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Epic Day Trip to Mostar from Sarajevo with Must-See Stops
Sarajevo, the lively capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is packed with history and charm. But once youโve explored the city, a day trip to Mostar is a must. As Bosniaโs second-most-visited city, Mostar boasts a stunning Ottoman-era Old Town and the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge).
When I went, I chose a guided tour, it’s the easiest and most rewarding option. Not only was everything taken care of, but we also stopped at some incredible sights along the way, like stunning waterfalls and charming villages.
In this guide, Iโll share how to plan your day trip to Mostar from Sarajevo, whether you prefer the convenience of a tour or want to explore independently.
๐คฉ This is the full day tour I did: Sarajevo – Tour to Mostar, Blagaj, Poฤitelj & Kravice Falls
How to Get from Sarajevo to Mostar
The distance Mostar Sarajevo is about 125 km or 78 miles. There are multiple ways to get from Sarajevo to Mostar. You can get there by bus, train, rental car or tour. It really depends on where your focus for this Mostar day trip is and what you’re most comfortable with.
From Sarajevo to Mostar by Tour
There are multiple tour companies offering day tours from Sarajevo to Mostar. I did this Sarajevo – Tour to Mostar and loved it!
The advantage of taking a guided tour to Mostar is that you’ll see more of the countryside with a few stops along the way. And that you have a local guide with you who’ll tell you interesting facts about the country and its history.
โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
Sarajevo: Mostar, Konjic, Sufi House, Poฤitelj & Kravice Falls
โ Get the most out of a full-day excursion
โ See all the top attractions in the heartland of Herzegovina
โ Knowledgable local tour guide
โ Good value for money
From Sarajevo to Mostar by Rental Car
The best way to explore the area around Sarajevo and Mostar at your own pace is by driving with a rental car. You can stop wherever and for however long you want.
The Sarajevo to Mostar drive is pretty straight forward and takes about 2 hours.
That being said, in my opinion, some car drivers in Bosnia and Herzegovina drive a bit crazy. So, be prepared for a lot of beeping on the roads.
From Sarajevo to Mostar by Train
The train from Sarajevo to Mostar takes about 2 hours and a return ticket costs about 23 KM (about โฌ12). You can check the train times on the railway webpage.
The Sarajevo to Mostar train journey is supposed to be really beautiful, you’ll see some amazing scenery out of the train windows.
Taking the train is probably the best option for you if your main focus of the day trip is Mostar itself and you’re not interested in stops along the way.
From Sarajevo to Mostar by Bus
You can also catch a bus from Sarajevo to Mostar and back from Mostar to Sarajevo. The bus takes about two and a half hours. The prices vary depending on the bus company, they’re roughly between โฌ10 and โฌ15.
Best Stops Along the Way
If you do your day trip either by tour or rental car, the main advantage is that you can make some stops along the way. Here are the four best stops you shouldn’t miss on your trip.
Konjic Bridge
The first stop is Konjic, one of Bosnia and Herzegovinaโs oldest towns. The Konjic Bridge, or Stara ฤuprija is one of the best-preserved Ottoman bridges in the country. Originally built in the 17th century, it was destroyed during World War II and only fully restored in 2009.
Konjic is also famous for its woodcarving traditions and Tito’s Cold War-era nuclear bunker, Armijska Ratna Komanda D-0, which can be visited with a tour. But on a day trip to Mostar you won’t have time to visit the bunker.
Kravice Waterfalls
Kravice Waterfalls is a must-visit for nature lovers. Standing 28 meters high and stretching 120 meters wide, these stunning falls are located just south of Mostar near the Croatian border and are among the most beautiful waterfalls in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The best part? You can even go for a swim! When I visited in April, the water was too cold, but in summer, itโs the perfect way to cool off after exploring. Just keep in mind that the falls can get quite crowded during the peak season.
Medieval Stone Village Poฤitelj
Poฤitelj feels like an open-air museum, showcasing Bosnia and Herzegovinaโs rich history through its architecture.
The town square offers a glimpse of three key eras: a tower from the Kingdom of Bosnia on the left, the Ottoman-era mosque and minaret in the center, and a tower from the Austro-Hungarian Empire on the right.
Take a short stroll through the historic village and perhaps pick up some fresh fruits or nuts from local vendors during your quick stop on the way to Mostar.
Dervish House in Blagaj
Blagaj is famous for the Buna River spring and the historic Dervish monastery, Blagaj Tekke.
The Buna River Springs, or Vrelo Bune, is one of Europeโs largest springs. The water gushes from a cave with cold, crystal-clear water. While the spring itself is underground, youโll see water pouring from the cave, which is also home to numerous birds.
Blagaj Tekke, just beneath a towering 240-meter cliff, now serves as a museum but still hosts Dervish (a mystic form of Islam) praise-chanting three times a week. This fascinating blend of history and mysticism makes Blagaj a unique stop on your journey.
๐คฉ I love this Mostar tour from Sarajevo for the amazing stops!
Best Things to Do in Mostar
If you do all the stops along the way I recommended, you’ll only have time to see the absolute best of the attractions in Mostar old town.
Marvel at Stari Most
The iconic Stari Most, or Mostar Bridge, is Mostarโs most famous landmark. This 16th-century Ottoman stone bridge, destroyed in the Bosnian War in 1993, was beautifully reconstructed and reopened in 2004, keeping its historic charm.
Beyond its stunning architecture, the bridge is famous for the Stari Most Divers, a group of professionals who leap from its 18-meter height into the Neretva River.
According to our tour guide tourists used to jump as well but since a few people died doing this jump, it’s forbidden now for non-professionals to jump from the bridge.
Stroll Through the Old Town
The whole old town of Mostar and the famous old bridge area are a UNESCO world heritage site. The best way to explore it is by wandering aimlessly through the narrow streets.
Both sides of the iconic Stari Most feature charming cobblestone streets and vibrant shops filled with handcrafted souvenirs. Is it touristy? Sure. But is it worth it? Absolutely!
The Old Town is full with color and character, showcasing Mostarโs unique mix of Ottoman and Mediterranean influences.
Visit the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque
The Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque is a great example of Ottoman architecture in Bosnia and Herzegovina. For about โฌ7 you can visit the mosque and the minaret. This was the first time for me to walk to the top of a minaret and it was so worth it.
From the top, you have an incredible view of Stari Most and the whole city of Mostar. The staircase is very narrow and steep but there are not many people. When I visited, I was the only person inside the mosque and in the minaret.
Is a Day Trip to Mostar Worth It?
Once you’ve done the best things in Sarajevo and you’re looking for the best day trips you’re bound to stumble upon Mostar. But is it really worth it?
My answer: absolutely, especially if you take a guided tour. This full-day tour doesnโt just take you to Mostarโs enchanting Old Town but also through Herzegovinaโs beautiful countryside, which can be challenging to explore with public transportation.
An organized tour is by far the easiest and most convenient way to experience it all in one day while gaining insights into Bosnia and Herzegovinaโs unique history from local guides.
๐คฉ Book your unforgettable tour now: Sarajevo – Tour to Mostar, Blagaj, Poฤitelj & Kravice Falls
Read more about Bosnia and Herzegovina:
- 17 Best Things to Do in Sarajevo
- Unforgettable Day Trip to Mostar from Sarajevo
- All You Need to Know About Sarajevo Abandoned Bobsled Track
- Best Vegan Food Sarajevo and Where to Find It
- Amazing Attractions and Best Things to Do in Mostar
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Best Ways to Get From Sarajevo to Belgrade
- Balkan Capital Cities: Which One Is Right For Your Next Holiday?
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