Backpacking in Montenegro Travel Guide (BUDGET TIPS • 2025)

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Why Visit Montenegro?

Montenegro is slowly but surely making its way across the backpacker community and finding its way to the top of many “2025 top travel destination lists”. But many travellers still haven’t heard of this up-and-coming gem. So, essentially… you need to get ya ass there ASAP before it gets busier and more expensive!

Neighbouring the likes of Croatia, Albania, Greece and Italy – it’s no surprise that the beaches in Montenegro are ELITE. Home to crystal clear seas, hidden beaches, and endless stretches of golden sand. 

However, there is so much more to Montenegro than just its beaches (even though that’s reason enough to visit, in my opinion!) It’s also home to incredible national parks, mountain terrains and lush lakes. Montenegro is home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes I’ve ever seen. Hiking in Montenegro is also top-notch, offering some of the best trails to take while travelling in the Balkans.

If you’re more into delving into the history, culture and food scene – don’t worry, Montenegro comes in hot on this front too. You could spend days exploring the various Old Towns, museums and local restaurants. 

Oh, and last but definitely not least… it’s CHEAP!! Well, maybe not Southeast Asia level but it comes at a much lower cost, especially if you visit during the shoulder seasons. Hence why it is such a great place in Europe for us backpackers to visit. In fact, I would say it’s one of the real hidden gems of Europe for sure.

Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking Montenegro

Montenegro is a country where you could do a decent chunk of travel in five days as it’s all relatively close together, but it would also be easy to fill a couple of weeks with all its incredible places to visit. Here are my suggestions for a 5-day and a 10-day itinerary in Montenegro

5-Day Itinerary

If you’ve only got five days to explore the beauty of Montenegro, never fear! This is the best 5-day itinerary you’ll find in all of the internet lands 🙂

So, on day one, assuming you fly into Tivat Airport, you’ll be able to kick off the trip by exploring Tivat – a town that is often referred to as the Monaco of Montenegro (that’s got a rhyme to it, eh?) Take a trip to visit the Porto Montenegro marina and enjoy browsing the boujee shops and fine-dining restaurants. 

Once you’ve explored Tivat, you can continue your journey over to Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (and one of the most popular places to visit in Montenegro). You can explore the gorgeous Old Town, visit St. Tryphon Cathedral, and take in incredible views.

On day two, you can enjoy a morning soaking in the views of the Bay of Kotor. You can go for a walk along the front, go on a boat tour or simply marvel at the views from the Old Town walls. 

In the afternoon, the adventurers among us can hike to Lovcen National Park. Stop by to visit the Njegoš Mausoleum for INSANE views across the mountains and the sea. 

When day three rolls around, it’ll be the perfect time to take a trip to Durmitor National Park. You can spend the day hiking, biking or mountaineering! Hike your way up to Bobotov Kuk and admire the views from the highest peak in the park. 

Day four is one of my favourites. Take a trip to visit Ostrog Monastery and check out the pilgrimage site that is tucked into the mountains. After this, you can continue on to Lake Skadar National Park where you can enjoy an afternoon of boating, walking and relaxing. 

And last, but not least, the finale on day five, Budva Riviera. Finish up your five-day trip in Montenegro by relaxing on the beaches in Budva. If you’ve got time in the evening, be sure to check out the Old Town and experience the nightlife! 

10-Day Itinerary

For those of you with 10 days in Montenegro, you’ll be happy to know that I think it’s the perfect amount of time to spend here! I did two weeks and it felt like the ideal amount of time to see everything I wanted to see. So, let me take you through the extended Montenegro itinerary. 

Again, assuming you arrive at Tivat Airport on day one, you’ll want to explore the fancy town of Tivat, enjoy a meal on the waterfront and visit Porto Montenegro. 

On day two, you’ll want to make your way over to Kotor to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of its beautiful Old Town. You can also choose to hike up St. John’s Fortress for EPIC views across the bay. 

Waking up in Kotor on day three, you can enjoy a boat tour of Kotor (one of the most popular activities to do in Kotor) or take a stroll along the waterfront. You can also drive or join a boat trip to Perast to visit the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks. 

Day four is the day to head down to Budva Riviera to explore the Old Town and relax on the beautiful beaches. Its nightlife is booming here, so it’s a good idea to stay overnight here.

On day five, you can visit Cetinje, the historical capital of Montenegro. Here you can visit a Monastery, Palace and Museum. If you’re a history buff, you don’t want to miss Cetinje. 

In the afternoon, you can drive to Lovcen National Park and hike your way up the Njegoš Mausoleum for incredible panoramic views at the top. It’s worth every bead of sweat. 

When you wake up on day six, you can journey over to Virpazar and explore the Lake Skadar National Park (which is a lake shared between Montenegro and Albania). Take a boat ride, go kayaking or just relax by the lakeside. 

On day seven, I’d recommend visiting the charming riverside town of Rijeka Crnojev before continuing on to Bar, a town brimming with history and beautiful beaches. Then, day eight is not for the faint-hearted. Head over to Tara River Canyon, visit the Durdevica Tara Bridge AND go rafting!!!

The last full day of the trip is one of my favourites. On day nine, you’ll head up to Žabljak (AKA, the gateway to Durmitor National Park). A town surrounded by mountains, lakes, epic hiking and even snow fields in the winter!! Explore the Black Lake and go hiking in the park. 

On day ten, you’ll want to head out for a final walk and coffee before making the few-hour journey back to Tivat. 

Best Places to Visit in Montenegro

As you can imagine, with such a varied landscape, Montenegro has a huge range of things to do. You’ll find that it caters to loads of different travellers. Whether you’re a hiker, beach bum, adventure junkie, foodie or history buff – Montenegro pulls through on all fronts (and more!)

Backpacking in Tivat

Known as the Monaco of Montenegro, Tivat is boujee but budget-friendly! There are plenty of free things to do in Tivat including a stroll along the Porto Montenegro, chillin’ at the beaches, hiking up Vrmac Mountain or checking out the markets. However, if you do want to splash some cash around – there’s plenty of affordable luxury in Tivat in terms of hotels, Airbnbs and waterfront restaurants.

Tivat is often the first port of call for many travellers and it’s the main airport in the country. Although, personally, I wouldn’t make a big effort to visit Tivat if it was out of the way – but if you are flying into Tivat it’s definitely worth exploring!

Backpacking in Kotor

Kotor was my second favourite place I visited in Kotor (the top being Žabljak!) The down is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. Between the Old Town with its narrow streets and the panoramic views across the mountains and the sea – its beauty feels out of this world. 

If you’re backpacking in Kotor I’d recommend getting lost in the Old Town and hiking up the Kotor Fortress. Just note… they charge 15 euros for entry to the Fortress which is STEEP.  There may or may not be a secret entrance in the back that you can find on Google Maps 😉 

Enjoy the local cafes, the cute little shops, the BBQ Tanjga (a local meat dish) and explore the old churches. One of the most popular activities in Kotor is to join a boat tour, which I would 10/10 recommend.

Backpacking in Budva

Budva is another popular spot on travellers’ hit lists in Montenegro… and for good reason! Many visit this gorgeous beach town for its Old Town and its vibrant nightlife. If you are down to party when backpacking in Budva, you won’t want to miss the Budva Riviera. 

Spend your day exploring the Old Town (yep, Montenegro has a lot of Old Towns), relaxing on the beaches or visiting the ancient fortress of Citadel. Go on a boat trip out to the island of Sveti Nikola, and check out the Ballet Dancer Statute before heading out for a big night on the town!

There are plenty of EPIC hotels and backpacker-friendly accommodations here as well 🙂

Backpacking in Lake Skadar

Not all backpackers end up making it to Lake Skadar National Park, but it is well worth a trip. It is actually the largest lake in the Balkans! The main place that you’d stay near Lake Skadar is the lakeside village of Virpazar. The main activities here are boat tours, hiking, epic driving routes and birdwatching. It’s the perfect spot for the more adventurous backpacker or those who are craving a couple of days to relax. 

Backpacking in Lovcen National Park

Backpacking in Lovcen National Park is another spot that is a nature-lover dream. The main activities are to hike, bike and marvel at the wildlife! Some hikes will challenge the pros but there are also beginner-friendly trails. Jezerski Vrh is the highest peak in the park which is well worth a hike for the insane views from the top. You can also head up to Njegoš Mausoleum for epic vistas.

In terms of the accommodation available, you could go camping, stay in the mountain lodges or a guest house. You can also staying the nearby town of Cetinje which will have more available.

Backpacking in Žabljak

Zablijek was one of my favourite places we visited in Montenegro. It felt completely different to travelling the coastline. It is a small mountain town with a super local feel to it. There are some delicious local restaurants and cafes to try out. Zablijek is the gateway to Durmitor National Park which is incredibly beautiful and full of diverse wildlife. 

The Black Lake (Crno Jezero) is a picturesque lake that you can walk around in less than an hour. If it’s been snowing it’s even more incredible. Yes, this town gets snow peeps! We visited in November and we got a heap of snow – it was magical. 

There are more hiking trails around too. You can hike to the highest peak called Bobotov Kuk (which is no easy feat). Or, you can check out Prutaš – Škrka Trail, another tough but rewarding trail. Just be sure to pack yourself a good pair of hiking boots. My fav pair for travelling with are the X Ultra 4 Low Hiking Shoes.

There are plenty of affordable guesthouses around the place. Ours even had a sauna in our bedroom and a toasty heater to keep us warm during the day. 

Getting Off the Beaten Path in Montenegro

If you want to get off the beaten track in Montenegro and have a more authentic, local experience, it’s not tooo hard to divert away from the swarms of tourists. Places like Kotor, Tivat, and Budva will be packed with tourists over the summer period, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to avoid that like the plague.

I can’t recommend the lakeside and mountain towns enough if you want to explore away from the crowds. Zablijek, Lovcen National Park or Lake Skadar are all great options to check out quieter, local towns where you can get a more authentic Montenegrin experience.

If you still want to be oceanside, I’d suggest heading to the small beach towns such as Risan, Krasici or Bar. These may still be busy in the summer season, but far less than its more popular neighbours.

Top Things To Do in Montenegro

Montenegro will keep you entertained. From thrilling adventures and marvelling at majestic mountains to relaxing on beaches and heading out on boat trips, here are my top picks for the best things to do in Montenegro:

1. Wander the Old Town of Kotor & Hike to St. John’s Fortress

Kotor is one of the most gorgeous places I’ve ever been to. The views are absolutely incredible. One of the most popular areas to stay in Kotor is its Old Town. It’s a relatively small town but you can get wonderfully lost as you discover the small cafes, restaurants and shops.

From the town, you can hike up St. John’s Kotor Fortress. There are quite a few stairs but you get to see some pretty awesome views. However, you’ll have to be prepared to fork out 15 euros to see them! (when on holiday, right?)

Top tip: find the gelato shop! It was some of the best gelato I’ve ever tasted in my life.

2. Visit Perast and visit the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks

Perast is another beautiful seaside Old Town worth exploring in the Bay of Kotor. If you’re up for a fancy meal, this is where you’ll want to have it. The restaurants will have you sitting right at the water’s edge. The Church of Our Lady of the Rocks is located on a small island just out from Perast.

The Church of Our Lady on the Rocks is an artificial island that, according to legend, was made by local seamen who found an icon of the Madonna and Child on a rock in the sea in 1452. They made an oath to build a church on the spot and began dropping rocks into the water, which over time started to form the island. The tradition of throwing rocks into the sea is still alive today!

These days, the Catholic Church that has been built on the island is the home to a museum that is packed with paintings by Tripo Kokolja, a famous 17th-century artist from Perast. It is a pretty fascinating place to visit. You can enjoy the view looking out to it from Perast or you can opt to take a boat tour out to take a closer look and check out the museum on the island.

3. Marvel at the beauty of Boka Bay

Boka Bay is the iconic mountain view I’ve been mentioning. It’s the view that you’ll be hiking St John’s Fortress to marvel at and man, is it worth a marvel. It reminds me of Queenstown in New Zealand (with an addition of a few old towns!)

Boka Bay might look like a lake, but dive into it and you’ll realise it’s salty! It is in fact an inlet of the Adriatic Sea in Montenegro. Surrounded by towering mountains, it doesn’t get much more impressive. I’d recommend booking accommodation where you can soak in the view. I stayed at this Airbnb in Kotor and it was well worth it.

4. Adventure into Lovcen National Park

Tucked in the Dinaric Alps, Lovcen National Park is well worth adding to your Montenegro itinerary. Home to rugged mountains, thick forests and mind-blowing vistas. Don’t miss the Mausoleum of Njegoš, perched atop Jezerski Vrh – it offers the best views around. 

There are a TON of hiking trails on offer that can take you up to Krstac Pass. Some are more challenging than others, but if you’re fit and love a bangin’ view… you gotta do it!

5. Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Skadar

Lake Skadar is the kind of place that completely transports you to another world. It is actually the largest lake in the Balkans and is located on the border between Albania and Montenegro! The greenery, the surrounding mountains and the off-grid feeling provide an overwhelming sense of serenity. There are plenty of things to do here – swimming, rock jumping, kayaking or a join a boat tour.

As you glide along the calm waters of Lake Skadar, you’ll find quaint fishing villages, flourishing wetlands and even ancient monasteries. The lake is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 280 bird species, including rare pelicans. So, if you fancy yourself a bit of a birdwatcher – be sure to pack your binoculars!

6. Visit Tara Canyon (and go rafting!)

If visiting mind-blowingly beautiful, natural wonders is your thing, you should definitely haul your ass over to the Tara Canyon in Montenegro. Also known as the Tara River Gorge, this place is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. 

It is the deepest canyon in Europe and the second deepest in the world (only after the infamous, Grand Canyon). It stretches for approximately 82km and reaches 1.3m deep. Told ya… it’s HUGE. 

The canyon is located in the Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to over 80 caves. Often called the “Tear of Europe” because of its crystal-clear waters, the offers up some insane options for white-water rafting. Whether you’re into hiking, rafting, zip-lining or just marvelling at spectacular natural landscapes, you have to add this to your to-do list. It’s also a popular spot for photographers, who often take the pic from the Durdevica Tara Bridge.

7. Relax on the beaches of Budva

If you’ve been scrolling the internet, looking at dreamy photos of the beaches in Montenegro… those beaches are more than likely those in Budva. Located on the Adriatic coast, Budva is famous for its dazzling stretches of beach as well as its bustling nightlife.

The coastal road goes for 22km and offers incredible views the entire way. Soak in the serenity on the sandy sea shoes of Slovenska Beach, dive into the crystal clear waters of Mogren Beach or perch yourself up in a secluded spot on Jaz Beach. 

Beyond the beach, you’ll find charming old towns, local markets and pumpin’ nightlife. If you drive a few km south of Budva, you’ll find an island called Sveti Stefan with a small town built on it – it is well worth a visit.

8. Hike in Durmitor National Park

If you’re into hiking, Durmitor National Park will be your paradise in Montenegro. Home to not only Tara Canyon but other beautiful landscapes and hiking trails. One of the most popular hikes is the Bobotov Kuk summit, the highest mountain peak in the national park. However, this is a mighty ol’ challenge – you’ll want to check the weather before setting off for this one and leave plenty of time. However, if you decide to do it – it’s well worth it. 

If you’re up for a lighter hike, Crno Jezero (AKA the Black Lake) is more accessible and a fairly easy walk close to the town of Žabljak.

Backpacker Accommodation in Montenegro

Overall, Montenegro has extremely affordable accommodation options compared to the rest of Europe, especially if you decide to visit in the shoulder seasons (like me!) – music to your broke backpacker ears, am I right?

Kotor, Budva and Tivat for example are super popular destinations for travellers – so you’ll easily find a hostel to crash at. However, if you’re heading more inland to places such as Skadar Lake or Žabljak, you may not find a hostel per se, however, there are plenty of affordable Airbnbs, homestays and guesthouses.

If you want to splash out on a little extra comfort in Montenegro, it can still be within budget. In Kotor, we decided to splash out on a double of nights in a boujee Airbnb with EPIC views across the bay and it only set us back $60 USD (or $30 USD each) – that’s what other places in Europe charge for a dorm bed!

Best Places to Stay in Montenegro

Montenegro Backpacking Costs

Backpacking in Montenegro is one of the most affordable places in Europe, in fact – most places in the Balkans are (except you, Croatia, I see you creeping up!). There are some great places to stay in Montenegro that won’t cost you the earth!

From the hostels, transport options and activities – overall, Montenegro is pretty kind to your traveller’s budget. As with all European travel, I ALWAYS recommend travel during the shoulder seasons. This is April-May or Sept-Oct. During these months, you’ll find accommodation prices are often halved and you can find some absolute bargains on Skyscanner. 

One aspect of Montenegro that I didn’t find as cheap as I’d expected was the food. In most of the popular towns, there are a lot of tourist-centred restaurants. I’d just arrived from travelling in Albania and I found it much more expensive in Montenegro, and harder to find delicious local food.

Here is a breakdown of the costs involved with backpacking in Montenegro:

Money in Montenegro

Ok, to make things hella easy for you – Montenegro uses the Euro and most places accept cards including Visa, Mastercard and American Express! Of course, most places will happily accept cash too. If you have to carry around more than a little, I’d recommend grabbing yourself a money belt. Although Montenegro is a safe place to travel, petty crime is still around. So, look after your cash by storing it safely. 

For all matters of finance and accounting on the road, The Broke Backpacker strongly recommends Wise – The Artist Formerly Known as Transferwise! Our favourite online platform for holding funds, transferring money, and even paying for goods, Wise is a 100% FREE platform with considerably lower fees than Paypal or traditional banks.

And yes, it’s even better than Western Union!

Top Tips for Visiting Montenegro on a Budget

To keep your spending to an absolute minimum whilst travelling in Montenegro, I recommend sticking to the basic rules of budget backpacking…

• Cook your own meals: Most places you’ll stay in Montenegro will have a kitchen that you can use.
• Keep it local: Where possible drink the local beer, eat the local delicacies, and for day trips, try to use local companies. They are often more affordable than big companies, plus supporting local is awesome 🙂
• Use public transport: although car rental is relatively affordable, there are far cheaper options to get you around the country. The trains and buses in Montenegro should get you nearly everywhere you’d want to go.
• Camp: With plenty of gorgeous natural places to camp, Montenegro is an excellent place to take a good camping tent. 

Why Should You Travel to Montenegro with a Water Bottle?

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… So do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful.

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller.

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Save $$$ • Save the Planet • Save Your Stomach!

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress rigorously from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

View on REI Read the Review

And Speaking of Plastic… Get an eSIM For Montenegro

You know those tiny pieces of plastic you used to use to connect yourself to the internet abroad? Sim Cards I think they were called? Well yeah, we’re ditching those as well.

These days, wherever you go in the world an eSIM is by far the best way to stay connected from the minute you land. You can download an eSim before you leave home and then activate it when you are still sitting on the plane waiting to disembark.

You skip all the hassle of trying to figure out different providers and navigating airport prices to make sure you’re not getting scammed.

Of all the many eSim providers out there, we suggest Jetpac. Jetpac works just like an app: you download it, pick your plan, and BOOM! You’re connected before the pilot says you can stand up.

When to Travel to Montenegro

The best time to visit Montenegro is over the warmer months so that you can make the most of its beachy coastline, epic boat tours and insane hiking. June, July and August are the hottest months of the year in Montenegro (and the rest of Europe). However, the idyllic weather mixed with the summer holidays – you’ll paying top dollar to visit during the busiest time of the year.

I visited in October and it was perfect. The weather was getting a little cooler which I didn’t mind but the sun was shining nearby the entire time. However, visiting during this time meant that we had to skip a couple of hikes up in Dumitor Park as we didn’t have enough gear for hiking in the snow.

I will forever recommend nearly every country during their shoulder seasons if you want to beat the crowds and save a few bucks along the way. In Montenegro, this means visiting in either April-May or Sept-Oct.

If you enjoy the snow, you can visit over the winter seasons. Zablijek turns into a winter wonderland with a few ski fields scattered over the nearby hills! We visited the town at the start of November and got to experience the town being blanketed in powder, white fresh now.

What to Pack for Montenegro

Wondering what to pack for Montenegro? On every adventure, there are six things I never go travelling without:

Product

Description

Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

Ear Plugs

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

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Keep your laundry organized and stink free

Keep your laundry organized and stink free

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Check Best Price

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

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Make Some New Buddies…

Make Some New Buddies…

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

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Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Check Best Price

Staying Safe in Montenegro

Overall, Montenegro is a very safe place to travel. I didn’t experience anything that made me feel uneasy or unsafe during my travels. The country as a whole has relatively low crime rates compared to other places around the world. 

As with most of Europe (and the rest of the world), you might find the usual petty crime like pickpocketing and theft, particularly in the tourist hot spots over the busy season. However, I didn’t experience any of this and neither did anyone I met. 

As with most places you travel, you should be aware of overpriced scams in the busy season for things like taxis, boat tours and restaurants. Although most people are honest, some might try to rip you off.

So, grab yourself a money belt and hide your flashy watches – as long as you don’t stand out, you should be fine 🙂

Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Montenegro

If you’re looking to join in the sex, drugs and rock’n’roll vibes in Montenegro, you’ll most likely end up in Budva. It’s easily the best place in Montenegro for those who want to party. However, if you visit during the busy seasons you might find some fun in Tivat and Kotor – you won’t be short on a hostel pub crawl here!

Although I didn’t dabble in the drug scene, I did have a few bangin’ nights out in Montenegro. I’m sure if you wanted to get your hands on the stuff, you could find it but as usual, practice caution, it is illegal in Montenegro to have drugs in your possession.

Travel Insurance for Montenegro

Grab some good European travel insurance before hitting the road!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

How to Get Into Montenegro

There are multiple ways to enter Montenegro. The most common is by Air, Montenegro has two main international airports: Tivat Airport and Podgorica Airport. Both are well connected with European cities. 

By bus is another popular way of arriving in Montenegro. Most will arrive from neighbouring countries such as Croatia, Serbia or Bosnia-Herzegovina. The buses from Dubrovnik, Split, Belgrade, and Sarajevo are popular routes.

There is also a train route from Belgrade, Serbia to Bar, Montenegro and is famous for being one of the most scenic in Europe. So if this works into your travels, this would be an amazing option. 

During the summer, you can also get a ferry from Bari, Italy to Bar, Montenegro. This is another beautiful, scenic way to arrive. However, it definitely isn’t the cheapest option on this list!

The final option (and is the transport that I arrived in), is by car! My partner and I actually hired a car in Albania and drove it over. If you do this, be sure to tell the car rental company as they have to prepare a border crossing document for you. But overall this was a great option and relatively affordable too.

Entry Requirements for Montenegro

For most of us backpackers, we get 90 days within 180 days in the Schengen area in Europe… which is not a lot of time to visit the 29 countries included in this area.

Montenegro is NOT currently part of the Schengen area, so most of us travellers (US, EU, UK, NZ, AUS and more) get a free 90-day visa for Montenegro. If you’re travelling Europe and are looking for a way to extend your 90 days, pop to Montenegro – it doesn’t count in your 90 Schengen days!

How To Get Around Montenegro

Montenegro’s bus system will become your best friend if you’re travelling on a budget. However, as I was travelling with my partner, we hired a car and split the car which we found to be very affordable when split between two. Although it was more expensive than the bus, it gave us more freedom to explore the places we wanted within the time we had.

Travelling By Public Transport in Montenegro

There is a very comprehensive inter-city bus schedule that you can see on Busticket4.me. However, I’d recommend booking your tickets in person, NOT online (unless you’re leaving from Budva or Podgorica). 

If you do, you’ll have to print off your ticket and take it to the ticket office to exchange for a real ticket – which they will probably charge you a fee for! There is no capability to scan a ticket. 

Instead, you can buy your ticket at the bigger stations around Montenegro (Kotor, Budva, Podgorica). However, if you’re leaving from smaller places, you can just buy a ticket from the driver. The buses often get overbooked and people end up sitting on the floor, so arrive early to ensure that you get a seat.

Not only are there inter-city buses, but there are also local bus lines in busy areas such as Boka Bay, the Budva coast and Kotor. The Mediteran Express operates from Budva to Petrovac and stops all along the coast. You can find the bus timetable at the Budva Tourist Office or check the bus stops. The blue line is another local bus service that covers Herceg Novi, Kotor and Tivat. 

There is a train service, but it only covers Bar-Podgorica and Niksic-Podgorica.

Car Rental in Montenegro

Renting a car in Montenegro is a great option if you want to have maximum flexibility and convenience. Although most towns are easy enough to get to by public transport, having the freedom to explore when you want, where you want is awesome.

Often some of the best places to visit are tucked into little corners of the country that are only really accessible if you have your own four wheels. If you’ve got the budget and a buddy to keep you occupied, I’d recommend this as a mode of transport while travelling in Montenegro 🙂

Onwards Travel from Montenegro

Montenegro is well-placed to allow you to easily access a TON of other beautiful countries. You can drive your rental car or catch the bus to the likes of Croatia, Albania or Greece. You can catch the train to Serbia or jump on a ferry over to Italy. Montenegro has some pretty cool neighbours.

If you do drive your rental car across the border, be sure to let your rental company know as they will need to give you some documentation to show at the border.

You can, of course, also grab yourself a flight from Tivat or Podgorica to anywhere in Europe for a fairly reasonable cost. Just remember, Montenegro is outside of the European Union so you’ll need your passport when crossing over each of these borders – no matter which mode of transport you use!

Working in Montenegro

For many travellers, it is unlikely you would seek work in Montenegro. The minimum wage in Montenegro as of February 2025 is 3.30 euro per hour which is significantly lower than other Western European countries. Although, if you are interested in working in Montenegro, you can apply for a work evisa via the government website.

However, more and more digital nomads are basing themselves in Montenegro and there are sizeable communities spread throughout the country. You can thank Montenergo’s low cost of living combined with a relatively high standard of living for this.

The internet in Montenegro is reliable and fast. You can get free wi-fi at most hostels, hotels, cafes, etc. You can get a SIM card for data pretty cheaply.

The Future of the SIM Card is HERE!

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

Jetpac eSIMs work just like an app: you download it, pick your plan, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and ditch the plastic.

Grab an eSIM!

Teaching English in Montenegro

Teaching is a good way to extend your travels in non-English speaking countries! Most people sign up for some sort of organised placement. In this case, most of their living expenses and teaching fees will be covered. These placements are predictably quite expensive.

It is possible to just start backpacking in Montenegro and then find a job on the ground. If you had a TEFL license before, your odds of landing a gig while abroad would be much higher. That being said, they aren’t always mandatory.

If you want to become accredited, use MyTEFL. Broke Backpacker readers get a 50% discount on TEFL courses with MyTEFL (using the code PACK50).

Volunteering in Montenegro

Volunteering abroad is an amazing way to experience a culture whilst giving something back. There are loads of different volunteer projects in Montenegro ranging from teaching to animal care to agriculture to pretty much everything!

If you want to find volunteering opportunities in Montenegro, I recommend that you sign-up for Worldpackers –  a volunteer platform that connects local hosts directly with travelling volunteers.

As a Broke Backpacker reader, you’ll also get a special discount of $10 when you sign up. Just use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and your membership is discounted from $49 a year to only $39.

Volunteer programs run through reputable work exchange programs like Worldpackers are usually very well-managed and reputable. However, whenever you are volunteering, do stay vigilant especially when working with animals or children.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with meaningful travel experiences.

Montenegrin Culture

Montenegrins are some of the most chilled-out people ever, well from my experience anyway! They seem to have a pretty relaxed attitude toward life and live their lives at a slower pace. I loved it.

There’s deep history, culture and tradition rooted in Montenegro, however, it is also modernised in so many ways. It’s fascinating to see how the two have blended.

Useful Travel Phrases for Montenegro

While many Montenergins speak English in touristy areas, once you get off the beaten path, you’ll find fewer people speak English. Knowing Montenegrin travel phrases is one of the best pieces of advice I can give you to help you get around Montenegro. But it’ll also help you connect with the culture!

What to Eat in Montenegro

During my time in Montenegro, I got to try some damn delicious local food. However, I found in places like Kotor, it was harder to find restaurants serving Montenegrin food. The Old Town is brimming with over-priced Italian and Boka Bay has lovely restaurants but they were a bit out of our budget. 

When I did get my hands on the good stuff – I found that Montenegro cuisine often uses fresh, ingredients which gives the food a delicious vibrancy. They use good quality, locally-grown and produced olive oil, fresh fruit and vegetables, soft cheeses like feta and Kajmak, fresh bread and local meat and seafood.

When you’re closer to the sea, you’ll find restaurants serving fresh seafood dishes such as grilled fish and squid. Whereas, the inland towns are much more influenced by the mountain terrains and their agricultural traditions. Here you’ll find more beef, lamb and veal eaten in the form of stews and goulash. 

These were my favourite foods in Montenegro that I highly recommend:

• Njeguski prsut: A Montenegrin cured ham, similar to Italian prosciutto. It’s often served as a starter.
• Kacamak: A hearty dish made from potatoes, cornmeal, and cheese. It is often served with sour cream (YUM)
• Cevapi: Grilled minced meat sausage. Often served with flatbread and onions.
• Raštan: A traditional cabbage stew made with smoked meat, potatoes, and spices.
• Buzara: A seafood dish, particularly popular along the coast. It is made with mussels or other shellfish cooked in a tomato and wine sauce.
• Pogaca: A traditional round bread, this will often served with meals.
• Priganice: Fried dough balls, often served with honey, cheese, or jam.

Not only can you try an array of delicious foods in Montenegro but you can also try locally produced wine called Vranec (a red wine). Or, Rakia, a traditional fruit brandy which is often made from grapes, apples or plums. But we warned Rakia can be strong! Don’t forget to try the local beer such as Niksicko Pivo.

A Brief History of Montenegro

Montenegro has been shaped by various influences throughout its history. Once inhabited by Illyrian tribes, it later became part of the Roman Empire in the 2nd Century BC. This time saw a major Romanisation of the local population.

However, after the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Montenegro was under Byzantine Empire rule, with Slavic tribes settling in the area in the 6th and 7th centuries. Fast-forward a few centuries to the Middle Ages, the principalities of Duklja and Zeta came about, adding to the region’s historical mix.

The Ottoman and Venetian periods brought further cultural richness. However, Montenegro declared independence from the Ottomans in 1878. 

In more recent history, the 20th century saw Montenegro join the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (which later became Yugoslavia). After the dissolution of Yugoslavia, Montenegro remained part of Serbia and Montenegro until its final declaration of independence on June 3, 2006 – pretty recent, eh!

Montenegro’s history is evident in its festivals, music, art, architecture and even just in daily life – where Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Muslim practices coexist seamlessly. The country’s struggle for independence and its separation from Yugoslavia in 2006 has built up a strong sense of pride and resilience among its people.

FAQs About Backpacking Montenegro

You’ve got questions about backpacking in Montenegro and I’ve got answers! Before you head off, ask your questions and do your research to have a more enjoyable trip once you arrive.

Final Thoughts on Backpacking Montenegro

Montenegro is a little slice of Europe that is fairly underappreciated. Although its awareness is growing and the word is spreading, there are still many-a-backpacker who have not yet caught wind of it. My advice is to go while it’s still young, this place is going to start to absolutely pop off soon. In fact, I’d say it already is in some areas (I’m looking at you, Kotor).

The highlights of my time in Montenegro were driving along the Budva coastline, visiting the small town of Perast, marvelling at the incredible views of Boka Bay and hiking in the Durmitor National Park. There is so much variety on offer in this small but spicy country!

I hope I’ve inspired you to book that flight, pack your bag and head over to Montenegro. I can’t recommend visiting in the shoulder seasons enough – April/ May and September/October. You get all the good stuff minus the crowds and the inflated prices #winning.

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