Montenegro

Budva

Walled old town, golden beaches, and the Adriatic at your doorstep.

Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$
Moderate
  • Food$$$$$About $54 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
  • Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $84 a night for two
  • Transport$$$$$About $11.2 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇺🇸 USD =
Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

TIVTivat AirportClosest airport for Budva, about 16–20 km away.
HowCostTime
Mediteran Express shuttleBudva old towncheck locallycheck locally
Shuttle schedules vary; confirm whether it serves Tivat before relying on it.
TaxiBudva old town€25–3525–35 min
Agree a fixed price before the ride.
MonteGO appBudva old towncheck locally25–35 min
Shows upfront fare estimates for airport transfers.
TGDPodgorica AirportLarger regional airport about 65 km away.
HowCostTime
Bus to Podgorica then bus to BudvaBudva bus station€7about 2 hours plus transfers
Check the bus schedule online before travel.
TaxiBudva old town€50–1001–1.5 hours
Agree one fixed price for the whole ride; do not rely on the meter.
MonteGO appBudva old towncheck locally1–1.5 hours
Provides upfront fare estimates.
DBVDubrovnik AirportCroatian airport about 80 km away with many European flights.
HowCostTime
Adriatic Lines ferryBudva harbourcheck locallyabout 2 hours from Dubrovnik port
Ferry runs mainly in high season; reach the port from the airport first.
TaxiBudva old town€90about 1.5–2 hours
Confirm the fixed price before departure.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Budva

Getting around

Walk within the centre and take a metered taxi or book through MonteGO for longer trips.

  • MetroNo metro or tram. Don't plan around rail.
  • BusLocal buses are limited. Intercity buses leave from the bus station, about a 20-minute walk from the Old Town. Herceg Novi buses run about every 30 minutes for around €6.
  • Taxi / ride apps ★Taxis cost around €5 for a ride within town. Use a metered taxi with a visible rate card, or book through MonteGO for upfront fare estimates.
  • Rental carDriving is hard in summer. Traffic is heavy and Old Town parking is scarce and costly. Leave the car outside the centre.
  • Walking ★The centre is about 2 km², and the promenade links the coast. Walking is the easiest way to get around.
  • Tourist boatTourist boats run to nearby beaches and Sveti Nikola island. They are not cheap, and there are no €1 water taxis.
Recommended stay★ Day trip

A day trip is enough, as the walled old town and citadel can be reached from Kotor or Tivat.

Best for
  • BeachesSandy coves, a long seafront promenade and boat trips to Sveti Nikola island.
  • Old TownWalled stone streets, small churches and a harbour view in one walk.
  • NightlifeBeach clubs by day and busy bars and clubs along the coast after dark.

Weather by month

11°5°Jan🌧 13d
13°7°Feb🌧 12d
15°8°Mar🌧 14d
18°11°Apr🌧 12d
22°16°May🌧 14d
27°21°Jun🌧 9d
30°23°Jul🌧 5d
31°24°Aug🌧 7d
26°19°Sep🌧 11d
21°15°Oct🌧 11d
17°11°Nov🌧 14d
13°7°Dec🌧 12d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. The sea is warmest from July to September.

  • Best time: June to SeptemberWarm days of 21–31°C and very few rainy days in July and August. Best for beaches and nightlife.
  • Peak heat (July and August)Highs of 30–31°C. Swim early or late, and use shade in the Old Town.
  • Rain mostly in winterBetween 11 and 14 rain days a month from October to May. Pack a light waterproof jacket.
  • Sea temperatureWarmest from late July to September. The water is cold for most of the year.
  • Cool wintersLows of 5–8°C in January and February. Many beach venues and some restaurants close.
  • What to packLight clothes for summer, a warm layer for evenings, comfortable walking shoes for stone streets, and a swimsuit.

Landmarks 10

Must-see · 8

  1. 1

    Budva Old Town

    Budva's walled old town sits on the Adriatic and is the city's historic heart, with narrow stone streets, churches and sea walls to walk along. Go in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday crowds and heat in summer.

  2. 2

    Sveti Stefan

    This former fishing village on a small islet joined to the mainland by a causeway is one of Montenegro's best-known views. It is mostly seen from outside, as access to the islet is restricted, so plan your visit around the viewpoints on the road.

  3. 3

    Sveti Stefan Beach

    This beach lies in front of the Sveti Stefan islet and is popular for swimming and sunbathing with a view of the village. Arrive early in peak summer for a good spot, and bring water shoes for the pebbly shoreline.

  4. 4

    Kotor Old Town

    Kotor's medieval walled town sits at the head of the Bay of Kotor and is a UNESCO-listed highlight within easy reach of Budva. Wear comfortable shoes, since the route up the city walls is steep, and visit mid-morning or after 4 pm when cruise groups are fewer.

  5. 5

    Perast

    Perast is a small town of Venetian-era palaces on the Bay of Kotor, famous for its waterfront and the islets offshore. It is best reached by bus or tour, and an unhurried lunch on the promenade makes a good half-day stop.

  6. 6

    Bay of Kotor Cruise

    A boat trip across the Bay of Kotor shows the mountains, towns and islands from the water, which is hard to see any other way. Book a morning departure for calmer water and clearer views, and check whether the cruise includes swimming stops.

  7. 7

    Skadar Lake National Park

    This large lake on the Montenegro-Albania border is a protected wetland known for birdlife, water lilies and small islands. Boat tours leave from Virpazar and are the best way to explore, so book ahead in summer.

  8. 8

    Mausoleum of Njegoš on Lovćen

    The mausoleum of the poet-prince Njegoš stands on Mount Lovćen above the Bay of Kotor, with wide views over the coast. The road up has many hairpin bends, so a guided tour or taxi is easier than driving yourself in poor weather.

1Budva Old Town2Sveti Stefan3Sveti Stefan Beach4Kotor Old Town5Perast6Bay of Kotor Cruise7Skadar Lake National Park8Mausoleum of Njegoš on Lovćen

Cultural

Old Town 3

Christian 1

Tomb 1

Traditional Village 1

Natural

Lake 1

Beach 1

Activities

Cruise Tour 1

Food 1

Overview

History & significance

Highlights

    Day trips from Budva

    Kotor · 35 min by bus

    ★★★★★ · Half day · 21 km from Budva

    Best way: The direct bus takes about 35 minutes, departs frequently, and drops you a short walk from the old town.

    Take a direct bus from Budva bus station to Kotor bus station, about 1 hour, with frequent departures; the old town is a short walk from the bus station.

    • Bus ★35 min · from $3-$14
    • Car28 min · taxi ≈ $20

    What to see

    • Kotor Old Town walls
    • St. Tryphon Cathedral
    • Cats Museum
    • Kotor Fortress climb
    • Bay of Kotor waterfront

    3 landmark quests to check off here

    Good to know

    • Kotor's old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    • The bus station is a short walk from the old town, so you don't need a taxi at either end.
    • Wear sturdy shoes, since the old town streets and the climb to the fortress walls are steep.

    Perast · 51 min by road

    ★★★★☆ · Half day · 36 km from Budva

    Best way: The trip is about 51 minutes by road, and the bus route needs a change at Kotor with uncertain connections, so a taxi (about 30 USD) is the simpler choice.

    Take a bus from Budva to Kotor bus station, then a local bus or taxi along the bay to Perast, about 30 minutes; allow extra time for return connections.

    • Car ★51 min · taxi ≈ $30

    What to see

    • Church of Our Lady of the Rocks
    • Perast waterfront
    • Perast palazzos
    • Boat trip to the islets

    1 landmark quest to check off here

    Good to know

    • Allow extra time for the return connections if you go by bus.
    • Perast is small and walkable, so a few hours is usually enough.
    • Boats to Our Lady of the Rocks run from Perast.

    Cetinje · 37 min by bus

    ★★★☆☆ · Half day · 31 km from Budva

    Best way: The direct bus takes about 37 minutes over the mountain road and drops you in the walkable centre.

    Take a direct bus from Budva to Cetinje bus station, about 1 hour via the mountain road; buses run regularly and the centre is walkable from the station.

    • Bus ★37 min · from $2-$14
    • Car42 min · taxi ≈ $30

    What to see

    • Njegoš Museum (Biljarda)
    • Cetinje Monastery
    • Royal Palace museums
    • Cetinje Old Town

    1 landmark quest to check off here

    Good to know

    • Cetinje was the historic royal capital of Montenegro, with several museums and historic buildings in the centre.
    • The centre is walkable from the bus station, so the bus alone covers the trip.
    • The route climbs into the mountains, so expect winding roads and some motion sickness risk on the bus.

    Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

    Plans

    Budva rewards visitors with a compact walled old town, a long seafront promenade, and sandy beaches within a short walk. Its nightlife and summer festivals sit alongside quieter coastal villages nearby. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

    How long?

    What do you enjoy most?

    Day trip · Beaches ★ Recommended length

    Sandy coves and a seafront walk for a relaxed summer day.

    Stay: Old Town. Walled-town streets, the harbour and most restaurants are a short walk away. Quiet at night, but it has steep, narrow lanes and no parking.

    Tickets & tours
    ≈ USD 0
    per person
    Taxis
    ≈ USD 26
    per taxi, up to 4 people
    Day 1

    Beach morning, sunset walk

    Tickets ≈ USD 0 pp · taxis ≈ USD 26
    1234
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 255 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ USD 4
    2. 1

      08:00–08:45 · Free to browse · purchases vary

      Budva Fish Market

      Go early for the catch. Morning hours only, check on the day.

      Open Morning, roughly 07:00–13:00 · check on the day

    3. Taxi · 7 km · ≈ 29 min · ≈ USD 8
    4. 2

      09:00–12:00 · Public beach areas free · sunbeds usually paid, roughly USD 10–25 per day (estimate)

      Sveti Stefan Beach Landmark quest

      Best June to September, mornings. Daytime hours, check on the day.

      Open Daytime, roughly 08:00–19:00 in summer · check on the day

    5. Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 26 min · ≈ USD 7
    6. 3

      17:00–19:00 · Public beach free · loungers usually paid (estimate)

      Mogren Beach

      Late afternoon is the best time. Short walk along the coast from Old Town.

      Open Daytime in summer · check on the day

    7. Taxi · 821 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ USD 4
    8. 4

      19:30–20:30 · Free

      Budva Riviera Promenade

      Sunset walk along the Riviera.

      Open Open all day

    9. Taxi back to your hotel · 572 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ USD 4

    Swap in instead

    • Take a boat trip to Sveti Nikola island or a nearby beach. Tourist boats are not cheap, so compare prices at the marina first.
    • Spend a day in Herceg Novi. Intercity buses run about every 30 minutes for around €6 each way.
    • Visit Kotor or Perast for a historic day trip. Check bus or taxi times before you go, as schedules change by season.

    Getting around

    • Budva has no metro or tram. Local buses are limited, so most visitors walk or take taxis.
    • Intercity buses leave from the bus station, about a 20-minute walk from the old town. Herceg Novi buses run about every 30 minutes for around €6.
    • Taxis cost around €5 for a ride within town. Use a metered taxi with a visible rate card, or book through MonteGO, which gives upfront fare estimates.
    • The currency is the euro (€), not USD. Prices in this guide are in euros as listed on Wikivoyage.
    • Driving is hard in summer: traffic is heavy and old-town parking is scarce and costly. Leave the car outside the centre.
    • Walking is easiest. The centre is about 2 km², and the promenade links the coast; the seaside line is quieter. Tourist boats run to nearby beaches and Sveti Nikola island, but they are not cheap, and there are no €1 water taxis.

    Where to stay

    • Old Town · ≈ USD 120–400 a night
      Walled-town streets, the harbour and most restaurants are a short walk away. Quiet at night, but it has steep, narrow lanes and no parking.
    • Slovenska Plaža · ≈ USD 90–300 a night
      The main town beach, close to the centre and the promenade. Good for easy walks into town and for beach days.
    • Bečići · ≈ USD 110–350 a night
      A long sandy beach with many hotels and beach clubs. Best for beach-focused stays; it is a short taxi ride to the Old Town.
    • Rafailovići · ≈ USD 100–320 a night
      A quieter, small-bay area with rocky swimming spots and sea views. Good for a calm stay; expect taxi rides for nightlife.

    Food & drink

    • Try fresh grilled fish and seafood platters at harbour restaurants in the Old Town and along the marina.
    • Order local black risotto (crni rižoto) or grilled squid where the menu lists it, and ask for the catch of the day.
    • Eat at the Old Town cafés in the morning and the seafront restaurants at sunset; prices are higher right by the walls.
    • Look for local bakeries and burek or pljeskavica stands for a cheap lunch away from the main promenade.
    • Check menus for euro prices and whether a service charge is included before you order.

    Tips

    No city tips yet.

    Sources for prices and hours

      Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

      Tours & activities

      Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

      Bay of Kotor Cruise
      • Speedboat across the Bay of Kotor
      • Visit to the Blue Cave
      • 5,132 reviews · 4.8 rating
      Speedboat rideSmall group

      Kotor: Blue Cave, Submarine Base, and Lady of the Rocks Tour

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (5,132)

      Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

      Skadar Lake National Park
      • Guided tour on Lake Skadar
      • Local Vranac wine on board
      • 1,920 reviews · 4.8 rating
      Wooden boatSwimming stop

      Skadar Lake National Park Guided Boat Tour with Wooden Boat

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (1,920)

      Take this tour to unlock 3 landmark quests

      Perast
      Kotor Old Town
      Budva Old Town
      • Walk through Perast and Kotor
      • Free time in Budva Old Town
      • 1,256 reviews · 4.7 rating
      Small groupThree towns in one day

      Perast, Kotor & Budva Small-Group Day Trip

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (1,256)

      Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

      Mausoleum of Njegoš on Lovćen
      • Views from Lovćen National Park
      • Visit to the Njegoš mausoleum
      • 1,216 reviews · 4.9 rating
      Full dayTop rated

      Full-Day Tour to Lovcen National Park & More

      GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (1,216)

      Souvenirs

      Montenegrin Vranac wine

      EUR 6–15750ml · estimate

      A local red wine made from the Vranac grape, which is grown in Montenegro. It is an easy, affordable gift that shows a taste of the country.

      Where: Voli supermarket, wine section
      Look for the Plantaže Vranac bottle, a well-known local label that is easy to find in Budva.

      Flights

      Dates are departure dates at each airport, which may differ from your itinerary arrival date. Select your flight and complete payment on Trip.com.

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      Hotels

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