Budva, Montenegro: A Coastal Gem

Welcome to Budva

Three friends, one epic Balkan road trip, and a craving for budget stays, hearty food, and coastal magic—Budva delivered it all. This 2,500-year-old town blends Venetian charm, affordable living, and Adriatic vibes, making it a must-visit. Whether you’re passing through or eyeing a longer stay, Budva’s got something special.

Where to Stay — and What It Cost

We crashed at Villa Lutovac, a cozy guesthouse near the beach. Our private room had three beds, a quirky smoking balcony, a TV, and even a cot (we called it baby Ryan’s spot).

• Cost: $191 AUD (€107) for 2 nights
• Per person: €17 per night—a steal for coastal Europe!
• Long-term: Studios rent for €300–500/month in off-season.

Getting Around

Budva’s compact size means you can walk everywhere if you stay near the waterfront. We didn’t need taxis, but the surrounding hills can be a workout if your accommodation is inland.

• Taxis: €5–10 for short trips.
• Parking: €1–2/hour near Old Town.

Getting to Budva

We took a bus from Tirana, Albania, crossing into Montenegro smoothly as part of our Balkan coastal trip. Budva’s well-connected:

• By Air: Tivat Airport (20 km, 30-minute drive) has flights from European hubs.
• By Bus: 90 km to Dubrovnik, Croatia (2–3 hours); close to Bar and Tivat.

What to Do in Budva

🏰 Explore the Old Town & Citadel

Budva’s Old Town, with 2,500 years of Greek, Roman, and Venetian history, is a cinematic maze of stone walls and seafront views. We wandered narrow lanes, climbed the citadel, and sipped coffee at cliffside cafés.

“Budva Old Town… it’s a betrayal to bygone eras.”

🏖️ Relax by the Beach

Budva’s pebbled beaches boast crystal-clear Adriatic waters. We enjoyed hearty pork plates and cold beers for pennies, letting the day drift by.

🌴 Day Trips

Visit Sveti Stefan (15-minute drive, scenic islet) or Kotor (45-minute bus, UNESCO site) for more Adriatic charm.

Budva Vibes & Nightlife

Budva’s vibe is a unique mix:

• Fashion: A bit bleak, but who cares?
• Architecture: Soviet concrete meets Venetian romance.
• Locals: Super friendly (especially taxi drivers).
• Safety: Felt safe, but roads are “vibes-only.”

Nightlife is chill—think promenade drinks, Old Town bars, absinthe spots, and magic hat shops (yes, I bought one). “No speed limits, just vibes,” we laughed.

My Budva Vlog

I captured Budva’s charm in this vlog—take a look!

From Old Town alleys to beachside beers, this video shows why Budva stole my heart.

Reflections from a Traveller

As an Australian, I’m used to deep Indigenous history but little old architecture. Walking Budva’s 1,000-year-old alleys felt like another world—history isn’t in museums here; it’s in the walls, stones, and air. Budva even had me dreaming of a coastal home base, with its affordable studios and laid-back vibe.

This town stirred something deeper than sightseeing—a reminder of how layered the world is.

Travel Essentials

Cost Breakdown

Final Thoughts

Budva surprised me—affordable, scenic, historic, and just the right mix of chill and cultural depth. Don’t skip it on a Balkan trip. Stay a few nights, get lost in the Old Town, eat too much pork, buy a magic hat, and swim in clear waters.

You might come for a cheap beach but leave with a little more. Share your Budva stories in the comments on my YouTube channel or via my contact form!

Craving more budget adventures? Check out my Hanoi travel guide!