Rick Steves Describes Daytripping Between These Two Cities as ‘One of Europe’s Most Enriching Experiences’

In the sun-drenched heart of the Balkans, where the sparkling waves of the Adriatic give way to rugged mountains and ancient towns etched with history, lies one of Europe’s most captivating cultural crossings. Dubrovnik, often dubbed the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” enchants visitors with its incredible Medieval architecture, intense city walls, and shimmering coastline. Not to mention, Game of Thrones fans will revel in the endless opportunities to explore filming locations. 

However, according to European travel expert Rick Steves, venture just over two hours inland from this stunning coastal city and you’ll find yourself in another world entirely. “The city’s Ottoman influence is evident,” Steves explains in an article on his website. “From traditional Turkish-style houses (including several open to visitors), to lively Coppersmiths’ Street (with the flavor of a Turkish bazaar), to the call to prayer, echoing throughout the city five times a day.”

Mostar, a city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a place where the scars of religious conflict, although still fresh, are juxtaposed against a backdrop of resilience and rebirth. Embarking on a day trip to Mostar from Dubrovnik is not merely about ticking off another destination. As Steves says, “Visiting these two pieces of the former Yugoslavia is like turning a history and politics textbook inside out, shaking its contents all over the earth, and then playing in it.” When visiting Dubrovnik, don’t miss the opportunity to day trip to neighboring Mostar — an ideal adventure for curious travelers seeking more than just postcard views. It’s a rare chance to see how two nations now tell their stories through architecture, cuisine, and religion.

Beginning on the Croatian side, visitors to Dubrovnik will notice its commanding presence. Encircled by massive stone walls dating back to the 13th century, the city offers some incredible historic architecture, including a combination of Renaissance and Baroque styles. No visit to Dubrovnik would be complete without walking the entirety of its city walls — a feat of Medieval engineering, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and fascinating comparison to Mostar’s own UNESCO feature. As a former stronghold of the independent Republic of Ragusa and later incorporated into Yugoslavia, Dubrovnik carries centuries of layered history. Today, travelers flock here to experience its beauty, but few realize that this city is also a gateway to one of Europe’s most eye-opening cultural contrasts across the border in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Dubrovnik’s charm is shaped by trade, diplomacy, and recovery from war, while just across the border, Mostar offers a different narrative — one deeply marked by religious convergence, conflict, and resilience. For curious travelers, Dubrovnik isn’t just a postcard-perfect destination —  it’s the first part of a larger story in a region that has seen empires rise and fall, cultures intertwine, and borders shift dramatically, all while maintaining a distinct and vibrant identity.

What makes Dubrovnik particularly fascinating, especially when paired with a visit to Mostar, is how both cities have endured the burdens of the past while presenting vastly different yet interconnected narratives. Dubrovnik stands as a polished reminder of a wealthy, walled city that endured invasion and reemerged with its heritage intact. Mostar, by contrast, still bears visible wounds of its conflict, and yet it hums with rebirth, multiculturalism, and reconciliation.