During a Croatia vacation, there are plenty of epic day trips you can take from the country’s largest cities. One of the best day trips to take is from Split to Mostar. Located around two hours from Split, Croatia, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina is the perfect city to explore, plus you can scratch off another country on your bucket list while you enjoy this great day trip!
Just like Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina is another beautiful country in the Balkans region of Europe. It was once part of the former Ottoman Empire as well as Yugoslavia. It gained independence in 1992 and nowadays, most of the population practices Islam. Other popular religions in Bosnia and Herzegovina are Orthodox Christianity and Roman Catholicism.
The country’s names Bosnia and Herzegovina have nothing to do with ethnic or religious reasons, the difference has to do with geography. Bosnia occupies the northern and central parts of the country and Herzegovina is situated in the southern and southwestern region. Most of Bosnia and Herzegovina is mountainous and there are three official languages – Bosnian, Serbian and Croatian.
In August 2021, I did a memorable Balkans trip with Ashley of World to Wander. We started our journey in Venice, Italy before enjoying a weekend in Slovenia. From there, we made our way back to Trieste, Italy before heading into Croatia where we spent two nights in Istria, two nights in Split, one night in Hvar and four nights in Dubrovnik.
Ashley and I also did a day trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park from Pula to Split (it was out of the way) as well as day trips to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina from Split and Kotor, Montenegro from Dubrovnik. We also enjoyed a lovely day on the island of Korcula from Hvar to Dubrovnik. No matter how you plan your trip and what your itinerary entails, all these spots in the Balkans and the surrounding countries are incredible to adventure around and explore!
In this article, discover the best Mostar itinerary during a day trip from Split.
**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like.
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Traveling from Split to Mostar:
The easiest and most convenient ways to get from Split, Croatia to Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina is by renting a car or taking a train or bus. If you’re looking to explore more of the country and stay longer, you can take a flight into Mostar International Airport or Sarajevo International Airport, which is the capital. You can find affordable flights through Skyscanner.
During our time in Split, Ashley and I rented a car to get around, which I highly recommend if you’re looking to explore the Balkans. The drive from Split to Mostar is easy and a little over two hours. (Please know that you will need to go through border patrol to get from Croatia to Bosnia and back. The customs line can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. Thankfully, the line was short for us.)
One thing to note about renting a car in Croatia (or anywhere in the European Union) is that you will need to have an international diver’s permit in addition to your regular license. I don’t know how the process works for every single country out there, but for U.S. residents, you could easily obtain one by going to your local AAA office.
When we first arrived in the city, we easily found street parking near the Aleksa Santic Monument. (It was free the day we went, but I recommend asking around and doing your research to see if you have to pay for parking. There is paid street parking in specific areas of Mostar.) There are also parking garages that you can park at for a fee.
Mostar is a great city to walk around in. The Old Town is small, but if you’re looking to explore outside of it, I recommend renting a bike. You can also haul a city taxi to get around Mostar. Uber does not exist in Kotor.
In addition to visiting Mostar from Split, I recommend paying a visit to the capital of Sarajevo. The capital city is located a little over two hours northeast of Mostar. You can get there with a rental car along with public transportation.
You can also do a private tour from Split to Mostar!
Where to Stay in Mostar:
Since we did a day trip from Split to Mostar, we didn’t need accommodations in Bosnia, but there are a lot of great hotels to choose from if you decide to stay a night or more. Overall, most of the hotels in Mostar are mid-budget, but you can find a lot of great budget options as well.
Here are the best places to stay in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina:
Luxury Accommodation: Hotel Verso
Boutique Accommodation: Hotel-Restaurant Kriva Ćuprija
Mid-Budget Accommodation: Hotel Mepas
Budget Accommodation: Taso’s House
Bosnia and Herzegovina also offers a plethora of Airbnb and Vrbo options.
Day Trip Itinerary from Split to Mostar:
Learn About the History of Bosnia and Herzegovina:
One of the top things to do during your day trip in Mostar is visit a museum. For a long time through the mid 1990’s, Bosnia and Herzegovina was under an ethnic cleansing where thousands of people were either killed or displaced.
There was international intervention that got in the way of all the Bosnian conflict, which finally led to a peace agreement called the Dayton Accords in later 1995. This agreement is what ended the war, but the country was still decentralized, ethnically divided and in despair.
As you make your way around Mostar, you will find buildings that were bombed, walls with bullet holes in them as well as memorials and artifacts that bring remembrance to the war. It is quite sad and surreal seeing all the destroyed buildings and memorials as you wander around the city.Nowadays, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a great country to visit and the city of Mostar is safe for all!
Mostar is in the Herzegovina part of the country. In fact, it was once the capital city of Herzegovina! Some of the best ways to learn about the history of Bosnia and Herzegovina during your day trip to Mostar from Split is to either enjoy a private walking tour or visit one of the city’s renowned museums:
- War Photo Exhibition: During the time of the war in Bosnia, a photojournalist from New Zealand was living in Mostar and captured everything through photos. The War Photo Exhibition later opened up to showcase the pictures taken during that period. Overall, this museum is one of the best spots to learn more about the Bosnian War. Please note that it is a haunting place and will bring the war to life.
- Bosnaseum: Bosnian culture is fascinating from both its Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian history. One of the top museums to learn about Bosnian culture and history, all in one place, is Bosnaseum. It is a great museum to also learn about the tradition of Bosnian people in Mostar.
- Museum of War and Genocide Victims: Another museum in Mostar that is both educational and emotional is the Museum of War and Genocide Victims. This museum goes into the genocide, concentration camps and crimes against children that happened from 1992 through 1995. It also shows personal belongings, photos, court documents and more.
- Museum of Herzegovina: Founded in 1950, the Museum of Herzegovina showcases the cultural and historical heritage of the city of Mostar along with the area of Herzegovina in general. Throughout this museum, you will find archeological and ethnographic exhibits and there is also a library.
Shop through the Čaršija:
A day trip from Split to Mostar would not be complete without walking through and shopping around the čaršija, which is a Muslim bazaar.
Situated right next to Stari Most, which is the popular bridge in Mostar, is where you can find the čaršija. The area that the bazaar is in has always been where Muslims resided in the city. While you stroll around the čaršija, you will be brought back into the Ottoman times and feel like you’re strolling through a market in Morocco.
Some of the top things to purchase as you walk through Mostar’s čaršija is homemade copper items. You can also purchase Turkish rugs, Arabic jewelry, handmade Bosnian blankets and other souvenir items like postcards and magnets.
Walk Over and Under Stari Most:
The most iconic landmark in Mostar is the Stari Most, which is also known as Mostar Bridge or the Old Bridge. This stunning stone bridge is built over the Neretva River and it was originally built in the 16th Century during the Ottoman Empire.
Unfortunately, the bridge was destroyed during the Bosnian War in late 1993. Stari Most was later rebuilt and reopened for public usage in 2004. The reconstruction was funded by The World Bank, the United Nations, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, the Council of Europe Development Bank and the World Monuments Fund. The bridge also received funding from the countries of Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, Croatia and Bosnia. It is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of the epic things that Stari Most is known for is the Red Bull Cliff Diving Competition. Professional cliff jumpers will receive donations and once they reach a certain amount, they will jump from the bridge and into the river. Overall, this event attracts people from all over the world and it is exciting!
Discover All the Beautiful Spots in Mostar:
Mostar is a fairytale city that you must explore. It is known for its Islamic architecture, stunning mosques, lovely bridges and more. During your day trip to Mostar from Split, I suggest taking the time to stroll around and admire all the beauty.
A memorable thing to do in Mostar as you make your way around the city is to climb Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque that overlooks the Old Town.
Overall, the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque represents one of the best architectural wonders of Ottoman culture and it is known as the most monumental Islamic Mosque in Mostar. It was built in the 17th Century and should not be missed, even if you only see it from the outside.
Another beautiful landmark to see in Mostar is Kriva Cuprija, otherwise known as the Crooked Bridge. It is another ancient bridge that resembles the larger Stari Most.
It is unknown who built the Crooked Bridge and when it was constructed, but just like Stari Most, it was destroyed during the war and rebuilt in 2001. The reconstruction project was sponsored by the Grand Dutch of Luxembourg.
Savor Delicious Bosnian Food:
Food plays a huge role when it comes to travel and even during a day trip, it is best to visit an authentic restaurant and try traditional Bosnian food.
When it comes to Bosnian cuisine, it is like Turkish and Mediterranean food. It is a meat-heavy cuisine filled with delicious flavors and everything is usually served with soft pita bread and vegetables. Desserts are like those of Mediterranean cuisine as well with phyllo dough.
During our day trip from Split to Mostar, Ashley and I ate at Restoran Kaldrma, which is a traditional Bosnian restaurant that includes a rooftop overlooking the mosque, nearby mountains and Old Town.
While we ate at Restoran Kaldrma, I savored one of the best chicken kebab dishes I’ve ever eaten. It came with warm pita bread that was seasoned with incredible flavors. Ashley had the cevapi, which looks like mini sausages and are made with lamb and beef. It was served with pita bread as well. We enjoyed our Bosnian lunch with local wine.
Other popular Bosnian staples are burek, which is phyllo dough filled with meat, cheese or a spinach filling; begova corba, which is a slow-cooked chicken and vegetable soup; klepe, which is minced meat dumplings and baklava, which is a popular dessert that you will also find in Turkey and Greece.
Another popular thing to do in Mostar is enjoy Bosnian tea or coffee at Café de Alma. It is a cozy café to relax at and enjoy a nice morning or afternoon beverage.
Enjoy a Day Trip from Mostar:
Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina is in the perfect location to do a day trip if you decide to stay in the city for a longer period of time. In addition to Split, Croatia, there are plenty of other great cities and locations to explore and enjoy a day trip near Mostar.
Below are the best destinations to visit from Mostar:
- Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Kravice Waterfalls Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Krka National Park, Croatia
- Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
- Blagaj, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Počitelj, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Dubrovnik, Croatia
Discover similar destinations to Mostar below:
Planning an epic European vacation? Find more Europe travel tips here.
I hope you enjoyed discovering the best things to do during a day trip from Split to Mostar. If you have any questions, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.
Basic Facts of Bosnia:
Currency: Bosnia and Herzegovina Convertible Mark, Capital: Sarajevo, Time Zone: Central European Standard Time
*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more. Click here to get insured for your next trip.
Shop my Mostar Look:
Click here to shop my Poshmark closet!
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During a Croatia vacation, there are plenty of epic day trips you can take from the country’s largest cities. One of the best day trips to take is from Split to Mostar. Located around two hours from Split, Croatia, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina is the perfect city to explore, plus you can scratch off another country on your bucket list while you enjoy this great day trip!
Just like Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina is another beautiful country in the Balkans region of Europe. It was once part of the former Ottoman Empire as well as Yugoslavia. It gained independence in 1992 and nowadays, most of the population practices Islam. Other popular religions in Bosnia and Herzegovina are Orthodox Christianity and Roman Catholicism.
The country’s names Bosnia and Herzegovina have nothing to do with ethnic or religious reasons, the difference has to do with geography. Bosnia occupies the northern and central parts of the country and Herzegovina is situated in the southern and southwestern region. Most of Bosnia and Herzegovina is mountainous and there are three official languages – Bosnian, Serbian and Croatian.
In August 2021, I did a memorable Balkans trip with Ashley of World to Wander. We started our journey in Venice, Italy before enjoying a weekend in Slovenia. From there, we made our way back to Trieste, Italy before heading into Croatia where we spent two nights in Istria, two nights in Split, one night in Hvar and four nights in Dubrovnik.
Ashley and I also did a day trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park from Pula to Split (it was out of the way) as well as day trips to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina from Split and Kotor, Montenegro from Dubrovnik. We also enjoyed a lovely day on the island of Korcula from Hvar to Dubrovnik. No matter how you plan your trip and what your itinerary entails, all these spots in the Balkans and the surrounding countries are incredible to adventure around and explore!
In this article, discover the best Mostar itinerary during a day trip from Split.
**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like.
Pin the Below Image to Keep Handy
Traveling from Split to Mostar:
The easiest and most convenient ways to get from Split, Croatia to Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina is by renting a car or taking a train or bus. If you’re looking to explore more of the country and stay longer, you can take a flight into Mostar International Airport or Sarajevo International Airport, which is the capital. You can find affordable flights through Skyscanner.
During our time in Split, Ashley and I rented a car to get around, which I highly recommend if you’re looking to explore the Balkans. The drive from Split to Mostar is easy and a little over two hours. (Please know that you will need to go through border patrol to get from Croatia to Bosnia and back. The customs line can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. Thankfully, the line was short for us.)
One thing to note about renting a car in Croatia (or anywhere in the European Union) is that you will need to have an international diver’s permit in addition to your regular license. I don’t know how the process works for every single country out there, but for U.S. residents, you could easily obtain one by going to your local AAA office.
When we first arrived in the city, we easily found street parking near the Aleksa Santic Monument. (It was free the day we went, but I recommend asking around and doing your research to see if you have to pay for parking. There is paid street parking in specific areas of Mostar.) There are also parking garages that you can park at for a fee.
Mostar is a great city to walk around in. The Old Town is small, but if you’re looking to explore outside of it, I recommend renting a bike. You can also haul a city taxi to get around Mostar. Uber does not exist in Kotor.
In addition to visiting Mostar from Split, I recommend paying a visit to the capital of Sarajevo. The capital city is located a little over two hours northeast of Mostar. You can get there with a rental car along with public transportation.
You can also do a private tour from Split to Mostar!
Where to Stay in Mostar:
Since we did a day trip from Split to Mostar, we didn’t need accommodations in Bosnia, but there are a lot of great hotels to choose from if you decide to stay a night or more. Overall, most of the hotels in Mostar are mid-budget, but you can find a lot of great budget options as well.
Here are the best places to stay in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina:
Luxury Accommodation: Hotel Verso
Boutique Accommodation: Hotel-Restaurant Kriva Ćuprija
Mid-Budget Accommodation: Hotel Mepas
Budget Accommodation: Taso’s House
Bosnia and Herzegovina also offers a plethora of Airbnb and Vrbo options.
Day Trip Itinerary from Split to Mostar:
Learn About the History of Bosnia and Herzegovina:
One of the top things to do during your day trip in Mostar is visit a museum. For a long time through the mid 1990’s, Bosnia and Herzegovina was under an ethnic cleansing where thousands of people were either killed or displaced.
There was international intervention that got in the way of all the Bosnian conflict, which finally led to a peace agreement called the Dayton Accords in later 1995. This agreement is what ended the war, but the country was still decentralized, ethnically divided and in despair.
As you make your way around Mostar, you will find buildings that were bombed, walls with bullet holes in them as well as memorials and artifacts that bring remembrance to the war. It is quite sad and surreal seeing all the destroyed buildings and memorials as you wander around the city.Nowadays, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a great country to visit and the city of Mostar is safe for all!
Mostar is in the Herzegovina part of the country. In fact, it was once the capital city of Herzegovina! Some of the best ways to learn about the history of Bosnia and Herzegovina during your day trip to Mostar from Split is to either enjoy a private walking tour or visit one of the city’s renowned museums:
- War Photo Exhibition: During the time of the war in Bosnia, a photojournalist from New Zealand was living in Mostar and captured everything through photos. The War Photo Exhibition later opened up to showcase the pictures taken during that period. Overall, this museum is one of the best spots to learn more about the Bosnian War. Please note that it is a haunting place and will bring the war to life.
- Bosnaseum: Bosnian culture is fascinating from both its Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian history. One of the top museums to learn about Bosnian culture and history, all in one place, is Bosnaseum. It is a great museum to also learn about the tradition of Bosnian people in Mostar.
- Museum of War and Genocide Victims: Another museum in Mostar that is both educational and emotional is the Museum of War and Genocide Victims. This museum goes into the genocide, concentration camps and crimes against children that happened from 1992 through 1995. It also shows personal belongings, photos, court documents and more.
- Museum of Herzegovina: Founded in 1950, the Museum of Herzegovina showcases the cultural and historical heritage of the city of Mostar along with the area of Herzegovina in general. Throughout this museum, you will find archeological and ethnographic exhibits and there is also a library.
Shop through the Čaršija:
A day trip from Split to Mostar would not be complete without walking through and shopping around the čaršija, which is a Muslim bazaar.
Situated right next to Stari Most, which is the popular bridge in Mostar, is where you can find the čaršija. The area that the bazaar is in has always been where Muslims resided in the city. While you stroll around the čaršija, you will be brought back into the Ottoman times and feel like you’re strolling through a market in Morocco.
Some of the top things to purchase as you walk through Mostar’s čaršija is homemade copper items. You can also purchase Turkish rugs, Arabic jewelry, handmade Bosnian blankets and other souvenir items like postcards and magnets.
Walk Over and Under Stari Most:
The most iconic landmark in Mostar is the Stari Most, which is also known as Mostar Bridge or the Old Bridge. This stunning stone bridge is built over the Neretva River and it was originally built in the 16th Century during the Ottoman Empire.
Unfortunately, the bridge was destroyed during the Bosnian War in late 1993. Stari Most was later rebuilt and reopened for public usage in 2004. The reconstruction was funded by The World Bank, the United Nations, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, the Council of Europe Development Bank and the World Monuments Fund. The bridge also received funding from the countries of Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, Croatia and Bosnia. It is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of the epic things that Stari Most is known for is the Red Bull Cliff Diving Competition. Professional cliff jumpers will receive donations and once they reach a certain amount, they will jump from the bridge and into the river. Overall, this event attracts people from all over the world and it is exciting!
Discover All the Beautiful Spots in Mostar:
Mostar is a fairytale city that you must explore. It is known for its Islamic architecture, stunning mosques, lovely bridges and more. During your day trip to Mostar from Split, I suggest taking the time to stroll around and admire all the beauty.
A memorable thing to do in Mostar as you make your way around the city is to climb Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque that overlooks the Old Town.
Overall, the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque represents one of the best architectural wonders of Ottoman culture and it is known as the most monumental Islamic Mosque in Mostar. It was built in the 17th Century and should not be missed, even if you only see it from the outside.
Another beautiful landmark to see in Mostar is Kriva Cuprija, otherwise known as the Crooked Bridge. It is another ancient bridge that resembles the larger Stari Most.
It is unknown who built the Crooked Bridge and when it was constructed, but just like Stari Most, it was destroyed during the war and rebuilt in 2001. The reconstruction project was sponsored by the Grand Dutch of Luxembourg.
Savor Delicious Bosnian Food:
Food plays a huge role when it comes to travel and even during a day trip, it is best to visit an authentic restaurant and try traditional Bosnian food.
When it comes to Bosnian cuisine, it is like Turkish and Mediterranean food. It is a meat-heavy cuisine filled with delicious flavors and everything is usually served with soft pita bread and vegetables. Desserts are like those of Mediterranean cuisine as well with phyllo dough.
During our day trip from Split to Mostar, Ashley and I ate at Restoran Kaldrma, which is a traditional Bosnian restaurant that includes a rooftop overlooking the mosque, nearby mountains and Old Town.
While we ate at Restoran Kaldrma, I savored one of the best chicken kebab dishes I’ve ever eaten. It came with warm pita bread that was seasoned with incredible flavors. Ashley had the cevapi, which looks like mini sausages and are made with lamb and beef. It was served with pita bread as well. We enjoyed our Bosnian lunch with local wine.
Other popular Bosnian staples are burek, which is phyllo dough filled with meat, cheese or a spinach filling; begova corba, which is a slow-cooked chicken and vegetable soup; klepe, which is minced meat dumplings and baklava, which is a popular dessert that you will also find in Turkey and Greece.
Another popular thing to do in Mostar is enjoy Bosnian tea or coffee at Café de Alma. It is a cozy café to relax at and enjoy a nice morning or afternoon beverage.
Enjoy a Day Trip from Mostar:
Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina is in the perfect location to do a day trip if you decide to stay in the city for a longer period of time. In addition to Split, Croatia, there are plenty of other great cities and locations to explore and enjoy a day trip near Mostar.
Below are the best destinations to visit from Mostar:
- Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Kravice Waterfalls Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Krka National Park, Croatia
- Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
- Blagaj, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Počitelj, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Dubrovnik, Croatia
Discover similar destinations to Mostar below:
Planning an epic European vacation? Find more Europe travel tips here.
I hope you enjoyed discovering the best things to do during a day trip from Split to Mostar. If you have any questions, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.
Basic Facts of Bosnia:
Currency: Bosnia and Herzegovina Convertible Mark, Capital: Sarajevo, Time Zone: Central European Standard Time
*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more. Click here to get insured for your next trip.
Shop my Mostar Look:
Click here to shop my Poshmark closet!
4 Comments
Mostar, Bosnia looks so beautiful ~ the architecture and beautiful waters are so breathtaking. Love the Stari Most bridge. Absolutely beautiful with the river flowing underneath it! The water is an amazing color ~ glad you were able to see all the history of the war. Very sad though ~ thank you for writing this great blog on Mostar, Bosnia. Love you. Mom xoxo 👩🧡💛
Mostar was a fascinating and memorable destination. The Stari Most bridge was an architectural marvel, and the city itself had a rich and complex history. I enjoyed exploring the old town and trying the local cuisine.
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Mostar, Bosnia looks so beautiful ~ the architecture and beautiful waters are so breathtaking. Love the Stari Most bridge. Absolutely beautiful with the river flowing underneath it! The water is an amazing color ~ glad you were able to see all the history of the war. Very sad though ~ thank you for writing this great blog on Mostar, Bosnia. Love you. Mom xoxo 👩🧡💛
It really is such a beautiful city! I loved it so much! Such a great day trip! 🙂
Mostar was a fascinating and memorable destination. The Stari Most bridge was an architectural marvel, and the city itself had a rich and complex history. I enjoyed exploring the old town and trying the local cuisine.
It really is beautiful there! I loved it so much. Would love to go back and explore more of Bosnia and Herzegovina! 🙂