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Mostar is one of the most popular day trips from nearby cities like Dubrovnik, Split and Sarajevo, but is Mostar worth visiting for more than a day trip?
With grand Ottoman architecture prominent in the historic centre and the city’s most iconic feature, the famous Old Bridge, Mostar attracts visitors from all over the world.
Sadly, most of them visit Mostar for just a few hours, unknowingly missing out on all the goodness that awaits if they stick around a bit longer. So, is Mostar worth visiting for more than a day trip? Keep reading to find out.
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Where Is Mostar?
Located in the heart of the Herzegovina region, Mostar is a city in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Situated within the entity of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the city is ethnically divided by the Neretva River. Bosnian Croats live on the west bank of the river, while Bosniaks live on the east bank.
Due to its proximity to Croatia, some travellers may mistakenly think that Mostar is in Croatia. However, it’s essential to clarify that Mostar is in Bosnia.
Is Mostar Worth Visiting?
The primary reason to visit Mostar is its most recognisable landmark, the Old Bridge. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Bridge is the ultimate symbol of the entire country.
However, like many popular attractions today, it can get quite crowded. Overtourism is a sign of the times and you can expect large groups of day trippers on the bridge.
Our two cents on visiting Mostar: avoid planning a day trip just to see the bridge. Instead, spend a couple of nights enjoying the calm evenings in the Old Town and slow night strolls on the bridge without the crowds.
In the daytime, avoid day trippers and explore the beautiful places nearby Mostar.
So, yes, Mostar is worth visiting, but not for a full-day tour. Staying overnight will allow you to truly experience the city’s charm and magic.
How Many Days in Mostar?
Mostar is a charming, compact city that is best explored on foot, especially its historic centre. If you plan to see only Mostar, one day is enough.
However, we recommend staying overnight to enjoy the Old Town in the evening when it’s less crowded.
If you’re on a road trip across Bosnia, spend at least two days in Mostar to visit several magnificent places within easy driving distance.
If you don’t drive, book a private guided tour with Meet Bosnia, like we did, for a hassle-free trip across the Herzegovina region.
How To Get To Mostar
By Air
Mostar has a small international airport, a short drive from the city centre. The airport serves only a few flights daily, with most of these available only during the high season.
If there are no flights from your home country, it’s best to fly in the Bosnian capital and combine your trip to Mostar with a few days in Sarajevo.
By Train
If you plan to fly to Sarajevo, the best way to get from Bosnia’s capital to Mostar is by train.
The scenic train ride follows the Neretva River and takes around two hours. The only downside is that trains from Sarajevo to Mostar don’t run frequently.
The Mostar train station is within walking distance of the Old Town. Check out train routes and timetables from Sarajevo to Mostar here.
By Bus
The bus is a good option to get to Mostar, not only from Sarajevo, but also from nearby Croatian cities.
The bus ride from Sarajevo takes two and a half hours, while the ride from Dubrovnik takes three to three and a half hours and less than five hours from Split.
However, similar to trains, buses don’t run frequently. Check out bus routes and timetables to Mostar here.
By Car
Mostar is the perfect stop on your Balkan itinerary if you plan to hire a rental car. Dubrovnik in Croatia is two and a half hours by car, Podgorica in Montenegro is three and a half hours, and Sarajevo is two hours.
Where To Stay in Mostar
Mostar is a walkable town, and its main attractions are easy to reach on foot. The best places to stay in Mostar are the Old Town or on the edge of the historic centre, so you don’t need public transport or a car.
We stayed at Hotel Mostar, which is centrally located near the Old Town. With spacious rooms, a buffet breakfast and free private parking, this 4-star hotel is ideal for travellers on a road trip.
We also loved the area around the hotel, which has plenty of food and drink options. The Sniper Tower, a remnant from the 1990s war, also awaits right next to the hotel.
Watch our YouTube video about the best places to visit in Bosnia & Herzegovina
Travel Resources To Help You Plan Your Trip To Mostar
What To Do in Mostar
Walk Along Stari Most Bridge
Without a doubt, the most famous landmark in Mostar and Bosnia in general is the UNESCO-listed Stari Most Bridge.
Commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent, this 16th-century bridge is one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture.
Back in the day, the bridge improved locals’ lives and contributed to the advancement of trade.
The beautiful city itself got its name from the bridge. The word Most means Bridge in Bosnian, while the Ottoman-era bridge keepers were referred to as Mostari.
An interesting fact about the bridge is that the builder had prepared his own funeral upon its completion, as he doubted the bridge could withstand its height over the river.
During the 1990s Bosnian War, the original bridge was destroyed by bombings, but it was reconstructed in 2004.
For the best experience, walk across the iconic bridge in the evening or at night, when it’s less crowded.
Go To The River Beach
To enjoy the best views of the iconic Stari Most, go down the steps on the west bank to reach a beach of sorts by the Neretva River.
In the summer, the adventurous swim in the cold waters, while others dive from the bridge. There are also boat trips available.
This spot on the side of the bridge is particularly popular at sunset, as it offers a great view of the bridge and is perfect for pictures.
Discover The Crooked Bridge
Over the smaller Radobolja River lies a mini version of Stari Most. The one-arch Kriva Cuprija or Crooked Bridge was also built in the 16th century and was destroyed by floods in 2000.
It was reconstructed in 2001 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as part of the Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar.
Visit One of The Oldest Mosques in Mostar
The Bosniak side of Mostar on the west bank is home to several beautiful mosques dating back to the Ottoman period.
One notable mosque on the main street is Karadoz Beg Mosque, which is one of the oldest and largest in the region.
The 16th-century mosque was destroyed during the Bosnian War. Now, it’s been reconstructed and reopened to the public. If you find it open, step inside to admire its beautiful wall decorations.
Learn About The Bosnian War in Mostar
At first glance, Mostar appears to be like any tourist destination with its souvenir shops and the buzzing sounds of tourists near the Old Bridge.
However, once the crowds have left, some backstreets reveal painful reminders of the 1990s war.
Derelict buildings stand as witnesses to the devastation caused by bombings. At the same time, reconstructed houses still bear bullet holes on their walls as a way of always remembering how a war can destroy people’s lives.
Small cemeteries across the city are still wet with the survivors’ tears. The abandoned Sniper Tower on the Croatian side evokes images of people escaping via the broad avenues.
Go beyond the tourist path and explore Mostar’s recent past away from the crowds. To truly understand Bosnia’s recent history and the ruthless 1990s war, consider visiting the small but informative Museum of War & Genocide.
What To See Around Mostar
Apart from the charms that await you in the heart of Mostar, several other places worth exploring are within easy driving distance.
So, if you’re still asking yourselves Is Mostar worth visiting for more than a day trip?, here are more reasons to convince you that you should.
Konjic
Halfway between Sarajevo and Mostar, Konjic is an essential stop. Once there, you can admire its beautiful bridge, one of the best-preserved from the Ottoman Empire era.
The city is also known for its wood-crafting tradition, inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The Konjic Woodcarving Museum narrates how the woodcarving tradition was preserved from generation to generation. Nowadays, only two families continue this old craft.
At the surviving woodcarving workshops, you can order from traditional crafts to modern wooden artefacts.
History lovers will appreciate Tito’s Bunker, which was built to protect Tito and the 350 most important people in Yugoslavia from a nuclear attack.
Tours aren’t frequent, so we recommend reserving your spot in advance. Better still, book this guided tour of Tito’s Bunker.
Old Neretva Train Bridge
In the town of Jablanica, less than an hour’s drive from Mostar, there is an old railway bridge, strategically destroyed by Tito’s Partisans during the Battle of the Neretva River in the Second World War.
The bridge was rebuilt and destroyed again for the needs of filming the Oscar-nominated Yugoslavian film Battle of Neretva in 1968.
For deeper insights into the Battle of Neretva, visit the on-site Museum of the Battle for the Wounded on Neretva.
Blagaj Dervish House
Set in a location of incredible natural beauty, next to the source of the Buna River, Blagaj Tekke is a must-stop, just a 30-minute drive from Mostar.
Carved into a rocky cliff, the monastery was built in the 16th century for the Dervish orders.
The monastery features common areas, prayer rooms, a beautiful hammam, and a kitchen, showcasing a unique blend of Ottoman and Mediterranean architecture.
Additionally, cafés and restaurants along the river offer a chance to enjoy the picturesque surroundings.
Pocitelj
One of our favourite places we visited during our trip to Bosnia & Herzegovina was Pocitelj. The historic village is a 30-minute drive from Mostar and it’s one of the best-preserved fortified villages in the region.
As you climb the main stone pathway of the village, you’ll pass by typical public buildings from the Ottoman period, including the Han (inn), Hammam, Mosque, Clock Tower, and Medresa (school).
At the top, you’ll reach the fortress, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Pocitelj and the stunning natural scenery of the surrounding area.
The village was destroyed and abandoned during the Bosnian War, but today it is protected as a national monument and serves as an open-air museum.
Kravica Waterfall
Bosnia and Herzegovina is home to an extensive network of waterfalls, with Kravica Waterfall being the most popular among them.
Located about an hour’s drive from Mostar, Kravica Waterfall is so popular that there’s an entrance fee to access the area.
To reach the waterfall, you must go down a path that starts at the parking area. Once there, the scenery is absolutely enchanting, particularly in spring and autumn.
Since Kravica Waterfall is near the bustling Dalmatian coastline, it can get packed in the summer. Therefore, it’s better to avoid visiting during that time of year.
Trebinje
Located a short drive from both the Croatian border and Montenegro, Trebinje is the southernmost city in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
It’s part of the entity of Republika Srpska and it’s built along the largest sinking river in the world.
Although the drive from Mostar to Trebinje takes around two hours, the charming fortified town is well worth a visit. You can explore its narrow alleys, leafy squares and the local market at your leisure.
Another 16th-century stone bridge, declared a national monument, is a 15-minute walk along the river from the Old Town.
Radimlja Necropolis
Radimlja Necropolis, located near the small town of Stolac, is a 40-minute drive from Mostar, on the way to Trebinje.
This cemetery is home to medieval tombstones and features over 100 stecci, which are monumental tombstones. Most of the stecci are adorned with intricate bas-relief decorations.
Some of the epitaphs indicate that the cemetery belonged to the Miloradovic-Stjepanovic family, a noble family from medieval times.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Mostar
What is Mostar best known for?
Mostar is famous for its UNESCO-listed bridge that stands high over the Neretva River. However, Mostar has more to offer, such as the beautiful Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque and the historic Muslibegovic House.
Is Mostar a walkable city?
Yes, Mostar’s Old Town is relatively flat and you can explore all its main attractions on foot. However, wear comfortable shoes as the cobblestone streets can be slippery.
When is the best time to visit Mostar?
The best time to visit Mostar is outside the high season, aka the summer months, when it’s unbearably hot and crowded. Plan your visit in spring or autumn to experience Mostar at its best.
Is Mostar vegetarian and vegan-friendly?
The local cuisine is generally meat-based. However, most restaurants and cafés in Mostar offer vegetarian dishes and some vegan takes on traditional Bosnian food.
Can I swim in the Neretva River?
Some people, especially locals, swim in the river in the summer. However, we don’t recommend it as the water is freezing and the currents can be dangerous.
Is Mostar safe for tourists?
Yes, Mostar is safe for tourists, especially in the Old Town. However, beware of pickpockets in crowded places.
Do people in Mostar speak English?
Yes, most people working in the tourism industry speak good English. We didn’t have any problem with communication in Mostar.
So, after reading this thorough guide to Mostar, what do you think? Is Mostar worth visiting for more than a day trip? If you ask us, it most certainly is.
With so many treasures waiting in and around Mostar, a day trip can’t do this town, the most popular in Bosnia and Herzegovina, justice.
Moreover, visiting Mostar on a day trip adds to the negative effects of overtourism and goes against the principles of sustainable travel.
We do hope that you’ll now consider spending at least a couple of days in Mostar, slowly exploring everything it has to offer.
WORDS & IMAGES: Katerina
EDITING: Maria
Disclosure: Our article Is Mostar Worth Visiting For More Than a Day Trip? was produced in partnership with Meet Bosnia Tours. All opinions are our own, as always.