Dubrovnik to Mostar: My Complete Guide to Bosnia's Bridge City with Accommodation Prices, Transportation Tips & Must-See Ottoman Architecture
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Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina) is one of the most cozy and unusual European cities, which is a must-see. Most often it is undeservedly devoted only one day, but it is better to stay here longer to feel the whole atmosphere of this amazing place. There are beautiful mosques, colorful markets and historical manors neighboring with abandoned buildings, and above it all reigns the famous Old Bridge.
Today I will tell you about where Mostar is and how to get there from Dubrovnik, what sights are worth seeing, about excursions to Mostar, where you can stay overnight and other useful information for those who want to visit this place.
Mostar: Why it's worth a visit
One of the most ethnically diverse cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mostar stretches picturesquely along both sides of the Neretva River. The two parts of Mostar are connected by the famous Old Bridge, which once gave its name to the city itself.
The turbulent history of the post-Yugoslavian times, alas, destroyed the former splendor – the old buildings of the Ottoman era were badly damaged by bombings, and the Old Bridge itself was almost wiped off the face of the earth, it was restored only in 2004.
Despite such a sad past, today Mostar is an amazingly beautiful, welcoming and lively city with interesting sights in the old center and a lot of picturesque places in the surrounding area.
Mostar is divided into Croatian (Christian) and Bosnian (Muslim) parts – at the time of the Balkan conflict, in fact, but now – rather virtually, nevertheless it imposes some restrictions – for example, on public transportation routes.
Panoramic view of Mostar’s main attraction, the Old Bridge
Where is Mostar and how to get there from Dubrovnik
Mostar is a city in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, located in a picturesque mountainous area on the Neretva River. It is the fifth most populous city in the country and the historical capital of Herzegovina.
Mostar is the administrative center of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton. The city is located at a distance of 130 km from Sarajevo and the same distance from Dubrovnik. The climate of Mostar is characterized as Mediterranean.
Location of Mostar on the map
Mostar is a major transportation hub of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is relatively easy to get here by bus from Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina), as well as Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb (Croatia) and Kotor (Montenegro).
It may be useful: see tickets for various modes of transportation from Dubrovnik to Mostar at this link
Mostar sights: what to see
The name of the town means “guardian of the bridge” and refers to the “Old Bridge” over the Neretva River, built by the Ottoman Turks in 1566 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Destroyed during the Bosnian War of 1992-1995 and rebuilt in 2004, the bridge now symbolizes the country’s return to peaceful life.
Mostar is both history, religion and nature. Pick the destination that interests you most – and hit the road. Mostly all the sights are concentrated in the center – the Old Town, so you can leisurely explore them in one or two days. If you want something more – go outside the city, but we will tell you about that too.
Souvenir shops on the streets of Mostar
Old Bridge
The Old Bridge is the symbol and main attraction of Mostar, and probably one of the most photogenic places in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was built in the middle of the 16th century and replaced an old wooden bridge connecting the two parts of the city, separated by the Neretva River. This architectural monument is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The original bridge was built by Hayrudin, a pupil of the famous Ottoman architect Sinan. This one-arch stone structure on limestone piers, which is protected by two fortified towers, is considered a masterpiece of late medieval Ottoman architecture. The bridge arch is a perfect semicircle with a width of 8.56 meters and a height of 4.15 meters.
The old bridge was destroyed during the Bosnian War and rebuilt in 2004.
View of the Old Bridge from below
Old Town
Despite the destruction the town received during the Bosnian war, beautiful old residential houses from the Ottoman period can be seen in Mostar. Especially interesting are the houses of Muslibegović and Bišević, built in the 17th century. Today they serve as a museum and can give an idea of life in the Ottoman period.
The Muslibegović House-Museum is a remarkable, perfectly preserved example of an Ottoman-era dwelling house. Built 300 years ago, the four-storey house consists of two parts – male and female halves, with many rooms in each.
The exhibited photographs, documents and everyday objects allow you to visualize in great detail the life of a wealthy Turkish bourgeois.
The streets of the old town of Mostar, there are tourists everywhere and numerous souvenir shops here
Curved Bridge
Kriva ćuprija (Kriva ćuprija) is a small stone bridge built in 1558, eight years before the Old Bridge. It is a smaller version of Mostar’s main attraction.
Unfortunately, this bridge is also a copy. The original structure was destroyed in a flood in 2001.
The Crooked Bridge is one of the main tourist attractions of Mostar, a medieval town that is the largest town in Herzegovina and the second largest in the country as a whole.
The Crooked Bridge is located near the famous Old Bridge, which is considered the symbol of Mostar, and connects the banks of the Radoblje River, which flows into the Neretva River.
This small stone arch bridge is so old that no written sources have survived that could shed light on the date of its construction and the name of the author of the project, although certain similarities between the architectural forms of the Old
Bridge and the Crooked Bridge are striking.
Despite its name, the arch of the Crooked Bridge is a perfect semicircle 8.56 meters wide and 4.15 meters high. Stone steps allow tourists to climb the cobblestone bridge from either side of the river.
The Crooked Bridge in Mostar is something like a smaller version of the Old Bridge
Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque
Don’t forget the mosques: one of them is definitely worth a look. The most picturesque is Meshmed Pasha’s Koski (Mala Tepa, 16). It is the backdrop for the Old Bridge in many photos.
You can climb up to the terrace and you’ll get an amazing view of the Old Bridge. Or you can climb to the top of the minaret for 6 Euros. If you don’t want to climb anywhere, the usual entrance to the mosque will cost you 3 Euros.
Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque was built in the 17th century and is an interesting example of Ottoman architecture. The mosque has a colorful interior, and from the height of the minaret you can enjoy a stunning view of the city.
Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque in Mostar
Useful tips for those wishing to visit Mostar
- Almost all Mostar’s sidewalks are covered with small pebbles – river pebbles, so it’s best to wear comfortable shoes without heels.
- Bring clothes that will cover your legs and shoulders. This will be needed when visiting mosques, as well as Orthodox and Catholic churches.
- Most often in Mostar you will have to pay in cash, many places accept euros.
Hotels in Mostar: where to stay if traveling for more than one day
Mostar has an unexpected number of hotels, guesthouses and apartments for such a small town. You should not count on mega-service, but it is quite realistic to find spacious clean rooms with everything you need, and at a very reasonable price.
In general, you can stay in a nice “two-bedroom” or a cozy family guesthouse, though “starless”, for 15-25 Euro per night. With 40 Euros in your pocket, you can claim a higher level of comfort, the most expensive hotel will not cost more than 70 Euros.
Most of the options for accommodation are located in the old center of Mostar, not far from the sights. But even in the modern part of the city can be settled without fear, tourists are treated with hospitality.
- Hotel Villa Park (Lacina, 3) is a cozy place to stay right by the river bank. A night in a double room – from 21 euros, for breakfast you will have to pay an additional € 3. The hotel is located 15 minutes from the main attractions.
- Villa Anri (Braće Đukića, 4) is a hotel built inside a historical building. There are stone arches, traditional carpets and furniture, and tiled floors. In general, everything is as it should be. Bonus – a magnificent view of the neighborhood from the balcony. A night here will cost you 50 Euros.
- Boutique Hotel Old Town Mostar (Rade Bitange, 9a) is located in the very historical center of Mostar, near the Old Bridge. It is a small hotel with only 10 rooms, each of which is decorated very stylishly. The cost of a room here is from 175 Euros, including breakfast, which can be served right by the river.
- The five-star hotel Mepas (Kardinala Stepinca, bb) also deserves your attention. Prices for a room here start from 80 Euros, including breakfast. This price includes spa, massage, Finnish sauna and gym. The rooms offer a panoramic view of the whole Mostar. The hotel is located inside a shopping center, so in the evening you can go to the movies or go bowling.
You may find it useful: see all hotels and apartments in Mostar at this link
Hostels in Mostar: budget accommodation options
Hostels and other budget accommodation options are slowly just starting to appear in Mostar, so don’t expect anything decent from them. Basically, they are all similar to each other, including the fact that in each of them you can find a friendly host who will tell you all about his hometown.
- The cheapest accommodation option, Hostel Dada (Braće Knežića 7), is a 10-minute walk from the city center. A bunk in a shared six-bed room will cost you 6 Euros. A nice bonus: the price includes a delicious breakfast. A hostess to help you with all the hassles and tell you about the city is priceless. If going in winter, stock up on warm clothes, the room can get chilly.
- Hostel Nina (Čelebića 18) is praised by everyone for its homely atmosphere and good hosts. The place is owned by a large family and you will have time to get to know each member. A bed in an 8-bed room with breakfast costs 7 Euros. You can also book a sightseeing tour of the city and the surrounding area.
- Hostel Tarik (GašeIlića 4) is located right next to the Old Bridge. The terrace offers a great view of the surrounding mountains. A night in a double room starts from 19 Euros.
- At the Lovely Home Hostel (Husrefa Čisiča 11) you will be welcomed like family with a welcome drink and warm words. You can rent a bicycle for cheap. A bed from 7.50 euros.
You may find it useful: see all hostels in Mostar here