Best things to do in Podgorica
Montenegro’s modern-day capital has an understated appeal, manifest in a coterie of enlightening museums, gorgeous Orthodox churches and vestigial remains from the Ottoman Empire.
Viewpoints and panoramas
Gorica Hill: For a panoramic view of the city, hike to the summit of Gorica Hill, a gentle climb with sublime views, especially at sunset.
Dajbabe Monastery: Located on the outskirts of Podgorica, this monastery is built into a cave and therefore offers a somewhat unusual perspective of the surrounding landscape.
The best districts
Stara Varoš: Formerly the city’s Muslim quarter, its wafer-thin streets are packed with Ottoman-era architecture, including several still-standing mosques.
Trg Republike: The geographical and social heart of the city, this busy and energetic square is surrounded by an orderly grid-like system of streets, principally Slobode – which becomes something of a korzo after 5pm when it’s closed to traffic.
Museums
City Museum: The most stimulating part of the exhibition is the ethnographic section, particularly a lovely display of 18th- and 19th-century national folk costumes.
Modern Art Gallery: Housed in the grand Petrovic Palace, this collection comprises a modest selection of 20th-century Montenegrin art and a smattering of African and Asian works - but more rewarding is the series of rotating exhibitions.
Parks and gardens
Gorica Forest Park: Worth a visit for its pleasant walking trails; it’s to the north of town, behind the easy-to-find national stadium.
King’s Park: This lush city centre park is a terrific spot for a picnic or a leisurely walk. It’s well-maintained with plenty of benches and shady spots - which is most welcome given the city’s often extreme heat.
Historical monuments
Clock Tower: Standing some 30m high, the 18th-century clock tower (Sahat Kula) is the city’s most complete remnant from the Ottoman period, and a very fine building it is too.
Turkish Baths: Secreted away under the New Bridge in the Ribnica River gorge, this ancient building - minus its original roof - has survived to become a thriving little cultural centre, incorporating a bookshop, gallery and café.
Millennium Bridge: It may not be old, but it is bold - a striking, 140m-long, cable-stayed structure that’s especially striking when lit up at night. Cameras at the ready.
Day trips in the area
Lake Skadar: Oozing over the Albanian border, beautiful Skadar is the largest lake in the Balkans, and also one of its most untouched; the main jump-off point is Virpazar, a cute little fishing village at the northern end of the lake.
Cetinje: The old royal capital of Montenegro, sleepy Cetinje sits just over the mountainous crest from Budva and Kotor, and is well placed for a visit if you’re heading between coast and interior.
Activities for families in Podgorica
Although not a large city, holidays to Podgorica are well suited to families and there are a handful of things young and old(er) can try their hand at together.
Cafés: Café life is a serious business here, so gather the troops, kick back and enjoy a beverage or two in one of the capital’s many convivial outdoor cafés and bars.
Adventure Park: Located in Lovćen National Park about an hour’s drive away, this cool park is a series of aerial walkways, zip-lines, cargo nets and hanging log poles, with different challenges depending on age and fitness - be prepared to have a blast.
Historical monuments and sites: For those with kids interested in Ottoman history, there’s plenty to marvel at, including a fine clock tower and a brace of ancient mosques.
Free things to do in Podgorica
From one of the country’s most exciting events to leisurely korzo strolls, Podgorica has plenty of free activities to participate in.
Free events: The city’s most enjoyable free event is the Moraca River Dives competition each July, where divers of world-class repute compete in dramatic plunges from the Vezirov Bridge, north of town.
Free museums: Many of Podgorica’s museums offer free admission on certain days, for example, the Natural History Museum of Montenegro is free to visit on Sundays.
Nature and outdoor activities
There’s little by way of outdoor adventures within, or near, Podgorica itself, so your best bet is to make your way to Lovcen National Park or Lake Skadar, which also offers outstanding birdwatching.
Birdwatching: Lake Skadar is the largest body of water in the Balkans, and as one of the most important birding sanctuaries in southeastern Europe, it’s a haven for ornithologists and is home to the magnificent and rarely seen Dalmatian Pelican.
Hiking: Lovcen National Park is a magical moonscape of bleached limestone slopes and huge karst boulders - but above all it offers fantastic hiking. Abutting the Albanian border are the stunning Prokletije mountains, a heavily glaciated region with some seriously challenging peaks.
Lake kayaking: Lake Skadar’s still waters are perfect for kayaking, so if you fancy a paddle, the Outdoor and More agency in Virpazar rents out single and double kayaks, or you could join a guided tour with Undiscovered Montenegro.