Herceg Novi Old Town is the historic heart of Herceg Novi, Montenegro, perched at the western entrance to the Bay of Kotor where the Adriatic meets one of Europe's most beautiful fjord-like bays. Founded in 1382 by the Bosnian king Tvrtko I, this layered, sun-soaked maze of squares, churches, and fortresses has been shaped by Venetian, Ottoman, Spanish, and Austro-Hungarian rulers — and every era left its mark in stone.
Locals affectionately call it the "City of Stairs", and you'll understand why within minutes. Steep flights of steps thread between the houses, climbing from the seafront up through the old quarter, framed by cascading bougainvillea, oleander, mimosa, and palms. The town's famously mild, sunny microclimate nurtures lush Mediterranean and botanical gardens, making Herceg Novi one of the greenest and warmest corners of the whole Montenegrin coast.
The vibe is relaxed, romantic, and refreshingly authentic. Two great fortresses — the seaside Forte Mare and the hilltop Kanli Kula ("Bloody Tower") — bookend a warren of cafés, stone-paved squares, and viewpoints over the glittering bay. Below it all runs the Pet Danica seaside promenade, a several-kilometre walkway lined with swimming spots, beach bars, and boat moorings. If you want history, sea, and a slower pace all in one place, Herceg Novi Old Town delivers.
How to get to Herceg Novi Old Town
Herceg Novi Old Town sits right in the centre of Herceg Novi, so if you're staying in town you can usually reach it on foot in a few minutes. The old quarter is pedestrianised — you enter through stone gateways and explore on foot.
- From Tivat Airport (TIV): around 25–30 km. By car it's roughly 40–50 minutes, partly depending on the Kamenari–Lepetane ferry across the bay (a few € per car, runs frequently). A taxi costs about €35–50; transfers can be pre-booked.
- From Podgorica Airport (TGD): around 110 km, about 1.5–2 hours by car or transfer.
- By car: the Adriatic highway runs right past the town. Drive to the centre and use one of the paid public car parks near the seafront, then walk up — there's no vehicle access inside the old quarter. Parking runs roughly €1–2 per hour.
- By bus: Herceg Novi's bus station is well connected to Kotor, Budva, and Podgorica; from there it's a short walk or taxi to the Old Town.
- By boat: in summer, water taxis and excursion boats link Herceg Novi with Kotor, Perast, and the bay's islands, docking along the Pet Danica promenade.
There is no entry fee to walk into the Old Town itself; the squares, streets, and promenade are free to explore. Small charges apply only to enter the fortresses (around €2–4). The best time of day is late afternoon into evening, when the heat eases and the stone glows golden. The best season is May, June, and September for warm sea and thinner crowds, while February's Mimosa Festival is a famously cheerful off-season highlight.
What to expect and things to do
Herceg Novi Old Town packs a lot into a compact, walkable area. Highlights include:
- Forte Mare: the sea fortress guarding the entrance, with ramparts that double as a viewpoint and an open-air cinema in summer.
- Kanli Kula: the imposing Ottoman-era "Bloody Tower" above the town, now an open-air stage with sweeping bay views.
- Belavista Square (Trg Nikole Đurkovića): the lively central square with the Orthodox Church of the Archangel Michael, ringed by cafés.
- Sahat Kula (Clock Tower): the old town's landmark gateway, dating to 1667.
- Gardens and greenery: the town's botanical heritage means hidden gardens, palm-lined steps, and subtropical plants at every turn.
- The Pet Danica promenade: swim, sunbathe on the concrete and pebble platforms, hire a sunbed (around €5–10 for two with an umbrella), grab a coffee, or rent a kayak and paddleboard in summer.
For food, the squares and seafront are full of konobas (traditional taverns) serving fresh Adriatic fish, black risotto, octopus salad, and local Vranac and Krstač wines. A leisurely lunch by the water, a fortress climb, and an evening stroll along Pet Danica make a near-perfect day. Water sports, boat excursions to Mamula island and the Blue Cave, and day trips to Kotor and Perast are all easy to arrange from town.
Where to stay near Herceg Novi Old Town
The Old Town is right in the centre of Herceg Novi, so basing yourself in or around town puts you within easy walking distance of the fortresses, promenade, and squares. Many visitors choose apartments along the Pet Danica seafront and the nearby districts of Topla, Škver, Savina, and Meljine. Here are some real options on montenegro.com:
- Apartmani Škver — apartments right on the Pet Danica seafront, from about €92/night.
- Apartmani na Toploj — seafront apartments on Šetalište 5 Danica, from about €52/night.
- Apartman Vučković — promenade-side apartment in Topla, from about €54/night.
- Hotel Perla u Meljinama — a comfortable seafront hotel in nearby Meljine, from about €298/night.
- Apartmani Pax Herceg Novi — good-value apartments in Topla, from about €47/night.
- Apartmani i sobe Konjević — budget-friendly rooms and apartments, from about €35/night.
For a fuller breakdown of neighbourhoods and the best areas for first-time visitors, read our guide on where to stay in Herceg Novi. You can also browse all Herceg Novi accommodation — currently 37 properties ranging from budget rooms to seafront hotels.
Tips
- Wear good shoes: this is the "City of Stairs" — expect steep steps and smooth, slippery old stone, especially after rain.
- Visit the fortresses early or at sunset to avoid the midday heat and catch the best light over the bay.
- Bring water shoes for swimming — the beaches and platforms along Pet Danica are pebbly or concrete, not sandy.
- Carry small cash for fortress entry, sunbed hire, and the smaller konobas, though cards are widely accepted in cafés.
- Use Herceg Novi as a base for day trips to Kotor, Perast, and boat tours — it's the bay's most convenient and sunniest gateway.
Frequently asked questions
Is Herceg Novi Old Town worth visiting?
Yes. With two historic fortresses, lush gardens, a scenic seaside promenade, and a sunny microclimate, it's one of the most charming and authentic old towns on the Montenegrin coast — and far less crowded than Kotor.
Is Herceg Novi beach sandy or pebbly?
The beaches and swimming spots along the Pet Danica promenade are mostly pebbly or concrete platforms with clear, deep water — ideal for swimming. Water shoes are recommended.
Is Herceg Novi Old Town free to visit?
Yes, walking into and exploring the Old Town and promenade is free. You only pay a small fee (about €2–4) to enter the Forte Mare and Kanli Kula fortresses.
How do I get to Herceg Novi Old Town?
It's in the centre of Herceg Novi — walkable from town accommodation. From Tivat Airport it's about 40–50 minutes by car or taxi (via the Kamenari ferry); from Podgorica Airport around 1.5–2 hours.
What is the best time to visit Herceg Novi?
May, June, and September offer warm seas and fewer crowds. July and August are hottest and busiest, while February's Mimosa Festival is a lively off-season draw.
Ready to explore the City of Stairs? Plan your stay with our guide to where to stay in Herceg Novi, or browse all Herceg Novi accommodation to find the perfect seafront base near the Old Town.
