Budva

Eco-friendly travel guide to Budva advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Budva, Montenegro.

View of Budva from Gospostina

Air quality: 3.5 / 5

Exploring by foot: 2.5 / 5

Exploring by bicycle: 4 / 5

Public transportation: 3.5 / 5

Parks: 2 / 5

Outdoor activities: 2.5 / 5

Locals' English level: 2 / 5

Safety: 3 / 5

Accommodation: US$8 - $80

Budget per day: US$100 - $200

Responsible Travel

Budva is a Montenegrin town which is situated on the Adriatic Sea. Amidst all of this, the city must display its eco-friendly side by implementing measures across various sectors. The public transportation daily, not only is it cost-effective, but it is much greener as it reduces each individual's carbon footprint while traveling considerably.

These conglomerates can be found dabbling in almost all fields, most notably in the clothing, grocery, meat, and electronics industries. If you are looking to make purchases, head to smaller shops in town, they will not only provide you with good service, but they will also introduce you to a vast catalog of products that aren’t mass-produced or available for sale on the internet.

Hence, the biggest step you can take to ensure responsible travel is to check into an eco-friendly or green hotel. Fortunately enough, due to the rising awareness about this, major cities across the globe have seen many such hotels popping up, Budva too is no different and has a host of such hotels, more details about which are given through the course of this article, so read on to know more.

Air Quality and Pollution

People love to make inquiries before they visit any city as they would not want to compromise their health despite having fun during the holiday. However, one thing that should be kept in mind is that the city is infamous for its bad air quality. The air is fresh and crisp at this time of the year, and you will enjoy bike rides and walking in the city quite a lot. After all, health is wealth. Air quality and pollution play an important role while visiting a new city.

Therefore, it would be better to visit the city during the summer months when the climate is good, and the humidity levels are also low. As a tourist, you must keep this in mind when visiting the city and taking precautionary steps accordingly. The monsoon season is also relentless and could contribute to increased pollution levels because the suspended particles tend to hang on to the heavy atmosphere if you plan for a long trip or visit the city as a tourist, infamous for its unhealthy and poor air quality. It could lead to breathing problems, burning and itchy eyes, and other such complications.

Respect the Culture

However, some people might be lost if they do not know the traditions of the city. You must show respect towards the local communities, landmarks, culture, and local environment. By indulging in cultural or recreational activities, you can learn a great deal about the city's culture and history.

If you are having lunch with your local friends, then it is proffered if everyone pays for what they ordered or can offer to pay for everyone if you are hosting. It is not out of place that one of the first things you would hear when visiting a new place is that you should respect the culture if you want to flow well with the locals. Do not wait for others to pay your bill and always offer to pay for your own food.

If this city is your chosen city for a holiday, have no fear as we would give you some tips on respecting their culture. Always talk about something simple and allow the host to start the conversation. You should know that the people of this city love it when the atmosphere is relaxed. Thus, they would not jump into any business topic.

Top 10 Places to Visit

Mogren Beach : Mogren beach is basically located near the city of Budva, Montenegro. This beach is awarded a Blue Flag. This beach has excellent water quality and the best features. This beach is worth walking to the beach.

Budva Old Town: Budva's old town is basically located on the rocky peninsula on the southeast end of the Budva. The Budva city is situated on the river called Budva. It is the center of tourism in the city of Budva.

Jaz Beach: Jaz beach is the beach under the Budva municipality in Montenegro country. It is located 2.5kms from the city of Budva. It is 850m long and 450 m wide. This is one of the famous beaches in Budva.

Sveti Nikola Island: Sveti Nikola Island is situated in the Adriatic Sea, which is basically in the Montenegrin Country. This city is under the Montenegrin municipality of Budva. It is located 1 kilometer from the Budva town.

Podmaine Monastery: The Monastery is basically located in Podstrog, Montenegro. It is built in the 15th century by one of the noble families in Podmaine, which is situated in Montenegro. This complex has basically two churches that are an older and smaller church of the presentation of the mother of God. It was built in 1747.

Aquapark Budva: The Aquapark is basically located in Podostrog, Montenegro. Visiting here is the best experience one could ever have. This has become a tourist attraction for the people living here and for the tourists.

Becici Beach: The Becici beach is famous for the white pebbles on the beach. It makes the beach look wonderful. This the most visited tourist spot in the city of Budva.

Top Hill: Top hill is the Disco club in Podostrog, Montenegro. It is becoming the most famous tourist location. Most visited events happen here every year. It is a fantastic place.

Kotor Tours: It is the most visited tourist places in the whole country. It is basically situated near the town. Most of the tourists visit here every year.

Saint Ivan Church: Saint Ivan church is the oldest church in the city. It was built in the 7th century. It is also known as a famous landmark in the city. It is the Catholic Church in the city.

Mogren Beach

Explore

The city has many things to offer apart from the many historical and culturally renowned places packed with tourists. The various parks, beaches, museums, and landmarks will help you get deep insights into the local culture and its beauty. There is so much to do in this city, so tourists should have a schedule plan ready so that activities will not be jumbled.

People say that all work and no play would make one dull. This city ensures that it has places that play roles in calming and relaxing the mind. Thus, it is not surprising that people always want to visit this city. There is so much to do in this city, so tourists should have a schedule plan ready so that activities will not be jumbled. The various parks, beaches, museums, and landmarks will help you get deep insights into the local culture and its beauty.

City Parks

The city is big, and it has a big collection of parks and other such places. The views are one thing you cannot take away from parks.

Here are some famous city parks in the city:

Luna Park Popivoda
Muzej
Camp Budva

National Parks

The country has always been famous for its beautiful and graceful natural resources, and so that this city has a wonderful collection of national parks and a zoo. We are listing down a few of them that may not exactly be located in and around the city but are not very far away from the city.

Lovcen National Park
Skadar Lake National Park
Theth National Park
Valbona Valley National Park

Lovcen National Park

Beaches

Many people love the idea of soaking up the sun on the beach, enjoying the peacefulness and calm the water brings, and meeting people. If you buy this idea, it means you would want to hang out at the beach if you visit the city. Thankfully, there are many excellent beaches in the city.

Beach Greco
Pizana Beach
Az Beach

Landmarks

The city of Budva also has its share of memorable landmarks and monuments. You must try and visit as many as you possibly can. While the list is quite long, we are mentioning a few of them for our readers' benefit.

Holy Trinity Church
Ballet Dancer Statue
Plaza Mogren

Plaza Mogren

Museums

Visiting museums would be the icing on your holiday package, especially if you are in this city, as it shows that you have adequately explored the city.

Here are some of these museums given are as follows:

Moderna Galerija
Roman Square
Antique Gallery And Cat Museum
Roman Old Town

Eat

You will find that the locals prefer to eat healthy and nutritious food with lots of vegetables and meats. Apart from these traditional and modern cuisines, the local street food is a must-try one that will leave your mouth lingering with their flavors. You will find that vegetarian, and non-vegetarian dishes are popular, and you will not find much trouble conveying your food preferences. Here are some famous local restaurants, vegetarian and vegan, and street foods are given below.

Traditional Local Restaurants

Here are some famous local restaurants which serve their authentic traditional foods are given below:

Jadran
Konoba Portion
Restaurant Konoba Demizana

Vegetarian and Vegan

Sometimes the habits of two people are different. If you are a vegetarian, you do not need to worry when you are in this city as there are many restaurants to attend to your needs. With these places, you will get to enjoy traditional meals properly with your regular choices. Thus, everyone does not have the same eating habit or love the same pattern when it concerns food choices.

Some of these vegan restaurants are:

Paradise Restaurant
Bahche
Pastabar
Smsom

Street Food

Different cities have various food they classify as street food if you are a street food enthusiast and want to try some in this city.

The preparation time for them does not take long, and it is something you can eat on the go. One thing about street food is that you can try out varieties at the same time. You know those foods you can easily get at the roadside without the need for a fancy restaurant—those classified as street food.

Drink

It will not be a complete holiday if you do not try the coffee they load up with whipped cream. The creamy nature of this coffee always leaves a unique taste. There is plenty to choose from. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic. There is a great variety of wine and coffee especially.

It is known for many things, and the production of wine is one of them. You should try out Grüner Veltliner, one of its white wines. It is usually dry, and one of the famous options served in the city. If you desire a fruitier wine, Blaufränkisch is your best option as it is made from the country's finest grapes. The most planted grape is Zweigelt, and there is also a wine made from this.

Tap-water

Unlike many Western countries, tap water may not be safe to drink, but the locals do drink after boiling it. Water is unstable even to the small majority who have a direct connection to tapped water. Even the water that is available in hotels and street-side food joints may be unsafe to drink. Hence, carrying bottled water is a good suggestion. Different areas of the city receive water on specific days of the week, some for a few days and others for just a few hours.

Organic Cafés

Since some people would prefer to eat organic, it is not out of place to have organic cafes in different cities. The city has stood up to the task of catering for all segments of the population, including those with a preference for organic foods. While they are not as obvious as the mainstream restaurants, the city has several organic eateries:

Obala
El Rey Caffe Bar
Grape Café
Restaurant Green

Breweries

If you love alcoholic drinks, you will have a swell time in the city as there are many fabulous options for you. Have a look at some of its breweries:

Beer & Bike Club
Old Fisherman’s Pub
Casper Bar

Activities

Even if you are not a lover of artwork, something in you will be compelled when you see them. The museums and art exhibitions are always there for you to explore, making you appreciate art.

The city is best known for its art and culture in tourism, and it has many places to explore. If there is not much to do in a city, then what is the point of visiting there. However, this is not the case for people who wish to visit the city as there is always something to do. Foreigners hate getting bored when in a new city, so you would see those seeking locals' recommendations.

It would be best to make friends with the locals to have an epic experience in the city.

Yoga and Retreats

You will find that young people are the ones that like to participate in such fitness exercised. There are many yoga institutes in the city where you can train under a qualified and experienced yoga teacher. With increasing awareness of the need for a healthy and fit lifestyle, the local people are gaining interest in yoga.

Some of the renowned yoga centers are as follows:

Positive Fitness Club
Original Fitness
Ethnogym Budva
Kolos Gym Budva

Accommodation

It may not be as low as what you would get in some cities, but it is not the most expensive in the world. With this clear, we know that the next question concerns the pricing as people want to know to plan their budget. We would not say that accommodation in this city is cheap, neither would we say that it is expensive. The price you would get depends on your accommodation option. You can either make accommodation plans when you are in the city or before you arrive. It would be best to do whatever works best for you.

The city has many options when it comes to accommodation, so foreigners are not stranded. These accommodation options range from hotels to apartments, and much more.

Green Hotels

If you are an environmental enthusiast, we know that you would search for green hotels in the city to ensure that you have an eco-friendly stay in the city. Many foreigners fail to realize that they have a role to play in protecting the environment, and it does not matter if it is your place of origin or not. You should play a role in any place you find yourself.

Here are some of the green hotels in the city given below:

Hotel Budva
Villa Bojana Budva
Restaurant Green
Green Garden Restaurant

Hostels and Guest Houses

Here are some comfortable and affordable guesthouses as well as hostels in the city. They are given below:

Freedom Hostel Budva
Hostel Near Old Budva
Saki

Apartments

Of course, you cannot have a kitchen's luxury in a hotel, but some may argue that you can get it in a hostel. However, the difference between a hostel and an apartment is that you get to get such a facility in the hostel, but it is personal when you lodge in an apartment. Some people fancy the idea of having all home facilities wherever they lodge.

Couchsurfing

There is an online community known as couchsurfing.com, and if you are a part of it, you will be able to come across dozens of CouchSurfing mates and companions. The idea surrounding Couchsurfing is that locals of the city offer hospitality by opening their homes to foreigners. It is usually voluntary so that there will be no complaints. Thus, anyone who signs up to accommodate people through Couchsurfing is expected to treat them right as they were not forced to do it. The perk of Couchsurfing is that it is free. As a foreigner, you do not need to pay your host. However, it is your responsibility to be respectful and abide by the laws of the city. It is a new concept but has taken off quite well in the city.

Camping

Campers describe the experience as exciting, and it lures those who have never been camping before. The thing with camping is that there are particular areas for it; else, the whole purpose is defeated. Thus, it is right to know about camping sites. It helps you meet new people, and you get to do things you have never done before. If you a lover of nature and the outdoors, we know that you would wish to experience camping in whatever form when you are in a new city.

Auto Camp Avala
Camp Budva
Camping Maslina
Pachamama Farmstay

How to Get There

Budva is an easily accessible city, so you do not need to crack your head on ways to get to the city. Everyone would agree that using an airplane is the fastest means of transportation, and you can use it to reach the city. International Airport is on the outskirts of this city, and it is where your plane will land. From there, you can take a train or taxi to central points in the city. It is not difficult to navigate, and the locals are always willing to help out.

You can also use a bus from some locations to reach the country, mostly if you stay close to the city. You have to research and find a site that would help you make bus reservations so that your trip will be stress-free.

Air

Budva Airport is where your plane will probably land, and it is on the outskirts of the city. However, you will have ease in getting to Budva's main centers as there are other means of transportation from the airport. The airport you will use depends on your current location and the available flight. What is important is that you would get to your destination.

Podgorica airport Montenegro

Bus

The bus terminuses are chaotic, and you may have to take some local help to determine which bus to choose for your requirements. This is because the intercity bus terminus is located around one hour from the city. The city has reasonably advanced local bus transport services, but intercity bus services are not very comfortable.

Double Decker bus in Budva

Train

Many people in the city would tell you that using a train is the cheapest means of transportation. Thus, it is not surprising that people are always rushing for the train. Some people book ahead so that they would not miss using it to reach their destination.

Interestingly, there are trains at airports that help covey foreigners when they come into the country. You should know that you would pay as it is not free, but the price is low as it is cheaper than when you use a busy one.

Hitchhiking

While the locals are quite friendly and hospitable and hitchhiking is a common practice in many parts of the world, it is not common to encounter hitchhikers in the country.

Most drivers are naturally wary of picking up strangers, fearing carrying robbers and carjackers. While there are exceptional cases of drivers who would be okay with offering one a lift, most of them would not, especially when driving at night.

Others

The idea of hitchhiking centers on getting free rides, and this works well for people who might not have enough money when visiting the city. You can wait on the side of the road and try to flag down a vehicle. However, it is not as easy as it seems, especially in a city like Budva. The city drivers are always driving fast, and one can associate this with the smooth roads. If you are lucky to get one and accept to carry you, you will get a free ride to your destination.

However, it is not as easy as it seems, especially in a city. Thus, you should wait and try to get a ride from a gas station as they might not stop if you stay on the roadside.

Moving Around

These modes of transportations are efficient in helping you move around the city and discover the city's hidden gems. If you wish to travel, then the best option at your disposal is public transports such as subway trains, available buses, and electronic vehicles. Walking is an alternative mode of moving around but is the healthiest and cheapest mode.

Walk

Despite numerous attempts to decongest the city, including increasing the parking cost in town and banning public service vehicles from accessing certain parts of the town center, the streets have continued to be congested. Away from the city and into the residential suburbs boasts of many trees along many avenues that provide shade and fresh air as you stroll along.

Walking is the most eco-friendly means of transport but also because of the traffic jam. As the city has rapidly grown, Budva has become known for its unending traffic jams.

Bicycle

Some people use bicycles as a means of transportation, while others use it for exploration. Irrespective of why you are using a bicycle, be assured that it is safe as the city has cycle paths to ensure that cyclists do not collide with cars.

There is no traffic issue in the city, and cars do not compete for safe with bicycles. The road also has a flat structure, so it does not impose any harm. Your safety is assured if you are using a bicycle in the city.

Electronic Vehicles

The city is highly urbanized, and they are in touch with the latest features in the world. Thus, electric vehicles are not strange to any of the locals. Knowing that you can get an electronic vehicle if you desire, the next question for foreigners is how safe it is to use such in the city.

It is expected that everyone would have safety procedures at the back of their mind, and you would not want to use something like an electronic scooter on a busy road to obstruct cars.

Public Bus

Public buses are common in the city, and they aid ease of movement. It is almost impossible for a foreigner not to use any during their stay.

Tram, Train and Subway

Trams, Trains, and subways classify amongst the public transportation system, which is a common form. It is easy to get and use if it is your desired choice, and they go to various locations within the district.

As we have repeatedly mentioned earlier, it is one of the cheapest means of transportation in the city, and we can vouch to a large extent that it is safe to use.

Sustainable Shopping

Different people have varying beliefs on what is healthy and essential, and this also extends to different regions and locations. A type of clothing might be what the people in your present town hold in high value, but it is not valued in your previous city.

Food Markets

We would assume that you already know some of the local delicacies since we have talked about some of them.

Mega Market
Sestan Market
Aroma Market

Flea Markets

Here are some of the famous flea markets:

Budva Old Town
Zelena Pijaca Market

Second Hand Stores

Here are some of the second-hand stores in Budva:

Mix Market
Yamamay Budva
Idea Centar Tivat

Eco-Fashion

Eco-fashion is the use of sustainable materials that protect the environment to make clothes. If you do not know, Budva is one of the top sustainable cities globally, so many of its designers subscribe to the style of eco-fashion.

Recycling

During your stay in the city, you will notice that the government has facilities to ensure the enforcement of recycling, and the locals gladly comply because they understand its importance. As a foreigner, you should join hands with the locals and imbibe the recycling culture. Because your city of origin does not practice recycling does not mean that you should not do it in a city where it is applicable. There is always a difference between cities that recycle and those that do not.

Waste

The locals are always happy when foreigners visit and commend the pristine state of the city. You will also notice that people have excellent health due to proper waste care. They understand that it is their responsibility to keep their environment clean, and whatever they do can either make or mar their atmosphere. These people strive to have a city conducive to living and know that it is impossible without an adequate waste management organization.

Work and Study Abroad

The city's educational institutions are also commendable, and many foreigners opt for the option of studying in this city. One might trace their decision to the fact that a city where people can work and study simultaneously. Thus, students are not stranded nor dependent. By the time they are done with education, they also have adequate work experience.

Exchange Student

There are many famous universities and colleges in the city of Budva so that you would see exchange students in abundance. If you are an international student in this country, you should not fear that locals will dominate the educational institutions as you would also see many foreigners.

Au Pair

You will see some people downcast because they cannot seem to secure a job, and this is where the idea of Au Pair comes into pair. Au Pair is almost similar to Couchsurfing as it pairs you with a host you would work for and get paid in return. It is a win-win situation as it saves you the stress of searching for a job, and the host gets their job done quickly.

Volunteering

It is common to see people desire to be volunteers in the city, and it is best to attach yourself to an organization to make the process easier. Engaging in volunteering activities while in the city shows that you are a responsible tourist. Volunteering is a way of you helping and giving back to society. It is not done out of force, but because you are passionate about the cause.