Things to Do in Herceg Novi: The Honest 2026 Guide

Herceg Novi in a Nutshell: Sun, Cats, and Steel Calves

If you’re wondering what to do in Herceg Novi in 2026, let’s be blunt: pack your walking shoes. Nicknamed the “City of 100,001 Steps,” this gem at the entrance of the Bay of Kotor is our top pick for a Montenegrin introduction.

Less crowded than Kotor and significantly cheaper than its Croatian neighbor Dubrovnik (only 30 miles away), Herceg Novi offers raw authenticity. There are no Game of Thrones sets here—just a living city with bustling markets, fishermen, and hundreds of cats basking in the sun.

Our Team Verdict: It’s the perfect budget-friendly base to explore the bay. But be warned: the city is built vertically. If you have a stroller or mobility issues, prioritize accommodation on the seafront (Igalo area) rather than inside the Old Town.

1. Get Lost in the Old Town (And Count the Steps)

The heart of Herceg Novi, the Stari Grad, isn’t meant to be visited with a map, but by surrendering to the stairs. Unlike the polished streets of Dubrovnik, here the walls are weathered, ivy reclaims the stones, and squares are shaded by century-old trees.

Don’t miss the Sahat Kula (Clock Tower) which marks the main entrance. As you pass underneath, you officially enter the pedestrian zone. This is where we found the best local craft shops, far from the typical tourist traps.

2. Savina Monastery: Absolute Peace

Located about a 20-minute walk east of the Old Town, the Savina complex is our favorite spot to escape the noise. It’s not just one church, but a complex of three Orthodox churches surrounded by a lush forest.

The view from the courtyard of the upper church is arguably the best in the city. You can see the entrance to the Bay of Kotor in all its glory. If the door is open (modest dress required), step inside to admire the baroque iconostasis—it’s incredibly detailed.

3. Kanli Kula: From Prison to Cinema

Its name means “Bloody Tower” in Turkish, a grim reminder of its past as an Ottoman prison in the 16th century. Today, the vibe has completely changed: it has become one of the most beautiful open-air amphitheaters on the Adriatic.

We recommend heading up there in the late afternoon. The military architecture is impressive, but it’s the plunging view over the red roofs and the deep blue sea that justifies the €2-3 entry fee.

4. Gradska Kafana & Tri Lipe: Where to Eat?

There are two schools of thought in Herceg Novi, and we’ve tested both:

• Gradska Kafana: The institution. Located in an old Austro-Hungarian building with a massive terrace overlooking the harbor. Go here for coffee, the “postcard” view, and people-watching. The service is formal, prices slightly higher, but the setting is unbeatable.
• Tri Lipe: Our “foodie” favorite. Located near the harbor, under the trees (hence the name “Three Linden Trees”). No frills here. We had fresh grilled fish, calamari, and excellent ćevapi (local sausages) for a very reasonable price.

5. Belavista Square: The Cool HQ

Officially named Herceg Stjepan, everyone calls it Belavista. It’s the meeting point right after the main gate. With its stone fountain and the St. Michael Archangel Church (a rare mix of Byzantine and Romanesque styles), it’s the perfect spot to take a breather.

In summer, the shade from the tall trees is a lifesaver. This is where we like to grab an ice cream or simply watch locals chatting on the benches.

6. Swimming: Concrete or Boat?

Let’s be honest: if you’re looking for vast white sandy beaches right outside your hotel, Herceg Novi might disappoint. Here, most urban “beaches” are concrete platforms (the famous “mulos”) with ladders to lower yourself into the water.

Our Tip: For a “real” beach experience, take a water taxi (approx €5-10 return) from the harbor towards the Luštica peninsula, just opposite. Beaches like Žanjic or Mirišta are stunning, with white pebbles and crystal-clear water. This is where the locals go on weekends.

7. Igalo: Health & Retro Vibes

Walking along the seaside promenade (Pet Danica) westward, you arrive in Igalo. The atmosphere changes completely. This is a spa town famous throughout the former Yugoslavia for its healing mud.

The water is very shallow for hundreds of meters (great for kids), and the bottom is muddy. This mud has therapeutic properties. You’ll often see people covered in black mud drying in the sun. The architecture is more modern, sometimes a bit brutalist (socialist style), but the vibe is family-friendly and relaxed.

8. Bay of Kotor by Boat & The Blue Cave

From the harbor, dozens of captains will offer excursions. It’s the #1 activity here, and for good reason: the bay is best seen from the water.

The Blue Cave (Plava Špilja) is the classic highlight. The water inside glows an incredible electric blue due to light refraction.

9. Hike Mt Orjen: Escape the Heat

Herceg Novi backs onto Mount Orjen (1894m). If the coastal heat gets too stifling, head up! A 30-minute drive takes you to a limestone alpine landscape with much cooler temperatures.

It’s a hiking paradise. You don’t need to be a pro mountaineer; there are marked trails around the village of Vrbanj. The view of the coast from up there is simply epic.

10. Sunset at Forte Mare

Let’s finish with the best spot to end the day. The Forte Mare (Sea Fortress) overlooks the harbor directly. It has been renovated several times, but its foundations date back to the Middle Ages.

The roof of the fortress doubles as a terrace/cinema. Coming here at sunset, when the sky turns pink and the bay lights flicker on one by one, is magical. It’s romantic and guarantees incredible photos.

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The Advised Traveler Verdict

Herceg Novi isn’t an “Instagram-perfect” set like Santorini, and that’s exactly why we love it. It’s a city with character, great calves (thanks to the stairs!), and a soul.

For us, it’s the ideal gateway to Montenegro: gentle, sunny, and welcoming. If you like strolling, eating good seafood, and mixing culture with swimming, this is the place.