Is Podgorica Worth Visiting? An Honest Guide to Montenegro’s Capital
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One Day in Podgorica: What to See and Do If You’re Short on Time
When I started planning my trip to Montenegro, everyone told me to skip Podgorica. The general consensus seemed to be: “There’s not much to see and it’s kind of ugly.” Honestly, this just made me want to visit more. I knew I’d be blown away by Kotor’s beauty and wowed by Durmitor’s majestic mountains, but Podgorica is Montenegro’s capital, and nearly 30 percent of the country’s entire population lives here.
I wanted to see a more local and authentic side to the country (while Kotor remains one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen recently, there’s nothing much local about having to dodge hordes of cruise ship tourists on a walk around the Old Town), so as well as flying in and out of Podgorica, I made sure to give myself enough time to properly explore the city as well.
Here’s how to spend one day in Podgorica, what to see, what to skip, and whether I think Montenegro’s capital deserves more than just a quick pass-through.
In a Rush? Check out my Quick Guide:
Where to Stay:
Q Podgorica (Hostel)
HeArt of Old Town Guesthouse (Budget)
SIGNUM Hotel (Mid-Range)
Boscovich Boutique Hotel (Luxury)
Must-See Spots:
– Stara Varoš
– Ribnica Fortress
– Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ
– Millennium Bridge
Activities to Book:
History and Culture Walking Tour
Private Half Day Tour
Plantaže Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting
Hidden Beach & Lazy River Tubing
Hire a Car here
Stay Connected with a Montenegro eSim
Stay Protected with Travel Insurance
Is Podgorica Worth Visiting?
I think so! I was pleasantly surprised by my time in Podgorica. As soon as I got past the ring of Brutalist apartment blocks that encircle the city, I found a pretty, peaceful center divided by the confluence of two rivers and with photogenic corners everywhere.
The city center is split into three areas (aided naturally by the rivers and the many bridges crossing them), each with its own distinct personality: Stara Varoš, the old Ottoman town south of the Ribnica River; Nova Varoš, the 19th century new town to the north; and Novi Grad, the Socialist-style blocks built west of the Morača River following WWII, when Podgorica was known as Titograd.
Podgorica is definitely worth visiting if you want to see a more authentic side to modern Montenegrin life, and get off the beaten tourist track.
How Long Do You Need in Podgorica?
In my opinion, one day in Podgorica is enough for most travellers. You can see the main sights, wander around the older part of the city, walk along the river, visit the cathedral, and still have time for a Montenegrin meal.
If you are using Podgorica as a base for day trips, then two or three nights make more sense. It is well connected to other parts of Montenegro, and staying here is often cheaper than staying on the coast, saving you on accommodation prices while still allowing you to explore.
How to Get to Podgorica
Podgorica is one of the easiest places to arrive in Montenegro because it has the country’s main capital airport and good bus and train connections.
By Plane
Podgorica Airport is located about 15-20 minutes by car outside the city, and there are bus operators connecting the airport with Podgorica Central Bus Station. Taxis are also available and are usually the easiest option if you are arriving late and/or carrying luggage. I would recommend prebooking your taxi so that you can have peace of mind upon landing. Most companies start at €20 for a ride into the city.
If planning on touring the country, I would highly recommend renting a car, which you can pick up directly at the airport.
By Bus
Podgorica is well connected by bus to other places in Montenegro and neighbouring countries. This makes it a useful stop if you are travelling between the coast, the mountains, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, or Serbia. Book tickets here.
By Train
Podgorica is also on the famous Belgrade to Bar railway line, which passes through some seriously dramatic scenery. If you enjoy train travel, this route is worth looking into as part of a wider Balkan itinerary.
By Car
If traveling by car, you’ll need to present your vehicle registration/ownership documents and a locally valid insurance policy that covers Montenegro. Be prepared for long queues at border crossings, especially in the summer.
How to Spend One Day in Podgorica Itinerary
This itinerary is designed for people who only have one day in Podgorica and want to make the most of it without too much rushing around. Most of the spots can be reached on foot, but local taxis and buses are cheap and easy too.
Start in Stara Varoš, Podgorica’s Old Town
Start your day in Stara Varoš (‘Old Town Center’), the heart of Podgorica’s Ottoman quarter for 400 years. This is one of the most atmospheric and oldest parts of the city, though it has a very different vibe from Kotor’s Old Town, mostly due to it being badly bombed during World War II. Today, the cobbled lanes feel quiet and a little forgotten, and it was the only place I visited in Montenegro where locals stared at me as though they’d never seen a foreigner before. I even saw a full chicken coop in someone’s back garden!
The main landmark here is the 19m-high Clock Tower, one of the city’s most recognisable Ottoman-era sights. Built in 1667, it was used by nearby mosques for setting their prayer times.
And speaking of mosques, there are two hiding nearby: the 15th-century Starodoganjska Mosque and the more impressive 18th-century Osmania Mosque. You can have a look inside, but remember to take off your shoes, wear appropriate clothing and be respectful.
Wander through the Ribnica Fortress
From Stara Varoš, make your way towards the ruined remains of the Ribnica Fortress (Tvrđava na Ribnici), built by the Ottomans in 1477. If visiting in summer, at the top of the fortress you’ll find a 200-seater stage installed to host performances and cultural events. You’ll also get a nice view of the river from up here.
Make your way down the staircases, known locally as ‘skaline’, to the confluence of the Morača and Ribnica rivers, where you’ll find Podgorica’s main beach and a stone, arched bridge dating from Roman times (though it got renovated in the 18th century).
This is one of the prettiest little spots in Podgorica. Locals sunbathed on the pebbly banks and splashed about in the shallow river waters, and I even saw an elderly man having a smoke in a hidden spot behind the Ribnica Bridge wearing nothing but a sun hat.
Still, it is a peaceful place to pause for a bit, take a few photos (though sans nudists), and enjoy one of the few parts of Podgorica that genuinely feels old.
Cross the Millennium Bridge
Next, walk through Njegosev Park to get to Millennium Bridge, erected in 2005; today, it’s probably Podgorica’s most famous modern landmark.
The bridge stretches across the Morača River connecting Nova Varoš to Novi Grad and has become one of the symbols of the city, giving Podgorica a more modern, capital-city feel.
From the bridge you’ll see impressive views of the river below and the mountains that surround the city in the distance.
For views of the bridge itself, walk across the pedestrian-only Moscow Bridge which runs parallel to it. Or do what I did and walk the Millennium Bridge to get to Novi Grad and the Moscow Bridge to come back!
Grab lunch in Novi Grad
Who would’ve guessed that one of Podgorica’s best restaurants is an Indian restaurant hidden between Socialist-era apartment blocks? Masala Art has all the staples and a separate menu page for vegetarian options.
If there’s space, get a spot on the pretty outdoor terrace. It’s the perfect place to stop in between sightseeing, plus it’s conveniently located very close to our next stop.
If you don’t want a full sit-down meal to interrupt your flow, grab lunch from one of the many cafes or bakeries in Novi Grad. This side of town is generally less touristy, so there should be many local options.
Visit the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ
Walk through Socialist-era Novi Grad to get to Podgorica’s most impressive building, the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ. This 42m-high Serbian Orthodox cathedral is one of the city’s most striking landmarks, with a grand exterior and an ornate, frescoed interior (6,200 sq meters, to be exact!). Don’t miss the controversial depiction of Tito, Marx, and Engels burning in hell!
Even if churches are not usually your thing, this one is worth a stop. It was like nothing else I’d seen in Montenegro. I happened to visit at sunset just as evening mass was starting. It was pretty impressive to see the locals bowed reverentially, bathed in the golden light streaming in.
Walk Across Independence Square
Head back across the bridge to Independence Square, once known as Republic Square, Podgorica’s main central square. It’s located in the heart of Nova Varoš (‘New Town’), the administrative and socio-cultural hub of the city. Locals use it as a meeting spot and for events. It’s home to both the city library and the state gallery, and is centered by a fountain.
I would not call it beautiful exactly, but it is useful as a central point and gives you a feel for the newer side of the city. You will find cafes, shops, and restaurants nearby, and it is an easy place to orient yourself. While I was there, it was full of locals relaxing while their children drove around the square in small ride-on cars.
Top Tip: If you’re looking for books in English, the bookstore Gradska Knjižara has a small selection.
Visit a Museum or Gallery
Head east of Nova Varoš to get to the Museums & Galleries of Podgorica, which displays art, artefacts (some dating to Roman times when the city was known as Doclea), and folk costumes. It’s the perfect place to get a better understanding of the city’s culture and history.
If you’re looking for something more contemporary, just across the road is the Art Pavilion, which has free entry and showcases artworks belonging to members of the Montenegrin Association of Fine Artists. You can check out what’s new in the Montenegrin art world and even buy a piece to bring home.
Browse Books and Grab a Drink at Itaka Library Bar
Once you’ve had your fill of art, head to nearby Itaka Library Bar, which is, in my opinion, the coolest bar in the city. It’s located in an old hammam beneath a bridge over a loop in the Ribnica River. Grab a cocktail, craft beer, or coffee and find yourself a book and a nook, or, if the weather is nice, sit outside at one of the many tables spread out under the bridge.
It’s a gathering spot for the city’s literati and the clientele, a mix of locals and tourists, definitely reflect that. If, like me, you’re a bibliophile, you can’t miss it! And if not, it’s still a really cool place to grab a pre- or post-dinner drink!
Have Dinner at Konoba Lanterna
To complete your tour of the city and finish the day with a tasty bang, dine at Konoba Lanterna, back in Stara Varoš. Housed in a rustic building dating back to 1630, this konoba (‘tavern’) serves traditional Montenegrin food such as grilled meat, kačamak (cheesy potatoes and polenta) and even pizza (the Montenegrins love their pizza!). So, there’s something for everyone.
Extra Option: Escape to Gorica Forest Park
If you want a bit of greenery, head to Gorica Hill, also known as Gorica Forest Park, for the city’s largest green space.
The city actually gets its name from this hill, as Podgorica means ‘under the hill’, and it is one of the best places in Podgorica for a walk. It is not a difficult hike, and from the top you can get views over the city and surrounding landscape.
Extra Option: Visit Niagara Falls
Did you know that Podgorica has its very own Niagara Falls? Neither did I. Before visiting, manage your expectations because, despite its name, it’s nothing like the Niagara Falls in North America.
Montenegro’s version is much smaller, but it is still a lovely little natural spot just outside the city, on the Cijevna River. It is usually called Niagara Falls or Cijevna Waterfall, and it can make a nice short excursion if you have a car or do not mind taking a taxi or the number 30 bus.
This is especially worth considering if you are visiting in spring or after rain, when the waterfall is more impressive. In summer, however, it’s usually nothing more than a trickle.
Where to Stay in Podgorica
If you’re only staying in Podgorica for one night, I’d recommend keeping things simple and staying somewhere central, ideally within walking distance of Nova Varoš for shops and bars, or Stara Varoš for culture and atmosphere, or the main bus station if you’re using the city as a transport stop. Podgorica is quite spread out, but it’s an easily walkable city, so as long as you’re relatively central you’ll have no problem getting around.
Best Day Trips from Podgorica
One of Podgorica’s biggest strengths is where you can go from it. Because it’s the capital and a transport hub, it can be a useful base for exploring other parts of Montenegro. Here are some of my favorite spots that you can visit as a day trip from Podgorica:
Lake Skadar
Lake Skadar is one of the best day trips from Podgorica, as it’s literally only half an hour away, and a great option if you want nature and water.
Head to Virpazar, one of the main access points where you can hop on a boat tour, or rent a kayak and explore the lake yourself (be warned, it is VERY big). Or go a little further to the charming riverside village of Rijeka Crnojevića, for views of the photogenic Danilo’s Bridge.
Cetinje
Cetinje, Montenegro’s old royal capital, is another good day trip option. It is smaller and more historic than Podgorica, with museums, old pretty embassy buildings, and a monastery, all surrounded by fresh mountain air.
If you are interested in Montenegrin history, it is well worth considering. Plus, you can combine it with a visit to the monumental Njegoš Mausoleum in Lovćen National Park, from where you can see 80% of the country. It was one of the highlights of my trip.
Ostrog Monastery
Ostrog Monastery is one of Montenegro’s most important religious sites and one of the most dramatic, built into a cliffside north of Podgorica. You can see the white façade from miles away.
It is possible to visit from Podgorica, though you will need to plan transport properly. If you are driving, it is much easier as it’s only about an hour away. If not, you might want to look into tours. This is a good one.
Kotor or Budva
Montenegro is such a small country that you can technically visit Kotor or Budva from Podgorica as a day trip, but I wouldn’t recommend it, as the coast merits at least a night or two spent there.
If you’re just looking for an easy beach trip, though, check out Sveti Stefan or Mogren Beach near Budva.
Stari Bar
One of my favorite historic experiences in Montenegro was wandering around the ruins of Stari Bar’s dilapidated walled town. 240 buildings once stood here, including an 11th-century citadel, Archbishop’s Palace, clock tower and aqueduct, which today you are free to roam amidst the overgrown ruins to your heart’s content.