Things to Do in Budva
Montenegro, including Budva, is one of my favorite countries in the Balkans. I first visited Budva during a Balkan tour, and it left a lasting impression on me. Three years later, I returned to Budva to explore more.
Is Budva worth visiting?
Budva’s beauty is, I think, still not fully discovered, making it a great choice for a relaxed visit. The nature and sea are stunning. Especially if you are up for enjoying a seaside vacation, Budva is a good choice.
Best Time to Visit Budva
Budva is a bustling city during the summer. By mid-September, many places are closed for the season. September evenings can be cool. Given that it also experiences heavy rains, spring and late September may not be the best times to visit. Early September might be a good choice for fewer crowds.
Accommodation in Budva
Budva offers accommodation options include all-inclusive resorts, five-star hotels by the sea, or boutique guesthouses in the Old Town. If you are thinking of a beach vacation, you might prefer hotels on Becici Beach. If you want to focus more on exploring the city, you can choose guesthouses in the Old Town or hotels just outside the city walls.
We stayed at Slovenska Plaza on Slovenska Beach, which is an all-inclusive resort. It’s a large resort with everything you need, including cafes, restaurants, and a market. The beach is nice, but the food was not as great. Although there is a buffet, we often chose to eat one meal outside due to the affordable prices. The best feature of this resort is its proximity to the center and Becici Beach.
Transportation in Budva
Budva is a city you can explore on foot. There is even a long walking path along the beaches. However, you might occasionally need to use a bus, though I must mention that the buses are old and crowded. I’d recommend avoiding them if possible.
Places to Visit in Budva
The Old Town of Budva, of course. Here, you can explore narrow streets, churches, and the archaeological museum. If interested, you can also visit the casino located very close to the Old Town.
Beaches… You can visit all the beaches by taking a walk from Slovenska Beach to Sveti Stefan, which takes about 2-3 hours. Along the beach path, you’ll see street art in the tunnel from Slovenska to Becici. My favorite beach for swimming was Becici. Although we only had drinks in Przno, it also seemed to have a nice beach. The most beautiful beach is Milocer, which you must visit; however, swimming is not possible there. Milocer Beach is part of a very expensive hotel, and beach access for outside visitors is quite pricey.
On the island of Sveti Stefan, known for being a celebrity getaway, there are both hotel-owned and public beaches. You can access the hotel’s beach by paying a very high fee. The nightly rate for staying at Sveti Stefan is quite high, and our guide mentioned that there were no vacancies for the next four years.By the way, Mogren Beach is quite crowded and, given the other available beaches, I wouldn’t recommend it.
Close to the Old Town of Budva is the Dancing Girl Statue, located on the sea as you go to Mogren Beach. There are rumors that it is a statue of a girl who drowned with the incoming waves. Honestly, it’s okay if you see it or not.
You might also want to read my post on “Day Trips from Budva” as the things Budva offers are somewhat limited for sightseeing lovers.
