Next up, in Travel Diary Series is Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The architecture and the scenery are remarkable. Mostar is considered the cultural capital of Bosnia. The city is situated on the Neretva River and is the fifth-largest city in the country. Filled with museums, restaurants, mosques and history it will captivate you attention and heart easily.
There are many attaractions to visit in Mostar, here are my top five:
1. Stari Most (Old Bridge). This stunning bridge was built by the Turks in 1566, it was destroyed during in 1993 the war and it rebuilt in 2004. The bridge is the highlight of Mostar and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . It connects to old town with lots of shops, bazaar, restaurants and bars. You can watch locals dive off the Old Bridge. I would recommend walking to Neretva river leave to watch the dive off as the bridge gets crowed super fast.
2. Old Bridge Museum is located right next to the bridge and it includes and exhibit on the history of the bridge. The museum also has a great view the top.
3. Muslibegovica House: features amazing ottoman empire architecture and is considered the most beautiful house from that period in the Balkans. The house is comprised of separate quarters for women and men. Once inside you will be offered some traditional beverages or cookies. You can also stay the night and experience the authentic surrounding and old traditions.
4. Karadozbegova Dzamija (Karadjoz-Bey Mosque) & Koski Mehmed Pasina Dzamija (Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque) are small and modest mosque built about 100 years apart during the Ottoman regime in the Balkans. They feature breathtaking architecture and are definitely worth the visit.
5. Hum Mountain; The view from the top is truly amazing and if you are there during sunset the experience is even more beautiful and view are more breath talking. However, I strongly encourage you to get a car/organized transport to the top. The hike is LONG and roads are narrow and busy, however it is worth it to make it all the way to the top!
Eat & drink: Most like most Balkan cities leave you with overwhelming amount of possibilities when it comes to night life and entertainment. There is a coffee shop, restaurant or a bar on every block. Here are few of my favorites:
1. Hidin Han; Its located near the Neretva river and the terrace has a pretty nice view. This place is fairly inexpensive and food is delicious.
2. Del Rio; Menu and wine choice is excellent with good prices. Great atmosphere and very friendly service.
3. National Restaurant Cevabdzinica Tima – Irma; This has to be one of my favourite restaurants to eat at in Mostar. Service is great and traditional food is absolutely delicious.
4. Stefanijino setaliste; this is pub meets restaurants. It is priced on higher end but food and drinks are good. It is target at tourists more then locals and they offer great service.
5. Beertija; Great pub with a good beer selection and impressive live music. Great place to relax, try some local drinks (Homemade local wine is delish).
Mostar is also very close to two breathtaking and stunning places that warrant a visit. Blagaj tekija is about 30 minutes away from down town Mostar. This stunning place is situated at the spring of the Buna river and a historical tekke (Old house) and its truly a hidden gem. Tekija has a lot of Ottoman architecture inspiration and Balkan elegance. You can take a boat excursion into the cave which features this amazing turquoise color water. The ambiance alone is worth a visit, not to mention numerous water front restaurants and coffee shops.
Little further away, about 45 minute drive from Mostar is Kravice Waterfalls. Kravice is a waterfall on the Trebižat River. This is one of the most beautiful and serene places I have visited in a long time. This hidden Bosnian gem features falls are 28 meters high and made of over a dozen gushing. The cold, clear water falls into a small valley, where you can swim (even though water is cold), jump of cliff or relax and take in the scenery in one of the coffee shops.
