Known for its iconic Ottoman-era bridge and quaint old town, Mostar day trip is a must-visit destination in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Though small in size, this city packs tremendous history, culture and natural beauty into a single day trip.
Getting There and Around
Mostar makes for an easy day trip from popular stops like Sarajevo, Split or Dubrovnik. You can take a bus, join a group tour or rent a car. Once in Mostar, the main sights are walkable, but consider a bike for efficiency.
By Bus
Buses connect Mostar to destinations across Bosnia and the neighboring Balkan countries. The trip from Sarajevo takes 2-3 hours while Split and Dubrovnik are 3-4 hours.
Group Tours
Joining a small group tour takes the hassle out of logistics. Knowledgeable guides provide context around Mostar’s complex history and cultures.
Rental Car
Having your own wheels allows maximum flexibility to stop at places along the way. The drive also showcases Bosnia’s dramatic mountain scenery.
Top Sights and Activities
With cultural attractions, great restaurants and natural beauty surrounding Mostar, you’ll want to make the most of your limited time here. These are the essential experiences for any first-timer.
Marvel at Stari Most
No trip to Mostar is complete without seeing its landmark 16th century bridge, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture spanning the Neretva River. This graceful stone arch is worth seeing from multiple vantage points during the golden hours of dawn or dusk.
Dive Off Stari Most
For the ultimate Mostar experience, watch or join the generations of bold bridge jumpers carrying on the tradition of plunging 24 meters into the cold Neretva waters below. Local divers collect tips from onlookers.
Wander the Old Town
Get happily lost wandering Mostar’s cobblestoned Ottoman quarter with its winding lanes filled with souvenir shops, cafes, and old Turkish homes. Soak in the sights, sounds and smells as you stroll through time.
Shop the Čaršija Bazaar
Haggle for handcrafted keepsakes like embroidered dresses, copper goods, paintings and traditional Herzegovinian souvenirs in Mostar’s bustling old bazaar. The chaotic charm transports you back to marketplaces of the past.
Visit a Fortified Tower
Learn about Mostar’s strategic importance atop one of its medieval defense towers. Koski Mehmed Pasha Tower offers great views and museum exhibits providing insights into local history and culture.
Eat ćevapi
No day in Bosnia is complete without trying this Balkan street food staple of grilled minced meat sausages stuffed into fresh somun flatbread. Pair it with kajmak cream for a true local experience.
Off the Beaten Path
While Mostar’s old bridge and historic core are musts, try getting off the heavily touristed areas to uncover some hidden gems. Here are top offbeat experiences.
Partisan Memorial Cemetery
Pay respects at this monument honoring anti-fascists killed during WWII. Set on a hillside overlooking town, the peaceful cemetery filled with over 2000 graves makes for a poignant side trip.
Explore War History
Gain deeper understanding of the Yugoslav Wars and infamous Siege of Mostar at various sites around town including the iconic bullet and shell ridden buildings still left standing. But beware graphic images.
Check Out Street Art
Colorful wall murals around Mostar showcase creative expression and messages of hope. Interesting examples cover old ruined buildings with some flanking the riverbanks.
Take a Cooking Class
Learning to make classic Bosnian dishes like burek or dolma provides delicious insight into Balkan food culture. Cooking classes let you master local specialities to impress friends back home.
Go Wine Tasting
The hills around Mostar produce quality wine grapes that get made into lovely wines like Žilavka and Blatina. Do some tasting to find your new favorite regional variety.
Where to Eat and Stay
Mostar offers plenty of dining variety for a small city. And you’ll find accommodation options suiting all budgets and styles.
Dining
For traditional homecooked fare, try Podrum čardaklija or Tima-Irma. More upscale options include Urban Grill and Restaurant Hindin Han.
Don’t miss classic dishes like ćevapi, burek, dolmas, sudžukice sausages, and seafood like trout and shrimp from the Neretva River. And save room for baklava pastries!
Nightlife
Mostar nightlife centers around the old town with bars and clubs located in basement cellar spaces, some dating back centuries. Popular spots include Club Calamus, Club Open Air and OKC Abrašević.
Hotels
Hotel Bristol offers upscale accommodations in a historic 19th century Austrian building right by Stari Most bridge with gorgeous terrace views.
For budget travelers, hostels like Majdas Room and Hostel Nina provide dorm beds and private rooms on the cheap.
Local Guesthouses
Opting to stay in a family-run guesthouse lets you connect more closely with locals while getting a true taste of Bosnian hospitality complete with homecooked meals.
No matter your travel style or budget, Mostar really packs a lifetime of sights, flavors and experiences into a single fulfilling day trip. Its rich history and culture wrapped into an easy-to-navigate compact setting make it one of Europe’s most remarkable and underrated small city destinations.
So are you convinced to add Mostar to your Balkan itinerary? Let us know in the comments your most memorable moments exploring Bosnia’s crown jewel! Check out our stories for more Balkan travel inspiration to help plan your day trips.