What To See in Podgorica

Dear Lilioftheworld.com reader, here is Dimo, your co-editor. Today we take you to the Balkan Peninsula and more concretely to the capital of Montenegro – Podgorica. Nestled in the heart of Montenegro, Podgorica is the exact opposite of other capitals in the Balkan region – it is small, laid back and offers plenty of greenery at every corner. Would Podgorica be on the top of your bucket list – likely not. However, if you get the chance to visit it, you should take it. It is the perfect spot for a relaxed city-getaway. In the next paragraphs you will find our recommendations on what to see in Podgorica.

Useful tips

1. Interesting Facts About Podgorica

the earliest settlements in the area date back to the Stone Age, but the city was first mentioned by its current name in the 14th century
it is located at the confluence of two rivers – Ribnica and Moraca
for long centuries its location was strategic, being at the crossroad of important trade routes
urban population is about 150 000 making about 25% of the total country population
during WWII it was bombed more than 80 times and by its end almost nothing was left to rebuild. This is the reason why nowadays there are almost no buildings dating before WWII and you would see mostly Soviet-bloc-style architecture
During socialist Yugoslavia the city was named Titograd
World-famous football players Predrag Mijatovic and Dejan Savicevic were born in Podgorica and made their debut in the local team
Local currency is Euro

2. Transportation

Distances in the city are short and the airport is just 11 kilometers from the city center. For a weekend stay, we would recommend using a taxi to make the most of your time there. Renting a car makes sense only if you plan to visit several locations outside of the Podgorica area.

3. Accommodation

There are several proper hotels in the city – our advice is to stay close to the city center.

4. Best time to visit

With its Mediterranean-like climate, you could expect warm spring/summer and mild autumn/winter. Yet, spring or summer is the optimal time to appreciate all the greenery that the city offers. We visited in May 2023 and it felt just like summertime.

5. How long should you stay?

One or two days at maximum for sightseeing – anything longer might feel a bit boring 🙂

As we said earlier, chances are that Podgorica won’t find its way to the top of your bucket list, therefore, you should consider combining it with a longer visit to the beautiful Montenegro seaside.

Okay, we are good to go, let’s find out what to see in Podgorica!

1. Start your day from the focal point of the city – Independence Square

This big square might feel empty at times, but is surrounded by lively cafes, restaurants and shops.

The square landmarks include a fountain in the center and an obelisk located at one of its ends.

2. Go to the Millenium Bridge and spot the Vladimir Vysotsky Monument

Continue your Podgorica adventure by crossing the massive Millenium Bridge. Spanning over the Moraca river, the bridge is one of the modern symbols of Podgorica. It provides stunning panoramic views of the city and river, so don’t forget to capture some Insta-worthy photos while enjoying the gentle breeze 🙂

One of the highlights in the nearby park area is the monument of Vladimir Vysotsky – a famous Russian poet and artist. He resided in Podgorica for some time and he expressed his love to Montenegro in a poem – ‘For the Montenegrins”.

What is unique about his monument in Podgorica, is that it is the only one located outside the borders of the former Soviet union.

3. Marvel the Orthodox Temple of Christ’s Resurrection

Standing proudly on the Gorica Hill, the Temple of Christ’s Resurrection is a true masterpiece. We have seen a lot of orthodox temples and churches in Eastern Europe, but the scale and beauty of this one really stand out.

Orthodox temple of Christ's Ressurection 02

Orthodox Temple of Christ's Resurrection 05

Orthidox Temple of Christ's Ressurection 01

Orthodox Temple of Christ's Resurrection 03

Enjoy the vast dome, intricate mosaics, and breathtaking views of the city.

4. Explore the Old Town and find the famous Clock Tower

Delve into the city’s rich history by strolling through the charming streets of Stara Varoš, Podgorica’s Old Town. There are still some well-preserved Ottoman-era buildings that could almost immerse you in the authentic atmosphere of the past.

The coolest spot in the area is the Clock Tower:

5. Then head to the Old Ribnica River Bridge

The Old Ribnica River Bridge isn’t the biggest one of its kind, but combined with the wonderful surroundings it is a great spot to take a walk, relax and make lots of photos:

6. Chill in King’s Park

King’s Park is a small park, where you could stop for a short brake:

On the opposite side of the street is the Hilton Podgorica hotel and you could reach its complementary guest wi-fi from the respective end of the park 🙂

7. Check out the local cafes and restaurants

After a long day of sightseeing, you might want to check out the two pedestrian streets in the heart of the city: Bokeska and Njegoseva. There are plenty of nice restaurants and bars which cater for every taste.

8. Go to the Ostrog Monastery

Simply a must-see! The Ostrog Monastery is located high in the mountain on an almost vertical rock, so the monastery itself merges into the rock. It was built in the 16th century and is dedicated to Saint Basil of Ostrog, whose remains rest there. It is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites on the Balkan Peninsula as it is believed that the monastery and Saint Basil’s remains have a great curing power.

We got there by car (50 minutes drive from Podgorica), but if you have more time, our advice is to get the train to Ostrog station and then have a steep, but manageable, 4km hike all the way up.

9. Venture to the Shkodra Lake

Another short trip out of Podgorica takes you to the nearby Shkodra (Skadar) Lake. Embark on a boat tour and explore the largest lake in the Balkans, renowned for its rich biodiversity and picturesque landscapes. Keep an eye out for rare bird species and enjoy the tranquility of this natural gem:

On the way back to Podgorica we stopped in a fishing village nearby, which looked creepy and charming at the same time:

10. Visit the Dajbabe Monastery

Located in a natural cave, Dajbabe Monastery offers another unique spiritual experience. You could explore the frescoes-adorned interior and learn about the monastery’s intriguing history. Take a moment for reflection in this peaceful ambiance.

11. Lovcen National Park

If you are into hiking or mountain biking combined with breath-taking panoramic views, the Lovcen National Park is the right place for you. We didn’t go there, but here is the Info-table from Shkodra lake, which describes the main attractions: