Mostar vs Sarajevo: Exploring Two of Bosnia's Most Iconic Cities
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a fascinating country with a rich history and culture. Two of its most iconic cities are Mostar and Sarajevo, each with its unique charm and character. If you're planning a trip to Bosnia, you might be wondering which city to visit or if you should try to visit both.
In this article, we'll compare Mostar and Sarajevo in terms of their attractions, culture, food, and more to help you make an informed decision.
Overview
Mostar and Sarajevo are both located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a country in southeastern Europe. Mostar is situated in the southern part of the country, near the border with Croatia, while Sarajevo is in the central part of the country. The distance between the two cities is around 130 kilometres, so visiting both in a single trip is possible.
When we visited, we booked a taxi between the two via MyDayTrip, but busses are also available.
Cable Car in Sarajevo, Bosnia 🇧🇦
Attractions
Mostar
Mostar is most famous for its beautiful Old Bridge (Stari Most), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bridge was originally built in the 16th century and was destroyed during the Bosnian War in 1993. It was later rebuilt and reopened in 2004. In addition to the Old Bridge, Mostar has many other attractions, such as the Old Bazaar (Kujundziluk), the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, and the Muslibegovic House.
Sarajevo
On the other hand, Sarajevo is a city with a rich and complex history. It's known for its mix of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav influences, which can be seen in its architecture and culture. Some of the top attractions in Sarajevo include the historic Baščaršija district, the Latin Bridge (where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated), and the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque. You will also find that most of the day trips you can take around Bosnia will begin in Sarajevo vs Mostar.
We did feel there was quite a bit more to do and see in Sarajevo vs Mostar and felt you could get around and see all there is to see in Mostar in a couple of days.
Food
Mostar and Sarajevo have a lot to offer in terms of cuisine. While Bosnia and Herzegovina is known for its meat-based dishes, there are still some vegan-friendly options available. In Mostar, you can find vegetarian and vegan dishes at some of the local restaurants and cafes, such as lentil soup, bean stew, and grilled vegetables, although eating vegan in Mostar was tricker than in Sarajevo!
Sarajevo also has some vegetarian and vegan options, such as falafel (we highly recommend this falafel place), hummus, and veggie burgers. Some restaurants in Sarajevo even have a separate vegetarian or vegan menu. However, it's worth noting that veganism is still not very common in Bosnia and Herzegovina, so it may be a bit more challenging to find vegan options compared to other countries.
Accommodation
Both Mostar and Sarajevo have a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. In Mostar, you'll find many small guesthouses and hostels, as well as some hotels. The Old Town area is a popular place to stay, as it's close to the main attractions and has a charming atmosphere.
In Sarajevo, there are more options for luxury accommodation, such as 5-star hotels and boutique hotels. However, there are also many budget-friendly options, such as hostels and guesthouses. The Baščaršija area is a popular place to stay, as it's close to the main attractions and has a lively atmosphere. We stayed in an Airbnb in this area when visiting and felt it was an excellent location to explore the city from.
Getting Around
Both Mostar and Sarajevo are relatively small cities, so getting around on foot is easy. However, if you need to travel further, other options are available. In Mostar, you can take a bus or taxi to get around the city and to nearby attractions. Tours are available that will take you to places like the Kravice Waterfalls and the Blagaj Tekke.
In Sarajevo, you can also take a bus or taxi, but a tram system runs through the city. You can buy a Sarajevo City Pass, which gives you unlimited use of the trams and buses for a certain period. Tours, such as the Sarajevo Walking Tour and the Sarajevo Siege Tour, are also available in Sarajevo, and you can also book onto tours to visit slightly further afield attractions such as Titos Bunker.
I would recommend having a look on Trip Advisor at both Sarajevo and Mostar to ensure the tours you want to do are available from your chosen area.
Nightlife
Both Mostar and Sarajevo have lively nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants open late into the night. In Mostar, you'll find many bars and cafes in the Old Town area, as well as some nightclubs just outside the city centre. Mostar also has a summer festival called the Mostar Summer Fest, which features live music and other cultural events.
In Sarajevo, the nightlife is more varied, with many different types of venues to choose from. The Baščaršija area has many bars and cafes, as well as some clubs and live music venues. The city also has a large student population, which means there are many affordable bars and cafes throughout the city.
Conclusion
So, which city should you visit, Mostar or Sarajevo? Honestly, it depends on your interests and preferences. If you're interested in history and culture, Sarajevo might be the better choice, as it has a more diverse range of attractions and a richer cultural history. However, if you're looking for a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, Mostar might be the better choice, as it has a smaller, more charming Old Town area.
I would recommend choosing to stay in Sarajevo for 4 to 7 days if you really want to experience all the city has to offer (including day trips to slightly further away attractions).
Mostar, on the other hand, is better surited to a short 2 or 3 day trip as there’s less to do and experience here.
Ultimately, the best way to experience Bosnia and Herzegovina is to visit both cities and explore the country's rich culture and history for yourself.
Sarajevo vs Mostar FAQ’s
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Yes, it's possible to visit both cities in a single trip. The distance between the two cities is around 130 kilometres.
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Some of the top attractions in Mostar include the Old Bridge (Stari Most), the Old Bazaar (Kujundziluk), the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, and the Muslibegovic House.
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Some of the top attractions in Sarajevo include the historic Baščaršija district, the Latin Bridge, and the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque.
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Mostar has a lively nightlife, with many bars and cafes in the Old Town area as well as some nightclubs outside the city centre. During the summer, the Mostar Summer Fest is a popular event that features live music and other cultural events.