Lykkers, imagine a stone arch high above emerald water, lanterns glowing at dusk, and cobbled alleys humming softly with chatter. That is Mostar: compact, atmospheric, and surprisingly gentle on the wallet.

This guide gathers the essentials—how to get there, what to see, where to stay, and how much to budget—so your time in this riverside city feels effortless.

Where Is Mostar

Mostar sits in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, in a valley carved by the Neretva River and framed by rocky hills. It lies about 150 km from Dubrovnik, 166 km from Split, and roughly 125 km from Sarajevo, which makes it easy to add to a Croatian or Balkan itinerary.

The climate is warm in summer and mild in spring and autumn. Late April–June and September–October bring pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. A single day reveals the highlights, but staying one or two nights lets visitors enjoy quiet mornings and evenings after day-trippers leave.

Getting There

From Dubrovnik, direct buses to Mostar usually take around 3–4 hours and start at roughly $14–$30 one way, depending on company and date. Many travelers use this as a scenic hop between the Croatian coast and inland Bosnia.

From Sarajevo, a beautiful train ride through mountains and along the Neretva valley takes just under two hours, with tickets often from about $8–$10 each way. Buses cover the same route in around 2–2.5 hours for roughly $10–$13. Roads are generally in good condition but can be winding, so self-drivers should allow extra time and avoid rushing.

Money Basics

The local currency is the Bosnian Convertible Mark (BAM), pegged close to 1 EUR ≈ 1.95 BAM. Many hotels and some restaurants accept euros, but BAM is useful for smaller shops, bakeries, and local buses. ATMs are common in the center, and cards are widely accepted in tourist areas.

Average reported daily costs in Mostar hover around $90–$100 per person for comfortable mid-range travel, including hotel, meals, and local transport. Budget-conscious visitors can drop that to about $40–$60 per day by picking guesthouses, simple eateries, and mostly free sightseeing.

Where To Stay

Mostar is compact, so staying in or near the Old Town means being steps from the famous bridge and bazaar. Traditional guesthouses, boutique hotels, and apartments cluster around both banks of the Neretva, many with terraces overlooking the river. Shared hostel dorms can start around $15–$20 per night, while simple 3-star hotels or family guesthouses often range between $30 and $60 per room. Expect to pay about $70 and up for more stylish heritage stays or properties with standout views.

Names that regularly receive strong reviews include riverside boutique hotels near the Old Bridge and restored Ottoman-era houses that now operate as intimate hotels with leafy courtyards.

Old Town Walks

The centerpiece of Mostar is Stari Most, the stone “Old Bridge” that arches elegantly over the Neretva and links both sides of the historic center. The bridge area and surrounds form a UNESCO-listed site celebrated for its blend of Ottoman and later architectural styles.

For a different angle on the bridge, visitors can descend to the riverbanks below or climb the tower that houses the Old Bridge Museum. Inside, exhibits explain the engineering and reconstruction techniques, and the rooftop platform offers sweeping views. Tickets typically cost around 10–12 BAM (about $6–$7), and opening hours are generally 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Charming Bridges

A short walk from Stari Most lies Kriva Ćuprija, the “Crooked Bridge,” a smaller stone arch over the Radobolja stream. Built in the 16th century, it looks like a miniature twin of the main bridge and makes a wonderfully quiet photo stop, especially in the evening when nearby terraces light up.

Stone steps on both sides can become smooth over time, so grippy footwear helps. From here, narrow lanes lead back into the old quarter, full of small workshops and guesthouses.

Bazaar Streets

Crossing Stari Most into the Old Town, travelers soon reach Kujundžiluk, a cobbled market street lined with stalls and small shops. Many stands sell copperware, textiles, ceramics, and framed photographs of the city, while others offer simple souvenirs and magnets.

Prices vary, but small keepsakes often begin around $3–$5, with hand-crafted items or artwork starting from roughly $15–$40. Cash is handy here; some vendors accept cards, yet smaller stands may only take BAM. Early morning or late afternoon visits avoid the busiest hours.

Museums & Houses

Beyond the Old Bridge Museum, Mostar has several historic houses that reveal how affluent families once lived. Muslibegović House, part museum and part boutique hotel, is frequently described as one of Herzegovina’s finest preserved traditional homes, with carved wood ceilings and a tranquil courtyard.

Entry fees at house-museums are usually modest—often just a few dollars—and visits rarely take more than an hour. They are ideal for hot afternoons, combining shade, culture, and a deeper sense of how daily life once unfolded behind those stone walls.

Day Trips

One of the most popular excursions from Mostar is Kravica (Kravice) Waterfalls, about 40 km away—often a 40–60 minute drive along a well-marked road. Entrance currently costs around 20 BAM (about $11) for adults, collected during daytime hours, with parking about €1 and access to a broad natural pool for swimming in summer.

Another easy outing is to the village of Blagaj, roughly 12 km from Mostar, where a powerful karst spring pours from beneath a high cliff into the clear Buna River. Cafés line the riverbank, and short boat rides sometimes explore the cave at the source. Local buses cost around 2 BAM (about $1) each way, or taxis typically quote about €10 one way.

Food & Treats

Mostar’s food scene leans hearty and affordable. Simple bakeries sell warm pastries and filled pies for around $2–$4, perfect for an inexpensive breakfast or snack. Traditional restaurants in and around the Old Town usually offer generous grilled dishes, stews, and salads, with main courses often between $6 and $12.

Desserts are a highlight: syrupy pastries, nut-filled sweets, and seasonal cakes appear on many menus, typically $3–$5 per portion. Riverside and bridge-view eateries may charge slightly higher prices than backstreet spots, but even these remain reasonable compared with many Western European cities.

Trip Budget

To sketch a sample two-day visit for one person: a return bus from Dubrovnik might cost about $30–$60, depending on date and operator. Two nights in a mid-range guesthouse near the Old Town could total $80–$140, while daily meals and snacks may land around $25–$40. Add roughly $6–$7 for the Old Bridge Museum and about $11 plus bus or tour costs for Kravica Waterfalls, and a well-rounded stay still remains friendly to most budgets.

Final Moments

Friends, Mostar rewards slow wandering: pausing on Stari Most to watch the river shimmer, lingering over dessert in a stone courtyard, or ending the day with golden light on centuries-old houses. With clear prices, easy transport, and memorable day trips, it fits neatly into a Balkan journey without overwhelming the schedule—or the wallet.

After picturing those bridge views and waterfall pools, what kind of stay would you plan here first—a one-night taster, or a longer pause to fully soak in Mostar’s charm?