Mostar
Muslim Travel Guide
Mostar…I don’t really have the words to describe this beautiful city. I had the opportunity to spend an entire week here and I only left with good memories. I met some incredibly kind people, saw some of the most scenic places and ate delicious food. Halal food in Mostar is easy to find making it a great place to try out authentic Bosnian cuisine.
Mostar is a small town with a relaxed, laid back feel. You don’t need more than two days to explore the city and it is most definitely worth the visit if you are in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Quick Links
Things to Do and See
Old Town
The Old Town is the main tourist attraction in Mostar. It is where you will find the iconic Old Bridge and beautiful Masjids.
- Stari Most (Old Bridge) – The most iconic piece of architecture in Mostar
- Watch a local jump from the Old Bridge
- Visit the many Masjids – Climb the minaret of Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque
- Check out the Crooked Bridge
- Hang out by the Neretva River
- Take a Free Walking Tour
Blagaj Tekija
If you are visiting Mostar, you HAVE to visit the Blagaj Tekija. It is a Dervish Monastery located at the bottom of a mountain right beside the Buna River. It’s one of the most beautiful places I have been to.
More things to do
- Kravice Falls
- Počitelj
Where to Pray
There is no shortage of Masjids in Mostar. Everywhere you go, you will see small and large Masjids everywhere. There are two Masjids that you will come across as you walk around Old Town that are worth visiting.
Karađoz Bey Mosque
The Karađoz Bey Mosque is one of the oldest Masjid in Mostar and is also protected by UNESCO. The Masjid was severely damaged in WWII and almost completely destroyed in the last Bosnian war. However, it has now been completely restored and has daily prayers. It is open to tourists for a small entry fee but is free for Muslims during prayer times.
The Imam of the Masjid is a really friendly person and he loves meeting new visitors. Make sure to meet him after the prayers. I had the chance to spend a lot of time with him and learn about Mostar from him.
Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque
This Masjid is not used for daily prayer anymore, however, you can go inside to pray if you would like. The Masjid has been converted into a tourist attraction and you can enter for a small fee. What’s unique about this Mosque is you can climb up the minaret to get one of the best views of the Old Bridge.
Where to Eat (Halal Food in Mostar)
Mostar has great restaurants and everywhere I ate, I found the food to be delicious. Halal food in Mostar is fairly easy to find as almost Bosniak Muslims make up almost 50% of the population.
- Šadrvan (also known as The Fountain Shelter) – Authentic Bosnian Cuisine
- Tima Irma – Amazing food, large portions, very affordable
- Food House – Try their Schnitzel
- Aščinica Saray – Attached to the Karađoz Bey Mosque, cheapest food I found in Old Town. Muslim owned, 100% Halal.
- Porto’s Pizza – Excellent Pizza. Make sure to try their Čokoladni Souffle
- Palma Caffe – Best place for dessert in Mostar
Accommodation
An affordable, cozy and clean studio to stay at with the nicest hosts. This studio apartment is one of the top-rated places to stay in Mostar. It is walking distance to Old Town and Old Bridge. There is a Pizzeria located right next to the building as well if you ever need a quick bite.
How to get around
From Sarajevo to Mostar
The train is the best way to get travel between Sarajevo and Mostar. Tickets cost around 10 Bosnian Marks on the fast train. This is the cheapest, fastest and most scenic option. One important to note is that the fast train operates only two trips per day. One early morning and in the evening. Check out the official website for more details.
You can also get a private transfer or taxi for around 80-120 Bosnian Marks. The journey is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
There are many Buses that operate multiple trips throughout the day. This option is the slowest and will cost a bit more than the train.
is the best way to get travel between Sarajevo and Mostar. Tickets cost around 10 Bosnian Marks on the fast train. This is the cheapest, fastest and most scenic option.
Travel within Mostar (Old Town)
The main attraction in Mostar is the Old Town. The Old Town is small and you can easily walk everywhere.
To Blagaj
The cheapest option is public transit. Buses can be a little unpredictable so it is best to be at the bus stop well before departure time.
Another option is hiring a taxi. They will usually charge around 40 Bosnian Marks to take you there and back as well as stay there for 1 hour.
How to Stay Safe
Over 50% of the population in Mostar is Muslim. Mostar is a safe destination for Muslim Travelers.
Take normal safety precautions as you would anywhere else.
General Tips
- Read 9 things you need to know about Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- The Old Bridge is difficult to walk over. It can be slippery as well, so take your time walking on it.
- The Old Town area has a cobblestone floor. This makes it impossible for a baby stroller to ride on. Make sure to have a baby carrier.
- Konzum, Mercator, DM, and Amko are supermarkets near the Old Town that you can go to for Groceries. Halal food is available. Meats are usually marked with a “Halal” sign.
- Although most restaurants in Mostar offer Halal food, you can always do your due diligence and do your research online as well as ask the restaurant owners.
- Not everything is Halal. When buying groceries, look for the Halal symbol on any meat products. At restaurants, ask beforehand.
- You will come across beggars on the streets. I have been told by the locals that they are not actually in need and are trying to make a quick buck.
Fun Facts
- You will see “Red Army 1981” graffitied all over Mostar. Do not worry, it’s not a gang. It’s a reference to their local football/soccer team and they take it very seriously.