Mostar, in Herzegovina in the south of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is the city of the Old Bridge (Stari Most): a 16th-century Ottoman stone arch over the Neretva, destroyed during the war in 1993, rebuilt to the original design and added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005. For things to do in Mostar, one day is enough for the bridge and the old town; 2 days let you add Blagaj, the Kravice waterfalls and Počitelj. The best seasons are May-June and September-October.
Mostar is often visited as a day trip from Dubrovnik or Split, in Croatia. This guide covers the highlights, the sights around the city, the official entry rules for US and UK citizens and a month-by-month climate based on official normals.
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Mostar at a glance
- Country Bosnia and HerzegovinaHerzegovina region, southwest of Sarajevo
- Languages Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian; English widely spoken in tourism
- Currency the convertible mark (KM, code BAM), pegged to the euro at about 2 KM = €1 · currenciesSee our currency converter
- Time zone UTC+1 (Central European Time)1 h ahead of London and 6 h ahead of New YorkLocal time now: –:–
- Airports Mostar (OMO) and Sarajevo (SJJ) · detailsCheck current routes with the airlines
- Entry US and UK: visa-free up to 90 days in 6 months; police registration required · travel.state.gov · GOV.UK
Things to do in Mostar: the highlights
The Old Bridge (Stari Most)
Completed in 1566 under the Ottoman Empire, the Old Bridge gave the city its name: the « mostari » were the bridge keepers. It was destroyed on 9 November 1993, during the Bosnian War, by Bosnian Croat forces (HVO). Its reconstruction, using techniques and stone close to the original, was completed in 2004, and UNESCO listed the Old Bridge area in 2005. The paving is slippery: good shoes help, especially in the rain.
The Old Bridge divers
For centuries, young men from Mostar have jumped from the bridge into the Neretva, more than 20 meters (66 ft) below. In summer, divers from the local club regularly jump in front of visitors, and a competition is held every year. Keep your belongings in front of you in the crowd. Never jump yourself: the UK FCDO warns that diving off Mostar bridge is dangerous and has resulted in serious injuries and deaths (GOV.UK, updated 13 August 2026).
The Kujundžiluk bazaar
On the east bank, the cobbled Kujundžiluk street, the old goldsmiths’ quarter, is lined with craft shops (copper, rugs, jewelry) and cafés. It is also the busiest street around midday, when the tour buses arrive.
Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque
Built in the 17th century, this mosque is open to visitors and offers, from its courtyard and the top of its minaret, one of the most photographed views of the Old Bridge. Admission is charged; modest dress is required.
The Crooked Bridge and the Ottoman houses
The Kriva Ćuprija (Crooked Bridge), smaller and older than Stari Most, spans a tributary of the Neretva right next to the old town. The Bišćević and Muslibegović houses, Ottoman residences open to visitors, show the layout of a traditional home, with a courtyard and reception rooms.
War traces and the Partisan Memorial Cemetery
Along the former front line, on the boulevard and around Spanish Square, buildings riddled with bullet holes recall the fighting of 1992-1995. On the hillside, the Partisan Memorial Cemetery, designed by architect Bogdan Bogdanović for World War II fighters, is a national monument. The country is home to three main communities: be tactful in political discussions.
Around Mostar: day trips
| Site | Why go |
|---|---|
| Blagaj (dervish tekke, Buna spring) | Dervish monastery at the foot of a cliff, beside a spring |
| Počitelj | Fortified Ottoman village terraced above the Neretva |
| Kravice waterfalls | Amphitheater-shaped falls; swimming in the designated area in season |
| Međugorje | Catholic pilgrimage site |
| Sarajevo | The capital, to combine over 2 to 3 days |
| Dubrovnik (Croatia) | Common day trip, with a border crossing |
| Split (Croatia) | Long day trip, with a border crossing |
Decision tree: if you come from Dubrovnik or Split for a single day, stick to the Old Bridge, the bazaar and one stop (Počitelj or Blagaj); leave early, as border waits are unpredictable in summer. If you stay overnight in Mostar, see the bridge early in the morning or in the evening, without the groups, and keep the next day for Blagaj and Kravice. If you are heading to Sarajevo, the railway along the Neretva valley is known for its scenery.
Landmines and unexploded weapons remain from the 1992-1995 war: major routes are largely clear, but there is still a risk in less populated and rural areas. Do not step off roads and paved areas without an experienced guide (UK FCDO), stay out of abandoned buildings and avoid unmarked trails (U.S. Department of State).
Itinerary: Mostar in 2 days
- Day 1, morning: the Old Bridge before the groups arrive, the Crooked Bridge, the Kujundžiluk bazaar
- Day 1, afternoon: Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, Bišćević House, war traces around Spanish Square; sunset on the bridge
- Day 2, morning: Blagaj and the Buna spring
- Day 2, afternoon: Počitelj, then the Kravice waterfalls (swimming possible in season, in the designated area)
When to go to Mostar
The best times are May-June and September-October: 20 to 30 °C (68 to 86 °F) in the afternoon and mild evenings. July and August are the driest and sunniest months, but also the hottest: an average high of about 33 °C (91 °F), and more during heat waves. From November to February, it rains a lot (more than 180 mm / 7.1 in in November and December) and it is cool (about 10 °C / 50 °F in the afternoon).
| Month | High °C (°F) | Low °C (°F) | Rain mm (in) | Rainy days | Rain per 7 days | Sunshine (h) | Sunset | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9.3 (49) | 2.7 (37) | 142 (5.6) | 9.5 | 2.1 | 123 | 4:38 pm | ❌ Cool and wet |
| February | 11.6 (53) | 3.4 (38) | 125 (4.9) | 8.8 | 2.2 | 128 | 5:19 pm | ⚠️ Cool, frequent rain |
| March | 15.8 (60) | 6.2 (43) | 119 (4.7) | 9.0 | 2.0 | 172 | 5:54 pm | ⚠️ Mild, still wet |
| April | 20.1 (68) | 9.3 (49) | 123 (4.8) | 9.9 | 2.3 | 190 | 7:31 pm | ✅ Spring, showers |
| May | 25.1 (77) | 13.5 (56) | 93 (3.7) | 8.6 | 1.9 | 248 | 8:05 pm | ✅ Ideal |
| June | 29.8 (86) | 17.4 (63) | 71 (2.8) | 6.6 | 1.5 | 287 | 8:30 pm | ✅ Hot and sunny |
| July | 33.0 (91) | 20.0 (68) | 56 (2.2) | 4.6 | 1.0 | 334 | 8:27 pm | ⚠️ Very hot, crowds |
| August | 33.5 (92) | 20.3 (69) | 58 (2.3) | 4.8 | 1.1 | 313 | 7:52 pm | ⚠️ Very hot, crowds |
| September | 27.2 (81) | 15.8 (60) | 137 (5.4) | 7.2 | 1.7 | 225 | 6:59 pm | ✅ Pleasant, fewer people |
| October | 21.5 (71) | 11.7 (53) | 151 (5.9) | 8.5 | 1.9 | 178 | 6:06 pm | ✅ Mild, rain increasing |
| November | 15.1 (59) | 7.5 (46) | 189 (7.4) | 10.9 | 2.5 | 115 | 4:24 pm | ❌ Wettest month |
| December | 10.1 (50) | 3.9 (39) | 181 (7.1) | 10.8 | 2.4 | 118 | 4:13 pm | ❌ Cool and wet |
How to read it: over a week in July, expect about 1 rainy day; in November, closer to 2.5. In June, the sun sets around 8:30 pm, leaving long evenings after the day-trippers have left. If you are combining with the Croatian coast, see also the best time to visit Croatia.
Budget for Mostar
Prices are generally lower than in neighboring Croatia, except in restaurants overlooking the bridge. Sights (mosque, Ottoman houses) charge admission; for day trips, the bus is cheaper than an organized tour or a taxi.
Getting around Mostar and getting there
- On foot: the old town and the Old Bridge can be explored entirely on foot.
- Train and bus: Mostar station is linked by rail to Sarajevo; buses also connect Sarajevo, Dubrovnik and Split.
- By car: handy for Blagaj, Počitelj and Kravice. Drive carefully, avoid driving at night and leave nothing visible in the vehicle.
- Driving licence: according to the UK FCDO, a UK licence is valid with your own vehicle or a car hired outside Bosnia and Herzegovina; if you rent a car in the country, you also need the 1968 international driving permit (IDP). The U.S. Department of State says US drivers need an international driving permit and a US license.
- Car rented in Croatia: check with the rental company that the insurance covers Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Where to stay in Mostar
| Area | Best for | Pros |
|---|---|---|
| Old town (east bank, Kujundžiluk) | First visit, couples | Bridge a few steps away, evening atmosphere; cobbled, sloping streets |
| West bank, near the Old Bridge | A good compromise | Quieter, often cheaper, bridge within walking distance |
| Outside the center | Travelers with a car | Easy parking, low prices; car or taxi to the center |
Entry requirements, health and safety
- US citizens: according to the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated August 27, 2026), no visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days in total within six months of your first entry; your passport should be valid for at least three months past your planned departure. If you stay three or more days in a private residence, you or your host must register with the police within 48 hours.
- UK citizens: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 13 August 2026), you can travel without a visa for up to 90 days within a 6-month period. Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before you arrive and be valid for at least 90 days after you leave. Make sure it is stamped on entry and exit, or you may be fined. All foreign nationals must register with the police within 72 hours; hotels usually do it for their guests.
- Registration deadlines differ between the two sources (48 or 72 hours): register as soon as you arrive, or check with the embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Health: the EHIC and GHIC do not cover Bosnia and Herzegovina: take out travel insurance covering treatment and medical evacuation (GOV.UK). Health risks include biting insects and ticks; ask a travel health clinic about vaccines.
- Safety: landmines remain in rural areas (see above). Do not dive from the bridge. Emergencies: 112; police 122, ambulance 124 (GOV.UK).
- See our travel insurance guide.
Practical tips
- Money: the convertible mark is the official currency. Some businesses accept cards, but do not expect to pay for everything by card; ATMs are available at banks (U.S. Department of State). Paying in marks avoids unfavorable rounding when prices are converted from euros.
- Timing: the bridge is very busy around midday, when day trips from Croatia arrive; come early in the morning or late in the day.
- Respect: cover shoulders and knees in mosques; some lend headscarves to women at the entrance.
- Phone: the country is outside the EU: check your provider’s roaming rates. A local eSIM avoids surprises (see our travel eSIM guide).
Frequently asked questions
Is Mostar worth visiting?
Yes: the Old Bridge and the Ottoman old town are UNESCO-listed, and the city also tells the recent history of the Bosnian War. One day is enough, but a night there lets you enjoy the bridge without the groups.
Who destroyed the Mostar bridge?
The Old Bridge was destroyed on 9 November 1993 by Bosnian Croat forces (HVO), during the Bosnian War. It was rebuilt to the original design and reopened in 2004.
Are euros accepted in Mostar?
Often in tourist shops and restaurants, but the official currency is the convertible mark (BAM), pegged to the euro at about 2 KM = €1. Paying in marks avoids unfavorable rounding.
Can you visit Mostar from Dubrovnik or Split?
Yes, as a day trip, but the road journey is long and you have to cross the border. Leave early in summer.
Do you need a visa for Mostar?
No: US and UK citizens can stay up to 90 days within 6 months without a visa (travel.state.gov, GOV.UK). A passport is required, and you must register with the police (hotels usually do it).
Our sources
- World Meteorological Organization / NOAA: 1991-2020 normals for the Mostar station published by the WMO (distributed by NOAA), via the Wikipedia article « Mostar »
- Destination de Voyage calculations: rainy days per 7 days, sunset on the 15th of each month (NOAA solar algorithm)
- UNESCO: « Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar » (no. 946)
- U.S. Department of State, Bosnia and Herzegovina country information (travel.state.gov, last updated August 27, 2026), read on 26 October 2026
- UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Bosnia and Herzegovina (GOV.UK, updated 13 August 2026), read on 26 October 2026
- Our methodology
Updated October 2026.
To go further, see our Bosnia and Herzegovina travel guide, our page on visiting Sarajevo, our Dubrovnik guide and our other destinations in Europe.
