A WONDERFUL One Day In Mostar Itinerary

Want to know how to spend the PERFECT one day in Mostar? You’re in the right place!

Mostar, a UNESCO World Heritage site is a magical fairy tale town nestled in the heart of the Balkans, in the beautiful country that is Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Mostar is home to one of the most famous monuments in Europe, Stari Most, the Old Bridge that the town is named after. This bridge truly enhances the fairytale-like feel that this town has, along with the cobbled stone streets, vibrant markets and the stunning Ottoman architecture that you’ll find in abundance in this little corner of the world.

To be completely honest, Mostar is quite a small place, so you could probably easily get around it in about 12 hours. However, you’ll find that the town is just so beautiful that you’ll want to take a slower pace when exploring here so you can truly soak up all it has to offer.

From Mosques to museums to quaint tea houses and stunning nature, this small Herzegovian town has so much to offer.

So, what’s included on this Mostar Itinerary?

Read on below to find out!

A scenic view of the historic town of Mostar, with stone buildings nestled under an arched bridge. A church spire and lush greenery are visible, complementing the river flowing below. The clear sky adds to the charm, making "One Day in Mostar" feel like a step back in time.

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About This One Day in Mostar Itinerary

This itinerary has been curated to ensure that you get to make the most out of your 24 hours in Mostar. You’ll get to admire some of the most beautiful spots in Mostar, as well as have some time to relax and soak in the views.

Although this itinerary looks like it has lots of stops, Mostar is a very small place so for the most part, the majority of these stops are within just a few minutes walk from each other.

Stop 1 – Breakfast at Urban Cafe
Stop 2 – Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque
Stop 3 – Explore The Old Bazaar
Stop 4 – Admire Stari Grad
Stop 5 – Watch The Bridge Jumpers
Stop 6 – Neretva Boat Trip
Stop 7 – Visit The Crooked Bridge (Kriva Cuprija)
Stop 8 – Explore more of The Old Bazaar
Stop 9 – Lunch at Konoba Mlinica Neretva
Stop 10 – Bosnian Coffee at Najstariji Kafić
Stop 11 – Visit The Abandoned Sniper Building
Stop 12 – Head To Fortica Hill For Sunset
Stop 13 – Dinner and Drinks

Stop 1 – Breakfast at URBAN Cafe

Your first stop in Mostar is breakfast at URBAN Cafe. Urban has one of the best views in town, overlooking the Neretva River and of course the famous Stari Most Bridge, so this is the perfect start to your day. If you’re not travelling solo (or if you have a big appetite ), you can order the impressive Oriental Breakfast Platter, or if you prefer something smaller, the Burek is a good option.

?URBAN
⏰8am-11pm

Stop 2 – Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque

The spectacular Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque is just a few steps from URBAN. Entry to the mosque costs 10KM (€5) and if you want to go up the turret (which I highly recommend you do) it’s an extra 5KM (€2.50).

The mosque was built in 1618 and here you can admire the typical Ottoman architecture that can be found all throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. From the top of the turret, you can witness remarkable views of Mostar Old Town and Stari Most.

A scenic view of a mosque with a tall minaret and domed roof, surrounded by lush greenery and a river. Mountains rise in the background, under a cloudy sky, creating a serene landscape reminiscent of One Day in Mostar’s tranquil charm.

Stop 3 – Explore The Old Bazaar

The Old Bazaar is one of the most beautiful parts of Mostar. The Bazaar is filled with quaint little stores with decorated shop fronts, selling all the little trinkets your heart could desire. From hanging lights to jewellery you will be sure to find the perfect souvenir to remind you of your time in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Hanging mosaic lamps with vibrant colors and intricate designs are on display, reminiscent of a magical One Day In Mostar. Paper tags with prices dangle from some lamps, including one marked "SET 5PCS 85€". The lamps boast blue star patterns and textured surfaces.

A bustling outdoor market scene, reminiscent of "One Day In Mostar," features people shopping along narrow stone-paved streets lined with stalls offering various items. Traditional buildings with wooden windows encircle the lively area, creating a vibrant hub filled with a diverse crowd.

Stop 4 – Admire Stari Most

Now it’s time to spend some time admiring what you really came to Mostar for, the famous Stari Most Bridge. The bridge is absolutely stunning, as is the view of the Neretva River and the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque as you walk over, so you certainly won’t be disappointed.

Just a small word of warning though, the bridge is extremely slippery so take extra care when walking across it, especially if it’s raining!

A person with curly hair stands gazing at Mostar’s large stone arch bridge. Behind it, the hillside is dotted with rustic buildings and lush greenery. The sky is overcast, and a minaret rises in the background—a perfect scene for one day in Mostar.

Stop 5 – Watch The Bridge Jumpers

As you walk across the bridge, make a left and you will come to a set of stairs which will lead you to a small beach, named on Google Maps as the “Beach Below Stari Most”. This is a great spot to relax and admire the Stari Most Bridge from another angle.

This is also one of the main viewpoints to watch the bridge jumpers in Mostar. What I noticed is that the jumpers will often do a lot of “teasing the crowd” before they actually jump to drum up donations from tourists. This can sometimes mean you might be waiting for a while before you see an actual jump. During my day trip to Mostar, I waited over an hour, and still, no one had jumped so I gave up in the end.

During One Day In Mostar, people gather on a stone arch bridge, with a few individuals preparing to jump off while others watch from the railings beneath the clear sky.

Stop 6 – Neretva Boat Trip

In the same spot, you will notice there is a small booth offering boat trips up and down the Neretva River. For €20 you’ll get taken down the river and get to admire the lush green landscapes along the way (weather permitting). The Neretva River is one of the brightest turquoise rivers I have ever seen, so this is a really worthwhile trip to do especially in the summer!

Stop 7 – Visit The Crooked Bridge (Kriva Cuprija)

After you’ve spent some time watching the jumpers/finished your boat trip, it’s now time to make your way back up the stairs to visit Mostar’s baby bridge, the Kriva Cuprija (Crooked Bridge). This bridge might be smaller, but it’s definitely just as pretty, and to be honest, I think I liked it more than Stari Most (maybe it’s because I always love to root for the underdog).

Experience the scenic view of a historic town, reminiscent of one day in Mostar, with a stone bridge arching elegantly over a river. Traditional houses and a tall minaret complement the landscape, while a hillside rises proudly in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Stop 8 – Explore more of The Old Bazaar

The Old Bazaar is split into two parts, as there is a market on either side of the bridge. This is your chance you explore more of the independent stores that are located on the other side of the bridge.

Stop 9 – Lunch at Konoba Mlinica Neretva

Your next stop on this Itinerary is lunch at Konoba Mlinica Neretva. One thing I learnt about my time in Mostar is that the restaurants with thousands of reviews aren’t necessarily the ones with the best food. Konoba Mlinica Neretva has a small amount of very good reviews online so I decided to give it a try and it didn’t disappoint. It also has a very good view of Stari Most from its balcony as well!

Make sure not to have coffee after your lunch here, because you’ll want to save yourself for stop 10.

?Konoba Mlinica Neretva
⏰9am-9pm

Stop 10 – Bosnian Coffee at Najstariji Kafić

If there is one stop on this 24-hour Mostar Itinerary I do not want you to skip off, it is a visit to Najstariji Kafić. Najstariji Kafić is a quaint Bosnian coffee house that overlooks Stari Most. Not only are the views beautiful here but the atmosphere is so welcoming, so don’t be surprised if you end up in a nice conversation with a fellow traveller.

Cozy room with a wooden ceiling, windows allowing natural light to illuminate red cushioned benches and a small wooden table. Embroidered curtains and a patterned carpet add a traditional touch, reminiscent of spending One Day In Mostar.

View of a picturesque riverside town with lush greenery and historic buildings atop cliffs, overlooking a calm, flowing river. It's as if you're spending One Day In Mostar. A distant arched bridge spans the water under a cloudy sky, with the image framed by a dark border.

I met a lovely family from Türkiye here, the father told me how he was in Mostar 30 years ago when Stari Most had collapsed during the Bosnian-Serb war in the 90s which was super interesting to learn more about. The family ended up very kindly paying for my coffee too!

?Najstariji Kafić
⏰9am-9pm

Stop 11 – Visit The Abandoned Sniper Building

The abandoned sniper building is located just outside of the Old Town and was once the critical vantage point for Croatian snipers in the second siege of Mostar in 1993-1994 during the Bosnian War.

This building was once the tallest building in Mostar so it gave snipers a clear view across the Neretva river.

Today, the building is derelict, covered in street art and graffiti and has a slightly eerie atmosphere but it is a great place to get an insight into Mostar’s (and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s) troubled past.

Stop 12 – Head To Fortica Hill For Sunset

For an awesome sunset view of Mostar head up to Fortica Hill. You can hike here, but I recommend getting a taxi due to the time of day. Here you can find the 35-metre skywalk and walk out along the Fortica Hills to get closer to the landscape and gorgeous panoramic views of Mostar.

If you’re a bit of an adrenaline junkie you can take a ride on the Fortica Zip Line, which is the longest one in the country.

This is one of the more unique things to do in Mostar.

Stop 13 – Dinner and Drinks

To complete your perfect day in Mostar, it’s time to head back down into the Old Town and grab Dinner and drinks. For Dinner, I recommend eating at Vrata Orijenta restaurant for delicious Bosnian Food (I can highly recommend the Dolma here).

For drinks, I recommend 2 options. If you are more of a beer and soft drinks kind person then I recommend Stari Grad Cafe which is located right next to Stari Most. Not only is this a great people-watching spot but you can also get draught beer for as little as €1.50.

A rustic stone building in Mostar features two open doors and black shutters. A wooden sign on the left displays wine options, reminiscent of a one-day visit. A paved stone path leads to the entrance, with green potted plants adorning the facade.

Alternatively, if you prefer a glass of wine, I recommend heading to the Spirit of Herzegovina wine bar. This is also located close to the famous bridge, again makes for another great people-watching spot and offers a delicious array of local and international wines for you to try.

?Vrata
Orijenta
⏰9am-9pm

?Stari Grad
Cafe
⏰7am-10pm

?Spirit of Herzegovina
⏰9am-11pm

Other Things To Do In Mostar

Museum Of War And Genocide Victims

The Museum of War Humanity and Genocide shares the tragic stories from the Bosnian War and Genocide that took place a little over 30 years ago between 1992-1995.

This war is very much still fresh in the memory of most of the adult population here, so it’s definitely worth learning more about!

If you have already visited the Museum of Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide in Sarajevo, then you don’t need to visit this one since its exhibits are essentially the same.

Day Trip to Blagaj, Počitelj and Kravice Waterfalls

If you have some more time to spend in Mostar, then I would recommend doing this day trip that will take you to explore the beautiful countryside that surrounds Mostar including Blagaj, Počitelj and the spectacular Kravice Waterfalls.

Visit The Millennium Cross

The Millennium Cross is a large crucifix perched on a hill overlooking the city of Mostar. Here you can get incredible panoramic views of the city. The hike to the top should take no more than two hours. If you have already been to the Fortica Skywalk then I would say you don’t need to do this hike (unless you want to of course).

Bosnian Cooking Class

If you’re looking to do something a little different during your time in Mostar then I recommend booking this cooking class. Bosnian food is some of the most delicious and hearty food that you can find in Europe. You’ll get to make traditional dishes like Dolma and Burek and enjoy a 3-course home-cooked meal.

Where Is Mostar Located?

Mostar is located in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina just two hours from Bosnia’s capital city, Sarajevo. Mostar is also located just a short distance from Dubrovnik in Croatia (2.5 hours) and Kotor in Montenegro (3.15 hours).

A bustling cobblestone street in Mostar, lined with shops and cafes. People are sitting at outdoor tables on the right, while souvenirs and colorful items are displayed for sale on the left. It's a lively scene that captures the essence of one day in Mostar.

How To Get To Mostar

Flight

To fly to Mostar, most people will have to catch a flight to Sarajevo International Airport followed by a bus or taxi to the city centre, and then either a bus or train to Mostar.

Mostar does have an international airport, however, flights are extremely limited and are only inbound from places such as Belgrade and Zagreb.

Sarajevo is a well-connected city, you can easily get here from most main European airports. I always search for cheap flights using Skyscanner. Both Ryanair and Wizz Air fly into Sarajevo so you can get some good budget deals if you time it right!

To get from the airport to the city centre you can take a taxi which will cost around €25. However, if you want something cheaper you can catch the Centrotrans airport bus to the city for 5 Bosnian Marks (€2). You will see the bus stop directly in front of you near the car park as you exit arrivals. The bus runs from 5 am to 11 pm.

From the city centre, you will then need to head to Sarajevo Main Railway Station if you are catching the train or Sarajevo Central Bus Station if you plan on taking the bus to Mostar.

I recommend checking out both the FlixBus and GetbyBus websites for the best bus route options available and checking out train timetables here.

Bus

If you are travelling overland, you can catch direct buses to Mostar from other European cities such as Dubrovnik in Croatia and Kotor in Montenegro. Again, FlixBus and GetbyBus are the best websites to use to search for these routes.

Please note that if you are travelling by bus you may be charged a small bus station tax so make sure to have some cash on you (normally the bus stations will accept Euro if you don’t have local currency).

Car

If you prefer to do things according to your own schedule then you can easily rent a car from Sarajevo Airport and make the 2.5-hour drive to Mostar.

A lively cobblestone street in Mostar is lined with outdoor cafes and shops. People are seated, eating, and conversing under a canopy. The sign advertises beer on tap for 2€. Historic stone buildings and hills form the backdrop of this picturesque scene for those spending one day in Mostar.

Where To Stay In Mostar

Hostel

Majdas Hostel – This hostel has a very relaxed and homely feel and everyone is super sociable and friendly. What I loved about this hostel as there was not a single bunk bed in sight!

Budget Hotels

Guesthouse Stari Grad – This is a simple guesthouse with great reviews located just 600m from the old town.

Mid-Range Hotels

Pansion Nur -This is a beautiful little guesthouse, with balconies perching over the river and looking out into town. It is also only 200m from Stari Most.

Luxury Hotels

Sky Penthouse – The ultimate luxury with not only views of the Old Town and Stari Most but also comes complete with a Jacuzzi.

There are so many other incredible hotels, hostels and guesthouses to choose from in Mostar, so take a look at more options here.

How To Get Around Mostar

Mostar is a small city, therefore it is very walkable. During your time in Mostar, you will be able to walk to all of the stops on this itinerary apart from stops 11 and 12 where you might want to take a taxi. Taxis are readily available and the central bus station is just a short walk from the old town.

The purple building with a rooftop terrace labeled "TERASA" offers a perfect spot to enjoy the breathtaking views during One Day In Mostar. People take in the sights of the majestic mountain and iconic dome-spired structure under a partially cloudy sky, creating an unforgettable experience.

View of a picturesque riverside town with lush greenery and historic buildings. One day in Mostar, a calm river flows alongside, and a mosque with a tall minaret is visible. People are gathered in a riverside café, enjoying the scenic landscape.

Is Mostar Worth Visiting?

Yes, Mostar is absolutely worth visiting. It’s one of the most picturesque towns in Europe that is full of history, culture and beautiful nature. Its fairytale-like atmosphere reminded me somewhat of Bruges in Belgium.

Is One Day In Mostar Enough?

Yes, I personally found that this is more than enough to uncover all of the best things to see and do in the city. I know a lot of other people online say that 24 hours in Mostar isn’t enough time but if you mainly want to explore the Old Town then it is plenty of time.

If you would like to explore the countryside that surrounds Mostar, you will need at least 2-3 days.

Is Mostar Safe For Solo Female Travellers?

So, I felt completely safe as a solo female traveller in Mostar, however, there were moments when I felt slightly uncomfortable and I think it’s important to note that there is a difference as I never felt in danger. However, I did experience being intensely stared at by local men.

Other important things to know about Bosnia and Herzegovina

It’s important to know that Bosnia and Herzegovina is a predominantly Muslim country so please be mindful and respectful of that. That being said things did not feel too conservative whilst walking around the city in comparison to other predominantly Muslim countries I have been to.

Happy Exploring

I hope this itinerary has helped you plan the perfect 24 hours in Mostar. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out!