2 Day Guide to Mostar: Bridges, Bazaars & Itinerary

Mostar is a city that feels like a living storybook. Set along the emerald-green Neretva River, it is best known for the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), lively bazaars, Ottoman houses, and riverside cafés that invite you to slow down. While many travelers rush through on a quick day trip, spending two full days in Mostar allows you to experience both the highlights and the hidden gems, from historic mosques and artisan workshops to nearby waterfalls and tranquil villages.
Whether you’re watching divers leap from the Old Bridge, sipping Bosnian coffee in a shaded courtyard, or wandering through medieval streets at sunset, Mostar promises a journey that lingers long after you leave.

Why Visit Mostar for Two Days?

Mostar is often included as a stopover on the way from Sarajevo to Dubrovnik or Split, but those who stay longer discover a different side of the city. The crowds thin out once the day-trippers leave, and the quiet evenings reveal Mostar’s true atmosphere, lantern-lit bazaars, riverside cafés filled with locals, and music echoing through narrow lanes.

Spending two days gives you the balance you need: Day One for the Old Town’s bridges, mosques, and markets, and Day Two for natural wonders like the Kravice Waterfalls and cultural gems like Blagaj and Počitelj. With more time, you can slow down, enjoy authentic meals, and connect with Mostar’s layered history rather than rushing from one landmark to another.

How to Reach Mostar?

Mostar’s central location in the Balkans makes it surprisingly easy to reach, whether you’re coming from within Bosnia or neighboring Croatia.

• From Sarajevo: Trains run twice daily, offering one of the most scenic rail journeys in Europe as the line winds through mountains and river valleys. The trip takes around two hours.
  
• From Dubrovnik or Split (Croatia): Frequent buses connect the Croatian coast with Mostar in about 3 to 4 hours, making it an easy cross-border destination.
  
• By Air: Mostar International Airport has limited but growing connections, especially during the summer months.
  
• By Car: Driving gives the most flexibility, especially if you plan to explore Blagaj, Počitelj, or Kravice on Day Two.
  

The journey to Mostar is part of the experience-the landscapes leading to the city are filled with mountains, rivers, and vineyards.

Best Time to Visit Mostar

While Mostar can be visited year-round, some seasons stand out:

• Spring (April to June): The city is in bloom, temperatures are pleasant, and waterfalls are full from spring rains.
  
• Autumn (September to October): Warm days and cool evenings make exploring comfortable, and there are fewer tourists.
  
• Summer (July to August): The busiest period, with high temperatures and crowded streets. Still worth visiting, but prepare for the heat.
  
• Winter (November to March): Quieter, with fewer visitors, though some attractions may close early.
  

For most travelers, spring and autumn are ideal, striking a balance between atmosphere and comfort.

Where to Stay in Mostar?

Accommodation in Mostar ranges from boutique hotels to family-run guesthouses. Staying within or near the Old Town is recommended, as it puts you within walking distance of most landmarks.

• Boutique Hotels: Often housed in restored Ottoman-era homes, these blend charm with comfort.
  
• Guesthouses: Family-run stays give a personal touch, with homemade breakfasts and local tips.
  
• Riverside Stays: Some hotels and apartments offer direct views of Stari Most, perfect for watching the bridge at sunset.
  

Wherever you stay, Mostar’s hospitality ensures a warm welcome and a chance to experience local life.

Staying Connected in Mostar

Exploring Mostar’s narrow alleys, planning day trips to Blagaj or Kravice, or booking tickets online becomes easier with reliable mobile data. Instead of searching for local SIM cards, travelers can activate an eSIM from Voye Global before arrival.

• Instant Setup: No need to visit shops or deal with paperwork.
  
• Coverage Across Borders: If you’re traveling through Bosnia and Croatia, one eSIM keeps you connected.
  
• No Wi-Fi Hunting: Stay online even in smaller villages or at natural sites.
  

Staying connected means you can focus on enjoying Mostar, sharing photos instantly, using maps without stress, and checking bus times on the go.

Day 1 in Mostar: Bridges, Bazaars & Old Town Stories

Setting the Scene in Mostar

Mostar is more than just a postcard-perfect city; it is a place layered with centuries of history, blending Ottoman elegance, Austro-Hungarian influences, and Balkan resilience. For travelers short on time, two days are enough to immerse yourself in its culture, taste its food, and wander its riverside alleys.

This first day is about connecting with the Old Town – the stone-paved streets, the centuries-old bridges, and the rhythm of daily life that makes Mostar a living museum.

Morning: Begin at the Heart – Stari Most

Your day should start early, ideally around 8 AM, before the tour groups arrive. The Stari Most (Old Bridge) is the symbol of Mostar, rebuilt after the war and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• The View: Stand at its midpoint and gaze down at the emerald Neretva River. You’ll notice how the water reflects the sunlight, a scene that has inspired painters and poets alike.
  
• Bridge Divers: Local divers often leap from the bridge into the icy water, continuing a centuries-old tradition. If you’re lucky, you might witness the heart-stopping dive.
  
• Photography Tip: The light is soft in the morning, perfect for photos without heavy crowds.
  

Coffee Stop with a View

Just a few steps from the bridge, cafés serve Bosnian coffee in copper džezvas. Unlike espresso, this is a ritual – sip slowly, pair it with a piece of Turkish delight, and watch the city wake up.

Mid-Morning: Mosques and Bazaars

From the bridge, wander into Kujundžiluk Bazaar, where copperware, textiles, and handmade jewelry line the cobblestones. The scent of spices mingles with the sound of artisans hammering patterns into plates.

• Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque: A 17th-century mosque with one of the best minaret views of the Old Bridge. The climb is steep, but the panorama rewards every step.
  
• Muslibegović House: A preserved Ottoman home showcasing traditional life. Walk through its garden courtyards and rooms decorated with embroidered textiles.
  
• Kajtaz House: A smaller but equally fascinating glimpse into Mostar’s Ottoman past, offering stories of family life during the era.
  

Lunch: Flavors of Herzegovina

Food in Mostar is hearty, flavorful, and steeped in tradition. For lunch, try:

• Ćevapi: Small grilled sausages served with flatbread.
  
• Burek: Flaky pastry filled with cheese, spinach, or meat.
  
• Blatina wine: Produced in Herzegovina, it pairs well with grilled dishes.
  

Choose a restaurant terrace overlooking the river. Eating while watching the Old Bridge shimmer in the sun is a memory in itself.

Afternoon: Hidden Corners and Riverside Strolls

Spend your afternoon at a slower pace, discovering corners of Mostar that many visitors overlook.

• Crooked Bridge (Kriva Ćuprija): A smaller, older version of Stari Most tucked into a quieter lane. Legend says it was built first to test the design for the main bridge.
  
• Partisan Memorial Cemetery: A striking modernist monument, partially neglected but powerful in symbolism.
  
• Riverside Walks: Wander along the Neretva, where the turquoise water contrasts with Mostar’s stone facades.

Evening: Sunset and Dinner

As evening falls, the Old Bridge glows under golden light. Find a café terrace or riverside restaurant to soak in the view.

Dinner ideas:

• Sogan-dolma: Onions stuffed with minced meat and rice.
  
• Tufahija: Apples poached and stuffed with walnuts.
  
• Baklava: Sweet layers of pastry and honey.
  

When night arrives, the old town quiets as day-trippers leave. Stroll the lantern-lit alleys, listen to music from tucked-away bars, and enjoy Mostar at its most intimate.

 Day 2 in Mostar: Beyond the Old Town

Why Day Two Feels Different

While Day One grounds you in Mostar’s Old Town – with its bridges, bazaars, and Ottoman houses – Day Two is about venturing beyond the stone streets. The surrounding landscapes and villages hold stories just as powerful as Stari Most itself: Sufi monasteries perched by rivers, waterfalls that rival natural wonders, and historic fortresses that echo centuries of trade and war.

This second day combines cultural immersion with natural beauty, balancing slow exploration with moments of awe.

Morning: Blagaj Tekke – The Dervish Monastery at the Source of a River

Start your morning with a short drive (about 15 minutes) from Mostar to Blagaj, a village famous for its Tekke (Dervish Monastery). Built in the 16th century, the monastery sits dramatically at the base of a cliff, right where the Buna River bursts from a cave.

• Atmosphere: The setting is serene, with turquoise water, swans gliding across the river, and the white monastery clinging to the rock.
  
• Spiritual Experience: Visitors can step inside, covering their shoulders and legs as a sign of respect. The rooms are decorated with carpets, low seating, and prayer areas.
  
• Photography Tip: The reflection of the monastery in the river is at its best in the early morning light.
  

Grab a riverside coffee before heading out. Cafés in Blagaj serve Turkish-style coffee with views of the Buna spring, a peaceful start to the day.

Mid-Morning: Počitelj – The Ottoman Village on a Hill

From Blagaj, continue about 30 minutes south to Počitelj, a fortified Ottoman village that looks like time has stopped.

• The Climb: Stone staircases wind up to the fortress, offering sweeping views over the Neretva River valley.
  
• Architecture: Počitelj is known for its stone houses, mosques, and art studios. Many local artists sell paintings inspired by the village’s beauty.
  
• Quiet Corners: Unlike Mostar, Počitelj is often less crowded, giving you space to wander slowly.
  

This stop adds depth to your understanding of the region – it is not just about Mostar, but also about the smaller towns that supported its trade and culture.

Lunch: Traditional Konoba (Tavern)

Head back toward Mostar for lunch, stopping at a konoba, a traditional Bosnian tavern. Here you can try:

• Begova Čorba (Bey’s Soup): A hearty chicken and vegetable stew thickened with egg yolk and cream.
  
• Grilled Trout: Fresh from Herzegovina’s rivers.
  
• Herzegovinian Wine: Locally grown Žilavka (white) or Blatina (red).
  

Meals are slow and communal, best enjoyed with time to relax and converse.

Afternoon: Kravice Waterfalls – Bosnia’s Natural Wonder

No trip to Mostar is complete without visiting the Kravice Waterfalls, about a 45-minute drive away.

• The Falls: A stunning series of cascades, 25 meters high and spanning nearly 100 meters across. In summer, the pools below are perfect for swimming.
  
• Activities: Rent a kayak, take a dip, or simply spread out a picnic blanket and soak in the view.
  
• Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon light makes the water sparkle, and the crowds thin after 4 PM.
  

Bring swimwear if you’re visiting in summer, and a jacket if in spring or autumn, as it can get misty near the falls.

Evening: Return to Mostar – Dinner and Local Music

After the waterfalls, return to Mostar for your final evening. Choose a riverside restaurant or a tavern tucked into the bazaar. End your trip with:

• Japrak: Vine leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice.
  
• Baklava and Coffee: The perfect finale to your Bosnian culinary journey.
  
• Live Music: Some cafés and bars feature sevdalinka, traditional Bosnian folk songs filled with emotion and history.
  

The sound of music drifting through stone alleys at night is the memory you’ll carry home.

Smart Travel Hacks for Day 2

• Transport: Renting a car for the day is the most flexible way to reach Blagaj, Počitelj, and Kravice. Tours are available if you prefer not to drive.
  
• Timing: Start early to avoid crowds, especially at Kravice.
  
• Connectivity: Navigation apps are essential, particularly for waterfall routes with little signage. Using Voye Global’s eSIM means you stay online without hunting for local SIMs or public Wi-Fi.

Pro Tip: Travelers often compare plans across Europe. For instance, some who first travel in Croatia and then head to Bosnia find it easier to keep a single digital line running – whether it’s an eSIM for Bosnia and Herzegovina – without juggling multiple SIM cards. Voye makes this switch effortless.

Extra Tips, Souvenirs & Smart Travel with Voye Global

Extending Your Experience in Mostar

By now, you’ve walked the Stari Most, wandered the bazaars, explored mosques and Ottoman houses, visited Blagaj and Počitelj, and swum under Kravice waterfalls. But Mostar still has more to offer – subtle experiences, quiet corners, and local practices that add color to your journey.

This third part highlights how to deepen your trip: what to buy, how to stay safe, where to find the best views, and why seamless connectivity with Voye Global ensures your two-day itinerary runs effortlessly.

Hidden Corners of Mostar

• Local Bridges and Alleys: Beyond Stari Most and Kriva Ćuprija, small stone bridges and narrow side alleys reveal bakeries, family-owned cafés, and artisan workshops away from the crowds.
  
• Sniper Tower: Once a bank, this abandoned building became a sniper post during the war. Covered in street art today, it’s a raw reminder of history and resilience.
  
• War Photo Exhibition: A small but moving display that documents Mostar’s wartime years, often curated by survivors.
  

Photography Tips for Travelers

Mostar is one of Europe’s most photogenic cities, but to get images beyond the standard bridge shots:

1. Sunrise from Koski Mehmed Pasha Minaret: Capture Mostar bathed in early light.
   
2. Evening Golden Hour on Stari Most: The bridge glows against the turquoise river.
   
3. Candid Shots in the Bazaar: Ask artisans before photographing – many are happy if you show genuine interest.

Souvenirs to Buy in Mostar

Shopping in Mostar is not just about souvenirs; it’s about supporting artisans keeping centuries-old traditions alive.

• Copperware: Hand-hammered plates and coffee sets, crafted in the same way for generations.
  
• Rugs and Textiles: Ottoman-inspired patterns woven by local families.
  
• Jewelry: Handmade silver or copper pieces from market stalls.
  
• Bosnian Coffee Sets: Complete with džezva (pot), fildžan (cups), and sugar cubes.
  
• Local Honey and Rakija: Popular edible gifts representing Herzegovina’s countryside.
  

Safety and Practical Advice

• Cobblestones: Wear shoes with grip; the stones near the bridge are polished and slippery.
  
• Crowds: Visit early morning or late evening to avoid heavy tourist flow.
  
• Respectful Travel: Dress modestly when entering mosques or religious sites.
  
• Transport Tip: Trains and buses connect Mostar to Sarajevo, Dubrovnik, and Split, making it a great stop on a Balkan route.

Why Voye Global is the Ideal Travel Companion in Mostar?

Traveling through Mostar is simple, but staying connected makes it smoother. From navigating to Kravice waterfalls to translating menus in Počitelj, reliable internet ensures you enjoy without interruptions.

About Voye Global

Voye Global is more than an eSIM provider. It is your digital travel partner, offering instant activation, affordable data plans, and coverage across multiple countries – perfect for travelers weaving Bosnia into a larger European trip.

Why Choose Voye Global for Travel

• Instant Activation: No need to hunt for local SIM cards upon arrival.
  
• Pan-European Coverage: One eSIM works across borders, saving time and hassle.
  
• Reliable Network Switching: Automatically connects to the strongest available local carrier.
  
• Affordable Plans: Flexible options for both short stays and longer journeys.
  
• Secure Connection: Avoids the risks of using public Wi-Fi.
  

Benefits of a Trip to Mostar

• Maps Without Stress: Navigate Mostar’s alleys and mountain roads.
  
• Translation on the Go: Use apps to read menus or chat with locals.
  
• Stay Social: Share Stari Most sunsets live without lag.
  
• Book Tickets Instantly: Whether for waterfalls or bus rides, online bookings become seamless.
  
• No Roaming Charges: Predictable pricing keeps costs under control.

FAQs – Essential Questions for a 2 Day Trip to Mostar

Q1. Is 2 days enough in Mostar?
Yes, two days are perfect for the Old Town, Blagaj, Počitelj, and Kravice waterfalls.

Q2. When is the best time to visit Mostar?
Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

Q3. Is Mostar easy to explore on foot?
Yes, the Old Town is compact, walkable, and best enjoyed by walking.

Q4. What should I pack for Mostar?
Bring comfortable shoes, modest clothing for mosques, and swimwear for waterfalls.

Q5. What souvenirs can I buy in Mostar?
Copper coffee sets, handmade rugs, silver jewelry, and local honey are great choices.

Q6. How do I stay connected while in Mostar?
With a Voye Global eSIM, you can activate data instantly without needing a local SIM.

Q7. Why should I choose Voye Global in Mostar?
Voye offers instant activation, reliable coverage, and affordable data across Bosnia and beyond.