Montenegro gay bar

Our trip to Montenegro marked the first time we had visited a Balkan state. Amid the picturesque landscapes and fascinating culture, the journey revealed a complex interplay of emotions. As an openly gay couple, we grappled with both the warm welcome of some people, the perceived rudeness of many, and the cautious restraint of a country which is on an ongoing journey towards acceptance and equality.

Placed south of Croatia and east of Italy, Montenegro has what can be compared to a mediterranean climate, but with more humidity and rain than you might expect. Visiting in August, the weather ranged from sunny 38 degrees C, to nights with spectacular thunderstorms. Pack the summer clothes you might expect, but take with you or be prepared to buy an umbrella if the heavens unexpectedly open.

Gay was a nice breeze for most of our trip and the occasional cloud-cover was a welcome relief from the intense sun. Our first destination, and city of arrival, was the administrative capital, Podgorica. Roughly the same size of Cardiff, the cafe and bar scene was unexpectedly small.

The best food we had tended to be from street food vendors, and while hotels were trying to be cosmopolitan in a Western European sensethe food was often style over substance, and vastly overpriced. Our favourite bar was the beautiful Itaka Library Bar. Hidden below a bridge, delicious and reasonably priced cocktails were served in a relaxed and serene setting, reminiscent of hipster bars in cities such as Bristol.

But aside from a few sights, there was not much to do, and one day here was enough. Montenegro has been typically patriarchal, and this was evident throughout the country from our first day. People generally sat in same sex groups, clothes and shops are incredibly gendered, and there are clearly expected ways of behaviour for men and women which are present no matter where you go.

It was an interesting reflection on how far western Bar has come. One encounter in Podgorica that left a lasting impact on the rest of the trip was with a local couple we met in a bar. They alluded to being gay, but did not definitively confirm it. Whilst no-one should be expected to tell everyone every facet of their identity, much of the conversation, especially when talking about my job, felt like we were skirting around the issue and avoiding saying the actual words.

As the conversation continued, I felt a growing sense of unease and started to become very aware of the inequality and prejudice that existed in the country montenegro so ended the conversation rather abruptly and left. This encounter weighed heavily on my mind, casting a shadow of caution over the remainder of our trip; if locals feel like they cannot be authentic, how can we, as montenegro, be ourselves and keep ourselves safe?

It was a stark reminder of the barriers that can still exist, affecting not just locals but also travelers like ourselves who wish to embrace their authentic selves. We did not hire a car and so gay on the frequent bus services; this allowed us to explore the country at a fraction of the cost of hiring a car, bar allowed us to take in the beautiful vistas on the journey; I can honestly say that they are the most beautiful mountains that I have ever seen and I was glad that bus travel allowed us to take it in.

Gay Life in Montenegro: Past and Present

The country's bus network offers a regular and cost-effective mode of transportation. However, we quickly learned that the buses fill up faster than one might expect and they often over-book places. To ensure a seat and a smooth journey, it's advisable to start queuing well ahead of the scheduled departure time.

Arriving early not only guarantees your spot on the bus but also allows you to choose a preferred seat for a more comfortable ride. As the bus services are run by a myriad of bus companies, you cannot transfer your tickets, so make sure that you only get on the service that you book.