City: Herceg Novi

Herceg Novi sits at the mouth of the Bay of Kotor, a stepped hillside town where stone fortresses and palm-lined waterfront walks share the same frame. The Old Town is all stairways, small squares, and lookout points, with Kanli Kula and Forte Mare still anchoring the skyline and the promenade running long and flat beneath it. A few minutes west, Igalo adds the town’s most specific quirk: a long-running wellness scene built around mineral-rich mud and seawater treatments.

Food here stays straightforward – grilled fish, salads, plates of ćevapi, and casual waterfront spots that don’t try to reinvent the coast. Nights are similarly low-key, with pubs and beach bars doing most of the work, plus summer concerts and events that make the fort settings feel lived-in instead of museum-like. Herceg Novi isn’t as polished or as crowded as the headline towns further south, but it has real texture and a local rhythm that fits the bay.

Official Currency: Euro (EUR)
Official Language: Montenegrin
English Proficiency: Common in tourist-facing businesses and among younger locals.
Visa & Vaccine Requirements: Visa-free entry for most Western travelers for up to 90 days. No vaccines required.
Climate: Mediterranean. Hot summers and mild, rainy winters.
Best Time to Visit: May to September for beaches, boat trips, and festivals; spring still has great weather and fewer crowds.

Costs (1–10)
Flights: 6 – Closest airport is Tivat, about 40 minutes away by car; moderate prices depending on season.
Lodging: 4 – Affordable guesthouses, seaside hotels, and vacation rentals are widely available.
Food: 3 – Local restaurants and cafes are inexpensive, especially outside of peak season.
Overall Price Rating: 4 – One of Montenegro’s more budget-friendly coastal towns.

Local Highlights
Iconic Foods: Grilled fish, Salata od hobotnice (octopus with olive oil), Punjene paprike (meat- and rice-stuffed peppers), Rakija (fruit brandy), local wines and cheeses
Famous Sites: Forte Mare, Kanli Kula Fortress, Savina Monastery, Herceg Novi promenade, Blue Cave boat trips

Known For: Fortresses, Seaside Promenades, Healing Spas, Festivals, Vibrant Old Town, Bay of Kotor Views, Coastal Hiking, Mediterranean Cuisine, Historic Monasteries

Restaurants:

Konoba Feral ($$) - Yet another Montenegrin restaurant by the sea believe-it-or-not. Traditional Montenegrin seafood dishes in a charming, rustic setting, known for grilled octopus and black risotto. Home to both tourists and locals alike.
Tri Lipe ($$) - Cozy tavern offering grilled meats, seafood, and local specialties under the shade of old linden trees. Offers takeout, but the atmosphere is part of what makes this place great.
Splendido ($$$) - Waterfront dining with a focus on Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, featuring homemade pasta, pizza, and fresh-caught fish.
Pizzeria Pic Nic ($) - A solid budget option offering classic pizzas, fresh salads, and local beer near the promenade. Generous portions at decent prices.
Gradska Kafana ($$) - Historic café-restaurant just outside town with Adriatic views and a stylish interior. Ideal for seafood, Montenegrin wines, and coffee.
Amber Restaurant ($$$) - Seaside Herceg Novi restaurant known for fresh seafood, Mediterranean dishes, and a stylish terrace overlooking the bay. Highlights include grilled fish and seafood pasta.
Noa Portonovi ($$$$) - Modern waterfront restaurant in the Portonovi marina offering Mediterranean dishes, sushi, and cocktails in an upscale, polished setting. Very fresh and highly-regarded seafood.
Old Mill Podi ($$) - Rustic, family-run spot set in an old stone mill above Herceg Novi, serving traditional Montenegrin dishes, grilled meats, and hearty sides in a quiet, countryside setting. Warm hospitality and generous portions stand out
Kantina65 ($$) - Casual, modern bistro in Herceg Novi known for daily homemade menus, burgers, pizzas, pastas, and a few clearly labeled vegan options—also operates a pastry/dessert arm and offers delivery. Friendly, local-feel service and clean, contemporary interior make it a reliable, good-value spot for breakfast, lunch, or a relaxed dinner.
La Terrazza ($$) Centrally located, this modern café-restaurant serves Napoli-style pizza, pasta, lasagna, salads, and desserts, along with coffee, wines, and cocktails. Best pizza in Herceg Novi and at affordable prices too.
Raffaelo ($$$) Beachfront restaurant and bar on the Pet Danica promenade with sunbeds, cocktails, and a full seafood menu, popular for all-day lounging. Known for grilled fish, prawns, and white risotto.

Nightlife:

People's Beach Bar - Lively beachside venue with drinks, snacks, DJ’s and day parties.
Yachting Club 32 - A sophisticated venue for late-night drinks with stunning marina views.
Forte Mare Open-Air Events - Check for concerts or performances at the historic Forte Mare Fortress.
Club La Bamba - A beachfront nightclub with DJs, dancing, and a party-friendly atmosphere situated in nearby Igalo
Pub Got - A casual pub with an extensive craft beer selection, dim lights, live music, and a friendly crowd.
Drunk Octopus Bar - Craft-beer and cocktail bar perched near the water with a sunny outdoor terrace offering views over the bay and fortress, great for a relaxed drink or sunset pint with occasional live music.
Djir Pub - Seafront pub on the Pet Danica walkway known for its relaxed coastal vibe, good drink selection (cocktails, coffees, ginger-mint lemonade) and a young local/tourist crowd. Great spot for sunset drinks or a casual night out by the sea.
Prostorija - Alternative‑scene bar on the stairs down to the harbor with an industrial‑chic interior and a terrace that spills onto the stairs in warmer months. Known for eclectic music (Latin‑jazz, afro‑beats, funk/house), budget‑friendly drinks, and a lively but relaxed crowd.
Tikki Beach - Small beach club on the Pet Danica promenade offering loungers, umbrellas for rent, and easy access to the sea. The vibe tends to be laid‑back, with music and casual beach‑bar service

Nature:

Savina Monastery Gardens - A serene area surrounding the historic monastery, perfect for peaceful walks and sea views.
Igalo Beach - Known for its therapeutic mud and shallow waters, great for relaxing and rejuvenation.
Lustica Peninsula - Scenic coastal trails and pristine beaches, ideal for day trips.
Orjen Mountain - A hiker’s paradise offering breathtaking views of the Bay of Kotor, with trails for all levels.
Herceg Novi Promenade (Šetalište Pet Danica) - A 7-kilometer-long seaside path lined with cafes, beaches, and stunning Adriatic vistas.
Zanjice Beach - A secluded, pebbled beach with turquoise waters. Accessible by short boat trip.
Mirišta Beach - A lesser-known but beautiful beach with calm waters and excellent snorkeling. Accessible by short boat trip.

Other:

Forte Mare Fortress - A 14th-century coastal fortress offering panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor, especially beautiful at sunset.
Kanli Kula Fortress - An impressive hilltop fortress that also serves as an open-air theater for festivals and events.
Clock Tower (Sahat Kula) - A historic landmark in the Old Town, built during Ottoman rule.
Savina Monastery - A stunning 11th-century monastery with a rich history and beautiful architecture.
Blue Cave - A famous natural attraction accessible by boat, where sunlight creates a magical blue glow inside the cave.
Spas of Igalo - Known for therapeutic mud and mineral-rich waters, this area is ideal for wellness and relaxation.
Montenegro Film Festival - An annual summer event held in August in the fortresses, showcasing international and regional films.
Old Town Stroll - Explore cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and charming squares with fountains and cafes.
Mamula Island - A historic fortress island accessible by boat, now being transformed into a luxury retreat.
Submarine Tunnels - Hidden remnants from Yugoslav military history, where visitors can explore old submarine hideouts along the coast.