Crooked Bridge (Kriva Ćuprija) – How to Visit in Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina! 

Most tourists flock to Mostar to see Stari Most or the Old Bridge, but there is another viaduct in this city that’s far more romantic and serene. 

Kriva Ćuprija, or the Crooked Bridge, is a river crossing that looks like something that’s been plucked from the pages of a fairytale. 

It’s surrounded by enchanting cascades, millhouses and restaurants. So, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to a bygone era.

It’s easy to see why this is one of the most photographed locations in the city. I couldn’t get enough of this storybook scene during my visit. 

But it can also get incredibly crowded and is a bit of an ‘Instagram vs. Reality’ moment. 

Here is why you must visit the Crooked Bridge in Mostar, with some helpful tips for avoiding the crowds. 

Crooked Bridge / Kriva Ćuprija history 

Did you know that the first arch bridge to be built in Mostar wasn’t the famous Old Bridge (Stari Most)?

Kriva Ćuprija is the oldest and was built in 1588 by Turkish architect Ćejvan Ketoda during the Ottoman Empire.

When Sultan Murad III was expanding the settlement, he asked Ketoda to show him what was possible when building a river crossing.

When the Crooked Bridge was finished, the Sultan was so impressed that he felt confident enough to permit the Old Bridge’s construction. 

So, Kriva Ćuprija was a miniature prototype for Stari Most! It’s an important piece of history that’s worth appreciating. 

A photography hotspot 

Today, this twisting walkway is famous for being a beautiful photography location. 

It’s easy to see why, as it looks like something from the chapter of a storybook. 

It’s one of the prettiest locations in the ancient city, and I could have admired this romantic scene for hours. 

However, its beauty means that you’ll find endless tourists taking photos of this crooked crossing all day. 

So, if you want to visit without the crowds, it’s important to plan your visit at the right time. 

How to find the Crooked Bridge in Mostar

The Crooked Bridge can be found just 30 metres away from the Old Bridge and the Neretva River.

But as it’s tucked away in a quiet corner of Mostar, many tourists miss it. 

The crossing is over a tributary of the main river called Radobolja, and it can be found in front of the Nezir Agina dzamija mosque.

It’s located on a pedestrianised street called Jusovina that’s lined with shops and restaurants.

Although the bridge is pedestrianised, you can park right beside it on Gojka Vukovića road and walk down. 

If you’re heading here on foot from the Old Bridge, turn left at Restaurant Šadrvan and follow the main path of Jusovina all the way down.

There are signs for the Crooked Bridge in the Old Town, but these are small and can be hard to spot. 

As the narrow streets are constantly crowded and like a labyrinth, I found it easiest to use Google Maps to guide me. 

Opening times & ticket prices

The great thing about visiting Kriva Ćuprija is that it’s open 24 hours a day. So, you can visit any time you like during your time in Mostar.

Although the daytime is spectacular, I thought it looked even more beautiful at night when it’s lit up.

As it’s a pedestrian crossing, it’s also completely free to visit.

I stayed at the hotel nearby, and crossed this bridge almost every day I was here. It was a dream come true. 

What is the best time to visit? 

Mostar is a stunning medieval city in Bosnia, but it’s very compact and draws large crowds and tour groups. 

During the day, it can see endless streams of people crossing the Crooked Bridge and stopping to take photos. 

That means that sometimes you’ll be joined by over 20-30 people on this tiny crossing, and it becomes uncomfortable. 

To avoid this, I would visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon. 

By the evening, the restaurants/pubs open in this area, so it can get busy with diners and drinkers. 

I visited early morning on a weekday in October and had it completely to myself for long time. But summer crowds can make it much busier.

Is the Crooked Bridge worth visiting?

100% yes, the Crooked Bridge is worth your time when visiting Mostar.

Although most people visit this ancient city for the much larger Old Bridge, I found I preferred the more charming Kriva Ćuprija. 

Not only is it quieter than Stari Most, but it’s also far more romantic and feels like a portal that takes you back in time. 

Don’t skip the Crooked Bridge in Mostar, it’s an otherworldly location that will leave you utterly enchanted. 

My top tips

• Mostar is a stunning city, but it is small and incredibly popular. So, it can get crowded with tour groups during the day. 

• Visit the Crooked Bridge early in the morning or later in the afternoon/evening for a quieter visit. 

• The floor of the Old Town is made of very slippery ancient cobbles. It can be hard to walk on. Make sure to wear sensible shoes. 

• Be especially careful on the cobbles if it’s raining or frosty, as it’s very easy to slip. 

Stay at the Kriva Ćuprija hotel nearby 

Did you know that there is a hotel near Kriva Ćuprija that has the same name? It’s one of the oldest hotels in Mostar.

I stayed here during my trip to the ancient city and had the most wonderful time.

Every morning, I would wake up to picture-perfect views of the Crooked Bridge while sipping on coffee from their breakfast room. 

They also have a top-rated restaurant with the most delectable homemade Bosnian cuisine. 

But the most fond memories I have are of the lovely staff. They treat you like family, and it really made my trip to Mostar special. 

I would go back in a heartbeat and highly recommend them for your stay. 

More magical things to do in Mostar

Mostar is a medieval city with Ottoman Influences, and every corner looks like a fairytale.

You can wander the bazaar on the cobbled streets, catch bridge jumpers from the Old Bridge or sip a Bosnian coffee.

Although most travellers come here to relax and take in the views, it is also filled with some amazing attractions.

I particularly loved the Old Bridge Museum to learn its history and the views from the top of the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque’s Minaret Tower. 

One of my favourite days out during my time in Bosnia & Herzegovina was a tour to see Kravica Waterfalls.

On our way, we visited the epic Fortica Skywalk, fairytale Blagaj Tekija and medieval Potijce. 

It was one of my favourite day trips in the Balkans by far and perfect if you have a few days in Mostar. 

Read more of my Bosnia & Herzegovina guides

How to visit Blagaj Tekija from Mostar

Things to do in Počitelj medieval village

How to visit Kravica Waterfalls

Save the Crooked Bridge in Mostar for later!