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Budva
Eastern Europe and the Balkans · Montenegro
Did you know?
- The promenade's fast-food places serve barbecue, giros and ice cream.
- The old town occupies a small peninsula on the central Montenegrin coast.
- A bronze ballerina balances on a coastal rock near Mogren Beach.
See also
Kotor
Montenegro42.43°N 18.77°E
Overview
Budva centers on a small peninsula old town filled with restaurants and boutiques. The surrounding coast combines beaches with a busy resort scene.
Languages: Montenegrin
Understand
Budva is on the central Montenegrin coast, developed around a small peninsula old town. It is the most visited destination in Montenegro, attracting domestic, Russian, Serbian and other Eastern European tourists. There are 35 beaches in the area, mostly rock and a little sand, with 8 blue flag beaches. The old town is small but beautiful, with restaurants and boutiques. Mass tourism dominates, with luxury resorts nearby such as Sveti Stefan.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
There is a wide choice of eateries from pizza to seafood and Chinese. Along the promenade, fast food places offer affordable barbecue, giros, and ice cream. For drinks, cafes and bars are plentiful: espresso €1–1.50, local beer around €2.50, mixed drinks from €7. Bars play music until 01:00, then nightclubs take over. Always ask for a bill to avoid overcharging scams.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Accommodation is abundant, from rooms for €10–15 to five-star hotels. Prices vary greatly by season: a hostel bed can be €7 in low season and €20+ in July–August. There are over 25 hotels and 105 hostels, plus private villas and B&Bs.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Buy
ATMs (Bancomats) are rare in the old town but plentiful outside. The old town has boutiques selling expensive clothing and jewellery, but beware of counterfeits. The main promenade has stands with cheap clothing and souvenirs. Service is often brusque.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connectivity
As of Sept 2021, Budva has 4G from Mtel and T-Mobile, but poor signal from Telenor. 5G not yet rolled out. Wifi is widely available in public places.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Safety
A common scam in bars and restaurants: if you give a €20 note, the waiter may claim you gave a smaller note and show only small bills in his wallet. To avoid, say the amount out loud and ensure others see. Also, always ask for a bill, as they must provide it by law, or you may be overcharged.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Nearby destinations include Dubrovnik (2h15 by car via Kotor), Sveti Stefan (bus €2 or 10km hike), Bečići, Miločer, Pržno, Kamenovo beaches, Kotor (30min by car), Bar (50min), and Ulcinj (buses early morning).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Further onward destinations include Dubrovnik, Kotor, Bar, and Ulcinj. Several buses leave early morning for Ulcinj; schedules change frequently so inquire at the bus station.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Avala Resort & Villas
207 rooms and suites, 67 luxury villas.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Blue Star
It has a very sleek, modern look and the cafe fits in with the boutique nature of the place.
Recorded price: Single from €57
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Fineso
45 beds.
Recorded price: Single from €15
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Freedom Hostel Budva
Open whole year. Dorms and also private rooms. Very friendly staff, great atmosphere in the common rooms and on the balcony, and a convenient location.
Recorded price: Dorm bed: €10 to €13, depending on the month
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Andora Fast Food
Very tasty and nutritious grilled čevapi in a roll with additions. Nice service and local clientele.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Hong Kong Restaurant Kineski
Chinese food.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Jadran
A family restaurant since 1976. Specialties from the sea prepared in a local way. Complete meat offer as well as the Italian cuisine. Restaurant has 3 terraces each with a special ambience.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Kod Iva
Very authentic little eatery in Budva. There is a meat and a fish menu accompanied by homemade wine and rakja. Very lovely discreet and cozy place, with kind staff. Feels like at home.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Prices vary hugely by season: hostel beds from €7 in low season to €20+ in July–August.
Connectivity
4G from Mtel and T-Mobile; poor Telenor signal. Wifi widely available.
Culture
Nightclubs use go-go dancers; families may be offended by open display of almost-naked girls.
Food
Espresso €1–1.50, local beer €2.50, fast food available along promenade.
Money
Always ask for a bill in bars/restaurants to avoid overcharging. A common scam involves the waiter claiming you gave a smaller banknote.