Podgorica is the capital and the largest city of Montenegro. The city covers a distance of about 15 kilometres and the area is crossed by rivers. There are two rivers that flow through the city namely Moraca and Ribnica. There are four other rivers that flow nearby the city, namely Zeta, Cijevna, Sitnica and Mareza. The rivers around the city make it look beautiful and is a major feature of this city.

When to Visit Podgorica, Montenegro

From June to September is the best time to visit the city. There will be fewer people after the busy peak season ends. There will be a very pleasant temperature when visiting this city during this time of the year. The accommodation is also pretty expensive and even double at some places in the city. The temperature is usually around 35-40   during this time.

What to know about Podgorica, Montenegro

Language

Montenegro is the widely spoken and official language of the city. Many local people also understand the Russian language. Albanian, Croatian, Bosnian and Serbian are also used by the local people. People who visit this city don't find it so difficult to communicate and understand as this city has a diversity of languages.

Currency

Euro is the currency which is used in this city. If you are travelling to this city, then you can use your credit cards as they are widely accepted throughout the country. However, it is advisable to exchange your currency at the exchange currency office or airport when visiting the city.

Transportation

There is a variety of public transport available in Podgorica depending on the needs of travellers.

Buses

Trains

Taxi

Car hiring

Bike hiring

Climate

In the peak summer season, when the city has a majority of visitors, it is around 27 degrees. Some people visit the mountain area of the city where the temperature drops to 12 at night. The sea is also very warm enough to go swimming, and the temperature is also pleasant for hiking, cycling or any outdoor activities.

Winters are a little harsh as many hotels and restaurants along the coast shut completely. During the day, the temperature goes around 7 in winter.

Things to Pack

In summers, you must need lightweight clothing, swimsuits, sunglasses, sunscreen, sun hats and if you are travelling to a mountain at night, then a jumper should be a must. And if  we talk about winters in this place, then carry heavy overcoats, boots and medium-weight clothes for layering as it will be very cold outside.

Famous food to try in Podgorica, Montenegro

Buzara

This is the famous dish of the town which is loved by all the local people. Seafood is used for the preparation of buzara, while the ingredients include olive oil, garlic, wine, herbs and breadcrumbs. It is simply seasoned with pepper and salt before serving. It is prepared in two colours, white and red depending on the type of sauce that is used. Red buzara is prepared with the addition of fresh tomatoes or tomato sauce while white buzara is made with white wine.

Burek

Burek or borek is prepared with the help of thin dough with the fillings of meat, cheese, potatoes, eggplant, mushrooms, leafy greens or spinach. This dish is baked, and after baking it is cut into portions in the size of a pastry. It is usually garnished with sesame or nigella seeds and it can be served hot or cold depending on your choice of taste. This dish is loved by a lot of people around the world and is served at different times of the day with tea, coffee or yoghourt drink.

Black Risotto

This is one of the delicious dishes available in the town. It is also known as Arroz negro or paella negra. White rice, cuttlefish or squid, cephalopod ink are the main ingredients used for the preparation of this dish. The cephalopod ink used is responsible for giving a dark colour to the dish, which also enhances its flavour.

Kacamak

It's a straightforward dish, but it's delicious. It is also referred to as baked, Pura or Kachemak. It is a type of pudding that is prepared using cornmeal. Usually, it is served using white cheese, boiled grape juice, plain yoghurt, honey bacon, or sour cream.

Places of Attractions in Podgorica, Montenegro

Duklja Ruins

This place is an archaeological site located in Podgorica. This site was once a city where around 8,000-10,000 people used to live in the 1st century AD. But natural disasters such as earthquakes lead to the invasion of the whole city. Now it is a tourist spot where you will find many recognizable structures such as towers, streets, ceramics, jewellery, temples, glass dishes and many more things. Most of the precious things which were found in this place are now preserved in the Podgorica city museum.

King Nikola Monument

This is a very popular monument which is dedicated to King Nikola. This monument is about four-metre in height where we can see the King riding the horse. It is located by the river side in Podgorica in the heart of Kings Park. It is a very imperial and beautiful monument which will definitely win your heart if you're visiting this place.

St. George Church

This is a must-visit Church if you are in the city. It is an Orthodox Church which is located along the foothills of Gorica hills. It is said that this Church is the oldest preserved building in Podgorica. It was built around the 9th and 11th centuries, and outside this Church there is a small garden where the tourists normally sit or relax during their visit to the Church.

Sastavci

This is one of the very oldest bridges located in Podgorica. It is believed that this bridge was built of river stone in ancient times and is only a few metres high. It is considered as a very romantic place by the youngsters who also refer to this place as Skyline.