What to Do in Stari Bar, Montenegro: A Complete Visitor's Guide
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The Best Things to See, Where to Eat, and Tips for Visiting Stari Bar
When most people visit Bar, they head straight for the beaches, marina, or the ferry port before continuing down the Montenegrin coast. What many people don’t know is that the modern coastal city of Bar actually has an ancient hilltop counterpart called Stari Bar. I nearly missed it myself but, thankfully, I decided to venture a few kilometres inland first, and it turned out to be one of my favourite places in Montenegro.
Entering Stari Bar (‘Old Bar’) feels like stepping into another world. Unlike the bustling coastal town below, this abandoned medieval city sits quietly at the foot of Mount Rumija, surrounded by olive groves and rocky hills. Wandering its crumbling streets, climbing its fortress walls, and peering into centuries-old churches, baths, and houses, it’s easy to forget you’re only a ten-minute drive from the Adriatic.
If you’re wondering whether Stari Bar is worth visiting, the answer is an easy yes. Whether you’re interested in history, photography, or simply exploring somewhere that hasn’t been overwhelmed by tourism, this ancient town deserves a place on your Montenegro itinerary.
Read on for my complete guide to visiting Stari Bar.
In a Rush? Check out my Quick Guide:
Where to Stay:
Olea Apartments (Budget)
Villa Irma (Mid-Range)
Stara Čaršija Hotel & SPA (Luxury)
Must-See Spots:
– Stari Bar Fortress
– Old Olive Tree
– The Aqueduct
– The Ottoman Graveyards
Activities to Book:
Vintage Fića Fiat 600 ride to Old Bar
Stari Bar Self-Guided Walking Tour
Hidden Gems Excursion
Highlights Tour for Cruise Passengers
Hire a Car here
Stay Connected with a Montenegro eSim
Stay Protected with Travel Insurance
9 Best Things to Do in Stari Bar
Stari Bar is compact enough to explore in a few hours, making it the perfect half-day trip. Here’s everything you shouldn’t miss:
1. Explore the Fortress of Stari Bar
The obvious highlight is the fortified old town itself. Unlike Kotor or Budva, this isn’t a living old town packed with hotels and souvenir shops. The inhabitants abandoned Stari Bar after a devastating earthquake in 1979, leaving behind a fascinating collection of medieval ruins (around 240 buildings) that have since been partially restored.
Walking through the enormous entrance gate marked with the Lion of Venice feels like entering an archaeological site. It leads into a settlement of ruined homes, Venetian palaces, churches, clock towers, and defensive walls, all connected by steep stone staircases, narrow alleyways, and what’s left of the piazzas.
I loved that you could simply wander wherever your curiosity took you. Nothing was off-limits, and it felt a little surreal, like being in a video game or something.
Give yourself at least two hours here. I’ll go into more depth on specific spots to visit in the article below, but if you want more historical information about what you are seeing during your trip, check out this self-guided tour.
Useful Info: Tickets to the walled old town cost €5 per person (€1 for kids aged 6-14). You can buy them at the entrance gate.
2. Climb the Citadel Walls
One of the best parts of visiting Stari Bar is climbing up through the different defensive levels of the fortress.
The higher you climb, the better the views become. Looking out across the valley towards modern Bar and the Adriatic Sea, it’s easy to understand why this was once such an important strategic location, high up in the hills as it is.
You’ll also notice just how enormous the site actually is. Stari Bar is one of the largest archaeological sites in the Balkans, covering around four hectares.
Top Tip: Wear decent shoes. Many of the paths are uneven, with loose stones and worn steps polished smooth by centuries of use, making them easy to slip on!
3. Visit the Aqueduct
Just outside the old town stands one of Stari Bar’s most impressive surviving structures: the only preserved aqueduct in Montenegro.
The aqueduct was originally built during Ottoman rule in the 17th century to bring fresh water into the city from nearby mountains. Although damaged by earthquakes over the years, it has been beautifully restored and still dominates the landscape today.
One of the best views of the aqueduct is from the Old Town walls. Turn left past the entrance and climb the walls to the far side of town. If you peek through the gaps in the wall you’ll find the perfect picture spot.
4. Wander Through the Ruined Churches
One thing that fascinated me about Stari Bar was seeing all the different religious building remains inside the fortress.
Over the centuries the town changed hands between the Byzantines, Venetians, Ottomans and Montenegrins, leaving behind an interesting mix of architectural styles, including a Franciscan monastery.
Some churches still have partially preserved stone carvings and frescoes, while others are little more than roofless walls open to the sky. There’s even an amphitheatre dating back to Roman times.
5. Find the Clock Tower
Standing proudly above much of the settlement is the Ottoman Clock Tower.
Built in the 18th century, it’s become one of the symbols of Stari Bar and is one of the easiest landmarks to spot while exploring.
The square surrounding it is also a nice place to stop for a break before continuing your exploration.
6. Discover the Turkish Baths
Hidden among the ruins are the remains of a traditional Ottoman hammam. You’ll have to keep your eyes peeled for it, because it’s very easy to miss and we almost walked right past it.
Although much of it has collapsed, you can still make out the different chambers that would once have been used for bathing and socialising, and even what was once the toilet!
7. Admire the Panoramic Views
Honestly, even if there wasn’t a single building inside the walls, I’d probably still recommend coming for the scenic view.
Its elevated position high up in the hills gives fantastic views across olive groves, vineyards, the modern town of Bar and the sparkling Adriatic beyond, making it the perfect picture-taking spot.
8. Visit Stari Bar’s Ottoman Graveyards
Just outside the entrance to the fortress lie two mosques dating back to the Ottoman Empire. The Omerbašica Mosque sits behind a low stone wall. Head through the gated arch to get to the rose-scented cemetery, scattered with the tall, narrow Ottoman headstones so different from Christian ones.
Closer to the aqueduct lies the Škanjević mosque, which has a 17th-century fountain in its courtyard and another cemetery.
Personally, I found them fascinating and peaceful to walk through. Just remember to be respectful and wear appropriate attire, as they are still places of worship.
9. Visit the Old Olive Tree
A short drive from Stari Bar, at Mirovica, stands one of Montenegro’s most famous natural landmarks.
The Old Olive Tree (Stara Maslina) is believed to be between 2,000 and 2,500 years old, making it one of the oldest olive trees in Europe, and possibly in the world.
It’s a fairly quick stop but an interesting addition if you’re already exploring the area. Most tours combine a visit to the tree with a tour of the Old Town.
Top Tip: The tree is encircled by a protective ring of white stones and there is a tiny entrance fee of a couple of euros to see it, but personally, I’d skip the fee and admire it from the road.
How to Get to Stari Bar and Where to Find Parking
Getting to Stari Bar is pretty straightforward.
The closest airport is in Podgorica, only about an hour’s drive away. From there, it’s very easy to rent a car or take a bus from the Podgorica bus station to Bar.
If you’re driving, it’s only around ten minutes inland from Bar and there are several paid car parks near the entrance (and some free ones too if you’re lucky enough to find a space). It costs around €0.60 an hour for parking.
If you’re travelling by bus, local buses regularly connect Bar with Stari Bar throughout the day. Taxis are also inexpensive and only take a few minutes from the town centre.
If you’re staying elsewhere on the coast, Stari Bar makes an easy day trip from Budva, Ulcinj or even Lake Skadar and Podgorica.
Where to Eat and Drink in Stari Bar
If you’re anything like me and exploring gives you an appetite, you’ll probably be ravenous after visiting the walled old town. Luckily for you and me, the streets leading up to the fortress are lined with family-run restaurants, many with leafy courtyards shaded by vines and pomegranate trees.
Here are a few places worth checking out:
Konoba Bedem €€
Probably the best-known restaurant in Stari Bar, Konoba Bedem serves traditional Montenegrin dishes with beautiful views of the fortress walls. A local artist recommended it to us on our way up to the fortress, so we knew we had to try it.
I’d recommend trying the slow-cooked roast lamb. It was delicious and practically fell off the bone. They also serve pomegranate wine and beer, which was an interesting flavor, but a little too sweet for my liking.
Be warned: the servings are pretty big!
Kaldrma €€
Located along the cobbled approach to the old town, Kaldrma has one of the prettiest terraces in the village with the best views.
Expect generous portions of local food, homemade bread and plenty of regional wine. However, it’s an alcohol-free eatery, if that’s important for you.
Stara Čaršija Hotel & Restaurant €€€
If you’re after something a little more refined, the restaurant at Stara Čaršija (which doubles as a luxury hotel and spa) is the best choice in town.
The restored Ottoman-style complex is beautiful, especially in the evening when the lanterns come on.
It’s also halal (which means alcohol free as well).
Where to Stay in Stari Bar
Most visitors stay in modern Bar and visit Stari Bar as a day trip, which works perfectly well if you’re only interested in exploring the fortress.
That said, if you’re after a quieter stay with plenty of character, spending a night in the old village is well worth considering. Several beautifully restored stone guesthouses and a boutique hotel sit just below the fortress, giving you the chance to experience the area once the day-trippers have gone home.
Best Day Trips from Stari Bar
If you’re looking to explore beyond, these nearby destinations make perfect day trips from Stari Bar, or vice versa.
Lake Skadar
Less than forty minutes away lies one of Montenegro’s greatest natural treasures.
Lake Skadar is famous for its birdlife, monasteries and scenic boat trips. If you’re visiting between spring and early autumn, it’s easily one of the best day trips in the country.
This awesome tour includes a boat tour of the lake, a wine tasting at a family-run winery, and a guided tour of Stari Bar.
Ulcinj
Continue south for around thirty minutes and you’ll reach Ulcinj.
The town has a fascinating old town perched above the sea, strong Albanian influences and the longest sandy beach in Montenegro.
If you’re looking for a unique experience in Ulcinj, check out this traditional cooking class where you can learn how to make and taste loacl dishes.
Budva
If you’re looking for a party town on the beach, Budva is one of Montenegro’s most popular destinations.
Its historic old town, vibrant nightlife, long sandy beaches, and scuba diving tours make it a great contrast to the quieter atmosphere of Stari Bar.
Podgorica
Montenegro’s capital, Podgorica, is just about an hour’s drive from Stari Bar and makes for an easy day trip if you’re curious to see a different side of the country.
It’s also a good place to experience everyday Montenegrin life and has some interesting sights, such as the Millennium Bridge, the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, and the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Doclea.