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100+ Best Things to Do in Montenegro: Attractions, Hidden Gems & More

BY SARAH BIJELIC

Discover the best things to do in Montenegro, including must-see tourist attractions and off the beaten path sights.

Montenegro offers a huge range of things to see and do. There are history-filled towns, idyllic beaches, wine and cuisine experiences, outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking, adventure activities like whitewater rafting and canyoning, and much more!

Below, you'll find guides on the best things to do in all Montenegro's top destinations. You'll also find guides to the best sightseeing, boat, and activity tours.

Read on for 100+ things to do in Montenegro!

Local's Tip: If you're interested in any tour or activity, it's best to enquire early! Many tours, especially in less touristy destinations away from the coast, don't run every day and you'll need to enquire and book early to avoid missing out.

Things to Do in Kotor

Kotor

Kotor is Montenegro's most popular destination. Located deep in Kotor Bay, it's beautiful and historic.

There are a lot of things to do in Kotor. Walking tours and boat tours are the most popular, but you’ll also find paragliding, an aquarium, and many more things to do here.

>> Check out this page for all things to do in Kotor

Kotor Old Town

Kotor Old Town is Montenegro's most popular attraction. It is a popular stop for cruise ships and a must-see when you visit Montenegro.

The 2,000 year old walled town is tiny, but very pretty and authentic. You can walk along the cobbled streets which are lined with Baroque palaces and historic churches, like St Tryphon Cathedral.

Kotor is also known for its population of street cats. You'll find a large number of them in Wood Square, but you'll also see them throughout the town.

>> Find out more about Kotor Old Town

>> Explore the highlights of Kotor

>> Visitor's Guide to St Tryphon Cathedral

Kotor Walking Tours

A Kotor walking tour will help you get the most our of your visit to Kotor. Walking tours take 1-2 hours and take you to all the must-see sights in the town.

Along the way you'll learn about the town's history, which dates back to the Illyrians more than 2,000 years ago. It's also a great way to learn about Montenegrin culture.

You can book a spot on a free walking tour, join a group tour, or book a private tour.

>> Click here to see the top walking tours in Kotor

>> Do a self-guided Kotor tour with my e-book

Kotor Secret City Trail

Another way to see Kotor is by doing the Kotor Secret City Trail.

The Secret City Trail is a gamified walking tour that leads you around the town's top attractions. You have to follow instructions to find each destination. Then you solve a riddle to unlock a fascinating story about the attraction.

The trail takes around 2 hours and is especially fun for groups and families with children 12+.

>> Find out more about Kotor Secret City Trail

Kotor Boat Tours

Taking a boat tour is one of the most popular things to do in Kotor. They are a great opportunity to see the stunning Bay of Kotor, visit attractions, and enjoy some swimming. They're also a great way to avoid summer traffic on the roads.

You'll find boat tours that take anywhere from two hours to all day. Most visit top attractions Our Lady of the Rocks, Perast, and the Blue Cave. You can also stop at beaches, Porto Montenegro marina, and lunch in cute seaside hamlets.

>> See the best Kotor boat tours

>> See my review of Kotor semi-submarine

Private Tours

Hiring a private guide is a great way to make the most of your time and discover experiences you wouldn't usually find on your own.

A licensed guide will tailor a tour to match your interests, the amount of time you have, and the best things to do at that time of year. A private tour also gives you complete flexibility, so you can feel relaxed throughout your tour.

>> See all the best private tours from Kotor

Kotor Beaches

Kotor has some amazing beaches. There is no beach in front of the old town, but you'll find beaches either side of the town.

Some beaches are free, although they're usually not groomed and get crowded in summer. Other beaches charge for loungers and sun umbrellas, but offer amenities like toilets and restaurants.

>> Check out this list of the best beaches in Kotor

Things to Do for cruise passengers

If you're visiting Kotor on a cruise, there are several things you can do during your time in port.

The most popular things to do are:

Kotor walking tour (~ 1-2 hours)
Boat tours (2+ hours)
Kotor Cable Car (this Kotor tour that includes the cable car is a great option)

The great thing about Kotor is the port is across the road from the old town, so you can get off your ship or tender boat and walk straight into Kotor Old Town.

>> Find the best things to do for cruise passengers in Kotor

>> Find out more about Kotor port

>> Best ways to spend 1 day in Kotor

>> Kotor Hop-on Hop-off Bus Review

San Giovanni Fortress

The hike up Kotor's fortress walls is a rite of passage for visitors to Kotor. This short, but challenging, hike takes you up the city walls to San Giovanni Fortress. The original hill fort here was built by the Illyrians over 2,000 years ago!

You'll get stunning views from the top of the hike and it's well worth the effort. It's best to come prepared though, read my guide to make the most of your hike.

>> Click here more about hiking San Giovanni Fortress

Ladder of Kotor

The Ladder of Kotor follows an old path behind Kotor's walls that merchants used to use to bring produce into Kotor on market days.

The switchback path is a relatively easy climb and the views are stunning. This hike is longer than San Giovanni Fortress, but easier and less crowded.

>> More about climbing the Ladder of Kotor

Via Ferrata Kotor

Kotor's Via Ferrata trail is a great activity for thrill seekers. I have done Montenegro's other via ferrata in Durmitor National Park and loved it!

Via ferrata was invented in the Dolomites in Italy as a way to navigate steep mountain faces. On this tour, you use the same steel cable and ladder method to scale Mt St John behind Kotor.

>> Find out more about via ferrata in Kotor

Vrmac Ridge

The mountain between Kotor and Tivat is called Vrmac Ridge. If you are looking for hiking near Kotor, this is the ideal spot.

Vrmac Ridge has scenic hiking trails, picnic spots and abandoned Austro-Hungarian forts.

>> Find out more about Vrmac Ridge

Day Trips From Kotor

There are many day trips you can do from Kotor. The best way to do this is by hiring a car. You can explore the Bay of Kotor, Budva Riviera, national parks, even Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina!

>> Click here for day trip itineraries from Kotor

>> Full-Day Montenegro Tour to Lovćen & More Group Tour Review

Perast

Perast is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Bay of Kotor. At just 15 minutes' drive from Kotor, it's also easy to get to by car, bus, taxi, or boat tour.

Although it is only around 1 kilometer from end to end, its shore is lined with Baroque palaces and churches.

The top attractions include the town museum, Saint Nicholas' Church and Our Lady of the Rocks island.

Perast is also a great destination to stay, with upscale hotels like the Heritage Grand and a plethora of seafront restaurants to choose from.

>> See all things to do in Perast

Our Lady of the Rocks

Our Lady of the Rocks is one of the Bay of Kotor's top attractions. This beautiful island is over 500 years old and is man-made.

On the island you can visit the church with its lovely frescoes. You can also see artefacts from this area in the adjoining museum.

>> Find out more about visiting Our Lady of the Rocks

Best Things to Do in Tivat

Tivat

With stunning Porto Montenegro marina and great nightlife, Tivat is one of Kotor Bay's most popular destinations.

>> See all things to do in Tivat

Tivat Boat Tours

Take a group or luxury private boat tour from Tivat. See the Blue Cave, Our Lady of the Rocks and other top attractions around the bay.

>> Click here for a list of the best Tivat boat tours

Powerboat Licenses

Learn to drive a powerboat and get an international license on a weekend course.

>> Find out more about getting a powerboat license

Best Things to Do in Herceg Novi

Herceg Novi

Herceg Novi is pretty town at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor. With some of the bay's best beaches and a pretty old town, you'll find lots to do in Herceg Novi.

>> See all things to do in Herceg Novi

Herceg Novi Beaches

Explore the top Herceg Novi beaches through a local's guide. Discover hidden coves, sandy shores, and the best spots for swimming and sunbathing in Herceg Novi.

>> Discover the best beaches in Herceg Novi

Kayaking in Herceg Novi

You can rent single or double kayaks and explore on your own, or book a tour to show you the highlights of the coast.

>> Find out about kayaking in Herceg Novi

Best Things to Do in Kotor Bay

Bay of Kotor

The Bay of Kotor is one of Montenegro's most popular destinations and you'll find plenty of things to see and do here.

>> See the best things to do in the Bay of Kotor

Blue Cave Boat Tour

The Blue Cave is one of Montenegro's most popular attractions. You can take Blue Cave boat tours from various locations around the bay.

>> Find a boat tour to the Blue Cave

Risan Mosaics

At the Risan Mosaics you can see a 2,000 year old Roman villa through its mosaic floor in the Bay of Kotor's oldest settlement.

>> Find out more about Risan Mosaics

Coasteering

Swim, hike and jump along rugged coast and through sea caves on a coasteering adventure in Montenegro.

>> Find out more about coasteering tours

Best Things to Do on Luštica Peninsula

Luštica Peninsula

Luštica Peninsula is a relaxed coastal getaway spot where you can spend your days sunbathing swimming and relaxing.

>> Find out more about Luštica Peninsula

Blue Cave

The Blue Cave is one of Montenegro's top attractions. You can swim in the cave's iridescent blue water and there are lots of tours to get there.

>> Find out more about the Blue Cave

Best Things to Do in Budva

Budva

Budva is Montenegro’s most popular tourist destination. This bustling seaside resort town is the center of the Budva Riviera and people love it for its beautiful beaches and nightlife.

>> See all things to do in Budva

Budva Beaches

Budva is known for its stunning beaches. From pebbly to sandy, there's a beach on the Budva Riviera to suit everyone.

>> Discover Budva's best beaches

Diving

Whether you're an experienced diver or want to give it a go for the first time, Budva's clear and warm seas are the perfect place to go diving.

>> Find out more about diving in Budva

Best Things to Do in Sveti Stefan

Sveti Stefan

Sveti Stefan is a 15th century islet surrounded by pink pebble beaches. Wander through the forest's olive groves and cool off on the beach.

>> See all things to do in Sveti Stefan

Best Things to Do in Petrovac

Petrovac

Petrovac na Moru is perfect for a low-key Mediterranean seaside stay. With a long beachfront and water activities, this is an ideal place for a family stay.

>> Find things to do in Petrovac

Best Things to Do in Bar

Bar

South of Budva, Bar's old town and cuisine shows the influence of 500 years of Turkish rule and it's where you'll find some of Europe's oldest olive trees.

>> Discover the best things to do in Bar

Best Things to Do in Ulcinj

Ulcinj

On the south coast of Montenegro, Ulcinj has miles of sandy beaches and off the beaten track attractions.

>> Find things to do in Ulcinj

Best Things to Do in Podgorica

Podgorica

Podgorica is Montenegro's capital city and it has one of Montenegro's two international airports. It's also central to some of Montenegro's popular destinations, like the Budva Riviera and Biogradska Gora National Park.

Podgorica not a touristy destination and doesn't have a lot of tourist attractions, but there are things to do there if you know where to look. The great thing about these attractions is you might even have them all to yourself!

>> Find things to do in Podgorica

Žabljak Crnojevića

Žabljak Crnojevića is the medieval capital of Montenegro and has a 15th century fortress that overlooks magnificent Skadar Lake.

>> Read more about Žabljak Crnojevića

Montenegro Animal Sanctuary

You can bottle feed piglets, get chased by emus and give love (and carrots) to the abandoned and orphaned collection of animals that call this sanctuary/zoo home.

>> Read more about the animal sanctuary

Horse Riding

Explore Montenegro's wildernesses on horseback. There are horse treks available for beginners to experienced riders.

>> Find a horse trek in Montenegro

Best Things to Do in Cetinje

Cetinje

Cetinje is the old royal capital of Montenegro. Here, you'll find palaces, former embassies and Montenegro national museums.

>> See the best things to do in Cetinje

Lipa Cave

A favourite Montenegro attractions for families, take a mini train ride to the cave entrance before heading underground into the cave's 3.5km of tunnels.

>> Find out more about Lipa Cave

Best Things to Do in Nikšić

Ostrog Monastery

One of the Balkans' holiest sites, this 17th century monastery in a sheer cliff face is one of Montenegro's top attractions.

>> Find out about visiting Ostrog Monastery

Best Things to Do in Durmitor National Park

Durmitor National Park

Durmitor National Park lies in the north east of Montenegro and it's the perfect place to see Montenegro's stunning mountainous scenery.

>> See all the best things to do in in Durmitor National Park

Žabljak

Žabljak is the heart of Durmitor National Park and a great base for exploring. You'll find lots of things to do in this popular mountain town.

>> Find things to do in Žabljak

Black Lake

Surrounded by dense forest, with a backdrop of Međed Peak, the Black Lake in Montenegro is a stunning place to visit and the perfect introduction to Durmitor National Park.

Tara River Canyon

The Tara River Canyon is the deepest canyon in Europe and a magnificent natural area in Durmitor National Park.

>> Read more about Tara Canyon

Đurđevića Tara Bridge

Spanning the Tara Canyon, the Đurđevića Tara Bridge has magnificent views of the canyon and you can zipline across the canyon here.

Tara Canyon Rafting

The ultimate way to see the beauty of the Tara Canyon is by rafting down it. This is a thrilling and fun activity for almost all ages.

>> Find out more about white water rafting in Montenegro

Stećci in Žabljak

Stećci are medieval tombstones that are unique to this area of Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia.

>> Find out where to find Stećci

Durmitor Ring

The Durmitor Ring is a scenic drive through the beautiful and varied landscapes of Durmitor National Park.

>> Find out how to drive the Durmitor Ring

Via Ferrata Durmitor

Via ferrata Durmitor is a a fun and exciting way to experience the beauty of Durmitor National Park.

>> Book a via ferrata tour in Durmitor

Best Things to Do in Skadar Lake National Park

Lake Skadar National park

Skadar Lake is the biggest lake in the Balkans and it's an important area for birds that migrate between Europe and Africa.

It's also the heart of the old Montenegro state, Zeta, and where you'll find a lot of history and culture in Montenegro.

There are so many things to do in Lake Skadar National Park. You'll find kayaking,There are lots of things to do here. Top of the list are boat trips on the lake and wine tastings, but you can kayak, bike, hike and just enjoy the views here too!

>> See the best things to do in Lake Skadar National Park

Rijeka Crnojevića

Rijeka Crnojevića is a pretty riverside hamlet where you can take boat tours, go kayaking and see nearby Pavlova Strana viewpoint.

>> Find out more about Rijeka Crnojevića

Skadar Lake Boat Tours

Skadar Lake boat tours take you to see the lake beauty and wildlife. You can also visit monasteries and see the lake's island fortresses and villages.

>> See the best Skadar Lake boat tours

Skadar Lake Kayaking

Hiring kayaks or booking a kayaking tour is a great way to see Skadar Lake's top wildlife spots and monasteries.

>> Find Skadar Lake kayak tours and rental

Skadar Lake Wine and Food Tasting

The Crmnica region near Lake Skadar is Montenegro's top wine making area and you can visit a local boutique winery to try wine, brandy and local specialties.

>> Find a Lake Skadar wine tasting

Skadar Lake Hiking

Skadar Lake National Park also has hiking trails you can follow. A guided tour is the best way to discover hidden waterfalls and secret swimming holes.

>> Find out more about hiking around Lake Skadar

Skadar Lake Bird Watching

Skadar Lake National Park is an important habitat for birds from all over Europe. You can see pelicans, cormorants, terns and more as you explore the lake.

>> Find out more about bird watching at Skadar Lake

Skadar Lake Cycling

The Lake Skadar bike trails take you through some of Montenegro’s most beautiful scenery. If you’re longing to experience Montenegro’s famed ‘wild beauty’ this is the ideal place to find it.

>> See bike trails around Lake Skadar

Best Things to Do in Lovćen National Park

Lovćen National Park

Lovćen National Park is the easiest national park to get to from Kotor and Budva. It's a great place to experience Montenegrin culture and cuisine, and you can easily combine it with a visit to Montenegro's old royal capital, Cetinje.

>> See the best things to do in Lovćen National Park

Petar II Petrović Njegoš Mausoleum

Get panoramic views and visit the final resting place of one of Montenegro's favourite sons, Petar II Petrović Njegoš.

>> Find out more about visiting Petar II Petrović Njegoš Mausoleum

Njeguši Village

A great place to stop to try Montenegro's specialities: prosciutto and cheese from Njeguši village. Visit a smokehouse and see the birthplace of Petar II Petrović Njegoš.

>> Read more about visiting Njeguši

Adventure Park Lovćen

Adventure Park Lovćen is a treetops obstacle course that's suitable for anyone from 5 years old. This is a great activity for families!

Best Things to Do in Biogradska Gora National Park

Biogradska Gora National Park

In Biogradska Gora you'll find one of Europe's last virgin forests, Lake Biograd, hiking, biking and more.

>> See all things to do in Biogradska Gora National Park

Kolašin

Kolašin is the best place to stay when visiting Biogradska Gora National Park. This historic mountain town has history, authentic restaurants and some great things to do.

>> Find things to do in Kolašin

Best Things to Do in Prokletije National Park

Prokletije National Park

Prokletije is Montenegro's least-visited national park. It's an authentic off the beaten track destination and offers serious hiking for experienced hikers.

>> Find things to do in in Prokletije National Park