Mostar
Alone

PRACTICAL SAMPLE

Safety: The Practical Reality

Violent crime against tourists is rare. The usual risks are pickpocketing in the crowds on Stari Most and Kujundžiluk and padded bills near the main sights (see Practical Matters). The historic center around the bridge stays busy into the evening, with cafés and restaurants open in the bazaar lanes, especially in summer.

Beyond the historic center, the residential streets on both banks of the Neretva are calm but have little open after dark, and visitors rarely have reason to go to the outer suburbs. For a late return from anywhere quiet, phone a taxi firm (see Planning Your Escape); Safe at Night, below, has the specific actions.

A specific note: the war left unexploded ordnance in some rural areas. The US State Department lists Bosnia and Herzegovina at Level 2 (exercise increased caution), with landmines among the reasons. Central Mostar and the routes in this guide are well used, but stay on paved roads and marked paths and do not wander into the surrounding hills without local guidance. This is a real consideration here that does not apply in most European destinations. See Practical Matters for the full note.

A free excerpt from Mostar Alone.