It’s often the case that the most lusted after destinations are the most expensive.
But this little gem of a city is not only very Instagrammable, but also friendly to those who are on a budget too.
And for those who are in two minds about whether to take the tip, Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has now made it to fourth place on Lonely Planet’s Best Places to Visit in 2024 list.
The picturesque city is a glorious blend of history, culture and natural beauty.
Its iconic Stari Most – also known as Mostar Old Bridge – is simply a must visit if you do make the trek there, standing as a testament to the city’s resilience as it was rebuilt after the Bosnian War.
Lonely Planet said: “The unforgettably scenic, minaret-dotted medieval Old Town and infamous bridge now draws visitors for more than a daytrip to its dynamic arts, crafts and music festivals.”
Budget friendly travel blogger Steph – who runs website Big World Small Pockets – thinks the city is an absolute must visit for those who are looking to save pennies whilst globetrotting.
She said: “So top of the list why I loved Mostar is its riverside setting and, of course, we all know a riverside city is nothing without a good bridge.
“If you agree with me you’re in for a treat, because Mostar has got several and they’re all overflowing with history and instagram-ability!
“The most famous is the Stari Most – a symbolic structure rebuilt after the devastating war this country endured in the nineties.
“Now home to some crazy bridge jumping competitions and stunts, this tends to be the epicentre of the tourist action in the city – as many gather beneath to grab their iconic snaps or from the top to watch the crazy ones jump!”
But beautiful bridges aside, there is plenty more an explorer can experience here – from some of Europe’s finest examples of Islamic architecture to a quaint Old Bazaar on cobblestone streets.
The nearby Kravica Waterfall is another place to tick off – but if you’re really on a budget then the smaller Koćuša Waterfall is free to visit.
Tourists have been sharing their experiences of the city on travel website Tripadvisor – including their thoughts on the top rated place to visit when there, which is, of course, Mostar Old Bridge.
One said: “This bridge is probably the main reason you came to Mostar, and it is definitely worth the visit.
“We loved many things that we saw in Mostar, but the bridge is the highlight.”
