Budva, Montenegro, is a captivating seaside destination on the Adriatic coast, blending centuries-old heritage with a vibrant modern energy. Famous for its fortified medieval old town and serene turquoise beaches, Budva draws travelers looking for both cultural immersion and relaxation. The town’s ancient stone walls and narrow cobblestone streets hold echoes of Venetian and Byzantine rule, while lively beachfront promenades deliver a festive summer atmosphere.
The heart of Budva is its charming Stari Grad (Old Town), where you can wander among medieval churches, art galleries, and quaint piazzas. By day, the Riviera’s beaches—from pebbly Mogren to family-friendly Slovenska Plaza—invite sunbathers, swimmers, and water sports enthusiasts. At night, Budva's bars, clubs, and open-air restaurants buzz with music, laughter, and dancing, securing its reputation as Montenegro’s nightlife capital.
Culture enthusiasts will enjoy exploring historic landmarks like the Citadel and the Church of Saint John, or catching a live show during the famous Budva Theatre City Festival. Fresh seafood and local wines star on most menus, with plenty of casual seaside eateries alongside fine dining experiences. Nearby, the Sveti Nikola and Sveti Stefan islands make for excellent day trips, offering peaceful escapes and stunning photo opportunities.
Visitors will find a wide range of accommodation, from affordable guesthouses to luxury resorts with sweeping sea views. Local buses and taxis make it easy to get around, and renting a bike or scooter is a fun, flexible option. While summer is the busiest season, with packed beaches and lively nightlife, early autumn brings smaller crowds and perfect swimming weather. It’s wise to visit the Old Town in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak tourist congestion and discover its quieter side.
The heart of Budva is its charming Stari Grad (Old Town), where you can wander among medieval churches, art galleries, and quaint piazzas. By day, the Riviera’s beaches—from pebbly Mogren to family-friendly Slovenska Plaza—invite sunbathers, swimmers, and water sports enthusiasts. At night, Budva's bars, clubs, and open-air restaurants buzz with music, laughter, and dancing, securing its reputation as Montenegro’s nightlife capital.
Culture enthusiasts will enjoy exploring historic landmarks like the Citadel and the Church of Saint John, or catching a live show during the famous Budva Theatre City Festival. Fresh seafood and local wines star on most menus, with plenty of casual seaside eateries alongside fine dining experiences. Nearby, the Sveti Nikola and Sveti Stefan islands make for excellent day trips, offering peaceful escapes and stunning photo opportunities.
Visitors will find a wide range of accommodation, from affordable guesthouses to luxury resorts with sweeping sea views. Local buses and taxis make it easy to get around, and renting a bike or scooter is a fun, flexible option. While summer is the busiest season, with packed beaches and lively nightlife, early autumn brings smaller crowds and perfect swimming weather. It’s wise to visit the Old Town in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak tourist congestion and discover its quieter side.
Expected Weekly Budget
$800–$1200 USD (per person, excluding flights)
Known For
Things to Do
- Stroll through Budva Old Town
- Swim and sunbathe at Mogren Beach
- Enjoy a night out at Top Hill Club
- Take a boat trip to Sveti Nikola Island
- Climb the Citadel for panoramic views
- Dine on seafood along the Budva Riviera
- Attend a summer music or theater festival
- Rent a bike and explore the coastal promenade
Notable Sites
- Budva Old Town (Stari Grad)
- Citadel
- Mogren Beach
- Sveti Nikola Island
- Church of Saint John
- Slovenska Plaza
- Sveti Stefan Island
- Holy Trinity Church
General Advice
Budva thrives from May through September, with warm temperatures and a lively atmosphere, especially during festivals and peak summer events. While the town is walkable, comfortable shoes help with cobbled streets—especially in the Old Town. Local cuisine highlights fresh fish, grilled meats, and Montenegrin wines, so be sure to try family-run konobas (taverns) for an authentic taste. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, and most businesses accept credit cards, but having some euros on hand is helpful for small shops and taxis.
Security & Safety
Budva is generally safe, but standard precautions apply. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, particularly on busy beaches and in the Old Town during the evening, so keep valuables secure and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Beware of unofficial taxi drivers and double-check prices before accepting rides. If you’re heading to bars or clubs at night, stick to well-lit areas, and don’t leave drinks unattended. Swim only at designated beaches, as Adriatic currents can be strong in some spots.
Travel Tips
- Book accommodation early for summer stays, as hotels and apartments fill up quickly.
- Old Town’s narrow alleys can be slippery—wear good footwear.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat to stay protected on sunny beach days.
- Public buses link Budva to nearby towns, but schedules may be limited in the off-season.
- Try to visit the early morning market for local cheeses, olives, and fruit.
- ATMs are available, but small shops and beach bars may prefer cash (euros).
- Reserve sunbeds at popular beaches like Mogren ahead of time during peak months.
- Tap water is generally safe to drink.
Similar Destinations
Photo Gallery
Loading photos...
Traveler Comments
Visited in July 2023
We spent five days in Budva with my family and the kids couldn't get enough of the beach. Mogren Beach was super crowded by noon, but the water was amazing and we found quieter spots in the mornings. My wife and I loved exploring the Old Town after dinner—so much character.
Traveled here in August 2023
Budva was my favorite stop in Montenegro. Old Town is gorgeous at sunset, and I loved the lively boardwalk at night. Seafood was top-notch pretty much everywhere we ate. Crowds can get intense, especially on weekends, but the vibe is worth it.
Stayed in June 2024
Amazing views from the Citadel and the boat trip to Sveti Nikola Island was a highlight for me. The nightlife is really on another level, but some bars were a bit pricey. Definitely a great spot if you enjoy the beach by day and parties by night.
Visited in September 2023
I went solo and felt totally safe walking around, even at night. The beaches were warm and relaxing, and I loved how easy it was to meet other travelers. I wish there were more vegetarian options at local restaurants, but the sea views made up for it.
Traveled here in May 2024
Budva’s Old Town is incredibly photogenic—spent hours just wandering and taking pictures. The seafood pastas were top-notch, especially in the smaller tavernas. Only wish I had more time to explore the nearby national parks.
Visited in June 2024
Spent a romantic week with my boyfriend and it was perfect. We rented a scooter to visit Sveti Stefan and had a picnic on the beach. The vibe is both relaxing and lively, depending on what you want to do.
Visited in October 2023
I liked that Budva was still sunny and warm in October, but it was much quieter than summer. Some bars had closed for the season, but skipping the crowds was a big plus. It's easy to do day trips along the coast from here.
Stayed in August 2023
Budva’s beaches were a bit too packed for my liking, and parking was a headache. But I enjoyed the atmosphere of the Old Town and the friendliness of the locals. Would recommend visiting in shoulder season if you prefer it less busy.
Traveled here in April 2024
We came as a group of friends for a bachelor trip. The nightlife delivered big time and Top Hill was a wild experience! Old Town has great places to grab breakfast the next morning. Can get touristy, but that’s part of the charm.
Visited in September 2023
Loved the art galleries hidden in the Old Town and the sunset from the Citadel was unforgettable. Locals were welcoming and happy to share recommendations—had the best grilled calamari ever. Will come back for sure.
Traveled here in May 2024
Nice mix of history and beach time. The pebble beaches were new for me but I actually preferred them—no sand everywhere! Boat rental was easy and worth it for exploring the coast.
Visited in August 2023
Our teenagers loved the water sports and we found plenty to do even if we didn’t party much. Restaurants near Slovenska Plaza had great food for reasonable prices. Just be ready for lots of tourists in high season!
Stayed in June 2024
My wife and I stayed in a small guesthouse near the Old Town—super convenient for late-night walks. Lots of steps and cobbles, but that's part of the charm. Buses to Kotor and Tivat were easy to catch.
Traveled here in July 2023
Great family spot. Our kids (ages 9 and 13) loved the boat ride to Sveti Nikola Island. Found it easy to get around with public transport. The Old Town’s ice cream shops were a daily treat!
Visited in September 2023
The Theatre City Festival was the highlight of our trip! Good mix of locals and visitors, and the historic setting made the performances really memorable. Budva has a little bit of everything.
Visited in June 2024
Loved the old churches and Venetian walls. Beaches are beautiful but bring water shoes, some are rocky. If you’re into nightlife, plenty of choices—if not, go for peaceful dinners by the water.
Visited in May 2024
Came for a quick weekend getaway. Weather was perfect, and we managed to see a lot in just two days. Next time, I’d like to spend more time snorkeling and exploring the coast.
Traveled here in August 2023
The sunsets in Budva are unreal! My partner and I just sat in a café on the walls and watched the sky turn pink. Super romantic, plenty of cozy spots in the Old Town for dinner.
Visited in July 2023
Budva is very lively but a bit too loud at night for me. If you’re a light sleeper, book away from the bars. Still, the architecture and history are interesting and worth exploring.
Traveled here in September 2023
Beautiful town and such friendly people. I joined a walking tour and learned a lot about Budva’s history. The beaches can be crowded but early mornings are peaceful and perfect for a swim.
Share Your Experience
Sign in to leave a review and share your travel photos.