What to do in Podgorica, the time of a stay? Here are the nine essential things to do in the capital of Montenegro and its surroundings!
Capital of Montenegro since its independence in 2006, Podgorica is an ambivalent city. On the one hand, it is developing. But on the other hand, it seems to be abandoned in some quarters. What are the reasons? Let us return quickly to the recent history of the Montenegrin capital and Montenegro in general. Indeed, before visiting it, it is important to understand why Podgorica is a city apart.
Until 2006, Montenegro is linked to Serbia . During the break-up of the late Yugoslavia, Montenegro is part of the ephemeral state of Serbia and Montenegro. Moreover, many of Montenegrins consider themselves Serbs. What about Podgorica? In fact, until independence, the capital of Montenegro is Belgrade. Therefore, Podgorica does not develop and is not maintained. In 2006, the city starts from zero or almost. This explains this ambivalence between development and abandonment. Here are the nine essential things to do in Podgorica!
1. The old town of Podgorica and its clock
Located near the Moraca River, the old town of Podgorica dates from the Ottoman era. A large fortress was built by the Turks, as well as a neighbourhood with several mosques. Today, this neighborhood still exists and it differs significantly from the rest of the city. The alleys are very narrow, there are two mosques with a prominent minaret. Unfortunately, nothing is done to highlight this area by the municipality.
However, the walk is pleasant and, if you leave the fortress, you arrive on the square of the big clock. Built in 1667, it is called Sahat Kula by the premises. The clock and its surroundings were renovated by Turkey a few years ago. This is a great success!
2. The old Ribnica bridge
Yet the old bridge is the oldest monument in the city and is not without recalling the Mostar Bridge. A local protest seems to have brought things forward. The space surrounding the bridge was cleaned! Let's hope that the conservation of the old bridge will become a priority for the years to come.
3. Gorica Park
Gorica Park is also famous for its activities, including the avalanche. Children and adults will be delighted to try to climb or zip. So go on adventure!
4. The Cathedral of Podgorica
The Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, of its full name, is the Cathedral of Podgorica. It was dedicated in 2013. It is therefore a very recent and modern building. It seems lost in the middle of nowhere since, to date, it is surrounded by a field! Remember, Podgorica is a developing city.
Byzantine architecture, the cathedral is Orthodox, the majority religion in Montenegro. The interior is characteristic of Russian churches: golden! A gold color everywhere and you can admire beautiful frescoes of the saints of the Orthodox church.
5. Restaurant Pod Volat
This restaurant is also well attended by foreigners who have come to visit Podgorica and the locals. At the end of the meal, enjoy a good meal kuvana kafa , local coffee that is no other than Turkish coffee. Finally, good news, the restaurant is now non-smoking as all of Montenegro since August 2019. So you can go without fear in this place which, before, looked more like a smoke than a restaurant.
6. The Millenium and Moscow bridges
The Moscow Bridge is a built bridge right next to the Millenium Bridge. Reserved for pedestrians, it was opened in 2008 and is a gift from the city of Moscow to Podgorica. This bridge has quite original benches from where you can book or bake.
7. Capital Plaza
When you are on site, feel free to have lunch in Bonella Kitchen. This small restaurant offers an excellent buffet from noon to 5,90 € only, including coffee.
8. The ruins of Doclea
We're getting out of town to discover its origins. Three kilometers north are the ruins of Doclea. Founded in the first century before Jesus Christ, Doclea was populated by 10,000 inhabitants at its peak.
The site is quite well preserved. Certainly, we are not in Pompeii but, nevertheless, you can see many vestiges there. The site is easily accessible by car or, if not, by taxi. Good news is free!
9. Bars in the city centre
Let’s say that the atmosphere is not always flichone. Most of the parties are mostly there to show themselves under their best day. So there are few people dancing for example. Nevertheless, that is not why you will not have a good evening! Finally, as in the Pod Volat restaurant, everything has been non-smoking since August 2019.
How to get to Podgorica?
By train
For the most adventurous, you can travel via Munich, Budapest and Belgrade. The journey lasts two days and the landscape between Belgrade and Podgorica is breathtaking.
By plane
Currently, flights with stopover via Vienna and Belgrade are the two best options. The stopover is very fast and, above all, accessible to the year. Do not hesitate to consult our partner’s website Skyscanner to find the right combination.
Where to stay in Podgorica?
The advantage of visiting Podgorica is that the nights are cheaper than on the coast. You can log in to Hotel Centreville from Capital Plaza, a beautiful well-kept and new hotel. You will then be close to the business district.
For those who want to be close to bars, you will stay in the neighborhood Centar . Small housing Airbnb At the Hill, you will find everything, at all prices. There are hotels and apartments in the old town. The Youth Hostel Montenegro Hostel is also located in the old town.
Finally, there are exclusively local neighborhoods as Preko Morace and Stari Aerodrom . In these neighborhoods, very few hotels and some apartments. The first is halfway between Capital Plaza and Centar . The second is close to the bus station, advantageous if you want to travel by bus.
To find your hotel, don’t hesitate to call a hotel Compare hotels to find the custom offer.
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