Things to do in Herceg Novi
- The city is often referred to as the 'City of Flowers' due to its long history of sailors bringing back exotic plant species from their voyages to decorate the town.
- Herceg Novi experiences significantly more sunny days per year than most other coastal towns in Montenegro, contributing to its popularity as a winter health resort.
- The town's defensive system is a mix of various historical influences, including Ottoman, Venetian, and Austro-Hungarian fortifications.
- The stairs that connect the harbor to the upper town were originally built to allow for rapid movement during defense operations against invading fleets.
About Herceg Novi
Herceg Novi is uniquely positioned at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, serving as Montenegro's gateway to the Adriatic. Built on steep slopes, the city is characterized by its extensive network of stone stairways and terraced Mediterranean gardens. Visitors often begin their exploration at Belavista Square, the historic center of local public life, or ascend the walls of Kanli kula for panoramic coastal views. The legacy of the city is preserved within the Local Museum "Mirko Komnenović" and the cultural heritage found at the Savina Monastery. It remains a distinctive destination for those interested in maritime history and coastal architecture.
Highlights of Herceg Novi
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
Explore this 18th-century complex known for its significant collection of icons and quiet, landscaped grounds.
Historical places
Visit this fortress to see the former Ottoman prison and the open-air theater that hosts summer performances.
Museums
Tour the residence of the Nobel Prize-winning author, which now functions as a literary center and museum.
Places of interest
Experience the architectural heart of the city, surrounded by traditional stone buildings and local cafes.
Temples
View the distinct stone facade of this church located in the central square, built on the site of a former mosque.
Museums
Examine the extensive collection of nautical artifacts, traditional costumes, and archaeological finds from the local area.
Historical places
Commemorate the founder of the city at this prominent central monument honoring the Bosnian king.
Parks
Walk through the botanical space once attached to the grand Boka Hotel, containing rare Mediterranean flora.
Top things to do in Herceg Novi
The 161 highest-rated places in Herceg Novi, ranked by travellers.
1
Beaches and ponds
Porto Montenegro is a premier deep-water superyacht marina and luxury village situated on the UNESCO-protected Bay of Ko...
2
Parks
Lovćen National Park encompasses the dramatic karst mountain massif in southwestern Montenegro, rising abruptly from the...
3
Historical places
Kotor Fortress, also known as the Fortress of St. John (Sveti Ivan), consists of a series of fortifications extending up...
4
Historical places
Kampana Tower is a 13th-century defensive fortification integrated into the historic walls of Kotor, Montenegro. It is s...
5
Beaches and ponds
Pasjača Beach is a secluded cove located at the base of steep Konavle cliffs near the village of Popovići. The beach was...
6
Historical places
The Njegos Mausoleum is the highest burial site in the world, situated at 1,657 meters atop Jezerski Vrh peak in Lovćen...
7
Temples
Our Lady of the Rocks is a Roman Catholic church situated on a man-made islet in the Bay of Kotor, created by centuries...
8
Temples
The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon is one of two Roman Catholic cathedrals in Montenegro, originally consecrated in 1166. It...
9
Beaches and ponds
Kotor Beach in Dobrota is a series of narrow, concrete, and pebble embankments lining the inner Bay of Kotor, rather tha...
10
Beaches and ponds
The Bay of Kotor is a submerged river canyon located in the southwestern corner of Montenegro, often mistaken for a fjor...
11
Places of interest
Blue Cave, locally known as Plava Špilja, is a natural sea grotto located on the Luštica Peninsula in Montenegro. The ca...
12
Places of interest
The Serpentine, also known as the Kotor-Lovćen road (P1), is a historic mountain pass featuring 25 hairpin turns between...
13
Historical places
Sokol Grad is a restored medieval fortress located in the Konavle region, overlooking the border between Croatia and Bos...
14
Natural attractions
Lovćen is a prominent mountain range and national park in southwestern Montenegro, rising to a peak at Jezerski Vrh at 1...
15
Temples
Podmaine Monastery, also known as Podostrog, is a Serbian Orthodox monastery situated on a hill overlooking the Budva Ri...
16
Historical places
The Sea Gate, also known as the Main Gate, serves as the primary entrance to the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Kotor, Monten...
17
Temples
The Church of Saint John the Baptist is a historic Catholic place of worship located within the fortified walls of Budva...
18
Temples
Savina Monastery is a Serbian Orthodox religious complex located on the Bay of Kotor, overlooking the entrance to the ba...
19
Places of interest
Best View of Kotor is a high-altitude observation point located in the village of Žanjev Do, offering a panoramic vista...
20
Museums
The Kotor Cats Museum is a niche cultural institution dedicated to the historical relationship between humans and feline...
21
Beaches and ponds
Queen's Beach (Kraljičina plaža) is a crescent-shaped sandy beach nestled in a secluded bay near Pržno, Montenegro. It i...
22
Beaches and ponds
Pine is the central waterfront promenade and marina area located in the heart of Tivat, Montenegro, along the Bay of Kot...
23
Historical places
Fortress Gorazda is a late 19th-century Austro-Hungarian fortification located above the bay of Kotor in Montenegro at a...
24
Places of interest
Aquapark Budva is a hillside water park situated on Topliš Hill, overlooking the Adriatic coastline and the city of Budv...
25
Temples
Saint Nicholas’ Church in Perast is an iconic 17th-century Catholic parish church dominating the waterfront of the Bay o...
26
Historical places
Kanli Kula, meaning 'Bloody Tower' in Turkish, is a 16th-century fortress dominating the skyline of Herceg Novi. Origina...
27
Natural attractions
Old Town Road in Kotor is the primary historical access path leading from the coastal fortifications toward the Castle o...
28
Temples
St. Thomas Church is a small, stone-built Orthodox place of worship located on a hill overlooking the Adriatic Sea in Be...
29
Places of interest
30
Temples
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Herceg Novi on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Herceg Novi
May to June or September, when temperatures are mild and the coastal crowds are thinner than in the mid-summer peak.
2-3 days to explore the old town, local beaches, and nearby historical fortifications.
The old town is strictly pedestrian-only with many stairs; cars are limited to the coastal road and upper bypass.
Stay in the Stari Grad (Old Town) for immediate access to historical sites or the Savina area for quieter waterfront views.
Mid-range; generally more affordable than nearby coastal hotspots like Kotor or Budva, though prices rise during the peak July-August season.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 161 curated attractions in and around Herceg Novi, ranked by traveller ratings.
Porto Montenegro is the highest-rated place to visit in Herceg Novi right now.
The largest category is temples, with 84 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Sarajevo, Zenica, Mostar.
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