Free Herceg Novi Travel Guide & Mobile App

Plan your Herceg Novi trip with Evendo. Get free guides to top attractions, restaurants, hotels, and bars. Web access or download the mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Herceg Novi
Herceg Novi photo 2
Herceg Novi photo 3
All photos

Herceg Novi, Montenegro, pairs Venetian fortresses, Bay of Kotor views, Savina Monastery, seaside promenades and Mediterranean culture for relaxed coastal sightseeing.

A Stairway City on the Bay

Herceg Novi rises above the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, where steep green hills descend towards the Adriatic and the shoreline is threaded by promenades, small beaches and stone quays. Founded in the late fourteenth century, the city has a layered appearance shaped by Ottoman, Venetian, Spanish, Austro-Hungarian and Yugoslav periods. Its historic centre is a succession of flights of steps, shaded lanes and small squares, with sea views appearing between old houses and defensive walls.
Read more about Herceg Novi

Fortresses and Historic Quarters

The upper town gathers around Trg Hercega Stjepana, commonly called Belavista, while the main fortifications include Forte Mare beside the water, Kanli Kula above the old town and the remains of Španjola on the hillside. Together they reveal Herceg Novi’s strategic importance at the mouth of the bay. Nearby Savina Monastery adds a quieter devotional dimension, surrounded by cypress trees and Mediterranean vegetation. The city’s stone architecture is softened by oleanders, palms, citrus and climbing flowers, giving it a distinctively southern character.

Promenades and Coastal Life

Along the shore, the five-kilometre Šetalište Pet Danica links Herceg Novi with neighbouring settlements through a route of coves, swimming platforms, cafés and viewpoints. Small boats connect the waterfront with other parts of the bay during the warmer months, while the surrounding Luštica Peninsula and Orjen mountain provide a broader landscape for excursions. Cultural life is especially visible during the Mimosa Festival in late winter and the summer programme of concerts, theatre and traditional events, when the old town and waterfront become gathering places for residents and visitors.

Getting to and around Herceg Novi

How to get there

Herceg Novi has no commercial airport of its own. The nearest airports are Tivat Airport, across the bay, and Dubrovnik Airport in Croatia, although the latter involves crossing an international border and requires appropriate travel documents. Podgorica Airport is farther away but can be useful for some itineraries. Long-distance buses connect Herceg Novi with other Montenegrin towns and cities in the wider Balkans, while the coastal road links it with Kotor, Budva and the Croatian border. Driving times vary considerably with summer traffic, road conditions and border queues, so allow extra time when travelling in peak season.

Transportation

The historic centre is best explored on foot, although its steep lanes and numerous stairways make the city more demanding than a flat coastal resort. Local buses serve Herceg Novi and nearby settlements, while taxis are useful for reaching hillside areas or outlying beaches. The Šetalište Pet Danica provides a scenic pedestrian route along the shore, though it includes changes in level and occasional road sections. Seasonal boat services may connect parts of the Bay of Kotor and are useful for sightseeing when operating. A car offers flexibility around the region, but parking can be limited in the old town and waterfront areas during summer.

Best attractions in Herceg Novi

Herceg Novi’s attractions are concentrated between its fortified old town and the long seafront. Begin at Trg Hercega Stjepana, or Belavista, where the Church of St Michael stands among stone buildings and cafés, then descend through narrow lanes towards Kanli Kula, a substantial fortress with views across the bay. Forte Mare occupies the shoreline below, while the remains of Španjola rise above the town on the wooded hillside. Savina Monastery, set among cypresses and Mediterranean gardens, offers a quieter encounter with the region’s Orthodox heritage. Along the coast, Šetalište Pet Danica links beaches, swimming platforms and small bays, making it an attraction in its own right rather than simply a route between sights. The city’s galleries, summer performances and seasonal Mimosa Festival add cultural interest, while boat trips around the Bay of Kotor reveal Herceg Novi from the water.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Herceg Novi

Herceg Novi’s principal landmarks express its strategic position at the mouth of the Bay of Kotor. Forte Mare, built and modified over successive periods beside the sea, is the city’s most recognisable defensive monument and a powerful viewpoint over the harbour. Kanli Kula, whose name is commonly translated as Bloody Tower, dominates the upper old town and now serves as an atmospheric setting for cultural events. On the hillside, Španjola preserves another chapter of the town’s military history. Trg Hercega Stjepana is framed by the Church of St Michael and the urban fabric of Belavista, while Savina Monastery represents the area’s enduring Orthodox tradition through its churches, artworks and wooded setting. Along the shore, the Pet Danica promenade is a modern civic landmark: its bridges, stone edges and sea-facing route connect the historic town with the everyday life of the coast.

Show more landmarks

Explore Herceg Novi on the map

Plan your Herceg Novi trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Herceg Novi

Herceg Novi’s food culture reflects its position between the Adriatic and the mountainous interior. Menus commonly feature grilled fish, squid, prawns, mussels and octopus, alongside Mediterranean vegetables, olive oil and seasonal herbs. Local-style seafood is often served simply, allowing the quality of the catch to lead, while meat dishes and stews reveal Montenegro’s inland culinary connections. In the old town and along the waterfront, restaurants and konobas—traditional-style taverns—range from casual plates and pizzas to more substantial meals with bay views. Njegoševa Street and the seafront are convenient for cafés and ice cream, while the market provides a glimpse of local fruit, vegetables, cheese and cured products. Burek, a savoury pastry found across the Balkans, makes a practical breakfast or snack, and Montenegrin wines, fruit brandies and strong coffee accompany many meals.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Herceg Novi

Evenings in Herceg Novi tend to centre on the waterfront, old-town squares and the promenade rather than on a large club scene. Cafés and bars around Škver and along Šetalište Pet Danica provide relaxed places for coffee, beer, wine or cocktails, with the sound of the bay and passing boats shaping the atmosphere. Belavista and the lanes below Kanli Kula become sociable meeting points after sunset, particularly in summer. The city’s cultural calendar can be more important than nightlife in the narrow sense, with concerts, theatre, film events and open-air performances held during the warmer months. Live music appears in seasonal venues, while larger parties and late-night entertainment are more commonly associated with nearby coastal resorts. During the Mimosa Festival, public events and processions bring an especially festive character to the town.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Herceg Novi

Evenings in Herceg Novi tend to centre on the waterfront, old-town squares and the promenade rather than on a large club scene. Cafés and bars around Škver and along Šetalište Pet Danica provide relaxed places for coffee, beer, wine or cocktails, with the sound of the bay and passing boats shaping the atmosphere. Belavista and the lanes below Kanli Kula become sociable meeting points after sunset, particularly in summer. The city’s cultural calendar can be more important than nightlife in the narrow sense, with concerts, theatre, film events and open-air performances held during the warmer months. Live music appears in seasonal venues, while larger parties and late-night entertainment are more commonly associated with nearby coastal resorts. During the Mimosa Festival, public events and processions bring an especially festive character to the town.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Herceg Novi

Shopping in Herceg Novi is most rewarding in the old town, central market and streets leading towards the waterfront. Small shops sell postcards, beach goods, jewellery, ceramics and locally themed gifts, while the market offers seasonal fruit, vegetables, herbs, olives, honey and other products from the surrounding region. Visitors may also find Montenegrin wines, rakija, olive oil and dried foods suitable for taking home, subject to customs rules and transport restrictions. The lanes around Belavista have a more independent, craft-oriented character than the larger commercial areas, although stock and opening patterns can be seasonal. Along Njegoševa Street and the promenade, cafés and everyday shops sit alongside holiday retail. Bargaining is not a general expectation in ordinary shops; in markets, polite questions about locally produced goods are more appropriate than assuming every item is handmade.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Herceg Novi, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Herceg Novi essentials

Currency and Payment
Montenegro uses the euro, written as EUR, despite not being a member of the eurozone. Cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted in hotels, supermarkets, larger restaurants and many established businesses, while smaller cafés, market stalls, beach kiosks and local transport may prefer cash. ATMs are available in the town, but carrying some euros is sensible, particularly when visiting quieter coastal areas or travelling outside the main centre. International visitors should check whether their bank applies foreign-transaction or cash-withdrawal charges, and should select euros rather than an unfamiliar currency conversion offered at a payment terminal or cash machine.
Safety
Herceg Novi is generally approached as a normal coastal town, but visitors should use sensible precautions, especially during the busy summer season. Keep phones, wallets and bags secure in crowded buses, markets and waterfront areas, and avoid leaving valuables unattended on beaches or in parked cars. The old town’s steps can be slippery after rain, while uneven paving and low lighting deserve care after dark. Swimming conditions may change with weather and boat traffic, and visitors should follow local warnings. Drivers should expect narrow roads, tight bends and heavy seasonal congestion along the Bay of Kotor.
Emergency Situations
Montenegro’s general emergency number is 112. Direct numbers commonly used for emergency services are 122 for police, 123 for the fire service and 124 for medical assistance. Give the operator the exact location, particularly when calling from a beach, hillside trail or rural road, and state that you need help in a language you can manage. Carry identification and travel-insurance details, and seek assistance from accommodation staff if communication becomes difficult. Emergency access around the old town and upper slopes can be affected by stairways, narrow streets and traffic, so clear directions are important.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly when entering churches and monasteries, covering shoulders and knees where appropriate, and do not photograph religious services or interiors when photography is restricted. In restaurants, rounding up or leaving a modest tip is customary when service has been good, although practices vary and a service charge may appear on the bill. Keep noise down near homes and religious sites, particularly late at night, and do not climb on historic walls or fortifications. Swimwear belongs on the beach rather than in shops or town streets. Montenegro is relaxed in everyday social settings, but a polite greeting and patience with seasonal crowds are appreciated.
Local Tips
Use the old town as a starting point, then follow the waterfront towards Savina or along Šetalište Pet Danica to understand how the city’s steep geography meets the bay. The central market is useful for seeing local produce, while the upper slopes offer broader views than the crowded waterfront. Visit fortresses earlier in the day or towards evening when heat is less intense, and keep a light layer for boat trips or exposed viewpoints. If planning to cross into Croatia or travel around the bay, check border and transport requirements in advance rather than assuming that every seasonal connection runs daily.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloZdravo[ZDRAH-voh]
GoodbyeDoviđenja[doh-VEE-jen-ya]
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 ENG-les-kee]
I don't understandNe razumijem[neh rah-ZOO-mee-yem]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMogu li vidjeti meni, molim[MOH-goo lee VEE-dyeh-tee MEH-nee, MOH-leem]
I don't eat meatNe jedem meso[neh YEH-dem MEH-so]
Cheers!Živjeli![ZHEEV-ye-lee]
I would like to pay, pleaseŽelim platiti, molim[ZHEH-leem PLAH-tee-tee, MOH-leem]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Pomoć![POH-mohtch]
Go away!Odlazi![OHD-lah-zee]
Call the Police!Zovite policiju![ZOH-vee-teh poh-LEE-tsee-yoo]
Call a doctor!Zovite doktora![ZOH-vee-teh DOHK-toh-rah]
I'm lostIzgubio/la sam se[eez-GOO-byoh/lah sahm seh]
I'm illBolestan/na sam[BOH-leh-stahn/nah sahm]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Želim kupiti...[ZHEH-leem KOO-pee-tee]
I'm just lookingSamo gledam[SAH-moh GLEH-dahm]
How much is it?Koliko košta?[KOH-lee-koh KOSH-tah]
That's too expensiveTo je previše skupo[toh yeh PREH-vee-sheh SKOO-poh]
Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cijenu?[MOH-zheh-teh lee SPOO-stee-tee TSEE-yeh-noo]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
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-seht)]
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[peht]
6Šest[shest]
7Sedam[SEH-dahm]
8Osam[OH-sahm]
9Devet[DEH-veht]
10Deset[DEH-seht]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Gdje je...[gd-yeh yeh]
What's the address?Koja je adresa?[KOH-yah yeh AH-dreh-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 sljedeći (autobus)?[KAH-dah yeh SLYEH-dey-chee (OW-toh-boos)]
A ticket (to ....)Jednu kartu (za ....)[YEH-dnoo KAR-too (zah)]

History of Herceg Novi

Medieval Foundation by the Bay

Herceg Novi was founded in 1382 by Tvrtko I, the Bosnian king, as a new settlement at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor. It was initially known as Sveti Stefan, although the name Herceg Novi became established later. The location offered access to maritime routes and a strategic position between the Adriatic coast and the inland Balkans. The settlement developed around a fortified upper town and a harbour, while its position made it a valuable prize for competing regional powers. This medieval foundation remains visible in the city’s elevated historic core, its defensive alignments and the relationship between the old town and the water below.

The Rise of Herceg Stjepan

The city’s later name reflects the influence of Stjepan Vukčić Kosača, the powerful fifteenth-century lord who held much of present-day Herzegovina and used the title herceg, from which the word ‘duke’ is derived. Under his authority, the settlement became associated with Herceg Stjepan and developed further as a fortified coastal centre. Its position on the bay brought commercial opportunity but also exposed it to rivalry among Venice, the Ottoman Empire and local rulers. The period helped establish the political and strategic importance that shaped Herceg Novi for centuries, even as control of the town changed repeatedly.

Ottoman Rule and Coastal Rivalries

The Ottoman Empire captured Herceg Novi in 1482, beginning a long period of Ottoman rule interrupted by brief occupations. Ottoman authorities strengthened the town’s fortifications and integrated it into the empire’s Adriatic frontier. The city’s military importance was evident in the construction and adaptation of defensive works, including the fortress later known as Kanli Kula. Venetian forces seized Herceg Novi temporarily in the seventeenth century before the Ottomans regained control. These conflicts left a complex architectural and cultural imprint, with the town developing as a meeting point between Ottoman inland connections and maritime communities around the Bay of Kotor.

Venetian and Habsburg Transformations

In 1687, during the Morean War, Venetian forces took Herceg Novi from the Ottomans. Venetian administration lasted until the fall of the Republic of Venice in 1797, after which the town passed through several short-lived imperial arrangements. The Habsburg monarchy eventually incorporated Herceg Novi into the Austrian Empire, later Austria-Hungary, in 1814. The nineteenth century brought new administrative systems, military investment and closer integration with the wider eastern Adriatic. Fortifications were maintained and expanded, while the town’s maritime connections and position at the bay entrance continued to influence its economic and strategic life.

From the World Wars to Yugoslavia

The upheavals of the twentieth century altered Herceg Novi’s political identity several times. After the First World War, it became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, later Yugoslavia. Italian occupation during the Second World War was followed by liberation and incorporation into socialist Yugoslavia. The post-war period brought new roads, public services and tourism development, gradually shifting the city from a primarily strategic and maritime settlement towards a coastal resort and cultural centre. The waterfront promenade and modern neighbourhoods expanded around the older fortified core, creating the layered urban form visible today.

A Montenegrin Cultural and Maritime Centre

Following the breakup of Yugoslavia, Herceg Novi became part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, then Serbia and Montenegro, and since 2006 has belonged to independent Montenegro. Tourism, maritime recreation and cultural events now play a central role in the local economy, while the historic fortresses and religious buildings remain important markers of the city’s past. The Mimosa Festival, established in the twentieth century, reflects Herceg Novi’s milder coastal climate and its tradition of public cultural celebrations. Contemporary life continues to balance the demands of a seasonal seaside destination with the everyday character of a settled Bay of Kotor community.

Herceg Novi in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Cities near Herceg Novi

The closest cities to Herceg Novi, if you have time for more than one stop.

Explore more

Montenegro
More of the region

Explore more of Montenegro

Discover Montenegro: A blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture on the breathtaking Adriatic coast.

Explore Montenegro
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Herceg Novi, Montenegro

Discover Herceg Novi with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, and more. Plan, book, and explore effortlessly!

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Unlock the best of Herceg Novi with Evendo, your free travel companion. Discover attractions, book experiences, and explore like a local.

  • History and travel essentials for Herceg Novi
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near me' feature
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases
  • Coverage of 7,000+ destinations worldwide

Welcome to Herceg Novi, Montenegro - a hidden gem on the Adriatic coast. With Evendo, your comprehensive travel guide, you can explore this enchanting town like never before.

Discover famous landmarks such as the Kanli Kula Fortress and the Clock Tower, or wander through the serene Savina Monastery. For those seeking sun and sea, the picturesque beaches of Herceg Novi await you.

When it comes to dining, Evendo guides you to the best local restaurants. Savor fresh seafood at Tri Lipe or enjoy a romantic dinner at Konoba Feral. Whether you're looking for a vibrant nightlife or a quiet bar to unwind, Evendo has you covered with detailed information on the best spots in town.

Use Evendo to book your stay at top-rated hotels, arrange guided tours, and secure tickets for unique experiences. With rich descriptions, local tips, and maps, planning your trip has never been easier.

Download Evendo now and transform your Herceg Novi adventure into an unforgettable journey!

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.