Is Mostar expensive to visit?
In Mostar, budget travelers spend $40 (KM67) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $97 (KM162) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $226 (KM378) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Mostar.
Mostar is a small yet captivating destination that lures visitors with differing travel styles, spending levels, and budgetary preferences. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Mostar can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Mostar is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Europe for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Novi Sad, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Avignon.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Mostar Expensive?
Mostar Old Town
How much money do I need for a trip to Mostar?
The average Mostar trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Mostar travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Mostar cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
To manage your travel budget, it's important to set realistic expectations. Many people think they can visit Mostar on a cheap budget, but most don't enjoy the limitations of a tight shoestring budget. Consider how you like to travel. Do you enjoy hostels, resorts, hotels, or vacation rentals? Do you want to dine out and explore the major attractions? These decisions will determine your budget and itinerary.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $40 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
Luckily, Mostar offers plenty of hostels, including Majdas, Hostel Miran, and Hostel Nina. Staying at hostels like these means you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation along with a lively social vibe, though amenities might be minimal.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. It's a common desire for visitors to Mostar to experience the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $97 per person, per day.
The range of hotels and vacation rentals in Mostar is impressive. If you're traveling with others, sharing your hotel with a partner, friend, or kids allows you to split the costs and save money. Families will want to find hotels and restaurants that accommodate children. Motel Argentum is a solid choice for families, while Pansion Villa Cardak also offers great options. For additional family and couple-friendly hotels, refer to our hotel guide for Mostar here.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you're used to premier amenities and elevated service, prepare to spend about $226 per day. Choosing comfortable hotels, dining at award-winning establishments, indulging in extravagant excursions, and relying on taxis or private drivers to explore the destination will demand a higher price range. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Mostar Private Walking Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Mostar
The price of hotels in Mostar can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury and amenities, but with much higher price tags, especially during peak season. Off-season averages are around $33, while peak season averages can reach $62. Prices range from $20 to $116, but hostels are usually cheaper. Traveling during the low season and booking early are good ways to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Mostar for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $80 (KM133). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $40 (KM67) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Mostar? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Mostar include:
- Pansion Villa Cardak starting at $47
- Hotel-Restaurant Kriva Cuprija starting at $54
- Hotel Almira Mostar starting at $47
- Hotel Mostar Mostar starting at $47
- City Hotel Mostar starting at $44
If you plan your trip for the shoulder or low season and avoid , you'll enjoy reduced accommodation costs and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Mostar
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $9.52 (KM16) per person, per day, on local transportation in Mostar. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Mostar is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$9.52
KM16
Mostar is a small town and you can easily walk throughout the old town without much effort. Streets may be uneven so you should watch your step.
The most beautiful way to reach Mostar is by train from Sarajevo. The mountain scenery is absolutely beautiful and there are a series of tunnels that take you through the mountains. It's not only the cheapest way to reach the city, but also the most impressive. The trip takes about two and a half hours. Some of the facilities are dated though, so if you're looking for comfort, the bus is actually the better option.
If you're using a car, make sure your hotel has convenient parking available.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Private transfer Dubrovnik and Mostar for $226 details
- Transfer Mostar to Dubrovnik with Kravice Waterfalls, Blagaj and Počitelj tour for $149 details
- Airport transfer: Capljina - Mostar - Tuzla - Mostar - Capljina for $59 details
How much does it cost to go to Mostar? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Mostar will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
The typical transit costs in Mostar are outlined below, based on data from actual travelers. These figures provide an estimate of overall transportation expenses in the city. Remember, your personal costs will depend on how you choose to get around, as taxis and hired cars tend to be much pricier than using public transportation.
Food Budget in Mostar
Cuisine is one of the main reasons people travel, so don't miss out on the local fare.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Mostar can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Mostar is $49 (KM82) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$49
KM82
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Mostar is around $49 (KM82) per person, with previous travelers spending from $20 to $118. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Mostar are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $15
- Lunch: $7 to $20
- Dinner: $15 to $34
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $7
The town is small, but there are still a decent number of restaurants that range in price and style. Budget options include pizza, pastries, and traditional Bosnian food. Slightly more expensive restaurants may offer a view of the river and the bridge. The food is relatively consistent in quality, so what you pay for is the view. It is well worth the splurge (and it's not a significant splurge).
There are some good bars in the old town as well if you're hoping to hear some music and grab a drink. They each have their own atmosphere and it's a great way to meet people and soak up some local culture.
Pastry shops and desserts are common throughout the region and this remains true in Mostar. These decadent desserts are surprisingly cheap and of good quality. A great way to pass the night is to grab a dessert and enjoy it as you take in the view of the bridge over the river.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Opt for a water bottle rather than spending on drinks all the time. It's also a more sustainable choice.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Mostar. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class in Mostar with Lunch and Drinks for $77 details
- Cooking Class of Mostar for $179 details
- Sarajevo Old Town Tour With Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class for $262 details
Typical food prices in Mostar, as reported by previous travelers, are outlined below. These costs offer a snapshot of what meals might cost in the city. Your personal expenses will vary depending on the type of dining experiences you choose and the dishes you order.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Mostar
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Mostar typically cost an average of $10 (KM17) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$10
KM17
Mostar's most famous and significant site is its old bridge, called Stari Most, which crosses the Neretva river. The bridge was originally constructed by the Turks in 1566, but was destroyed during the civil war in 1993. It was later rebuilt as a symbol of recovery in 2004. The rebuilt bridge can be seen today, and is surrounded on both sides of the river by the beautiful old town.
There is an Old Bridge Museum near the bridge that has exhibits on the history of the bridge and a view of the town from the top.
Muslibegovica House is open between spring and fall. It was built over 300 years ago and is a beautiful house from the Ottoman period.
Other interesting places to visit include the History Museum of Herzegovina, Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, Karadjoz-Bey Mosque, the cemetery, Biscevica House and the Large Cross on the Hill.
A visit to Mostar is really about soaking up the atmosphere. It's interesting to sit by the bridge and watch the locals dive into the river below. There is actually a Mostar Diving Club that is made up of local men who take the plunge. Do not attempt this yourself. The waters are a constant 12 degrees Celsius.
The city was divided by the war in 1993 and today you can walk along the former front line on Bulevar Revolucije. The line split the Croats on the West and the Bosniaks on the East. It is a truly sad place to visit.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Mostar. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Full-Day Herzegovina Tour with Blagaj, Pocitel and Kravice Waterfalls for $60 details
- Full-Day Tour in Herzegovina, Blagaj, Počitelj, and Kravice for $60 details
- Private Tour: Kravice Waterfalls, Blagaj, Počitelj, Buna Channel, Skaywalk. For $119 details
Nightlife Budget in Mostar
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $4.08 (KM6.79) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Mostar per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$4.08
KM6.79
Exploring the nightlife is often a fun part of any trip, but skipping a few drinks can make a big impact on your overall travel cost.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Mostar. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Mostar Sunset Walking Tour with Wine Tasting for $18 details
- Wine Tour & Tasting (Herzegovina) for $119 details
- Grand City Tour with Old Bridge Wine Tasting and Hub of Fine Arts for $83 details
Typical prices for alcohol and nightlife in Mostar are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the drink prices in Mostar. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, how often you drink alcoholic beverages, and how much you order. Keep in mind that if you want to save money on your trip, cutting out alcohol can make one of the biggest impacts on your travel budget.
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A Few Drinks (for 2)
KM12
Mostar
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.