MOSTAR

Halal-friendly holidays

There are flights to the busy Sarajevo Airport (SJJ), which is perhaps the most convenient airport to fly to when considering Mostar as a day trip. The airport is 68.5 km from Mostar, with easy access to the city via taxi, public transport, or rental car - around a 2.5-hour drive. Alternatively, you can travel to Mostar Airport (OMO), although flights from the UK are less frequent. The centre of Mostar can be reached by public transport.

The best time to visit Mostar is from April to June and September, when the weather is good but there are fewer tourists and fewer queues to the city's hotspots. Prices will also be cheaper outside of the busy months of July and August.

Mostar is an ideal city break or holiday destination for Muslim travellers as walking through the city one can hear the call to prayer as a mosque is never too far away. The part that attracts the most Muslim travellers is that there are many mosques in close proximity to the old city, so you will never wonder when the next time for prayer is. A gem for history lovers, travellers are drawn to the treasures of ancient mosques and monasteries that chart the journey of Islam through Mostar and Bosnia, such as the Karađoz Bey Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built in 1557, making it one of the oldest in Mostar.

Not far from the Old City, just outside Mostar, lies the 600-year old Dervish Monastery, a historic Sufi Monastery. Built on the cliff and overlooking the turquoise waters of river Buna below, it paints a picture of tranquillity and beauty. Still in use today, offer your prayers in seclusion amongst nature. The Mostar of the past has a sad history which can never be forgotten, but it is also an opportunity to see the smiles of the people of Mostar today. Show some love, highlight tourism in the places that are off the beaten track and explore the area full of hidden treasures and rich in culture and hospitality.

Stari Most
One of the oldest bridges in the world, the Stari Bridge was built in the 16th century and designed by the then famous Ottoman architect Hayruddin. The bridge took up to 9 years to build and is famous because the mortar is made of egg whites. Unfortunately, the bridge was destroyed by Croatian forces in 1993, however the bridge has been rebuilt. Overlooking the Neretva River and combining the two parts of the city, it is now a symbol of Bosnian pride and heritage. There is even a competition when young men jump from the bridge into the river at the end of July.

Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque
The second largest mosque in Mostar is definitely worth a visit and one of the best places for a picture of the bridge. Along with the beautiful courtyards, the natural beauty surrounding the mosque is just enough to make you feel like you are in a tranquil sanctuary - performing your prayer here only adds to the peaceful atmosphere. Climb the minaret for stunning views of the sprawling landscape.

Vrelo Bune
Nestled at the source of the Buna River is a small townscape that blends seamlessly with the natural architecture of the landscape. The Buna River itself, one of the largest and most beautiful springs in the world, is worth a visit for the abundance of natural beauty alone. This serene and heavenly place also hosts the Tekke, the Dervish monastery.

Bazar Kujundžiluk
Explore the Kujundžiluk Bazaar with traditional and authentic Bosnian handmade souvenirs and memorabilia. Take home the pottery, plates and handicrafts found in these small markets, or simply enjoy the cosy atmosphere of the bazaar. Remember to pack a camera to capture the essence of traditional Bosnian tableware in its element.

Karađoz Beg Mosque
One of the largest mosques in Mostar, the Ottoman-style Karađoz Beg Mosque dates back to the 16th century. The beautiful dome can be seen in the distance and the courtyards surrounding the mosque are simply stunning. As one of the national monuments in Bosnia, the mosque is an icon of unique Ottoman architecture and an example of Islamic history in Bosnia.

Zip Line Fortica
There is no better way to explore Mostar's natural beauty and architecture than to zipline into it. This exhilarating 1,000-metre zipline takes you down into the stunning city and its equally beautiful surroundings. Be sure to check the website before your trip, especially in the colder seasons as it depends on the weather conditions.

About 50% of Mostar's population is Muslim, so the city caters to halal food requirement, halal food is easily accessible and restaurants display halal food openly. However, if you are not sure, just ask. The tricky part is choosing which restaurant to eat in, as the food and the views are equally great anywhere in the old town.

Try authentic Bosnian dishes like burek – a puff pastry with a choice of fillings that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Enjoy kebap and the tender meat dishes, as well as a variety of other cuisines from around the world, including Italian, Turkish and delicious desserts. The supermarkets also sell halal certified products, so it has never been easier to grab a snack on the go or prepare a meal yourself. Between meals or for breakfast, be sure to try the traditional Bosnian coffee, a taste that will definitely make you want to come back.

Browse the wide range of accommodation available in Mostar on Halalbooking and use our halal-friendly filters to select the ideal accommodation for you and your family. Many properties offer alcohol-free rooms and serve halal food, or halal food is available nearby. Start your morning off right with hotels with breakfast included. Even when you are busy exploring the city, come back to the hotel and enjoy amenities like pools and a spa. Feel safe and secure booking with Halalbooking, knowing you can book with ‘Free Cancellation’ and ‘Book Now, Pay Later’ options.