
Stari Bar Archaeological Site Bar
Explore the ancient fortress town of Stari Bar, a captivating archaeological site with a rich history and breathtaking views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Stari Bar Archaeological Site Bar
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the ancient fortress town of Stari Bar, a captivating archaeological site with a rich history and breathtaking views.
"Visiting the Old Town of Bar was like stepping into a forgotten chapter of history."

Wear Comfy Shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Cobblestone paths and uneven terrain require good walking shoes. You'll be doing a lot of exploring!
Hydration is Key :droplet:
Bring plenty of water, especially in summer. Shade is scarce within the ruins.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Ancient Fortress
Top of the hill
Explore the remnants of this impressive fortress, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into centuries of history.

Winding Stone Paths
Throughout the site
Get lost in the maze of narrow, cobblestone alleys, discovering hidden corners and charming architectural details.

Nature's Embrace
Within the ruins
Marvel at how nature has intertwined with the ruins, with fig trees and wild herbs growing amongst the ancient stones.

Museum Exhibits
Inside the site
Discover fascinating artifacts and exhibits that shed light on the rich history of the archaeological sites around Bar.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Comfortable Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfy Shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Cobblestone paths and uneven terrain require good walking shoes. You'll be doing a lot of exploring!
Hydration is Key :droplet:
Bring plenty of water, especially in summer. Shade is scarce within the ruins.
Go Early or Late :sunrise_over_mountains:
Avoid midday heat and crowds. Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best experience.
Cash is Handy :money_with_wings:
While card payments are available, having some cash for smaller purchases or entry fees is recommended.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfy Shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Cobblestone paths and uneven terrain require good walking shoes. You'll be doing a lot of exploring!
Hydration is Key :droplet:
Bring plenty of water, especially in summer. Shade is scarce within the ruins.
Go Early or Late :sunrise_over_mountains:
Avoid midday heat and crowds. Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best experience.
Cash is Handy :money_with_wings:
While card payments are available, having some cash for smaller purchases or entry fees is recommended.
Embrace Getting Lost :compass:
The beauty of Stari Bar is its maze-like structure. Allow yourself to wander and discover its secrets.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Stari Bar for its historical significance, atmospheric ruins, and stunning panoramic views. The €5 entrance fee is considered well worth the experience of exploring this ancient fortress town. Some find it can get quite busy, especially when cruise ships are in port, and recommend visiting early to avoid crowds and heat.
"Really beautiful and interesting stroll around the old town of bar, it was quiet and had information plaques throughout. Would recommend it. The restaurant and shopping area right outside the walls was lovely too. Well worth a visit."
Carol Lucking
"Well worth visiting. One can see old town Bar life through the history going way back to BC ages. There are also museums with interesting exhibits and artefacts to see collected on the archaeological sites around. Locations of interest are well marked with plaques with historical texts placed for tourists to get the grasp of the importance of certain buildings within the old town. Overall recommended for a visit."
Haris Demir
"Absolutely awesome old town. €5 to enter, cad payment available. Lovely cafes and restaurants surrounding before and after you enter also. Very cool place, exceeded my expectations:)"
Emily Gillies
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Stari Bar by car, taxi, or local bus from Bar. The drive is short, about 10-15 minutes. Taxis are readily available, and local buses run frequently. Parking is available near the entrance.
Yes, local buses connect Bar city to Stari Bar. Check the local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information on routes and timings.
For a day trip, a taxi or a rental car offers the most flexibility. This allows you to explore at your own pace and combine it with other nearby attractions. Local buses are a budget-friendly option.
While the focus is on Stari Bar itself, the drive offers scenic views of the Montenegrin coast and countryside. Keep an eye out for smaller villages or viewpoints for spontaneous stops.
It's a considerable distance to walk from Bar city to Stari Bar, and the route can be along busy roads. It's not generally recommended for most visitors, especially in warmer weather.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically around €5 per person. Card payments are usually accepted, but it's always good to have some cash on hand.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website or local tourist information for the most current times, but it's generally open from morning until early evening.
Advance booking is usually not required for Stari Bar. You can purchase tickets at the entrance upon arrival. However, during peak season or for special events, it might be worth checking.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or groups is not always widely advertised. It's advisable to inquire at the ticket office if you believe you might qualify.
The entrance fee grants you access to explore the entire archaeological site, including the ruins, fortifications, and any on-site museums or exhibits.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Plan for at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the site. If you enjoy photography and soaking in the atmosphere, you could easily spend half a day.
Yes, children can enjoy exploring the ruins and imagining life in the past. However, supervision is crucial due to the uneven terrain and open drops.
Restrooms are typically available near the entrance. While there aren't many water fountains inside, it's highly recommended to bring your own water bottle.
Stari Bar is an ancient fortress town with a history dating back to the 11th century, serving as a significant settlement and strategic point for various empires throughout the ages.
Absolutely! Stari Bar is incredibly photogenic. The crumbling walls, archways, and panoramic views offer endless opportunities for stunning photography.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are charming cafes and restaurants located just outside the main entrance of Stari Bar, offering refreshments and meals with views of the ruins. Inside the ruins themselves, dining options are limited.
You'll find traditional Montenegrin cuisine, as well as Mediterranean influences. Expect fresh seafood, grilled meats, and local specialties.
While some restaurants can be a bit tourist-priced, looking for smaller, local eateries slightly away from the immediate entrance might offer more affordable options. Packing your own snacks is also a good strategy.
Bringing your own water is highly recommended. While picnics aren't explicitly forbidden, it's best to consume food and drinks outside the main archaeological site to maintain its preservation.
Many visitors enjoy the cafes and restaurants just outside the entrance for their views and ambiance. Exploring a bit further into the modern town of Bar can also reveal more local dining spots.
📸 📸 Photography
The fortress ramparts offer stunning panoramic views. Look for archways, crumbling walls with greenery, and narrow alleys for dramatic shots. The light during golden hour is magical.
Early morning or late afternoon provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a warmer glow. Midday sun can be harsh and create strong contrasts.
For personal photography, no special permit is usually required. However, if you plan on professional shoots or commercial photography, it's best to inquire with the site management beforehand.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views and architectural details. A prime lens can be useful for isolating interesting textures and elements within the ruins.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historical and archaeological sites to preserve their integrity and for safety reasons. It's highly unlikely drones are permitted without special authorization.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Time: The History of Stari Bar
Walking through Stari Bar is like stepping into a living museum. You can explore the remnants of churches, palaces, cisterns, and defensive walls, each telling a part of its story. The strategic location atop a hill provided a commanding view of the surrounding landscape, crucial for defense. The archaeological excavations continue to unearth new insights, revealing the daily lives, religious practices, and military strategies of its former inhabitants. It's a place where history is not just read about, but felt through the weathered stones and the echoes of the past.
Many visitors are struck by how nature has reclaimed parts of the ruins, with fig trees and wild herbs sprouting from cracks in the walls, adding a unique, almost romantic, atmosphere to the site. This blend of human history and natural resilience makes Stari Bar a truly special place. The site is well-marked with plaques providing historical context, but the true magic lies in wandering freely and letting your imagination fill in the gaps of what life was once like here. It's a testament to the enduring power of history and the beauty of ancient architecture.
Photography Tips for Stari Bar
The golden hours – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – are particularly magical for photography in Stari Bar. The soft, warm light casts long shadows, accentuating the textures of the stone and creating a dramatic, atmospheric mood. Visiting during these times also helps you avoid the harsh midday sun, which can wash out colors and create unflattering contrasts. Be prepared to explore different vantage points; climbing to higher sections of the fortress offers breathtaking panoramic views of the modern town of Bar and the Adriatic Sea beyond.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes as you'll be navigating uneven terrain. Bring plenty of water, and consider a prime lens for capturing close-up details of the flora growing within the ruins or interesting architectural elements. The beauty of Stari Bar lies in its raw, untamed nature, so embrace the imperfections and let the ancient stones tell their story through your lens. Many visitors find that simply wandering and observing leads to the most unexpected and rewarding photographic discoveries.
Exploring Stari Bar with Families
When visiting with children, prioritize comfort and safety. Ensure everyone wears sturdy, comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as shade can be limited, and there are no extensive facilities within the main ruins. Consider visiting during the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late afternoon, to make the exploration more enjoyable for younger ones. Keep a close eye on children, especially near any open edges or steep inclines.
To enhance the experience, you can create a simple scavenger hunt for them, looking for specific features like old wells, unique stone carvings, or the highest point of the fortress. Discussing the history in simple terms, focusing on stories of kings, battles, or daily life, can make the ruins more relatable. While there aren't dedicated play areas, the entire site offers a vast, natural playground for curious minds.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit