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Most travelers visit Mostar for half a day during a guided day trip from cities nearby such as Dubrovnik or Sarajevo. If you have a little more time to spare, I recommend spending one full day in Mostar to savor the charming atmosphere and explore its hidden gems at a more leisurely pace.

During my Balkans road trip with my friend, Kathy, we decided to extend our stay in Mostar after visiting Dubrovnik, granting us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the town for a full 24 hours. Below is a carefully crafted 24-hour itinerary to ensure you make the most of your time in this stunning destination.

6 AM Morning Pictures or Walk

Mostar, a charming small town, is a magnet for European tourists, drawing large crowds throughout the peak season, particularly in August. If you want some pictures before the crowd arrives or if you want to enjoy the town in some peace and quiet, you’ll need to do it first thing in the morning.

Waking up first thing in the morning is not easy for everyone, but the unparalleled serenity and unspoiled charm make it a truly rewarding experience.

Sitting on rocks with Stari Most in the background — Woke up at the crack of dawn for this shot

Walking on cobblestone bridge — Early morning walks in Mostar

8 AM Breakfast at Sadrvan + Bosnian coffee

Sadrvan is a charming and well-loved restaurant nestled in the heart of Mostar, and it's easy to understand its popularity. The quaint outdoor seating area exudes a cozy ambiance, while the attentive servers, adorned in traditional Bosnian attire, add to the authentic experience.

If you’re a coffee drinker, make sure to try some Bosnian coffee here. This was my first time trying it and I found it to be a delightful and unique experience.

Server wearing traditional Bosnian clothing — Servers wearing traditional Bosnian clothing at Sadrvan

Pouring a cup of Bosnian coffee — Trying Bosnian coffee for the first time

9:30 AM Free Walking Tour

I like to kick off my journey in each new city or country with an insightful tour. Engaging in a guided tour enriches my understanding of the local culture and provides me with a comprehensive overview of the town, enabling me to navigate it more confidently later on.

Walking through shopping street of Mostar — Starting our Free guided tour of Mostar

The guided experience also helps me identify specific sites and activities I want to delve into further after the tour concludes. Moreover, these tours offer a fabulous opportunity to interact with locals and occasionally bond with fellow travelers.

There are many free walking tours at various times you can find on GuruWalk or Mostar Free Walking Tours. While these tours are free of charge, it's customary to show appreciation through a tip, usually amounting to around 10 Euros per person.

Tour guide in front of mannequins wearing Bosnian clothing — Our tour guide, Prince, explaining the traditional Bosnian clothing

11:30 AM Lunch at Food House Mostar

Food House Mostar is another well-loved culinary gem nestled in the heart of Mostar, attracting not only locals but also visitors from far and wide. Renowned for its delectable array of traditional dishes infused with ingenious contemporary twists, this restaurant proudly holds its place as a top destination for discerning food enthusiasts seeking the finest culinary experiences in Mostar.

Plate of kabobs — *Photo courtesy of Food Star Restaurant*

12:30 PM Stari Most and the Divers

Stari Most, which literally means Old Bridge, is the quintessential image that comes to mind when envisioning Mostar. Its graceful arch and rich history make it a captivating sight. To truly appreciate its splendor, I recommend wandering beyond the confines of Old Town to discover unique vantage points that offer a fresh perspective on this magnificent landmark.

Crowd gathering around Stari Most to watch the divers

At certain times, you will see one or two divers appear at the center of the iconic bridge. They collect donations for their Divers Club from onlookers and once their collection is complete, they set forth to take the 75-foot plunge into the Neretva River. This is a tradition that dates back to 1664 and is quite an unforgettable sight to see.

2 PM Shopping at Old Bazar Kujundziluk

Old Bazar Kujundziluk is part of Old Town Mostar and there are many small shops and kiosks here selling a variety of goods like Bosnian coffee sets, textiles, and souvenirs. During my visit, I was particularly drawn to the beautiful textiles, and I ended up purchasing a Hammam throw for a great price of 15 Euros, making it a lovely addition to my home.

Hammam throws for sale — Beautiful Hammam throws

Warning about the War Photo Exhibition near the bridge: I strongly advise against visiting this place. We paid 5 Euros to enter and found it to be mainly a shop selling Bosnian souvenirs and coffee sets, with some photos of the Bosnian War inside. The photos were not displayed well and had no explanations.

When my friend took a picture of a map, a store employee harassed us for more money, even though we had already paid to enter. We felt intimidated and had to get confirmation from another staff member before we could leave. It was a frustrating and frightening experience. I recommend learning about the Bosnian War through a guided tour in Sarajevo instead.

Old Bazar Kujundziluk shopping street — Old Bazar Kujundziluk

5 PM Dinner With a View at Restoran Lagero

To enjoy delicious food with a great view of Stari Most, dining at Restoran Lagero is a must-do experience for anyone visiting Mostar. Our server, Dennis, provided exceptional service, enhancing our overall dining enjoyment. The cevapi, a traditional Bosnian dish, surpassed our expectations in terms of flavor and it's safe to say that this was undoubtedly the best cevapi we’ve had.

6:30 PM Sunset at Koski-Mehmed Pasha Mosque

To complete the day, climb up the minaret at Koski-Mehmed Pasha Mosque to get a grand 360-degree view of Mostar at golden hour. You'll find that paying a small fee to enter is 100% worth it for this unforgettable, panoramic experience.

View of Stari Most from the top of the minaret

7:30 PM Walk Around Old Town

If you still have energy left, take a leisurely stroll around Old Town to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere it has to offer. As you wander, you'll come across charming spots resonating with live music and a convivial crowd, creating the perfect setting for you to engage and soak up the local ambiance.

WHERE TO STAY IN MOSTAR

I found the perfect place in Mostar called Pansion Villa Nur which was in a central location for an outstanding price. The owners of the property were very welcoming and helped us park our car and even had homemade ice cream ready for us in the shared kitchen. The convenience and warmth of our welcome made our stay at Villa Nur truly memorable.