This article provides an overview of cities of Montenegro, highlighting which ones are tourist hotspots and which serve as industrial centers. You’ll learn about coastal towns and gain valuable insights to help you choose the best destination for your vacation, entertainment, and more.

Table of contents:


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cities of montenegro list
The historic centers of all old towns along the Bay of Kotor look quite similar.

Cities of Montenegro: General Information

Montenegro boasts a history spanning over 2,000 years, meaning some cities and architectural landmarks date back as many as 20 centuries. For an in-depth look at the country’s history and must-know information for tourists, check out our dedicated article.

Here are a few key facts to help you get an idea of Montenegrin cities:

  • The entire population of Montenegro is just 600,000—15 times less than London.
  • The largest city is the capital, Podgorica, with a population of only about 180,000.
  • There are no major metropolises or massive urban centers here.
  • Every other city is significantly smaller than Podgorica.
  • Over 82% of Montenegro is mountainous, making urban development challenging. As a result, cities are compact, with narrow streets, limited parking, and plenty of hills and slopes.

This is especially noticeable for those traveling with children and strollers. For more details on family-friendly travel in Montenegro, including pros and cons, check out our article.

vacation cities in montenegro
A glimpse of the promenade and beach in Petrovac.

Montenegro’s City Rankings: A Comparative Table

Below, you’ll find a table featuring all of Montenegro’s major cities, including their age and population. The table also indicates which cities are tourist-friendly and which are located on the coast. Each city has a dedicated guide with details on how to get there, where to stay, and where to dine.

CityFoundedPopulation, thousandsOn the coast?For tourists?Comment
Podgorica1326180NoNoCapital city
Niksic4th century BC58NoNoIndustrial centre
Pljevlja25NoNoOn the border with Serbia
Herceg Novi138216YesYesBay of Kotor
Cetinje15th century AD15NoYesThe first capital of Montenegro
Bar6th century AD14YesNoMajor transport hub
Kotor168 BC.14YesYesBay of Kotor
Budva5th century BC11YesYesAdriatic Sea
Ulcinj5th century BC10YesYesAdriatic Sea
Tivat3rd century BC9,5YesNoBay of Kotor
Petrovac3YesYesAdriatic Sea
Sutomore3YesYesAdriatic Sea
Perast3rd century AD1YesYesBay of Kotor
Dobra voda1YesYesAdriatic Sea
Zabljak18101NoYesIn the mountains
Becici1YesYesAdriatic Sea

One key takeaway: not every coastal city is ideal for a beach vacation. Take Bar, for example—it has a beach, sea, and promenade, but it’s also a major transportation hub. The city hosts a massive cargo railway terminal, a large port with daily ferries from Italy, and a restricted military base. There aren’t many sights to see, and the beach is average at best.

Always research your destination carefully before traveling—just because a city has a beach doesn’t mean it’s the perfect vacation spot.
best cities in montenegro
The central beach and promenade in Bar.

Best Coastal Cities for a Beach Vacation

Here’s a list of coastal cities that are perfect for tourists, arranged from north (bordering Croatia) to south (toward Albania). Each city is included in the ranking table above, with detailed reviews available via the links.

For your convenience, I’ve also assigned two ratings to each city: Beach & seaside experience (1–10) and Attractions, architecture, and old town charm (1–10):

  • Herceg Novi: Beaches (5) / Attractions (8)
  • Perast: 1/8
  • Kotor: 3/10
  • Tivat: 3/3 (The only city in the Bay of Kotor without an old town or historical sites, but it has an international airport.)
  • Budva: 6/10
  • Bečići: 7/2
  • Petrovac: 7/7
  • Sutomore: 6/2
  • Bar: 4/2
  • Dobra Voda: 5/2
  • Ulcinj: 9/7

This subjective ranking aims to give you a general idea of Montenegro’s cities. For a more detailed breakdown of beaches, resorts, and unique features, check out our full article: Montenegro’s Resorts – Where to Stay?

Personal opinion:

Out of all the Montenegrin coastal cities, I particularly love the towns along the Bay of Kotor. While they may lack great beaches, their stunning architecture and incredible atmosphere more than make up for it.
On the Adriatic coast, my favorite is Ulcinj—a picturesque town built on a hillside, featuring beautiful beaches and charming architecture. The only downside? It’s the most remote coastal city, making it a bit challenging to reach from Montenegro’s international airports.
cities of montenegro on the coast
Ulcinj and the view from an apartment—this is what most accommodations in the city offer.

In conclusion: Montenegro offers a city for every type of traveler. If you seek a cultural experience, complete with fortresses and medieval architecture, you’ll find it. If you’re after beaches and seaside relaxation, that’s here too. Thanks to the country’s compact size, exploring Montenegro is easy. If you rent a car, no corner of the country is out of reach within a day’s drive.


Resources to help you plan your dream trip to Montenegro

  • WayAway: Cheap flights and best deals.
  • Car rental in Montenegro:
    • LocalRent – works with local rental companies. Leader in car rental in Montenegro.
    • DiscoverCars – a large international platform.
  • Budget-friendly vacation packages to Montenegro: CheapOair.
  • Hotels and apartments all over the country:
    • Trip.com – the most popular accommodation booking platform
    • TripAdvisor compares the prices among dozens of other booking services and offer the best price
  • Tours, excursions and activities (including extreme ones):
    • GetYourGuide – more than 800 tours
    • Viator – 1000+ excursions and activities throughout the country
  • Comprehensive travel insurance: EKTA
  • Internet and Calls:
  • Taxi and airport transfers: Intui.Travel