Podgorica, Montenegro – Complete guide for a perfect stay in the city

This article collects useful information about the location, accommodation and hotels, restaurants, car rental services, sights, and much more for a comfortable stay in Montenegro's capital city.

Podgorica, Montenegro

Podgorica is the capital and largest city of Montenegro, serving as the country's administrative, economic, and cultural center. While not as well-known for tourism as the coastal areas, Podgorica offers visitors an authentic Montenegrin experience with a blend of modern urban lifestyle and historical sites. The city sits at the confluence of the Ribnica and Morača rivers, surrounded by beautiful mountains and valleys that create a picturesque setting.

Where is Podgorica?

Podgorica is situated in the central part of Montenegro, approximately 65 km from the Adriatic coast. The city is located in a valley surrounded by the Dinaric Alps, creating a unique microclimate. As the capital of Montenegro, Podgorica serves as the main transportation hub of the country.

The city is home to the main international airport of Montenegro – Podgorica Airport (TGD), which welcomes regular and charter flights from major European cities. The airport is located just 12 km south of the city center. Podgorica also has excellent railway and bus connections to other parts of Montenegro and neighboring countries.

Why do you need to plan your holidays in Podgorica?

Podgorica might not be the first choice for many tourists visiting Montenegro, but it offers several advantages:

Authentic experience: Unlike the coastal tourist hotspots, Podgorica gives you a glimpse into the everyday life of Montenegrins.
Strategic location: The central position makes it an excellent base for exploring all parts of Montenegro, from the mountains in the north to the coast in the south.
Modern infrastructure: As the capital, it offers all amenities and services travelers might need.
Rich history: Despite significant destruction during WWII, the city preserves historical sites dating back to Roman, Ottoman, and Yugoslav periods.
Vibrant cultural scene: Numerous museums, galleries, theaters, and festivals throughout the year.
Affordable prices: Compared to coastal areas, Podgorica offers better value for money, especially outside the peak tourist season.
Culinary diversity: From traditional Montenegrin cuisine to international options, the city has a wide variety of dining choices.
Green spaces: Despite being urban, the city boasts beautiful parks and natural areas along the rivers.

We should mention a few disadvantages to be objective:

Extreme summer heat: Temperatures regularly exceed 35°C in July and August, making city exploration challenging.
Not particularly picturesque: Much of the city was rebuilt after WWII in a utilitarian socialist style.
Limited tourist infrastructure: Fewer tour operators and tourist-oriented services compared to coastal towns.
Less vibrant nightlife: While improving, the nightlife scene is more modest than in beach destinations.

Sightseeing in Podgorica

Despite not being primarily a tourist destination, Podgorica offers interesting sights worth visiting:

Stara Varoš (Old Town): The Ottoman-era neighborhood featuring narrow streets, the Clock Tower (Sahat Kula), and the Osmanagić Mosque dating back to the 18th century.

Ribnica Bridge: An ancient stone bridge spanning the Ribnica River, dating back to the Ottoman period.

King Nikola's Castle: Once belonging to Montenegro's royal family, now hosting the National Museum of Montenegro.

Millennium Bridge: A striking modern symbol of the city spanning the Morača River.

Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ: An impressive Orthodox cathedral completed in 2013, featuring stunning Byzantine-style frescos.

Duklja (Doclea): Roman ruins located just outside the city, dating back to the 1st century CE.

Gorica Hill: A forested hill in the city center offering walking trails and panoramic views.

Petrović Palace: The former summer residence of the Petrović dynasty, now an art gallery.

Modern Art Square: Open-air exhibition of contemporary sculptures.

Podgorica City Stadium: Home to FK Budućnost, Montenegro's most successful football club.

Where to eat in Podgorica

Podgorica offers a diverse culinary scene with both traditional and international options:

Pod Volat: A legendary traditional restaurant serving authentic Montenegrin dishes like kačamak (polenta with cheese), cicvara (corn flour with kajmak), and grilled meats in a rustic setting.
Hemera: Elegant restaurant with a beautiful garden terrace offering Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist and an excellent wine selection.
Lanterna: Located in Stara Varoš, this restaurant specializes in freshwater fish from Lake Skadar and traditional dishes in an authentic atmosphere.
Republic of Good Food: Contemporary restaurant with creative fusion cuisine combining local ingredients with international cooking techniques.
Karver: Located in an old bread factory, this cultural center and café offers light meals, desserts, and drinks in an artistic atmosphere.
Zheng He: One of the best Asian restaurants in the city, serving authentic Chinese dishes in elegant surroundings.
Restobar Corso: Popular for its pasta, pizzas, and relaxed atmosphere, with outdoor seating along one of the main pedestrian streets.
Koliba: Traditional mountain-style restaurant specializing in meat dishes and Montenegrin specialties like lamb in milk.
Forest: Upscale dining experience with innovative menu options and an extensive wine list in a sophisticated setting.
City Kvart: Modern café-restaurant with good breakfast options, sandwiches, and international dishes.

Weather in Podgorica

Podgorica has a Mediterranean climate with continental influences, resulting in hot summers and mild winters. The city is known for being one of the warmest European capitals in summer.

The hot season lasts from June to September, with average temperatures between 25°C and 35°C. July and August are particularly hot, with temperatures frequently exceeding 40°C. Rainfall is rare during these months, and the humidity is relatively low.

The mild winter season runs from November to March. Average temperatures range from 5°C to 10°C, rarely dropping below freezing. December and January are the rainiest months, while snow is uncommon in the city center but can be seen on the surrounding mountains.

Spring (April and May) and autumn (October and November) offer the most pleasant weather for sightseeing, with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C and moderate rainfall.

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Where to live in Podgorica?

Hotels in Podgorica

Podgorica offers various accommodation options, from business hotels to boutique properties:

Hilton Podgorica Crna Gora (5-star): The most prestigious hotel in the city, located in the center with elegant rooms, a spa center, swimming pool, and excellent dining options.
CentreVille Hotel & Experiences (5-star): Modern luxury hotel with contemporary design, spa facilities, and an acclaimed restaurant serving international cuisine.
Hotel Podgorica (4-star): Located on the banks of the Morača River with beautiful views, comfortable rooms, and a restaurant specializing in local cuisine.
Hotel Philia (4-star): Business-oriented hotel with spacious rooms, conference facilities, and a convenient location near the city center.
Hotel Hemera (4-star): Boutique hotel with individually designed rooms, a restaurant, and an intimate atmosphere.
Ramada by Wyndham (4-star): International standard hotel with well-equipped rooms, fitness center, and business facilities.
Hotel Aurel (4-star): Modern hotel with clean, comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving both local and international dishes.
Hotel Kerber (3-star): Family-run hotel in a central location offering comfortable accommodation at reasonable prices.

Explore all hotels in Podgorica, Montenegro and find your stay

Apartments and long-term accommodation

For longer stays, Podgorica offers various rental options:

City Quarter apartments: Modern furnished apartments in the urban center, close to shopping and entertainment.
Preko Morače area: Quieter residential district with newer apartment buildings and good amenities.
City Kvart: Popular area with many cafes and restaurants, offering modern accommodation.
Old Airfield area: Developing residential zone with new apartment complexes.

Long-term accommodation prices start from €250-300 per month for a studio apartment, while larger apartments (2-3 bedrooms) range from €400-700 depending on location and amenities. Most properties come furnished, and utilities are typically paid separately.

How to rent a car in Podgorica?

Renting a car in Podgorica is straightforward and recommended for exploring Montenegro's diverse regions. Several international and local agencies operate in the city:

Enterprise: Located at the airport and city center, offers a wide range of vehicles from economy to premium.
Sixt: Provides quality service with multiple pickup locations including the airport.
Budget: Competitive rates with office at the airport and downtown.
LocalRent: Local company with good rates and flexible conditions.
MCR: Montenegrin company with affordable prices and no hidden fees.

Requirements typically include:

Valid driver's license for at least 1-2 years
Minimum age of 21-23 (varies by company)
Credit card for deposit
International driving permit (recommended but not always required)

Rental prices start from €20-30 per day for economy cars in the off-season, rising to €40-60 in summer. Weekly rentals offer better value. Most agencies allow cross-border travel to neighboring countries with additional insurance.

Where to go from Podgorica?

Podgorica's central location makes it perfect for exploring Montenegro's diverse attractions:

Skadar Lake National Park: Just 30 minutes from the city, offering boat trips, birdwatching, and traditional villages.
Ostrog Monastery: Dramatic monastery built into a cliff face, about 1.5 hours drive.
Cetinje: The old royal capital with historic buildings and museums, 30-40 minutes away.
Bay of Kotor: UNESCO World Heritage site with medieval towns and stunning fjord-like bay, 2 hours drive.
Durmitor National Park: Mountain landscapes, canyons, and glacial lakes, 2.5 hours north.
Budva Riviera: Popular coastal resort area with beaches and nightlife, 1 hour away.
Biogradska Gora National Park: One of Europe's few remaining primeval forests, 2 hours from the city.
Njeguši village: Famous for prosciutto and cheese production, en route to Kotor.
Prokletije Mountains: "The Albanian Alps" offering spectacular hiking opportunities, 2-3 hours northeast.
Croatian border (Dubrovnik): Approximately 2.5 hours drive for a day trip to this UNESCO city.

Many tour operators in Podgorica offer organized day trips to these destinations, with prices ranging from €30-80 per person depending on the distance and activities included.

Property in Podgorica, Montenegro

For those considering a more permanent base in Montenegro, Podgorica offers good investment opportunities:

Apartments and flats: Prices range from €1,000-1,900 per square meter depending on location and condition. New developments in the city center or premium locations can reach €2,500 per square meter.
Houses and villas: Starting from €150,000 for a smaller property in the suburbs to €500,000+ for luxury villas.
Land for development: Available on the outskirts of the city from €30-100 per square meter depending on location and infrastructure.

Popular areas for property investment include:

City center: Highest prices but good rental potential for business travelers
Preko Morače: Modern residential area with new developments
Tološi: Family-friendly suburb with good infrastructure
Zabjelo: Affordable area with improving amenities

Foreign buyers have the same rights as locals when purchasing property in Montenegro. The buying process is relatively straightforward, typically taking 1-2 months to complete.

Conclusion

Podgorica may not have the immediate appeal of Montenegro's coastal towns, but it offers an authentic experience of contemporary Montenegrin life. Its strategic location makes it an excellent base for exploring the entire country, while the lower prices and fewer tourists provide a more relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're visiting for business, using it as a starting point for day trips, or looking for investment opportunities, Montenegro's capital has much to offer the discerning traveler. With improving infrastructure, a growing cultural scene, and beautiful nature just minutes from the city center, Podgorica deserves consideration for your next Balkan adventure.

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Podgorica, Montenegro – Complete guide for a perfect stay in the city