Plan the Perfect Day Trip to Mostar From Dubrovnik in 2023

Last updated on May 22nd, 2023 at 12:10 pm

Looking for tips on how to plan a day trip to Mostar from Dubrovnik? I’ve got you covered!

Travel from one fairytale town to the next during a quick Dubrovnik Mostar day trip. Just a short drive away from the famous walled city, Mostar (located in Bosnia & Herzegovina) offers medieval history, scenic surroundings, and quaint cobbled alleys.

Traveling to Mostar from Dubrovnik is a pretty easy jaunt, but it will require a bit of planning and preparation. Of course, if you want to experience Mostar in-depth, you can certainly spend more than 24 hours in this city. But, its close proximity to southern Dalmatia does make for the perfect Dubrovnik day trip if you don’t have the time for an extended trip into Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In this post, I’ll share all the details you need to plan a Dubrovnik Mostar day trip, including transportation advice, where to stay overnight in Mostar (if you choose to extend your stay), and what there is to do (and see) in this charming destination. So let’s get started!

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Plan the Perfect Day Trip to Mostar From Dubrovnik

About Mostar

The city of Mostar is in the country of Bosnia and Herzegovina and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was originally constructed in the 15th and 16th centuries. When you step inside the parameters of the old city, you’ll understand why this city is protected and preserved. 

From the famous Stari Most (Mostar Bosnia Bridge) to the uniquely designed edifices of the city buildings, Mostar is one of the best examples of an Ottoman frontier city met by the influences of the Mediterranean and Western Europe. 

Unfortunately, this region of the world saw serious unrest in the 1990s during the Yugoslavian wars, and much of the original standing buildings and bridges in Mostar were destroyed. They were, however, reconstructed to look identical to how they looked previously. This is partially why the city seems so well preserved and pristine – because most of the facades have been completely refurbished in recent years. 

The wars that plagued this region throughout the 90s were a series of ethnic conflicts that ultimately led to the breakup of Yugoslavia and the creation of 6 individual countries. The borders of these countries were drawn mainly around ethnic and historical boundaries to create governments that were more culturally aligned and ultimately reduced the conflict. The conflicts during this time were heinous and revolved heavily around the ethnic cleansing of the Bosnian people.

Today the reconstructed Mostar Old Bridge and city symbolize the new era of peace and celebration of multicultural diversity. When you visit Mostar, you can learn a lot more about the city’s history and the war which once ravaged this picturesque city.

How to Get to Mostar from Dubrovnik

You might be wondering: How far is Mostar from Dubrovnik?

Luckily, the historic city is only a 2.5 hour drive away from Dubrovnik, making a Mostar day trip the perfect addition to your Croatia itinerary. Your travel time may vary depending on whether or not you choose to drive from Dubrovnik to Mostar or take the bus.

There are a few travel options to consider when you’re planning a day trip from Dubrovnik to Mostar. Dubrovnik can be an expensive destination, so based on your budget and the amount of time you have, you can choose among several travel options. You can choose to travel to Mostar from Dubrovnik with an organized tour, by bus, or at your own pace with a rental car.

Below we’ll look into several options for how to get to Mostar from Dubrovnik.

Mostar Tour from Dubrovnik

There are many day trips from Dubrovnik, and Mostar remains among the most popular! If it’s raining in Dubrovnik, Mostar is a fantastic choice for a day trip as it is further inland and usually sunny.

If you want an efficient and thorough day trip to Mostar from Dubrovnik where you won’t have to do too much pre-planning, hopping on a small group tour is the way to go. Once on board, you’ll be whisked away to the likes of Mostar, Kravice Waterfalls, and potentially Medjugorje, depending on what tour you book. Most tour companies operating Mostar day trips from Dubrovnik will pick you up from your accommodation in Dubrovnik or will have a central meeting point. 

Organized day trips from Dubrovnik to Mostar generally last 10-12 hours and leave bright and early in the AM. The perk to this is you will be back in Dubrovnik for dinner and can still have the whole evening back in town. Tours to Mostar might cost anywhere from 50 USD to 75 USD depending on what tour you opt for and what you would like included. Some tours will cover ticket prices of some of the sites you will visit; others may not. It’s a good idea to do thorough research on which tour you want to go on so you can plan ahead if you should pack snacks and anticipate tariffs or additional fees.

Here are some of the best Mostar to Dubrovnik tours available:

Mostar & Kravica Waterfalls: Small Group Tour from Dubrovnik
This small group tour is one of the most popular full day tours to Mostar from Dubrovnik. Your day will begin with an early morning pick-up at your hotel in Dubrovnik followed by a scenic journey to the border of Croatia and Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Your first stop on this tour will be the beautiful Kravice Waterfalls, hidden in the forests of Bosnia & Herzegovina. Here, you’ll have free time to relax beside the falls, or if you can brave the icy cold waters, jump in for a swim! After hanging out at Kravice, you’ll continue to Mostar and embark on a short walking tour of the city with your guide. You’ll then have some free time to roam around on your own and enjoy a traditional meal (like cevapcici) before hopping back into your air conditioned mini van back to Dubrovnik.

Check prices and availability for this tour here.

Private Tour: Mostar Day Trip from Dubrovnik
Explore Bosnia & Herzegovina’s top attractions on a private tour of Mostar from Dubrovnik. This tour is a great option if you are traveling as a family or small group, and want some extra flexibility. Your guide, and driver, will provide a wealth of of information and knowledge that you simply cannot get from other group tours, making your trip even more meaningful.

Your tour will begin with pick-up from your hotel in Dubrovnik. From there, you’ll drive up the coast while enjoying scenic views of the Elafiti Islands as you make your way toward the border. After arriving in Bosnia & Herzegovina, you’ll first visit the Ottoman village of Počitelj, and learn about its ancient history. Then, your guide will take you to Mostar for some sightseeing and lunch at a local, traditional restaurant.

While in the city, you’ll have time to witness the Old Bridge, bridge jumpers, mosques, museums, and wander through the charming cobblestone streets of the Old City. You’ll end your day with a visit to Kravice Waterfalls with plenty of time for swimming. Of course, since this is a private tour, you’ll have the opportunity to swap Kravice Falls for a different activity such as visiting the town of Ston, famous for its oysters and mussels, before going back to Dubrovnik.

Check prices and availability for this tour here.

Mostar and Medjugorje Day Trip from Dubrovnik
Visit three iconic sites on this guided group tour of Bosnia & Herzegovina from Dubrovnik. On the morning of your trip, you’ll meet at the meeting point (or you can request pick-up from your hotel) and travel to the border of Croatia and Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Your first stop of the day will be the UNESCO-protected village of Počitelj, where you’ll have some free time to explore the historic, oriental-Mediterranean village along the banks of the Neretva River. Afterwards, you’ll head to Medjugorje where, in 1981, six children saw the Virgin Mary appear. Since then, Medjugorje has become one of the most popular spots for Catholic pilgrimage in the world.

Finally, your tour will end in the Old City of Mostar, where your guide will walk you through town while sharing the unique history of the divided town (one half is Christian and the other half is Muslim). While in Mostar, be sure to enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee and sample the local delicacy, cevapcici!

Check prices and availability for this tour here.

Traveling to Mostar by Bus

If you do not want to take an organized tour with a guide and a group or prefer not to rent a car, you also have the option of taking a bus from Dubrovnik to Mostar. However, you should know that taking the Dubrovnik Mostar bus is a long journey due to stops, traffic, and special border checks for busses.

The travel time indicates 3 hours, but it may be up to 6 hours depending on the time of year, the time of day, and the border conditions. So if you want to take the Dubrovnik to Mostar bus just for the day, keep in mind that about 12 hours of bus time. If you are spending at least one night in Mostar, then this option will be the most economically friendly, with one-way tickets costing around 20 USD. 

Mostar is pretty small and is a heavily pedestrianized city. So if you are taking the bus, you’ll be pleased to know the bus station is just outside of Mostar Old Town. You should be able to walk to your accommodation fairly quickly from here.

If planning a trip from Dubrovnik to Mostar by bus, be sure to check the current departure dates and times. View the Mostar bus schedule here.

Driving to Mostar from Dubrovnik

The distance from Dubrovnik to Mostar is 131.5 kilometers, and if you are traveling by car, the journey should take you about 2.5 hours. Again, the Dubrovnik to Mostar drive can vary depending on your travel conditions. But ultimately, this is the quickest and most efficient way to get to Mostar.

There are three routes you can take to get to from Dubrovnik to Mostar by car, so you will have a bit of flexibility; if there is traffic on one, take the other! 

Once you arrive in Mostar by car, you will have to park outside of the old town since the city is completely pedestrianized. There are plenty of parking lots just outside the city, so you shouldn’t have much trouble finding a space. Mostar parking lots basically surround the town, so have a quick look in advance to find the one closest to the sites you want to see (or if you are staying the night, the one closest to your accommodation, so you don’t need to haul your luggage too far!). 

Things to Do in Mostar

Whether you prefer perusing the markets, learning the history of the old town, or enjoying the views from the ancient bridge, Mostar is a quaint city that is easy to explore in just one day. Below you’ll find plenty of Mostar things to do!

Walk Across Stari Most Bridge

This famous bridge is the landmark of Mostar and has been seen in photographs and videos shared around the world. The town itself gets its name from this famous bridge that crosses over the Neretva River. Stari Most has been recently reconstructed since the devastation the war brought to Mostar in the 1990s.

In July each year, there is an annual bridge jumping competition that has been occurring for over 450 years. Spectators gather on the bridge and on the river bank below to watch the daring jumpers fly from this 20 meter (66 feet) bridge. But don’t get any ideas, jumping from this bridge is only for professionals since it’s quite a far fall and the water below is a fast moving, freezing cold, river. 

Good to know: The currency in Mostar is officially the Convertible Mark (KM). However, the Euro is widely accepted.

Wander Through The Old Bazaar Kujundziluk 

Enjoy the reminiscent Ottoman ambiance of this traditional-style market, selling a variety of colorful scarves and clothing, Turkish-style rugs, copper and metal trinkets, spices, and more. Here you can also find Turkish restaurants and small cafe bars to stop for lunch or just a quick refreshment. This small center in the city held up surprisingly well during the war era and remains to be one of the oldest corners of Mostar. Browse through the endless array of goods while strolling through the meandering cobbled streets and revel in the multicultural atmosphere.

Visit Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque and Climb the Minaret

The most famous mosque in Mostar, Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, is definitely worth a visit when wandering through the Old City. You’ll have to cover your shoulders to enter, so it’s a good idea to have a shawl. Alternatively, you can get one at the entrance.

Admire the interior of the 17th-century mosque, decorated in murals and a beautiful, oriental carpet. The real highlight of visiting this mosque are the views of Mostar from the minaret that towers over the Old City. Climb up the narrow, winding staircase to witness the Old Bridge and gorgeous surrounding area from the top of the minaret (it’s worth the 89 steps!).

It’s a good idea to try and get there early in the morning to beat the crowds of visitors and be the first one at the top.

Relax Along the Neretva River Bank

If you’re in need of an afternoon break after a busy morning of traveling and exploring, take a load off down by the Neretva River bank. If you’re visiting Mostar in the summertime, it may be tempting to jump fully in the water, but be aware this is a swift moving river and its icy cold! Even in the summer months this river never fully warms up. So it’s best suited for wadding in and just going up to your knees, maybe splashing a bit of water on you to help cool down. 

If you’re traveling on a budget, you can always grab some food from the market and host a nice little afternoon picnic by the waterside. There are a few areas to lay out along the rocks here just below the Stari Most bridge. If you’re traveling at the end of July and want to watch the bridge jumping competition, it’s a great idea to bring a few snacks and bottles of water and stake out a spot down here early to beat the crowds that will flock to watch the jumpers.

Visit the War Photo Exhibition

If you’re intrigued by history and are interested in learning more about the turbulent past of Mostar, pop by the Mostar War Photo Exhibition. The exhibition is actually inside of the western tower that stands over the Stari Most bridge, so it’s a great opportunity to explore the inside of the tower. The exhibition is home to 50 influential wartime photographs that will give you some insight to the war in this region.

Get Lost in the Alleys of Old Town Mostar

No trip to Mostar is complete without an aimless wander through Mostar Old Town. Mostar itself is not too big, it’s easy to see the whole old town in an afternoon. Walk around the cobbled streets and enjoy the Ottoman / Anglo architecture. Some corners of the city are filled with smells of Shisha and colored with elaborate rugs and colorful fabrics for sale, while some corners of the city are reminiscent of old English villages with stone pebble bridges and quaint cottages. Walk around the city and see for yourself the interesting multicultural contrast of the architecture.

While wandering the city streets, don’t forget to stop somewhere for a traditional Turkish coffee! If you’re hungry, be sure to sit down at one of the many restaurants to enjoy some local cuisine. My favorite place is Restoran Sadrvan, which has a really cool atmosphere and large portion sizes of traditional local fare. You can sit outside on their pretty patio, or duck inside to enjoy the Ottoman-style interior.

Go on a Walking Tour

If you’re traveling to Mostar by bus or car to explore on your own, I highly recommend taking a guided walking tour of the Old City. Although the town is small, it is packed with history and interesting facts that you would be hard pressed to learn on your own. You can opt to tour Mostar with a private walking tour of the city or small group tour guided by a professional, local guide.

Visit the Museum of War and Genocide Victims

If you have extra time in the city or are interested in learning more about Mostar’s turbulent past, then a visit to the Museum of War and Genocide Victims should be on your list. This museum explains the events that happened during the war from 1992 to 1995 (something that is not normally taught in history books, especially in the USA, yet so recent).

The exhibit displays personal belongings, photographs, and statements of victims, giving visitors an unfiltered look at the horrific events that took place just 30 years ago. The museum is quite moving and can be visited just outside the Old City. You can purchase your ticket online before you go.

Things to Do Near Mostar

If you are driving to Mostar, you will have the perfect opportunity to explore some of the surrounding hidden gems outside of the city. If you are on an organized tour, it is likely that you may stop by one or two of these sites. However, if you do have your own car you will have the freedom to determine how long you want to spend at each place and where you want to go specifically.

Kravice Waterfalls 

This hidden oasis is not to be missed and could be considered the little sister to Plitvice in Croatia. Blue-green pools met by crystal cascading falls pouring over lush green foliage, it’s a sight to see! The best part about Kravice Falls? You can swim under the waterfalls (unlike at Plitvice Lakes or Krka National Park).

So bring your suit and take a dip in the pools here, if you dare to submerge in the icy temperature water! It sure is fresh, even if you are traveling on a hot day so just keep that in mind before you are too shocked when you jump all the way in. 

Most day tours to Mostar will make a stop here, but of course if you do want your freedom traveling here by car is the best choice.

Visit the Village of Počitelj

This sleepy village is located just 30 minutes away from Mostar and looks like it genuinely has popped out of a child’s storybook. Lying on the banks of the emerald green Neretva River, Pocitelj was strategically important in historic war times and today is still home to an old military citadel, fortified walls, and a watch/bell tower. Of course the village itself is incredibly quaint and picturesque, you may find the sudden urge to skip down the cobbled streets with a basket of baked goods singing Disney songs.

Be warned though – the village has lots and lots of stairs, so it’s a smart idea to wear flat comfortable shoes when exploring Pocitelj. Also, don’t let its size fool you! Although the town may seem tiny (with only about 800 inhabitants), it is easy to get lost there.

Blagaj Tekija (The Dervish House)

Just 20 minutes by car from Mostar, you’ll find the captivating village of Blagaj – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that will leave you spellbound. Tucked away in the picturesque southern region of Mostar, Blagaj boasts a tranquil ambience that will transport you to a world of serenity and natural beauty. Home to an ancient Dervish monastery built into the side of a cliff base overlooking an aquamarine pool, the unique setting and architecture is worth the quick trip itself!

You can also go inside the Ottoman-era monastery for a small fee, but know that you’ll be asked to remove your shoes and cover up before entering.

Blagaj is a great place for a pit stop on your way in or on your way out from Mostar to Dubrovnik. If you have a little more flexibility in your schedule, you can sit down at one of the restaurants along the Buna River and browse the souvenir shops.

Where to Stay in Mostar

With all of the incredible sites to see both in, and around, Mostar, an overnight stay is an excellent way to make sure you have time to soak it all in. If your schedule allows, I recommend spending the night for a much more immersive experience in this truly unique city.

The Old City really comes to life in the evening, and it’s much more comfortable to explore during this time (especially when visiting in the summer) as it can get quite hot! So if you’re not in a rush to get back to Dubrovnik, here are a few accommodation options in Mostar:

Villa Gunga – situated just a 2-minute walk from Old Bridge Mostar, this accommodation offers a great location for exploring the Old City. The apartments offer comfy beds, private bathrooms, complimentary toiletries, and some units even feature a balcony overlooking the Neretva River and the town of Mostar.

Shangri La Mansion – perfect for anyone who wants a little luxury wihtout breaking the bank, this property is set within the UNESCO-protected town of Mostar. Each room is modern, beautifully decorated, and includes all of the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. The building itself is stunning and spotlessly clean. Guests particularly love the rooftop terrace that offers jaw-dropping views of the town.

Hotel Pasha – a beautiful, four-star property located just a 10-minute walk away from the Old Bridge. This hotel offers a spa with a sauna, delicious breakfast included in the room rate, and some rooms even feature a balcony with a view of the Old Town.

Mostar to Dubrovnik Day Trip Packing List

Make sure you don’t forget these items on your Dubrovnik to Mostar day trip!

• Passport – You’ll be crossing the border from Croatia into Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is not part of the European Union. So make sure you have your passport before you depart Dubrovnik!
• Reusable water bottle – This is an absolute essential if you are traveling in the summer, as temperatures can get crazy hot.
• Portable charger – It will be a long day, especially if you are taking a group tour. Stay connected and make sure you have enough battery for taking photos with a portable charger.
• Sunscreen – Mostar is one of the sunniest destinations in the region, so you’ll definitely want some sunscreen!
• Backpack – Or small bag where you can store all of your belongings (and water bottle) for the day.

Final Thoughts: Why you Must Take a Mostar Day Trip from Dubrovnik

One of the many joys of Europe is the freedom to move easily across the borders and experience an entirely different country and culture in a matter of hours from wherever you are in Europe. So when it comes to Dubrovnik day trips, Bosnia & Herzegovina is so close to the Croatian border that it’s the perfect opportunity to explore this incredible country. 

By taking a day trip to Mostar from Dubrovnik, you’ll get to experience a true storybook town with an interesting unstable past that has truly beat the odds in the face of war. Although a large portion of the city has been rebuilt, it shows the true resilience and courage of the Bosnian people of Mostar. 

Today Mostar is perfectly safe and caters to tourists visiting to help support their local economy. You can visit Mostar any time of year and there are perks to visiting in each season (high tourist season or low), but be prepared either way to fall in love with this idyllic Bosnian fairytale town.

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FAQs

Croatia Travel Planning Guide

💸 What is the currency in Croatia?
As of January 1st, 2023, the official currency of Croatia is the Euro and NOT the Kuna (which is also the name of the national animal of Croatia).

🇭🇷 What language do they speak in Croatia?
Croatian is the official language of Croatia.

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Maybe – check with your provider to see if you’ll have service while traveling Croatia. If you don’t have service (or it’s too expensive) I recommend getting an eSIM like Airalo. Airalo allows you to have data while traveling without the high costs of roaming. They have super affordable plans available for 190+ countries, including Croatia. Download the app and get your plan before you leave home so that you have data as soon as you touch down in Croatia!

🏨 What’s the best way to book my Croatia accommodations?
For Croatia hotels, Booking is by far the best site.

🛫 What’s the best site to buy Croatia flights?
I always use Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights.

🚗  Is it safe to rent a Car in Croatia?
Yes! – In fact, renting a car in Croatia is one of the best ways to see the country! I recommend Discover Cars because they check both local and international rental companies to ensure you get the best deal. (Get your Croatia road trip itinerary here)

💦 Is it safe to drink the water in Croatia?
Tap water in Croatia is completely safe to drink, so bring your reusable water bottle and fill up! (Read more)

🪪 Do I need a visa for Croatia?
Depending on where you are coming from you may or may not need a visa to enter Croatia. Check the official Republic of Croatia Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for more information on who should apply for a visa.