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Budva is THE premier seashore vacation spot of Montenegro — and a hotspot of the Baltics. There are a ton of issues to do in Budva — a city with seashores, high-rise flats and inns, nightclubs, eating places, and a small previous city that seems like a miniature Dubrovnik.
Whereas most guests to Montenegro spend the majority of their time in the beautiful town of Kotor, lots of people are disenchanted that there aren’t any respectable seashores across the Bay of Kotor.
The answer? Head half-hour south to Budva! Montenegro’s glorious beaches lengthen southward alongside the Budva Riviera, together with well-known seashore cities like Sveti Stefan and Petrovac.
I’ve been visiting Montenegro for greater than a decade, and a few of my greatest recollections have come from Budva — particularly the 12 months I attended Sea Dance Pageant, with unimaginable performances and dancing till daybreak on Jaz Seaside.
For those who’re planning to discover Montenegro in depth, you’ll be able to’t skip Budva and the Riviera! Along with providing Montenegro’s greatest seashores, Budva is a good vacation spot for historical past, tradition, eating, and nightlife. It feels a bit bit like Miami on the Adriatic.
Listed below are one of the best issues to do in Budva, Montenegro — a city that I’m excited to share with you..
(Planning a visit to Montenegro? Make sure you take a look at my Ultimate Montenegro Travel Guide and 30 Best Things to Do in Montenegro!)
This submit was revealed in January 2024 and co-written by Adventurous Kate and Dale Peterson.
![A tiny walled city with orange roofs surrounded by the bright blue ocean and beaches on each side.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Budva-Old-Town-Things-to-Do-in-Budva-Montenegro-1024x575.jpg)
The Finest Issues to Do in Budva, Montenegro
Wander the Outdated City
Budva’s previous city is sort of a smaller, condensed model of Dubrovnik, Croatia. It’s a historic walled metropolis that juts out into the ocean, crammed with picture-perfect stone buildings with orange tiled roofs.
You’ll be able to stroll alongside the Budva metropolis partitions and admire the views of each the city and the encircling Adriatic Sea. The doorway price for strolling town partitions is simply 3 EUR ($3.25 USD), a discount compared to Dubrovnik’s 35 EUR price (which has in all probability elevated within the moments I’ve been penning this…).
Simply outdoors the partitions of the previous city, you’ll discover the Budva Dancing Lady statue, an exquisite sculpture with probably the greatest views of the previous city behind it. That is price a cease for photographs on the very least.
For those who’d choose to discover Budva’s previous city on a tour, you’ll be able to book a walking tour with a educated tour information who will present you the highlights of Budva.
![A pathway along a stone wall in a fortress underneath a bright blue sky.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Budva-Montenegro-Citadel-Fortress-1024x683.jpg)
Discover the Citadel Fortress
Citadel Fortress is a must-visit in Budva’s Outdated City. This historic fortress dates again over a millennia, and its strategic location perched on the Adriatic Sea made it an necessary fortification all through Budva’s historical past.
As we speak, you’ll be able to go to the Citadel Fortress in Budva for 3.50 EUR ($3.85 USD.) You’ll be able to discover all of the nooks and crannies of the fortress and absorb nice views of the Adriatic Sea and the Outdated City from varied lookout factors.
Admission to the Citadel Fortress additionally consists of entry to the Museum of the Metropolis of Budva.
![People lounging on a rocky beach in Montenegro, green cliffs in the background.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Jaz-Beach-Budva-Montenegro-1024x683.jpg)
Chill out on the seashore
Seashores are what Budva does greatest — and Budva is THE place in Montenegro to expertise nice Adriatic seashores. There are fairly a number of seashores in and round Budva.
You shouldn’t anticipate sandy seashores right here. In Montenegro (and the jap aspect of the Adriatic), seashores listed below are nearly all the time pebbled seashores, with splendidly clear water. Water shoes are an enormous assist.
My private favourite seashore in Budva is Jaz Seaside — it’s a 15-minute drive from the previous city of Budva, however it’s price visiting to get away from the crowds. This seashore is a bit quieter than among the extra in style seashores in Budva, although they nonetheless have eating places and services. It’s additionally fairly massive, so there’s loads of room to stake out a spot and calm down.
Mogren Seaside is one other beautiful seashore near Budva’s previous city. It’s on the smaller aspect, however it’s very picturesque.
And in order for you the massive seashores with all of the services, you’ll be able to take pleasure in Slovenska Plaža, proper in the midst of Budva, or Bečići plaža, simply south of the primary drag. Simply know that these seashores (and just about all of Montenegro’s seashores) can get very busy within the peak summer season months.
![A stone building emblazoned with Museum of Budva.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Budva-Museum-Things-to-Do-in-Budva-Montenegro-1024x683.jpg)
Go to the Museum of the Metropolis of Budva
If you wish to be taught extra about Budva’s historical past, don’t miss popping into this museum contained in the Citadel Fortress. As beforehand talked about, admission is simply 3.50 EUR ($4 USD) for the entire compound.
The museum incorporates a number of fascinating exhibitions about Budva, together with archaeological artifacts and small-scale mannequin ships. You’ll be able to simply spend an hour shopping the reveals and gaining a deeper understanding of Budva’s historical past.
This museum can be the right place to chill off on a scorching and sunny day. You’ll be wanting to go to these locations when you go to Montenegro in the summertime!
![A huge waterpark on a hill, with lots of waterslides and pools.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Aquapark-Budva-Montenegro-1024x682.jpg)
Spend a Day at Aquapark Budva
For those who’re visiting Budva with youngsters, probably the greatest issues to do is spend a day at Aquapark, a water park 10 minutes outdoors city. This isn’t simply your typical water park. It’s located on the highest of a giant hill, providing unbeatable views of Budva and the Adriatic Sea.
The park options water slides of assorted heights and speeds, a few of that are kid-friendly and a few which can be higher reserved for thrill-seekers solely. There’s additionally a big swimming pool, a youngsters’ splash zone, sunbeds, a restaurant, and a snack bar.
Aquapark Budva is open every day from Could 1 by way of September 30, and admission is 29 EUR ($32) for adults, 20 EUR ($22) for youngsters beneath 140 cm (4’6”) in peak, and free for youngsters beneath three.
![A woman in a bikini paragliding in front of the stone buildings of Budva's old town.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SUP-Paddleboarding-Budva-Montenegro-1024x683.jpg)
Go kayaking or paddleboarding
The Adriatic Sea is without doubt one of the most stunning our bodies of water on this planet, and there’s no higher solution to expertise it than by getting out on the water. Kayaking and paddleboarding are two water actions you’ll be able to attempt in Budva.
This kayaking or SUP experience consists of the rental of a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, life jackets, and coaching on easy methods to use your kayak or paddle board.
You’ll be able to discover the world round Budva by kayak or paddle board, together with Sveti Nikola, a small island only a few hundred meters off the shore.
![A paraglider high in the air above the rocky, dramatic coastline of Montenegro.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Paragliding-Budva-Montenegro-1024x683.jpg)
Go paragliding
One of many extra adventurous actions you’ll be able to attempt in Budva is paragliding. Whether or not it’s your first time paragliding otherwise you’ve finished it earlier than, there are few locations extra stunning than the Budva Riviera to have this expertise.
You’ll be able to book a tandem paragliding excursion with an skilled information who will present you the great thing about the shoreline from above. Throughout this exercise, you’ll begin by taking a scenic 15-minute drive from Budva to the takeoff level.
From there, you’ll glide above the Budva Riviera and take within the surroundings with a hen’s eye view. Paragliding is by far one of the distinctive experiences to attempt in Budva.
![A small island with bright green cliffs and lots of sandy beaches, close to shore in Montenegro.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Sveti-Nikola-Things-to-Do-in-Montenegro-1024x332.jpg)
Go to Sveti Nikola
Sveti Nikola, typically nicknamed “Hawaii” by Montenegrins, is an uninhabited island off the coast of Budva. It spans 89 acres, so it’s fairly small — however it’s truly the most important island in Montenegro!
You’ll be able to attain Sveti Nikola by boat from Budva. You’ll be capable to purchase tickets in Slovenska Plaza. A round-trip ticket is 5 EUR ($5.50 USD), and the journey takes quarter-hour every means. Attending to the island by kayak or paddle board can be potential.
On the island, there’s a small seashore the place you’ll be able to calm down and benefit from the solar or take a dip within the crystal-clear turquoise waters. For those who’re feeling adventurous, you’ll be able to swim over to the Sveti Nikola cave, a preferred spot inaccessible by land.
There are a number of seasonal eating places on the island, however they’re much more costly than the mainland, so it is a great place to convey a picnic lunch.
![People riding a boat, with the tiny church-topped island in the distance.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Boat-Ride-to-Our-Lady-of-the-Rocks-Things-to-Do-in-Montenegro-1024x683.jpg)
Take a ship tour of the Bay of Kotor
Budva has wonderful seashores, however you’ll be able to’t miss the breathtaking surroundings of Kotor Bay. Whereas Budva faces the Adriatic Sea, the Bay of Kotor (often known as Boka Bay) winds inland from the coast. It’s an space of spectacular pure magnificence with a backdrop of mountains surrounding the water.
This all-day cruise begins in Budva and hits the highlights of the Bay of Kotor. You’ll start with a ship trip from Budva, with an choice to cease for swimming within the Blue Cave or at Zanjice Seaside. Then you definitely’ll proceed to Herceg Novi, the place you’ll have a brief strolling tour of the historic city earlier than having fun with free time to swim or discover.
Subsequent, you’ll take pleasure in extra scenic cruising within the bay, stopping at Our Woman of the Rocks, a tiny island house to a blue-domed church.
You’ll end in Kotor, the place you’ll discover the Outdated City by way of one other strolling tour earlier than taking a bus again to Budva on the finish of the day.
Need extra time on the Bay of Kotor? Take a look at my guides to the 2 greatest cities on the bay: Kotor and Perast.
![The interior of an Orthodox Church with brightly painted scenes of Jesus and the saints.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Podmaine-Monastery-Things-to-Do-in-Budva-Montenegro-1024x683.jpg)
Go to Podmaine Monastery
For a extra offbeat exercise in Budva, pay a go to to Podmaine Monastery. This historic Serbian Orthodox monastery dates again to the fifteenth century and options authentic frescoes. The monastery additionally presents a fantastic view of Budva from above.
I like visiting Orthodox monasteries and church buildings within the Balkans — they’ve such vivid, vibrant colours. For those who’ve by no means visited one in your travels, it is a good one to start out with.
Reaching the monastery on foot is a few 35-minute stroll from Budva’s previous city or the primary seashore. It’s necessary to notice that it’s a reasonably steep uphill stroll — not the simplest on super-hot summer season days. You can too drive or take a fast taxi trip to the highest.
Since that is an energetic Orthodox monastery, you should definitely put on modest clothes — shoulders and knees ought to be lined when coming into the church. Some ladies cowl their hair, however this isn’t a requirement.
Social gathering at High Hill
Budva is thought for being a enjoyable nightlife vacation spot, and there’s no higher place to get together than at High Hill. Whereas a lot of Budva’s bars and golf equipment are situated down by the seashore, Top Hill is located on a hill excessive above the coast.
This open-air nightclub is one in every of Budva’s most outstanding spots to bounce the evening away. In the course of the summer season months, the membership has an ever-changing lineup of digital music artists.
Omnia is one other probably the greatest nightclubs in Budva, whereas Torch Beach Club is a well-liked spot for day events on the seashore. For extra nightlife in Budva, go bar-hopping within the previous city earlier than making your solution to one of many golf equipment.
![A bright pink and yellow sunset over the island of Sveti Stefan, just off the coast of Montenegro.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSCF1410-1024x668.jpg)
Go to Sveti Stefan
Sveti Stefan is a good little city to go to close to Budva, house to one of the iconic photographs of Montenegro. It’s situated simply quarter-hour away, alongside the scenic Budva Riviera.
Essentially the most well-known a part of Sveti Stefan is the tiny island linked to the mainland by a slim bridge. Sadly, the whole island is a privately owned resort (and is at present being renovated as that is being revealed), so you’ll be able to’t truly go to it, however it makes for a fantastic photograph op.
A number of eating places in Sveti Stefan are perched excessive up on the highway trying down on the island, excellent for having fun with a drink or a snack with a view. (After I was rejected from visiting the island in 2011, lunch right here made me really feel quite a bit higher!)
There are public seashores in Sveti Stefan close to the island, although I like to recommend avoiding the massively overpriced seashores on both aspect of the island.
Attending to Sveti Stefan from Budva is a 15-minute drive or a 20-minute bus trip. Buses depart from Budva each 20 minutes or so, and the bus fare is 2 EUR ($2.20 USD.)
![A small Adriatic village with stone buildings and orange roofs, perched on a crescent-shaped beach.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Petrovac-Things-to-Do-in-Montenegro-1024x575.jpg)
Go to Petrovac
Petrovac is a small, laid-back seashore city alongside the Budva Riviera. It’s a bit quieter than Budva, however it’s nonetheless a vibrant vacation spot with a lot of attraction.
If you wish to take a look at different seashores alongside the Riviera, Petrovac has among the greatest. Petrovac Seaside is the most well-liked seashore on the town, however close by Lučice Seaside is quieter and has beautiful clear water and sandy shores.
One good factor to do is hike from Petrovac to the close by city of Reževići. The path begins behind the Danica Lodge and ends on a quiet, scenic seashore. And when you’re up for a day of indulgence, take a look at Annina Wellness on the Lodge Ami Budva Petrovac, probably the greatest spas on the Budva Riviera.
Petrovac is only a 25-minute drive from Budva or a 30-minute bus trip. Bus tickets price 3 EUR ($3.25 USD.)
![Morning at the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro, orange roofs and a bright blue sky](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/DSCF1528-1024x656.jpg)
Go to Kotor
Kotor is one in every of my favourite locations on this planet — and probably the greatest day journeys you’ll be able to take from Budva. Breathtaking mountains encompass this historic city nestled on the nonetheless, glassy Bay of Kotor. It’s THE must-visit vacation spot in Montenegro, for my part.
You’ll be able to simply spend a complete day exploring Kotor. For those who arrive very first thing within the morning, hike as much as San Giovanni Fortress for one of the best views of the Bay of Kotor and the Outdated City. Whereas the views are spectacular, they’re at their greatest in morning — noon is just too scorching and within the afternoon the view is stuffed with shadows.
Then reward your self with lunch in Kotor’s previous city, adopted by a leisurely wander by way of the traditional stone streets. You can too stroll Kotor’s metropolis partitions or pop into the quirky Kotor Cats Museum (you’ll spot a lot of free-roaming cats in Kotor, fed and cared for by the locals).
Kotor is only a brief 30-minute drive from Budva. You can too take the bus, a 45-minute journey, for between 3 and 4 EUR ($3.25-$4.35 USD.)
Learn Extra: 17 Beautiful Things to Do in Kotor, Montenegro
![An aerial view of Budva Montenegro: a beach town with green mountains rising in the background, and lots of high-rise buildings close to the beach.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/City-view-of-Budva-Montenegro-1024x682.jpg)
How a lot time to spend in Budva, Montenegro
How a lot time must you spend in Budva, Montenegro? For those who’re brief on time, you are able to do many of the prime issues to do in Budva in a single day. It additionally makes a great day journey from Kotor, particularly when mixed with close by Sveti Stefan.
You’ll be able to arrive in Budva within the morning, discover the previous city, and luxuriate in some seashore time earlier than heading over to Sveti Stefan to admire the view. (For those who see my Sveti Stefan photograph above, it seems to be spectacular at sundown.)
However when you’re right here for a seashore journey, you’ll in all probability recognize having a number of days to splash out and benefit from the solar and sea in Budva. Spending three nights in Budva provides you with the right period of time to calm down on the seashore and benefit from the city’s eating and nightlife — plus a day journey or two!
![A statue of a ballerina posed on a rock in Montenegro, with waves crashing around it.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Budva-Montenegro-Dancer-Statue-1024x683.jpg)
The way to get to Budva, Montenegro
How do you get to Budva? When you’ve got your personal automobile, you’ll be able to merely drive there. Budva is about half-hour from each Kotor and Tivat. There are many parking heaps round Budva, and a few inns supply free parking.
The closest airport to Budva is in Tivat, Montenegro, only a 30-minute drive away. An alternative choice is flying into Montenegro’s capital, Podgorica, which is one hour and 10 minutes from Budva.
For those who’re arriving by public transportation, a number of bus and shuttle firms cease in Budva from Kotor and Tivat. The fare is between 3 and 4 EUR ($3.25 and $4.35 USD), and it takes 30 to 45 minutes, relying on the place you’re coming from.
Whereas no ride-sharing apps exist in Montenegro, you’ll be able to guide a taxi from Kotor or Tivat to Budva. Costs begin round 25 EUR ($27.30 USD), however this isn’t a set worth, and chances are you’ll be quoted the next fare throughout the peak summer season season. Sadly, I’ve paid many inflated fares throughout my summer season visits.
![A boardwalk along the beach in Budva Montenegro, with lots of high rise buildings and palm trees around.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Budva-Montenegro-City-Roads-1024x683.jpg)
The place to remain in Budva, Montenegro
The place must you keep in Budva? There are two issues to think about when selecting lodging in Budva are proximity to the seashore and proximity to the previous city.
Many inns in Budva are inside strolling distance of each, so if visiting Budva’s previous city pursuits you, chances are you’ll wish to keep nearer to the historic middle. For those who’re much less within the previous city, there are many inns additional down the seashore.
If you wish to expertise Budva’s nightlife, the Slovenska Plaža space is one of the best place to remain. That is the massive, foremost seashore on the town.
Listed below are the top-rated locations to remain in Budva:
- High-Rated Luxurious Lodge in Budva: For those who’re trying to splurge in Budva, Boutique Hotel Vissi d’Arte is one of the best place to remain. This opera-inspired resort is fabulous at each angle, and it’s simply steps away from the seashore and Budva’s Outdated City.
- High-Rated Mid-Vary Lodge in Budva: For a stable mid-range choice, Katamare Hotel is a good alternative. This resort has a pleasant pool and unimaginable views. It’s additionally very near the seashore.
- High-Rated Funds Lodge in Budva: For vacationers on a funds, Villa Skyprime is an efficient place to remain. It’s a little bit of a stroll from the seashore, however it’s clear and cozy.
- Find deals on places to stay in Budva here.
![A view of the orange roofs of Budva's old town, a church tower the tallest of all of them, with the sea in the background.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Old-Town-of-Budva-Montenegro-1024x683.jpg)
Finest Time to Go to Budva, Montenegro
One of the best time to go to Budva is probably not what you’re anticipating. Budva may be very a lot a seashore vacation spot, with the busiest and beachiest months being July and August. It is a enjoyable time to go to, however you’ll should take care of bigger crowds and better costs.
Nevertheless, in order for you summer season climate with much less crowds (and fewer site visitors!) and decrease costs, I like to recommend aiming for early June, late September, and even early October. Budva and the southern Balkans have a protracted summer season season in comparison with different European locations. You’ll be able to nonetheless take pleasure in heat climate with out issues being as busy.
Remember the fact that if you wish to swim, the water is hotter in early fall than in late spring.
You may wish to regulate the competition schedule for Budva as nicely. I attended Sea Dance Festival one July, which introduced so many nice bands to the seashore, however it seems to be just like the competition is now hopping between Budva and different areas on the Adriatic.
Budva may be very quiet within the low season, however that is nonetheless a metropolis the place folks stay year-round, so it’s not as lifeless as smaller cities alongside the Montenegrin coast. For those who go to within the winter, you’ll nonetheless be capable to discover locations to eat and store, although most of the beachside eating places can be closed.
![Kate smiling big while swimming in the Adriatic, wearing a red bikini.](https://www.adventurouskate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Kate-in-Budva-Things-to-Do-in-Montenegro-1024x712.jpg)
Is Budva Price It?
Is visiting Budva price it? Sure, I feel Budva is totally price visiting. It’s a extremely enjoyable city with quite a bit to see and do.
BUT. Is Budva the place you need to base your self in your trip in Montenegro? It is determined by how you’re feeling about massive, busy seashore cities with a giant nightlife scene. If that’s your factor, go for it!
However when you choose a smaller city, you may choose someplace like Petrovac and even Sveti Stefan. And I truthfully suppose that the Bay of Kotor is a way more distinctive journey expertise than Budva. For those who could possibly be completely satisfied doing in the future journey to the seashore however would somewhat spend extra of your time on the bay, I feel you may choose staying in Kotor or Perast. I’ve stayed in each, and they’re beautiful.
I hope this Budva information has helped you intend your journey to Montenegro! Have a improbable time.
Extra on Montenegro:
Extra Fairly Cities on the Adriatic Coast:
Extra on the Balkans:
Have you ever been to Budva, Montenegro? What would you recommend? Share away!
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