Mostar is a city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The city was the most heavily bombed of any Bosnian city during the war. It was both shelled with artillery by the Serbs and then subsequently by the Croatians. It is most famous for its beautiful historic Ottoman-style bridge which spanned the Neretva river which was destroyed, though fortunately the bridge has been rebuilt and the city has in most ways returned to the beautiful riverside town it once was.

Contents 1 Get in 1.1 By taxi 1.2 By bus 1.3 By train 1.4 By Plane 2 See 3 Do 4 Buy 5 Eat 6 Drink 7 Sleep

[edit] Get in

The Bus and Train stations are adjacent and are located close to the heart of Mostar.

[edit] By taxi

If you need transportation around town Mostar or transportation to Croatia or Sarajevo call the best taxi in the world on +38761628078 and ask for Adi. He often drives passengers to and from airports in Croatia and Sarajevo to Mostar and back.

[edit] By bus

There are buses nearly every daylight hour to and from Sarajevo, and the journey takes about two hours. There are also buses to and from Ploče on the Croatian coast.

There are several buses that leave from Dubrovnik, Croatia every day, and the journey takes about 3-4 hours. Similarly, many buses head towards Split, with the journey taking a similar length of time.

There are numerous buses each day (including some overnight) to Zagreb, and most major towns in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

[edit] By train

Train services are not frequent to Mostar, but the two-to-three hour trip is spectacular and it is worth travelling at these odd times due to the stunning scenery.

Trains from Sarajevo depart about twice or three times a day, one service (usually evening) continuing its journey from Zagreb on their way to Ploče on the Adriatic coast in Southern Croatia. That journey takes about 90 minutes.

Although the train to Mostar was famous for being quite empty compared to buses, this no longer seems to be the case and during peak periods travelers will be lucky to find a seat. Note however that the facilities of the train stations and the train itself are rather dated, and the bus provides a more comfortable journey. Keep in mind that the journey by train from Sarajevo to Mostar is quite spectacular, passing through rugged terrain with a series of tunnels, U-turns and aqueducts. It is also cheaper than the bus, as of October 2007.

[edit] By Plane

Mostar has an International Airport [1] located on the outskirts of the city. Flights are limited, but at present there are services to Istanbul, Zagreb and (in 2008) Vienna.

[edit] See

• The Old Bridge (Stari most) is the highlight of Mostar and was built by the Ottaman Turks in 1566. It was destroyed during the recent war by Croatian extremists, but was rebuilt in 2004. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Pocitelj is on the left side of the road to Dubrovnik. You may take the yellow bus to Capljina (number 41) and after some 45 minutes you are at this historical village.There are a few good Ottoman buildings dating from a few centuries ago.In particular Mosque of Hadzi Alija which was destroyed by the men of Mate Boban is see worthy.Pocitelj is also nice with its excellent Neretva view.

• Blagaj is counted within the city limits and is reachable by public buses in fifteen minutes or so. The bus may leave from the road opposite the main station, not the bus station itself. elagicevina (the Velagic family House)

In Blagaj there is complex of the Bosnian oriental houses owned by the Velagic family, the old family from Blagaj. It was built in XVII century and is a beautiful example of the Ottoman residential architecture, a one-story structure with typically extended porches . In the vicinity there are also old flourmills that were in the old days powered by the strong River Buna.All this surrounded by large flower gardens and reflected in the calm water. Within the complex there are two guesthouses that were built to accommodate unexpected travellers offering them accommodation and food. The family now owns a hotel and a family business of honey production (see below).WWW.VELAGOMED.BA In Blagaj there are good samples of Ottoman mosques, bridges and tekija which is located on the right bank of the River Buna at its source.

• Muslibegovica House[2] is National Monument of Bosnia It is one one of Mostar's most precious architectural treasures constructed 300 years ago. Experts for Ottoman architecture consider Muslibegovic House as most beautiful house from Ottoman period in Balcans.National monument “Muslibegovic House” is located near the Karadoz - Bey’s Mosque, and is one of the most representative monuments of the Ottoman residential architecture. House is comprised of separate quarters for women (women’s courtyard– haremluk), and men (men’s courtyard – selamluk. Unlike earlier architectural styles, this house resembled a four-storey house built around the centre. Double-arched entrance with the central pillar reveals Mediterranean influence. The house preserved authentic monumental structure, items and documents providing an insight into the life of a wealthy bey family from the time. In addition to museum exhibition, visitors are invited to take traditional beverages or cookies, or spend a night in this authentic surrounding.

House – museum is open for visitors 15 April – 15 October from 10AM-6PM.

[edit] Do

• Diving off the Old Bridge. During the day, the Mostar Diving Club will have members dive off the bridge into the emerald green waters. For the daredevils among us you can also dive the 21 meters into the Neretva River and receive a certificate from the Mostar Diving Club (25 Euros).

• Walking along the former Front-line on Bulevar Revolucije where in 1993 the city was divided between Croats on the West and Muslims on the Eastern side. It is a surreal and sobering experience to see the bombed out buildings which still stand in this area.

[edit] Buy

Both euros (should be at 1:2 rate with the Bosnian KM) and Croatian kuna (at a rip-off rate) are widely accepted in shops and restaurants in Mostar.

[edit] Eat

Pizzeria "Roma" near Mercator shopping centre (and not far from Zrinjski stadium) offers the breat pizza.

[edit] Drink

Many of nice lounge bars are located in the Old Town.

<drink name="OKC Abrasevic" address="Santica Street">Alternative concerts and other art events.</drink>

<drink name="Ali Baba's Cave">This bar has drinks and hookah; the ambiance is great as the lounge was built directly in a cavern. You won't be able to miss it while walking around the bazaar in Mostar's Old Town, as there is loud music emanating from the entrance.</drink>

[edit] Sleep

Majdas Rooms - An excellent and warm welcoming hostel which is located at two different places in Mostar. Leave your number before arriving Mostar, and they will come pick you up at the bus station. Trips are offered and the service is top of the line

The Bevanda hotel is located at Balinovac. It's so far, Mostar's only luxurious four star hotel. It's located in a quit area with beautiful nature and a river running under hotel it self, yet it's not more than 15 minutes walk from the historical core of the city. The hotel has a capacity of 28 rooms and two luxurious apartments. All rooms have access to a mini bar, Pay TV, Internet adapter and balcony. There are both rooms for smokers and non smokers. Here you will find a big restaurant, café, and a huge terrace outside lying on the river Radobolja. Also a hotel garage as well as outside parking is available.

The Ero hotel is located on the right side of the "Carinski (emperor’s) bridge". This is a big hotel with 165 room and eight apartments. Rooms are equipped with Telephones, internet adapters and satellite TV. The hotel also has a huge restaurant that provides both local and international food. This hotel is also ideal for conferences. The glass hall is the biggest one with up to 100 seats, thereafter there are the blue and the white halls with up to 50 seats. All rooms are equipped with projectors and video players. Outside the hotel there is a parking lot for visitors.