If you’ve come across this blog post, there’s a pretty big chance that you’re planning to spend one day in Mostar. Congratulations and welcome! I’m sure you’ll love it. 
This travel guide has everything you need so you can make the most of your 24 hours in Mostar, including what to do, where to stay (with views of the bridge!), the best restaurants, and even a handful of practical travel tips.
Or, if you’re still unsure about your travel plans and wondering, is Mostar worth visiting?, then this guide will nudge you in the right direction. 
(The answer is a definite yes!)
Mostar is one of the most popular cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and for good reason!
The most famous attraction is, without a doubt, the Stari Most (Old Bridge) that connects the eastern and western part of the city.
However, it doesn’t end there: the city has a quaint historical bazaar with lots of souvenirs, charming cobblestone alleys, and well-preserved Ottoman buildings. Sounds awesome, right?
In fact, thanks to the city’s compact layout and a little bit of pre-planning, it’s completely possible to see Mostar in one day — and even fit in a day trip!
Whether you’re planning to do a Mostar day trip from Dubrovnik or as part of your Bosnia & Herzegovina itinerary, this city certainly deserves a spot on your itinerary.
So without further ado, I present… what to see in Mostar in one day!
Mostar Travel Tips
Prior to talking about the fun stuff, let’s go over a few quick and practical travel tips so that you can get the most out of your trip to Mostar:
1- Time your trip around tourist crowds — This is my absolute top tip if you’re traveling to Mostar, as tourist crowds can often make or break your trip (especially in such a popular city!).
If you have the chance, I highly recommend visiting Mostar independently (i.e. not on a group tour), because it gives you the chance to stay overnight the day before and/or wake up early to see the city without hoards of tourists.
If you can’t avoid this, no worries! The other option is to visit off season (more on that below), when there are less crowds.
2 -The best time to visit Mostar — Speaking of timing… summers in Mostar can be brutally hot (we’re talking around 35 C / 95 F!), especially when you consider that many attractions are out in the open. For this reason, I’d avoid visiting during July and August.
On the other hand, shoulder season — April through June, and September to October — offer pleasant temperatures and a calmer atmosphere.
3 – Is Mostar safe? — One of the most common questions when visiting Mostar (or any place) is typically, Is Mostar safe? The answer to that is yes, it’s very safe to visit Mostar and you won’t have any issues. It’s very tourist-friendly, and the locals are very kind and helpful.
Two things to be aware of, however, are the dilapidated buildings and hiking off marked trails. Both pose a hazard of coming across explosive mines, which are a legacy left after the Balkan Wars — you can read more information in my 17 Bosnia Travel Tips under point 2.
4 – You’ll find the best Stari Most views here… — If you’ve ever seen those amazing photos of the Stari Most on the internet, you’re probably wanting to get a similar shot.
However, be sure to pay attention to where you take the photo, as only the northern part has restaurant terraces and vantage points with a view of the Stari Most. The south part (‘after’ you pass the bridge) is mostly made up of trees, rocks, and open spaces of land below the bridge — great if you want a shot of the bridge from below, but otherwise you might end up disappointed. 
5 – … But there are also accommodations with a view! — Since we’re on the topic of jaw-dropping views, did you know that there are some accommodations that have direct views of the Stari Most?
Best of all, you can even book them — and enjoy waking up with a cup of Bosnian coffee and a once-in-a-lifetime view! Check out my Accommodations in Mostar post for five amazing places. ;)
6- The best place to stay in Mostar – Mostar was founded in 1452 and has kept most of its original layout to this day. While under the Ottoman empire, it was organized into two areas: the čaršija, an area of artists and commerce (i.e. the modern-day bazaar), and the mahala, or residential neighborhoods.
Although Mostar is fairly small, first-time visitors should stick to areas in the Old Town, as that’s where all of the tourist attractions are located.
Getting to Mostar
Before you can see Mostar in one day, you’ll need to get there first! Thankfully, Mostar is conveniently located at the crossroads of four major cities: Split, Dubrovnik, Sarajevo, and Kotor.
Psst — Is this your first time in B&H and/or are you coming from abroad? Check out my 17 Bosnia & Herzegovina travel tips so you can get acquainted with the country and properly prepare! :)
FROM SARAJEVO
If you’re going to travel to Mostar from Sarajevo, you already have an advantage: this is one of the most beautiful journeys in Europe! You can take either the train or bus, as there’s really not much of a difference except for the departure times.
Planning to take this route? Check out my How to Get From Sarajevo to Mostar post here for the bus and train routes, timetables, stations, and much more!
FROM OTHER BOSNIAN CITIES
Besides the capital, Mostar is easily reachable from popular cities like Medjugorje, Neum, and Trebinje — a trip from either of these cities is less than 2 hours and has direct bus connections.
FROM OTHER COUNTRIES
Visiting Mostar from abroad? There are many ways to travel to Mostar, including via Flixbus, renting a car, or joining a private or group tour. Here are some popular departure points:
FROM DUBROVNIK (CROATIA)
One of the most common routes to visit Mostar is a day trip from Dubrovnik, which is a leisurely 2.5 hour drive.
The easiest way to get from Dubrovnik to Mostar is by Flixbus (they have direct routes there and back!), although renting a car and going via a group tour are also popular options.
FROM SPLIT (CROATIA)
Although Mostar is slightly closer to Dubrovnik, it’s still perfectly doable from Split.
The journey from Split to Mostar is about 2.5 hours, plus time to go through border checks. Popular bus operators on this route include Flixbus, Croatia Bus International, and Globtour.
FROM KOTOR (MONTENEGRO)
If you’re planning a day trip to Mostar from Kotor (another gorgeous Adriatic gem!), you can expect the journey to be a little over 3 hours long. One thing to note is that there aren’t direct busses, so your best option is a rental car or private transfer.
VIA PLANE
Mostar has its own airport, although it’s not quite that popular (it had around 30 thousand visitors in 2019). A few destinations that travel this route include Madrid, Dublin, Shannon, and Dusseldorf.
1 Day Mostar Itinerary
Now that we’ve gotten all of the practical tips out of the way, it’s time for the fun stuff!
So, how do you spend a day in Mostar? Starting off the day with a cup of local coffee and a view of the bridge, before strolling through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, getting a closer look at Stari Most, visiting a mystical Dervish house, trying traditional Bosnian dishes …
I could keep going on and on, but let’s organize it into an itinerary!
MORNING
Dobro jutro! (Good morning)
As mentioned in the travel tips above, I highly recommend waking up bright and early. You’ll be the first one in town and, besides getting a head start on your day, beat the crowds of tourists that typically arrive between 9 am and noon.
Start your morning off right at Urban Grill, which has one of the most beautiful views of Stari Most and a delicious breakfast to fuel your day — just ask for seating on their private terrace.
If you’ve fallen in love with Mostar’s cityscape, I recommend visiting the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque after breakfast. It’s right next door to Urban Grill and, for 6 KM (3 EUR), you can climb all the way up to the minaret to see stunning views of the Neretva River and bridge. Don’t forget to check out the mosque’s beautiful interior and courtyard while there.
Now that we’ve seen the Old Bridge from a few different vantage points, it’s time to get up close!
Walk south through the bazaar until you reach the city’s Old Bridge (Stari Most). If you’re lucky, you might be able to see the famous bridge divers.
This tradition goes all the way back to the 1600s, where local boys would jump off the bridge and into the water as a rite of passage. Although this ritual is long gone, there are still professional bridge divers that make the 20+ meter jump almost every day.
Typically, the Mostar bridge divers will walk around with a hat and ask the crowd for tips and, when they reach around 50 EUR, one of the divers will perform their famous act. Depending on the season, these bridge divers can make multiple jumps in a day!
Curious to try it out for yourself? You can! Adventurous travelers can visit the bridge diver’s club right next to the bridge and make an impromptu appointment (bring your swimsuit just in case). After paying the fee, a professional diver will train you while you do a few practice runs (on a smaller jumping board). Once you’re ready, it’s your time to shine and join the Mostar bridge divers club for your own jump!
Once you successfully do the jump, you’ll get a certificate and have your name recorded in the club’s record book. :)
Prefer to leave it up to the professionals? No worries — you can watch them do their thing on the bridge, or make your way to the beach below to get the best vantage points.
After checking out the Stari Most from the eastern bank, let’s cross the bridge and visit our next stop.
If you walk about 150 meters straight, you’ll come across Mostar’s second-most famous bridge: the Kriva ćuprija (Crooked bridge). Ironically, this bridge is about 8 years older than its more famous brother (Old Bridge), as it was believed to be a smaller draft version before the Stari Most was built. Likewise, it’s not as well-known nor as crowded as the Stari Most, giving you the perfect opportunity to take a photo!
Once you’ve got the perfect shot, we’ll walk to our next destination: the Spanish Square (Španski trg). You have two options: either go straight on the main freeway (Bulevar), or make your way to Rade Bitange street, which later turns into Adema Buća street. When you meet Mostarskog bataljona street, turn left and you’ll see a beautiful yellow building. That’s our spot!
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AFTERNOON
Are you ready to take a quick day trip from Mostar? If so, let’s go to Blagaj!
Blagaj is only 12 km (7.5 mi) away from Mostar and one of the most beautiful places in the entire country. Its claim to fame comes from two things: the historic Dervish House and the jaw-dropping nature around the area.
Best of all, you can absolutely fit a day trip to Blagaj, as it’s only a 15-minute bus or taxi ride from Mostar.
The entire trip will take about 1.5 to 2 hours: 30 to 40 minutes for the round-trip via bus or taxi, and an hour to 1.5 hours to walk around the Dervish house, take photos, and stroll around the spring (and, if you’re hungry, get something to eat!)
Prefer not to leave Mostar? No worries — I have a section below (Even more things to do in Mostar) that you can use to fill in this time. :)
As mentioned above, you can take the bus from Mostar to Blagaj. There’s a bus station right in front of the Spanish Square. Take the #10, 11, or 12 bus and ask the driver to stop at Blagaj (pronounced blah-gah-yeh). The ticket is 2.10 KM (about 1 EUR) for a one-way ticket.
A slightly quicker option is to take a taxi, which will cost around 15 to 20 KM (7.5 to 10 EUR) for a one-way trip.
Once you arrive at Blagaj, you’ll need to walk a few minutes downhill to the Dervish House. This beautifully-designed building was a meeting place for the mystical Sufis, who would practice Islam and host other travelers here.
I highly recommend buying an entry ticket to the house (10 KM / 5 EUR), as it’s absolutely gorgeous inside. If you’re a visual person, I have tons of photos and a detailed walkthrough in my Blagaj Travel Guide post!
After exploring the house, be sure to walk to the other side of the shore, which has a beautiful vantage point.
If you’re hungry, there are plenty of restaurants around Blagaj (with a view of the house and river!), or if you prefer, you can go back to Mostar and grab something to eat there.
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EVENING
Once you’ve made it back to Mostar, you may notice it’s a little quieter. Around sunset, most of the tour groups and day trippers have already left, which gives you a unique opportunity to walk around without the crowds.
After a long and fun day of exploring, you’ve probably worked up an appetite. I have just the place for you! Tima Irma is one of the best restaurants in Mostar and cooks up delicious traditional Bosnian food on grill (see above!)
Best of all, the prices are very diplomatic, especially for such a touristy city. A plate of cevapi costs about 8 KM (4 EUR), while a huge portion of different grilled meats (chicken filet, beef patties, skewers, cevapi, and more) for 2 people is about 30 KM (15 EUR).
If Tima Irma is full, no worries — there are plenty of other great restaurants in Mostar! Here are some to consider:
🍴 Konoba Taurus — Although the menu is similar to Tima Irma, Konoba Taurus has an extra bonus: a beautiful view of the Crooked Bridge!
🍴 Food House Mostar — A nice and varied menu, including plenty of vegetarian choices. On certain nights, there are also traditional Bosnian dances and music performances.
🍴 Pablo’s Restaurant & Club — For something a little more European, Pablo’s is the place to go. Besides the chic interior, this restaurant is known for its steak and friendly service.
🍴 Restaurant Šadrvan —Beautiful traditional decor, plenty of space, and delicious food. They also have an outdoor dining area as well.
Once you’ve enjoyed your dinner, I recommend making a final stroll through the city — the Stari Most has a special atmosphere when it’s lit up in the night sky.
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Even more things to do in Mostar
If you’ve got a few extra hours, you might be interested in visiting one (or all!) of these other attractions in Mostar:
📍 Visit a historic Bosnian house —Modern-day Bosnia & Herzegovina was ruled under the Ottoman Empire for nearly 500 years and, as such, there are still remnants of the empire’s culture to this day.
One of the best ways to go back in history is to visit a historic house. Luckily, there are three that have survived to this day: the Biscevic House, Kajtaz House, and Muslibegovic House.
The Biscevic House is arguably the best-preserved of the three houses. It was built in 1635 and contains traditional decor, furniture, and artifacts from the era.
Meanwhile, the Kajtaz House is slightly bigger and contains more rooms. The cheerful owner conducts a short tour and talks about the history of his family’s house.
Finally, the Muslibegovic House is of special interest, because it’s a hotel/museum! You can actually stay in this traditional house, and the owners will give you a tour.
📍 See the city’s colorful street art — Although Mostar is famous for its historical tourist attractions, it’s also a popular city to see something a little more modern: street art! Keep your eyes peeled for colorful murals, graffiti, and local art, which is concentrated near the Sniper Tower, Bulevar, and Alekse Šantića street. There’s also a street art festival every year, and you can check out their convenient map of street art here.
📍 Learn more about Mostar’s history at a museum… — Bosnia and Herzegovina had a tumultuous history in the 1990s, as it was the center of the Yugoslav Wars that saw thousands of people lose their homes, lives, and/or loved ones. Mostar is especially important, as it was one of the most heavily bombed of cities during the war.
If you want to learn more about the war, there are two powerfully-curated museums on the topic: the Museum of War and Genocide Victims and the War Photo Exhibition. For more information about the most famous site in the city, there’s also the Museum of the Old Bridge. It offers a fascinating look into the Old Bridge, including the original stones (before the bridge was destroyed during the war), a photo gallery, and a documentary video.
📍…Or with a fee walking tour — If you’re a fan of the free walking tour format, you’ll love Sevko’s tours. He’s a local from Mostar who brings the city’s history to life in an interesting and engaging way. During the high season, there are up to two tours a day (which is great if you were busy in the morning!)
Where to Stay in Mostar
A fun-filled day deserves a comfortable and relaxing place to stay. Here are some of the best accommodations in Mostar:
Old Bridge Terrace Apartment — I’m sure you’ll fall in love with this apartment, which has a million dollar view of the Stari Most! You’ll definitely make the most of your 1 day in Mostar with Old Bridge Terrace Apartment, which has a cheerful yellow terrace with a 360 degree view of Mostar’s Old Town, the Neretva River, and, of course, the Old Bridge.
WHERE TO BOOK: Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com
Pansion Villa Nur — If you love to support local businesses, you’ll love Villa Nur. This sweet guesthouse is run by a super hospitable family that will be happy to host you. Besides the comfortable double rooms, there’s also a shared kitchen that’s stocked with complimentary drinks (coffee and tea) and homemade ice cream! There’s also super fast WiFi and direct access to the Old Town.
WHERE TO BOOK: Booking.com | Agoda
Shangri La Mansion — If you’ve seen my Best Hotels in Mostar blog post, you might recognize this property. From the friendly workers to the jaw-dropping view of the Old Bridge from the terrace, you’ll be amazed from the moment you step through the door. Best of all, prices start at just $55!
WHERE TO BOOK: Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com
Hotel-Restaurant Kriva Ćuprija — If you want to experience the historic atmosphere of Mostar, the best way to do so is by staying in this ancient heritage-listed limestone house!
The hotel is named after the Crooked Bridge (Kriva Ćuprija) because it’s steps away from the famous landmark. There are 28 different rooms to choose from, which are decorated in traditional Bosnian motifs.
WHERE TO BOOK: Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com
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Looking for even more accommodations in Mostar? No worries, I’ve got you! I have an entire blog post with the 15 Best Places to Stay in Mostar (including 5 places with jaw-dropping views of the Old Bridge!)
If you want to check out all 400+ hostels, apartments, guesthouses, and hotels in Mostar, I’ve also included an interactive map below — just type in your dates and click ‘Search.’ Finally, you can check Booking.com, Hotels.com, or Agoda for a full list.
Photo credits: Mostar bridge diver – Darcey Beau | Mostar restaurant – Đorđe Pandurević