Bar Port Guide

A visit to Stari Bar (Old Bar) is the highlight for most cruise travelers, located just a 15-minute drive from the pier. Perched on a cliff, this ancient ruined fortress town offers fascinating stone structures and sweeping views of the valley.

Nearby sits the Old Olive Tree of Mirovica, believed to be over 2,000 years old, making it one of the oldest living olive trees in Europe and a quick 15-minute trip from the port.

Along the waterfront in the modern city, visitors can explore King Nikola's Palace, a 19th-century royal residence housing a historical museum, accessible within a 20-minute walk from the cruise terminal.

Cruisers looking to venture further can head to Lake Skadar, southern Europe's largest lake, located about 30 minutes away by road.

The lively coastal town of Budva, famous for its medieval walled old town and sandy beaches, is roughly a 45-minute drive along the scenic coast.

Additionally, the UNESCO-listed city of Kotor and its stunning bay can be reached in about 1 hour and 15 minutes, making it a feasible day trip for shore excursions.

The cruise dock at the Port of Bar is situated approximately 1.5 to 2 kilometers (about 1 mile) from the main downtown area and beach promenade.

Ships typically dock alongside the quay rather than tendering, allowing passengers to easily walk off the vessel.

While the immediate dock area offers basic facilities, taxis and shuttle buses are usually waiting at the pier to transport guests into the city center or to surrounding sights.

Montenegro officially uses the Euro (€) as its local currency, despite not being a member of the European Union.

US Dollars are not accepted for daily transactions, so carrying Euros in cash is essential for small purchases, local markets, and taxis.

Credit cards are widely accepted in major restaurants, hotels, and tourist shops, and ATMs are easily available throughout the town center.

Bar is generally considered a very safe destination for cruise passengers with low rates of violent crime.

Standard travel precautions apply, such as keeping an eye on personal belongings in busy market areas or on public transport to prevent pickpocketing.

Exploring the town independently is easy and safe, though booking guided excursions is recommended if planning trips into the mountains or to distant coastal towns to ensure timely return to the ship.

During the primary cruise season from May through October, Bar enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sun-drenched summers.

Summer temperatures in July and August frequently range between 28°C to 33°C (82°F to 91°F), while spring and autumn offer pleasant averages around 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).

Rainfall is rare during mid-summer, so travelers should pack lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and swimwear, while bringing a light layer for cooler spring or autumn evenings.

Taxis are readily available at the port terminal, offering reasonable fixed rates or metered fares for short trips to downtown or Stari Bar.

Local buses connect the city center with nearby coastal villages, while Montenegro Railways operates regular train services connecting the town to inland destinations like Podgorica.

Ride-sharing apps like Uber are not widely active, but taking a local taxi or booking an organized shore excursion remains the most reliable way to navigate the region.

Shopping in the town revolves around the pedestrian boulevard near the waterfront and local open-air markets.

Popular local souvenirs include high-quality olive oil from ancient groves, Montenegrin wines such as Vranac, dried figs, and handmade crafts.

Prices in fixed brick-and-mortar stores are non-negotiable, but polite bargaining is acceptable at small market stalls, and duty-free shopping is available at designated port shops.