The Best Bars In Montenegro's Cetinje You Have To Try

The official residence of Montenegro‘s president, and once the home of the country’s Petrović-Njegoš royal family, it would be rude not to indulge in a cocktail or two whilst in Cetinje, Montenegro’s bustling, picturesque and decadent second capital. With a vivacious range of drinking spots, ranging from upmarket terraces to vintage, brasserie-style bars, the town provides a great setting in which to kick back with a glass of wine in style. So, here’s the best watering holes in Montenegro’s Cetinje.

1. Gradska Kafana

Bar, Restaurant, Turkish

The street terrace area of this modern bar is a favorite spot amongst locals, providing the perfect place to enjoy the mild Cetinje climate and some city-center people watching. Simple, unpretentious and wonderfully friendly, Gradska Kafana welcomes foreigners with open arms, and gives them a real taste of Cetinje daily life. Serving beers, wines and a variety of classic cocktails, as well as teas and coffees for non-drinkers, this is a family-friendly venue perfect for an afternoon tipple or a bar meal. Cetinje Street | © TropikalDawl/Flickr

Caffe Bar Casablanca

This trendy jazz bar is famed for its colorful cocktails mixed up in electric cocktail shakers at the front of the bar. On certain nights attracting a young student crowd, and on others drawing local musicians who choose Casablanca as their preferred watering hole, the bar is truly versatile and welcomes all drinkers. A live music venue in the early evenings, showcasing local jazz acts ranging from saxophonists to guitar ensembles, Caffe Bar Casablanca transforms into a more club-like venue as the evening progresses.

Caffe Bar Casablanca, Njegoseva 69, Cetinje, Montenegro. +382 67 353 135

Caffe Bar Iris

This cool, alternative bar features a distinctive interior that is strewn with old newspapers and attracts a young crowd. With cheap deals on cocktails, and regular DJ nights at the weekend, Caffe Bar Iris is the place to go to party in Cetinje. Playing music from deep house to disco, revellers are likely to have a vibrant night here, and the dancefloor is always packed with enthusiastic locals. Although the city lacks any large nightclubs, here drinkers can enjoy a club-like atmosphere, just without the extortionate entrance fees. Those who don’t want to brave the bar queue can always rely on the shot sellers, who wander around the bar making sure the party atmosphere is maintained well into the night.

Caffe Bar Iris, Njegoševa 61, Cetinje, Montenegro.

2. Vinoteka

Bar, Restaurant, Italian, Mediterranean

Atmospheric and homely, Vinoteka’s exterior is chic and simple. A small venue with a modest, pretty garden that guests may easily miss, the restaurant and bar remains one of Cetinje’s best-kept secrets. Inside, the restaurant area is a display of opulent tapestries, classical paintings and rustic wooden furniture, a sublime setting complemented by a menu of delicious fish, meat and soup dishes. Head downstairs to the hidden bar area, where wine bottles line the walls and customers can enjoy the old tavern-type ambience. This restaurant is popular amongst families and wine lovers wishing to escape the loud music of the town’s larger clubs and bars. Cetinje Panorama | © batintherain/Flickr