Budva
Travel Guide
Welcome to our Budva travel guide, exploring what is probably the most popular tourist destination in Montenegro and often nicknamed the ‘Montenegrin Miami’. While it may not have some of the charm of nearby Kotor, Budva is home to some great beaches, a quaint Old Town and plenty to do.
Budva has firmly found it’s place within Montenegro’s tourist hotspots, primarily for it’s beaches, which can get extremely busy in peak season. As a result, there has been a great deal of development in Budva, which stretches down most of the beach front area. Unfortunately, this isn’t all picturesque or well thought out, but there is still some charm to be had here. The atmospheric Old Town sits on the corner of the town and highlights the historic roots of the area. Budva is perfect as a family resort, due to it’s beaches, numerous bars and restaurants and easy access to plenty to do such as boat trips to other areas in Montenegro.
Budva Travel Guide Contents
Budva Travel Guide
How to get to Budva
As a small, compact country, it is common for tourists to arrive in Montenegro from several different arrival points. The most common arrival points for most tourists coming to Budva are from Tivat Airport (TIV) or from the capital city airport, Podgorica Airport (TGD). Alternatively, arriving from another area in Montenegro is also common, which we cover in the ‘Getting Around Budva’ section. Both Tivat and Podgorica airports are small and although Podgorica is the capital, Tivat airport is the busier of the two, due to its location near tourist destinations in the country. Both airports cater to international flights and have a small selection of cafes, and duty-free shops. During the peak season, Tivat airport can get uncomfortably busy for a small airport. These are the main transport options for getting to Budva from the two airports:
Taxi from Tivat Airport – Several taxis are awaiting arriving passengers at Tivat Airport so getting a taxi is no problem. The journey from the airport to Budva centre will take 25-30min and should cost no more than €25-€30 ($30-$35). Be careful, taxi drivers outside the airport can quote some astronomical prices for this journey, up to €50! So you might need to ask a few drivers or negotiate a little.
Transfer or Taxi from Podgorica Airport – The journey from Podgorica Airport to Tivat takes approx 1hr 10min and should cost approx €55-€65 ($65-$77) in either a taxi from arrivals or a pre-arranged transfer. It is possible to get a transfer for as little as €50 if you pre-book with certain companies. If you’re in a group of 4 or more then this option will work out on a similar budget to the below option
Public Transport from Podgorica Airport – This option is a little complex but is better for those on a budget. You can catch a bus from Podgorica Bus Station to Budva for approx €6 ($7) per person, journey time 1hr 35min. To get to the bus station from the airport, you can either take a taxi, costing approx €12 ($14.25) or take the train and walk 1km, which would only cost €8 ($9.50). The entire journey can take anywhere up to 2.5hrs, so this is not a great option for those short on time, but will save a substantial amount of money if you are travelling alone
Areas to stay in Budva
Although Budva certainly feels bigger than nearby Tivat and Kotor, it is still quite compact as a town. The main areas for tourists to stay in Budva are either within the Old Town or further into the developed side of town, near the beach promenade. If you’re looking to stay in the prettiest area, then the Old Town is definitely the best option and is still a stone’s throw from the beach. If you’re looking for cheaper accommodation, bigger hotels and/or apartments then out of the Old Town and closer to the beach promenade will provide you with better options.
Accommodation in Budva
Budva is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in Montenegro and, as a result, accommodation options are plentiful across the city. Many of the larger upscale resorts in Budva sit outside of the main city area with private beaches and sweeping views across the Adriatic whereas the majority of budget hotels and apartments are situated within Budva’s city. Within the Old Town walls, there are a few hotels but apartments are more common due to the old building structures. There’s something for everyone from large resorts to boutique hotels and tons of family-orientated options. Accommodation prices are very reasonable in Budva, similar to many Balkan destinations but prices can still rise in the peak months of July and August so it’s wise to book ahead to get the best deal. Here are just a few of our top Budva accommodation picks:
Budget Option | Freedom Hostel Budva – Situated in Budva’s Old Town, Freedom Hostel offers clean and simple dorm-style rooms in a quaint building in a superb location. A shared kitchen, lounge and terrace are available for guests alongside a very reasonably priced continental breakfast.
Mid-range hotel option | Apia Residence – Located just a few minutes from Budva Old Town and Mogren Beach, Apia Residence offers apartment options in a hotel-like setting with fully equipped kitchens, balconies and lounge areas. There is also a shared laundry room available for guests.
Mid-range apartment option | City Apartments – These generously sized apartments are located on the main Budva beach stretch. All apartments have air-conditioning, a fully-equipped kitchen and a balcony or terrace.
High-end hotel option | Fontana Hotel & Gastronomy – Overlooking the main Budva beach and within walking distance to the Old Town, Fontana Hotel is a solid high-end hotel option in Budva offering modern and well-equipped rooms, great service, superb breakfast and a good restaurant within the hotel
Luxury hotel option | Dukley Hotel & Resort – Highly regarded as one of the best hotels in Budva, Dukley Hotel & Resort is a large resort with a wide selection of beautiful rooms, a large outdoor pool and 3 on-site restaurants. While the hotel is located outside of the main Budva area, guests are rewarded with stunning views over the Adriatic and the addition of golf carts to get around the area as well as a free boat transfer service to Budva Old Town
How to get around Budva
Like many places in Montenegro, Budva is incredibly easy to move around by foot and has limited public transport as a result. Taxis are available but in most areas of the town, you will be no more than a 15-minute walk to the Old Town and a 10-minute walk to the beach. The Old Town itself is pedestrianised, so no cars can enter. If you are planning to go to nearby villages and towns, including Sveti Stefan, the best option is to go by boat. There are lots of boat trips leaving from the marina area, as well as lots of taxi boats as well. If you are coming into Budva from Kotor, then you should expect to pay around €15-€20 ($18-$24) in a taxi, but buses are also available. Buses are reasonably cheap, costing approx €1-€2 ($1.20-$2.40) from either Tivat or Kotor into Budva.
Things to do in Budva
As we mentioned, Budva is a great destination for family holidays but is worth visiting regardless of your circumstances. Here’s our compact list of the top things to do in Budva:
Budva Old Town – The Stari Grad (Old Town) of Budva is very quaint and pretty and nothing beats taking a wander around the small streets, seeing the sights of some of the old Churches and houses and appreciating the history and architecture all around
Citadela – One of the most historically important buildings in Budva’s Old Town, the Citadela Fortress costs €3.50 ($4.25) to visit and offers visitors 360-degree views overlooking the Old Town and Adriatic sea. There is also a library and exhibitions inside
Mogren Beach – As one of the most beautiful beaches close to Budva town, Mogren beach is a must-see. Its sandy shores are nestled between cliffs, which alongside the crystal clear waters make for a great beach experience
Sveti Stefan – The small island of Sveti Stefan is located approx 6km from Budva and is picturesque. The island itself is now a luxury resort but a visit (preferably via boat) is worth it to appreciate the views and to make the most of the great beaches nearby
Walk the Promenade – Budva has a great promenade which runs all along the main beach and then up and around the cliffs, which makes for a refreshing and relaxing walk, as well as some amazing views
What to eat in Budva
Montenegrin food reflects that of many Balkan countries and is a mix of Balkan and Mediterranean cuisine, with an Italian influence. With over 150 restaurants in the Municipality of Budva, there is plenty of places to try, with a great range of options too. As well as some great Montenegrin options, we also found Chinese, Japanese and Thai restaurants in Budva, which were not so common in Kotor or Tivat. However, trying the local cuisine is a must-do so here is what to eat in Montenegro:
Njegusi Proscuitto – A must try when in Montenegro, this prosciutto is made in the village of Njegusi. Try as a sharing board with cheese and olives
Black Risotto – Common in Montenegro and along the Adriatic coast, this risotto dish comes with cuttlefish pieces and is black from the ink
Burek – A popular breakfast dish, these pastries are usually spiral-shaped and filled with potato, spinach, cheese or meat
Ispod Saca – A very traditional, hearty dish of slow-roasted meat (commonly goat, veal or lamb) with potatoes, carrots, onion, tomato and paprika
Cream Pie – This local dessert is light and fluffy and custard-based, it is delicious and a must-try when in Kotor
Money - Budva Travel Costs
Despite not being a member of the EU, the currency in Montenegro is the Euro (€). Credit & Debit cards are widely accepted throughout Budva and ATMs accepting foreign cards can be found in many parts of the town. A service charge is occasionally added to the bill, usually in handwriting at the bottom of the bill. If it is not included, and you are happy with the service then a tip of 5-10% is quite normal, you can round up for taxis. Budva, like most of Montenegro, is very reasonably priced. Here’s a guide for what you can expect to pay in Budva (per person) for:
A local draught beer – €2-€3 ($2.50-$3.50)
A coffee – €1-€3 ($1.25-$3.50)
A grab and go pastry – €1-€2 ($1.25-$2.50)
Budget restaurant meal – €5-€15 ($6-$18)
Mid-range restaurant meal – €15-€30 ($18-$36)
High-end restaurant meal – €35+ ($42+)
When to go to Budva and for how long
The best time to visit Budva is in either June or September when there is less rain and the weather is warmer. Budva suits either a day or 1-2 nights stay for couples and lone travellers, or is great for a longer 5-day or week-long visit for families, as it’s very family-friendly. If you opt for a 1-2 night stay then we recommend tying your visit to Budva in with other destinations, such as Kotor, in Montenegro.
Local language and phrases
The local language in Montenegro in Serbian. Check out our Montenegro travel tips for some keywords and phrases you can use while in Montenegro to help you get by.
Budva travel tips
– Budva is generally very safe and is suitable for lone travellers, including lone females
– The water is safe to drink in Budva
– If you require a PCR test during or at the end of your journey in Montenegro, PCR and Antigen tests are available at Milmedika. They have locations in Tivat and Budva and can also offer a home testing service. Be sure to check the test and entry requirements of where you are travelling to
Budva travel guide written in July 2021
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Budva Travel Articles
Budva Walking Tour Videos And Maps
You can head to our Youtube Channel for more Montenegro walking tours, and tours and videos for other destinations across the globe.
Budva Old Town Walls Route
A walking tour video highlighting the sights and sounds outside the Budva Old Town walls with an accompanying map showing the route we walked
Budva Old Town Route
A walking tour video through the beautiful old streets of Budva Old Town
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