Mostar questions!
 

Hello, im planning a trip to the balkans in summer, including BiH. I would like to go to Mostar, but have seen that most people visit Mostar on a day trip from Dubrovnik or Sarajevo. I had thought of spending at least a night, but was wondering your opinions? Is it worth a night, or is it better as a day trip?

I would also love to hear your opinions of Mostar in general!

And for those of you who have stayed a night, would you recommend any accomadations in the old town? A

Also, their is a small town very near Mostar called Pocitelj that seems beautiful from what i have read, as well as a waterfall called Kravice Waterfalls. Has anybody been to either of these places, and what are your opinions?

Thanks!

Hi. I am going to Mostar, from Dubrovnik(by bus), in September. I have never been there before but, based on what others have told me about the area, I have decided to stay two nights. For lodging, I have heard Hotel Ero and Pension Rose recommended. I plan on visiting the artist colony in Pocitelj. I am going to hire a guide to take me around the countryside, on my second date there. Hopefully, other travellers, with firsthand experience in the area, will be able to help you more.

I'm topping this because I too am interesting in spending a night or two in/near Mostar and visiting the waterfalls and possibly Pocitelj in November.

lisi, did you already find a private driver? If so, would you mind sharing information such as the name of the person/company and the rates? DH is a little aprehensive about driving in Bosnia, although I have read that it should be fine.

Thanks!
Tracy

Hi Tracy...I apologize for not catching your message earlier. About the guide, contact Andrew:
[email protected]

Andrew is setting me up with this guide who is fluent in English, and has a car. Andrew was also very helpful in recommending places to visit, based on his knowledge of the area.
Hope your trip is spectacular!

We took the Atlas Mostar day trip from Dubrovnik and really enjoyed ourselves. From hotel pick-up (the Kompas on Lapad), it was just under a 3-hr drive, which included 2 brief stops along the way, traffic delays and a short wait to cross the border. Once in Mostar, we had a 1-1/2 hr guided tour of the city. Our guide was born and raised there and needless to say, was quite informative. She expressed her surprise that people want to come from all over to see Mostar, namly the rebuilt bridge. The city really wasn't too crowded so it was good to be able to walk around leisurly, however, it started to rain and people scattered into shops (good for the merchants) but you must keep in mind the shops are small and since it was raining, the outside merchandise was either covered or pulled inside, making space even smaller. Fortunately my wallet didn't suffer a major set back since it was so difficult to shop, but there was certainly plenty of things now I wish I'd purchased! To continue with Atlas, your guided tour is 1-1/2 hr (and your entire time in Mostar is 3 hr), so you have a bit of time to explore the city. There are numerous places to eat on both sides of the bridge - and let me say the bridge (and cobblestone streets) is quite slippery when it's wet so be very careful. After a wonderful lunch at Bella Vista, on the western side, we wandered back across the bridge and viewed the war photo exhibit at a museum (sorry, name escapes me, but you can't miss it-it'll be on your right side as you cross the bridge to the Turkish secion). Admission is free. The photos detail the 90's war and there are excellent publications/dvd's/videos for sale. Unfortunately it was raining heavily as it was nearing the time to return to the bus, but we did manage to duck into a few shops and look around. Even managed to get to the post office to find a stamp for my scrapbook! I would recommend the Atlas tour, but keep in mind it makes for one long day. If you tour independently, make it an overnighter so you can soak in all the history this amazing city has to offer.
Enjoy!

I plan to spend one night in Mostar later this month as I travel from Sarajevo to Dubrovnik. I have a reservation at Hotel Bristol -- any info on this hotel, or other info on Mostar.

I was in Mostar before the war. The drive from Dubrovnik was long. We spent the night in a decent hotel.

If you have the time, spend a night or two at Mostar and wander around to the city. It's an interesting history.

Blackduff

I just visited Mostar, and while you can see the bridge and old city in a few hours, I enjoyed spending the day and time at bars and restaurants along the river.

And to answer my own question -- Hotel Bristol is a one-star hotel (clean bed, decent TV, OK bathroom but only cold water). I wouldn't stay there on a subsequent visit.