Montenegro Travel Tips You Need to Know Before You Go

This post brings together all the Montenegro travel tips you need to know before you go, including the things we wish we had known before visiting and practical advice to help you plan your trip.

We had the most incredible time exploring Montenegro as a family, and I’ve shared our full journey across the blog.

I’ve split the tips into two sections:

• General Montenegro travel tips
• Family-specific tips for visiting Montenegro with kids

We spent two weeks in Montenegro in April, travelling with our two children, aged 4 years old and 14 months old, which gave us a great mix of experiences across the country.

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Essential Montenegro Travel Tips to Know Before You Go

I’m going to dive straight into the Montenegro travel tips you need to know before you go, based on our experience travelling around the country as a family. Hopefully, these practical tips will help you plan a smoother, more enjoyable trip.

Is It Safe to Travel to Montenegro?

A common question people ask is whether Montenegro is safe to visit.

Overall, we found Montenegro to be a very safe country to travel in, including as a family. We never felt unsafe during our trip, and it felt very welcoming and easy to navigate.

The only thing we did notice was that driving can feel a little more unpredictable compared to other European destinations, so it’s worth being extra cautious on the roads. I will talk in more detail about transport later in this guide.

How Long to Spend in Montenegro

We spent two weeks in Montenegro, which gave us plenty of time to explore the coast, mountains, and a few different towns at a relaxed pace.

The Bay of Kotor area is becoming an increasingly popular destination, but there is so much more of this incredible country that is also worth exploring if you have the time.

If you’re looking for a shorter trip, 5 days in Montenegro, full itinerary linked here, is the perfect amount of time to explore highlights like Kotor, Tivat and the Bay of Kotor area.

If you have more time, I highly recommend reading our 2 weeks in Montenegro itinerary, linked here. This allows you to combine the coast with inland destinations like Durmitor National Park and Lake Skadar.

In general, we would recommend at least 5–7 days to really experience the country without rushing.

The Best Time to Visit Montenegro

Montenegro is best visited between May and September for warm weather and coastal activities. However, April and October can be great shoulder-season options with fewer crowds and lower prices.

We visited in April and experienced a mix of sunshine, rain, and even snow in the mountains, so packing layers is essential if you’re travelling outside peak summer.

Best Places to Visit in Montenegro

One of my top tips for travelling in Montenegro is to make sure you dont miss any of the best places to visit.

Montenegro is a small country, but it’s packed with incredible places to visit. From dramatic mountains to coastal towns and historic old cities, it offers a real variety.

Below are some of the best places to add to your Montenegro itinerary, many of which we’ve written about in more detail in separate guides (all linked, just click on the place!)

• Tivat: This was one of our favourite places in Montenegro. It is a modern coastal town best known for Porto Montenegro, a luxury marina filled with yachts, restaurants, and shops.
• Kotor Old Town: The Old Town is full of winding cobbled streets, charming squares, and beautiful mountain views all around.
• Budva: This is another popular coastal town in Montenegro, known for its beaches, Old Town, and the Citadel.
• Perest: Perhaps the most famous town in the Bay of Kotor, we actually didn’t visit here, and I really regret it.
• Lake Skadar: This is the largest lake in the Balkans and sits on the border between Montenegro and Albania. It’s a beautiful, peaceful area known for boat trips, birdlife, and traditional villages.
• Durmitor National Park: If you want to experience Montenegro’s mountains, Durmitor National Park is a must-visit. Think dramatic scenery, deep canyons, and peaceful hiking routes. This area feels completely different from the coast and is perfect if you want to see another side of the country.

Money, Costs & Budgeting in Montenegro

Budgeting for Your Trip to Montenegro

Montenegro is still a relatively affordable destination compared to much of Western Europe, but prices are rising as tourism grows in popularity.

We noticed that many activities cost slightly more than advertised online, and in some places, restaurant menus had updated prices covered with stickers rather than being fully reprinted.

The Bay of Kotor area, especially places like Kotor and nearby coastal towns, was noticeably more expensive than inland regions. This makes sense as it’s one of the most popular tourist areas in the country.

Do you Need Cash or a Card for Payments in Montenegro?

Surprisingly, card payments are not accepted everywhere in Montenegro.

In more tourist-heavy areas like Kotor and Tivat, we had no issues paying by card in most restaurants, hotels, and shops. However, in more rural areas such as Lake Skadar and Durmitor National Park, many places were cash only, including small restaurants and local businesses.

The currency in Montenegro is the Euro (€), and we’d recommend carrying some cash at all times, especially if you plan to explore outside the main coastal towns.

Tipping in Montenegro

Tipping in Montenegro is not strictly expected, but it is appreciated.

In restaurants, it’s common to leave around 10% if you’ve had good service, or simply round up the bill. In more casual places like cafés or bars, leaving small change is perfectly fine.

Tipping taxi drivers is also appreciated but not essential, and many locals will simply round up the fare.

Overall, tipping is much more relaxed than in countries like the US, so don’t feel pressured; it’s entirely optional and based on your experience.

Getting Around Montenegro & Transport Tips

Hiring a Car and Driving in Montenegro

If you want to explore Montenegro properly, especially with kids, hiring a car is by far the easiest and most flexible option. Compare and find the best rental car prices here.

Car rental in Montenegro is generally straightforward, but it does feel a little different compared to places like the UK or the US. Vehicles tend to be older on average, and car seats may not always feel as modern as what you might be used to.

Driving in Montenegro can also be quite an experience, similar to that in Southern Italy. Local driving styles are more relaxed, and overtaking on bends or in less obvious spots is not uncommon. Because of this, it’s important to stay alert and give plenty of space between you and other vehicles.

Road Conditions & Traffic Tips

Traffic can be particularly busy around the Bay of Kotor, especially during peak season and in the afternoons.

If you’re staying in this area, it’s worth setting off early in the morning to avoid congestion and to make parking easier in popular towns like Kotor and Perast.

Outside of the main coastal areas, roads are generally quieter but can be winding in mountain regions, so take your time and avoid rushing between destinations.

Public Transport in Montenegro

Public transport in Montenegro is available, but it can be quite limited depending on where you want to go.

Buses are the main form of public transport and connect major towns such as Kotor, Budva, and Tivat. However, services can be infrequent, and journeys often take longer compared to driving.

If you’re planning to visit more remote areas such as Durmitor National Park or Lake Skadar, relying on public transport can be difficult and may require multiple connections.

For this reason, while public transport can work for shorter trips along the coast, hiring a car is usually the easiest and most flexible way to explore Montenegro, especially if you’re travelling with children or on a tighter schedule.

Practical Montenegro Travel Tips

Be Prepared for the Weather in Montenegro

The weather in Montenegro is insane; you can go from brilliant sunshine to a downpour of rain in a matter of seconds! With that in mind, it’s worth packing for all weather conditions.

Be sure to pack an umbrella and a coat, especially for the kids.

It’s also important to note that the north of Montenegro is much cooler than the coast. When we visited in April, we even experienced snow in the mountains, despite warm temperatures by the sea.

Where to go Grocery Shopping in Montenegro

There are many supermarkets/ grocery stores across Montenegro, often referred to locally as “markets”.

The main chains you’ll come across are Voli and Idea, and they’re easy to find using Google Maps in most towns.

One thing we didn’t realise before visiting is that many supermarkets close on Sundays, so it’s worth planning ahead and stocking up in advance.

Watch Out for Smokers in Montenegro

Smoking is very common in Montenegro, and it’s allowed inside bars and restaurants.

If you’re travelling with children, this is something to be aware of. We found ourselves choosing outdoor seating wherever possible to avoid smoky environments.

Montenegro Travel Tips for Families

Pack Water Shoes for Kids

There are some wonderful, family-friendly beaches in Montenegro.

Most beaches in Montenegro are pebbly rather than sandy, which can be uncomfortable for little feet.

If you’re visiting Montenegro with kids, packing water shoes is definitely worth it. They make it much easier for children to walk along the beach and get in and out of the water safely.

Restaurants in Montenegro don’t Have Highchairs

One thing that surprised us was how few restaurants and cafés had highchairs available.

Despite Montenegro being a very family-friendly destination overall, highchairs weren’t commonly provided, so it’s something to be aware of if you’re travelling with a baby or toddler.

Can you Buy Nappies/ Diapers Easily in Montenegro?

One of my biggest questions before visiting was whether we’d be able to find nappies easily, and thankfully, the answer is yes.

Even smaller supermarkets and local “markets” usually stocked nappies, often including brands like Pampers as well as local alternatives.

Our baby was no longer on formula, but we did notice brands like Aptamil and HiPP in some of the larger stores, so essentials are generally easy to find if needed.

Final Montenegro Travel Tips Summary

Montenegro is one of the most beautiful and underrated destinations in Europe, offering a mix of coastal towns, dramatic mountains, and unforgettable scenery in a relatively small area.

These Montenegro travel tips will help you avoid common surprises and make the most of your trip, whether you’re exploring the Bay of Kotor, heading into the mountains, or travelling as a family.

We had such an incredible time exploring Montenegro and would go back in a heartbeat. It’s a destination that feels both adventurous and easy to navigate, especially once you know what to expect.

If you’re planning your trip, make sure to check out our other Montenegro guides to help you plan your itinerary:

• 👉 5-Day Bay of Kotor Montenegro Itinerary
• 👉 2-Week Montenegro Itinerary
• 👉 Or see all our Montenegro Guides Here: (including) TIVAT – KOTOR – BUDVA – LAKE SKADAR – NIKSIC – TARA CANYON – DURMITOR NATIONAL PARK

These go into more detail on where to stay, what to do, and how to plan your time across the country.

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Thank you for reading this guide on all the Montenegro travel tips you need to know before you go. I hope we’ve helped you prepare for your trip, and you have an amazing time!

Happy Exploring,