Where We Be
Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina
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Old Bridge ("Stari Most") is the star attraction
here -- I would venture to say that nearly every
travel blog you'll see of Mostar will feature this
bridge first and foremost. That's because it's
undeniably photogenic -- but there's more to
Mostar than just this one bridge, and we were
glad to have three days here to appreciate all
the town has to offer. Unfortunately, most
tourists see Mostar in a single afternoon and
then press on to other places -- and that's a
pity, because Mostar is at its most crowded,
least photogenic, and hottest at those hours.
Mostar is best seen in the morning and evening
hours before all the tour buses have arrived or
after they've left. Then the main street, narrow
Kujundžiluk, with its cobbled stones and tightly
packed stores, is actually walkable without
stepping on each other's toes. That's also when
the cafés come alive, filled with the fortunate
few who have decided to spend at least one
night here. These are the best hours for stroll-
ing and exploring. We think three days here is
just right, if you're willing to slow down and
enjoy the quiet pleasures of this walkable town.
Old Bridge is by far the most famous sight in Mostar -- but far from the only reason to visit
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An added attraction was the four adorable kittens -- only five weeks old. So cute!
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The house has remained largely intact thanks to continuous ownership by the same family through multiple generations. The guided tour through the house was top-notch and totally worth the €5 each (as of 2025).
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The definite highlight of our third day was Kajtaz house, which has rightly been called a hidden gem. This traditional Ottoman house, built at the end of the 16th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Cobbled Kujundžiluk can be quite peaceful at certain hours of the day -- but not so at "rush hour"
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Exploring some of the secondary sights of Mostar is easier with two or three days at your disposal. This is Crooked Bridge (Kriva Cuprija), Stari Most’s less-famous cousin.
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The breakfast at Hotel Emen has been described as legendary -- and we couldn't agree more!
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Each morning we awoke to this pretty view from the terrace of Hotel Emen
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"Where should we eat tonight?" is always a fun question to ponder
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Stores along Kujundžiluk are brightly lit and fun to visit in the evenings without the crush of too many tourists
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The town comes alive as evening falls. Locals, along with any visitors who have chosen to stay the night, come out to eat and enjoy the cooler temperatures.
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Mostar's stone buildings take on extra beauty at sunset
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The Neretva River, with its blue-green color, cuts right through the heart of Old Town. This photo was taken from the top of Old Bridge.
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Long-distance view of Old Bridge, as seen from "Lucki Most" bridge
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We love any town with a river running through it, and Mostar was no exception
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The hotel is located right on Kujundžiluk
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Mosques and Christian churches both share space in this half-Muslim, half-Christian town
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Robin stands on Old Bridge all by her lonesome in the early morning hours
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Peace Tower is visible from all over town
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