Hotels in Podgorica, Montenegro

Podgorica is the capital and largest city of Montenegro. Podgorica’s favourable position at the confluence of the Ribnica and Moraca rivers and the meeting point of the fertile Zeta Plain and Bjelopavlici Valley has encouraged settlement. The city is close to winter ski centres in the north and seaside resorts on the Adriatic Sea.

Some three kilometres (1.9 miles) north-west of Podgorica lie the ruins of Doclea, a town known in Greek, pre-Roman and Roman times. The Roman Emperor Diocletian came from this region. In later centuries, Romans “corrected” the name to Dioclea, guessing wrongly that an “i” had been lost in vulgar speech. “Duklja” is the later (Slavic) version of that word.

While not a typical European eye candy, Podgorica is definitely worth visiting, owing to its interesting mix of old and new, its café culture and nightlife, and laid back Mediterranean atmosphere. Both Montenegrin coastal cities and its mountain resorts are within one hour drive from the city, so it is an excellent starting point for one day trips to anywhere in Montenegro.

While in Podgorica, one can enjoy the diversity of Montenegro’s capital cafes and restaurants, check out the nightlife, or take a walk at some of the favourite picnic locations of Podgorica citizens – Mareza, Skadar Lake, or Gorica hill. While strolling through Podgorica center, you might find the shopping area interesting, as there is vast number of boutiques, just beware the counterfeits!

Note that swimming in the Moraca river might be a pleasant way to cool off in the summer months! The other option would be newly built open-air public swimming pools.