Reasons why quests rent apartments in Bar
Bar accommodation – why it's worth booking
- Natural beauty and beaches: Bar is known for its beautiful pebble beaches, with City Beach and King’s Beach (Kraljevska plaža) standing out. Another popular destination is Mount Rumija, which rises above the town and separates the Adriatic coast from Lake Skadar. The highest peak of Rumija reaches 1,595 meters, offering spectacular views of the sea, the lake, and surrounding villages.
- History and culture: Bar has a rich cultural heritage. Its main historical site is Old Bar, a medieval fortified town located at the foot of Mount Rumija. During the summer, it hosts concerts, fairs, and theater performances. Nearby, visitors can see the Old Olive Tree – one of the oldest in the Balkans, estimated to be over 2,000 years old.
- Peace and family-friendly atmosphere: Compared to the more crowded Budva, Bar is quieter and more relaxed, making it ideal for families. In neighborhoods like Šušanj, Čanj, and Dobre Vode, you’ll find holiday homes and apartments near the beach, surrounded by greenery. For example, Veliki Pijesak Beach in Dobre Vode is known for its crystal-clear water and gentle shoreline, perfect for children.
- Outdoor activities and sports: Beyond the classic beach experience, Bar also offers hiking trails on Mount Rumija, cycling, seaside walks, and water sports such as paddle boating, jet skiing, paragliding, and diving. A popular day trip includes a boat ride to King’s Beach, followed by a walk to Ribnjak Monastery. Nature lovers can also explore Lake Skadar National Park, just a 30-minute drive from town.
- Excellent local cuisine: Bar offers a variety of traditional coastal Montenegrin dishes – from fresh fish and seafood to Mediterranean salads, local cheeses, prosciutto, and wines. Popular dining spots include Knjaževa Bašta along the coast, as well as many traditional taverns in Old Bar that serve authentic homemade meals.
- Convenient location and accessibility: Bar is well connected via rail and the Adriatic Highway. It has a seaport with ferries to Italy and a train station offering a direct route to Belgrade. A one-way ticket to Belgrade costs around €20, and there are both day and night departures during the summer season. The journey takes approximately 11 hours, depending on border and railway conditions. Thanks to this accessibility, Bar is an ideal base for exploring southern Montenegro – including Ulcinj, Lake Skadar, Petrovac, and Budva.
Types of accommodation in Bar
- Daily rentals in Bar: Most daily rental apartments come with standard amenities suitable for both short and long stays – free Wi-Fi, cable TV, air conditioning, linens, a basic kitchen, and a private bathroom. Off-season, a night for two people typically costs between €35 and €45, while during peak months (July and August), prices rise to €60–€80, especially for apartments near the beach or promenade.
- Holiday homes and villas: For travelers seeking more space and privacy, Bar and its surrounding villages (such as Popovići, Ratac, and Dobra Voda) offer attractive houses and villas. Many are surrounded by nature, with terraces, private gardens, and often sea views. Prices vary, but a night in a comfortable holiday home for two people usually costs between €80 and €100 in the summer. A great example is Lavender Vacation Home, which costs about €90 per night for two guests.
- Hotels: Bar also provides budget-friendly hotel options. Popular choices include Hotel Princess (located by the sea, near the marina), Hotel Pharos, and Hotel Vila Antivari. Prices for mid-range hotels for two guests start at around €60, while luxury accommodations can go up to €150 per night, depending on the amenities and season.
Average accommodation prices in Bar
Apartments in Bar, Montenegro – price by type and capacity:
- Studio apartments: Off-season prices are around €40 per night, rising to €60–€70 during July and August.
- Two-bedroom apartments: Prices start at about €50 outside the peak season, and range between €75 and €90 during summer months.
- Three-bedroom and luxury apartments: If located near the beach or with sea views, prices can reach €110–€130 per night in high season, while off-season prices are usually between €65 and €85.
Accommodation in the Bar is in high demand during July and August. It’s recommended to book three to four months in advance, especially for weekends and dates when music festivals or major tourist events are scheduled. In these periods, the minimum stay is often four to five nights, and some hosts may require longer reservations.
Overnight stay in Bar – Renting accommodation for a night
During peak season, finding accommodation for just one night is difficult, as the minimum stay is often 4–5 nights. Additionally, daily rates for short stays (1–2 nights) are significantly higher than for weekly rentals.
Accommodation near the best beaches in Bar
- Bar city center: Ideal for guests who want to stay close to the main beach, promenade, and central attractions. Bar’s city beach is long and covered with pebbles, featuring organized sunbed zones and showers. Along the promenade, you'll find numerous cafes and restaurants, such as Karuba Bar and Knjaževa Bašta.
- Šušanj: Located about 2 km from the city center, Šušanj is known for Žukotrlica Beach – one of the few beaches on the Montenegrin coast naturally shaded by a pine forest. Most accommodations here offer private parking, balconies with sea or mountain views, and are located just 50–200 meters from the beach.
- Sutomore: Famous for having one of the longest sandy beaches in the area. Sutomore features numerous seaside bars and restaurants, including Avanti Beach Bar, Sea Fort Restaurant, and Restaurant Izvor. It’s well connected to Bar center (about 8 km away), and has both bus and train stations nearby.
- Dobre Vode: This settlement is known for Veliki Pijesak Beach, characterized by its clear water and a mix of sand and pebbles. Apartments are often located in newer buildings, with balconies offering direct sea views. Dobre Vode is situated between Bar and Ulcinj, about 10 km from the city center.
- Čanj: The beach here, Biserna Obala, is covered in fine pebbles and features shallow, clear water, making it safe for children and non-swimmers. The beach is well-maintained and easy to access. Čanj is located about 12 km from Bar’s center, or roughly 15–20 minutes by car via the Adriatic Highway toward Petrovac.
Best beaches near accommodation in Bar
- City Beach Bar is located right next to the main promenade and stretches for over a kilometer with coarse pebbles underfoot. You’ll find plenty of cafes close by-including Riva Beach Bar and Pascucci-along with sunbed and umbrella rental zones. The sea is deep and exceptionally clean.
- King’s Beach sits on the central promenade and is among the more urban beaches on the Montenegrin coast.It features coarse pebbles and hosts a beachfront restaurant and bar, also called “Kraljevska Plaža,” known for its wide selection of dishes, drinks, and occasional live music events.
- Veliki Pijesak Beach lies in Dobre Vode, about 10 km south of Bar. Noted for its pale sand and turquoise waters, this beach appeals to families and young people alike. Popular beach bars include Plaza Beach Bar, Royal Beach Lounge, and XXL Beach Bar, which serve refreshments and light music by day and transform into evening party spots.
- Žukotrlica Beach is a one-kilometre stretch of pebble coastline shaded naturally by pine trees, offering a cooler, more secluded setting.
- Red Beach is a tiny 50 m-long pebble beach, roughly 5 km from Bar, named for its distinctive reddish pebbles.
- Queen’s Beach, located near Čanj and reachable only by sea, is a small sandy cove fringed with pine and olive trees. It earned its name after serving as the private beach of Queen Maria of Serbia.
- Zapa Beach, situated between Bar and Sutomore, is well-maintained and features a beachside restaurant and bar with a lovely sea-view terrace.
Where to stay in Bar with kids?
- Polje is located about 2 km south of Bar’s center and offers playgrounds, shops, parks, and schools. It’s easily accessible by car in around five minutes, or a 15-minute stroll to the beach.
- Topolica is among the most popular areas for family stays. Situated directly on the shore along King Nikola’s Promenade, it has numerous holiday apartments, restaurants, cafes, and playgrounds. The Topolica Sports Center-with its courts and swimming pool-is also nearby.
- Šušanj, just 2–3 km from Bar, features the pebble Žukotrlica Beach with calm, shallow waters ideal for young children. A bakery, supermarket, and other shops are all located along the main street (Ivo Vizina Street).
Accommodation near the best spots for nightlife in Bar
- Scandal, located on Marshal Tito Street, is known for house music and local artist performances, with cocktail prices ranging from €1 to €5.
- Pub Galerija, on Jovan Tomašević Street, is a popular nightclub featuring techno and house nights, open daily until 1 AM.
Best areas in Bar for business travel
- Hotel Princess Bar: Located by the coast and near the city beach, features a modern conference room with projectors, sound system, reliable Wi‑Fi, plus a restaurant, spa, and indoor pool. Address: Jovana Tomaševića bb.
- Hotel Franca Bar: Situated close to the train station and administrative offices on Bulevar 24 of November, it offers a smaller meeting room ideal for business lunches and presentations.
- Cultural Center Bar: Primarily a cultural venue, it is also used for seminars, public discussions, and professional gatherings. It includes a large hall with AV equipment and is located on Jovana Tomaševića Street.
Best Restaurants Near Accommodation in Bar
- Knjaževa Bašta is located at 55 Jovana Tomaševića Street. This restaurant is known for its oysters and buzara-style shrimp. It’s open daily from 9 AM to 10 PM.
- Konoba Bedem, located at Stari Bar bb, is a great choice for vegans and those looking for plant-based dishes. It’s open every day from 9 AM to 10 PM.
- The Sons Eatery is situated in the Old Town market (StaroBarska Čaršija). Meals cost around €10–15 per person. Their signature tiramisu dessert is highly recommended. The restaurant is open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM.
- Restaurant Kaldrma, at 9 January Street, is known for its seafood. Grilled octopus and grilled shrimp are the top choices here. It operates every day from 9 AM to 10 PM.
- Ćevabdžinica Goranac offers grilled specialties and traditional cooked meals. Meals here are budget-friendly, costing between €1 and €5 per person. It’s open daily from 7 AM to 9 PM.
Best Attractions Near Apartments in Bar
- Old Bar (Stari Bar) is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Balkans. It’s an abandoned medieval town located on the slopes of Mount Rumija, about 4 km from modern-day Bar.
- King Nikola’s Palace, built in the late 19th century as a summer residence for King Nikola I Petrović of Montenegro, sits on the seafront near the city port. The complex includes a museum, a botanical garden, and a chapel.
- Lake Skadar is the largest lake in the Balkans and a major natural treasure of Montenegro. It lies on the border with Albania, with the Montenegrin side protected as a national park. The lake is about a 30-minute drive from Bar. Popular beaches along the lake include Murići, Pješanac, and Raduš.
- Islamic Cultural Center in Bar, located in New Bar near the city center, features one of the largest mosques in the region. The modern building reflects classical Islamic architectural elements.
- The Old Olive Tree in Mirovica, just a few kilometers from Bar’s center, is one of the oldest olive trees in the world and a cultural symbol of Montenegro. Experts estimate the tree is over 2,000 years old and that it bore its first fruit during ancient times.