Travel guide to Budva, Montenegro: Tips and what to see and do in the city and its surroundings
The coastal city of Budva in Montenegro is often called the local "Miami" as it attracts travellers from all over the world with its charming and beautiful beaches. But even beyond that, there is an ancient city and many other attractions that may interest history enthusiasts, foodies, adventure vacationers and so on. Budva has something to offer every traveller. A visit to this picturesque city on the Adriatic coast is a great place to start exploring the Balkan region. Get to know it better with this comprehensive guide to Budva, covering all the main aspects of this trip in Montenegro in 2024, from the main sights and places to visit to the best entertainment and gastronomy.
A brief history of Budva
Many of Budva's best sights and attractions are linked to the rich history of this city, so before you dive headfirst into this journey, it's worth paying at least a little attention to Budva's past. The city has its origins in ancient times: first these places were settled by the Illyrians, then as a result of conquests: the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians and Ottomans. Ancient walls, a well-preserved old town and historical monuments testify to this multicultural heritage that has developed over the centuries.
A historical walk through Budva's old town
This part of the city with its cobbled streets, graceful squares and ancient walls should be a must in your plans to explore Budva. Start with one of its most important sights, the 15th-century hilltop citadel fortress. The proudly towering fortress, with its defensive walls created to protect the city centuries ago, will tell you the military history of the region and explain its strategic importance. You will also be able to admire the panorama of the city, the Adriatic coast and the Budva Riviera.
Next, move on to the charming squares of the old town for a coffee stop or a snack at local cafes. At Church Square, you can explore the Church of the Holy Trinity, a 19th-century Byzantine-style church still in use today, or the medieval Church of St. John, located in the heart of the old town. Art, history and architecture lovers should make sure to include the Old Town in their Budva travel itinerary.
Excursion to the past: Citadel Fortress
The next thing to see in Budva is a historical structure built in the 15th century, which is also called the Citadel of Budva. A walk along its walls will be like a trip back in time: you will be able to appreciate the defensive strategy of the city with your own eyes. Access to the walls requires a small admission fee (about 4.5 euros), which also grants entrance to the Budva City Museum. The Citadel is where history and the beauty of nature meet: the hill on which it sits offers one of the best views in the city, and you can admire it from various vantage points. Plan a visit in the afternoon to see a beautiful sunset over the sea. And don't forget the local tourist tradition: rub the symbol of two fishes on the Citadel wall, which according to legend is sure to bring you good luck.
Budva's natural attractions
Budva boasts not only a rich and fascinating history but also breathtaking natural beauties. Postcard-perfect beaches, enchanting islands and delightful lakes create many interesting places to visit in and around Budva. Stroll along the sandy coastline, swim along the shoreline and admire the beautiful landscapes of the mountains and the bay.
The most beautiful beaches
Budva Riviera can offer good vacation spots for every sun and water lover. There are both secluded and lively beaches with sand bars and water sports. Here are the best of the beaches in Budva.
Mogren is a short walk from the old town. It is one of the most beautiful beaches with a beautiful sandy coastline perfect for swimming and sunbathing, clear turquoise waters and majestic cliffs.
Jaz is a lively beach with an energetic atmosphere with a length of 1.2 km. Its clear waters and sandy coastline with beach bars are popular with vacationers of all ages. In summertime, concerts and festivals take place here.
Becici is also a short drive from the old town. It is one of the most beautiful and long beaches with an abundance of restaurants, beach clubs and water sports.
Sveti Stefan is a famous resort near Budva. You can reach a small island, which is connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway, in a few minutes. Here you will find a luxurious hotel and a delightful beach. Although the island is private, the beach is open to the general public.
Paradise Island of Sveti Nikola
If you're looking for things to do in Budva to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to the quiet harbour near the city. You'll discover the unspoiled natural treasures of Sveti Nikola Island, the perfect place for a peaceful vacation with breathtaking views. Sandy beaches and stunning cliffs create a serene picture reflecting Budva's coastal charm.
Skadar Lake
About an hour's drive from Budva is one of the most beautiful places in Montenegro that remains undiscovered by many travellers. However, if you choose to visit it, your efforts will be richly rewarded. There are several ways to immerse yourself in this idyllic beauty of beautiful green landscapes and wildlife diversity: go on a relaxing leisurely boat tour or wine and food tour of family-owned wineries around the lake, go kayaking, explore hiking trails to waterfalls and springs, and so on. Throughout the trip, you will be accompanied by superb views and chirping birds, so it is one of the best things to do near Budva for nature lovers and bird watchers.
Budva Attractions
As you explore Budva, you will quickly realize that this city is much more than golden beaches. You will discover gems such as the City Museum, the historic St. John's Church, the village of Krapina, the Podmaine Monastery or the Lipa Cave. Explore the iconic sights of Budva to understand the reasons for the charm of this city.
St. John's Church
The magnificent architecture and amazing detailing of the interior décor create an impression of understated beauty and serene atmosphere in this stunning structure. Stop by here for some quiet reflection and quiet enjoyment. This is one of Budva's main and most prominent landmarks, and its imposing bell tower makes it the most recognizable structure in the Old Town and a popular photo spot. It has undergone various changes and reconstructions over the centuries, so that it now features Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic styles. Be sure to climb to its top for a beautiful panorama of the city and the Adriatic Sea.
Budva City Museum
To explore Budva's history and culture, travellers will find it easiest to start at the city's museum. Here they can see archaeological treasures, interesting art and historical documents that will produce a fascinating immersion into Budva's past from Venetian heritage to the history of modern Montenegro. Explore the interactive showcases and participate in guided tours to learn more about daily life and local traditions.
Lipa Cave
The best places to visit near Budva in the municipality of Cetinje include an underground natural wonder, Lipa Cave. It is actually a massive cave system and consists of 2.6 miles of chambers, halls and passageways with fantastic stalagmites and stalactites and mystical waterways underground. Lipa is currently the only cave in Montenegro open to tourists. There are comfortable trails decorated with bright lights, allowing you to access the underground river and get a better look at the beauty of the cave. If you are interested in history and geology, take a guided tour. If time permits, a visit to the cave can be combined with a trip to the charming historic town of Cetinje, the former royal capital of the country.
Krapina Village
Discover Montenegro's true rural charm and take a day trip to the village of Krapina near Budva. It's the perfect place to relax in a serene setting and get a closer look at the cultural heritage and traditional way of life. Its narrow winding streets are full of old houses, small cafes and restaurants serving regional cuisine, and stores selling local artisan goods. The community centre of the village is the simple but beautiful church of Krapina, which is also worth a visit. During your trip to the village, you can relax on the beaches of Jaz and Mogren, explore the ruins of the ancient Citadel or take a boat trip to the islands of Sveti Stefan or Sveti Nikola. Not far from the village is the stunning Krapina Canyon, a favourite destination for adventurers and tourists.
Budva culture and local life
For a journey through Budva's history and traditions, put key sights such as the ancient city walls, Podmaine Monastery, the modern Jovo Ivanovic Gallery and the Holy Trinity Church on your travel itinerary. Experience the charming atmosphere of the town by visiting local cafes and restaurants, while sampling local cuisine and enjoying live music.
Necropolis Ruins
A trace of the Roman era in Budva can be found in the remains of the necropolis of those times. A visit to these ruins will allow you to delve into the culture of ancient burial rituals and the architecture of tombs and mausoleums. The remains of the necropolis were discovered in the 1930s during the construction of the hotel. They are one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic coast, and their age has been dated at around 2,500 years. Most of the archaeological findings of the necropolis, such as jewellery, coins and ceramics, have been moved to the Budva Museum, but there is also much to see here. The ruins are a small location, a visit to which can be combined with a visit to the Gallery of Modern Art or on your way to the beach a couple of minutes' walk away.
Charming Cetinje
A trip to the old royal capital of Montenegro and its cultural and spiritual centre, the city of Cetinje, will be full of historical and architectural sights. It is close to Budva (about 35 miles away), so it is one of the best options for a busy day trip with plenty to do for every tourist. Here, visit the medieval Cetinje Monastery and the 15th-century Vlach Church, the Royal Theatre, and the Palace of Nicholas I. Then explore the collection of ethnographic artifacts, historical finds, and works of art at the National Museum of Montenegro. You can also stop by the Billiard Palace, a feudal castle-like royal residence that is now run by a museum. After seeing the main sights, stroll the quaint town streets with ancient stone buildings, stop by traditional restaurants to indulge in the local cuisine, and attend festivals and other cultural events for which Cetinje's art scene is known.
Jovo Ivanovic Contemporary Gallery
The world of contemporary art in Budva awaits you at the Jovo Ivanovic Contemporary Gallery, which has assembled a collection of innovative works with a unique take on artistic expression. It is a must on the Budva itinerary for art lovers. The gallery is named after the famous Montenegrin artist Jovo Ivanovic and the main focus of its collection is specifically on artists from Montenegro and neighbouring countries. There are paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, and the bulk of them have entered the collection as gifts to the country. The gallery offers guided tours, educational programmes and interactive workshops.
Entertainment in Budva
Budva is full of diverse adventures, from water sports and thrilling water park slides to live music in beach clubs and festivals.
Kayaking in the Adriatic Sea
A refreshing adventure awaits you as you cruise the clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, exploring its sea caves and hidden coves and cruising along the coast of Budva, enjoying the unforgettable views and charm of Montenegro's coastal region.
Calmly gliding through the waters is one of the best ways to explore Budva's coastal charm and enjoy panoramic views from a new angle. Paddleboarding can be turned into a real excursion on the water. You can visit the Blue Cave with a guide or take a surfboard and explore the rugged coastline on your own. You'll easily find rental shops that also offer beginners mini lessons to get comfortable on the water.
Beach clubs
Entertainment in Budva does not stop when the sun goes down. On the contrary, it is full of vibrant coastal nightclubs that will make your vacation in Budva unforgettable. For example, one of the most famous clubs in the Balkans Top Hill with panoramic views of the city, modern sound system and performances of international DJs. Live concerts, state-of-the-art light shows and DJ nights are offered by Omnia nightclub. For a more relaxed evening, sit down with a drink at the Old Fisherman's Pub with its intimate setting and live music. Casper Bar with great outdoor seating, combining classic and contemporary tunes is one of the best spots.
Enjoy Budva's evening atmosphere, especially dynamic in the summer months, with casual evenings by the sea and dance parties under the stars.
Paragliding over the city
Experience a real adventure to get a bird's eye view of Budva, the picturesque scenery in the area and the coastline. The experience of such an incredible panorama will be fueled by the adrenaline of free gliding in the air, feelings of freedom and excitement. This exclusive entertainment will bring you an incomparable experience of travelling to Budva in Montenegro.
Seven Bay Trail
Whether you are an avid hiker or just want to go for a scenic walk, the Seven Bay Trail should be put on your list of things to do in Budva. This 12-mile long route is suitable for travellers of all fitness levels. It runs along the coast and crosses hidden golden beaches, rocky terrain, lush pine forests, quaint villages and ancient olive groves. You can join the trail directly from Budva. Bring water and a camera to capture the perfect scenery, and take care of sturdy shoes. Along the way you can see the historic island of Sveti Stefan, which has become an exclusive beach resort, and the Orthodox monastery of Praskvica, as well as stop for a rest and a bite to eat in seaside cafes and restaurants.
Gastronomic Experience
Enjoy Montenegro's culinary delights with Budva's charming restaurants and scenic wine tours, which reveal the diversity of the nation's cuisine, from seafood specialties to modern fusion creations. Each guide to Budva and the region will suggest several destinations. Montenegro's cuisine is an interesting mix of continental and Mediterranean flavors.
Sample traditional cuisine at Konoba Stari Grad, which serves specialty seafood, homemade cheeses, and rich stews. A more modern approach is demonstrated by Smsom, the menu of which incorporates local ingredients and international flavours. Try the popular beet risotto and famous desserts here. And the cheerful Mercur restaurant with a private garden is worth ordering meat dishes such as pleskavica.
Wine tours and local flavours
Organize a trip to the vineyards: this is one of the most fascinating places to go near Budva to discover Montenegro's long tradition of winemaking. The surrounding area, with its fertile soil and mild weather, creates opportunities for the production of the best regional wine varieties. You can take guided tours and attend wine and brandy tastings, where experienced sommeliers will explain the unique characteristics of local beverages. Wine lovers should visit the town of Rijeka Crnojevica with its traditional wineries and one of the largest European vineyards, Čemovsko Polje.
How to get to Budva
Budva is a popular tourist destination on the Adriatic coast of Montenegro. If you are going to plan a trip to Budva, you can use several transportation options to ensure a pleasant and comfortable trip.
First, you'll have to fly to Tivat Airport, which is about 21 miles away from Budva and is used by travellers most often. You can also take a plane to Podgorica Airport about 40 miles from Budva. You can then take a cab or airport shuttle service. During the summer, public transportation traffic can be congested. If you decide to rent a car, you can explore the picturesque scenery and nearby attractions on your way to the city at a comfortable pace. For example, a drive from Dubrovnik to Budva will allow you to marvel at the breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. If you're pressed for time and already out of ideas of what else to do in Budva, take a bus to other major cities such as Kotor, Dubrovnik and Podgorica.
Where to stay in Budva
Elegant, modern rooms overlooking the Adriatic Sea are offered by the Avala Resort & Villas, where the list of amenities includes pools, a spa, and gourmet restaurants. Another waterfront hotel with a world-class spa and an abundance of restaurants is the five-star Splendid Conference & Spa Resort. Inside the old town is the Astoria Hotel, and to combine lodging and entertainment, stay at Maestral Resort & Casino with fine dining restaurants and a casino.
For travellers on a tight budget, Budva has plenty of budget hotels, free walking tours and free attractions, and markets with a good selection of snacks and lunches.
