting depends on your interests and preferences as a traveler. If you enjoy history, architecture, and scenic landscapes, then Mostar may be worth adding to your travel itinerary. We explored this question in depth in our article “Is Mostar Worth Visiting?”

Is Mostar Pretty?

Mostar’s Old Town features Ottoman-style stone houses, narrow cobbled streets, and views of the Stari Most bridge over the Neretva River. The city’s architectural setting and riverside location appeal to many visitors interested in historical urban landscapes.

What Is Mostar Famous For?

Mostar is best known for Stari Most, a 16th-century stone bridge reconstructed after its wartime destruction. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of the city’s resilience. The bridge is also known for its diving tradition, with trained locals occasionally jumping into the Neretva River.

How Many Days Should I Spend in Mostar?

One to two days is enough to see Mostar’s Old Town, visit key mosques, and walk across the Stari Most bridge. Travelers with more time may enjoy staying three to four days to visit nearby sites such as Kravice Waterfalls or Blagaj Tekke and explore the city at a slower pace.

For a list of the best things to see and a suggested walking tour, check out our article “7 Best Things to See in Mostar.”

Is one day enough in Mostar?

One day is sufficient for walking through Mostar’s Old Town and seeing landmarks such as Stari Most. Travelers interested in museums or day trips may prefer a longer stay.

Can you drink alcohol in Mostar?

Mostar is a city in Bosnia and Herzegovina where alcohol consumption is legal for adults over the age of 18. However, specific laws and regulations regarding alcohol consumption may vary depending on the location and circumstances. It is always best to research local laws and customs before consuming alcohol in any foreign city or country.

Is Mostar Expensive?

No, Mostar is not expensive. Mostar offers a beautiful destination at a great value. A grilled meat platter for two with four beers costs about $30. Both hotels and Airbnbs are some of the best value we have seen in Europe. However, the cost ultimately depends on the level of luxury required. We prepared a Budget for a Month in Mostar that analyzes all the necessary expenses.

What Region Is Mostar In?

Mostar is one of the most beautiful places in the Balkans, located in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It has a rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious local cuisine. If you are planning a trip to the Balkans, Mostar should definitely be on your list. You can easily combine Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia & Herzegovina into one epic vacation itinerary.

How to Get to Mostar?

To get to Mostar, there are a few options depending on where you are starting.

By Plane: If you are flying into the region, the nearest airport is Mostar International Airport (OMO), which has regular flights to and from several European cities. You can also fly into Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ) and then take a bus or train to Mostar.

By Bus: If you are traveling by land, several bus routes connect Mostar with other cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as neighboring countries such as Croatia and Serbia. The bus station in Mostar is located near the city center, making it easy to access many of the city’s top attractions.

By Train: You can also travel to Mostar by train. There is a daily train service from Sarajevo to Mostar, which takes approximately 2.5 hours and offers stunning views of the Bosnian countryside along the way.

By Car: The most popular way to get to Mostar is by driving from Dubrovnik or Split. You can rent a car in Dubrovnik or Split and drive or hire a private transfer. We have done both and would recommend both. For private transfers, check out the highly-rated options below. For rental cars and price comparisons of international and local brands, we recommend Discover Cars.