The Old Bridge in Mostar over the Neretva river
DarBosnia Official DarBosnia account Sarajevo

Herzegovina

Mostar travel guide

Region
Herzegovina-Neretva Canton
From Sarajevo
125 km · 2 h 10 min
Best time
May–June and September–October
Time to allow
1–2 nights

Quick answer

Mostar is about 125 km south of Sarajevo. Stay at least one night: the Old Bridge is busiest in the middle of the day and most beautiful at sunset and early morning. With two nights you can add Blagaj, Počitelj and the falls of Kravica, all within 40 km.

Why Mostar is worth a night

Mostar is a small town with one of Europe's most famous bridges. In the middle of a summer day the old town fills with visitors arriving on day tours from the coast; by evening it empties, the stone turns gold and the bridge is lit. That is why we recommend sleeping here rather than passing through.

The town is also the base for Herzegovina: within about 40 km you have the dervish house of Blagaj, the hill village of Počitelj and the falls of Kravica. The Mediterranean climate means figs and pomegranates, warm evenings from May to October and a very hot July.

Getting the best of the bridge

  • Cross it early in the morning before the tour buses arrive.
  • Walk down to the riverbank on either side for the classic view from below.
  • Come back at sunset, then stay for dinner overlooking the river.

Explore

What to see

#PlaceWhat it isTime neededGoogle Maps
1Stari Most — the Old BridgeLandmark1–2 h
Google Maps Directions
2The bridge diversSummer show30–60 min
Google Maps Directions
3The old bazaarOld bazaar1–2 h
Google Maps Directions
4Koski Mehmed Pasha MosqueMosque30–60 min
Google Maps Directions
5BlagajDervish lodge & spring1–2 h
Google Maps Directions
All these places in one routeGoogle Maps ↗

  1. Stari Most — the Old Bridge

    Completed in 1566 by the Ottoman architect Mimar Hayruddin, destroyed in November 1993 and rebuilt with the original techniques; it reopened in 2004 and the old bridge area was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005.

    Google Maps Directions

  2. The bridge divers

    Local divers have jumped from the bridge into the cold Neretva for centuries. In summer they dive when enough coins have been collected — watch from the riverbank below.

    Google Maps Directions

  3. The old bazaar

    Kujundžiluk, the cobbled street on the east bank, is lined with copper, carpets and souvenir shops — and gets crowded at midday.

    Google Maps Directions

  4. Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque

    Climb the minaret for one of the classic views of the bridge.

    Google Maps Directions

  5. Blagaj

    The dervish house at the spring of the Buna, about 15 minutes away — see our Herzegovina guide.

    Google Maps Directions

Practical notes

  • Getting there: about 125 km from Sarajevo by road, or around two hours by train — compare options in Sarajevo to Mostar.
  • The old town is pedestrian with steep cobbles: wear good shoes and expect to carry luggage the last few metres.
  • Summer afternoons are very hot; plan visits early or late and rest at midday.
  • Some mosques and minarets that receive many visitors charge a small entry fee; dress modestly inside.
FromToDistanceDrive time
MostarSarajevo125 km2 h 10 min
MostarBlagaj13 km15 min
MostarPočitelj31 km35 min
MostarKravica waterfall40 km55 min
MostarTrebinje117 km2 h 20 min

Road distance and drive time without stops, calculated with OSRM on OpenStreetMap data (October 2026). Mountain roads, weather, border queues and photo stops add time.

Prices, timetables and entry rules change. We checked the facts on this page on the date shown; confirm time-sensitive details before you travel.

Trips and tours that include it

All travel packages (14)

Questions travellers ask

Is one day enough in Mostar?

One day shows you the bridge and the old town. One night lets you see it at sunset and in the quiet morning; two nights let you add Blagaj, Počitelj and Kravica without rushing.

Can you visit Mostar as a day trip from Sarajevo?

Yes — see the private Mostar day trip. It is a full day of 10 to 12 hours if you add Kravica.

What is the best time to visit Mostar?

Late spring and early autumn are warm without the summer heat and crowds. July and August are very hot, but they are the best months to swim at Kravica.

Sources and further reading

Plan the rest of your trip