One Day in Mostar, Bosnia: a Complete Travel Guide

by letygoeson27, Aug, 2019Bosnia, Travel Itineraries

Discover Mostar: the pearl of Bosnia and Herzegovina that captivates travelers with this complete Travel Guide.
With its iconic Stari Most bridge and the atmosphere that blends history and culture, it is one of the most fascinating destinations in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Located along the Neretva River, Mostar offers a unique mix of Ottoman architecture, Balkan influences, and breathtaking views. But Mostar is more than just a postcard destination: it’s a place full of stories of resilience, irresistible food traditions, and stunning natural landscapes. In this article, I’ll guide you through the must-see spots, hidden gems, and tips to make your trip unforgettable.

Located along the Neretva River, Mostar offers a unique mix of Ottoman architecture, Balkan influences, and breathtaking views. But Mostar is more than just a postcard destination: it’s a place full of stories of resilience, irresistible food traditions, and stunning natural landscapes. In this article, I’ll guide you through the must-see spots, hidden gems, and tips to make your trip unforgettable.

COSA TROVERAI IN QUESTO POST:

Best Time to Visit Mostar

The peak tourist season is during July and August. Expect large crowds and hot temperatures during this time. The best months to visit Mostar are May, June, and September, when the weather is pleasant, but the summer crowds are avoided. In April and October, there’s a higher chance of rain, but Mostar tends to be much quieter with fewer tourists.

How Long Should You Spend in Mostar? Ideally, one full day with an overnight stay is perfect. This gives you enough time to explore the Old Town and its beauties. Staying overnight also gives you the chance to watch the sunset in Mostar, either by the riverbank or from a bar overlooking the bridge.

Mostar also makes a great day trip from Split, Dubrovnik, or Sarajevo. From these cities, you can join a bus tour that will give you half a day in Mostar, with transport in the morning and evening, perfect if you have limited time in your itinerary.
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Stari Most

Surely the Old Bridge is the highlight of a visit to Mostar. In 1994, Stari Most was destroyed during the Croatian-Bosnian war. In the late 1990s, the bridge was rebuilt and the old town was renovated. Stari Most reopened in 2004, and in 2005, the Old Bridge was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

For centuries, skilled divers have jumped from the bridge, a 24-meter free fall into the freezing river waters! Seeing it in person was truly breathtaking and unexpected.

Here’s a little tip for you: The bridge surface is super slippery, and the slope is about 19%. Walk on the raised stones rather than the bridge surface. Between the treads, the stone is very smooth, and your feet might slip, even with shoes that have good soles.

The Old Town

The historic center is small. With only a few cobbled streets on both sides of the Neretva River, it doesn’t take long to walk through the entire old town. On these streets, you’ll find bars, restaurants, and shops. In the eastern part, you’ll find the Old Bazaar Kujundziluk, full of souvenirs, some even with a war theme.

The stone streets of the old town are charming and quite crowded at noon, but at night, the crowds thin out, and wandering through Mostar’s alleys is a real joy!

Crooked Bridge (Kriva Cuprija)

Located just a few minutes’ walk from Stari Most, Kriva Cuprija crosses a small cove that leads into the Neretva River. This stone bridge is a smaller version of Stari Most. Built in 1558, the bridge was considered a “rehearsal” before the construction of Stari Most began.

Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque

Like the Stari Most, this mosque was almost completely destroyed in the Bosnian-Croatian conflict and later rebuilt. For a small fee, you can visit the mosque and climb the minaret for an unforgettable view of the Stari Most. But be careful about what you wear, as it is a matter of respect; you must enter in appropriate clothing, and your shoulders and legs must be covered.

Mostar One day Tours

Many local tour companies run full-day excursions to Mostar, usually from Dubrovnik or Sarajevo.

These tours depart around 7:30 a.m. and return to your starting city after dinner. Just be aware that due to driving times and stops at other sites, these tours usually only give you three hours to explore Mostar.

I hope my advice is useful to you and that you can appreciate the beauty of this place as much as I do. Don’t be scared by the long journey and the bumpy roads you will encounter to get here. Mostar is a little gem that I’m sure you will like!
Let me know your impression in the comments.