Budva is often called Montenegro’s party capital, but even a few hours here reveal there’s far more to the town than nightlife. I drove into Budva from Kotor in my rental car, enjoying the scenic coastal road along the Adriatic. Once I arrived, I parked and explored the town entirely on foot, which proved to be the best way to take in its charm before continuing onward to Sveti Stefan later that day.
I started in Stari Grad, the Old Town, stepping straight from the car park into narrow cobbled streets lined with Venetian façades, tiny squares, and hidden churches. Climbing up to the citadel, I could see the terracotta rooftops tumbling down to the Adriatic, a view that made the drive from Kotor instantly worthwhile. Wandering through the lanes, I ducked into cafés for a quick coffee and browsed local shops selling olive oil soap and handmade jewellery. Even with just an hour, the Old Town felt timeless.
From there, I wandered out to the seafront promenade along Slovenska Beach. The contrast was striking: families strolling with ice creams, fishermen checking their nets, and tourists pausing to admire the Old Town across the bay. Walking along the promenade allowed me to soak up the lively atmosphere at my own pace, and dipping my toes in the Adriatic made it feel like a proper coastal escape.
Next, I followed the coastal path toward Mogren Beach. The walk along the cliffs revealed sudden viewpoints overlooking turquoise water and rocky coastline. Mogren itself is a small, sheltered cove, perfect for a few quiet minutes listening to the waves. Exploring on foot made it feel like a hidden gem, just a short stroll from the Old Town.
Back in the town centre, Budva surprised me with how lively it feels even outside peak season. Street performers, music spilling from cafés, and art exhibitions in the squares gave the town a cultural pulse. Walking let me wander into side streets and stumble across these moments without feeling rushed.
Back near the Old Town, I decided to stop for lunch at a small seaside konoba tucked between the marina and the city walls. The menu was simple but full of local flavours: grilled sea bass, black risotto, and a carafe of chilled Montenegrin white wine. Sitting outdoors, I watched boats drift in and out of the harbour as the sound of waves mixed with the chatter of locals on their lunch break. The pace was unhurried, and for a moment it felt like time had slowed. The waiter told me that many of Budva’s residents still fish in the early mornings, selling their catch directly to the restaurants by noon. Knowing that made the meal taste even fresher. Afterward, I lingered with an espresso, enjoying how the sun caught the stone walls and made them glow golden against the deep blue sea. It was one of those small travel moments that felt completely effortless yet perfectly complete.
After three or four hours, I returned to my car, ready to continue along the coast to Sveti Stefan. Driving between these towns gave me a sense of Montenegro’s beautiful coastline, but exploring Budva on foot was what really let me appreciate its medieval heart, its lively promenade, and its quieter corners. It wasn’t enough to see everything, but it was enough to leave a lasting impression—and to make me want to come back.
