Best places to visit in Montenegro - what to see in Montenegro

Among the many attractions in Montenegro, it’s hard to choose a favourite because Montenegro is full of beautiful places to visit. You’d think that in a country the size of Montenegro, tourist attractions would be scarce, but far from it. In fact, Montenegro is packed with beautiful sights, from stunning cultural and historical sights dating back to the Middle Ages to natural assets such as National Parks or secluded caves and canyons.

First, you’ll need an ideal spot from which you can explore some of the most beautiful places in Montenegro. That’s where the finest real estate on the Adriatic comes in. Once you’re settled in there, it’s time to make the most of Montenegro’s staggering landmarks. That’s where this definitive list comes in…

Here’s a list of the 15 best places to visit in Montenegro that will make you fall absolutely in love with this beautiful country.

When it comes to showcasing its rich history, one of the most fascinating sights Montenegro has to offer is the San Giovanni Fortress, which is concealed in Kotor – a culturally significant town in Montenegro. San Giovanni Fortress, also known as the Fortress of Kotor, is one of the most fascinating segments of the cultural heritage of Boka Bay. 

Besides being the ultimate masterpiece of defence architecture dating back to the Middle Ages, San Giovanni is the most gorgeous tourist spot in Montenegro, guarding the Old Town Kotor and the surrounding area. 

It’s a stunning trip should you decide to embark on it and, as well as being one of Kotor’s top attractions, it gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a hiking tour.

Cetinje is often listed as one of the best places in Montenegro, not only because of its beauty but also because of its historical and cultural significance to the people of this country. Cetinje is the royal capital of the country, and is now one of the most important sights in Montenegro, given its royal past and cultural history. 

Cetinje is a small and compact town – somewhat of a prototype of a Montenegrin inland town – so there shouldn’t be any problems getting around it. The town possesses a unique old-world charm, which is what makes it so enchanting. There are many historical sights you can see here, such as The National Museum, King Nikola’s Palace, and The Blue Palace.

A road trip to Cetinje is a great way to discover some of the most beautiful places in Montenegro. Places with a deep link to the tumultuous history of this area and country.

Following on from those sights rich in cultural history, there are more than a few archaeological sights on the soil of Montenegro. Doclea, or Duklja, is by far the most famous tourist attraction. 

The ruins of Doclea are located near Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, around 3km north of it. Doclea used to be the largest settlement of the Docleatae, the Illyrian tribe, dating from the first century AD. Its architecture is in line with the typical Roman style, with a central axis connecting representative structures. 

Doclea also includes a necropolis with more than 300 tombs excavated, containing many precious objects such as jewellery, perfume bottles, ceramic and glass dishes, fibulae, etc. If you want to learn more about the country’s ancient history, Duklja is certainly a good place to start for the archaeological sightseeing of Montenegro.

Tara river rafting is by far one of the country’s most popular adrenaline-rush activities. Tara forms a canyon that is 1300m deep, making it one of the deepest canyons in the world. It slices through the mountain area of the National Park Durmitor, providing you with some of the best views directly from the water. 

If you’d like to admire the canyon from afar, then you can climb to the top of Mount Ćurevac, but be aware that canyon walls also restrict this view. Either way, Tara River Gorge (Tara Canyon) is undoubtedly one of those Montenegro sights that will leave a lasting impact on you.

Žabljak is indeed Montenegro’s most stunning natural tourist destination. The Black Lake is a gorgeous glacial lake surrounded by a pine forest, casting a mirrored reflection of the lake. The scenery becomes even more spectacular, with the Medjed mountain peak emerging in the background. 

The Black Lake is divided into two lakes, Great and Small Lake, and connected by a narrow straight. If you’re a hiker there is a 3.5km long foot trail encircling the lake, taking approximately 90 minutes to complete. There are some very steep sections that require some climbing, but nothing is too challenging so you should have a pleasant walk.

This area is one of the favourite destinations for hiking in Montenegro while many credit the Black Lake to be one of the most beautiful Montenegrin lakes.

Skadar

True surprises concerning Montenegro sights can also be found hidden inland, namely Horseshoe Bend, at Lake Skadar, which has a famous view of Pavlova Strana. This is where the Rijeka Crnojevića River flows into Lake Skadar National Park. 

The view alone is worth the visit, but this is a place where true adventure awaits. Here, you can take a boat cruise, go on hiking excursions, and visit small fishing towns and fortresses along the water.

Lipa Cave is one of the largest cave monuments in Montenegro and one of the best places to visit in Montenegro for families. Its stunning and wild system of hallways and passages makes you feel as if you have stepped onto another planet. 

The cave is located near Cetinje and is a must-see Montenegro sight. Nature performed her own art in Lipa Cave – creating complicated, playful and unique forms of cave ornaments. 

Lipa Cave offers a charming diversity of the underground world – the very opposite of what we encounter every single day – providing visitors with a unique experience of genuine wilderness. Brace yourself for a memorable adventure and enjoy an exhilarating cave expedition.

Through the story of landmarks, natural wonders and rich heritage, Montenegro reveals its authentic face – the one that goes beyond classic postcards and leads you through the traces of history, faith and untouched nature.

Whether you’re looking for peace on the coast, challenges in the mountains or hidden corners you won’t find in guidebooks, Montenegro offers you an experience that’s at once diverse, deeply personal and unforgettable. If you are interested in the best time to visit Montenegro, take a look at our guide and plan your trip according to your own rhythm and wishes.

Let your trip be not just a vacation, but a story to remember.