Cheap city trip to Podgorica

When is the best time to go?

May to June and September are the best travel months for Podgorica. Temperatures of 22-28 degrees, the landscape is in full bloom, waterfalls are at their peak and there are considerably fewer tourists than in peak season.

Podgorica is considered one of the hottest cities in Europe in July and August, with temperatures regularly exceeding 35 degrees. September offers Montenegro's coastal sea at its warmest, with less crowding and lower prices. Book 6-8 weeks in advance for the lowest fares; compare Momondo, Kayak and Skyscanner.

The best neighborhoods in Podgorica

• Stara Varos (Ottoman Quarter) The historic heart of the city: a narrow maze of alleyways, two centuries-old mosques (15th and 18th century) and the Sahat Kula clock tower from 1667. Free admission. Ideal for an exploratory walk.
• Nova Varos The trendy nightlife center: cafes, bars, boutiques and restaurants. This is where life happens after sunset. Ideal for evening entertainment.
• Krusevac Cultural district with the National Theatre of Montenegro, galleries and concert halls. Quiet and green.
• Blok 5 Typical socialist-modernist residential district from the 1970s-1980s, interesting for architecture lovers.
• Delta City / Riverside Modern promenade along the Moraca River, good starting point for a city walk.

Top 5 things to do in Podgorica and surroundings

• Lake Skadar (National Park) The largest lake in the Balkans, 40 km south of Podgorica. National park entry 4-5 euros. Boat trip from 15 euros per person (2 hours, including visit to the water monastery Kom). Flamingos, pelicans and impressive mountain backdrop.
• Ostrog Monastery Spectacular monastery carved into a sheer cliff face at 900 meters altitude, 90 km from Podgorica. Free admission (modest clothing required). One of the most visited religious sites in the Balkans. Rental car or tour recommended.
• Niagara Waterfall (Cijevna River) Impressive 10-meter waterfall on the Cijevna River, 15 km from the center. Free admission. Most impressive in April-June. Restaurant Niagara nearby with fresh trout. Reachable by taxi (around 10 euros).
• Cijevna Canyon Wild gorge of the Cijevna River, next to the waterfall. Hiking, climbing and swimming possible. Free and barely touristy. Wear sturdy shoes.
• Stara Varos The Ottoman quarter with the Sahat Kula clock tower (1667, 16 meters high), two historic mosques and a narrow maze of alleyways. Free, within walking distance of the center.

Flights and transport from the Netherlands to Podgorica

There are no direct flights from the Netherlands to Podgorica (TGD). You fly with a stopover, typically via Belgrade (Air Serbia), Budapest (Wizz Air) or another European hub. Return from around 123 euros total.

Total journey time is typically 5 to 7 hours depending on the connection. Book 6-8 weeks in advance; compare Momondo, Kayak and Skyscanner for the best stopover combination.

Airport to city center taxi: fixed rate around 15 euros (10 km). Bolt taxi is cheaper than street taxis. City bus around 0.70 euros per ride (cash payment). Rental car recommended for day trips to Lake Skadar, Ostrog and Cijevna; bus to Budva 5 euros, Kotor 6 euros. Book via DiscoverCars for a rental car in Podgorica.

What does a city trip to Podgorica cost?

Montenegro is one of the cheapest countries in Europe. Hostel from 10-18 euros per night, budget hotel 25-47 euros, mid-range 60-90 euros. Cheap restaurant 8-10 euros, dinner for two (mid-range) 22-45 euros, local beer 1.50-2.50 euros, coffee 1-2 euros. Daily all-in budget as a backpacker around 35-50 euros. A long weekend in Podgorica (3 nights, flight with connection, hotel, food) realistically costs 350-500 euros per person.

Insider tips: Gorica Hill and trout at the Niagara waterfall

Climb up to Gorica Hill, a forested park with free panoramic views over the entire city and surrounding mountains. Popular with locals for morning walks, virtually no tourists. Combine with a visit to the Niagara waterfall early in the morning: you'll have the place nearly to yourself.

Restaurant Niagara next to it serves fresh river trout as a must-try. Also taste the local Vranac red wine at one of the wine bars in Nova Varos: Montenegrin, drinkable and incredibly affordable.

Day trip to Kotor from Podgorica: is it worth it?

Kotor is the absolute must-do day trip from Podgorica. The medieval walled city, fully enclosed and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just 90 kilometres from the centre of Podgorica (about 1 hour 15 minutes by car or bus).

• Kotor Old Town (Stari Grad) Entry is free; there is a charge for the city walls (around 8 euros per person). Climb to the Castle of San Giovanni (1,355 steps, around 30-45 minutes) for one of the most spectacular views on the Adriatic coast. Arrive early (before 09:00) to beat the cruise tourists.
• Perast A picturesque village 10 km from Kotor, on the Bay of Kotor. Visit the islet of Our Lady of the Rocks by small boat (around 5 euros). Less crowded than Kotor and a must on any itinerary.
• Bus from Podgorica Buses depart every hour from Podgorica bus station to Kotor. Return around 12 euros, 1 hour 15 minutes. No rental car needed for this trip; the bus is reliable and comfortable.
• Rental car for more freedom If you also want to visit Budva (28 km from Kotor), Perast and the Lovcen viewpoint, a rental car is the better choice. From around 25 euros per day via local providers at Podgorica airport.

Tip: combine Kotor with a swim stop on the beach in Budva (28 km from Kotor) for a perfect day trip from Podgorica.