Podgorica can be explored on different scales: from the cobbled lanes of the Old Town and archaeological remains to a scenic route that starts in the city. Distinctive buildings and wine experiences offer other perspectives on the destination.
Old Town, bridges and striking architecture
During the Ottoman period, from 1474 to 1879, the Old Town was the historic heart of Podgorica. Its urban and architectural forms, customs and way of life were shaped by Oriental features. Today, you can stroll along its cobblestone streets. The clock tower stands in Bećir-beg-Osmanagić Square and is a landmark of the Old Town. Hadži Mehmed-paša Osmanagić had it built in the 18th century.
The old stone bridge lies at the confluence of the Ribnica and Morača rivers. It is believed to date from Roman times and is considered Podgorica’s oldest bridge. Sastavci and the stone bridge are a popular riverside meeting place where people enjoy the natural surroundings. The Orthodox Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ offers a different architectural accent: its two pyramid-shaped towers are each 26.7 metres high and house a total of 17 bells on their upper floors. The heaviest weighs 11 tonnes and is described as the largest on the Balkan Peninsula.
Doclea, art and architectural history
The remains of ancient Doclea date from the first decade of the 1st century AD. They lie four kilometres from the centre of Podgorica, on a broad plateau between the Morača, Zeta and Širijana rivers. Burial finds from Doclea in the permanent exhibition at the City Museum include ceramic and glass vessels, jewellery, tools, weapons and coins. The different types of finds bring the archaeological history to life.
Medun is also nearby: it is located about twelve kilometres northeast of Podgorica, in the Kuči region. Its archaeological complex comprises the remains of the Illyrian city of Meteon and the Church of St Nicholas. Within Podgorica, art offers a window onto a different period. The Modern Gallery showcases works relating to the development of modern art and to significant movements and influences in Montenegro’s art scene in the second half of the 20th century. The collection of the Fund of the Centre of Contemporary Art of Montenegro includes more than 1,000 exhibits from 60 countries and is considered unique in Southeast Europe.
The Kruševac palace complex lies in Kruševac Park on the Morača. The Petrović Palace within it was a former residence of the Petrović dynasty. Gorica Hill offers a different kind of stop in the cityscape: it is very close to the centre and has an adventure park.
Wine experiences in Podgorica
At Plantaže, visitors can explore the winery, enjoy a glass of sparkling wine and take a leisurely ride through the vineyards on a tourist train. Twenty-nine grape varieties are grown there, including the indigenous Montenegrin varieties Vranac and Krstač. Check the current arrangements before your visit.
Šipčanik wine cellar offers a different visitor experience: visitors can tour the cellar and enjoy its distinctive atmosphere, along with the aromas and flavours of its wines. Check the visiting arrangements in advance. These are two distinct wine experiences: a vineyard tour with the option of a ride on the tourist train, and the special atmosphere of a wine cellar.
From a city walk to a scenic route
The Korita Loop is Montenegro’s first fully marked panoramic trail. It starts in Podgorica, heads into the Kuči mountain region and reaches the edge of the Cijevna River canyon. At 65 kilometres long, it is a large-scale counterpart to the city’s individual attractions. The route links a starting point in Podgorica with the landscapes of the mountain region; check the latest information before planning your trip.
There are also useful points of reference for getting around: the railway station is close to the city centre and directly next to the bus station. Podgorica Airport is a public airport with international traffic. Check the latest travel information about connections. This will help you plan according to actual travel conditions without losing sight of the city’s cultural attractions.
Discover more destinations: Podgorica, Tuzi, Golubovci, Berislavci, Donje Stravče, Mitrovići, Vranjina, Tivat.
Go to the broader travel overview: Montenegro.
