The quick answer
Old Town is pedestrian. Park just outside the zone and walk in. The city runs official paid parking with clear signs, simple payment, and day tickets that suit visitors. If you want zero hassle, use one of the larger city car parks near the centre, then stroll to Stari Most.
Where to park for Stari Most and the bazaar
These central, city operated car parks are reliable and well signed. They are an easy walk to the bridge.
- Katedrala In front of the Cathedral of Mary Mother of the Church. Good for the west bank and a straightforward walk into Old Town. Typical pricing at this site: day ticket 10 KM. Hourly 1.50 KM during charge hours.
- Federalna Behind the Federal Government building on the main boulevard. Central position. Day ticket 10 KM. Hourly 1.50 KM.
- Đački Behind the former student home on Kralja Tvrtka. Day ticket 10 KM. Hourly 1.50 KM.
- Ćiro Area of the former HIT building near the theatre and government buildings. Day ticket 10 KM. Hourly 1.50 KM.
- Stadion In front of the city stadium. Useful on very busy days or during events. Day ticket 10 KM. Hourly 1.50 KM.
Private lots also operate near Old Town with flat daily prices. Quality, shade and security vary. Read the board at the entrance and ask for a receipt. If unsure, choose the city sites above for transparent pricing.
Street parking zones and prices
Most streets near the centre fall into two city zones. Follow the sign at your exact bay.
- Zone I Higher tariff streets close to the centre. 1.50 KM per hour. Daily ticket 20 KM. Short stay limits can apply on some stretches.
- Zone II Surrounding streets with a lower tariff. 1.00 KM per hour. Daily ticket 15 KM. Longer stays are usually allowed than in Zone I.
If you plan to explore for half a day or more, a day ticket is usually better value than stacking hourly payments and it avoids short stay limits.
When parking is charged
Posted hours apply and change with the season. Always read the sign at your bay.
- Summer schedule from 1 April to 31 October Monday to Friday 07:00 to 21:00 Saturday 07:00 to 15:00
- Tourist streets in peak summer from 1 June to 30 September Charging also runs on weekend days 07:00 to 21:00
- Sundays and public holidays outside those tourist streets Commonly free, subject to the local sign
On very busy days the city may extend controls in specific streets. The sign is the rule.
How to pay for parking
You have three simple options. Keep your proof of payment while you are parked.
- SMS Send your number plate by text message to the city service shown on the sign. Zone I: send to 0838801 Zone II: send to 0838802 You will receive a confirmation text. That message is your proof of payment for inspectors.
- Official app The GoParking mobile app covers city parking. Pay hourly or daily by card and extend from your phone. You can start a session after you park if needed, as long as you are within the grace time shown on the sign.
- Pay machine Many streets and car parks have machines. Choose hourly or daily. Follow the prompts, pay by cash or card where available, and display the ticket if the machine instructs you to do so.
Short stay limits can apply to hourly SMS sessions in busy streets. Zone I is commonly limited to two hours. Zone II often allows up to four hours. Day tickets and the special city car parks listed above avoid those caps.
Malls and covered parking
Mepas Mall offers covered parking. The first hour is typically free, then posted hourly rates apply. It is a simple walk or a short taxi ride to Old Town. This is handy in very hot weather or if you want a guaranteed space for a couple of hours.
Practical tips from locals
- Arrive early in summer to avoid the midday crowd.
- Favour the west bank for simpler access and a pleasant walk to the bridge.
- Do not leave valuables in view. Use the boot and lock the car.
- Read the bay sign for zone, hours and any local restrictions.
- Keep your confirmation text, app receipt or paper ticket until you drive away.
- On peak days, consider Stadion or Ćiro first and walk in. You will often park faster than circling close to the bridge.
Frequent questions
Where is the best place to park for Old Bridge ?
Choose a city car park near the centre such as Katedrala or Federalna. You get a clear day price and a simple walk into the pedestrian zone. It beats circling narrow streets near the bridge.
Can I pay by card ?
Yes. The GoParking app accepts cards. Many machines also take cards. SMS is quick if your phone plan supports local texts.
Is parking free on Sundays ?
Often yes, except for certain tourist streets during peak summer which run weekend charging. The posted sign at your bay is the final word.
Can I park overnight ?
Yes where the sign allows it. If you plan to leave the car, a day ticket in a city car park is good value and avoids short stay limits on on-street bays.
What happens if I find a notice on the windscreen ?
It usually means you overstayed or did not pay. The notice explains how to settle it, often online or at a bank. Handle it promptly to avoid extra fees.
What if I get a parking ticket by post after I leave ?
The city or operator may send a notice based on your plate. Pay it as instructed. If a notice is sent to us as the vehicle owner, we supply your contract details to the authority as the law requires and an admin fee may apply for processing.
Is there dedicated accessible parking ?
Marked bays exist in central areas and at malls. Use your permit and follow the local sign. Enforcement is active near main sights.
Can I bring a campervan into the centre ?
Large vehicles fit best in the larger edge-of-centre car parks such as Stadion or around the theatre and government area. Check the entrance board for height and time limits.
Do I need change for machines ?
Some machines take cards, some take coins only. The app or SMS method avoids the need for change.
Can I leave my car while I go on a day trip ?
Yes if the sign allows long stays. A day ticket at a city car park is the simplest option. Do not leave valuables visible.
Before you go
If you want a smooth arrival, book your car with us now. We show the final price before you pay and we meet you at arrivals if you are flying. Tell us where you are staying and we will suggest the nearest reliable car park for your first visit to Old Town.
