Bar, Montenegro - Cruise Port
When you think about cruising to Montenegro, Bar probably isn't the first name that comes to mind. That honor usually goes to its overachieving (and overcrowded) cousin, Kotor. But if you're looking for fewer crowds, some hidden gems, and the thrill of independent exploration, Bar might just be your new favorite “plan B.” In this page, I am going to give you the lowdown on what makes Bar a surprisingly awesome stop—including what to see, how to get around, and why renting a car turned out to be the best idea we had all day.
📍 First, Where Is Bar?
Bar is a coastal city in southwestern Montenegro, part of the Balkans region of southeastern Europe. Think rugged mountains, ancient ruins, and warm Adriatic waters. The country gained independence in 2006, but its history stretches back thousands of years—and you’ll definitely feel that when you’re out exploring.
Most cruise itineraries favor Kotor, with its fairytale old town and dramatic bay, or the resort vibes of Budva. But when Kotor gets too full—or Mother Nature changes your port—cruise ships reroute to Bar. That’s exactly what happened to us, and spoiler alert: we’re not mad about it.
🚢 What to Expect at the Dock
Bar’s port isn’t exactly glamorous—it’s industrial, no terminal, no fanfare, almost surreal in its emptiness. You can’t just stroll off the ship and into town. Whether you’re doing a ship tour or flying solo, you’ll take a bus (a free one, for the independent types) to the nearby Marina district, which is where the fun begins.
🚖 Getting Around: Taxis, Tours, or DIY?
At the Marina, you’ll find the main hub for visitors—local tours, taxis, and souvenir stalls all line the promenade. Taxis are cash-only, so have some Euros ready, and yes, you may encounter the occasional “tourist rate.” But fares are still cheaper than much of Europe.
Want more control (and adventure)? Renting a car is a great option, especially if you're in a group. We’ll get to that in a sec, but for now, here are two helpful links to plan your rides:
As for public buses? They’re best left to the locals—slow, sparse, and not tourist-friendly.
💶 Money, Language & Marina Vibes
Montenegro uses the Euro, and while larger shops accept cards, cash is king with taxis and small vendors. English is spoken to a limited degree, so Google Translate (Serbian) can be a lifesaver.
The Marina area is clean, quiet, and refreshingly local. Pop into nearby cafés and stores (some unintentionally hilarious signage included), and enjoy the chill, non-touristy pace.
🏛️ Bar’s Local Highlights
If you’re sticking close to the Marina, don’t miss:
King Nikola's Palace
Church of St. Jovan Vladimir – Beautiful, modern, and loaded with stunning frescoes
Both are walkable and worth a look—but to really get the most out of Bar, hit the road.
🚗 Renting a Car: Our Experience
With a mixed-age group, we wanted freedom, flexibility, and bang for our buck—so we rented a car. We chose Bar Rent A Car, highly rated on Google, and booked via WhatsApp. Yes, we had to send passport photos (gulp), but everything worked out fine.
Rental pickup was informal (read: no official office), but the car was solid, and the process was smooth.
Driving in Montenegro? Right side of the road, decent roads, occasional tolls, and lots of roundabouts. Keep a few small Euro coins handy, and you’ll be just fine.
📸 Our DIY Road Trip Highlights
🌳 The Old Olive Tree
Just 10 minutes from town, this tree is over 2,000 years old—making it one of the oldest in Europe! For a small entrance fee, you get a peaceful stroll, a bit of history, a cute shop, and—bonus—clean restrooms. Great little stop.
🏰 Old Town of Bar
Another short drive away, this medieval hillside village offers cobblestones, ruins, and serious character. The Old Fortress is large, fascinating, and a bit of a maze. Definitely not wheelchair-friendly, but it’s a dream for history buffs and photographers.
Hungry? Nearby restaurants like Konoba Bedem serve up delicious local fare, just be ready for some uphill walking.
🌊 Lake Skadar National Park
About 40 minutes north, this gorgeous lake straddles Montenegro and Albania and is perfect for boat rides, nature tours, or just a great lunch. We ate at Hotel De Andros, which gave us free parking with our meal—and a side of air conditioning. The food? Chef’s kiss.
Also fun: browsing a local convenience store for the most random souvenirs imaginable.
⛪ Final Stop: Church of St. Jovan Vladimir
Back in Bar, this striking Orthodox church is visually stunning inside and out. Built between 2006 and 2016, it still feels “new,” but in the best way—especially the intricate frescoes, 80% of which were painted in just 18 months by five teams. Worth a 30-60 minute visit.
⛽ Gas, Drop-off & Getting Back
Topped off the tank (it's full-service here!) and returned the car with the same laid-back formality we picked it up. Then it was a quick shuttle ride back to the dock.
No grand send-off, but you know what? The genuine friendliness of the locals felt just right. Bar may not roll out a red carpet—but it does offer authenticity, charm, and room to breathe.
Final Thoughts
Montenegro is a gem on any Mediterranean cruise, and while Bar might not be the headliner, it’s a surprisingly great understudy. If you like discovering places before they get trendy, Bar’s your spot.