The Complete Guide To Podgorica: 16 best things to do and see
Complete Guide To Podgorica
What to do in Montenegro's capital and largest city, Podgorica
It is rather likely that when you type Podgorica on Google, the online search engine will not return "The world's most exciting City". However, you do have to empathize with Podgorica. It's challenging to compete with crystal clear and warm Adriatic sea in the south, dramatic mountains in the north as well as picturesque Skadar Lake, which is what most travelers to Montenegro come to see.
Is Podgorica worth visiting? Decide for yourself - read bellow
About Podgorica
As you will see in this blog post, Podgorica is a great city with a lot to offer and it is worth visiting and exploring it. It is a new and modern metropolis situated on five rivers, with numerous green spaces, parks, and character. Everything is close by. It takes 30 minutes to get to Skadar Lake, one hour to the seaside, and one hour to the mountains. This is the only `big` city in Montenegro, with a lot going on. Cultural and art events and concerts are organized throughout the whole year and a lot of our guests decide to stay in Podgorica during their vacation and take the day trips from there.
Podgorica location
Podgorica is the biggest city (with a population of around 200.000 inhabitants) and also the capital of Montenegro. The city is located in central part of Montenegro, at the crossings of major road routes leading from the sea towards the continental part of the country. Podgorica is located at an altitude of 44.5 m.
Podgorica Skaline view from hotel Podgorica terrace
Top 16 best things to do in Podgorica and what to see while visiting
Have a STroll in Skaline AND Cross Ribnica bridge
See Niagara waterfalls from Montenegro
Try the local wine in the largest vineyard in Europe in a single complex – Plantaze winery
Go for some adventure in Gorica
Go hiking to the ancient Fortress of Zabljak Crnojevica
Visit the Illyrian settlement Medun
Have a stroll at park and visit an exhibition at King Nikola's Palace
People watch in Bokeljska Street
See the remainings of the Ottoman ruling: clock Tower and Old Town
See impressive monastery in a cave, Dajbabe
Cross one of the bridges on morca river and visit preko morace part of the city
Admire panoramic view in Deljaj villjage
Feel the strength of the nature at Grlo Sokolovo viewpoint ( About one hour driving from Podgorica
Explore the archeological site of Duklja
See the largest Orthodox Church in Balkans: The Church of the Resurrection of Christ
visit bukumirsko lake
*Inside the city: 1. 4. 7. 8. 9. 11. 15.
Outside the city, but close by: 2. 3. 5. 6. 10. 14.
30 minutes drive up to one hour 12. 13.
90 minutes drive 16.
Podgorica is city of bridges
Have a STroll in Skaline AND Cross Ribnica bridge
Skaline is an archaeological site that today is one of the most popular city center hangouts for locals. You can often find the locals swimming here in hot summer days.
Skaline in Podgorica
Have a STroll in Skaline and Cross Ribnica bridge
Back when Montenegro was inhabited by the Ottoman Empire, Skaline was famous for its remarkable fortress. Today, you can still see some of the monuments of the Ottoman period – such as a bridge that links the old part of the city with the brand-new, contemporary side of Podgorica.
2. See Niagara waterfalls from Montenegro
Niagara waterfalls Podgorica
Podgorica has its own Niagara Falls, located in the Canyon of Cijevna River, about 6 kilometers from Podgorica.
Here you will also find a restaurant where you can have a drink or a snack by the Cijevna River. 100 meters past the restaurant you will arrive at the waterfall. Although not like real Niagara Falls, it is still impressive, specifically in the spring months when the snow melts and also when autumn rainfalls trigger high water flows. In the summer, many locals come here to swim.
Waterfalls of Cijeva - Nijagara Waterfalls in Podgorica
In the 19th as well as 20th century this canyon represented the all-natural border with Ottoman Empire and today it's a popular location for locals as well as visitors.
3. Try the local wine in the largest vineyard in Europe in a single complex – Plantaze winery
Try the local wine in the largest vineyard in Europe in a single complex – Plantaze winery
Experience Podgorica through its wine and visit this impressive winery, located in the proximity of Podgorica. You will find out the lengthy tradition of growing grapevines and creating red wines, on the soil where climate and the soil develop distinct harmony.
The most interesting part? Its cellar which dates back to the Cold War and was previously used to store airplanes.
4. Go for some adventure in Gorica
Gorica hill Podgorica
Podgorica got its name because of this wonderful hill – the name Podgorica consists of the word "Pod" which means 'under' and 'Gorica', the name of the hill.
Gorica Hill is Podgorica’s largest park and it is located only a few minutes’ walk from the center. What is Central Park for New Yorkers, that is Gorica for us. It has an elevation of 150 meters at the top and it is filled with different trees, plants and flowers. Gorica is an absolute favorite with locals, we go there for a run, training or just enjoying the walk. There's also an adventure park between as well as excellent viewpoint on the top of the hill.
There are two cafes, one at the entrance as well as the other alongside the adventure park, both are great stops for catching your breath and also taking a minute to value the nature around you.
Bonus: Set at the foot of the Gorica Hill, The Church of St George is the oldest church in Podgorica, having been developed somewhere between the 4th and the 6th centuries. Next to the church, you will find a small graveyard where site visitors can attempt to analyze the interesting signs as well as words sculpted in to the stone. Step inside to view original frescoes as well as elaborate iconography, along with a variety of other relics belonging to the church, and make the most of a visit to this rustic and also traditionally rich monument.
5. Go hiking to the ancient Fortress of Zabljak Crnojevica
Zabljak Crnojevica View from the Fortress
This ancient fortress is located on the attractive tiny island on the Moraca river delta, 20 minutes’ drive from Podgorica, near Skadar Lake. It used to be an essential cultural and financial trade center of medieval Montenegro, and it is well worth a visit.
Zabljak Crnojevica Montenegro Fortress
You can follow the path up the hill to locate the trail that will give you perfect scenery. As soon as you arrive in the fortress you have amazing views of Skadar Lake in one direction and Albania the other way. If you are searching for instagram-worthy photos from Podgorica Municipality, be sure to visit this spot.
6. Visit the Illyrian settlement Medun
Ancient settlement of Medun
Initially constructed for protection, Medun was an Illyrian settlement dating back to the fourth century B.C. A hike to the top of the citadel will certainly reward you with a gorgeous view.
At the foot of Medun’s acropolis there is residence of one of the Montenegro's biggest heroes - Marko Miljanov, a soldier as well as poet known for his heroic acts and also honesty. In 1971 it was turned into a Memorial Museum, dedicated to this important hero. Come in and see how Montenegrins used to live.
7. Have a stroll at park and visit an exhibition at King Nikola's Palace
King Nikola Castle
King Nikola Castle Park
Across the river Moraca, not far from Stara Varos (old city) you will find a little park with the former royal winter residence, constructed at the end of the 19th century for the last king of Montenegro, Nikola I Petrović Njegoš.
This building made it through World War 2 in Podgorica and even though it is not as grand as you would expect from its importance, it is charming and a great place to see.
Since 1985 the palace has actually been serving as the Center of Contemporary Art, one of the important institutions of culture in Montenegro, featuring about 1500 art pieces.
8. People watch in Bokeljska Street
Bokeska Street is where the life is the liveliest on the weekends, but also week days after 20h. Montenegrins like to get a coffee here in the afternoon, and party in the evening. From jazz to rock to techno and also Balkan music, there's a pub on this road that fits everyone's music taste. Join the coffee culture in Podgorica or grab a drink later n the evening – it`s your choice.
9. See the remainings of the Ottoman ruling: Clock tower and Old Town
See the remainings of the Ottoman ruling: Clock tower and Old Town
The mosk in old town Podgorica
The Clock Tower of Podgorica is one of the rare monuments that survived the World War 2 bombing of the city and today it gives a testament to the history of the area.
Situated at the very beginning of Stara Varos neighborhood, 5 minutes on foot from the center, the tower was built in 1667 by one of the prominent residents. The Clock tower is made of stone and it is 19 meters high. It features clock mechanism from 19th century as well as the modern one added after the recent renovations.
This is a symbol of Podgorica and should not be missed. You can also walk around Old Town. Stara Varos is one of the oldest areas of Podgorica, dating back to Ottoman Empire rule. In between the 15th and 19th century, it was the city's heart, yet, like most of Podgorica, the location was severely ruined throughout World War. This neighborhood is is worth exploring. It’s great to wander around the maze of streets and get a feel of the old Podgorica.
Bonus: If you would like to indulge into Ottoman Empire influences, try Cevapi in Pod Volat resturant. They are simply delicious. Or if you don`t feel like having food, grab a turkish coffee.
10. See impressive monastery in a cave, Dajbabe
Monastery in a cave - Dajbabe
Church paintings on the walls of the cave - Dajbabe Monastery
Not far from Podgorica, heading in the direction of Bar, about 15 minutes drive from the city center, there is a spot which you should definitely put on your list.
For a traveler from any part of the world this monastery will certainly represent an extraordinary experience, taking into consideration that church is located inside the cave. The protector monk Simeon Popovic which founded the monastery in 1987, painted the pictures on the cave walls to adjust the natural form of the rocks.
Initially only the cave was used as the church, but it later expanded, and the church with chapels was built above it. You would never guess that this monastery is in the cave, when you take a look from outside - the only visible part of the monastery is a sizable entryway patio with two belfries.
11. Cross one of the bridges on morca river and visit preko morace part of the city
What to visit in Podgorica Preko Morace
See the brutalist architecture of Podgorica in Blok 5 and walk around Bulevar Dzordza Vasingtona (Montenegrin Montenapoleone street) , up to the Park in front of University of Montenegro and St. Peter Statue.
Podgorica is a city that was bombed 82 times in WW2, and therefore, most of the old architecture was razed to the ground. The post-war reconstruction was made mostly in brutalist or socialist architectural path. Most of the blocks of flats were built this way in addition to public buildings such as Television and Radio Building, Scientific Centre of Montenegro, institutions (consisting of the university) and Morača Sports Centre. The most impressive is the building blocks of Blok 5 and Blok 6.
Statue of St. Peter Podgorica
After visiting Blok 5 and seeing the buildings, you can walk in Boulevard of George Washington and do some shopping in the best boutiques of Podgorica, up to St. Peter Statue and wonderful little park in front of the Rectorate of the University of Montenegro.
The most impressive of Podgorica's sculptures is the huge (almost 7m tall) bronze statue dedicated to the Metropolitan and ruler of Montenegro Petar I Petrovic Njegos.
12. Admire panoramic view in Deljaj village
Delaj Panoramic view, Cijevna Canyon
Deljaj panoramic view on Cijevna river Canyon
One of the most beautiful lookouts above the canyon of the Cijevna River is located in the village of Deljaj, half an hour's drive from the center of Podgorica.
From the lookout point on the edge of the village you can see the deep canyon of Cijevna, a clear and fast river that springs in Albania and mostly flows through Montenegro. On a sunny day, visitors can see Skadar Lake, Rumija and Prokletije from the lookout point.
13. Feel the strength of the nature at Grlo Sokolovo viewpoint ( About one hour drive from Podgorica)
Prokletije Accursed mountains
Grlo Sokolovo panoramic view
Grlo Sokolovo (the translation - Falcon's throat) is one of the most amazing spots of Montenegro. It is a viewpoint at the altitude of 1370 meters showing Cijevna canyon and also the impressive Prokletije mountains (Accursed mountains). When the weather conditions are clear, you can see the highest peak of Prokletije, Maja e Jezerces (2694 meter) and village of Tamara located in Albania.
It's located in the region of the Kučka Krajina town, close to Podgorica but additionally close to the Albanian boundary.
The high ridges and rough mountains with steep cliffs will make you wander about the time as well as strength of nature.
Book the tour of surroundings of podgorica (6, 9, 12 and 13)
Click on the photo bellow:
Visit the best of Podgorica surroundings
14. Explore the archeological site of Duklja
Ancient city of Doclea in Podgorica
If you love history, visit one of the most valuable testimonies of the Roman Empire rule in Montenegro. If you are a devotee of the antique age, one of the most significant roman towns in these areas, Duklja, will make you feel as if you have returned some 20 centuries back in the past.
Just three kilometers away from Podgorica, you will find excavations and remaining's of the old town Duklja (Doclea). Ravaged by the Goths in the late V century, and also struck by the earthquake thirty years later, Duklja, as opposed to Medun did not grow into a medieval, but to a modern settlement of this era. As a settlement of the Illyrian tribe Dokleati, and later Roman, it grew into the most sophisticated community of existing Montenegro.
The sculptures and remainings testify the rich culture of this ancient roman town. You will be able to see the ruins of town forum with Basilica, temples of Diana and Roma, urban villas, ramparts, gates, bridges, bath house. It had about 40.000 people in I century A.D. and it is surrounded by three rivers, which offered natural protection to the town.
If you are interested in the antique age, one of the most significant roman towns in these areas, Duklja, will make you feel as if you have returned some 20 centuries back in the past.
15. See the largest Orthodox Church in Balkans: The Church of the Resurrection of Christ
Church of the Resurrection of the Christ Podgorica
The Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ is located between the City Park and Independence Square, and it is the largest Orthodox cathedral in Montenegro and the second largest in Southeast Europe.
The Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Podgorica is a unique, new, sacral building with a great monumental, architectural and artistic value. The inspiration for this unique architectural monument was the St. Tryphon cathedral in Kotor.
Construction of the temple began in 1993 and lasted 20 years. The temple is dominated by two towers, which are 26.7 meters high with a total of 17 bells. The biggest one of all the bells weighs 11 tons and is the largest bell in the Balkans. At the foot of the towers are chapels (churches), dedicated to St. Simeon (for baptism) and to St. Jovan Vladimír( the most important Montenegrin Saint)
16. Visit Bukumirsko Lake
Escape Podgorica and visit this beautiful hidden gem - Bukumirsko Lake
People say that Bukumirsko lake is one of the hidden gems of Montenegro and it's surely worth seeing it.
If you are staying in Podgorica, and wishing to escape from the city buzz, you can decide to spend a day in the mountains of Kučka Krajina and to visit stunning Bukumirsko Lake.
This Lake is situated at an altitude of 1,440 m above sea level and at a distance of only 45 km from Podgorica.
You won`t be dissapointed and you`ll definitely experience something unique:
The drive to Bukumirsko Lake which is full with twists and turns
The enchanting beauty of the still lake, surrounded by high peaks of Kucke Mountains
Podgorica, the center of culture
Events and festivals in Podgorica
Podgorica is a city of culture and arts, and is often referred to as the “cultural capital of Montenegro”. Podgorica hosts a number of cultural events and there are many theatres, such as Crnogorsko Narodno, Gradsko and Dodest. The city hosts spring and winter bazaar in the main square featuring different events each night, a festival of classical music (we have a National symphonic orchestra), the yearly Jazz Festival, numerous film and theatre festivals and Wine Festivals. Every summer, Podgorica organizes Cultural Summer festival. There are also several art festivals in Podgorica throughout the year, such as the Open-Air Sculpture Exhibition, the European Month of Photography, and the Podgorica Street Film Festival.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Podgorica is in the months of April, May, June and October. This is when the weather is at its optimal, and the city is at its greenest. The winters are mild, with temperatures ranging from 5-10 Celsius, except during the days when the North wind blows and you’ll feel as if it is -20C. Podgorica is definitely a city of contrasts.
Best food to try in Podgorica
When visiting the biggest city of Montenegro, you might as well indulge into the food scene, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. Montenegrin cuisine represents a special blend of Italian and Turkish cooking and you will most definitely find something that suites your taste. The best food to try in Podgorica is:
Montenegrin Cevapi – Cevapi is a type of grilled meat, made from a mixture of minced beef and lamb. It is usually served with onions, kajmak and a special type of flat homemade bread called “lepinja”.
Try cevapi while in Podgorica, we recommend Pod Volat resstaurant. Small portion is 5 cevapi, and big one is 10 pieces.
Burek - Burek is a pastry made with a filo pastry filled with either cheese, ground meat, orgreen chard. It is a very popular snack in the Balkans.
Priganice - Priganice are light fluffy doughnut like pastry, made of flour, water, oil, salt and sugar. They are typically served with honey and white cheese. We eat them often for breakfast, but also as a snack.
Sarma - Sarma is a dish made from minced meat, rice, and onion and then rolled in cabbage or grape leaves. It is cooked or roasted, depending upon the recipe. It is normally eaten for lunch.
Kajmak - Kajmak is a type of Montenegrin cheese spread. There are many different ways of making it, but it is generally made from either cow’s or goat’s milk or a mixture.
What to avoid
Podgorica can be a very hot city, and if you visit in the summer months, during July or August, you can easily be greeted with the temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. Luckily, Moraca and Zeta rivers are in the city, and you can cool of on some of the beaches. You will find many of the locals and visitors swimming, so feel free to do the same.
Podgorica is very safe city, one of the safest in Europe, however, use your common sense and avoid the not so popular parts of the city and don’t walk alone in the middle of the night.
If you find yourself in Podgorica in summer, Moraca, Zeta and Cijevna rivers are in the city, and you can cool of on some of the beaches. You will find many of the locals and visitors swimming, so feel free to do the same.
How to get around
The best way to get around Podgorica is by foot. It is a very walkable city, and all the main attractions and traveler spots are within easy walking distance from each other. The public transportation system in Podgorica is not the best, and is often overcrowded. Taxis are also a very popular way of getting around the city. They are frequent, cheap, and easy to find.
Where to stay
There are many hotels in Podgorica, from low-budget to high-end. Prices can vary depending on the season and the day of the week. If you prefer staying in high end hotels, then Hotel Podgorica is one of the good hotels in Podgorica, located just next to the river Moraca, with beautiful Panorama. It has a unique building design, and the service is excellent. If you like modern and urban areas, we can also recommend you Cue hotel in Preko Morace area. Alternatively, you can find some amazing Airbnb’s, this is how we like it most. This way you can help the locals or small business owners. A lot of our guests choose to stay in Podgorica and then take day trips to visit the rest of the country.
Is Podgorica worth visiting?
In our opinion – Yes! Podgorica is a very modern and green city, and is a great place to visit. There is plenty to see and do as we written about in the article, and the city has a friendly atmosphere that welcomes visitors from all over the world. If you are visiting Montenegro, make sure not to skip the most underestimated city in Europe.
Complete guide to Podgorica