Share the article
Last updated
If you are planning to go to Europe this season, but you are surprised by the staggeringly high prices and reports of mass tourism even while summer is over, listen to me:
Instead of flying to Barcelona where you might be welcomed ‘Go home!‘ chants, or Dubrovnik, a coastal citadel turned Disneyland for adults, with all the queues and shoulder bumps that entails, and you? go to Mostar instead of?
Europe’s best kept secret: this fairytale town in Bosnia and Herzegovina is home to a surprisingly high concentration of historical monuments, and with its mild weather, crystal clear river and cheap pricesit’s just the perfect autumn outing:
Why you should visit Mostar in autumn
If you’re a Europhile like me, you’ve probably seen this iconic view of Mostar’s arch bridge over the turquoise watercourse, and no, it doesn’t belong anywhere in Spain, and certainly not in neighboring Croatia.
One of the most iconic bridges in Europe, if not the most emblematicis located in a quaint riverside town in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a small, overlooked southeastern country where most Americans have been sleeping for decades:
Unlike other European tourist hotspots, Mostar is largely ignored by new visitors to Europe, and even by returning travelers, even though it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to diverse communities and a rich medieval and Ottoman heritage.
From the reconstructed Mostar Bridge, an exact replica of the 16th-century crossing that was bombed during the war, to the nearby Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque, with a towering minaret that offers breathtaking views of the cityscape, tourist spots rarely feel crowded here.
This includes the equally picturesque Crooked Bridge, a more intimate version of the Old Bridge without the busy flow of pedestrians, the abandoned Neretva House, a symbol of the Bosnian struggle, and Kajtaz, an Ottoman-era house with timeless oriental furnishings.
In addition to its obvious architectural value, Mostar is incredibly pleasant to visit between September and October: the average daily maximum temperature is 75°F, dropping to lows of 50°F at night, and the weather is still short without being cold is. flaming is called.
If you’re lucky, you might see locals using that dizzying jump from the Old Bridge to the crystal clear waters below – it’s an expected act of bravery from any indigenous young man and one of the coolest rites of passage to witness.
Both sides of the bridge are winding cobbled streets leading to ethnic bazaars and secret courtyards – and between us foodies, a gem of a traditional eatery or two.
An affordable cultural outing
During my short two-day stay in Mostar, Lagero was my favorite restaurant, not only for its priceless view of the Old Bridge, but especially for their surprisingly affordable menuwith prices ranging from just $5 to a reasonable $28.
At the more expensive end of the range, I’m talking an extensive three-course meal, and probably the best ćevapi you’ll try on your trip.
If you’re looking for a truly immersive medieval experience, the rustic wood and stone tavern is the place to go: big fan of the traditional attire and their fried eggplant stuffed with chicken, and I actually didn’t mind the nightly marching band and the kitschy chivalric theme.
Now, for incredible native trout and a innovative mix of European and Oriental kitchensgo to Restoran Hindi Han in the heart of the old town: not only are the staff incredibly friendly, it’s also great value for money, with dishes costing $3-17.
In general, Mostar is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe this fall: according to Budget your triptourists spend an average of $27 per day on meals, thanks to lower consumer prices and an abundance of homegrown produce.
When it comes to accommodations, the average hotel price per night is a reasonable $75; at the same time an overnight stay in the four-star hotel Hotel Bristol will set you back $51 in mid-October, down to just $13 for a shared dorm in Hostel Dada.
Of course, it all comes down to your profile as a traveler, whether you choose on the budget, mid-range or luxury side, and the level of comfort you’re looking for.
How safe is Mostar?
If you’re old enough to remember the Bosnian War of the 1990s, you might be wondering how safe Mostar is to visit in 2024.
As the US State Department itself states, this is quite safe as Bosnia and Herzegovina is considered a Level 2 destination, meaning Americans are not discouraged from visiting. your main concern here is pickpocketing.
Speaking from personal experience, the risk is still quite low: walking through the center of Mostar, I never felt tense or as if passersby were a threat.
On the contrary, I often encountered friendly locals and a welcoming community that was genuinely excited to welcome new visitors.
That being said, local history complex and brings with it many sectarian conflicts, so I We strongly recommend that you read this before your visit.
Warfare is part of Bosnia’s past, but the scars of battle can be seen everywhere in the old city, whether it’s the bullet holes in legendary buildings or the rusty tanks in someone’s backyard, and the best way to experience Mostar’s past to explore – and understand the present is to book a tour.
With a duration of 2h30, Sheva’s walking tour departs from the Hamman Museum twice a day, at 9:30 AM and 6:00 PM, visiting all the main attractions, without fixed price: from €10 to €50, you determine the guide’s reward yourself depending on how satisfied you are.
Any advice?
Wear your most comfortable shoes because they will be there a lot of of strolling over broken cobblestones that day, and be sure to bring a bottle of water and sunscreen: even in autumn, when temperatures across Europe are theoretically cooling, the heat of the Balkans remains brutal.
✈️Join our Travel Off Path community forum: Where travelers come together, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel companions!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
