Podgorica Travel Guide (Central Montenegro/Montenegro/Balkans/Europe)

Introduction to Podgorica

Welcome to Podgorica, the capital city of Montenegro and a gateway to Central Montenegro. Podgorica is a city with a rich history and culture, a place where East meets West. In this guide, we will walk you through all the amazing things Podgorica has to offer, from its historical landmarks and museums to its stunning natural landscapes and outdoor adventures. Get ready to explore the city and fall in love with its vibrant spirit!

List of Places to Visit in Podgorica

If you’re planning to visit Podgorica, there are plenty of places to add to your itinerary. Here are some of the must-visit attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Podgorica City Museum: Discover the history of Podgorica, from ancient times to the present day, through exhibitions of archaeological finds, medieval frescoes, photographs, and documents.
King Nikola’s Palace: Tour the former royal residence of King Nikola Petrović and his family, and observe the life and customs of Podgorica’s last royal family.
Osmanagich Mosque: Visit the city’s oldest mosque, a significant part of Podgorica’s history, dating back nearly 500 years.

Natural Attractions of Podgorica: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Skadar Lake National Park: Take a day trip from Podgorica and explore the largest lake in the Balkans, Skadar Lake. Its stunning landscapes are home to an array of fauna and flora. This is a perfect location for a hiking or biking adventure.
Millennium Bridge: Cross the iconic Millennium Bridge over the Morača River, which connects the old and new parts of the city. This bridge is one of the must-visit landmarks in Podgorica, offering panoramic river views and breathtaking sunsets.
Rijeka Crnojevića: A small, picturesque village situated on a riverelicense, with stunning karst formations and unique flora and fauna.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Podgorica

Podgorica offers plenty of options for outdoor enthusiasts including mountains, hills, and forests. Here are some of the most scenic hiking or biking routes in the area:

Gorica Hill: Take a trip to the summit of Gorica Hill, where you can explore the remains of ancient fortifications and enjoy breathtaking views of Podgorica and its surroundings.
Ljubović Hill: The second-highest peak in the region, Ljubović Hill, rewards adventurers with panoramic views and unique flora and fauna.

Best Things to Do in Podgorica: Activities and Tours

Here are a few of our top recommendations for things to do while exploring Podgorica:

City Walking Tour: Join a walking tour through the city, and discover its rich history and culture while visiting cultural attractions and landmarks.
Wine Tasting Tour: Discover the local wine culture through a wine tasting tour, located in small family-run vineyards in the suburbs of Podgorica.
Rafting on the Morača River: Get your heart pumping with a thrilling rafting adventure on the river that passes through some of the most stunning natural landscapes of Montenegro.

Week-Long Itinerary for Podgorica

Plan your visit to Podgorica with our suggested week-long itinerary:

Day	Plan
Day 1	Get oriented in the city and visit the King Nikola Palace
Day 2	Explore the ancient town of Kotor.
Day 3	Hike up to Ljubović Hill and capture the panoramic views
Day 4	Visit the caves and karst formations of Lipa Cave
Day 5	Tour the town of Nikšić, known for its beer and historical Old Town
Day 6	Venture to Rijeka Crnojevica for kayaking or bird-watching
Day 7	Go paddle boarding or canoeing on Skadar Lake National Park

Food and Drink Scene of Podgorica

Savor the local cuisine and indulge in exotic flavors while you’re in Podgorica. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages you should sample:

Must-Try Dishes

Chorba: A classic, hearty soup served with vegetables and meat and often accompanied by bread. It’s a staple dish in Podgorica.
Ćevapi: Small, seasoned grilled meat sausages, usually made of beef, pork, or a combination of both. This dish is served with flatbread, raw onions, and sour cream.
Burek: A typical dish served in all Balkan countries, burek is a pastry stuffed with meat, cheese, or vegetables.

Local Beverages

Wine: Montenegro boasts high-quality wines from wineries that produce grape varieties such as Vranac, Krstač, and Chardonnay.
Rakija: A distilled fruit brandy, Rakija is the national alcoholic beverage of Montenegro.

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

There are various accommodation options in Podgorica, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here are a few recommendations to suit your needs:

Hilton Podgorica Crna Gora: A luxury hotel in the city center, offering rooms and suites with stunning views of the city and iconic landmarks.
Hostel Podgorica: A budget-friendly option with clean and comfortable rooms, located in the heart of the city.
Guesthouse Nikcevic: A cozy guesthouse situated in the Old Town of Podgorica, featuring traditional, rustic decor and hospitality.

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

If you’re searching for the perfect souvenirs, look no further than Podgorica. Here are some must-buy items that represent the city’s culture and heritage:

Olive Oil: Montenegro produces high-quality, extra-virgin olive oil that you can buy from local stores.
Wool and Hand-Knitted Products: Montenegrins are famous for their woolen products and handmade woolen clothing that you can find in shops and marketplaces.

Local Culture and Customs of Podgorica

Montenegrin culture is unique and reflects a blend of Eastern and Western influences, shaped by centuries of rule by various empires. Here are a few customs and traditions you might experience in Podgorica:

Hospitality: Montenegrins are known for their warm and welcoming hospitality, and it’s customary to offer guests a drink or a small snack when they visit.
Religion: Montenegro is a multi-confessional society, inspired by Orthodox Christianity, Eastern traditions, and Islam, among others.

Best Time to Visit Podgorica

The best time to visit Podgorica depends on your preferences. If you enjoy warm weather and outdoor activities, the summer months are ideal. However, if you prefer a more peaceful setting to take in the city’s sights, spring and fall are perfect.

Do’s and Don’ts of Podgorica

While visiting Podgorica, keep the following in mind:

Do:

Respect local culture and traditions, especially in places of worship, such as mosques and churches.
Dress appropriately when visiting religious sites.
Try the local foods and drinks in different parts of the city.

Don’t:

Engage in public displays of affection, which locals might consider disrespectful.
Discuss sensitive topics like politics and religion with locals unless you are well-informed.
Ignore safety precautions, especially while enjoying outdoor activities.

Safety and Health

In general, Montenegro is a safe and healthy country, but it’s always important to keep any potential risks in mind while traveling. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Safety in Podgorica

Avoid walking in poorly lit or remote areas at night.
Be wary of pickpockets and keep your belongings secure, especially on public transportation.
Stick to well-marked and established trails while hiking or biking.

Health in Podgorica

The tap water in Podgorica is generally safe to drink, but it’s always better to drink bottled water.
Make sure you have all the necessary vaccinations before traveling to Montenegro.
Bring sunscreen and insect repellent while exploring the outdoors.

Getting to Podgorica: Transportation Options and Logistics

Podgorica is well-connected to other parts of Montenegro and nearby countries, which makes it easy to get here by various transportation options. Here are a few popular choices:

Air Travel: Podgorica Airport (TGD) is the main airport, situated just a few miles south of the city center, with daily flights to various European destinations.
Bus and Train: Podgorica Central Station is well-connected to other parts of the country and Europe, with regular services to cities like Kotor, Niksic, and Belgrade.
Car: If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car at the airport or in the city center.

How to Get Around in Podgorica

Podgorica is a small city, and most attractions are within walking distance of each other. However, if you want to explore the city like a local, you can use the following options:

Bus: The city has an extensive network of bus lines, with affordable ticket prices and regular schedules.
Taxi: Taxis are readily available and charge reasonable rates.
Bike: Rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels, with various rental companies located in the city center.

Where to Go Next from Podgorica: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to venture out of Podgorica and explore more of what Montenegro has to offer, here are a few nearby destinations to consider:

Kotor: A beautiful coastal town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its stunning architecture and scenic bay views.
Tara River Canyon: Venture to the Durmitor National Park and explore Europe’s second-largest canyon, with adventurous activities like whitewater rafting and hiking.

Conclusion

Podgorica is a city that offers an eclectic mix of cultural richness and natural beauty. From stunning landscapes, hiking routes, and historical landmarks to culinary delights and local customs, this city has it all. We hope our guide has given you a better understanding of what Podgorica has to offer and how you can make the most of your visit to this beautiful destination.

Podgorica Image Gallery

Podgorica panorama

Morača River, near the road from Podgorica to Serbia