Wondering whether to visit Podgorica? The capital city of Montenegro is habitually overshadowed by the beach towns and iconic hillside monasteries. But there are plenty of things to do in Podgorica that complete the glimpse of Montenegrin culture that can only be understood in a visit with a day in the capital city.
On its own, Podgorica doesn’t honestly have the best reputation as a city-destination in Europe. And a lot of blogs about the best things to do in Podgorica only list daytrips or activities out of the city.
But what we found was a friendly, small city to explore. Everything can be seen in a day. And if you have just a few hours to park up it’s well worth a walk around to taste and take in what is a unique Eastern European capital city.
Here are 20 best things to do in Podgorica, Montenegro.
- History
- Getting to Podgorica
- Best time to visit
- Things to do in Podgorica, Montenegro
– Podgorica Bazar
– Mall of Montenegro
– Pekara AS Bakery
– Museum of Natural History
– Itaka Library Cafe
– King’s Park
– Pinokio Palacinke
– Sahat Kula Clock Tower
– Osmanagic Mosque
– Stara Varos Old Town
– Starodoganjska Mosque
– Old Ribnica River Bridge
– King Nikola Monument
– Independence Square
– Moscow Bridge
– Millennium Bridge
– Burek at Buregdzinica Vukcevic
– Podgorica Orthodox Temple
– Brutalist Architecture
– Podgorica Royal Palace - Where to eat / Best cafes in Podgorica
- Parking in Podgorica
History of Podgorica, Montenegro
In case you are wondering why you haven’t heard of Podgorica before. Or why you haven’t seen images of the capital city with stunning architecture like its larger Balkan neighbours. Podgorica has had a tumultuous past.
In fact, Podgorica is one of the oldest settlements in this part of the Balkans. However, almost all the historic buildings and architecture was destroyed with bombing in World War II. Podgorica had a population of 13,000 people before the war, but more than 4000 lives were lost when the city was bombed.
Today the city is still comparatively small. And much of the architecture style is post-war and duly Brutalist. But there are traces of the city’s history from the Ottoman era still today and pockets of greenery from when it was once a monarchy too.
Getting to Podgorica
Podgorica is well connected with Europe by road, air, and rail. Podgorica Airport connects the capital city of Montenegro with other European cities. And there is a daily train from Belgrade (Serbia) to Podgorica.
However, because the country is geographically tiny, small the best way of getting to Podgorica is by road (car or bus).
Buses connect Podgorica with the neighbouring capital cities of Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Tirana (Albania), Pristina (Kosovo) and Belgrade (Serbia). And there are intercity buses between Podgorica and Kotor.
- Kotor to Podgorica: 1 hr 29 min (87.1 km) via M2.3 and E65/E80
- Sarajevo to Podgorica: 4 hr 12 min (230.0 km) via M18
- Tirana to Podgorica: 2 hr 56 min (161.9 km) via E762
Best time to visit Podgorica, Montenegro
Summer in Montenegro is synonymous with long days, blue skies, and sunshine. But with the beautiful weather also comes the crowds.
The Balkans experiences comfortable temperatures in the shoulder spring and autumn seasons and Podgorica is nice to explore minus both the summer heat and crowds. (Albeit it doesn’t get the crowds of Kotor, but you know what I mean).
We are likely bias after visiting in Spring, but even with the Brutalist residential style the parks look lush in greenery and the rivers are a vibrant turquoise colour. It’s a great time to visit.
20 Things to do in Podgorica, Montenegro
Forget anything you heard about this small capital city and get ready for a great day out.
Here are 20 of the best things to do in Podgorica, Montenegro.
1. Podgorica Bazar / Trznice I Pijace Market
There is something about the vibe of a Balkan Bazaar that makes you feel transported much further afield than Eastern Europe. The Trznice I Pijace Market or Green Bazaar is the best place to start your explorations of the best things to do in Podgorica.
The market is the hub of Podgorica and gives a bustling and lively first impression; regardless of whatever you may have been told about the city.
There are brightly coloured cherries and towering displays of dried fruits and nuts. There is honey and fresh cheeses. And organic fruits and vegetables that will have you wishing you brought your shopping bags and your camera.
- Tip: If you are setting out to see the best things to do in Podgorica, Trznice I Pijace Market is a good place to start.
2. Mall of Montenegro
It’s not often we suggest malls on any list of things to do in a city. But in Podgorica if the market is your first stopping point (and it should be); then the Mall of Montenegro is just next door. And it is the largest mall in Podgorica.
Montenegro uses the Euro as currency. Though heads up, don’t be expecting every stop on your city tour to accept payment by card. There are a lot of things to do in Podgorica that are free anyway, but just outside the mall is an ATM to withdraw cash.
3. Pekara AS Bakery
Just down the street, quite literally a few hundred metres from the market is the friendly small bakery, Pekara AS. There are plenty of bakeries in Podgorica (you can see the signs for ‘Pekara’ everywhere) but not all bakeries are created equal…
Pekara AS has a very friendly team and their eyes just lit up to see visitors as excited as they are about Burekand Priganice.
If you can wait a few stops until we share the best Burek in Podgorica, then this is the time to try Priganice. Because seriously, if theres anything better than dumplings; that would be fried dumplings. These priganice are tasty, friend parcels of goodness. Grab a seat in the sunshine with your treats and watch the world of Podgorica going by.
4. Montenegro Museum of Natural History
Just behind AS Bakery is the small Natural History Museum of Montenegro. This might not be leaping out from lists of things to do in Podgorica. Albeit the online reviews are not the most flattering. (And yes; it does have a way to go to meet Western European museum-standards). But that’s why you’re here, right? To see Montenegro. (And they may never have the opportunity for improving comparability if no one goes to see them).
Inside is a decent sized room of displays about animals, flora and fauna from Montenegro and the surrounding mountains.
Tickets are 2 EUR (1 EUR per child) and you’ll need maximum half an hour. The ladies in the office are welcoming and will be happy to show you in.
- Tip: For 2 EUR this is one of the frugal-but-interesting things to do in Podgorica and a great way to give something back to the city especially if you aren’t staying around long.
5. Itaka Library Café (under the bridge)
Take the (very unlikely looking) stairs down off Pete Proleterske Brigade to the Ribnica River beneath the road. Here you will find a colorful welcome of graffiti and street-art and the popular Itaka Library Café and Karver Bookstore.
When we visited just before lunchtime, we bagged the last outside table. It’s a happening place with a funky vibe overlooking the river and away from the bustle of main-road Podgorica.
They don’t serve food, but the coffee is great, and this is a perfect second stop on your Podgorica itinerary.
6. King’s Park
Podgorica might not have the claim to fame of historic architecture like the neighbouring Balkan cities. But it does seem to have an unabashedly fair proportion of green spaces and parks (in between the Brutalist architecture and post-war rebuilds).
Take a walk through King’s Park. It’s not huge but it’s always a nice feeling to see city-folk out enjoying their green spaces and making the most of good weather.
7. Pinokio Palacinke
We almost didn’t see Pinokio Palacinke. It’s not a huge café but a parkside kiosk on the corner of King’s Park. This understated booth serves traditional pancakes and ice cream. And if you haven’t tried Palacinke yet this is the place to do it.
Palacinke are a local style of pancake and one of the most common street foods in the Balkan countries. There are specialized creperies or Palacinke kiosks like this one that serve savoury or sweet pancakes with all kinds of topping.
And on that note; you won’t be the only one lining up for palacinke here. But just as a word of warning don’t go overboard with the toppings. These are truly sticky and hard to eat on the go!
8. Sahat Kula Clock Tower
The Clock Tower is one of the very few Ottoman landmarks hat survived the bombing of Podgorica in World War II.
Sahat Kula was built in 1667 and is a freestanding 19m tall stone clock tower. Originally built by the Ottomans, in the late 19th century a metal cross was installed at the top of the tower symbolizing the transfer of the city from the Ottoman rule to Christian Montenegrins.
The style of stonework is like the iconic buildings in Kotor. And today, Sahat Kula is an important cultural monument of Montenegro.
9. Osmanagic Mosque
The Osmanagic Mosque was built at the same time as the Clock Tower by Hadji Medmed-Pasha Osmanagic who also built a tomb for himself in the courtyard of the mosque.
The mosque was extensively damaged during World War II and it was not until 1997 that it was thoroughly renovated and back in use.
10. Stara Varos Podgorica Old Town
Stara Varos is the oldest part of the city of Podgorica dating to Ottoman rule. Between the 1400’s and 1800’s Stara Varos was the heart of the city but much of the old part was destroyed during the bombing in World War II.
It is a peaceful part of Podgorica to wander with grape vines protruding from the old stone houses and walls. It’s easy to imagine what it would once have been like in its heyday with a feel of the old Podgorica vibe.
11. Starodoganjska Mosque
The Mosque of Starodoganjska is the second of the last existing Ottoman mosques within Stara Varos and the oldest. It was built by Skender-Beg Caus at the end of the 15th century. And after the destruction during World War II it was the only active mosque in the city.
Today it has been renovated several times and is a small but lively mosque; especially if you are passing by on a Friday.
- Tip: Don’t be shy to ask inside. We were walking by and welcomed in (during Jummah / Friday prayer) to have a look.
12. Old Ribnica River Bridge
The Old Bridge over the Ribnica River is the oldest bridge in Podgorica. It spans the Ribnica River just near its confluence with the Moraca River.
The old bridge was built during Roman rule. And although it underwent reconstruction in the 18th century it has retained the original style of Roman build from that era.
It is a stunning part of the city just beyond the remains of the old city wall of Stara Varos. Plus, it is a handy way to get across the river to the next stop of King Nikola and Independence Square!
13. King Nikola Monument
There certainly isn’t any shortage of monuments around Podgorica. The parks are full of statues and monuments. And many of the buildings have grand, raised statues out the front. However, not all of them elude much to the history of who they are in fact depicting.
Many of them commemorate rulers or leaders of historic Montenegro. Like the large King Nikola Monument.
Nikola I Petrovic Njegos was the last monarch of Montenegro from 1860 to 1918. (A statue worth a pic and it’s on your way to Independence Square).
14. Independence Square
Located in Nova Varos (the new town of Podgorica) the Independece Square was formerly known as Trg Ivana Milutinovica (Ivan Milutinovic Square).
Milutinovic was a famous Montenegrin communist politician and national hero. However, in 2006 when Montenegro gained independence the square underwent a massive reconstruction and was renamed as Independence Square.
Today the square is often the hub for performances or celebrations (it was at the time we visited). And the surrounding area is a hive of cafes and coffee shops.
15. Moscow Bridge and Plaza Galeb
A walk across Moscow Bridge is one of the iconic things to do in Podgorica. And a handy one too as it takes you from the old city side of the river to the new.
The Moscow Bridge is a pedestrian bridge that spans the river, Moraca. There are great views to Millennium Bridge (a sight in itself) and the bridge connects to the Vygotsky Monument on the other side.
- Tip: Vladmir Vygotsky was a famous Soviet singer, songwriter, and poet. (Whom we confess we had never heard of). But the Vygotsky monument is another of Podgorica’s renowned statues of interest.
16. Millennium Bridge
Podgorica isn’t a huge city. And some would say not the prettiest. But you can’t help noticing the cable-stayed Millennium Bridge spanning the Moraca River.
You may have even driven over it coming in to town. But the best view of the celebrated Millennium Bridge is from the parallel pedestrian Moscow Bridge.
17. Burek at Buregdzinica Vukcevic
Hopefully you aren’t already full from Podgorica’s size-wise-impressive café scene. Because you need room to try the best Burek in Podgorica.
Finding Burek at Buregdzinica Vukcevic (just near the Orthodox Temple) was one of those travel moments where it feels like you’ve found the pot of gold. This is a totally understated, traditional and longtime Burek kiosk in Podgorica.
For less than 2 EUR you can try what is arguably the most famous food in Montenegro from locals who have literally been tossing Burek for years.
- Tip: You can find Burek everywhere (truly) but we 100% recommend Buregdzinica Vukcevic for the best local experience.
18. Orthodox Temple / Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, Podgorica
The Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ is a Serbian Orthodox Church located in the new town neighbourhood of Podgorica. The inside of the cathedral is spectacular and decorated ornately with gold-gelded artwork and design. It is certainly one of the most beautiful sights of the city, even if it is a relatively new addition to the city’s landscape.
Construction of the church began in 1993 so it isn’t part of Montenegro’s long history. But the cathedral today is the largest in Montenegro and one of the classic things to do in Podgorica.
19. Brutalist Architecture
There isn’t much that’s flattering to describe the post-war style of Brutalist architecture that makes up a good proportion of visible new Podgorica. It’s debatably hideous.
Because much of the city was destroyed during the bombings of World War II, the post-war reconstruction is in typical style of the decades that followed. It’s strikingly grim, grey, concrete, and square.
But somehow as a visitor in Podgorica it adds to the interest. And likewise, interestingly it seems for locals too. We noticed in the café there was artwork of the Blok 5 Housing Estate. And murals painting the oddly grim square apartment blocks.
We had a Burek-picnic in the park overlooking Blok 5, but you can see it in other buildings too.
- Tip: It’s on murals and paintings. So, it’s worth a visit. (Seriously). Add Blok 5 and the Television and Radio Building to your list of things to do in Podgorica.
20. Podgorica Royal Palace
Just across the river from the old town is the Podgorica Royal Palace. This is the former royal winter residence of King Nikola I built in the 19th century.
The palace now houses the Centre of Contemporary Art and while the building is not always open the surround park and woodlands is lovely.
The verdict on things to do in Podgorica?
We were only intending to visit Podgorica for a morning and have a quick look as we drove through Montenegro.
It’s hard to describe the city because it truly is unlike any of the other capital cities in the Balkans. But without hesitation, Podgorica is worth a visit.
It’s a friendly capital city. (We still can’t get over the small population figure for Montenegro). But the size of the city and the lack of mainstream tourists just adds to its appeal as a unique destination in Eastern Europe.
I couldn’t give a genuine suggestion to fly here for a European weekend city-escape. But if you’re passing Montenegro and thinking you might just drive on by; don’t.
It’s a unique city to explore and there are plenty of things to do in Podgorica to keep you interested, intrigued, full of caffeine – and Burek.
Enjoy Podgorica and a glimpse of the city life of Montenegro.
Where to eat / Best cafes in Podgorica
I’d say size-wise this city represents strongly with its café culture and coffee shop scene. Albeit one of the best things to do in Podgorica is to get a coffee and join in with café-hopping.
Like most of the Balkans, coffee is a big deal. It is affordable (and especially in stark contrast to Western Europe) and it makes for an enjoyable part of the city culture in Podgorica.
- Tip: Coffee is impressively affordable in Podgorica at 1 – 2 EUR for a good, café coffee.
Parking in Podgorica
There appears to be plenty of off-street public parking in Podgorica. And despite what you might hear (or be fearing) it is fine.
Albeit the parking lots look disorganized and there is no one assigned to watch over your vehicle. But the parking is free, and the city is small and easy to get around on foot. It wouldn’t be a problem to pop back and check on your vehicle.
Where to stay in Podgorica with a motorhome
We found a fantastic place to stay in Montenegro with our motorhome just 20km from Podgorica in Novo Selo.
Sanela’s farm is listed on Park4Night (below) and is a truly peaceful haven. We parked up and took a taxi to Podgorica for the day. (Purely because we had no idea about parking and had been told it wasn’t ideal).
In hindsight, it is a great small city to park an explore on foot. But if you want the comfort of leaving your motorhome for a different kind of day out there are taxis available to the city.
RANC ARIA & HUNCUT
- Location: 81410 Novo Selo
- Type: Farm
- Park4Night: #323171
- Cost: 10 EUR per night
- Facilities: Toilets, showers (hot), drinking water, washing machine and WIFI
About: A beautiful small farm in Montenegro. The owner Sanela will warmly welcome you and show you around. It is a peaceful retreat after the larger cities and tourist destinations in the Balkans and one we would recommend to anyone.
Useful links for your travels in Eastern Europe and beyond…
These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- Skyscanner – This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable insurance plans that can be tailored to digital nomads and long-term travellers. They have cheap weekly and monthly plans that are possible to book even when you have already left home.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home).
