Why You Need to Visit Podgorica When You’re in Montenegro
Montenegro’s tiny capital, Podgorica, isn’t one of Europe’s most frequented capital cities. Some regard it as unattractive and drab, and with its plethora of grey communist-bloc apartment buildings and numerous abandoned properties, it’s rather easy to jump to that conclusion. Others bemoan the fact that it’s boring and there’s not a lot to do. When you compare it to the beauty of some of the towns that line the Adriatic coast, like Budva and Kotor, it’s understandable why many don’t spend much time in the capital.
If you take the time to look deeper, you can see that the capital is slowly changing for the better. The likes of major travel publications such as the New York Times and, more recently, the Guardian have taken notice. Even Culture Trip has a rather deep archive of things to do in Podgorica.
Why You Need to Visit Podgorica When You’re in Montenegro
So while on holiday in Montenegro recently, I made it my personal mission to explore the city properly and find out for myself why you need to visit Podgorica. From interesting architecture, to an exciting nightlife, an ample amount of green space, and plenty of historical sights, Podgorica is a European destination that you need to visit when you’re in Montenegro.
Millennium Bridge
Visit Podgorica Millennium Bridge View
A more recent addition to the cityscape, this stark white piece of modern architecture now stands as one of Podgorica’s most notable landmarks. Millennium Bridge or Most Millenium, at 173 meters long, stretches across the Morača River. The elaborate and innovative cable-stayed bridge, has one main 57 meter high pylon, with 12 cables on one side supporting the roadway deck and 24 cables on the other side acting as counter balances. The official opening of the bridge was on July 13, 2005, Montenegro’s National Day, coincided with the anniversary of the Uprising in Montenegro, when the local communist party staged a revolt against occupying Italian troops.
Visit Podgorica Millennium Bridge United Nations Pedestrian Walkway
The bridge is best enjoyed by taking a slow saunter along the pedestrian walkway (there’s one on each side) to observe the cables up close and personal. Other highly recommended options are to walk across the nearby Moscow Bridge, a pedestrian bridge, or to walk down to the river to take in the bridge from a distance. The vantage points from either of these places are top notch, as you can snap a photo of the bridge in its entirety, seeing how it connects the two sides of the city and also capture the running river below and the snow-capped mountains off into the distance.
Vladimir Vysotsky Monument
Visit Podgorica – Vladimir Vysotsky Monument
Fellow lovers of the weird and offbeat, will find the Vladimir Vysotsky Monument interesting. Situated close to the Millennium Bridge, the monument is a gift from the Russians and was erected in 2004. Come and behold this Russian singer and songwriter surrounded by a gleaming metal frame, standing barefoot and barechested, with a guitar in one hand and the other raised in jubilant celebration.
Visit Podgorica – Vladimir Vysotsky Monument Up Close
Vladimir Vysotsky, a popular artist in Russian, tragically died in 1980 at the young age of 43, after years of drug and alcohol abuse. Although not very well known to locals, he once visited Montenegro and fell in love with the country (like everyone else does). The statue’s plaque reads a line from one of Vysotsky’s poems, “I regret in this life that I don′t have two roots, and I can′t name Montenegro as my second homeland.”
Recommended reading: this Balkan Insights article — “Balkan Monuments: The Weird and Wonderful.”
Jewish Park
Visit Podgorica – Jewish Park
As I walked through Podgorica, I stumbled across this small Jewish park. Despite all of my online research into the park, I couldn’t find any official record of it, save for a few Google image photos. However, I did come across news that a project is underway to build Montenegro’s first Jewish synagogue, so perhaps the area will be its future site.
Visit Podgorica – Jewish Park Fountain
This urban oasis in the centre of Podgorica has a pavilion covered with red Spanish tile and a fountain shaped like the Star of David. The Jewish Park is the perfect place for taking a picnic lunch or reading a book on a nice day.
Republic Square
Visit Podgorica – Republic Square
The expansive 15,000 square-metre Republic Square was reconstructed in 2006, being widened and repaved, decorated with palm trees, and enhanced with water channels and a fountain. The spot was previously known as Ivan Milutinović square, named after an influential Communist politician and military general. When Montenegro gained independence in 2006, it was renamed as Republic Square.
Visit Podgorica – Republic Square Fountain
The car-free zone now plays hosts to political rallies and social events like New Year’s Eve parties. It’s also adjacent to the city library and state gallery Art. Sit here for a while and indulge in some people watching.
Communist Apartment Blocs
Visit Podgorica Tito Styled Buldings
You may call me crazy to think that the Communist apartment blocs in Podgorica are something that should be seen, especially given that there are so many other more worthwhile sights to check out in the city. However, you can’t ignore the presence of these buildings in Podgorica. Taking a stroll through some of the residential neighbourhoods not only gives a glimpse into the everyday life of local residents, but lends understanding to the city’s somewhat tragic history.
Visit Podgorica Communist Bloc Apartment Buildings.
During WWII, Podgorica was bombed around 70 times and essentially reduced to rubble. More than 4,100 people were killed. Liberated by the Russians on December 19, 1944, the city saw a quick regrowth in the coming years. To accommodate the growing population, several residential and business blocs were erected in the style typical of the Eastern Bloc countries at the time. While these “Tito styled” structures provided needed housing, they were criticized for their bleak and depressing appearance. Since the breakup of Communist Yugoslavia, Podgorica’s cityscape has seen a lot of urban development, including the introduction of more modern buildings and landmarks creating an interesting juxtaposition of old and new.
Old Town
Visit Podgorica – Stara Varoš Mosque
Over 400 years ago, Podgorica’s Old Town, or Stara Varoš, was once a thriving Ottoman Turkish town. While not much remains today, it’s a great area to explore and get a feel for its Ottoman past. Notable sights include the Doganjska Mosque and Osmanagić Mosque, from the 15th and 18th centuries, as well as the Old Bridge and Clock Tower.
Visit Podgorica – Old Town Stara Varoš
As you pass through the streets of Old Town Podgorica, you won’t find any tall apartment buildings (either Communist or more modern), but smaller homes and the occasional sprawling villa.
Old Bridge
Visit Podgorica River Scene Old Bridge
The origins of this Old Bridge are debatable, with some online accounts citing that it dates back to the time of Roman rule and others claiming that it was built by the Ottomans during the 15th century. Given the similarity to other arched bridges in the region, like Stari Most in Mostar, it can more likely be attributed to the Ottomans. Regardless of debate, this is the oldest bridge in Podgorica and it spans the Ribnica River, close to where it merges with the Morača River.
There also seems to be confusion about the official name of the bridge. Some call it the Old Bridge, while others call it the Ribnica Bridge or Sastavci Bridge. To make it more complicated, it’s even known as Adži-paša’s bridge, due to Adži-paša Osmanagić funding the bridge’s reconstruction during the 18th century. Call it what you will, but this is a must-see when you visit Podgorica.
Visit Podgorica River Scene Ribnica Bridge
In addition to the Old Bridge, you can explore the remnants of the surrounding Ribnica fortress and walk along the river path. The romantic spot is popular with locals, especially the young ones, and you’ll find many teenagers nestled in the more secluded areas, engaged in “romantic” moments. Locals advise visiting at sunset to see the bridge during golden hour.
Clock Tower
Visit Podgorica – The Clock Tower
Aside from the Old Bridge, the Clock Tower, or Sahat kula, is one of the few remaining Turkish landmarks in Podgorica that wasn’t destroyed during WWII. The impressive 16 metre-high tower, nestled in the center of Bećir Beg Osmanagić square, was constructed in 1667. The clock, said to have been imported from Italy, was the only public clock in the city and signalled times for the Muslim call to prayer. In 1890, a cross was bizarrely placed on the top of the tower.
Visit Podgorica – Saat Kulesi Old Town
The clock was upgraded back in 2002, when its mechanism with replaced with a modern digital one.
Pod Volat
Visit Podgorica – Pod Volat
Just beside the Clock Tower in Old Town is Pod Volat, the place to eat in Podgorica. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m., Pod Volat serves up traditional Balkan fare and is filled with a good mixture of locals and tourists. Their large menu offers up plenty of options and the portions are huge. During warmer weather, dine on the patio. Beware of the smokers, as people smoke both inside and out — at their tables!
Montenegro Hostel
Visit Podgorica – Montenegro Hostel
Montenegro Hostel Podgorica is situated in the city’s Old Town in a large pink-coloured two-story villa. One of the better hostels I’ve stayed in to date, the hostel has the capacity to sleep 30 people in their various dorm rooms or one private room with three beds. Perks include air conditioning to deal with the city’s hot, dry summer, a traditional Montenegrin breakfast, a garden with a BBQ area, and strong Wi-Fi.
If you’re looking to party, Montenegro Hostel may not be for you. Luckily, the city’s nightlife is only a 10- to 15-minute walk away
Bokeška Street
Visit Podgorica -Bokeska Street
When you’re out and about visiting Podgorica by day, you won’t come across too many other tourists, or even locals for that matter. They come out in the evenings, dressed in their best, ready for fun. You’ll find them crowded along the city’s busiest street, Bokeška Street. Lined with tons of cool bars and posh restaurants, this street is about as hipster as you can get in Podgorica.
Visit Podgorica – Bokeska Street Eats Taqueria
I stopped by Taqueria for some Mexican street eats, paired with local Montenegrin wine.
Recommended reading: this guide to cool bars, clubs, and hangouts in Podgorica from Electronic Beats.
St George Church
Visit Podgorica – St. George Church
At the foot of Gorica Hill is St George Church, built in the 10th century. The oldest Orthodox church in Podgorica has been rebuilt several times over and features some beautiful 17th century frescoes by an unknown artist. Surrounded by stone walls, the untended cemetery behind the church is also worth checking out.
Visit Podgorica – St. George Church Grounds
If you’re exhausted from all the time you’ve spent getting to know Podgorica, stop for a beverage at the cafe across the street, Boćari, for a coffee, beer, or local wine.
Good to Know
1) Podgorica is an easy weekend trip away from Berlin. You can book a cheap fare there through Ryanair, and the flight is about two hour’s long.
2) Montenegro uses the Euro, so there’s no need to worry about exchanging currencies at the airport. Expect prices for everything to be substantially lower than most other European capitals.
3) When you arrive at the airport, there aren’t many transportation options to get into the city. Avoid the airport taxis at all costs, as they are very overpriced. Book a taxi through your hotel or hostel beforehand at a fraction of the price and have the driver meet you at the airport. Buses also run infrequently throughout day. Another option is to walk 1 kilometer to a nearby train station, but note the schedule as trains only run four times per day.
4) As my time in the Montenegrin capital was limited, I didn’t get to see everything I wanted. Locals recommend when visiting Podgorica to check out the massive Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, as well as Njegošev Park.
5) If you’re looking for travel inspiration for the Balkans, read my other articles about nearby countries:
Croatia: What a Day in Split Might Look Like … If You Were Me
Bosnia and Herzegovina: 8 Reasons to Visit Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bulgaria: Exploring Bulgaria: Rila Monastery Photos
Where to Stay
Looking for a hotel when you visit Podgorica? Choose from 115 properties on booking.com.
1) Hotel Aurel – Featuring contemporary rooms with a minimalist design, soft colours, and ample light, Hotel Aurel is one of the top properties in Podgorica. Some rooms even come with balconies overlooking the city and Montenegrin mountains. Don your complimentary robe and slippers and spend time in the hotel spa equipped with a hot tub, sauna, and steam bath. To top off your wellness experience, book a massage. Visit AUREL, the hotel’s restaurant, for its upscale cuisine and take an aperitif in the adjoining bar. Josipa Broza Tita bb.
2) Hotel Ziya – The posh 5-star property in the centre of the city offers rooms in varying sizes and even small apartments. Highlights of the hotel include its spa, with a hot tub and sauna, and indoor swimming pool. The restaurant serves up a fusion of North African and Middle Eastern cuisine and is the first restaurant of its kind in Montenegro. Beogradska 10.
3) Hotel Hemera – Stay in this boutique hotel if you’re looking for luxury while in Podgorica. The modern rooms are uniquely designed, in what the hotel dubs a “rustic industrial” style. Room amenities run the usual gamut: mini-bar, in-room safe, Wi-Fi, flat screen television, etc. Other perks include a spa, with a sauna and Turkish bath, as well as a fitness centre. The hotel’s restaurant serves both international and local cuisine. Literature enthusiasts will appreciate the hotel’s library, with over 800 books in various languages. Njegoševa 17.
Source: Cheryl Howard
