I had the surprise of my life in Podgorica. This place is not exactly on the traveler’s wishlist the way Kotor or Perast may be, but dang, is it a cool city. Between the hip little bars and amazing food scene, I was stunned that more people don’t travel here. I hope that this Podgorica travel guide inspires you to check it out too.
For starters, there are Ottoman-era landmarks and undiscovered archeological sites. Then there’s a buzzing coffee culture and vibey nightlife.
Is Podgorica Worth Visiting?
I definitely think Podgorica is worth a visit, though it is further away from many of the popular tourist attractions of Montenegro. This city is youthful, with a cool nightlife scene and great cafes, but you might find yourself itching to explore beyond downtown.
Podgorica is an enjoyable place to visit, but even better if you rent a car. That will give you more freedom to explore the nearby natural wonders, like Niagara Waterfall and Canyon Cijevna.
The Podgorica Travel Guide
This Podgorica travel guide reframes Montenegro’s often-overlooked capital as a delightfully underrated destination defined by authenticity rather than postcard-perfect beauty. Podgorica offers Ottoman landmarks, hidden archeological sites, buzzing café culture, and a fun food and nightlife scene.
The guide recommends staying in boutique and locally owned hotels like Hotel Ziya and Boscovich Boutique Hotel, or more budget-friendly Keto Hotel, to support the city’s economy. For travelers with a car, be sure to explore beyond the city limits to Montenegro’s widely untouched wine regions.
Where to stay in Podgorica
Much of the city was rebuilt after World War II and the following decades of communism. In an effort not to make light of a difficult situation, I will say this: Podgorica city has been through a tough century, but the city is in an upswing.
Podgorica’s accommodations lean toward boutique and modern. Buildings are new, if not repurposed in interesting ways. When visiting Podgorica, you should check out the locally owned accommodations to ensure you keep your tourist dollars in the economy.
Hotel Ziya: This hotel is one of my favorites because it’s locally-owned and also a luxury boutique, so you don’t have to compromise! The interior has a beautiful contemporary design with a marble lobby, and you’ll also get access to state-of-the-art wellness facilities.
The location is great too—Hotel Ziya is close to the old Turkish Bath House and a shopping mall.
Boscovich Boutique Hotel: This is another centrally located and modern spot. I personally like Boscovich because it has 30 rooms; not too big and not too small.
As a guest, you’ll never feel forgotten about. I also like that they have 24-hour transportation services (a huge plus in a city with limited public transportation).
Keto Hotel: Although the rooms at Keto Hotel are a bit dated, the hotel itself is very clean and comfortable. I think it’s perfect for travelers who want to have a more authentic accommodation in Montenegro. One thing to note is that the hotel isn’t centrally located.
Downtown Podgorica is about a 20-minute walk; however, it’s located in a quiet residential neighborhood. Keto Hotel is also next to BOLD Brewery with some excellent brews on tap.
What to eat in Podgorica
Montenegrin food is quite interesting. Like the country’s location situated between the mountainous areas of Eastern Europe and the coastal, sunny setting of the Mediterranean, the food also seems to be stuck somewhere in the middle.
There is a strong emphasis on freshly made cheese produced by sheep living in the mountains, along with seafood caught in the nearby shores. You can’t forget about the grilled meat and olives either!
- Pod Volat: A favorite for locals, serving hearty Montenegrin classics like grilled meats, stews, and rakija.
- Ahh Riba: A locally-run seafood restaurant known for fresh Adriatic catches and generous portions.
- Hemera Restaurant: Attached to the boutique hotel, this spot is beloved for its fusion of local ingredients with international flair.
What to do in Podgorica
As mentioned, most people make their Montenegro pilgrimage to the waterfront areas like Kotor. With that in mind, Podgorica isn’t exactly prepared for heavy tourist crowds. For one, there is no public transportation, and getting around the city can be tough.
There are some interesting landmarks you can check out, but the most interesting things to do revolve around eating, drinking, and being outside. If you’re the kind of person who gets antsy after seeing the same stuff a few times, I definitely recommend renting a car so you have an option to explore beyond the city.
If you have embraced the slow travel movement, then I think you will truly enjoy Podgorica. Though small, the capital has a surprising mix of cultural landmarks and outdoor spaces.
Podgorica offers a chance to experience everyday Montenegrin life without the tourist crowds.
- Millennium Bridge & Moraca River Walk: Stroll across the city’s iconic modern bridge and along the peaceful riverside paths.
- Old Ribnica Bridge: A relic from the Ottoman era and one of the oldest landmarks in the city.
- St. George’s Church: A 10th-century church tucked into Gorica Hill, offering a peaceful break from the urban bustle.
- King’s Park & Independence Square: Central gathering spots to get a feel for the rhythm of local life.
Offbeat Podgorica and local secrets
This is where Podgorica shines for travelers who dig deeper. These spots are located outside of Podgorica, and make for easy day trips if you have access to a car.
- Podgorica Wine Country: Just outside the city lies the Plantaže vineyard, one of Europe’s largest, where you can tour cellars and taste Montenegro’s signature Vranac wine.
- Kafé Culture: You know how cafe culture is a big deal in Thailand? Montenegro is nearly the same. You can spend an afternoon café-hopping along Njegoševa Street, where locals linger for hours over macchiatos.
- Skadar Lake Day Trip: A short drive away, this national park is a haven for birdwatching, boat rides, and traditional lakeside villages.
FAQs About Travel in Montenegro’s Capital
Where is Podgorica located?
Podgorica is Montenegro’s capital, located in the central-southern part of the country, about an hour from both the Adriatic coast and the mountains.
How do I get to Podgorica?
Podgorica has Montenegro’s largest international airport (about 15 minutes from the city center), with flights from major European hubs. That’s how I arrived after traveling in Rome, Italy.
What are the top things to do in Podgorica?
Stroll across Millennium Bridge and along the Morača River, visit the Old Ribnica Bridge, explore St. George’s Church, relax in King’s Park, and wander Independence Square. The city also has a lively café culture and growing food scene.
Is Podgorica worth visiting compared to Kotor or Budva?
While it doesn’t have the coastal charm of Kotor or Budva, Podgorica offers a more authentic, everyday glimpse of Montenegrin life, with a mix of Ottoman history, post-war architecture, and modern cafés and nightlife.
Is Podgorica walkable?
Yes, the city center is compact and easy to explore on foot. However, public transportation is limited, so taxis or rental cars are often needed to get around or take day trips.
Is Podgorica expensive?
Not in comparison to most other European capitals. Podgorica is one of the most affordable capitals in the Mediterranean for food, hotels, and entertainment.
