Podgorica: description, attractions, travel and accommodation

Podgorica is the largest city and national capital of Montenegro, located at the confluence of the Moraca and Ribnitsa rivers in the south-eastern side of the country. The settlement is the official cultural and trade center and is considered the main city of the country, as well as its administrative and economic center.

Podgorica has a population of about 170,000 inhabitants. On its territory is the main university of the country and other higher education institutions. The city is located at the intersection of numerous historically significant routes in the valley of Lake Sakadar, near the Adriatic Sea. There is not only a favorable climate, but also fertile soils, therefore, fruits and vegetables are distinguished by high ecological purity.

The main feature of the settlement is the wealth of water bodies. The city is located on a plain to the north, unlike other cities of Montenegro. Podgorica is filled with modern architectural buildings that stand on almost every corner. It is difficult not to notice a large number of green spaces and parks. There is also an embassy of the Russian Federation.

From the city you can go to Cetinje, the distance between settlements is only 36 kilometers, and the cost of the trip is within 200 rubles. On the way the bus is about an hour. The city has a key location, it is only 9 kilometers from the International Airport, there are also railway and bus stations located close to each other on its territory.

Podgorica offers visitors excellent beaches for relaxation and sightseeing. There is a well-developed transport connection, there are both affordable and expensive hotels, a lively nightlife. On the territory of the village are such major cultural events as Crnogorsko Narodno, Dodest and Gradsko. One of the main attractions is Ostrog monasterywhich is nearby.

Alongside with the National Theater of Montenegrowhich is considered the most important theater in the whole country, there are numerous art galleries and museums.

Podgorica offers a large number of restaurants, bars, cafes, pubs and wineries with live music. The city serves delicious Montenegrin dishes that can be divided into Mediterranean and continental delights.

In terms of weather, the best time to visit Podgorica is spring and autumn seasons, as in the summer it is very dry and hot, and the settlement itself is usually crowded with tourists. Winter can also be a good time to visit, since during this period there are big discounts on last year’s collections in local stores.

In Podgorica, the Mediterranean weather - with dry, warm summers and cool, mild winters. The Adriatic Sea has a great influence, since it is located about 50 km away, and the proximity of the Dinar Alps to the north also contributes to the formation of a unique climate. The average annual temperature in the city is 16.4 ° C. It is necessary to take into account the absence of precipitation over 260 days. Rains are more typical for late autumn.

The temperature changes gradually over the months, and there are rarely sudden surges on the thermometer. In January, February and March, the figures change from 6 to 16 ° C. In spring and until the end of May, the temperature rises to 20 ° C.

On average, from September to November, 20–22 ° C on the coast, the temperature of the sea is 24–25 ° C.

Days per year with precipitation and strong wind of about 60 m / s. Snow is an almost unknown phenomenon in Podgorica, observed no more than a few days a year. The relative air humidity is 59.6%, and the average temperature is above 25 ° С for 135 days a year. All these features combined with the unique nature make Podgorica a city with a very favorable climate, suitable for recreation all year round. This place is also known for its extremely hot and dry summers.

In the summer it becomes very hot in the city, but nevertheless, the convenient location and the presence of a sufficient number of roads allows tourists to go on an exciting hike to the mountains, where it is much cooler.

The Mediterranean climate in the winter season in Podgorica is mild and cool with little rainfall. The coldest time of the year is January, when the average temperature drops to at least - 6°WITH. Frosts are possible in the winter season, but they are never long.

Sights and beaches attract tourists to Podgorica from spring to late autumn. In addition, dental tourism is developed here, as well as many come for shopping. Indeed, dentistry in the country is at a high level, and the cost of services is quite acceptable, so this service is popular. As for shopping, then before the start of the new holiday season, shops start selling old Italian collections at low prices, on what you can significantly save.

There is no beach in the town itself, but nearby is the famous Budva Riviera. However, it is best to choose a vacation spot. beach in Sutomore, because this town is closer, and buses go to it regularly.

Montenegrin "old cities" are usually very picturesque places to visit. In Podgorica, however, there are few attractions in the Old Town and they are located far from each other. Air raids during the war destroyed almost all the structures of the Ottoman Empire, including fortresses, city walls, minarets and houses that the Turks built in 1484-1878.

All that's left - ruins of the fortress Ribnitsabuilt by the Turks between 1474 and 1478. The object is located at the mouth of the rivers Ribnitsa and Moraca. There are several small paths to explore the area, sit next to the river and enjoy a picnic.

Next to the fortress is bridge Ribnitsa, the construction of some parts of which date back to the Roman era. In addition, the Old Town has Clock towerbuilt in 1667.

Across the river New town. Here, much of the architecture still creates the atmosphere of an iron curtain. Republic Square and the nearby pedestrian streets - Sloboda and Negosheva have a more modern aesthetics characteristic of Europe. The new city is home to the city hall and the National Theater. Here you should definitely see Podgorica Orthodox Cathedralwhere they can not fail to hit the murals, mosaics and other features of the interior decoration.

As a local landmark of the new time, the city stands Moskovsky Bridge - a new pedestrian, located parallel to the Millennium Bridge. It passes through one of the most beautiful parts of the river Moraca.

A few minutes drive from Podgorica are waterfalls, located on the river Chizhevna. There is a wonderful restaurant and a small park for recreation. Here they serve classic meat and fish dishes from Montenegro, offering open play playgrounds with rabbits, which can be petted. To see the waterfalls, you will need to walk a little.

More than a petting zoo - the sanctuary of animals. This is an open space for people and animals, where deer, piglets, camels and other animals graze. Here they offer to feed the piglets from the bottle, treat the camels with carrots and chat with the emu. There are also peacocks, geese, pigeons, rabbits, horses, dogs, turtles and other animals that need help.

For history buffs Doclea or duquia - The ruined Roman city, which was introduced as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These ruins are located just 5 km from the town of Podgorica. Archaeologists have taken artifacts from here, and now they are on display in the Podgorica Museum, but the stone ruins are still available for inspection.

It is possible to walk around the square and imagine life here 2,000 years ago. Interestingly, scientists have found about 300 tombs here dating from the first century.

Guests of Podgorica can count on amazing local cuisine, in which the chefs managed to reflect a rich cultural and culinary history, with Russian and Italian influences. In the list of the best institutions of the city you can find the following restaurants.

• "Dali". Ideally located in the very center of Podgorica. This is a stylish and modern restaurant that is crowded with visitors almost every night. The interior of the place is a luxurious extravaganza of purple velvet chairs, ruby ​​silk curtains and soft leather sofas. In the other part modern, minimalist design prevails. It serves a variety of Italian and Oriental dishes, and you can order local salads, pasta, risotto and seafood. Specializing in wine, the institution offers a wide list of local and international vintage drinks, including a range of Montenegrin wines from the Plantaze vineyard - one of the country's most reputable plants.

• Per Semper. Specializes in authentic Italian cuisine. It is an elegant and definitely prestigious place with a grand piano in the hall and works of art in the Renaissance style. Will delight the room with a wooden interior, a collection of fine wines. Guests can choose from all the classic Italian dishes, such as spaghetti carbonara, as well as some homemade recipes.

• Pod Volat. The institution is known for its fried meat and delicious branded goulash. Pod Volat offers primarily a meat menu of veal, lamb and goats cooked over hot coals. The modest restaurant focuses on providing Montenegrin cuisine with an extensive selection of wines, beers and traditional drinks.

• "Nostalgia". This place is a tribute to Montenegro’s past and exciting cultural heritage. The traditional Yugoslavian restaurant offers home-cooked food according to recipes handed down from generation to generation. Cooks focus on using minimal ingredients and achieving maximum flavor. The establishment serves juicy steaks, buttery mashed potatoes, rice dishes and rich vegetable soups.

• Kalabrija. This charming Italian restaurant is a tiny gem in the northeastern part of the city center, where guests can soak up the unique atmosphere and enjoy delicious pizza. Escaping the atmosphere of a cozy tavern hidden in the Italian countryside, the interior is an assemblage of fancy curtains and tablecloths, antique furniture and open brick walls. The unique atmosphere of home comfort reigns here.

• Maša An elegant and modern restaurant dedicated to the fish menu, in addition, it is also a one-stop shop for those who want to taste fresh, high-quality seafood in Podgorica. Large and spacious, with high ceilings and a glass facade overlooking the busy streets of the city, the restaurant has its own urban charm. If guests drop in for breakfast, they are served croissants and homemade cakes.

Podgorica has its own airport and airfield. All these objects are not difficult to find on the map, which is very convenient. However, for those who are not going to stay here for a long time and would like to move to a quieter area, there is a bus station.

The distance from the airport to Podgorica is only 1 km, to Kotor - 86 km. Budva is a little closer - 64 km, and farthest from the city to Herceg Novi, since you have to drive 108 km. The easiest way to get from Budva to Podgorica is by bus. There are more than 100 routes here, transport does not go only at night - from 00-30 to 3-30.

Urban and intercity transport work constantly, the infrastructure is well developed, so there are no problems for tourists. The only thing worth really paying attention to is the flight schedule, which changes from season to season.

There are many hotels in Podgorica, there are cheap hostels and expensive 4-star establishments with high-quality service.

Among the hotels that are particularly popular, you can consider several.

• Hotel Hilton podgorica is located in the center of the city, where there are government offices, which makes it ideal for those who came here for work. Previously, it was an old hotel in the upper part of the city, but not so long ago it was completely renovated and now it is a luxurious object of the 5-star Hilton brand. It offers an indoor pool, a wellness center, parking, and even pets are allowed.

• If you like 5-star hotels, you should definitely stay in Ziya which is hidden in a quiet street in the center of Podgorica. The hotel is close to the Doña Gorica Forest Park and within walking distance of the city center. It has an outdoor terrace and a wellness center.

• Aria located near the city center (7 km), this is an ideal family hotel. It provided a game room and pool.

• Comfortable and modern hotel Aurel located on the outskirts of the city, at the exit from Podgorica, namely, on the main road from the coast, which leads to the north. It also offers free transfer from and to the airport.

• Hotel Podgorica standing right on the banks of the river Moraca. From here the guests get to the city park, the Old Town and the new quarters.

• Hotel Ramada - a modern building located in a lively part of the city. Inside there is a wellness center and gym.

In the next video you can watch the life and sights in Podgorica.