Mostar was the first city in Bosnia and Herzegovina I came to know in my youth. It grabbed me right away with its uniqueness, turbulent history, and the mix of cultures and religions you feel at every turn. The approach from the north, through the Neretva River canyon, is stunning—scenery that’s worth a stop in its own right.
So when our Balkan road trip in the summer of 2023 took us from Montenegro to Croatia, spending the night in Mostar was an easy choice. Iva hadn’t been before, though she’d been quietly dreaming about it—maybe thanks to the slightly mystical image of the Old Bridge that once hung in my room.
We rolled into Mostar with our dog, Ibo—and were curious how he and this iconic city would get along.
Staying in Mostar with a dog: Villa Floris in Podhum
We chose the Podhum neighborhood, specifically Villa Floris—simple, clean, modern, and officially dog-friendly.
It even had a pretty little garden. Ironically, walking the dog there wasn’t allowed. So we’d just pass through quickly, cross a nearby stream, and head straight into the residential streets, where there were plenty of options for dog walks.
Another plus: the city center was within walking distance. We left the car parked and reached the historic core on foot.
A short hike to Hum and the Milenijski križ
From Podhum you can do a short but interesting climb to Hum, the hill that rises above the city. This is where the Milenijski križ stands—one of Mostar’s modern landmarks, visible from almost everywhere.
The hike isn’t long, but in summer it can be physically demanding: high temperatures and almost no shade. Set off early in the morning or toward evening and carry plenty of water—for your dog as well.
The views from Hum are worth it. Mostar spreads out below, the Neretva winds through the city, and the surrounding hills of Herzegovina rise in the distance. If you’re staying in Podhum, it’s a very pleasant addition to your stay, with no need to drive.
Interested in this destination? Would you like to visit it with your dog? Check the entry requirements directly in BorderCooler®.
Evening wanderings through town
Mostar is one of the hottest cities in the region, with summer temperatures easily topping 35 °C. That’s why we saved most of our exploring for the evening.
In the busier parts of town we kept Ibo on a leash. In practice, though, we could go almost everywhere with him—into restaurants and into the many little shops lining the lanes of the old town. Souvenirs, tobacco, ice cream, clothing—one shop after another. The atmosphere is lively but not overwhelming.
Even though we visited during peak season, the streets weren’t so crowded that walking a dog felt stressful. The biggest concentration of visitors was, naturally, around the Old Bridge.
Stari Most and the Neretva River
We snapped a few quick photos on the bridge and moved on to quieter lanes. In the end, the bridge is more interesting for people than for a dog.
Stari Most is without a doubt the city’s symbol. The 16th‑century stone arch, destroyed during the war and rebuilt, now stands as a powerful emblem of renewal.
For dogs, the climb onto the bridge can be a bit tricky—the stone blocks are smooth and at times slippery. Take extra care.
Ibo enjoyed himself much more beneath the bridge, right by the Neretva. He found his spot—and of course managed a quick swim. If you’re planning the same, look for calmer stretches of bank. The river is fairly fast in many places and definitely not safe for dogs to swim everywhere.
Dinner with a view of the bridge
The highlight of the evening was dinner at a restaurant with a direct view of Stari Most. The waiter noticed we had a dog and seated us in a quieter corner of the terrace—with a perfect view of the river and bridge.
Simple but tasty Balkan dishes, paired with a quality local wine, wrapped up the evening nicely. For Ibo, the terrace felt calmer than the busy streets. A cat or two caught his eye, but after a full day he soon settled and rested.
Morning over Mostar
We allowed ourselves a lie‑in and had breakfast on the rooftop terrace of our accommodation. The view opened onto the city’s more modern side—a contrast to the historic core.
After breakfast I couldn’t resist sending up the drone. I didn’t have any aerials of Mostar yet, so it was the perfect time to change that.
Mostar with a dog: is it doable?
Mostar is undeniably an icon of the region, with a distinct atmosphere. It may not be the most typical destination when traveling with a dog, but it’s manageable without much hassle.
Plan your walks outside the peak heat, respect the bustle of the tourist center, and give your dog enough rest—and you’ll all enjoy Mostar.
For me it was a return to a city that once stole my heart—this time slower, calmer, and with Ibo by our side.