Things to Do in Bar, Crna Gora / Црна Гора

Bar is a charming coastal city in Montenegro, situated on the shores of the Adriatic Sea and serving as the country's main port. This historic city offers a unique blend of ancient ruins, medieval architecture, and modern seaside amenities, making it an increasingly popular destination for travelers seeking both cultural experiences and beach relaxation. The city is divided into two main areas: the modern coastal section with its bustling port, beaches, and contemporary facilities, and the fascinating Old Town (Stari Bar) located inland among olive groves and mountains. What sets Bar apart from other Adriatic destinations is its remarkable diversity of attractions within a compact area. Visitors can explore one of Europe's oldest olive trees, wander through medieval fortress ruins, relax on pebble beaches, and experience authentic Montenegrin culture all in a single day. The city's strategic location also makes it an excellent base for exploring both Montenegro's stunning coastline and its mountainous interior, while its ferry connections to Italy add an international dimension to any visit.

Top Things to Do in Bar

Explore Old Town Bar (Stari Bar)

Wander through the atmospheric ruins of this medieval fortress town, which dates back to the 10th century and features remnants of churches, mosques, and ancient walls. The site offers spectacular views over the coastal plain and houses several small museums showcasing local history. The blend of different architectural styles reflects the town's complex past under various rulers.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 2-3 euros and the site is open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM in summer. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Consider hiring a local guide (10-15 euros) to fully appreciate the historical significance.

Visit the Ancient Olive Tree

Marvel at one of the world's oldest olive trees, estimated to be over 2,000 years old and still producing fruit. This massive tree, with a circumference of 10 meters, is located in the village of Mirovica near Old Bar. The site includes a small interpretation center explaining the tree's significance and the region's olive-growing tradition.

Booking Tip: Free to visit and accessible year-round, though best visited during daylight hours. Combine with Old Bar exploration as they're only 2 km apart. Local taxi from Bar costs 5-8 euros or rent a car for more flexibility exploring the area.

Relax at Sutomore Beach

Enjoy one of the most popular beaches near Bar, featuring a long stretch of pebbles and sand with clear Adriatic waters. The beach offers numerous amenities including restaurants, cafes, water sports rentals, and beach chair rentals. The promenade behind the beach is perfect for evening strolls and dining.

Booking Tip: Beach access is free, but sunbed and umbrella rental costs 5-10 euros per day. Visit in shoulder season (May-June, September) for fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices. Water sports equipment rental ranges from 10-30 euros depending on activity.

Take a Ferry to Bari, Italy

Experience a scenic overnight ferry journey across the Adriatic Sea to Bari, Italy, offering stunning sunset and sunrise views over the water. The modern ferries feature comfortable cabins, restaurants, and deck areas perfect for relaxation. This journey provides a unique perspective of the Montenegrin coastline from the sea.

Booking Tip: Book ferries 1-2 weeks in advance, especially in summer. Prices range from 35-80 euros for deck passage, 60-150 euros for cabin berths. Ferries operate year-round but with reduced frequency in winter. Consider bringing snacks as onboard dining can be expensive.

Explore Rumija Mountain

Hike or drive up this scenic mountain that rises directly behind Bar, offering panoramic views of the entire coastline and Lake Skadar in the distance. The mountain features several hiking trails through Mediterranean vegetation and small traditional villages. The summit provides one of the best viewpoints in coastal Montenegro.

Booking Tip: Hiking is free and trails are accessible year-round, though spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions. Bring water and sun protection as shade is limited. Local guides available for 20-30 euros for half-day hikes, or rent a 4WD vehicle to access higher elevations.

Getting There

Bar is easily accessible by various means of transport, making it one of Montenegro's most connected destinations. The city has its own railway station with direct trains from Belgrade, Serbia, including a scenic route through Montenegro's mountains. By air, the nearest airport is Podgorica (70 km away), with Tivat Airport also serving the region (80 km). Regular bus services connect Bar to all major Montenegrin cities and neighboring countries. For those arriving by sea, Bar's port welcomes ferries from Bari and Ancona in Italy, making it a popular entry point for travelers with vehicles exploring the Balkans.

Getting Around

Getting around Bar is straightforward with several transportation options available. The city center and port area are easily walkable, with most attractions within a 15-minute walk of each other. Local buses connect the modern town with nearby beaches and Old Bar, running frequently during summer months for about 1 euro per ride. Taxis are readily available and affordable for short distances, while car rental agencies offer vehicles for exploring the wider region. For day trips to Old Bar and surrounding attractions, many visitors rent bicycles or scooters, which are perfect for the relatively flat coastal terrain and short distances involved.

Where to Stay

Bar City Center

Sutomore Beach Area

Old Bar vicinity

Port District

Susanj Beach

Dobra Voda

Food & Dining

Bar's dining scene reflects its position as both a working port city and tourist destination, offering everything from simple local taverns to upscale seafood restaurants. The city center features numerous restaurants serving fresh Adriatic seafood, with grilled fish, octopus salad, and seafood risotto being local specialties. Traditional Montenegrin cuisine is well-represented in family-run konobas (taverns), where visitors can try local dishes like lamb under the bell (ispod sača) and homemade cheese. The port area has several casual eateries popular with both locals and travelers, while the beachfront areas of Sutomore offer dining with sea views. Don't miss trying local olive oil, produced from the ancient groves surrounding Old Bar, and pair meals with Montenegrin wines like Vranac.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Bar depends on your preferences, but late spring through early autumn offers the most favorable conditions. May through September provides warm weather perfect for beach activities and outdoor exploration, with July and August being the busiest and hottest months. For a perfect balance of good weather, fewer crowds, and reasonable prices, consider visiting in May-June or September-October when temperatures are comfortable for both sightseeing and swimming. Winter visits are possible and offer a different perspective of the city, with mild temperatures and the opportunity to experience local life without tourist crowds, though some seasonal businesses may be closed and ferry schedules reduced.

Insider Tips

Visit Old Bar early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday sun while enjoying the best photography lighting

The local green market near the port offers fresh produce, local cheeses, and olive oil at much better prices than tourist shops

Ferry tickets to Italy can be significantly cheaper when booked as foot passengers rather than with vehicles, and rental cars are available on both sides

Things to Do in Bar