We may receive a commission if you make purchases through affiliate links (at no extra cost to you). Read why our approach to travel is different.
Tourists are flocking to this Balkan gem on the Adriatic coast like never before. Montenegro offers everything from interesting (and diverse) cuisine, rugged mountains, UNESCO World Heritage-listed towns, and a rich history to keep all types of travellers entertained. It’s a small country, but the best area to stay in Montenegro for you will be informed by the type of travel you want to experience.
From the bustling coastal towns of Budva and Kotor to the historic and modern capitals of Cetinje and Podgorica, the options are varied and each combines its own unique charm and attractions. We’ve assessed all of the places to stay in Montenegro so you can experience the best of this captivating piece of the coast.
Kotor
The main town on the Bay, the historic walled city of Kotor is the highlight of any Montenegro itinerary and the best area to stay in Montenegro during your visit. Well connected to the rest of the country by public transport, you really can’t do better than staying in Kotor – especially if you’re looking for some of the best restaurants in the country.
Sure, the summer months are busy, but once the cruise ships have sailed off for the day, you’ll get to experience a whole different side to the place.
To make the most of your stay, opt for a hotel within the old town walls. Boutique Hotel Astoria offers five-star luxury set against a backdrop of St Tryphon’s Cathedral.
If you love history, Historic Boutique Hotel Cattaro is the place for you. Slightly tucked away from the main square, pick a room with a balcony to wake up to amazing views of the old town before the tourists arrive.
For a great budget option without compromising on location, Puerta Hotel is an excellent choice and it has a fantastic restaurant onsite.
Tivat
The youngest town on the Bay of Kotor, Tivat still holds over 700 years of history. Tivat owes its popularity to the sea, having grown rapidly as an important naval town in the 19th century. Today, it’s a bizarre blend of a sleepy old town and the playground of Montenegro’s wealthiest.
Staying in Tivat has plenty of benefits and is particularly handy if you’re flying into Tivat Airport which is less than two miles from the center. Kotor is just a 20-minute drive from the airport, and there are regular buses between the two, making it one of the best areas to stay in Montenegro for convenience alone.
Tivat is ideal if you want to be close to the action but be able to escape the crowds; and, if luxury is your style, you won’t want to miss Porto Montenegro.
Tivat’s most famous hotel is the Regent Porto Montenegro, an opulent waterfront residence which is part of IHG. It comes with sky-high prices but the views and service are second to none. That said, if you’re looking for an authentic Montenegrin experience for your Montenegro itinerary, one of the town’s independent hotels will be a far better option.
Hotel Astoria occupies a prime bayfront location in the old town and is a short walk from all of Tivat’s best shops and restaurants. For a slightly more upscale, modern hotel, check out La Fleur Boutique Hotel which is a special experience (their breakfast is not to be missed).
Around the Bay of Kotor
Whilst staying in Kotor is our pick for the best area to stay in Montenegro, picking a hotel in one of the villages around the bay is another great choice. Plus, it comes with the bonus of having fewer tourists around and can often save you money.
Orahovac
One of my all time favorite hotels anywhere in the world is the Casa del Mare – Amfora. Located only a 15-minute drive from Kotor and on a bus route in the sleepy village of Orahovac, the Casa del Mare is right on the bay side.
The rooms are great, but better still is the restaurant with a terrace overlooking the bay. It’s open to non-residents, too, and if you love fresh seafood, it’s well worth making the journey to Orahovac even if you aren’t staying here.
Perast
The beautiful old town of Perast is another top contender when choosing where to stay in Montenegro. Aside from the views of the Bay, it has some excellent restaurants and alfresco bars. Hotel & Restaurant CONTE has stunning sea views, whilst Hotel Admiral has a fantastic restaurant with a terrace perched over the water.
Prčanj
On the other side of the bay, Prčanj is home to some of the Bay’s best traditional konobas (restaurants). Galathea Hotel is right on the beach or, for a good budget option, try the MonteBay Perla. Both are on the bus route between Tivat and Kotor, so if you haven’t rented a car, you needn’t worry.
Budva
The best for beach holidays on your Montenegro itinerary, Budva is a charming beach resort with a beautiful old town and is one of the best areas to stay in Montenegro. There’s everything you could want for a sun, sea and sand break coupled with history, top restaurants and handy transport links to Kotor and Podgorica.
As one of Montenegro’s most-loved tourist destinations, there really is no end to hotels to choose from here. If you fancy staying right by the beach, Luxury Hotel Riva is the best option. Beatrix Suites Budva Old Town, true to their name, are right in the heart of the old town.
An excellent budget-friendly choice is Villa Ljubanovic which is just a short walk from the beach and old town.
Virpazar
A little more out the way, close to the Albanian border, but with stunning views of Lake Skadar, Virpazar has a couple of great restaurants and an amazing vineyard and wine bar, Winery Masanovic.
Hotel Pelikan is a great, wallet-friendly option here and is home to Virpazar’s best restaurant. For lake views, choose Hotel De Andros where it’s well worth upgrading to a balcony room. For views alone, Virpazar might be one of the best areas to stay in Montenegro.
Podgorica
Whilst not our first choice for the best area to stay in Montenegro, if you prefer city life, Podgorica is worth considering. It’s well connected with the rest of the country and is all the more convenient if you’ve opted for public transport to get around during your Montenegro itinerary. The city has a couple of interesting museums, a surprisingly vibrant nightlife and no end of excellent restaurants.
Boscovich Boutique Hotel is one of the best spots in Podgorica. An upscale boutique, it’s right by Podgorica Museum and has a serene terrace bar which is the perfect place to while the night away.
If you’re looking for luxury, CUE Podgorica is a great choice. A little further out, but still within walking distance of the city center, CUE has a full service spa and a beautiful pool. For a more easy on the wallet option, Central Point guesthouse has an unbeatable location.
Share This Article
Traveling soon? Subscribe to The Insight below and get exclusive access to our personalized travel advice community via WhatsApp so you can ask all your burning travel questions.
Looking for the best comprehensive travel insurance? SafetyWing has you covered.
And for your eSIM in every country, there is only one option we recommend: Airalo.
Read more of our best insights from around the world
- These are the Best Small Towns in Oregon for 2025
- 10 Unique Things to Do in Magical Dalat, Vietnam
- 7 Best Beaches in Mauritius To Find Your Own Piece of Paradise
- Phoenix Weekend Trips: 3 Budget-Friendly Getaway Ideas
- The Ultimate Insider 3-Day Hanoi Itinerary
- 3 Day Goa Itinerary: Ultimate Guide for 2025
