MONTENEGRO
Montenegro, a small yet stunning Balkan nation, is a land where dramatic mountains meet the azure Adriatic Sea. Its rich history, influenced by Venetian and Ottoman empires, has forged a resilient culture, unique cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes.
Region: Southern Europe
Capital: Podgorica (Cetinje is the Old Royal Capital)
Official Language: Montenegrin. Serbian, Bosnian, Albanian, and Croatian are also recognized.
Level of Travel Safety: Exercise normal safety precautions. Montenegro is generally safe, with low crime rates. Be mindful of petty theft in crowded tourist areas.
Why Visit Montenegro?
Enchanting Coastlines: Explore the stunning Adriatic coast, from the “fjord-like” Bay of Kotor to sandy beaches.
Budget-Friendly Destination: Enjoy affordable accommodation, delicious local food, and free natural attractions.
UNESCO Paradise: Discover UNESCO sites like the Bay of Kotor and Durmitor National Park’s breathtaking mountains.
Delicious & Diverse Food: Savor fresh seafood on the coast and hearty mountain dishes like Njeguški pršut (smoked ham).
Rich History & Culture: Visit ancient towns, monasteries carved into cliffs, and experience a blend of influences.
Natural Beauty & Adventure: Hike through pristine national parks, explore glacial lakes, and raft down deep canyons.
Essential Trip Information
Visa and Entry Requirements
Montenegro allows visa-free travel for up to 90 days for citizens of the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and others.
Check specific requirements based on nationality via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro.
Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended stay.
Proof of onward travel and sufficient funds may be requested upon arrival.
Currency
Montenegro uses the Euro (€). While the Euro is the official currency, this guide uses the U.S. Dollar (US$) as a reference. Bills: €5–500 (larger denominations are rare). Coins: 1¢–€2.
Best Ways to Handle Currency:
Before Your Trip: Exchange a small amount for immediate expenses. ATMs generally offer better exchange rates than currency exchange bureaus.
During Your Trip: Use ATMs at major banks for withdrawals. Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in urban areas and tourist spots, but it’s advisable to carry US$20–50 equivalent in Euros for smaller vendors, markets, or in more rural areas.
What to Avoid: Currency exchange kiosks (often have high fees) and dynamic currency conversion (always choose to be charged in EUR).
Language
Montenegrin is the official language. English is increasingly spoken in tourist areas, especially by younger generations.
Helpful phrases:
Hello: Dobar dan
Thank you: Hvala
Excuse me: Izvinite
How much does this cost?: Koliko košta?
Where is…?: Gdje je…?
Safety & Security
Montenegro is generally a safe and welcoming destination. Violent crime is rare.
Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas like old towns and bus stations.
Emergency numbers:
General Emergency: 112
Police: 122
Fire Brigade: 123
Ambulance: 124
Health & Insurance
No special vaccinations are typically required beyond routine ones (e.g., MMR, Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Hepatitis A & B).
Travel insurance with emergency repatriation is highly recommended, as U.S. healthcare can be expensive and not all public medical facilities in Montenegro are equipped for serious emergencies.
Pharmacies are available in towns.
Tap water is generally safe to drink.
Transportation
Buses: The most common and cost-effective way to travel between cities. Services are frequent and cover most tourist destinations.
Trains: A cost-effective option for longer distances, especially for scenic routes like Podgorica to Bar.
Taxis/Ride-sharing: Taxis are available in towns and cities. Uber/Lyft are not widely available as in the US, but local ride-hailing apps or simply hailing a taxi are options. Agree on the price beforehand or ensure the meter is used.
Car Rental: Recommended for exploring more remote areas and national parks. Be aware of varying road conditions, especially in mountainous regions.
Price Level
Montenegro is considered a more affordable destination compared to Western Europe, but prices can increase in popular coastal areas during peak season (June-August).
Accommodation (prices in US$ equivalent, per night)
Budget: Hostels/guesthouses (US$20–45)
Mid-range: 3-4 star hotels/apartments (US$45–100)
Luxury: 4-5 star hotels/boutique resorts (US$100+/night, higher in places like Sveti Stefan)
Food
Quick eats/street food (like burek): US$3–6
Casual dining/local restaurants: US$10–20/person
Fine dining: US$30+/person (especially for seafood on the coast)
Drinks
Beer: US1–2 (supermarkets)
Coffee/Cappuccino: US$1.50–3
Cocktails: US$7–12
Transportation
Local bus ride: US$1–3
Intercity bus (e.g., Budva to Kotor): US$3–5
Train (e.g., Podgorica to Virpazar): US$2–4
Taxi (short trip): US$5–10
Money-Saving Tips:
Visit free natural attractions like beaches and hiking trails.
Eat at local bakeries and small eateries away from main tourist hotspots for authentic and cheaper meals.
Consider self-catering accommodation with a kitchen to prepare some of your meals.
Use public transportation (buses and trains) for intercity travel.
Travel during the shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) for lower prices and fewer crowds.
Explore Montenegro
Located in the southwestern part of Montenegro, this stunning fjord-like bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering dramatic scenery of mountains plunging into the Adriatic Sea, dotted with charming medieval towns.
Nestled at the end of the Bay of Kotor, this UNESCO-listed walled city boasts a labyrinth of narrow streets, ancient churches, and impressive fortifications that lead to breathtaking views from San Giovanni Fortress.
A vibrant coastal town located south of Kotor, famous for its picturesque Old Town (Stari Grad), lively beaches, and bustling nightlife.
An iconic and picturesque fortified island village, located on the coast south of Budva, now an exclusive luxury resort, offering postcard-perfect views.
Situated in northern Montenegro, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a nature lover’s paradise, with glacial lakes, deep canyons (including the Tara River Canyon, Europe’s deepest), and opportunities for hiking, rafting, and skiing.
The largest lake in the Balkans, straddling the border with Albania in southern Montenegro, it’s a haven for birdlife and offers boat tours through its tranquil waters and floating water lilies.
A remarkable Serbian Orthodox monastery carved high into a vertical cliff face in central Montenegro, a significant pilgrimage site offering stunning views and a unique architectural marvel.
A charming baroque town on the Bay of Kotor, known for its elegant palaces, two small islands (Our Lady of the Rocks and Saint George), and a tranquil, historic atmosphere.
Located in the south-central part of Montenegro, this park encompasses Mount Lovćen, known for its panoramic views of the coast and the mausoleum of Petar II Petrović Njegoš, a revered Montenegrin ruler.
A modern coastal town on the Bay of Kotor, renowned for Porto Montenegro, a luxurious superyacht marina with high-end boutiques, restaurants, and a sophisticated atmosphere.
Smart Travel
Key Advantages:
Lowest Prices
Fewer Crowds
Authentic Local Vibe
Winter Sports (excluding peak)
Cozy Atmosphere
Main Drawbacks:
Cold Temperatures
Shorter Days
Limited Outdoor Activities (non-ski)
Some closures
Key Regions:
Kolašin & Žabljak: Ideal for skiing and snowboarding in the scenic Durmitor and Bjelasica mountains.
Podgorica: Experience a quieter capital with local cafes and winter events.
Lake Skadar Region: Peaceful and misty landscapes perfect for a tranquil retreat.
Old Towns (Kotor, Budva): Enjoy empty cobbled streets and medieval architecture without the crowds.
Key Advantages:
Ideal Weather
Manageable Crowds
Reasonable Prices
Festivals & Events
Blooming Landscapes (Spring) & Autumn Colors (Autumn)
Main Drawbacks:
Unpredictable Weather (Spring/Autumn)
Some regional variation in temperatures
Popular events can still draw crowds
Key Regions:
Bay of Kotor (Kotor, Perast): Perfect for coastal walks and historic exploration with mild temperatures (~60–75ºF / 15–24ºC).
Durmitor National Park: Enjoy hikes among spring wildflowers or fall foliage with fewer tourists.
Budva Riviera: Great weather for beach strolls and café culture before or after summer peak.
Cetinje & Lovćen National Park: Cultural sites and scenic viewpoints best visited in cooler, clear weather.
Wine Country (Pljevlja, Crmnica): Beautiful vineyards and tastings in seasonally colorful countryside.
Mid-Summer (June–August)
Christmas and New Year Holiday Period
Peak Ski Season (February–March)
Planning Your Trip
Local Customs And Etiquette
Politics: Discussions can be sensitive—avoid topics around independence, Kosovo, or Serbia unless invited.
Tipping: 10–15% is appreciated in restaurants; US$1–2 per bag for porters.
Dress Code: Casual is widely accepted. Beachwear is for the beach—cover up in towns or religious sites.
Religious Sites: Shoulders and knees should be covered in monasteries or churches. Bring a shawl or scarf.
General Behavior: Montenegrins are warm and hospitable but appreciate polite manners and patience.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels (US$20–40), mid-range hotels (US$60–150), luxury resorts (US$250+).
Food: Street snacks (US$5–8), restaurant meal (US$12–25), fine dining (US$60+).
Transport: Intercity buses (US$5–15), taxis (US$1.50 base + US$1/km), car rentals (US$30–60/day).
Activities: Beach days and hikes are free; national park entry (US$3–5), guided tours (US$20–40).
Daily Budget:
Budget: US$60–90 (hostels, bakery meals, buses).
Mid-range: US$130–200 (hotels, restaurant meals, car hire).
Luxury: US$300+ (seaside resorts, private excursions, gourmet dinners).
Internet & Mobile
Free Wi-Fi: Widespread in cafes, hotels, and coastal towns.
SIM Cards: Available at Telenor, One, or MTEL kiosks. US$5–10 for 10GB+ prepaid plans.
eSIMs: Supported by regional and international providers (Airalo, Holafly).
Travel Insurance
Recommended for: Medical coverage, car rental liability, ferry delays (occasional in windy weather).
Medical care: Private clinics are affordable but upfront payment is often required.
Adventure Activities: If planning canyoning, hiking, or boating on Lake Skadar, ensure your plan includes outdoor adventure coverage.
Accomodation Options
Montenegro’s lodging scene ranges from sleek coastal resorts to tranquil mountain cabins.
Luxury:
- Seafront escapes: Regent Porto Montenegro (Tivat), One&Only Portonovi.
- Mountain retreats: Bianca Resort & Spa (Kolašin), Aman Sveti Stefan (when open).
Mid-range:
- Boutique hotels: Hotel Vardar (Kotor Old Town), Astoria Hotel (Budva).
- Apartments: Private rentals in Perast, Ulcinj (US$50–120/night).
Budget:
- Guesthouses: US$20–40/night (Žabljak, Cetinje, Bar).
- Hostels: Old Town Hostel (Kotor), Montenegro Hostel (Budva).
Unique Stays:
- Eco-lodges: Ethno village “Nevidio” near Durmitor.
- Boat stays: Private boat rentals in Herceg Novi or Tivat marinas.
Tip: Book early for July–August, especially along the Adriatic Coast or in Durmitor National Park during hiking season.
Getting Around
Montenegro is compact but mountainous—travel can be scenic and slow.
Trains:
Podgorica to Bar: One of the most scenic rail routes in Europe (~2h). Basic but affordable (~US$5).
To Serbia: Daily trains connect Bar to Belgrade via the mountains (~11h, sleeper option available).
Buses:
Main Intercity Option: Reliable and cheap. Kotor–Budva (~1h, US$4), Podgorica–Žabljak (~3h, US$8).
Schedules: Frequent in summer; check online (Busticket4.me) or ask at stations.
Domestic Flights:
Not necessary—distances are short. Drive or take a bus for all internal travel.
Car Rental:
Highly recommended for reaching remote areas (Durmitor, Lake Skadar, Prokletije).
Manual cars are common. Roads are scenic but narrow—drive cautiously in mountain areas.
Taxis/Local Transport:
Taxis are affordable but confirm prices in advance.
Local buses run in cities like Podgorica, but towns like Kotor and Budva are best explored on foot.
Handy Tips
Montenegro uses the Euro (€), even though it is not a member of the European Union.
Bills come in €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500 denominations. Coins include 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, plus €1 and €2 coins.
Exchanging Currency: Avoid airport kiosks due to unfavorable rates. Use ATMs or official banks for the best exchange rates.
Using Cards: Credit/debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted at hotels and mid-to-upscale restaurants. Smaller businesses and taxis may prefer cash, especially in rural areas.
Tipping Etiquette: Tipping isn’t mandatory, but it’s appreciated. Round up or leave small change.
- Restaurants/Bars: 5–10% of the bill if not already included.
- Taxis/Rideshares: Round up to the nearest euro.
- Hotel Staff: €1–2 per bag; €2–3 per day for housekeeping.
- Tour Guides: €5–10 per person for group tours.
Montenegrin is the official language (very similar to Serbian, Croatian, and Bosnian), but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Useful phrases:
“Gdje je najbliža autobuska stanica?” (Where’s the nearest bus station?)
“Koliko košta…?” (How much is…?)
“Mogu li dobiti račun?” (Can I get a receipt?)
Pro Tip: In small towns, English may be limited—download offline translation apps for smoother communication.
Montenegro is generally safe for travelers. Exercise caution at night in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas, especially in cities like Podgorica or coastal nightlife hubs during festivals.
Emergency Contacts:
112: All emergencies (police, fire, ambulance)
122: Police
123: Fire brigade
124: Medical emergencies
Keep your embassy’s contact info saved if you’re staying long.
Montenegro uses 230V/50Hz with Type C and F plugs (two round pins).
Visitors from the US and UK will need an adapter. A voltage converter may be required for non-dual-voltage appliances.
Tap water is safe to drink in most areas, especially in the north and the coast. However, in very rural villages, bottled water is advisable.
Restaurants will serve bottled water by default—ask for “česmu vodu” (tap water) if you prefer.
Public services, museums, and many shops close on:
1 Jan: New Year’s Day
7 Jan: Orthodox Christmas
27 Apr (varies): Orthodox Easter
1 May: Labor Day
21 May: Independence Day
13 Jul: Statehood Day
25–26 Dec: Catholic Christmas (recognized in coastal towns)
Note: Festivals and concerts often align with major holidays—plan ahead for limited transport.
Shops: Typically 08:00–20:00 (some close Sundays).
Supermarkets: 07:00–22:00, even on weekends.
Pharmacies: 08:00–21:00 (major towns have 24/7 options).
Markets: Morning only, especially vibrant in Kotor, Bar, and Podgorica.
Ćevapi: Grilled minced meat sausages served with flatbread and chopped onions.
Njeguški pršut: Dry-cured smoked ham from Njeguši village—deep, savory flavor.
Kačamak: A hearty dish of cornmeal, potatoes, and cheese—perfect in mountain regions.
Black Risotto (Crni Rižot): Squid-ink rice dish from the coast.
Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with meat and rice, slow-cooked in tomato sauce.
Buzara: Shellfish stew with white wine, garlic, and parsley—Adriatic comfort food.
Sarma: Cabbage rolls stuffed with meat and rice.
Fresh Trout: Especially from Plužine and the Tara River.
Pita (Burek): Flaky pastry filled with cheese, spinach, or meat—common breakfast item.
Baklava: Sweet pastry layered with nuts and honey syrup (Ottoman influence).
Local Cheeses: Try Pljevlja or Njeguši cheeses for regional depth.
Alcoholic:
Rakija: Strong fruit brandy (try grape or plum)—a local ritual before meals.
Vranac Wine: Montenegro’s signature red—full-bodied and earthy.
Krstač Wine: Light white wine with citrus notes—perfect with seafood.
Nikšićko Pivo: Montenegro’s most popular lager, available everywhere.
Plantaze Wines: Widely respected Montenegrin winery—tours available near Podgorica.
Prošek: Sweet dessert wine from the Adriatic coast.
Pelinkovac: Bitter herbal liqueur with digestive properties.
Non-Alcoholic:
Boza: Fermented, slightly sweet drink made from corn or wheat.
Mountain Spring Water: Bottled water like “Knjaz Miloš” is sourced from natural springs.
Turkish-style Coffee: Served in small cups with thick grounds—expect a caffeine jolt.
Rosehip Tea: Common in the north—tart, floral, and vitamin-rich.
Old Town Kotor: A UNESCO-listed maze of medieval architecture and cathedrals.
Lovćen Mausoleum: Atop Mount Lovćen, the resting place of poet Petar II Njegoš.
Ostrog Monastery: Dramatically carved into a cliffside—major pilgrimage site.
Cetinje: Historic royal capital with faded palaces and Orthodox treasures.
Lake Skadar: Balkan’s largest lake with monastery islets and rare birdlife.
Budva Old Town: Coastal Venetian walls and lively piazzas.
Ulcinj’s Stari Grad: A mix of Ottoman and Adriatic architecture—once a pirate haven.
Biogradska Gora: One of the last virgin rainforests in Europe.
Herceg Novi: Known for baroque churches and mimosa blossoms.
Local Legends: Many sites are tied to myths—ask about the “fairies of Durmitor.”
Hiking in Durmitor: Rugged trails, glacial lakes, and dramatic views.
Boat ride in Kotor Bay: Visit Our Lady of the Rocks island.
Tara River Rafting: Europe’s deepest canyon—thrilling but scenic.
Beach day in Sveti Stefan: Luxury, history, and turquoise waters.
Scuba diving: Explore WWII wrecks and caves off Budva or Bar.
Montenegrin Folklore Nights: Dance, tamburica music, and local wine.
Lake Skadar kayaking: Glide past water lilies and quiet monasteries.
Skiing in Kolašin: Small, charming resort for winter sport lovers.
Cetinje Museum Tour: Includes royal artifacts and Orthodox manuscripts.
Jazz Evenings in Podgorica: Check out “Culture Club Tarantino” or “Sejdefa”.
Top Hill (Budva): Massive open-air club with epic Adriatic views.
Night bars in Old Kotor: Cozy pubs with live acoustic or Balkan jazz.
Beachfront lounges in Ulcinj: Sunset cocktails at Copacabana Beach.
Buda Bar (Sveti Stefan): Stylish seaside spot for sundowners.
Podgorica’s Bokeska Street: Lined with buzzing bars and shisha lounges.
Lipa Cave events: Occasional underground music shows.
Jazz café Sejdefa: Elegant and bohemian—great for late-night conversation.
Budva Marina restaurants: Upscale dining and wine with harbor views.
Beach bonfire nights: Especially in quieter places like Petrovac.
Cultural events: Look out for KotorArt Festival and Lake Fest near Nikšić.