Podgorica isn’t many people’s first thought when it comes to a city break, but as our guests are discovering, it’s worth a couple of nights there—especially as you’re likely to be flying into it anyway. So we thought we’d give you some pointers on what to see and do there, with recommendations from UB co-founders Ben and Emma who know the city very well.
Podgorica is one of the few capital cities where you’re close to nature with the mountains, Lake Skadar and the Adriatic coast within reach and three rivers surrounding it. The city itself is brimming with history, from the ancient Romans and Ottomans to the Second World War and Yugoslavia years, when it was called ‘Titograd’. We’ll admit, it’s not obviously pretty like Dubrovnik but dig a little beneath the surface, or better, hire a local guide, and Podgorica will soon have you under its spell.
From things to do to, and where to eat and drink, here are 10 of the best things to see and do in Podgorica.
Read our other Balkan city guides and find more travel tips and inspiration on the blog
Wander Podgorica old town
Stara Varoš was the beating heart of the city between the 15th and 19th centuries. Much of this Ottoman neighbourhood was flattened during the second World War but a few stone streets and houses from the era remain. The old clock tower of Sahat Kula also survived the wars and marks the start of the old quarter.
Eat ćevapi at Pod Volat
If you want to try good ćevapi (a grilled meat sausage served with a pitta like bread), this is the place to go according to UB co-founders Ben and Emma, who are yet to find better in Montenegro. Just steps away from the old clock tower, munch on this traditional dish or another Montenegrin special from the menu after a morning exploring the old town.
Visit The Hram
Located in the new town neighbourhood of Podgorica, the Hram—aka the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ—is as impressive inside as it is out; its dome is one of the world’s tallest after St Isaac’s Cathedral in St Petersburg. Inside, there isn’t a plain patch in sight as every inch is covered in beautiful frescoes. In fact, some of the frescoes caused a stir when the cathedral was first built as they depicted communist leaders Tito, Marx and Engels burning in the flames of hell.
Discover the ancient Roman city of Doclea (Duklja)
Just a few kilometres north of Podgorica lie the ruins of the Roman city of Doclea (Duklja). Founded in the 1st century AD, a wealth of artefacts have been uncovered at this once thriving urban centre with forum, basilica, temples and baths; the remains of which today lie abandoned and forgotten. It’s free entry and you’re quite free to roam around the ruins and explore as you wish. The settlement is one of the greatest testimonies to Montenegro’s ancient heritage.
Related:
- The Undiscovered guide to Tirana, Albania
- 5 free things to do in Belgrade, Serbia
- What to see and do in Sarajevo, Bosnia
- The Undiscovered guide to Ston, the quieter alternative to Dubrovnik
Try the high ropes at Adventure Park Gorica
If you’re looking for a fun family-friendly activity, head to Gorica Park where you can strap on a harness and walk among the tree canopies at the Avanturistički Park Gorica. After your treetop adventure, cool off with a drink in the shady cafe there.
Swim in the Morača River
If the heat in the city is getting too much, make like the Montenegrins and jump into the cool, turquoise waters of the Morača—how many cities can you say you’ve done that in? Be sure to swim upstream of the city to avoid any pollution and remember there are no lifeguards, so know your limits and swim safely.
Explore the Cijevna River Falls
Nestled in the Cijevna River canyon lies Montenegro’s answer to the Niagara Falls, and it’s just a 10 minute drive from Podgorica’s centre. This is another great place for a dip as well as a bite to eat at Niagara restaurant (see what they did there?). Just bear in mind the falls dry up in summer so the best time to see them in full gush is in late spring/early summer, or autumn/winter.
Go wine-tasting at a winery
Did you know that Montenegro has some great wine? You’re not alone. Although Croatia is becoming more associated with the grape stuff, the rest of the Balkans is yet to get word out about its wine culture. And lucky for you, there are several wineries in Podgorica which you can visit for a tour and some wine tasting. Ben and Emma recommend the small, family-run Vukićević winery or for more grandeur, try Radević Estate on the banks of the Zeta river.
Find out more about wine in Montenegro and Croatia
Grab some drinks in Bokeška
If you’re looking for a cosmopolitan vibe and good cocktails, head to Bokeška, Podgorica’s tiny equivalent of Soho in London. This 30-metre street is lined with lively bars with outside seating and there’s often live music late into the night. A personal favourite of Ben and Emma’s is Gostiona 1928, while just next door is the Nag’s Head (Regina Glava), named and decorated in homage to the fictional pub in the British sitcom Only Fools and Horses. We kid you not.
Take a bike tour
Want to see Podgorica’s highlights all in one smooth circuit? Thanks to Podgorica’s chilled vibe and flat terrain, it’s a wonderful place to explore by bicycle. There are several bike tours on offer, but we recommend our very own guide Nikola’s Discover Podgorica e-bike tour. In three hours, you’ll peddle by the old Ottoman town, the new town (where the Hram is), and Duklja ruins before making your way back via the riverside trails of the Zeta and Morača, all the while hearing Podgorica’s story from a local.
Browse our growing collection of small group adventure holidays in Montenegro to explore Podgorica and beyond like a local.
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