Budva Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, hike, eat, stay, and more in Budva, Montenegro. Plan your trip with our helpful itinerary and travel tips.


Introduction to Budva

Budva is a beautiful coastal town located on the Adriatic Sea in Montenegro’s Budva Riviera. Budva town is surrounded by picturesque mountains, crystal clear waters, and stunning old-town architecture with bustling nightlife. This popular Mediterranean destination offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and seaside charm.

List of Places to Visit in Budva

Whether you are a history buff, adventure seeker, or simply here for the views, Budva has something for everyone. Here are the top places to visit in Budva:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Old Town of Budva: This stunning historical center dates back to the Middle Ages with impressive Venetian architecture, charming narrow winding streets, and lively squares.
  • Citadel: Located in the heart of the old town, fortified walls create a stunning view of the town within the town.
  • The Maritime Museum: An impressive collection of Montenegro’s past to present maritime heritage.
  • St. Ivan’s Church: Built-in 1867, this beautiful church offers an amazing architecture uncommon in orthodox Christian churches.

Natural Attractions of Budva: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Sveti Nikola Island: Budva’s biggest island is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and windsurfing.
  • Mogren Beach: A stunning beach surrounded by breathtaking cliffs on both sides.
  • Jaz Beach: A popular spot for many international music festivals with picturesque clear waters and golden sands.
  • Montenegro Fiord: This natural gem is Europe’s southernmost fjord, boasting mesmerizing scenery, exciting activities, and a rich cultural heritage.
  • Skadar Lake National Park: The Balkans largest lake is home to over 280 different bird species, and a hotspot for boating, fishing, swimming.
  • Durmitor National Park: Adventurers love this ski hotspot with challenging hiking trails, skiing and snowboarding activities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Budva

Budva’s stunning vistas and mountain ranges make it a perfect location for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some top routes.

  • Brajići Village to St. Nikola Island: A scenic trail through Brajići village, Virpazar, and St. Nikola Island, offering a glimpse into Montenegro’s natural and cultural treasures.
  • Petrovac to Reževići Monastery: A 6km long walk starting from the beach town of Petrovac, leading to the beautiful Orthodox Monastery of Reževići.
  • 10-kilometers bike path from Bečići to Kamenovo featuring olive groves, mountain views and scenic sea views

Best Things to Do in Budva: Activities and Tours

  • Boat Tours and Sunset Sailing: Budva’s coast is perfect for touring the views and enjoys a gorgeous sunset from the sea
  • Jeep Safari Excursions: Head to the mountains for off-road adventures, stunning views and a chance to capture the ideal sunset.
  • You can never get bored of 2,500 years of history in one town and taking a walking guided tour of the city is an ideal activity for you.

Week-Long Itinerary for Budva

Day 1: Arrival, Beach, and Local Eateries Day 2: Old Town and Beach Exploration Day 3: Budva Riviera Boat Tour Day 4: Hike or Bike Day Trip to Skadar Lake National Park Day 5: Visiting Reževići Monastery and Sveti Stefan Island Day 6: Adventure Day, Jeep Safari, and Paragliding Day 7: Departure from Budva

Food and Drink Scene of Budva

No visit is complete without exploring Budva’s food and drink scene. Here are some local and traditional dishes and drinks to try:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Ćevapi – traditional Balkan dish, grilled beef, lamb or pork served with locally made flatbread.
  • Burek – golden pastry with cheese and spinach, meat, or potato filling.
  • Brudet – a rich, flavorful fish & tomato stew
  • Istrian-style platter featuring cheese, prosciutto and olives.

Local Beverages

  • Rakija – a popular fruit brandy of Montenegro, made with different fruits.
  • Vranac: a deep, rich, red wine variety that originated in Montenegro.

Where to Stay in Budva: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Budva offers a wide range of accommodations with a selection of hotels, guesthouses, and hostels. Some of the best places to stay are:

  • Hotel Budva - A luxurious stay overlooking the Bay of Budva.
  • Avala Resort and Villas - Modern 5-star hotel located in Budva
  • Montenegro Hostel Budva - Affordable dormitory/hostel with shared facilities perfect for budget travelers.

What to Buy in Budva: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Olive Oil products – authentic, organic olive oil from Budva is the best product to bring home.
  • Lemon and Honey Brandy – a special fruity brandy with hints of lemon and honey.
  • Handicrafts – local souvenirs crafted with special care and passion.

Local Culture and Customs of Budva

Budva is famous for its romantic spirit, nightlife, and friendly locals. Montenegrins are very hospitable and guests are always welcomed with warm, friendly gestures.

Best Time to Visit Budva

Budva can be visited all year round with mild Mediterranean climate with over 200 days of sunshine, but the best time to come is definitely from May to September when the weather is warm for outdoor activities like water sports and mountain hiking.

Do’s and Don’ts of Budva

Do:

  • Learn a few local phrases you can use with locals.
  • Visit the ancient city of Ulcinj, which inspired Lord Byron’s novel ”Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage.”
  • Respect the local customs of people.

Don’t:

  • Don’t wear skimpy clothing while visiting religious sites such as churches and monasteries.
  • Don’t expect to walk around topless on the beaches as it is not allowed in Montenegro.

Safety and Health

Safety in Budva

Budva is a relatively safe place with minimal safety concerns; however, do take standard safety precautions like keeping vigilance while exploring beaches, avoiding deserted areas and locking your car doors while driving in crowded areas.

Health in Budva

Water quality is good in Montenegro, and there is no need to worry because there are no major health hazards in the country. Budva offers a wide range of health facilities available for tourists.

Getting to Budva: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Budva

The nearest airport is Tivat (TIV) which is approx 25 km from Budva town center. Another option is Podgorica Airport (PG).

Bus Stations Near Budva

There are frequent Montenegro bus lines operating from other cities to Budva Bus Station. Budva has several bus stations located in different parts of the city.

Other Options

Private transfers can be booked online or hired at the airport. Uber is a good option to move around the city.

How to Get Around in Budva

The best way to enjoy the city is on foot since Budva is quite compact and most attractions are within walking distances. Hiring a car is another option to explore the picturesque mountain ranges of Budva.

Where to Go Next from Budva: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are many nearby destinations that you can explore after visiting Budva. You can visit nearby coastal towns like Prcanj, Kotor, Perast or check out the gorgeous Skadar Lake or take part in a scenic drive to the mountains of Montenegro.

Conclusion

Budva is a beautiful destination in Montenegro that boasts stunning scenery, a vast cultural heritage, and incredible adventures perfect for exploring. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, or with family or friends, there are plenty of things for everyone. The charming town is well suited for anyone who seeks adventure, wanderlust, and wants to enjoy life to the fullest.

View of Budva View of Budva City of Budva City of Budva narrow streets narrow streets Outside serving Outside serving Sveti Stefan, a 5-star hotel located on the grounds of an old town. Sveti Stefan, a 5-star hotel located on the grounds of an old town.