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9 Best Things to do in Bar, Montenegro

Stari Bar in Montenegro
Stari Bar in Montenegro | © Pecold / Shutterstock

Bar is unlikely to be anyone’s favourite Montenegrin coastal town, but that isn’t to say this is a place to avoid. Bar is full of history, both charming and tragic, along with some of the finest activities on the entire Montenegrin coast. And yes, plenty of bars too.
Before we dive into Bar, we want to share some of our favourite experiences and tours you can book right now to help you discover the best of Montenegro.

Great Montenegro Tour

Historical Landmark

Discover Montenegro’s best on this full-day tour. Visit iconic sites, enjoy breathtaking landscapes, and learn about the country’s history and culture. A comprehensive tour for those wanting to see Montenegro’s highlights in one day.

Tour Kotor - Perast Old Town - Island Our Lady of the Rocks

Historical Landmark

Experience the highlights of Kotor and Perast, including the Old Town and Our Lady of the Rocks island. This tour offers a mix of history, culture, and scenic beauty, perfect for exploring Montenegro’s coastal treasures.

North Montenegro, Durmitor, Tara & Ostrog Tour

Historical Landmark

Explore North Montenegro’s natural and cultural wonders on this tour. Visit Durmitor National Park, the Tara River Canyon, and the Ostrog Monastery. Ideal for adventure seekers and those interested in Montenegro’s diverse landscapes.

Great Cruise From Budva to Boka Bay in a Day

Historical Landmark

Enjoy a full-day cruise from Budva to Boka Bay. Explore picturesque coastal towns, swim in crystal-clear waters, and take in stunning Adriatic views. A relaxing and scenic experience ideal for nature lovers.

Montenegro Private Tour: Kotor, Perast,Our Lady Of The Rock,Budva

Historical Landmark

Discover the beauty of Perast and Kotor on this guided tour. Explore historical landmarks, enjoy scenic views, and learn about the rich cultural heritage of these charming Montenegrin towns. Perfect for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Suggestions by Culture Trip

The Best Things to See and Do in Bar

Despite its relative size, Bar lacks the alluring charm of Kotor, the vibrant energy of Budva or the utter magic of Perast. What we find instead is a gritty charm allied with one of the most memorable old towns in the entire country. The lack of crowds is also a guaranteed winner.

Experience royalty at King Nikola's Palace

Natural Feature

King Nikola’s Palace is arguably the main cultural attraction in Bar, and it is easy to see why. This elegant charmer was built back in 1885 on the decree of King Nikola (obviously), who wanted to provide his daughter and son-in-law with a graceful home on the seafront. The happy couple are long gone (although they managed to avoid the grisly end that actually brought them to the throne), and the palace now houses a museum full of folk costumes and other authentic historical items.

Go back in time in Stari Bar

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Montenegro is a country full of marvellous old towns, but Bar brings something different to the table. Sat at the foot at Mount Rumija, Stari Bar is a major attraction in its own right. An earthquake in 1979 severely damaged the settlement, but people have since returned and life thrives on this steep hill once again. Every corner offers something different, from old houses and shops to ruined streets and spots now overrun by nature. The views from up here are every bit as magnificent as you’d assume from an old settlement on a hill, although we’d say the best photo opportunities are found in the town itself. The Church of St. Nicholas is a window into a different time, and there are plenty of examples of Ottoman architecture found here as well. The Omerbasića Mosque may well be the best.

Get spiritual at the Church of. St.Jovan Vladimir

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The dominant piece of architecture in the city is the imposing Church of St. Jovan Vladimir, a modern cathedral that seems particularly proud of the gold that sits on its roof. Its historic look is something of a misnomer as the church was only built towards the end of the 20th century, but its patron is one of the most historic of all Serbian saints. St. Jovan Vladimir was known as the Serbian protector of Bar, and he’d more than likely be very happy with the church that sits in his honour.

Gawp at one of the world's oldest trees

Natural Feature

A short drive from the city centre sits the beloved Stara Maslina, one of the oldest trees on the entire planet. This olive tree has been here for well over two millennia, and while one side is badly damaged it still represents a truly tangible piece of Balkan history. The souvenir shop might be a little too much, but tranquility and history come together delightfully at the Old Olive Tree.

Investigate the canyons of the region

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Montenegro is a paradise for adrenaline junkies, and Bar is finally stepping up to the plate. Rikavac and Medjurečje canyons are now open for business, the former offering a gentle option in comparison to the madness of the latter. Canyoning in Montenegro remains relatively affordable, although it remains to be seen for how long that will be the case. Bar’s lack of mass tourism means the prices are low, although the intensity can be quite high.

Dance the night away

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‘A spot’ might be something of an understatement here. Bar might not have a huge roster of attractions waiting for the potential tourist, but it more than makes up for that in bars, pubs and clubs. The beaches offer something a little different, but the real value is in the many haunts in and around the centre of town. Green Mill and Pub Galerija are just two of our favourites, although why not chop and change before deciding on your personal preference?

Get the train out of town

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It might seem unusual to recommend leaving a town as one of the main attractions, but then not every part of the world has a train route as magnificent as the one that runs from Bar all the way to Belgrade. The 11-hour (if everything is running to plan, which it rarely is) journey is a veritable conveyor belt of eye candy, with bountiful nature exploding on both sides of the track. More than 400 bridges are traversed along the way, before the train finally trundles into the Serbian capital.

Savour the region's largest lake

Natural Feature

Just a half hour drive from Bar (depending on how often you stop to take photos), Lake Skadar is the largest lake in the Balkans. The entire region is full of magnificent bodies of water, and its biggest doesn’t disappoint when it comes to a fine mixture of tranquility and wildlife. It is the latter that shines (birdwatching fines will have a field day), and there are a host of fine wineries in the region for those looking for cultured refreshment.

About the author

Born in Mid Wales in the middle of the 1980s, a combination of boredom and tragedy saw John up sticks and head to the Balkans in search of absolutely nothing in particular. Author of 'An Illustrated History of Slavic Misery', John enjoys extremely slow music and Japanese professional wrestling.

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