Mostar: Your Next Bucket List Destination

Mostar: a picturesque fairytale town with idyllic views around every corner.

Looking to plan an upcoming trip? This stunning city is a lesser known gem of Europe. Located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mostar is the ideal stop along a Balkans road trip.

From towering minarets to glorious (and cheap!!) local cuisine, a trip to Mostar should happen sooner rather than later, before it explodes as a tourist hot spot!

It has all the charm of Venice, the affordability of Bali and quaint cafes like France!

Plus it’s a photographer’s dream to photograph. Just look at the stunning landscape….

Mostar: Your 2020 Bucket List Destination

All the charm and quaintness aside, it has a very dark and bloody history.

Only as recently as the 90’s, it was war-torn, bombed by Serbian nationalists and fell victim to genocide as Yugoslavia disintegrated.

While the city has rebuilt and is peaceful again, the war is such an integral part of Mostar’s identity.

Don’t take a trip here without paying a visit to the Museum of War and Genocide.

This heartbreaking tribute helps to inform us what exactly went on during the recent war because so many, myself included, heard so little about it.

Bridge Divers

And of course, everyone wants to see the iconic Mostar bridge! During the afternoon it will be quite crowded with tourists and people jumping off into the river below. (Yes really!)

It’s a tradition in Mostar. And because of this, the bridge divers will attract large crowds to see their death-defying leaps.

Standing a top the bridge, they dive into the Neretva river below as the crowds look on.

Pro tip: Wake up early to have the bridge to yourself

If you’ve followed my previous adventures, you know I always advocated for waking up early and seeing a popular tourist spot before the crowds descend.

This bridge is particularly lovely in the morning when the town is still quiet. And it’s much easier to take photos without the crowds around!

Sunset from Koskin-Mehmed Pasha’s Mosque

Easily the best views of the old bridge can be found from high on the minaret Koskin-Mehmed Pasha’s Mosque.

If you walk through old town, you will see signs advertising it. For a small fee, you can visit the mosque.

Make sure you are dressed appropriately. If not, they will also provide you with a scarf and long skirt to cover yourself free of charge!

Sunset from Koskin-Mehmed Pasha's Mosque

A trip to Mostar should soar to the top of your travel bucket list if it hasn’t already. The history, the culture, the landscape… this is a destination that’s not to be missed!

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