There are greater than sufficient issues to do in Podgorica to maintain you entertained for at the least two full days; here’s what journey author Jub from Tiki Touring Kiwi suggests.
The Bay of Kotor and Budva had been all the time talked about in my conversations earlier than arriving in Montenegro. Each are well-liked for their very own causes, however I used to be confused about why Podgorica hardly ever got here up. In any case, Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, is the most important metropolis within the nation. There have to be some enjoyable issues to do in Podgorica, proper? So, I made a decision to go see it for myself.
If you wish to embrace a non-touristy metropolis in gorgeous Montenegro, listed below are a number of the prime vacationer sights in Podgorica. I like to recommend staying within the metropolis for at the least two full days.
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What To See In Podgorica: High Podgorica Vacationer Points of interest
As Montenegro’s capital, Podgorica is the nation’s most necessary metropolis. It’s its financial, cultural, academic, and political heart and has a whole lot of historic and architectural worth. Nonetheless, Podgorica is a pretty metropolis due to its downright beautiful setting on the confluence of the Ribnica River and Morača River. Round Podgorica, you’ll additionally discover the plush Bjelopavlići Valley and Zeta Plain. This location isn’t any coincidence; it’s been strategically necessary for hundreds of years.
Notably, the Zeta Plain, south of Podgorica metropolis, is residence to the exceptional Lake Skadar Nationwide Park, the most important lake in southern Europe and a super-popular vacation spot for outside adventures. Lake Skadar, one of one of the best locations to see in Montenegro, makes for a lovely day or weekend journey from Podgorica.
Expertise Montenegro’s Niagara Falls
You’ll be able to’t assist however smile on the identify.
From what I might inform, the identify is used to be a focus for us vacationers who will probably eat on the restaurant additionally known as Niagara, proper subsequent to the falls. Effectively performed on the advertising and marketing entrance. The falls are 7 kilometers from town heart, and I need to say, the restaurant is within the good setting.
Fortunately they haven’t totally exploited the ‘Niagara’ identify and have saved costs affordable. The falls, nonetheless, had been disappointing as they solely got here to life within the winter, so my early October go to was too early.
I nonetheless loved the journey out right here, although, because the panorama across the river is so moon-like. Examine them out!
Style Native Wines
There’s way more to European wines than France, Italy, and Spain.
The Balkans produce a whole lot of (drinkable) wine, too. Between Podgorica and Lake Skadar are hundreds of thousands of vines baking within the July and August warmth, prepared for the large harvest in September. The preferred cellar is Šipčanik (8 kilometers from Podgorica), that gives varied excursions and tastings year-round.
The preferred grape selection in Montenegro is vranac, an indigenous grape the locals are justifiably happy with. If you happen to can’t make it out to the vineyard, loads of bars serve native wine. Alternatively, you possibly can head to the grocery store and seize a bottle of an area classic your self.
This can be a terrific place to go to mixed with Niagara Falls, as they’re in the identical path.
Get pleasure from A Native Basketball Or Soccer Match
If you wish to see success in motion, watch a KK Buducnost (Podgorica) basketball recreation on the Moraca Sports activities Middle. Why? They’ve gained 11 consecutive home basketball league titles. That’s spectacular.
Watching an area sports activities occasion is a enjoyable option to examine how sports activities occasions are held in your personal nation.
Just a few of my observations from watching KK Buducnost:
- 2 euro tickets
- no beer is offered within the enviornment
- no cheerleaders
- the small group of passionate (extremely) supporters within the nook had been extremely loud
If you wish to watch soccer in Podgorica, the 2 main golf equipment are FK Buducnost and FK Mladost. They play at Pod Goricom Stadium and Mladost Stadium, respectively.
While you get to Podgorica, Google the membership names to search out out in the event that they’re enjoying. I discover the locals are by no means 100% positive what the schedules are.
Go to The Centre Of Trendy Arts (Petrovic Palace)
You could be stunned to see the Petrovic Palace in all its pinkness in the midst of the park. The Centre of Trendy Arts is free to go to and flick through each everlasting and non permanent exhibitions.
There was the choice of hiring a educated information, which is a superb possibility as there are only a few particulars in regards to the artwork on show. If you happen to wish to know the tales behind the artist, select the guided tour.
Hike To Numerous Viewpoints Round The Metropolis
Podgorica isn’t surrounded by large mountains towering over town like Kotor, however there are rolling limestone hills close by. Most present astounding panoramic metropolis views.
One of the simplest ways to go about selecting which one to hike is straightforward. Choose one at random and begin strolling. They aren’t greater than 3-4 km away from the Podgorica metropolis heart.
There are trails on the hills, however the limestone mountains don’t have a lot foliage on them, so you possibly can go whichever approach your coronary heart needs with out the concern of getting misplaced.
Take A Dip In The Moraca River
I used to be gutted arriving in Kotor to see nobody swimming within the bay. But, I used to be undoubtedly joyful an area instructed me you’d see many individuals taking a summertime dip within the Moraca River flowing by way of town.
Take a second and assume: how typically are you able to go swimming in a river that passes by way of a capital metropolis with out feeling gross? They’re often a grimy, fast-moving, brown shade.
I believe that’s what made my quick (chilly) swim so satisfying. The water was slow-moving, and I might see my toes. Yay!
Crisscross Your Method To Millennium Bridge
If taking a dip within the Moraca River doesn’t sound such as you, take a stroll throughout the Podgorica bridges. 5 bridges cross the rivers within the metropolis heart, two of that are pedestrian-only.
Probably the most well-known is the Millennium Bridge. One of many prime sights you need to see whenever you go to Podgorica, this cable-style bridge is kind of the spectacle and, since opening in 2005, has helped ease visitors congestion.
See The Exceptional Transformer-Like Robots
One of the uncommon, even weird, sights in Podgorica are the “Transformers Relying Podgorica.” Seven large Transformer-like robotic sculptures dot town heart, arrange by a younger artist named Danilo Baletic in 2014. These towering artworks are literally constituted of scrap steel, together with items of outdated vehicles.
You’ll be able to see these extraordinary sculptures at seven places across the Podgorica metropolis heart, from road corners to parks. The largest “Transformer” stands on the principal sq.; Megatron is 14 meters excessive.
Expertise The Native Nightlife
I used to be stunned by the nightlife in Podgorica on most nights of the week. After 5 pm, locals begin to replenish the cafes, bars, and eating places across the Bulevar Ivana Crnojevica and Njegoseva intersection.
As locations shut, those that don’t go residence typically head to Buda Bar to listen to a DJ play eclectic music. If that isn’t your vibe, you possibly can proceed strolling across the stadium space to search out music to fit your style.
Spend Time Folks Watching In The Parks
Yay for one more Japanese European capital creating a lot of inexperienced area inside town. Bonus factors for Podgorica due to the shortage of greenery on the close by hills.
I stumbled throughout a lot of parks, and other people appeared to make use of them all through the day.
Why do I care about parks a lot, you ask? They’re an incredible spot to individuals watch and have a picnic. Moreover, a day by day dose of nature does you a world of fine.
Wander Round The Metropolis
The Previous City in Podgorica is undoubtedly totally different from your common Previous Cities in capital cities. A lot of the city was destroyed in the course of the Second World Warfare. Town was bombed greater than 70 occasions, making it one of the crucial bombed cities. Sadly sufficient, virtually no effort has been made to rebuild the once-pretty city.
But you possibly can wander the streets, with the various non secular buildings standing out. Try, for instance, the Osmanagica Mosque, an incredible instance of Ottoman structure in Podgorica, and the Church of St. Demetrius.
And Saborni hram Hristovog, one of many greatest Orthodox church buildings globally, is one thing I someway missed. Don’t make that very same mistake!
Elsewhere, please hold your eyes peeled for road artwork; a couple of items caught my consideration.
Admire The Cathedral Of The Resurrection Of Christ
One of many newest additions to the skyline of Podgorica, the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, was consecrated in 2013. This huge Serbian Orthodox cathedral boasts massive white-stone towers topped with crosses, whereas the inside options massive chandeliers, gilded frescoes, marble flooring, and vigorous murals.
Spend Some Time At Tradition Membership Tarantino Podgorica
If you happen to’re searching for the place to eat in Podgorica, you may wish to take a look at Tradition Membership Tarantino. Located on one of many metropolis’s most charming streets, this restaurant and bar are devoted to selling native artwork, music, and different occasions.
It’s a super-hip spot that’s nice from morning to night. Seize a cup of espresso within the morning or do some people-watching within the afternoon. Within the night, it’s a preferred spot amongst college students, creatives, and different individuals.
See The Roman Ruins Of Doclea
Located just a few kilometers from modern-day Podgorica lie the ruins of Dolclea or Dulkja. This historic Roman metropolis was residence to as much as 10,000 individuals however declined within the 4th and 5th centuries. At present, you possibly can nonetheless see many stays of this once-thriving Roman metropolis, making this a really helpful tour from Podgorica.
Discover Lake Skadar Nationwide Park
One of many prime Montenegro vacationer sights lies lower than half-hour by automobile south of Podgorica. It’s below 30 kilometers from town heart to the Lake Skadar Nationwide Park Customer Middle in Virpazar, actually the quantity someday journey you are able to do.
This magnificent nationwide park encompasses all the shore of Lake Skadar in Montenegro, together with the villages and cities, wetlands, hills, and ruins. It’s a vital space for birds, nevertheless it additionally gives all types of outside actions, from kayaking and swimming to mountain climbing and biking.
Manufacturers We Use And Belief
The place To Keep In Podgorica
Perla Residence Podgorica & Spa
With out query, the most effective inns in Podgorica, Perla Residence Podgorica & Spa, lies simply exterior of the Previous City and options a number of thrilling facilities. There are a terrace and backyard, a health club, a spa and wellness heart, free WiFi, and personal parking. An on-site restaurant serves Spanish, Latin American, and native delicacies. All rooms are well-equipped, together with a flat-screen TV, a kitchen, seating space, lavatory, and eating space.
Resort Aurel
Located within the metropolis’s enterprise zone and close to the prepare station, Resort Laurel lies a brief stroll from town’s core. Company can use the spa and health heart, keep in contact by way of free WiFi, wine and dine on the restaurant, and park their automobile on the free parking storage. The rooms are air-conditioned and include a flat-screen TV and a non-public lavatory. Some rooms have a non-public balcony with views over Podgorica, too.
Resort Alexandar Lux
By way of location, Resort Alexandar Lux is without doubt one of the prime Podgorica inns. It’s on Hercegovacka Ulica, the primary pedestrian road within the metropolis, providing easy accessibility to most of the principal Podgorica sights. You’ll discover quite a few eating places, bars, and retailers throughout the resort, whereas its flats include a leather-based couch, lavatory, and a kitchenette. Shared amenities embrace desk tennis and a health club. Free WiFi is offered as nicely.
Resort Hemera
Among the many most fashionable and chic locations to remain in Podgorica, Resort Hemera has tasteful and heat inside decorations. It lies within the coronary heart of town, nicely inside strolling distance from sights just like the Nationwide Library, the Metropolis Stadium, and Gorica Forest Park. There’s free WiFi, in addition to a Turkish tub and sauna. The restaurant at Resort Hemera is a lovely place to calm down with a meal after a day of Podgorica sightseeing. Rooms have normal facilities, together with a seating and eating space, a mini-bar, a rest room, and a flat-screen TV.
Wrapping Up On Enjoyable Issues To Do In Podgorica, Montenegro
Do you agree Podgorica is the most underrated capital within the Balkans? Don’t let this discourage you from visiting. It’s one of many greatest locations in Montenegro to go to, residence to, and surrounded by a number of the most unbelievable Montenegro sights.
I visited Podgorica in early October and seen that Podgorica tourism remains to be in its infancy. I noticed few different vacationers whereas actively exploring almost all corners of town.
There are greater than sufficient issues to do in Podgorica to maintain you entertained for at the least two full days, and as a bonus, you get a break from the crowds in Kotor and Budva. Not that you just shouldn’t go to these locations, although. By way of what to see in Montenegro, they’re nearly as good as issues get. Simply embrace Podgorica in your itinerary as nicely. It’s arguably one of the best place to keep in Montenegro for journeys to Lake Skadar, in any case.
So inform us, what enjoyable issues to do in Podgorica will make your bucket listing?
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