Budva

Budva, an ancient town on Montenegro's Adriatic coast, is known for its medieval center, beaches, and lively nightlife. In the Old Town, you can walk along stone walls dating back to the 15th century. At Slovenska Plaza, you'll find a long stretch of sand with cafes and restaurants. After dark, you can dance at Top Hill, one of the largest open-air clubs in the Balkans. From Budva, it's easy to visit nearby attractions like Sveti Stefan island and the Bay of Kotor.

Budva's Old Town

The Old Town, or Stari Grad, is a compact area of narrow cobblestone streets surrounded by Venetian walls. As you walk through, you'll see small squares, churches from different centuries, and local shops. At the southern end, climb up to the Citadel for a view over the Adriatic Sea. To learn about local history, visit the Town Museum in a former bishop's palace. It displays objects from Budva's 2,500 years of history.

Beaches

Budva has several beaches along its coast. Slovenska Plaza, the main city beach, is 1.6 kilometers long and has many cafes and restaurants nearby. For a quieter spot, go to Mogren Beach, which consists of two small coves connected by a tunnel through the cliffs. If you want to try water sports or attend summer festivals, head to Jaz Beach, a few kilometers west of town.

Nightlife

At night, Budva becomes very lively. The seafront promenade fills with open-air bars and clubs that stay open until early morning. Top Hill, on a hill overlooking the city, is one of the largest open-air nightclubs in the Balkans. For a calmer evening, you can have a drink at one of the beach bars and watch the sun set over the sea.

Day Trips from Budva

Budva is a good starting point for exploring the Montenegrin coast. A short drive south takes you to Sveti Stefan, a small island connected to the mainland by a narrow path. The island is now a luxury resort closed to non-guests, but you can see it from the nearby beaches. You can also take a day trip to the Bay of Kotor. In the town of Kotor, you'll see city walls that climb up the mountainside. Or visit the small village of Perast, known for its two island churches.

Where to Stay

You can find different types of accommodation in Budva. There are high-end resorts along the coast, some with private beaches and spa facilities. For a more local experience, you might stay in a guesthouse within the Old Town walls. If you're on a budget, look for hostels and apartments in the newer part of town, often within walking distance of the beaches and nightlife areas.

Local Food

In Budva, you can try dishes that mix Mediterranean and Balkan flavors. Many restaurants serve fresh seafood caught in the Adriatic. Local specialties include black risotto made with cuttlefish ink and grilled octopus. If you prefer meat, try cevapcici (grilled meat rolls) or Njegusi prosciutto. With your meal, you can drink local wine or rakija, a strong fruit brandy popular in the Balkans.

Getting to and Around Budva

The closest airport is in Tivat, about 20 kilometers away. You can also fly to Podgorica (65 km) or Dubrovnik in Croatia (70 km). Buses connect Budva to major cities in Montenegro and nearby countries. In Budva, you can walk around the city center easily. To go to nearby beaches or towns, you can use local buses or taxis.

When to Visit

Most tourists come to Budva from June to August when it's hot and the nightlife is busiest. However, this is also when the town is most crowded and expensive. For fewer crowds but still good weather, try visiting in May or September. During these months, you can still enjoy the beach and sightseeing, and most places are open for visitors.