For my previous trip to Podgorica in Montenegro, you can check the article below.
If you are visiting Montenegro, two places you should definitely not miss are Budva and Kotor.
These two cities are located close to each other and can be easily reached by bus, so visiting both is highly recommended.
Budva
Budva is a city where you can enjoy both beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife.
During the day, you can relax by the Adriatic Sea, and at night, the city comes alive with restaurants and bars.
Beaches
There are two main beaches in Budva:
- Beach Greco
A spacious and relaxing beach
- Ričardova Glava Beach
A smaller beach with a great view of the old town
- Mogren Beach
A peaceful beach surrounded by nature
You can reach Mogren Beach from Ričardova Glava with a short walk that feels like a light hike.
When I visited in winter, no one was swimming, and Mogren Beach was especially quiet.
In summer, however, it becomes much more lively.
If you want a quieter experience, Mogren Beach is the better choice.
If you prefer scenic views with the old town in the background, Ričardova Glava Beach is perfect.
Old Town
The old town of Budva feels like a maze of narrow stone streets, and almost every corner is a great photo spot.
This city has a history of over 2,500 years.
It was founded by the ancient Greeks around the 5th century BC and later developed as an important trading hub.
Although the old town was heavily damaged by a major earthquake in 1979, it has been beautifully restored.
Accommodation
I stayed at FREEDOM HOSTEL, which cost about 20 USD per night.
View on Google Maps
It is located right in the center of the old town, and the balcony offers an amazing view of both the old town and the Adriatic Sea.
Spending time there with a drink while enjoying the view became one of my favorite moments of the trip.
Places to visit
Holy Trinity Church
A small Serbian Orthodox church built in 1804, located in the center of the old town.
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Church of the Virgin Mary
A small church located at the edge of the old town facing the sea.
Believed to date back to the 9th century, it is one of the oldest buildings in Budva and offers a beautiful atmosphere.
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Food and cafes
- Kumpir Box Budva
Baked potatoes filled with various toppings. Very filling.
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- La Mia Pasta Budva
A takeaway pasta spot I noticed but skipped since I was already full.
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- Moritz Eis
A must visit for rich and creamy gelato.
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- Beer and Bike Club
Great place for kebab steak and beer, with live music inside.
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- Akacia Coffee Budva
A quiet coffee shop where I had cold brew and did some work. The quality was excellent.
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Kotor
Kotor is a historic town surrounded by the UNESCO listed Bay of Kotor.
Compared to Budva, the atmosphere here is much more calm and relaxed.
Accommodation
I stayed at Old Town Youth Hostel for two nights, which cost about 36 USD in total.
It is located inside the old town, very comfortable, and even included breakfast.
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Kotor Fortress
The highlight of Kotor is the fortress.
Despite being called a castle, it is actually a massive system of walls and fortifications that climb up the mountain and surround the old town.
If you go up the stairs next to the cafe below, you will find the entrance
Entrance details
- Entrance fee: about 15 USD
- Keep your ticket as it is collected when you exit
- Opening hours vary depending on the season
If you plan to go in the evening, it is better to check in advance since it may be closed.
I was told that mornings are better during winter, so I went early in the day.
Be careful as some parts of the path are uneven, so wearing proper shoes is important.
Other attractions
Clock Tower
Built in 1602, located in the main square and serves as a landmark of the old town.
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St. Luke’s Church
Built in 1195. Originally Catholic, later used by the Serbian Orthodox Church.
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St. Tryphon Cathedral
Built in 1166 and considered the most important Catholic church in Kotor.
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Aquarium Boka
A small aquarium within walking distance from the old town.
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Food
- King of Gyros
Enjoying gyros with a view of the Bay of Kotor was an amazing experience.
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This place is highly recommended, although it may currently be temporarily closed.
If it is open when you visit, definitely give it a try.
Final thoughts
After visiting both cities, I felt that they offer completely different experiences:
- Budva is lively, beach focused, and full of energy
- Kotor is peaceful, historic, and visually stunning
Because of this, I strongly recommend visiting both instead of choosing one.
They are close enough that you can easily include both in your itinerary, and doing so will make your trip to Montenegro much more memorable.
After spending time in Budva and Kotor, I returned to Podgorica and continued my journey to Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The journey through the Balkans continues.
