Mostar lies some 130 km (80 miles) from the capital city of Sarajevo, and not very far from the border of Croatia. The city got its name from the word ” mostari” meaning bridge-keepers. Thanks to its location, it can be easily added to any Balkan trip. If you are planning a visit, our one day in Mostar itinerary will be perfect for you!
One day in Mostar itinerary: Travel Tips + Day Trip Ideas
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Mostar is a city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The city is located on the Neretva River and is the unofficial capital of the Herzegovina region.
Mostar is known for its Old Bridge, which was built by the Ottomans in the 16th century. The bridge was destroyed during the Bosnian War in the 1990s but was rebuilt in 2004.
Today, Mostar is a popular tourist destination for its history and culture.
Here is what you can do in Mostar in one day.
One day in Mostar Itinerary: Top things to do in Mostar in 24 hours
- Breakfast with Mostar’s iconic views
- Soak in the city views from Koski Mehmed Pasha mosque
- Wander the traditional Old bazaar of Mostar & see the Stari Most
- Check out the War Photo Exhibition
- Head to the crooked bridge for photos
- Visit the Turkish Hammam
- Souvenir shopping in Turkish Bazaar
- See the Sniper Tower
- Enjoy a lovely dinner before signing off
Planning your trip to Mostar: Getting there
You can easily visit Mostar from Sarajevo. There are numerous day tours, and public transportation options available to get you there.
Being so close to the Croatian border, you can also explore Mostar from Split or Dubrovnik (even on a day trip). It is, however, best explored by car and you can easily include a stop on your Balkan road trip from any of these cities.
Or by a guided tour.
Public transportation to get to Mostar from Croatia will add long hours, and may not be feasible for a day trip. The fastest that you can get there is in 3 to 4 hours (one way) so it is doable if you are planning to stay overnight in Mostar (and it is a good idea if you do so).
Road distance to Mostar from Sarajevo is 2 hours (130 km or 80 miles), Split is 2+ hours (166 km or 103 miles), and Dubrovnik is 2.50 hours (138 km or 85 miles).
Note that Mostar has an airport, but your best bet will be to fly to Sarajevo, Dubrovnik, or Split for flight frequencies.
Once in Mostar, you can pretty much walk around the Old Town/centre.
Read: Most beautiful places in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Now, Mostar is a year round destination, especially charming in the spring and autumn, when there is less activity and the climate is sublime. Moreover, it is punishingly hot and crowded during the peak summer season.
Their official currency is the Bosnian Convertible Mark or KM (also written as BAM), which is roughly half of the euro.
Simply divide everything by two to understand the rate. Prices are mentioned both in KM and Euro, but you can still pay in Euro everywhere here.
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Where to stay in Mostar Bosnia Herzegovina
If you are looking for a particularly nice place to rest your head for a day in Mostar, then we can easily recommend Hotel Kapetanovina with its superb location and sumptuous breakfast spread. Check current prices here
Kriva Cuprija Hotel is a 4 star property (yet affordable) offering scenic river views. They also have a restaurant on-site and free breakfast is included in your stay. Book it here
There are a few hostels in Mostar, though none of them meet European standards. Still, a private room at Hostel Miran is a good budget option. The country is new to the travel scene, so don’t expect fancy bars and swimming pools as yet. Click to view the availability
Taso’s House is another budget hostel in a quiet location, about ten minute walk from the Old Town. It is small, and cozy with shared dorms, but comes with free breakfast. The place is named after its owner Tasi, who literally comes to check and interact with every guest. Read reviews here
This itinerary is curated for an independent tour of Mostar, as it gives you the chance to arrive overnight and get a headstart the next day to avoid the crazy tourist hordes that typically descend between 09:00 am and noon.
Morning activities in Mostar
Breakfast with Mostar’s iconic views
Wake up bright and early and begin your morning at a local cafe such as Urban Grill.
Not only do you get the most delicious breakfast and amazing Bosnian coffee, but you can also enjoy unparalleled views of Mostar’s most iconic landmark, Stari Most or the Old Bridge, from a vantage point on their private terrace.
Soak in the city views from Koski Mehmed Pasha mosque
If you are a cityscape fan, head to the Koski Mehmed Pasha mosque, right next door to the Urban Grill.
For a small admission fee of 3€ or 4 BAM, you can get access all the way to the minarets of the Mehmed Pasha Mosque and admire unbelievable views of the Neretva River as well as the Mostar bridge from the back of the garden.
That said, getting to the top can be tricky, as the staircase is extremely narrow and there are parts that are totally dark. However, once you reach the top, all the struggles are forgotten since you cannot come across a better vista anywhere else in Mostar.
If you want to gain knowledge of the town’s Islamic heritage, then you cannot go wrong at Koski Mehmed as the historic Pasha mosque also serves as a museum.
Do not forget to check out the interiors with their colorful wall paintings and lavish carpets on the floors of the prayer room.
- Hours: Every day from 09:00 am to 08:30 pm (April to September) and 11:00 am to 5:00 pm (October to March)
- Address: Mala Tepa 16, Mostar 80807, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Tickets: 4 KM
Wander the traditional bazaar of Mostar + see the Stari Most
Now that you have seen Stari Most from afar, walk through the bazaar to this attraction of Mostar as it is worth visiting from close quarters.
If you are lucky, you will come across people with hats asking for donations from the crowd. These are the traditional Bosnian bridge divers, and once they collect around 50€, they dive off the bridge.
Head to the beach below to access the best vantage points to see their daring leaps.
Check out the War Photo Exhibition
Just adjacent to the Old Bridge is the War Photo Exhibition where one can gain an insight into the civil strife of the 90s.
An excellent way to learn more about the turbulent history of the city and how it affected the inhabitants.
Over 50 photos taken by Wade Goddard, a New Zealand photographer, grimly portray how life looked like in those troubled times.
- Hours: 09:00 am to 09:00 pm (July to September), 10:00 am to 06:00 pm (March to June, and October)
- Address: Stari Most, Mostar 88000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Tickets: 6 KM
Head to the Crooked Bridge for photos
After checking out Stari Most, walk across the bridge for about 150m where you will come across another famous attraction of Mostar, the Crooked Bridge.
Though not as crowded or popular as Stari Most, nevertheless it is a perfect place to rest and take some opportunistic photo shots.
This tiny bridge was built in 1558 over the Radobolja River and is an identical smaller version of its famous counterpart, hence all the similarities.
Incidentally, the Old Bridge of Mostar as well as the surrounding areas of the Old Town have been on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list since 2005.
Visit the Turkish Hammam
Now you can explore the western part of the city and visit the 16th-century old Turkish Hammam, one of the few of its kind in the country and the only remaining Turkish bath in Mostar.
The Hammam is right next to the crooked bridge and the entry to the Turkish Bath is a nominal 4KM.
- Hours: Weekdays 10:00 am to 05:00 pm (weekends closed)
- Address: 8RQ7+3G4, Rade Bitange, Mostar 88000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Tickets: 4 KM
After a hectic morning of sightseeing it’s time to taste some traditional Bosnian food, and while there are scores of outlets lining up both sides of the river, the restaurant Tima-Irma, near the Old Bridge, serves a memorable meal. Their platter of vegetables and local beef sausages is a local specialty.
Afternoon activities
Souvenir shopping in Turkish Old Bazaar
Back across Stari Most, it is time to visit the Old Bazaar on the eastern bank of the river.
The cobbled streets have managed to retain their quaint look over the centuries, and this is one place you will find stores selling the best souvenirs to remind you of your time in Bosnia and Herzegovina. So go for it, as this is the only place you will find them.
The bazaar is a bit small, just a couple of streets on both sides of the Old Bridge, but walking through it is very relaxing and a must do when visiting Mostar.
The local products of the Balkans are excellent so you can be assured that what you buy will be genuine.
See the Sniper Tower
It is now time to head to some more modern parts of Mostar, where you will come across plenty of buildings that were hit hard by the Bosnian War.
The most prominent of them is on the bank just off the Spanish Square, now known as the Sniper Tower.
The tower, as the name suggests, was at one time a sniper’s nest used by Croatian soldiers during the conflict.
The building presently is in ruins, but the walls have been adorned with striking street art in and out, in total contrast with a stunning gym located right across the street.
Evening activities
Enjoy a lovely dinner before signing off
Once the sun goes down, Mostar turns on its head.
The quiet and quaint tourist getaway is transformed and acquires a completely new identity from Balkan parties, craft beer, and cocktail affairs to just picking up a drink from a nearby shop and sitting in front of the magical Old Bridge.
The Stari Most is something special when lit up against the night sky.
Located on this picturesque riverside is a quaint restaurant, Hinden Han, which offers typical Bosnian delicacies.
Built in a refurbished old historical home, complete with wooden interiors, the outlet serves tasty non vegetarian platters apart from plenty of veg options. A must-try here is their eel and lobster offerings.
An ideal place to while away your last few hours in Mostar before you head onwards.
Alternate tour recommendations for 24 hours in Mostar
If you can take time out of your one day itinerary, or have some extra hours to spare, you might like to visit any or all these other hotspots of Mostar.
Visit an Ottoman house:
The Ottoman Empire ruled present-day Bosnia and Herzegovina for over 500 years, as is evident by the remnants of the empire’s houses to this day.
Visiting this historic building is the best way to get back in time and learn about how the owners spent their lives in those periods.
Some of the best examples can be found in the Biscevic House, Kajtaz House, and finally the Muslibegovic House, the three which are best preserved of all.
Free walking tour:
If you love walking, a free guided walking tour of Mostar will be just right for you, even though it may take up the best part of the morning to complete.
The tour usually begins from the Old Town and is highly recommended for anyone coming to Mostar for an authentic and informative experience.
The limited size of the group and the high quality of the guide is the highlight of the tour.
The Don’t Forget Stones:
These are small stones found all over the city which remind the people about the civil war.
One can be found near Stari Most, but as a tourist, it is important to understand the grim history behind it, rather than take pictures and gloss over it.
Remember, tourism in Mostar may be thriving, but it was not so long ago it was under siege and many of the locals here have lost friends and family members due to it.
Carsija:
In the heart of the Old Town lies the picturesque Carsija market, on both sides of the river and up to Stari Most.
Due to its Ottoman influence, the market sells rugs, copper items, and souvenirs and is popular both with locals and tourists alike. In fact, a visit there provides a good glimpse into the Bosnian way of life.
Sightseeing Map: One day in Mostar itinerary
Day trips from Mostar Bosnia Herzegovina
Mostar makes for a wonderful base for some good day trips, both around and in close proximity to the town where you can explore historical monuments and delve into nature.
Kravice waterfalls
Kravice waterfalls, often referred to as the Niagara of Bosnia are located on the Trebizat river and offer a stunning sight as they cascade down the limestone cliffs into the river below.
This is an extremely popular destination, especially in the summer, when visitors come for picnics and swimming in the large lake which forms at the base of the falls.
The waterfalls are about a 45 minutes drive, southwest of Mostar.
BOOK: Multiple stops in Herzegovina on a day tour
Blagaj
Blagaj is only 12 km (7.5 miles) away from Mostar and makes for a wonderful day trip as the distance is easily covered by road in under thirty minutes.
The town’s claim to fame is because of two features, the historic Dervish House and the stunning natural beauty surrounding it.
The mystical place built into a cliff was at one time the meeting place of the Sufis, who practiced Islam and lured other travelers there. The house is gorgeous from the inside and well worth the admission fee of 10KM/5€.
Medjugorje
Located only 25 km (15.5 miles) away, Medjugorje is another very popular spot for day excursions from Mostar.
An important pilgrimage site, the place is known for its Marian apparitions, though still not accepted by the church.
Visitors have been known to spend days and days in Medjugorje just to absorb its magical atmosphere and the surrounding areas.
Mostar Travel Tips and Resources
Mostar is the fifth largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the Neretva River. The city has a population of over 113,169 (2013) people and is the administrative center of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton.
The old town of Mostar is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its Ottoman-influenced architecture, which includes the famous Stari Most (Old Bridge) spanning the Neretva River.
The city was originally built by the Ottomans in the 15th century, and later became a part of Yugoslavia after World War II.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind, when planning your trip to Mostar,
First, the city is located in a Muslim-majority country, so be respectful of local customs and traditions.
Second, the city is still recovering from the Bosnian War (1992-1995), so there are some areas that are still damaged and/or dangerous.
Finally, Mostar can be quite hot during the summer months, so be sure to pack appropriately.
When it comes to getting around Mostar, walking is usually the best option as most of the attractions are located in the old town center.
If you’re staying outside of the old town, you can take a taxi or bus to get around.
If renting a car, you can do so here
As for accommodation, there are plenty of hotels and guesthouses available in Mostar. If you’re on a budget, there are also a few hostels located in the city center.
Budget
The average one day cost for a trip to Mostar is roughly $51 when staying in an average hotel on a twin share, $10 for meals, and $5 for transportation per person.
A high-budget visitor should plan to keep aside $95 per day, for staying 24 hours in Mostar.
If you’re looking for a place to eat in Mostar, there are plenty of options available. There are a number of traditional Bosnian restaurants serving delicious meals.
You can also find international cuisine in Mostar, as well as fast food options.
Safety
A common issue every tourist is concerned about when visiting any new destination is safety. This is natural!
But having said that, Mostar is an extremely safe city, where the tourists will face no problems whatsoever and the locals go out of their way to lend a helping hand.
Plot your Europe trip with this kickass planner!
EUROTRIP PLANNER
Get this 50+ page Europe travel planner for your upcoming trip. You will find designed templates to help track your budget, visa, hotels, sightseeing, and more.
Plus you can plan your overall sightseeing routes using our multi-country and city combinations to save valuable time!
Was one day in Mostar enough?
To be honest, Mostar deserves one more day, but if it’s all the time you have, then there are ways to make the most of it.
Mostar does not have a large number of attractions, but because they are so beautiful and capture your attention, you like to linger on them.
For example, it is easy to spend hours at the Old Bridge itself and get swept by its history and nostalgia, not to forget the romance of the daring bridge jumpers.
Finally, there is so much to see and do around Mostar, that it makes sense to use it as a base to explore the surrounding Herzegovina region.
Is Mostar worth visiting?
Yes, it is. We traveled from Canada (3 flights, 2 bus rides, and one tour to get there) as Mostar was on our bucket list and it didn’t disappoint. Mostar is a city full of history and culture, and there’s no shortage of things to see and do.
Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s Ottoman heritage or simply want to enjoy the beautiful scenery, Mostar is a great destination for all kinds of travelers.
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