What Is The Best City In Bosnia To Stay In? My Top Pick

October 17, 2023

If you haven’t visited Bosnia before and you are interested in visiting this beautiful country for your next adventure, one question often pops up: What is the best city to stay in? Bosnia is a beautiful country with a rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural landscapes that I have visited multiple times during the past decade, so I do feel I have a bit of experience in order to help you answer the million question: What is the best city in Bosnia to stay in?

Mostar is the ideal base for those planning to visit Bosnia. Centrally located, it offers easy access to the country’s main attractions and is conveniently situated between both Sarajevo and Croatian cities like Dubrovnik and Split. While Sarajevo is a vibrant city, Mostar’s proximity to major sites gives you more options in terms of day trips. Furthermore, Mostar has a laid-back vibe, contrasting with the more hectic nature of Sarajevo’s center.

In this blog post, I’ll break down why Mostar is your best bet for an unforgettable Bosnian adventure.

Why Choose Bosnia?

Before diving into why Mostar is the go-to city, let’s briefly touch on why Bosnia itself is worth visiting.

Bosnia is famous for its stunning mountains, historical sites, and welcoming people. It combines natural beauty with a mix of Eastern and Western cultures. The country has more of an adventurous feel than a typical European city experience. With calls to prayer from mosques, striking landscapes, and thick forests, you might forget you’re in the heart of Europe. I believe Mostar is one of Europe’s most underrated cities.

If you’re curious about how many days you need to visit Bosnia, check out my article on that topic.

Surroundings and Climate

Mostar is located in the southern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in a region called Herzegovina. Nestled along the banks of the beautiful Neretva River, the city acts as a connection between the Adriatic Sea and the interior of the Balkan Peninsula. The crystal clear waters of the Neretva River runs through Mostar, creating a picturesque setting for the city. The river has shaped both the geography and history of Mostar, providing a lifeline for trade, transport, and agriculture. The Old Bridge, one of the city’s most iconic structures, spans across this river.

Mostar is surrounded by scenic hills and mountains. These natural barriers have historically protected the city and provided strategic advantages. Due to its southern location and proximity to the Adriatic Sea, Mostar has a Mediterranean climate. This means mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. I noticed the warmer weather in Mostar after traveling from Banja Luka, about 230 km to the north. I felt the temperature go up by around 10 degrees Celsius when I visited in early June.

Accessibility

When considering Mostar as a travel destination, one of the main factors for many tourists is accessibility. Mostar has a strategic location with good accessibility, both in terms of reaching the city and moving around within it.

Getting to Mostar:

By Road: Mostar is well-placed between Sarajevo and popular Croatian cities like Dubrovnik and Split. A car or bus ride from Sarajevo takes about two hours. Dubrovnik and Split are about a 3-hour drive away, making Mostar a great day trip if you’re visiting Croatia.
By Train: Mostar’s train station provides services connecting the city to Sarajevo. The scenic train journey offers picturesque views of the Bosnian landscape.

By Air: Mostar International Airport, located roughly 10 km from the city center, used to serve the city, however, due to increased competition from other smaller airports in Banja Luka and Tuzla and the fact that Eurowings left Mostar airport, it currently has no scheduled flights.

Moving Around Mostar:

Walking: The city center, particularly the Old Town, is compact and pedestrian-friendly. Many of Mostar’s top attractions, including the Old Bridge, historic mosques, and the bazaar, are easily accessible on foot. I have visited Mostar two times and have only explored the city by foot without the need for any other means of transportation.
Public Transport: There’s a local bus service operating within the city. It’s a cost-effective way to get to some of the areas outside the city center.

Taxis: Taxis are both easy to find and affordable in Bosnia, much like most things in the country. They provide a convenient mode of transportation, particularly for day trips from Mostar. If you haven’t rented a car, I recommend using a taxi for your day trips. If this makes you wonder if Bosnia is a cheap country? I wrote an article answering just that question which I encourage you to check out.
Car Rentals: For those wishing to explore the broader region or prefer the flexibility of having their own vehicle, several car rental agencies operate in Mostar. I recommend renting a car if you are planning to visit multiple sites in Bosnia in a short span of time.

Attractions

Main Attractions in Mostar City Center

Old Bridge (Stari Most): A symbol of the city, perfect for photo ops. The bridge is a UNESCO-world heritage site that was destroyed during the Bosnian War in the 1990s and later rebuilt.

Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque: Offers panoramic views of Mostar. For the best view of Stari Most and the Old Town of Mostar, I encourage you to go to the top of the minaret in the mosque.
Bazaar: A bustling market where you can shop for local goods. A bit of a tourist trap, but every good city needs to have one right? However, it’s still well worth visiting and here you can buy souvenirs or local handcrafts to take home with you.
Biscevic House: A preserved Ottoman-era house, it gives you an insight into the living conditions and lifestyles of the period.

Mostar Sniper Tower: If you are into urban exploring you should check Mostar Sniper Tower. Once a bank and later a sniper position during the Bosnian War in the 1990s, this abandoned building is a reminder of Mostar’s recent bloody history. Entry is not encouraged by the city of Mostar but if you want to enter be sure to bring good shoes as there is broken glass everywhere.
Museum of War and Genocide Victims: This museum offers a deep insight into the tragic events of the region’s past, helping visitors understand the context of the Balkan conflicts.

Popular Day Trips From Mostar

Blagaj: Located a short drive from Mostar, Blagaj is renowned for the Buna River spring and the historic Tekija (Dervish Monastery). The setting, with cliffs surrounding a serene river, is breathtaking and a popular day trip from Mostar. There is more than one restaurant located in the area so you don’t need to bring any snacks or water.

Počitelj: This fortified town offers a journey back in time. Visitors can walk along its historic walls and enjoy a panoramic view of the Neretva River.
Kravice Waterfalls: A nature lover’s haven, these waterfalls are perfect for a day of relaxation and swimming.
Medjugorje: Receiving more than 1 million visitors annually, Medjugorje is significant for Catholic pilgrims. This site is believed by many to be where the Virgin Mary appeared to local children in 1981.

Conclusion

In summary, Mostar ticks all the boxes when it comes to choosing the best city to stay in Bosnia. Its prime location, ease of access, and the wealth of attractions both in and around the city make it a no-brainer for anyone planning a trip to this beautiful country. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Bosnian adventure in Mostar now!