The Best Things to do in Budva, Montenegro

11 April 2025.

Planning a visit to Budva? This guide has you covered with all the best things to do in Budva, Montenegro’s premier beach destination. 

Blessed with Montenegro’s best beaches and one of the oldest historic towns along the Adriatic, the Budva Riviera is an excellent choice for a beachy Balkan escape.

Surprisingly, it’s also the single most popular destination in all of Montenegro, attracting around a third of all visitors with its string of secluded pebble bays and sparkling turquoise water which act as a magnet for those seeking a dose of sun, salt and relaxation.

Its proximity to Kotor, Herceg Novi and Sveti Stefan also makes Budva a perfect jumping off point for day trips within the region.

During the height of summer, the area’s popularity does mean you should expect everywhere to be terribly overcrowded and live up to its party-loving reputation, but during the quieter months you’ll find the beaches and old town to be blissfully peaceful and free of crowds.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the newer parts of town where rampant and ongoing development have transformed the skyline into a hodgepodge of towering cranes and half-built concrete towers, leaving the city centre rather charmless, chaotic and loud year round.

Planning your visit? These are all the best things to do in Budva and along the Budva Riviera.

As Montenegro’s most popular beach town, Budva is well connected and easy to reach by car and bus from Podgorica or virtually any destination along the coast via the E65 or Adriatic Highway which spans the entire coastline between Croatia and Albania.

From Podgorica, the M2.3 is the most direct route, weaving through the mountains towards Cetinje before crossing the coastal range and descending along a steep and slightly hair-raising switchback road that brings you into Budva in around an hour.

Alternatively, there’s a longer but equally scenic road which passes over Lake Skadar and follows the M2 to Petrovac before heading north along the beautiful coastal cliffs past Sveti Stefan, taking around 1.5 hours.

From further south, Budva sits around 1.5 hours from Ulcinj, passing by Bar and Sutomare. To the north, Kotor and Tivat are located just 45 minutes away, while Herceg Novi can be reached in under 2 hours.

In summer, keep in mind that all coastal roads become heavily congested, especially on weekends, and travel times can blow out by hours.

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Budva has a centralised bus station in the heart of town with frequent daily services to Podgorica, Kotor, Tivat, Herceg Novi, Bar and Cetinje. See timetables here.

A slightly annoying quirk of bus travel in Montenegro is the additional fees that get passed on to passengers and the Budva Bus Station is a main offender.

Expect to pay station fees (often €1 or €2) for literally buying a ticket at the station, a printing fee for digital tickets (around €3 to €4) where you won’t be let onto the platform without a hard copy, and baggage fees (also €1 or €2) which are charged for any piece of luggage that needs to be stowed.

Tickets and station fees can be paid by card or cash at the ticket office, while other fees must be paid in cash only.

Locally, there are regular buses which travel up and down the coast to popular nearby beaches like Sveti Stefan, Petrovac, Kamenovo and Pržno in the south, and Jaz, Trsteno and Ploča to the west.

Buses from Budva to Sveti Stefan operate every 20 to 30 minutes year round and depart from here near the corner of Mediteranska and Lovćenska, stopping at any of the southbound bus stops along the Adriatic Highway at a cost of €2 to €2.50.

Do not get a bus here from the station unless you want to be charged 3 times the price.

For the northern beaches, buses run during peak season only from June to September and depart at least every hour. For a taxi, expect to pay €10 to €25 depending on your destination.

See timetables here.

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In general, travelling by car in Montenegro is ideal and allows for greater flexibility in accessing more remote destinations on your own schedule, but for short, slow-paced visits to Budva, having your own vehicle is not strictly essential and you can certainly get away with relying on public transport, taxis or exploring on foot.

Also, considering the chaotic traffic and parking situation over summer, even if you do have your own vehicle, it can sometimes be preferable (read: less stressful and more cost-effective) to leave your car parked up in Budva during your stay and travel by bus along the coast, allowing you more time to enjoy the sparkling riviera and less time battling it out on the roads.

As with much of the coast, parking in Budva is limited at the best of times and, if you’re travelling by car, it’s well worth choosing accommodation that provides parking to guests.

Free street parking is a rarity, while you’ll find many paid parking zones scattered around the city. Finding a spot shouldn’t be a problem during the low season, but the same cannot be said for the summer peak when securing a space is notoriously tricky and can quickly become expensive.

Expect to pay between €1.5 to €5 per hour or around €15 per day. Cards are rarely accepted so always have cash on hand. This guide has a good summary of Budva parking locations and costs.

Along the coast, virtually every beach offers some kind of parking with prices ranging from free to €4 per hour. See further details for individual beaches below.

Despite being a reasonably small town, Budva caters to a range of tastes, from cosy apartments and comfortable guesthouses, to boutique stays and luxury hotels.

Budva’s pocket-sized old town is a charming spot to stay where you can enjoy the lively atmosphere, key attractions and waterside sunsets from your doorstep. However, the historic centre is pedestrian only so you’ll need to arrange parking (often paid) elsewhere.

Nearby, the bustling city centre broadly extends between Topliški Put and Mainski Put and is perennially busy, but provides easy access to the bus station and many of Budva’s best cafes. The more residential east half of town stretches beyond the canal and offers lower prices and better parking, but is around 30 minutes on foot to the old town.

Old Town Accommodation

Freedom Hostel   |   One of the only budget options in the Budva old town, Freedom Hostel has an excellent location with well-organised dorm rooms, a communal lounge, kitchen and laundry space. Check rates and availability here.

Apartments Trifunovic   |   Set in the heart of the old town, Trifunovic is a solid mid-range option and offers a selection of comfortable, well-equipped apartments that are perfect for longer stays and require a 3-night minimum. Guests love the lush internal courtyard which gazes onto Budva’s iconic Venetion bell tower. Check rates and availability here.

La Villa   |   A small boutique hotel located on the northern border of the old town just inside the city walls, La Villa offers cosy rooms with a fitting nautical colour palette overlooking the marina, alongside a leafy outdoor terrace. Check rates and availability here.

Hotel Majestic   |   Though technically falling outside the fortified walls, Hotel Majestic is just steps away and offers one of the best views over the historic centre, alongside beautifully designed rooms, an excellent breakfast on the terrace and a chic bar and restaurant space. Check rates and availability here.

City Centre + East Accommodation

Baron Hotel   |   Located near Budva’s main commercial strip around 15 minutes from the old town, Baron is a reliable, budget-friendly choice offering a selection of spacious apartments with a fully-equipped kitchen and balcony, as well as free parking. Check rates and availability here.

Hotel Vela   |   This modern, boutique hotel is located just 10 minutes from the old town and offers bright rooms, a leafy courtyard, an attentive host, excellent breakfast and onsite parking. Check rates and availability here.

Boutique Hotel Tate   |   Over on the quieter eastern side of town, Tate is one of Budva’s best-rated options boasting well-appointed rooms with ocean views and a raft of facilities including a sauna, jacuzzi, gym, pool, and parking. A fantastic breakfast is also included. Check rates and availability here.

Budva’s charming old town rests on a small peninsular that juts out at the western end of the bay and is an undoubtable highlight.

Hemmed in by fortified walls that protect the warren of twisting cobbled laneways, the medieval stari grad has a long history, tracing the influences of the Illyrian, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Austro-Hungarian empires over more than 2,500 years.

Though compact, spanning just 250 metres end to end, it’s a beautiful place to explore and easy to lose a couple of hours wandering amongst the rambling passageways.

Enter via the Pizanela Gate at the northeast side of the old town and follow the narrow corridor towards the central square framed by many of the key sights that reveal the layers of the Budva’s history – the Church of Saint John the Baptist and its Venetian bell tower, the Roman Baths, the Holy Trinity Church, the Church of the Virgin Mary and the Citadel.

The Church of Saint John the Baptist has its origins in the 7th century though has undergone many iterations since then, settling on its current form in the 17th century following heavy destruction and restoration from the significant earthquake of 1667.

Inside, a colourful glass mosaic fills the wall behind the alter, created by Croatian artist Ivo Dulčić, while the gleaming Venetian bell tower stands proudly above the old town’s sea of terracotta rooftops and has become an emblem for the city, being easily recognisable from across the bay.

All churches in the Budva old town are free to enter though opening hours are intermittent.

Towering beside a chain of tangled lilac wisteria, the 15th-century Budva Citadel extends along the southern border of the fortified city and has acted as a strategic military outpost since Venetian rule.

Entrance to the citadel provides access to a small library and a short section of the ramparts from where you can enjoy the outlook over the old town and along the coast.

There’s a €5 entry fee (cash only), though very little information is provided.

Further along, the balcony beside the Church of the Virgin Mary is a popular spot to watch the sunset where musicians often busk from the shaded church steps creating a wonderful atmosphere.

Continue on past the string of bars that cluster around the square and through the old town’s maze of passageways, meandering past the lovely Square of Poets to exit via the Main Gate.

To find the best view of the Budva old town, skirt around Plaža Ričardova Glava, the wide beach that nudges up against the ramparts, and join the footpath leading around the cliffs to the sun-drenched turquoise shores of Mogren Beach.

Don’t miss the beautiful statue of the Budva ballerina and the postcard-perfect snapshot of the old town bound by deep blue water and a sublime backdrop of rugged mountains.

Covering a 30 odd kilometre stretch of coastline, the Budva Riviera is a magnet for sun seekers and is the prime reason for Budva being Montenegro’s most visited destination.

This dazzling strip of the Adriatic encompasses around 30 beaches, bays and coves and one of the best things to do in Budva is to mosey along the coast between the many hidden (and not so hidden) nooks and bathe in the deliciously blue water.

Admittedly, all of this comes with the huge caveat that during the height of summer, this area swells with visitors and becomes disgustingly overcrowded and downright unpleasant.

But in the off season, you’ll be welcomed by an idyllic string of irresistible aqua bays held beneath the dramatic coastal mountains which remain wonderfully peaceful and free of the ever-present parasols, beach loungers and oppressive crowds that consume them across the middle of the year.

It’s also worth keeping in mind that long strips of beach along the riviera are privatised where exclusive hotels can control up to 80% of the shoreline and charge extortionate prices for access (think €150+).

So, which are the best Budva beaches to visit?

Directly west of Budva, Mogren Beach is a crowd favourite and easily accessible via the footpath that wraps around the cliffs from the old town. It’s also one of my top picks for a laidback afternoon swim close to town.

Mogren offers a mix of pebble and sandy shores with pristine turquoise water and is divided into two beaches separated by a rocky promontory where a narrow tunnel carved through the rock and a makeshift bridge connects the two.

For those keen to explore, Fort Mogren takes pride of place on the hilltop at the far end of the beach and provides excellent views down the coast.

In the off season, Mogren Beach remains remarkably quiet, blessed with empty shores and stunning water, but in summer it does get crowded with beach chairs that will set you back €30 to €50.

Further west, Jaz Beach is another popular choice with a long strip of sand and pebble surrounded by several beach bars and restaurants, and ample free parking.

Beach beds cost between €10 and €20 and tend to be well spread out compared to elsewhere leaving plenty of space for public bathers, though it does pack out in peak season. For a touch of quiet, head left into the bay beyond Poseidon which is more rocky and less busy. There’s also a nudist section further along.

Jet skis, inflatable platforms and beach parties are commonplace over summer.

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Continuing around, Trsteno and Ploča technically fall within Kotor’s municipality but are better accessed from Budva.

Trsteno sits in a shallow protected bay framed in shaded cabanas with a narrow strip of sand that is lovely and relaxed in the off season and gets completely gobbled up by parasols over the summer. Similarly, Ploča has a small beach area which extends into a wide concrete platform topped with several pools, beach bars, restaurants and loungers.

Both beaches are known for their loud music and beach party vibes, especially Ploča, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea. A pair of loungers will set you back between €15 and €25, though parking at both is free.

Budva itself is divided into two beaches – Greco to the west and Slovenska to the east.

Being so close to town, neither appear particularly clean and have a greyish tint that hides the brilliant blue hues you’ll find elsewhere along the coast. Neighbouring Bečići has a similar situation.

Both are vast and spacious with affordable beach chairs, but otherwise they’re nothing to write home about.

Wedged a short way off shore, Sveti Nikola Island, also referred to as Hawaii Beach, is a unique option with rugged cliffs, stark rocky outcrops, a halo of lush greenery and brilliant blue water that feels like a castaway pirate enclave.

Sveti Nikola can be reached via water taxi from the marina for €6 and is ordinarily less crowded than the city beaches though does get busy over weekends.

Continuing south, Kamenovo Beach is a long, lively and mostly sandy bay where parking costs €5 and sun beds are €30. There’s also a tunnel hewn through the cliffs at the north of the beach which leads to a small rocky cove that has a more laid back vibe.

Tucked in amongst the next bay, Przno Beach is very built up, with plenty more construction underway, where the vast majority of the beach is private making it the least appealing option south of Budva.

A footpath connects Sveti Stefan with Milocer, Queen’s and Przno making it easy to explore the beaches on foot once you’ve arrived by car or bus.

Next up, Sveti Stefan boasts two sweeping rose-coloured bays with pristine water that swing out from the town’s picture-perfect island. The right-hand beach is privatised for hotel guests only, unless of course you want to fork out €180 for the privilege, while the beach to the left is partly covered in sun beds with small pockets available for public use.

Sun beds range from €30 to €70 depending on the location and proximity to the water. Limited free roadside parking is available above the village, but spots by the beach will set you back €4 per hour.

Further south, Drobni Pijesak Beach is another pretty bay that is slightly less crowded where sun beds cost €25. There’s a small parking area costing €1.50 per hour or €8 per day, though the road down is very steep so you may prefer parking up top.

All things considered, for an off season visit, my favourite Budva beaches and the ones I’d happily return to are Mogren, Milocer and Queen’s Beach.

For those who love nothing more than to while away an afternoon with a relaxed beachside stroll, the Budva Promenade will be right up your alley.

Extending for 6 km along the water, this walkway spans from the Budva old town along the entire waterfront, through a tunnel that cuts beneath the Zavala Peninsula and bypasses the Dukley Resort, along the length of Bečići Beach, around the point of Devistenje Beach and through another tunnel that emerges at Kamenovo Beach.

Some sections are built up with restaurants and souvenir stalls while others cling to the rocks as they swing around the peninsulas that jut into the sea.

My favourite section is along the eastern side of Budva Bay where you’ll find lovely views looking back towards town and the surrounding mountains, but there are also some interesting spots around the rugged point that extends between Bečići and Kamenovo.

You certainly don’t have to walk the whole way, but it’s a great option to get your steps in after a day of mooching about on the beach, or for those that might have taken the bus one way down the coast and are keen to return on foot.

Located just 10 minutes away, one of the best things to do in Budva is take a day trip to Sveti Stefan, one of Montenegro’s most famous and recognisable destinations.

Protruding into the Adriatic via a narrow isthmus, Sveti Stefan with its tight knot of terracotta rooftops and peach-coloured bays is like something out of a storybook.

Unfortunately, the island itself is privately owned as part of the luxury Aman Sveti Stefan hotel and inaccessible to visitors, but it’s still pretty as a picture to look at from afar.

First, stop at the roadside Sveti Stefan Viewpoint (located here) to admire the village from above before nabbing one of the limited free parking spots up top and taking the staircase shortcut that leads directly to the southern tip of the beach.

Alternatively, weave down the flower laden zig zag street towards the beach where parking costs €4 per hour.

Walk along the rose-tinted pebble bay towards the island, take a peak at the fragrant wisteria canopy in the park if you’re visiting in spring, and join the northbound footpath which climbs over the peninsula and leads to two of Montenegro’s best beaches – Milocer and Queen’s Beach – in just 1 km.

As mentioned, both are normally reserved for use by guests of the exclusive Villa Miločer, but while the hotel is closed, they’re open for public use and are one of the area’s best kept secrets.

Head back to Sveti Stefan for lunch and spend the afternoon at the public beach on the lefthand side or continue down the coast to Drobni Pijesak Beach.

For sunset, take the winding road up the mountain to St. Sava Church for stunning views along the coastline and a perfect vantage point over the tiny island of Sveti Stefan as fiery hues bleed across the sky.

Known as the jewel of Montenegro, UNESCO-listed Kotor is an essential stop on every Montenegro itinerary and while most visitors will stay overnight, Budva is located just 45 minutes away and also makes an ideal base from which to visit.

Nestled between steep granite walls at the far reaches of a glimmering turquoise bay, Kotor holds an enviable location and is easily the prettiest historic town in Montenegro.

It’s a delight to explore, with twisting cobbled laneways, crumbling staircases and hidden courtyards which are famously frequented by the many friendly cats that call these streets home.

Enjoy the key sights including the Clock Tower, the 12th-century romanesque Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, the signature green domes of the Serbian Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas and the old town walls which extend north from the Gurdić Gate and east from the Kampana Tower.

Hiking the historic fortified walls behind the old town to the Church of Our Lady of Remedy and the Fort of St John is another highlight, however this now attracts a rather steep €15 entry fee which I personally don’t feel is worth it.

A possible alternative it to climb the longer and more rugged switchback-laden Ladder of Kotor which ascends the mountain a smidge further north and is free to access.

Either walk is particularly beautiful around sunset when brilliant veils of light stream into the bay.

Next up, head around the Bay of Kotor to the quaint fishing village of Perast.

Stroll along its beautiful promenade, enjoy an ice cream in the sunshine and watch the waterside painters capture the iconic bell tower of the Church of Saint Nicholas before climbing said tower for gorgeous views over the village and the bay.

Finally, head down to the waterfront and climb aboard a water taxi to visit the small island of Our Lady of the Rocks and its church before heading back to Budva.

Now, while Kotor is absolutely enchanting, it’s worth keeping in mind that the summer crowds do become completely overwhelming, fueled by the enormous cruise ships that enter the bay and inject thousands of extra visitors into the tiny historic centre each day.

Avoid visiting in peak season if you can, otherwise be sure to get an early start to beat the heat and the crowds. In the height of summer, traffic and parking around Kotor can also be somewhat nightmarish so consider travelling by bus to save yourself the hassle.

There are frequent buses from Budva to Kotor and once in town you can take a taxi or the Blue Line Bus to Perast which departs every hour from outside the VOLI Supermarket and costs €1.50.

Alternatively, it’s possibly to skip the drive and traffic altogether and take a guided boat tour directly from Kotor with stops at Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks. See tour options here.

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