Places to Visit in Sarajevo and Mostar: From Baščaršija to the Neretva

Baščaršija, the Gazi Husrev Bey Mosque and the Latin Bridge in Sarajevo, and the historic bridge over the Neretva and the old bazaar in Mostar, are the essentials of a trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Add the Blagaj Tekke and the stone houses of Počitelj, and in two days you will have seen both the country's Ottoman heritage and its recent history. Below, we describe the stops in the order you visit them.

Sarajevo: a bazaar city among the mountains

Sarajevo lies in the valley carved by the Miljacka river, surrounded by mountains. Its bazaar, founded in the Ottoman period, buildings from the Austro-Hungarian era and modern districts line up one after another along the same street. This layered structure gives you the feeling, as you walk through the city, of passing through several centuries in a few hundred metres.

Baščaršija and the Sebilj

Baščaršija is the heart of Sarajevo. In the middle of the narrow streets lined with coppersmiths, coffee houses and small shops stands the wooden Sebilj fountain. It is used as a meeting point and is also known for its pigeons. Watching the craftsmen working copper and drinking a Bosnian coffee are part of the bazaar experience.

The Gazi Husrev Bey Mosque and complex

Built in the 16th century, the Gazi Husrev Bey Mosque is one of the city's most important Ottoman monuments. Together with a madrasa, a covered market (bedesten) and an inn, it forms a complex. The ablution fountain in its courtyard and the stone buildings around it complete the fabric of Baščaršija.

The Latin Bridge

This small stone bridge over the Miljacka entered the history books because it stands right next to the spot where Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, was assassinated in 1914. The event is counted among the developments that triggered the outbreak of the First World War. For student groups, it is a living page of the history lesson.

Traces of recent history

Sarajevo lived through a long siege in the 1990s. Traces of this period can still be seen in some parts of the city. Your guide will talk about this subject in a measured and respectful way; it is a good idea to discuss this part in advance, especially with groups of children and students.

Mostar: the city of the bridge

Mostar sits on the green waters of the Neretva river and is said to take its name from the bridge keepers (mostari). The city's symbol, the Old Bridge (Stari Most), was built in the 16th century during the Ottoman period. It was destroyed in the war in 1993 and later rebuilt faithfully to the original; today it stands at the centre of the historic area on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The bridge and its surroundings

Crossing the bridge and exploring the cobbled streets and shops on both banks is the essential Mostar experience. The bridge's stones are slippery; we recommend flat shoes with good grip. In the summer months you may see divers jumping from the bridge into the river; this is part of a local tradition.

The old bazaar

The old bazaar, known as Kujundžiluk, runs along the cobbled street leading up to the bridge. Copperwork, handmade jewellery and souvenirs are sold here. The terraces and cafés on the riverbank are also good viewpoints for seeing the bridge from above.

Blagaj and Počitelj: two gems of the Neretva valley

The Blagaj Tekke

Blagaj is where the Buna river emerges from a cave at the foot of a sheer rock face. The dervish lodge (tekke) built at the water's edge, right beside the spring, is one of the most photographed places in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The turquoise water, the white tekke and the steep rock create a calm and striking scene.

Počitelj

Built on a hillside above the Neretva, Počitelj is a small settlement that preserves the fabric of an Ottoman-era town, with its stone houses, fortress and mosque. You climb up on stone steps; the view is worth it, but be ready to walk uphill.

How do these stops feature on the tour?

The Grand Balkans Tour, a 6-night, 8-day programme, reaches Sarajevo from Belgrade on day three. On day four you travel from Sarajevo to Mostar; after Blagaj and Počitelj, you continue to Trebinje and its surroundings. The next day the route extends to the Adriatic coast, to Dubrovnik and Kotor; for that, see our guide to Kotor, Dubrovnik and Budva.

If you would like to follow these stops' links with the Ottoman period along the whole route, our article on the Ottoman heritage in the Balkans is a good companion. If you cannot decide between the short and long Balkan routes, take a look at our route comparison; Sarajevo and Mostar are only on the long route.

What to know as you explore

• Bosnia and Herzegovina has its own currency (the convertible mark); carrying some cash for small purchases makes things easier.
• When visiting mosques, choose clothing that covers the shoulders and knees; it is a good idea for women to carry a headscarf.
• Ćevapi and burek in Sarajevo, and a coffee break with a river view in Mostar, are easy ways to get to know the local flavours.
• Visa and entry requirements vary by person and date; before you travel, check the current situation with official sources and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye.

What to eat in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnian cuisine includes many flavours that will feel familiar to Turkish readers. Sarajevo's signature ćevapi is a dish of small grilled meatballs served with somun bread and onions. Burek in Bosnia usually means the minced-meat version; the cheese, spinach and potato versions have their own names. Bosnian coffee, brought in a copper pot (džezva), is served with Turkish delight and sugar and is drunk slowly. For dessert, tufahija (a poached apple with walnuts in syrup) and baklava are common. Lunch on one of the terraces overlooking the river in Mostar is a good break to slow down the pace of the day.

Frequently asked questions

Where should you go first in Sarajevo?

Baščaršija and the Sebilj fountain are a good starting point. From here you can walk to the Gazi Husrev Bey Mosque and the Latin Bridge on the banks of the Miljacka.

When was the Mostar bridge built?

The bridge was built in the 16th century, during the Ottoman period. It was destroyed in the war in 1993, then rebuilt faithfully to the original, and today it is part of the historic area on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Where is the Blagaj Tekke?

Blagaj is near Mostar. The tekke stands right at the water's edge, at the point where the Buna river emerges from a cave at the foot of a rock face.

Which tour includes Sarajevo and Mostar?

These two cities are included in the programme of the Grand Balkans Tour. The 3-day Balkan Trio route does not visit Bosnia and Herzegovina.