Along the Balkans is Montenegro, a country that derived its name from the Black Mountains. Montenegro is also the place we call our home. It is such a beautiful country that you must visit. This wonderful country offers a fantastic culture and history; you can also enjoy the beaches and the mountains as well.

With a valid Schengen, UK, or US Visa, you could enter Montenegro easily if you are required a visa. For Filipinos, here is a guide on How to Get a Montenegro Visa with your Philippine Passport. We are so happy to tell you that we are now residents of Montenegro and if you ever come and visit, feel free to message us, we might meet!

I didn’t include Tivat on this list, but I’ll talking about this Expat paradise town on another article.

When coming here, we have listed the best places to visit in Montenegro. With this list, you will know which you would want to focus on what fits you best, especially if you don’t have enough time. So we have summarized the best cities or towns to visit in Montenegro.

1. Kotor

Inside the walls of an area in the Bay of Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fortified city of Kotor. The walls were built in the 1400s by the Venetian government and then was ruled the Ottoman Empire. You would expect the marvelous and historical architecture of the buildings found in this quaint town. Kotor is the best place to visit in Montenegro for those who love history as well as architecture as well as enjoy natural sites in the bay.

What to do in Kotor

Tour the streets of Kotor Old Town and appreciate the narrow streets and the architecture and buildings that have been preserved throughout the years
Cruise around the bay of Kotor or walk along its edges; see the crystal clear waters or eat at seaside restaurants
Visit the well-maintained Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, a Roman Catholic Cathedral in Montenegro; the old ones were built in 800s and 1600s, but due to natural calamities it was rebuilt but restored
Castle San Giovanni is located at the hilltop, so hike up there. The stairs may be many and long, but the view at the end is worth it
Less than an hour from Kotor in Lovcen National Park, where it has a “Black(Negro) Mountain (Monte),” which inspired the name of the country. The park has a historic side too since there is a mausoleum of a former Montenegrin Bishop-prince.

Best Hotels in Kotor

Luxury Hotel: Boutique Hotel Astoria

Mid-range Hotel: Hotel Monte Cristo

Budget Hostel: Palazzo Drusko Deluxe Rooms

2. Budva

The Best Place in Montenegro for those who love to sunbathe, swim or relax and enjoy the nightlife, Budva is the perfect town for you. However, it doesn’t stop there, with its interesting history like the walls built by the Venetian Empire as well as its Old Town. Being settled in 2,500 years ago, it is one of the oldest communities near the Adriatic Sea.

What to do in Budva

Along the Budva Riviera, settle in and swim in the best beaches; the most popular one is Mogren Beach
Walk the streets of Altstadt (Old Town), enjoy its charm and the history behind it – check out the Statue of Ballerina too
Feel inside a fairytale or a history book as you go inside the Citadel in Old Town, you could see old remains of a church also
Enjoy the nightlife Budva offers; you can check out countless bars and clubs like the Top Hill or Trocadero
Up on a hill in Budva is an Orthodox Monastery; the Podmaine Monastery, meet friendly monks that will show you around as well as tell you its history

Best Hotels in Budva

Luxury Hotel: Splendid Conference & Spa Resort

Mid-range Hotel: Villa Gracia

Budget Hostel: Villa Merci Budva

3. Podgorica

Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, means the area below the little hill. You can see the whole of this beautiful city on a hill lock. This part of the country is also a known route from an early age due to the rivers near it. The city also has a fascinating history due to the Ottoman Empire and the World Wars. Many monasteries also surround Podgorica, so if you want a pilgrim, this is one of the best places to visit in Montenegro.

What to do in Podgorica

Walk along Millennium Bridge and see the bountiful Moraca River that ends at Lake Skadar, where you can relax and enjoy the scenery
Ever heard Roman Empire’s Alexander the Great? Well, you can see the Duklja Ruins, where Romans once lived in Montenegro
On the west of the river, you can see a Serbian Orthodox Church, the Cathedral of Resurrection of Christ, check out its magnificent architecture
Go on a hike to visit the Ostrog Monastery; it is dedicated to Saint Basil of Ostrog whose remains are in here and with the feast day on May 12
There is also Monastery Celija Piperska a gorgeous convent that’s run by nuns where you can stroll or reflect in the woods

Best Hotels in Podgorica

Luxury Hotel: Hotel Hilton Podgorica Crna Gora

Mid-range Hotel: Hotel Crnogorska Kuća

Budget Hostel: Hotel Q

4. Herceg Novi

Between the Adriatic Sea, its gorgeous coastlines, and the luscious green mountains, Mount Orjen, is the haven, Herceg Novi. As one of the best places to visit in Montenegro, you will appreciate the history of this town as it is quite impressive. Turkish, Spanish, Venetian, and Austrian influences are found in this area. We love this place so much, that we decided to settle here!

What to do in Herceg Novi

Stroll around Oldtown, and you will find yourself in remarkable alleys, historical paths, and beautiful churches such as The Churches of St. Jerome, Leopold Mandic, and St. Arhangel Mihailo.
Sail, swim, and snorkel at the Bay of Kotor
Get a magnificent view of the bay or watch some movies at Fortresses Forte Mare
Book a wine tasting tour at Savina Winery and sip wine while having a spectacular view of Herceg Novi
Have some exercise and hike up at Mt. Orjen

Best Hotels in Herceg Novi

Luxury Hotel: Lazure Hotel and Marina

Mid-range Hotel: Wellness & Spa Hotel ACD

Budget Hotel: Guesthouse Villa Stari Grad

5. Bar

In the South of Montenegro is another coastal town and port is Bar. It isn’t named bar because it has many “bars – beers and drinks” but because across it is Bari, Italy = Antivari = Bar. The bar also has churches from different religions such as Eastern Orthodox, Islam, and Roman Catholic. Aside from beaches and churches, there are so many more spots that make this place one of the Best Places to visit in Montenegro.

What to do in Bar

Feel like a royal as you tour inside King Nikola’s Palace, there is a garden as well as a little palace and a chapel.
Visit the Church of St. John, with its white walls and gold and blue domes; you would appreciate its architecture; if the outside is already amazing, the interior will make you lose your breath.
Take a picture of one of the oldest trees in the world, the Old Olive Tree
Journey in Stari Bar or Old Bar, a quaint town in Montenegro where you could enjoy its history and gorgeous views
Choose a beach to swim or relax at, as Bar has 25 plus miles of the sea-coast; you will surely find a great spot

Best Hotels in Bar

Luxury Hotel: Hotel Franca

Mid-range Hotel: Le Petit Chateau

Budget Hotel: KULA Boutique Hotel

There are countless amazing places in Montenegro; however, we have chosen for you the best places to visit in Montenegro in case you only have limited time. Montenegro is not yet at the top of the visited countries in Europe, so you would be lucky as there aren’t too many tourists yet. It is also very affordable for a European country. Book your trip to Montenegro now and enjoy the beauty of this country.