We are pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Jas, a member of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook. Jas lives in the United States, and submitted the following report about Mostar. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Solo travel rating: 2 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Languages spoken: Bosnian, Serbian, Croatian, English
Stari Most
Reasons To Go to Mostar
I have never seen a more picturesque town than Mostar. Mostar is most known for its Old Bridge (Stari Most) – a gorgeous 400-plus year old bridge that was destroyed during the war, but reconstructed later and re-opened in 2004.
The town is surrounded by mountains. There are bullet-ridden and bombed out buildings right next to modern and updated buildings. Quite a few of the older buildings have graffiti on them, but instead of random trash, a lot of the graffiti actually has political themes. The Old Town is quite walkable with plenty of cafes and shops. The shops seem to sell everything from gas masks to copper to gold to tiles to paintings created by locals.
I stayed at Motel Kriva Cuprija. Right outside my window was a strong and beautiful stream. There were no neighbors, no other buildings…just a beautiful stream and greenery! It was an impressive view. In addition to the hotel I chose, there are quite a few options for accommodation.
There are plenty of restaurants and cafes in Old Town. Most of them offer views of the Old Bridge. I sat down for coffee and witnessed two young guys jumping off the bridge – apparently, this is a big deal. A lot of foreigners come just to dive off the bridge, but quite a few walk away with serious injuries and bruises. Well, the old blown-up bridge is still in the river right below this newly constructed bridge! And the water is ridiculously cold. I was told that only the locals truly know how to dive and swim around the Old Bridge. Luckily, the two guys that jumped off while I was enjoying my coffee made it with no injuries or bruises.
The night that I arrived, it was raining heavily, so I was not able to walk around. The following day, I walked around Old Town for a few hours before sitting down for coffee. Then I had to head out. Bosnia and Herzegovina demands another visit from me. In addition to Sarajevo, of course, I will definitely stay in Mostar again.
Beautiful designs in cobblestone.
Mostar is situated on the Neretva River.
Stari Most selfie.
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 3 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 2 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 2 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)
