Podgorica, Montenegro

Overview

Montenegro's capital is a modest, modern city where two rivers, the Morača and the Ribnica, meet. Much of it was rebuilt after the Second World War, so it lacks the postcard charm of the coast, but it has a relaxed café culture and green riverbanks.

Its real strength is location. Lake Skadar, vineyards, canyons and the cliff-face Ostrog Monastery are all close, and the coast is little more than an hour away.

Things to see

Stara Varoš
The small Ottoman old town by the Ribnica, with a stone clock tower, mosques and the remains of a fortress.
Photo: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen, CC BY-SA 4.0

Millennium Bridge
A sleek cable-stayed bridge over the Morača, especially striking when lit up at night.
Photo: Sailko, CC-BY-3.0

Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ
A large Orthodox cathedral with gleaming mosaics and frescoes inside, completed in the 2010s.
Photo: Milos58, CC BY-SA 3.0

Gorica Hill
The pine-covered hill that gave the city its name, with walking trails and an old church at its foot.
Photo: Monika from Warszawa/ Sheffield, Poland/ UK, CC BY-SA 2.0

Doclea
The ruins of a Roman town just north of the city, with the outlines of a forum, baths and basilica.

Things to do

Photo: kallerna, CC BY-SA 4.0

Lake Skadar
Take a boat from Virpazar through lily pads and reeds to see pelicans, monasteries on islands and fishing villages.
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Wine tasting at Šipčanik
Tour the Plantaže winery's cellar, set inside a former military aircraft hangar under a hill south of the city.
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Niagara Falls on the Cijevna
A wide, shallow waterfall just outside the city, at its most dramatic after spring rain.
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0

Ostrog Monastery
A white monastery built into a sheer cliff, about an hour north and a major pilgrimage site.

Where to stay

City centre
Nova Varoš has most of the hotels, cafés and bars, and is walkable to everything.
Hotels in City centre
Preko Morače
Across the river, with newer hotels and good access to the cathedral and Millennium Bridge.
Hotels in Preko Morače
Stara Varoš
Small guesthouses in the old quarter suit those after character over convenience.
Hotels in Stara Varoš

Getting around

The centre is compact and flat, so walking is easy. Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive for longer trips.

The airport is about 12 km south of the centre; a taxi takes around 15 to 20 minutes.

When to go

Spring and early autumn are warm and pleasant. July and August are among the hottest in Europe, which is when locals head to the coast or the mountains.

Plan your trip to Podgorica

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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

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Overview

Things to see

Stara Varoš

Millennium Bridge

Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ

Gorica Hill

Doclea

Things to do

Lake Skadar

Wine tasting at Šipčanik

Niagara Falls on the Cijevna

Ostrog Monastery