Is Budva Worth Visiting?

by Ryan | Jul 18, 2024

Should I Go to Budva, Montenegro?

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 looking to explore the Adriatic coast of Montenegro, a trip to Budva is definitely worth considering.

When we tell others we are full-time travelers, one of the most popular questions people ask is: “Where should I go?” The honest answer is: “It depends.” The best destination depends on what you want to do on your trip.

Every city is different and has its pros and cons. We can’t say which city is best or our favorite because we like them all (or, at least, most of them) for very different reasons.

We consider several factors when we start thinking about where to go next. Some are given more weight than others, but we want to ensure the destination has what we’re looking for and that there are no disqualifying issues (like weather or crowds).

To help you decide if Budva is a good choice, we’ve analyzed a list of factors we consider when choosing a destination and answered the frequently asked questions.

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Factors to Consider Before Visiting Budva

We spent the whole month of February in Budva. Based on our experience, we assigned each factor a score from 1 to 5, with one being the worst and five being the best. If the attribute is unavailable or does not apply, we give it a 0.

If you’re asking yourself, “Is Budva worth visiting?” hopefully, this information will help you make a more informed decision.

Weather

Hot in the Summer 1
Cold in the Winter 4

Crowds

Few Tourists in Large Groups 3
Few Cruise Ship Passengers 4
Few Tourists in Couples or Small Families 2
Pedestrian Only Areas 4
Lines at Attractions 5

 

Water Activities

Beaches with Calm Water (Kid-Friendly) 5
Beaches with Rough Water 5
Boating Activities/Kayaking 5
Rocky Swim Spots 5
Sunbathing 5

Food and Beverage

Wine 3
Beer 2
Specialty Liquor 3
Specialty Food 3
Seafood 5
Meat 3
Street Food 1
Large Food Market with Restaurants 3

 

Interests

History 3
Architecture 3
Art 1
Museums 1
Castles 0
Walled-City 4
Palaces 0
Hiking 3
Running 4
High-Fashion Stores/Shopping 3
Nightlife 5
Dog-Friendly 3
Kid-Friendly 4

Conveniences

Great Grocery Stores 3
English Widely Spoken 5
Outwardly Friendly Locals 3
American Tourists 1
Accessible by Train 0
Day Trips by Train 0
Clean Streets 4
Noise 3

Costs

Food Cost 4
Accommodation Cost 4
Activities Cost 4
Transportation Cost 2
Is Budva worth visiting? The answer is probably yes!

A Closer Look at Each Factor

Some factors may sway you in one direction or another, depending on your circumstances and interests—for example, the weather. If you like to go to the beach, you may be looking for hot weather in the summer. If you like winter sports, you may be looking for cold weather in the winter. On the other hand, if you want to explore the old town (like us), you may be looking for milder weather in the summer and winter. For this reason, you may need to take your situation into account.

Weather

While there are some exceptions, we assume the weather will be good in the Spring and Fall everywhere we consider visiting. So, we focus primarily on the Summer and Winter weather. With that in mind, what is Budva weather like?

Hot in the Summer – 1

The average highs for June, July, and August are 81℉, 86℉, and 85℉, respectively. Budva is a hot destination during the summer. That’s not a problem for most people since Budva is a popular summer beach destination. It has many large beaches with many opportunities to swim in the beautiful Adriatic Sea.

If the summer heat, beaching, boating, and swimming in the sea aren’t your thing and you plan to visit Budva for its beautiful Old Town, you should consider visiting during the spring or fall.

Cold in the Winter – 4

The average highs for December, January, and February are 54℉, 53℉, and 54℉, respectively. We spent the month of February in Budva. Most days, the weather was mild and beautiful. It was very cold, windy, and rainy on a few days, but the temperature was below freezing only two days during the month.

Budva Montenegro Weather Graph

Crowds

Few Tourists in Large Groups – 3

Budva is a medium-sized tourist town that is a very popular summer destination for sunbathing on the beaches, boating, and other water activities. It has many hotels and high-rise apartments, which can accommodate lots of tourists. It mainly attracts tourists in small groups looking to relax on the beach during the summer. It does have large tourist groups that park their buses in the parking lot next to the Old Town and slowly tour the Old Town on foot, but it’s not at the level of Dubrovnik or Kotor.

Few Cruise Ship Passengers – 4

Budva doesn’t have a cruise ship port, so it doesn’t have waves of people moving through the town directly from large ships.

Few Tourists in Couples or Small Families – 2

Most tourists in Budva are singles, couples, and small families. The singles are looking to soak up the sun during the day and party in the clubs at night. Couples and small families are looking to enjoy Budva’s many beaches, quaint Old Town, and great seafood. Budva has many tourists during the summer, and this is not a sleepy, quiet town.

Pedestrian-Only Areas – 4

Budva offers two great pedestrian areas. The first is the Old Town, which is pedestrian-only and allows for the slow wandering of the narrow streets. The second is the long promenade along the ocean. Budva and the neighboring areas have done an amazing job connecting the long promenades, allowing fantastic seaside strolls.

Lines at Attractions – 5

The main attractions in Budva are walking through the Old Town and enjoying the historic architecture, walking along the waterfront promenade, and soaking up the sun at a beach. None of these activities have lines.

Plaža Ričardova Glava in Budva, Montenegro

Water Activities

Beaches with Calm Water (Kid-Friendly) – 5

Beaches, beaches, and more sandy beaches. That is what Budva offers, and they are great for kids and adults.

Mogren Beach is located just a stone’s throw away from the old town and is one of the best beaches in all of Montenegro. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and a variety of water sports activities on this stunning beach. With its picturesque scenery and lively atmosphere, Mogren Beach is definitely worth visiting when in Budva.

Slovenska Plaza is the longest beach in Budva and can get crowded during peak season. However, there are many other options to choose from if you prefer a quieter atmosphere.

Jaz Beach is described as “a pristine paradise.” It is located a few miles away from Budva’s old town and boasts clear blue waters and spacious areas to relax and soak up the sun. Although it can get busy during peak summer months, early mornings or off-season visits are ideal to avoid crowds.

Budva is a great destination for beach lovers. For more information, check out our guide to the best beaches in Budva.

Beaches with Rough Water – 5

When the weather is windy, the calm beaches of Budva will have rough water, but it is not a surfing destination.

Boating Activities/Kayaking – 5

Boating is very popular in Budva, and it has and medium-sized mariana.

Rocky Swim Spots – 5

Budva does have some swim spots from a rocky entrance, but the pebbled beaches are the more popular destination for swimming and sunbathing.

Sunbathing – 5

Sunbathing is a very popular activity in Budva during the hot summers. There are many large beaches to sunbathe along the water.

Experiences

One of the highlights of a trip to Budva is taking a boat ride along the picturesque coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. Whether you opt for a short boat ride to explore nearby islands or embark on a full-day cruise to discover the Bay of Kotor, you’ll be treated to unforgettable sights and experiences.

These highly-rated water experiences are a great way to cool off during the summer heat in Budva. Book now to enjoy Budva’s popular water activities during your stay!

Plantaze Wine in Budva, Montenengro

Food and Beverage

Wine – 3

In Budva and, in fact, all of Montenegro, the Plantaze Winery dominates the wine market. Plantaze offers a wide selection of wines at very reasonable prices. For more information on Montenegro wine, check out our Montenegro Wine page.

We gave this category a 3 because the Plantaze Reserve wines are very good, very affordable, and pair well with the local food, but they aren’t going to make you want to ship a case home.

Beer – 2

We’re not prolific beer drinkers, but by most accounts, Budva is a relatively poor area for decent beer. Notwithstanding, there are a few pubs in and near the Old Town where you can get a cold beer.

Specialty Liquor – 3

Montenegro produces rakija, with Plantaze dominating production. It is fun to try while there but not something I would rave about or recommend purchasing a bottle without tasting it first.

Speaking of tasting rakija, we spent a fun afternoon drinking wine at the Rakia and Wine Bar in the Old Town. While we didn’t drink the rakija, it would be the perfect place to try a couple of different varieties.

Specialty Food – 3

The specialty food of Budva is seafood, smoked pork, and cheeses. There are many seafood restaurants in the Old Town and along the promenade. There are also seafood shops around the produce market outside the Old Town and in a few grocery stores. For more information on the local foods of Budva, see our Budva food page.

Seafood – 5

Budva is a seafood destination and a great place to enjoy fresh grilled seafood with Montenegrin white wines.

Meat – 3

Budva is a seafood destination. You’ll find meat on the menus, but Budva is not a meat destination. Regardless, we highly recommend trying the local smoked pork that is thinly sliced and very smoky.

Street Food – 1

Budva doesn’t have many street food vendors. Most takeaway options are ice cream on the Promenade. Table-seating restaurants and cafes on the water dominate its food scene.

Food Market – 3

Budva has a small/medium-sized fresh produce market with vendors selling local cheeses, smoked meats, and seafood. It’s a great place to explore and learn about the local food, but it can be challenging with the language barrier.

Experiences

Budva is a destination that offers a wide range of dining experiences, from fine dining establishments to casual eateries along the bustling promenade. Whether you are looking for a gourmet meal or a quick snack, you will find plenty of options to satisfy your taste buds in Budva. Moreover, the city’s dining scene caters to all preferences, making it worth visiting for food enthusiasts seeking diverse culinary experiences.

Want to learn about local food and wine during your Budva stay? Book a highly-rated food and wine experience!

Citadel in Budva, Montenegro

Interests

History – 3

Budva has a beautiful Old Town with a small history museum. It’s not a destination for history buffs interested in learning about the most popular historical periods, but we enjoyed learning about Montenegro’s history.

Architecture – 3

Budva Old Town has a lot of historic architecture that creates a wonderful atmosphere. Significantly, the Citadel, also known as the Fortress of St. Mary, was originally built in the 9th century and was reconstructed in the 15th century to protect the town from sea attacks. The fortress offers beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea and is a great spot to explore for those interested in history and architecture.

We gave this a 3 because outside of the Old Town, the architecture is modern high-rise buildings along the water and some Soviet-era style buildings as you move away from the sea.

Art – 1

Budva is not a destination for art. We didn’t see any art galleries or art museums but gave this a one just in case we missed something.

Museums – 1

Budva is not a museum destination. It has a couple of small museums, but if your schedule doesn’t allow for a museum visit, it’s not the end of the world.

Castles – 0

There are no castles in Budva.

Walled-City – 4

Budva has a completely walled Old Town with a fort that overlooks the Adriatic Sea.

Palaces – 0

There are no palaces in Budva.

Hiking – 3

Budva is not a hiking destination, but there is some hiking around the area. For more information on Budva hiking, check out AllTrails.

Running – 4

Budva’s flat promenade stretches for miles and provides fantastic running. We encountered many other runners in the mornings. For more information on Budva running routes, check out Map My Run.

High – Fashion Stores/Shopping – 3

Budva isn’t currently a high-end shopping destination but is making moves and aspires to become one in the future. One large, high-rise condo building advertises the future arrival of several high-end fashion brands.

Nightlife – 5

Budva is a summer party destination with several nightclubs outside the old town and along the promenade.

Dog Friendly – 3

Budva is not the friendliest destination for dogs, but it’s certainly not unfriendly to dogs. Dogs are not allowed on buses or in stores, but we found dog-friendly accommodations and many locals have dogs.

Kid Friendly – 4

We don’t have kids, but we think Budva is a very kid-friendly destination. It has the sea with many boat activities and beaches with calm water to swim in.

Experiences

Want to learn about Budva’s history with a guide? Book a city tour!

Green Market in Budva, Montenegro

Conveniences

Great Grocery Stores – 3

Budva has medium-sized grocery stores with fresh fish and produce. It also has a small market with merchants selling fresh seafood, local produce, cured meats, and local cheeses.

English Widely Spoken – 5

English is widely spoken in Budva, and we had no problem knowing only a few Montenegrin words.

Outwardly Friendly Locals – 3

Locals in Budva are generally friendly, but some need a little warming up to.

American Tourists – 1

There aren’t a lot of American tourists in Budva. There are some, but they are a minority in the tourist population.

Accessible by Train – 0

There is no train station in Budva. You must rent a car or hire a taxi or private transfer to get to Budva.

Most people get to Budva by driving. For private transfers, we recommend GetTransfer. For rental cars and price comparisons of international and local brands, we recommend Discover Cars.

Day Trips by Train – 0

Day-tripping by train is not an option from Budva. But, if you have a care, there are some worthwhile day trips from Budva.

Clean Streets – 4

Budva does an excellent job of keeping its streets clean.

Noise – 3

Even though it’s a party town, Budva is not a very noisy destination.

Experiences

Want to explore the area surrounding Budva? Book a highly-rated tour!

Costs

Food Cost – 4

Food in Budva is affordable and offers excellent value. There are some expensive restaurants, but there are also many moderately-priced restaurants where you can enjoy fresh fish and seafood with local white wine.

Accommodation Cost – 4

Accommodations in Budva are less expensive than in other nearby tourist destinations like Kotor and Dubrovnik. The many high-rise apartments and hotels provide significant inventory for moderate prices.

Activities Cost – 4

The primary activities in Budva, like exploring the Old Town and sunbathing on the beaches, are free or inexpensive.

Transportation Cost – 2

Since Budva is not connected to other cities by train, the most popular ways to get there are by plane or car. This increases the cost of transportation when compared to other European destinations.

We now use private transfers and rental cars when moving around Croatia and Bosnia. For private transfers, we recommend GetTransfer. For rental cars and price comparisons of international and local brands, we recommend Discover Cars.

FAQs About Budva

What is Budva Famous For?

Budva is famous for its beaches, nightclubs, and Sveti Stefan.

Sveti Stefan is a nearby island just off the mainland that is operated by Aman Resorts. It is one of the top places in the area, and a visit should be one of the top things on everyone’s itinerary. If you have time, walking is the best way to get from Budva to Sveti Stefan. The route crosses many remote and beautiful beaches and is worth the time and effort. However, if walking doesn’t work, Sveti Stefan is a short taxi ride away.

Where to stay 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!

Is Budva Pretty?

Yes, Budva is very pretty. It has miles of beaches, views of the mountains, and unique historic buildings. Specifically, sunset is one of Budva’s most beautiful times. If you don’t have a balcony overlooking the sea, the beach is probably the best place to see the sun setting behind the Old Town. Alternatively, many restaurants have sea views that offer great spots to watch the sunset while enjoying delicious food.

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.

Does Budva Have a Tourist Tax?

In Budva, tourists are required to pay a small city tax upon accommodation check-in, typically ranging from €1 to €2 per person, per day. This tax contributes to local infrastructure and tourism development. Make sure to inquire about this tax when booking your stay to avoid any surprises during your visit. Understanding and adhering to this requirement will ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay in this beautiful coastal destination.

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.

Is it better to stay in Budva or Tivat?

Budva and Tivat are beautiful destinations with their own unique charms. Budva is known for its historic old town and lively nightlife scene, while Tivat offers a more relaxed atmosphere and is home to the luxurious Porto Montenegro marina. Ultimately, where to stay depends on what you want in a vacation.

How Many Days Is Enough in Budva?

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.”

Is Budva Safe?

Yes, Budva is very safe. We spent a month in Budva and felt extremely safe.

However, like any other tourist spot, it’s always recommended to take standard precautions to ensure your safety. Be mindful of your belongings, avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas, and be cautious of your surroundings. Overall, Budva is known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular choice for visitors looking to explore the Adriatic coast.

Is It Safe to Rent a Car and Drive around Budva?

Yes, it is safe to rent a car and drive in Montenegro. The roads can be narrow in places, so you need to exercise some caution.

What is the best Month to visit Budva?

The time of the year with good weather and fewer crowds is often called the shoulder season. The shoulder season in Budva is March to June and September to October. For many, this is the best time of the year to visit.

However, many people visit Budva for the beaches. Of course, the peak season is the summer months, with August being the busiest month.

Do I need to speak the local language to visit Budva?

No, speaking the local Montenegrin language is not needed to visit Budva. A very large percentage of locals speak English.

What do I need on my Budva packing list?

Your Budva packing list should include lots of sunscreen and a swimsuit for the beaches.

Best WIFI for a Budva visit?

Do you need wifi during your trip and don’t want to pay for roaming? We use eSIMs from Airalo during our travel and highly recommend them. They are cheap, easy to set up, and allow you to leave your primary sim card in your phone (so you don’t loose it). Click below for more info.

What Region is Budva in?

Budva is located in the Coastal region of Montenegro.

Where is Budva?

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.

What Are the Best Day Trips from Budva?

Consider a day trip to Sveti Stefan, a small island turned luxury resort. Another option is a visit to the enchanting old town of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled within the Bay of Kotor. These day trips provide a glimpse of the diverse attractions surrounding Budva, adding value to your trip.

Which is better Kotor or Budva?

Kotor and Budva are both popular tourist destinations in Montenegro with different attractions and amenities. If you’re interested in history and architecture, Kotor might be the better choice for you. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient city walls, narrow streets, and historic buildings. On the other hand, Budva is more famous for its beaches and nightlife. If you love wine and food, both destinations offer local specialties and wineries to explore. Ultimately, it depends on what you prioritize in your trip – exploring history or soaking up the sun.

Jen

Jen

Author

I graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 2004 with a degree in accounting. I earned my CPA certification and worked in taxation for two public accounting firms in San Francisco, CA. In 2009, I moved to Austin, TX, and took a position in the Large Business and International Division at the Internal Revenue Service. There I worked as a Revenue Agent and audited large companies and their high-net-worth owners. After overcoming my risk-averse nature through extensive budget analysis and financial projections, I quit my safe and secure career in tax accounting in January 2022 and embarked on a life of travel with my husband, Ryan, and French Bulldog, Gus.