Most travelers overlook Podgorica and head straight to Montenegro’s coast and mountains. But the nation’s capital entertains those who visit with an open mind. Most things to do in Podgorica relate to the city’s picturesque riverfront, where you’ll find old and new bridges, and cultural landmarks that shed light on how history and religion have shaped Montenegro. Podgorica also makes it easy to escape the urban sprawl, as parks and hillside trails abound.
Summer (June-August) is when Montenegro comes to life. For a city like Podgorica—where so many attractions are outdoor activities—it’s the best time to come. From May to September, you should experience comfortable weather for sightseeing, and if things get too hot, you can easily cool off in the Morača River, at the Morača outdoor swimming pools, or on a day trip to the coast.
Since Podgorica is not a large city, walking is a great way to get around downtown and the Novi Grad neighborhood. Public transport in Podgorica is provided by local buses with tickets purchased onboard with cash. Podgorica is Montenegro’s main hub for intercity buses, which is useful if you want to get to the coast from Podgorica Airport. Although you’ll need to take a train or taxi from the airport to first reach the bus station.
Between the historic landmarks and modern additions to the city, Podgorica features a lot of brutalist architecture. If that’s your thing, you can find plenty of socialist-era buildings by the riverfront, at Hotel Podgorica, and among the apartment blocks of Bloc 5. Street art often also goes hand in hand with this architecture, with lots of murals in Bloc 5 as well.
