A CITY DEFINED BY ITS BRIDGE

Mostar is one of the most commonly visited cities in Bosnia. Most slow travelers in the area will stop on their way to Sarajevo or take a day trip from Dubrovnik. Both my travel companion and I had heard from several backpackers that it was one of their favorite cities in Europe - obviously generous praise. I made another friend who had organized his entire vacation around going to Mostar.

To be honest, I think that’s a little too much praise - but Mostar is a lovely and worthwhile city. Stari Most - a reconstruction of a famous Ottoman bridge built in 1566 that was destroyed in the 1990s during the war - is one of the most beautiful bridges I’ve seen and makes nearly every photo taken in the city ready for social media. It’s set over a river with pristine, clear mountain water - and it divides two sections of Old Town that both have charming bazaar shops and cafes.

But - Mostar’s Old Town is also extremely small, easily explored in a day - and is largely a tourist trap, especially during the daytime when all the tours are around. I think what may leave such a strong impression is that Mostar is often the first city you go to on a Balkans trip that exudes its Ottoman influence. The Old Town Bazaar feels Middle Eastern, the city is full of mosques, and several times a day you will hear Islamic prayers being sung through speakers. It’s a delightful blend of Islamic culture and what tourists may generally expect from a trip to Europe - but it is in no way limited to Mostar.

ENJOY MANY VIEWS OF STARI MOST

I think the best part of exploring Old Town is finding different angles and spots to enjoy the Old Bridge - which is truly the highlight of the city. If you’re lucky, you’ll even be able to see one of the local divers jump off.

EXPLORE OLD TOWN AND SHOP AT THE BAZAAR

While the bridge may be the highlight of Old Town, the rest is very charming as well. It used to be full of crafts stall - which have now been replaced by kitschy Islamic souvenir shops and cafes. The overall effect, though, is captivating - and you get to enjoy views of the river throughout.

OTHER THINGS TO DO

Like all cities I go to, I did stray off the beaten path in Mostar to see where and how the locals live. While the rest of the city does strike me as quite livable, I don’t think you’d miss much by sticking to Old Town. If you’re staying in Mostar for a few days, here are some other common to-dos.

• Check out Mostar’s Mosques: Mostar still has 6 mosques dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries that you can explore - the most prominent being Koskin-Mehmed Pasha’s Mosque in Old Town.

• Head to a Museum: Mostar is a good place to learn about the Bosnian War and Genocide, including going to the War Photo Exhibition or the Museum of War And Genocide Victims.

• Take a Day Trip: Mostar is a common base for day trips to nearby towns and attractions, including Blagaj Tekija and Kravice Waterfall.

Overall, I don’t think you’ll miss out on much if you just take a day trip to Mostar - but it’s definitely worth a stop on your trip through Bosnia.