Things to Do in Montenegro: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Montenegro is a small Balkan country with outsized scenery, from the fjord-like Bay of Kotor to the peaks of Durmitor. The UNESCO-listed walled town of Kotor, island churches at Perast, Budva's beaches, the iconic islet of Sveti Stefan, Lake Skadar and the rafting of Tara Canyon offer a perfect mix of coast and mountains.
This guide covers the best things to do in Montenegro, with itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 days, ideas for weekends, couples and families, local food, where to stay and how to get around.
Top things to see in Montenegro
Kotor
UNESCO old town and fortress.
Perast
Our Lady of the Rocks.
Budva
Old town and beaches.
Sveti Stefan
Islet resort.
Durmitor National Park
Mountains and lakes.
Tara River Canyon
Europe's deepest canyon.
Lake Skadar
Balkans' largest lake.
Ostrog Monastery
Cliffside monastery.
Montenegro in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Kotor
Explore Kotor's maze of medieval lanes, St Tryphon's Cathedral and cat-filled squares, then climb roughly 1,350 steps to the San Giovanni fortress for spectacular views over the bay. Lunch with seafood. Evening in the old town as the walls light up.
2Day 2 · Perast and the bay
Drive to Perast, a baroque village, and take a boat to Our Lady of the Rocks, an artificial island church. Lunch on the waterfront. In the afternoon, a boat tour of the Bay of Kotor to the Blue Cave for swimming, and dinner in Herceg Novi or Tivat's Porto Montenegro.
3Day 3 · Budva and Sveti Stefan
Visit Budva's walled old town and Mogren Beach, then the viewpoint over Sveti Stefan, the fortified islet turned luxury resort. Lunch on the beach. Swim at Pržno or Kamenovo beach and enjoy Budva's lively nightlife.
Montenegro in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Lovćen and Cetinje
Drive the serpentine road from Kotor up to Lovćen National Park and the Njegoš Mausoleum with views across the country. Lunch in Njeguši with smoked ham and cheese. Visit the old royal capital Cetinje and its monastery in the afternoon.
5Day 5 · Lake Skadar
Take a boat trip from Virpazar on Lake Skadar among water lilies and pelicans, followed by a wine tasting of local Vranac. Lunch with lake fish. Return to the coast for sunset.
Montenegro in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Durmitor and Tara
Head north to Durmitor National Park for the Black Lake hike, Tara Bridge and white-water rafting in the Tara Canyon. Lunch in Žabljak. Stop at Ostrog Monastery on the way back.
7Day 7 · Farewell
Morning coffee in Kotor's old town, last purchases of olive oil and wine, and a farewell seafood dinner on the bay at sunset. Tivat airport is only ten minutes from Kotor. Dubrovnik is also only two hours away.
What to do in Montenegro on a weekend
Things to do in Montenegro on a weekend? Saturday: Kotor and its fortress. Sunday: Perast and Budva.
Kotor Carnival and summer festivals.
What to do in Montenegro in the evening
In the evening, Kotor's lit walls and Budva nightlife.
Sunset over the bay.
Montenegro for couples
For couples, Perast, Sveti Stefan and a sunset boat ride.
Montenegro with kids
With kids, beaches, boat trips and Lake Skadar.
What to eat in Montenegro
Njeguški pršut
Smoked ham.
Kačamak
Cornmeal dish.
Seafood
Adriatic.
Cheese
Njeguši.
Vranac
Red wine.
Where to stay in Montenegro: best areas
Kotor
Old town.
Budva
Beaches.
Perast
Romantic.
Žabljak
Mountains.
What to do in Montenegro when it rains
Things to do in Montenegro when it rains? Kotor museums, Cetinje, Ostrog and wine tasting.
How much does a trip to Montenegro cost?
Expect €60–150 per night.
Practical tips for Montenegro
Best time to visit
May–June and September.
Getting around
Rental car recommended.
Our practical tips
- Climb Kotor fortress early.
- Rent a car.
- Euro currency.
- Book rafting.
- Avoid cruise hours.
- Drive mountain roads in daylight.
Mistakes to avoid
- August crowds.
- Kotor when several cruise ships dock.
- Night mountain driving.
- Midday heat.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Montenegro?
Kotor, Perast, Budva and Durmitor.
Currency?
Euro.
How many days?
Five to seven.
Best time?
Late spring and September.