Bar: Montenegro's Hidden Coastal Gem

• HelloZdravo
  [Zdrah-voh]
• GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [Doh-vee-jen-yah]
• YesDa
  [Dah]
• NoNe
  [Neh]
• Please/You're welcomeMolim
  [Moh-leem]
• Thank youHvala
  [Hvah-lah]
• Excuse me/SorryIzvinite
  [Eez-vee-nee-teh]
• How are you?Kako si?
  [Kah-koh see?]
• Fine. And you?Dobro. A ti?
  [Doh-bro. Ah tee?]
• Do you speak English?Govorite li engleski?
  [Goh-voh-ree-teh lee ehn-gleh-skee?]
• I don't understandNe razumem
  [Neh rah-zoo-mehm]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMolio bih meni, molim
  [Moh-lee-oh bee meh-nee, moh-leem]
• I don't eat meatNe jedem meso
  [Neh yeh-dehm meh-so]
• Cheers!Živeli!
  [Zhee-veh-lee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseŽeleo bih da platim, molim
  [Zheh-leh-oh bee dah plah-teem, moh-leem]

• Help!Pomoć!
  [Poh-mohtch]
• Go away!Idi dalje!
  [Ee-dee dahl-yeh]
• Call the Police!Pozovite policiju!
  [Poh-zoh-vee-teh poh-lee-tsee-yoo]
• Call a doctor!Pozovite lekara!
  [Poh-zoh-vee-teh leh-kah-rah]
• I'm lostIzgubio sam se
  [Eez-goo-byoh sahm seh]
• I'm illBolestan sam
  [Boh-lehs-tahn sahm]

• I'd like to buy...Želeo bih da kupim...
  [Zheh-leh-oh bee dah koo-peem]
• I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [Sah-moh gleh-dahm]
• How much is it?Koliko košta?
  [Koh-lee-koh koh-stah?]
• That's too expensiveTo je previše skupo
  [Toh yeh preh-vee-sheh skoo-poh]
• Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cenu?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee spoo-stee-tee tseh-noo?]

• What time is it?Koliko je sati?
  [Koh-lee-koh yeh sah-tee?]
• It's one o'clockJedan je sat
  [Yeh-dahn yeh saht]
• Half past (10)Pola (deset)
  [Poh-lah (deh-set)]
• MorningJutro
  [Yoo-troh]
• AfternoonPopodne
  [Poh-pohd-neh]
• EveningVeče
  [Veh-cheh]
• YesterdayJuče
  [Yoo-cheh]
• TodayDanas
  [Dah-nahs]
• TomorrowSutra
  [Soo-trah]
• 1Jedan
  [Yeh-dahn]
• 2Dva
  [Dvah]
• 3Tri
  [Tree]
• 4Četiri
  [Cheh-tee-ree]
• 5Pet
  [Peh-t]
• 6Šest
  [Shehst]
• 7Sedam
  [Seh-dahm]
• 8Osam
  [Oh-sahm]
• 9Devet
  [Deh-vet]
• 10Deset
  [Deh-set]

• Where's a/the...?Gde je...
  [Gdeh yeh]
• What's the address?Koja je adresa?
  [Koh-yah yeh ah-dre-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li mi pokazati (na mapi)?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee mee poh-kah-zah-tee (nah mah-pee)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kada je sledeći (autobus)?
  [Kah-dah yeh sleh-deh-chee (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Jedna karta (do ...)
  [Yehd-nah kar-tah (doh)]

Bar, known in ancient times as Antivari, has a rich history dating back to the Roman and Byzantine periods. The area was first settled by the Illyrians before becoming part of the Roman Empire. The Romans built fortifications and roads, establishing Bar as an important hub. Later, under Byzantine rule, the city continued to thrive as a key trading post and military outpost.

During the medieval period, Bar became a significant center of commerce and culture. It was part of the Serbian Kingdom and later the Serbian Empire under the rule of Stefan Dušan. The construction of the Stari Bar fortress, a strategic defensive structure, dates back to this era. The city was known for its flourishing trade, especially in olive oil and wine.

In the late 15th century, Bar fell under Ottoman rule. The Ottomans significantly influenced the city's architecture, administration, and culture. The city became a part of the Sanjak of Scutari. Ottoman rule brought about the construction of numerous mosques, hammams, and aqueducts, many of which can still be seen today in the Old Town of Bar.

In 1878, during the Russo-Turkish War, Bar was liberated by Montenegrin forces led by Prince Nikola I. The Treaty of Berlin later confirmed Montenegro's sovereignty over Bar. This period marked the beginning of a new era of development and modernization for the city. The liberation is commemorated by various monuments and historical markers throughout Bar.

In the 20th century, Bar experienced significant growth and modernization. The construction of the Port of Bar in the mid-20th century transformed the city into a major maritime and transportation hub for Montenegro. The city was heavily damaged during the Yugoslav Wars but has since been rebuilt and revitalized. Today, Bar is a vibrant city known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and beautiful coastal scenery.

Bar is located on the Adriatic coast of Montenegro, approximately 60 kilometers southwest of the capital city, Podgorica. The nearest international airport is Podgorica Airport (TGD), from which you can reach Bar by taxi, rental car, or bus. The journey typically takes around 1 hour. Alternatively, you can fly into Tivat Airport (TIV), which is about 70 kilometers away. Bar is also accessible by train, with regular services from Podgorica and other major cities in Montenegro.

Within Bar, taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Public buses and minibuses (locally known as 'kombis') operate within the town and to nearby attractions. Renting a car can be a convenient option for exploring the surrounding areas at your own pace. Additionally, the town is quite walkable, with many attractions located close to each other.

The official currency in Montenegro is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available throughout Bar, and most banks offer currency exchange services.

Bar is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Bar. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering churches and monasteries. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A smile and a polite 'Dobar dan' (Good day) are appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Bar like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Montenegrin goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the Old Bar (Stari Bar), an ancient fortress and archaeological site. For a unique experience, take a walk along the promenade and enjoy the beautiful Adriatic Sea views.