Budva
Food | Wine | ArchitectureBudva Travel Guide: Things to Know Before You Go
Not so long ago, Budva was a small and quiet coastal town. Today, it is a metropolis of tourism and one of the most crowded towns on the Montenegrin coast during the summer.
We visited Budva for a month-long stay in February. Although the beaches are mostly empty, the Old Town is still alive during the winter. The restaurants and attractions are open, and there are plenty of tourists wandering about.
Not surprisingly, seafood and sunbathing are prominent parts of the culture. However, there is plenty of history to be discovered in Budva.
Below is a guide to our favorite food, wine, and architecture in Budva, plus some additional travel tips and resources we picked up along the way. We hope this information will inspire you to plan your next trip!
This website contains affiliate links that may earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Budva Food
Traditional dishes in Montenegro are divided into three regional styles: the mountains, the coast, and the central area. Check out our Montenegro Food page for more information.
Being a coastal town, Budva food naturally focuses on fish and seafood. However, there’s no shortage of meats or cheeses.
The restaurant menus and markets are packed with seafood, local cheese, cured meats, and other seasonal products.
Budva Wine
The vast majority of local wine in Montenegro is produced by Plantaže winery, located south of Podgorica. Check out our Montenegro Wine page for more information.
If you want to try something other than Plantaze, there’s a wine region approximately 1hr west of Budva with several wineries offering tasting options.
If you prefer to stay in town, there are wine bars in Budva that sell a wide selection of wines from Plantaze and other local wineries.
Budva Architecture
Old Town Budva is one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic Sea. It’s a beautiful destination with more than 2,500 years of history. Inside the gray stone walls are several buildings, including churches and a Citadel, that should not be missed.
Where Is Budva Located?
Budva is a coastal town on the Adriatic Sea in central Montenegro. It’s about 1 hr west of Podgorica, Montenegro’s capital city, and only 25 min south of Tivat, where the primary airport to access the Montenegrin coastal towns is located.
Where Is the Best Place To Stay In Budva?
Hotels in Budva
There are many great places to stay in Budva. For the best experience, we recommend staying near the Old Town (the castle marker on the map below). If you don’t stay in the Old Town, we recommend staying near the sea. The architecture of Budva is not as memorable as you go inland and away from the Old Town and the Adriatic Sea.
Here’s an interactive map with hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.
Book your stay now!
What Is The Best Time To Visit Budva?
The best month to visit Budva depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want the best weather, fewer crowds, or the best value? Following are our suggestions for each.
Weather
The best weather is a personal preference. We find the best weather for exploring a city is around 55° F and sunny. The weather in Budva during the summer can be very hot, but sunbathing, swimming in the Adriatic Sea, and boating are the most popular activities.
Below is a chart showing each month’s average high and low temperatures so you can decide what is best for you.
Shoulder Season
The time of the year with good weather and fewer crowds is often called the shoulder season. The shoulder season in Budva is March, April, October, and November. For many, this is the best time of the year to visit.
Budva is a popular beach destination in the summer and can get very crowded. You will find fewer crowds in the shoulder season.
We spent a month in Budva in February. The weather was cold and windy on some days but lovely and sunny on others. It’s somewhat hit-and-miss. In general, it is a relatively mild-weather destination.
Best Value
January and February are good months to visit Budva for the best value and no crowds. You should expect cold, windy weather and pack accordingly.
FAQs About Budva
Is Budva Worth Visiting?
Yes, Budva is definitely worth visiting. If you enjoy seafood, medieval walled towns, and beaches (lots of beaches) you will have a wonderful time in Budva. We explored this question in depth in our article “Is Budva, Montenegro Worth Visiting?”
Is Budva Expensive?
Budva, Montenegro is cheaper than more popular tourist destinations like Kotor, Montenegro and nearby Dubrovnik, Croatia. However, the cost ultimately depends on the level of luxury required. We prepared a Budget for a Month in Budva that analyzes all the necessary expenses.
What Is Budva Famous For?
Budva is famous for its beaches, nightclubs, and Sveti Stefan – the nearby luxury island resort.
Is Budva Pretty?
Yes, Budva is very pretty. It has miles of beaches, views of the mountains, and unique historic buildings.
How Many Days in Budva Is Enough?
You will need one day to walk the Old Town of Budva and see its famous sites. If you have time to stay another day, a walk or day trip to Sveti Stefan is well worth the time and effort. The beaches and small towns along the way are amazing! For a list of the best things to see and a suggested walking tour, check out our article “16 Best Things to See in Budva.” For turn-by-turn directions to Sveti Stefan, check out our article “How to Walk from Budva to Sveti Stefan.”
What Region Is Budva In?
Budva is located in the Coastal region of Montenegro.
How to Get to Budva?
If you fly into Tivat Airport, you can take a short 25 min. taxi ride to Budva.
If you fly into Podgorica Airport, you can take a 1 hr. 15 min. transfer to Budva.
If you need door-to-door service, then a taxi from the airport to the front door of your hotel is best. To arrange a taxi or private transfer, we recommend GetTransfer.
Other Things to Know About Budva
Airport
Tivat Airport (code: TIV) is the international airport serving the Montenegrin coastal town of Tivat and the surrounding region. There are no direct flights from the United States to TIV. Most connecting cities are in Germany. The airport is only 14 miles from Budva and takes approximately 25 minutes by car.
Podgorica Airport (code: TGD) is an international airport serving the Montenegrin capital of Podgorica and the surrounding region. There are no direct flights from the United States to TGD. However, there are seasonal flights from several European cities to Podgorica.
Time Zone
Central European Time (GMT +1) / Central European Summer Time (GMT +2)
Currency
Euro €
Language
Montenegrin is the official language of Montenegro. However, English is widely spoken in Budva.
Visa
Citizens from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia don’t need a visa to visit Montenegro if they stay 90 days or less. For more information on visa-free travel in Montenegro, check out our article on traveling visa-free.
Electricity
Montenegro’s power plug sockets are of type F. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. Travelers from the United States will need an adapter.
We recommend a travel power strip with multiple USBs and standard plug-ins if you have many items to plug in. Using a power strip, you will only need one adapter to plug the strip into the wall.
SIM Card
Travelers will want a SIM card for Montenegro. You can get either a local SIM card or an eSIM card.
To get a local SIM card, you have to find a local cellular service provider, often stand in line for assistance, show your passport, and complete some paperwork. The SIM cards work great, but purchasing them is somewhat inconvenient. This option is best if you need more than 5GB of data.
We use eSIMs exclusively because they can be purchased through an app prior to arrival in a new country and activated when you hit a cell tower in the country. We use Airalo eSIMs. They work great, and I recommend them if you plan to use less than 5 GB of data during your stay or if you need internet immediately on arrival.
Car Rental
The lack of a train system in Montenegro makes rental cars necessary for most destinations. In addition to the major car rental companies found in the United States, Sixt and Europcar are common throughout Europe. For a comparison of rental car offers from large, international brands and smaller regional brands, we recommend Discover Cars.
Budva Blog Posts
13 Best Beaches in Budva, Montenegro
We visited Budva, Montenegro for its historic walled Old Town, but the beaches are the main reason most people visit. It's not hard to see why - Budva has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. This blog post will guide you...
21 Pros and Cons of Living in Budva, Montenegro
Budva, Montenegro offers a unique experience for those contemplating a move abroad. With its historical sites, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife, it’s easy to see why many are drawn to the beautiful coastal city. However, you...
Is Budva Worth Visiting?
The Old Town of Budva is charming and definitely worth visiting, with its picturesque courtyards and historic buildings. Additionally, the Budva Riviera is stunning, making it a great destination for beach lovers. Overall, if you are...
How to Walk from Budva to Sveti Stefan, Montenegro
As of February 2023, it is possible to walk the entire way from Budva to Sveti Stefan with only a very short section (approximately 100 yards) on the shoulder of the main road. The journey is approximately 5 1/2 miles and takes a little...
Budget for a Month in Budva, Montenegro
The budget for a month in Budva, Montenegro depends on the level of luxury required. We believe that traveling full-time requires a moderate level of comfort. Most people (us included) could not stay in a hostel month after month and...
16 Best Things to See in Budva, Montenegro
Budva, Montenegro offers a plethora of amazing sights and attractions. If you’re interested in architecture, the best things to see in Budva are: Church of St. Ivan Citadel Church of the Holy Trinity The Narrow Streets of Old Town Old...