The capital of Montenegro may not be on the list of the most visited European cities, but it exudes a special charm. Located in the heart of the country, Podgorica is usually the starting point of all visitors to Montenegro, although many do not stay long in it. A long and interesting history, an excellent geographical location, and luxurious parks are just reasons you should visit Podgorica. If you find yourself on a Balkan tour, here is a guide with useful information on how to get to Podgorica and what to see when you get there.
Podgorica is located in the center of Montenegro, at the crossroads of many important roads. This makes it relatively easy to get to Podgorica by car, bus, or plane.
How to Get to Podgorica?
By bus
Podgorica is the main bus hub in the country with numerous lines to Serbia, Croatia, Albania, and other countries. Buses to Podgorica depart from several cities in the region, such as Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb, Belgrade, Tirana, Sarajevo, etc.
From Podgorica, you can take a bus to any other part of Montenegro, such as Budva and Kotor. The main bus station in Podgorica is located about 1 km from the city center, which is only a 10-minute walk. If you prefer to take a bus to the city center, city bus lines 2-3 and 6 will take you there.
By car
If you are traveling by car, you can reach Podgorica from several directions. The main transit directions are as follows:
- north (E65, E80), towards Belgrade and Central Europe,
- west (E762), towards Nikšić, Bosnia and Western Europe,
- south (E65, E80), towards the Adriatic coast, and
- east (E762), towards Albania.
By plane
Podgorica Airport (TGD) is located 11 km southwest of Podgorica, on the way to Bar. It is also called Golubovci Airport after the small place of Golubovci near the airport.
The airport is connected to major European cities by international flights. There are no domestic flights in Montenegro because the only other airport, Tivat, is only 80 km away.
The airport is the main location for rent a car in Podgorica with no deposit.
By train
Podgorica is a station on the Belgrade-Bar railway, the most important railway route in Montenegro. The Belgrade-Bar railway is part of the European railway network, which means that you can get to Podgorica by train from anywhere in Europe. In addition, the scenery is spectacular because you are surrounded by the Montenegrin mountains during the trip.
The main train station in Podgorica is located near the main bus station, about one kilometer from the city center.
Read: Amazing Things To Visit And Do On Your Montenegro Holiday
What to see and do in Podgorica
Podgorica is a city of beautiful nature and rich history, once known as the city with the most greenery in Yugoslavia. These are the most important sights of Podgorica that you should visit during your visit.
Stara Varos
In 1474, the Ottoman Empire conquered Podgorica. This marked the beginning of a new era for Podgorica that would last for the next four centuries. The Ottomans brought their culture and architecture with them. Unfortunately, most of the Ottoman buildings were destroyed during the bombing of Podgorica in World War II. However, some buildings remain in the old quarter of Podgorica from the Ottoman era, called Stara Varos. In Stara Varos, you can see the following sights:
- Sahat Kula (Sahat Kula Hadzi-pasa Osmanagic)
- Natural History Museum of Montenegro
- Ribnica Fortress (Depedogen)
- Osmanagić and Starodoganjska Mosques
- Old Bridge over Ribnica (Adzi-pasin most)
- Duklja and Medun
Podgorica’s history dates back to ancient Illyrian and Roman times. Three kilometers north of Podgorica is the archaeological site of Duklja (Doclea). Doclea was once the largest settlement of the Illyrian tribe of Dokleata, a fairly large city by the standards of the time, with 8,000 to 10,000 inhabitants.
About 13 kilometers north of Podgorica, there is another ancient settlement, Medun (Medeon). Medun was built around the 4th and 3rd centuries BC, and its defensive walls are partially preserved to this day.
Niagara Falls
On the Cijevna River are the Montenegrin Niagara Falls, named after the famous falls in Canada. Niagara Falls in Montenegro are much smaller, but still beautiful. They are about a 15-minute drive from the city, and you will need a car as there is no public transport. Near the waterfall, there is a restaurant “Niagara” with a beautiful view, a calming atmosphere, and delicious traditional dishes.
Millennium Bridge
In modern times, there are several notable buildings worth highlighting. First of all, the Millennium Bridge over the Morača River. This 173-meter-long suspension bridge is a delight for architecture lovers and a symbol of Podgorica. Parallel to the Millennium Bridge is the pedestrian-only Moskovski Bridge, which is a perfect place to sit and enjoy the view.
Near the bridge, you should stop by the monument to Vladimir Vysotsky. Vysotsky was a Russian singer and songwriter who fell in love with Montenegro, its beauty, and culture.
Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ
There are many Orthodox churches in the city, but the newly built Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ stands out. Opened in 2013, after 20 years of construction, this church is probably the most beautiful church in Podgorica, and perhaps in all of Montenegro. The unique exterior appearance of the church attracts many spectators, but the interior could be even more beautiful. The interior of the church is filled with iconographic murals with a golden background, marble floors, and furniture.
Petrovic Palace
The former winter castle of King Nikola I Petrović is surrounded by a beautiful forest park and is one of the favorite places of the locals. Since 1985, parts of the palace have been transformed into the Contemporary Art Center of Montenegro, which houses around 1,500 works of art. It is not uncommon to see outdoor art exhibitions held in the park during the summer months. The palace was built in 1891 and has the status of a cultural monument.
One-day trips from Podgorica
With its convenient location in the center of Montenegro, there are loads of interesting places to visit within an hour or two of Podgorica. This is our selection of the best 3-day trips from Podgorica.
Kotor
If you are in Montenegro, you must visit Kotor. The clear, blue sea with a view of the steep mountains, combined with the rich cultural and historical background, makes an excellent combination.
The old town of Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of sights worth seeing. It is necessary to visit the 4.5 km long city walls that lead to the Kotor fortress. From 280 meters above sea level, there is an incredible view of Boka Kotor.
Lake Skadar
Lake Skadar is the largest lake in southern Europe, with ⅔ belonging to Montenegro and ⅓ belonging to Albania. The lake is one of the most important bird habitats in Europe, with more than 270 different species. In addition to birds, there are also many fish, snails, and insect species. Many of these species are endemic to the lake.
The Montenegrin side of the lake is the most visited national park in the country. The best way to explore the lake is by boat from the nearby village of Virpazar.
Where to Eat and Drink in Podgorica?
The Balkans are known for their relaxed atmosphere, hospitable people, and great food, and Podgorica is no exception.
Podgorica residents love their leisure and peace. They usually start their morning with a coffee in one of the many cafes in the city center, on Independence Square or Njegoševa Street. You can eat burek for breakfast or a snack, a delicious shortcrust pastry filled with minced meat, cheese, or spinach.
For an authentic Podgorica experience, you should book a tour with wine and food tasting at one of the many wineries in the Zeta Valley. There you will taste some of the best Montenegrin wines, along with delicious local cheese and prosciutto.
We also recommend visiting the restaurant “Pod Volat” in Stara Varoš. Pod Volat is highly recommended for its large portions and amazing prices. Cevapi is a popular local dish that you can try there.
When night falls, Podgorica comes alive. Locals meet in the center to hang out with friends and have a drink. Bars in Podgorica are normally open until 01:00, while clubs in Podgorica are open until 03:00, and sometimes even longer.
If you drink, try brandy. Brandy is a traditional spirit that has many different flavors, depending on the fruit it is made from. But be careful because brandy has a high percentage of alcohol and hits fast!
Where to Stay in Podgorica?
Unlike the more popular cities on the Adriatic coast, Podgorica is rarely filled. That’s why finding accommodation in Podgorica is easy because there are many hotels, guesthouses, and hostels.
Wherever you find accommodation in Podgorica, it shouldn’t be difficult to explore the city, as Podgorica is not that big. However, some neighborhoods are more popular with tourists than others. The obvious choice is the settlements of Durrës and Stara Varoš, which are located near the historic center of the city and many sights from the Ottoman era.
This is a quiet area of the city from great for exploring on foot, with numerous cafes and restaurants. Two more great neighborhoods to stay in are Novigrad and the center of Podgorica. These two neighborhoods are where most of the city’s happenings are. They are full of cafes, restaurants, bars, a nd clubs. These two are next to each other and connected by the already mentioned Millennium Bridge.
Apart from these, there are many great places to stay in the city. Don’t hesitate to book the accommodation you like because Podgorica is easy to explore on foot and by public transport.
