Bar Montenegro DIY Shore Excursion

Bar, Montenegro wasn’t originally on our itinerary. We were supposed to stop in Kotor, and when the port changed there was quite a bit of disappointment in the Facebook groups. But this Bar Montenegro DIY shore excursion turned out to be one of our favorite and easiest days of the trip.

This is a simple, low-stress plan that worked really well for us.

Getting Off the Ship and Starting Our Bar Montenegro DIY Shore Excursion

We got off the ship right at 8:00 am and immediately realized why there’s a shuttle provided. The port in Bar is very industrial and not somewhere passengers are allowed to walk.

The free shuttle is right outside the ship and takes you to the edge of the port area.

Once you get dropped off, there’s a taxi stand right there, which makes things very easy.

We grabbed a taxi with a driver named Marco and asked to go to Stari Bar, the old town. It was 20 euros each way, and we arranged for him to come back and get us at 11:30.

Arriving in Stari Bar

The drive up is quick, and then you’re dropped off at the base of this charming cobblestone village.

Right away, it feels completely different from the port. Stone streets, small shops, flags hanging overhead, and a gradual walk uphill toward the fortress.

We just started wandering.

Wandering Through the Old Town

This is one of those places where there’s not a strict plan. You just walk, stop, look around, and take it in.

There are little restaurants, souvenir stands, and shaded seating areas along the way. It’s touristy, but still relaxed and not overwhelming.

Also worth noting, there are dogs and cats just casually hanging around everywhere. They’re not aggressive at all, just part of the scenery, which was kind of funny.

Fortress Views and Exploring the Ruins

At the top is the fortress area, which is definitely worth the walk.

The views out over the mountains and surrounding area are beautiful, and the ruins themselves are interesting to explore.

Admission was 5 euros for adults.

You can wander through old stone buildings, walls, and open areas at your own pace. It wasn’t overly crowded when we were there, which made it even better.

A Quick Drink Break (With a Twist)

After walking around, we stopped for drinks at a small cafe.

I ordered pomegranate juice, which was really good and tasted fresh.

The guys ordered lemonade, which turned out to be literally lemon juice in water with no sweetener. LOL! They ended up adding a lot of sugar to make it drinkable.

Heading Back Down

After our break, we did a little souvenir shopping and just enjoyed the walk without rushing.

We made it back to the taxi area, and Marco was right on time for pickup.

Back to the Ship

The ride back was quick, and then it was the shuttle back through the industrial port to the ship.

Final Thoughts on a DIY Day in Bar

Even though this stop wasn’t originally part of the plan, it ended up being a really enjoyable Even though this stop wasn’t originally part of the plan, it ended up being a really fun surprise.

This was one of the easiest DIY days we had on the trip.

The logistics were simple with the shuttle and taxi, and everything was very straightforward. It was also pretty affordable. About 40 euros total for transportation plus a small entrance fee.

What I liked most was the flexibility. We could take our time, wander, stop when we wanted, and not feel rushed.

And the setting is just beautiful. The mix of the old stone town and the mountain views makes it feel completely different from the port.

If you’re comfortable doing your own thing in port, this is a great (and easy) option.

Not every stop needs a big excursion. Sometimes a change in plans turns into one of your favorite days.