The Ultimate Budva, Montenegro Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know About This Riviera Gem

Laidback, fun, and luxurious, Budva is often called “The Miami of Montenegro” — and for good reason!

Although the city is associated with clubs and nightlife, there are plenty of things to do in Budva! For example, the city has a sprawling Old Town overlooking the Adriatic Sea, as well as dozens of beaches, a charming seaside promenade, and chic cafes to cool off during the afternoon.

If you want to live the good life, then Budva is definitely calling your name. Check out my Budva travel guide and I’m sure you’ll want to add it to your itinerary!

PSA: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book something through them. This is at no cost to you and helps keep this site running. Thank you!

BUDVA CITY GUIDE
Perfect for …
The nightlife capital 💃 An Old Town to rival Kotor’s 🏰 Plenty of beaches 🏖

Each country has its own place to go all out and party: there’s Ibiza in Spain, Pattaya in Thailand, Las Vegas in the United States… You get my point.

Of course, Montenegro is no exception! With names like Omnia nightclub, the Sea Dance Festival (voted one of the Top 10 Europe Summer Festivals by Forbes!), and Top Hill, Budva is the place for nightlife.

In fact, I wasn’t too keen on adding Budva to our itinerary because we aren’t party people, but I’m glad I changed my mind. Although Budva might be primarily associated with nightlife, it’s much more than that!

Even if you don’t plan to go out past 9 PM, there’s still a ton of things to do. We spent the first day walking around and admiring the walls of Budva’s Old Town — it’s more than 2,500 years old! — and checking out Sveti Stefan the day after. Of course, there were plenty of cafes, seaside strolls, shopping, and visits to museums in between.

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How many days do I need in Budva?

One or two days is plenty if Budva is part of a larger itinerary. However, Budva is an excellent ‘home base’ if you want to explore the rest of Montenegro but want to stay in one place.

Prefer something with a touch of luxury? There are also all-inclusive resorts all along the Montenegrin Riviera — I have plenty of recommendations below :)

HOW TO GET TO BUDVA

If Budva is your first destination in Montenegro, I recommend flying to Tivat airport (TIV) — from there, it’s a short drive to the city of Budva. For those flying into Montenegro’s second airport, Podgorica (TGD), it’s a bit further out and takes a little over an hour to get to Budva. Make sure to choose wisely when booking your airline tickets. :)

Traveling to Budva from other cities? Thanks to its central location, Budva can be accessed from virtually any city in Montenegro. Here are some examples so that you can see the distance and approximate travel time (by bus/car):

You can look up schedules on the www.busticket4.me and then buy tickets online or at the bus station. I recommend booking early (especially during the summer!) because Budva is a popular destination and tickets are often sold out. In fact, we had to wait for an hour because the bus we wanted to take to Budva was sold out.

Once you arrive in the city, Budva bus station is a 15 minute walk to the Old Town.

TRANSPORTATION & GETTING AROUND BUDVA

Although Budva is slightly larger than its sister city, Kotor, getting around Budva is still a breeze. The entire city can be explored on foot and it should take most people a leisurely 30 or 40 minutes to get from one end of the city to the other.

If you want to stay close to all of the attractions, I recommend staying near the waterfront (i.e. anywhere from Budva Old Town to Slovenska Plaža) as that’s where all the action happens.

Likewise, if you plan to visit the postcard-perfect Sveti Stefan, you can take an Olimpia Express bus from the main street that runs outside the Old Town for 2.50 EUR one way. It also stops at Jaz Beach and Petrovac if you want to check them out too. :)

WHAT TO DO IN BUDVA

Ahh, the age old question: What are some of the best things to do in Budva? Although I originally thought that Budva was only good for nightlife and partying, it turns out that there’s so much more to this city!

Get Lost in the Old Town

… And when I said ‘get lost’ in Budva’s Old Town, I really mean it: it feels like a maze once you’re deep inside! We spent around 30 minutes trying to find a specific store before realizing we were going in circles.

Budva’s historical center is similar to Kotor’s Old Town but smaller and more compact: you’ll find plenty of explorable alleys that lead you to secret nooks and crannies, cobblestoned plazas to take a quick break, and fantastic finds in local boutique stores.

If you’re wondering what to do in Budva’s Old Town, I recommend checking out the city museum (listed simply as Muzej on Google Maps), sitting in the plaza and checking out the nearby Saint Ivan Church, or relaxing on Old Town Beach. For amazing views, you can check out the Citadel.

The beauty of Budva’s Old Town is that you can spend hours slowly strolling around and taking in the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of the place. :)

See the Famous Ballerina Statue

The quintessential symbol of the city, Budva’s Ballerina Statue has been featured on virtually every brochure and travel guide to the city. Funnily enough, people aren’t sure if she’s really a ballerina or actually a gymnast!

The statue has at least a dozen legends, including a story about a local gymnast who fell into the water and died, or a young couple who were playing near the water and the boy drowned. However, the most popular story is that of a young couple: the girl was a dancer and the boy was a sailor who had to sail one day on a mission. The girl waited by the water every day, hoping that he would return soon, but he never did.

Nonetheless, the statue’s sculptor, Gradimir Aleksić, was so inspired by the legend that he created this work of art that quickly became one of Budva’s most recognizable symbols. Isn’t that lovely?

Enjoy a night out and experience Budva nightlife

Of course, we can’t forget Budva’s legendary nightlife. As I mentioned in the beginning of this section, Budva is considered the party capital of Montenegro, especially during the summer season (June through August). Here are a few spots to check out if you want to spend a night out:

🎉 Budva Old Town — Surprise, surprise! Although the Old Town is a great tourist attraction during the day, it’s also a fantastic place to pre-game or pub crawl during the evening as well. Get the party started at one of the pubs and bars found in the old town, or enjoy a quieter night out by drinking craft beer at the aptly-named Old Town Pub.

🎉 Top Hill — Located at the top of a hill, you’ll need to take a taxi to get to this nightclub. However, this is one of Budva’s best nightclubs and definitely the place to go clubbing.

🎉 Maltez Budva — Ever wanted to party on a pirate ship? Here’s the closest thing to doing so Don’t forget to grab a drink at the ship-themed bar!

🎉 Omnia Night Club — Although it doesn’t quite reach the status of the nightclub with the same name in Las Vegas, Omnia is located right in the center of Budva and often features top guest DJs.

🎉 Sea Dance Festival — Did you know that Budva has one of the best festivals in Europe? That’s right: it was named one of the Top 10 Europe Summer Festivals by Forbes, which catapulted Montenegro from off the beaten path to an unmissable destination in the last few years. Sea Dance has had plenty of celebrity headliners like Skrillex, Sean Paul, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, and David Guetta — who will you catch at this year’s festival?

Travel tip: Most nightclubs in the Balkans don’t have a ‘dance floor’ per se. Instead, there are tables scattered around the club where you and your group can hang out, dance, and order drinks/food.

… And then chill out on the beach

Work hard, relax harder, right? After a night out on the town, it’s time to recover and nurse your hangover with a relaxing day at the beach.

Thankfully, Budva has more than 30 beaches in its vicinity! Here are just a few of the top beaches in Budva to get you started:

⛱ Mogren Beach — Arguably the most popular beach in Budva, Mogren is actually made up of two separate beaches (conveniently named Mogren I and Mogren II ) connected by a tunnel. It’s a scenic 10-minute walk from the Old Town, and you can rent a sunbed and/or umbrella, or bring your own towel to lay on the sand for free.

⛱ Jaz Beach — Located 6 km west of Budva is this lovely beach, which has 1.2 km of coastline and plenty of activities. It’s great for families or day trippers because there are cafes and restaurants nearby, plenty of parking, and kiosks where you can rent a paddleboat, kayak, or even a jet ski.

⛱ Richard’s Head Beach — Don’t want to spend time walking to far-off beaches? No problem – Richard’s Head beach is located right off to the side of Budva’s Old Town! Although it’s smaller than other beaches, it’s convenient to access and has everything you need (as well as being pet friendly).

⛱ Becici Beach — Clear water, beautiful views, and convenient amenities – what’s not to like? If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to get here early and grab the best spot.

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Be a Foodie
Thanks to its popularity and guests from all over the world, Budva is quickly becoming a melting pot of cuisines. When we stopped in Budva for a few days, we were surprised at how many ‘foodie’ cafes and restaurants there were! If you’ve always wanted to try a country’s cuisine but didn’t want to pay for an expensive plane ticket, let me give you a little tour of Budva

Start off with a traditional Turkish breakfast at Smyrna (Turkish cuisine) before heading over to try a delicious bowl of Tom Yum soup at Taste of Asia (Thai / Asian fusion cuisine). For something a little closer to the Balkans, Restoran Sarajevo (Bosnian cuisine) makes mouth-watering ćevapčići (their national dish!), or for a taste of Russia, Alinka cafe. Heck, you can even try Californian cuisine at Bermuda cafe, which specializes in smoothies and healthy dishes.

DAY TRIPS FROM BUDVA

Sveti Stefan — One of Montenegro’s famous attractions is the half-island of Sveti Stefan. It originally used to be a fishing village in the 15th century, fell into disrepair, and was renovated into a luxury resort. Sveti Stefan’s guest sheet reads like a list of celebrities, from famous actors to musicians, writers, sportsmen, and more. Who knows, maybe you might have shared the same room as Orson Welles, Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, or even Marilyn Monroe?

Although the actual grounds of Sveti Stefan are off limits to everybody except hotel guests (prices start around 800 EUR/night), you can take a paid walking tour or admire the islet from afar. There are plenty of fantastic viewpoints near the road to get that perfect shot, as well as mini hiking trails.

Hawaii island — Did you know that you can visit the island of Hawaii without leaving Montenegro? That’s right!

Located just one kilometer off the coast of Budva is Saint Nikola Island, or better yet known as Hawaii thanks to its blue waters and sandy beaches scattered around the island. You can catch a ferry to the island for around 3 EUR per person, and visit as a quick trip or spend an entire day exploring.

WHERE TO STAY IN BUDVA
ACCOMMODATIONS IN BUDVA

BUDVA HOSTELS

Freedom Hostel Budva — A hostel located in the old town, Freedom also offers day tours around the area and has bike rentals available.
Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com

Montenegro Hostel B&B Budva — This was the first ever hostel in Budva and is still going strong after a decade! Prices start at $9 for a bunk bed in a shared room, or a bit more for a private room. Best of all, the hostel is right in the center of Budva’s old town!
Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com

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HOTELS IN BUDVA

Fontana Hotel & Gastronomy — Can we just take a moment to appreciate the gorgeous mid-century modern design and blue color palette?

Anyway, back to business: Fontana is located steps away from the main beach and promenade, and has spacious rooms with fantastic views of the sea. Guests love the attention and high level of service from the employees, and, like the name mentions, the food here is delicious.
Check Availability & Book @ Booking.com || Hotels.com

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Hotel Aleksandar Rafailovići — Want to feel like you’re living the posh lifestyle without paying the $$$ price tag? Voila! With amazing sea views, a private beach, and an upscale interior, Hotel Aleksandar feels like a high-end hotel but with a very moderate price.
Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com

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Hotel Kadmo — Located in the center of Budva, Hotel Kadmo is a smaller family-run hotel with impeccable service. It’s great for families or romantic getaways, and breakfast is included.
Tip: Book the Deluxe Suite with Sea View to have your own private terrace with jacuzzi!
Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com

BUDVA LUXURY RESORTS

Boutique Hotel Vissi d’Arte — Phew, where do I even start? Vissi d’Arte is easily the best-rated hotel in this entire section (it has a 10/10 rating!) and is the epitome of luxury. There are plenty of high-end touches throughout the hotel, such as having a personal butler assigned to you, as well as gorgeous decor. In fact, one reviewer even noted that “the rooms are decorated better than a 5 star hotel, [and] the view leaves you speechless.”

Each suite is equipped with premium beds from Hästens, as well as a personal balcony/terrace, luxury toiletries, and a complimentary breakfast every morning.
Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com

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La Villa Boutique Hotel — True to its name, La Villa is a lovely boutique hotel with only five suites and very cozy boho decor that’s reminiscent of the Budva riviera.

Thanks to its small size, each guest gets personalized service from the staff from the moment they check in to the daily breakfast, concierge recommendations, and check-out. The hotel is located in the middle of Budva’s old town and features two in-house restaurants: a traditional Mediterranean restaurant called LaVilla and Asian cuisine at Shanghai.
Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com

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Avala Resort & Villas — For those who want to be close to Budva’s tourist attractions, it doesn’t get more central than Avala! Located just 50 meters from the Old Town, as well as some of Budva’s best beaches and the seaside promenade, Avala is a great choice if you want an ‘all in one’ hotel.
Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com

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Hotel Zeta — Although Zeta is a fantastic choice for any traveler visiting Budva, what really sets it apart is the beautiful view — as one reviewer noted, “[the] view from the room is one of the best I’ve ever seen.”

Zeta also offers complimentary breakfast that’s made to order off the menu. For those craving peace and quiet, I highly recommend booking this hotel – it’s actually located in the small village of Rafailovici on the eastern end of Budva and has easy access if you want to visit Sveti Stefan.
Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com

BUDVA APARTMENTS

Apartments Captain’s Villa — Prefer to feel like a local when traveling? I have just the place: this is one of the best apartments in Budva (it has a 9.5 rating!) and is absolutely gorgeous. Heck, it’s so charming and grandiose that it feels like you’re at a rich aunt’s villa instead of a vacation rental.

This four-star villa in Budva offers different room options, from cozy studios to spacious one-bedroom apartments. Best of all, there’s an amazing pool and garden with jasmine flowers and exotic plants.
Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com

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Marinero Apartments — From budget-friendly studios to private apartments with spa baths (seriously, check out the Duplex Two-Bedroom Apartment with Spa Bath, it’s jaw-dropping), Marinero has it all.

The apartment is centrally located and is a 10-minute walk to Budva bus station and an 8-minute walk to the Old Town. It’s also fantastic for groups, especially because you can rent multiple apartments in the same building (or a whole apartment for smaller groups!)
Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com

See all accommodations in Budva here

WHERE TO EAT IN BUDVA

iced tea @ Bermuda Cafe | ćevapčići @ Restoran Sarajevo

Bermuda Cafe – Located just outside of the old town, Bermuda Cafe is a cute tropical-style cafe that serves delicious sandwiches, brunch, smoothies, and more.

Restoran Sarajevo – Hands down, one of the best restaurants in Budva. The waiter was so nice and guided us through the entire menu, which prepared us for the rest of our Balkans trip — we even tried our first ćevapčići here and were impressed with how juicy and flavorful it was. :)

Forsage Gastro Lounge – A lovely upscale restaurant just outside the center of Budva, Forsage specializes in meat and seafood, and creates beautiful presentations for their dishes.

Verde – Budget-friendly prices, vegan options available, and delicious street food. One reviewer even said, “don’t go to Greece for your gyros, go to Verde.”

COFFEEMONKEY – A cozy cafe near the central mall that makes delicious coffee. There’s a children’s play area and a few tables that are work-friendly.

Soul Food– When the champagne and caviar lifestyle becomes too much for Budva’s bourgeois, they come here Located right off the promenade, this kiosk has very budget-friendly prices (I’m talking 2 EUR for a huge pizza), they work 24/7, and they take credit cards. What’s not to like?

USEFUL REFERENCES FOR TRAVELING TO MONTENEGRO

Looking for more information before your trip to Montenegro? I recommend the following websites that I personally used:

🛂 Need a visa to Montenegro? Check out iVisa for more information.

✈️ Once you have your visa all set, it’s time to book airline tickets! I use both CheapOAir and SkyScanner to book flights.

🛏 Book accommodations on Booking or Hotels. These two offer fantastic options for every traveler, from hostels to hotels, apartments to penthouses, local guesthouses, and everything in between!

✨ Speaking of amazing accommodations… I have an entire blog post dedicated to the best guesthouses, apartments, and Airbnbs in Montenegro!

📷 Find tours, day trips, or sightseeing activities at Get Your Guide or Viator.

❗️One of the most popular day trips is the All Montenegro Tour. This 12-hour tour gives you a taste of Montenegro as you enjoy breakfast at a local village, tour the Old Royal Capital, visit the birthplace of the Petrović dynasty, enjoy a boat ride through River Crnojevica, and finish the day with a panoramic view of the famous Sveti Stefan.

🚗 Prefer to carve out your own itinerary? Rent a car through RentalCars.com, which has the biggest selection of car rentals and the company that I use whenever I rent a car.

🧳 Not sure what to pack? I have an entire blog post that details what to pack for a trip to Montenegro for all four seasons!

🇲🇪 Looking for even more information before traveling to Montenegro? Check out my Ultimate Montenegro Travel Guide for everything you need to know before your trip OR 17 Montenegro Travel Tips for some bite-sized tips…

🇲🇪 … Or check out all of my blog posts on Montenegro here! Happy travels :)