Is Podgorica expensive to visit?
Podgorica is a smaller destination that draws visitors with a range of travel styles, spending habits, and budget preferences. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Although Podgorica can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $70 (€61) per day, mid-range travelers spend $155 (€134) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $293 (€255) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Podgorica.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Podgorica is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Oviedo or Cappadocia.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Podgorica Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Podgorica?
The average Podgorica trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Podgorica travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Podgorica cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your budget when visiting Podgorica is important. While it's tempting to aim for a shoestring budget, most travelers don't find that style of travel to be enjoyable. Think about your priorities and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer staying in budget accommodations or enjoying more luxurious options? Do you like to explore attractions and dine out at local restaurants? These choices will influence your travel costs and itinerary.
The Truth on Budget Travel
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $70 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Fortunately, you'll find plenty of hostels in Podgorica, such as Q Podgorica, beds, rooms and more, Hostel Izvor, and TravelBreak. These hostels provide inexpensive dormitory lodging and a friendly atmosphere, but amenities are quite limited.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Visitors to Podgorica typically prioritize the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks during their stay. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $155 per person, per day.
Podgorica offers a fantastic variety of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, which can help save money. Families should focus on hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Hotel Aurel is an excellent choice, while Hotel Terminus Podgorica is also a great option. To find more accommodations that are family and couple-friendly, check our hotel guide for Podgorica.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $293 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the destination, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private Full-Day Tour in Moraca and Tara Canyons, Durmitor & Biogradska Gora NP - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Podgorica
Podgorica has a wide range of hotel prices. Luxury hotels come with higher price tags and better amenities, and prices are much steeper during peak season. On average, a room costs $47 in the off-season and averages $88 during peak season. Overall, you can expect prices from $29 to $164. Hostels, especially dorms, are cheaper alternatives. You can save by traveling in the low season, booking in advance, or looking for special offers.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Podgorica for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $106 (€92). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $53 (€46) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Podgorica? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Podgorica include:
- Hotel Aurel starting at $56
- Philia Hotel starting at $49
- Hotel New Star Podgorica starting at $62
- Hotel Crnogorska Kuca starting at $30
- Hotel Alexandar Lux starting at $59
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than , will allow you to find cheaper accommodation and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Podgorica
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $23 (€20) per person, per day, on local transportation in Podgorica. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Podgorica is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$23
€20
By plane, Podgorica Airport is Montenegro’s main international airport, located about 12 kilometers south of Podgorica. It serves as a hub for Montenegro Airlines, the national carrier, which flies to major European destinations. From the airport, buses operate to and from the city, though taxis are more readily available.
There is also a train station near the city center with service from Subotica through Novi Sad and Belgrade. The bus station is located next to the train station and operates buses to many domestic locations as well as major cities in neighboring countries.
When driving, confirm that your hotel has convenient parking options.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private transfers from Podgorica Airport and city to Budva for $91 details
- Transfer from Podgorica Airport and city to Tivat for $148 details
- Private transfer from Podgorica Airport and city to Žabljak for $72 details
How much does it cost to go to Podgorica? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Podgorica will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Podgorica
Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Podgorica can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Podgorica is $81 (€70) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$81
€70
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Podgorica is around $81 (€70) per person, with previous travelers spending from $36 to $150. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Podgorica are as follows:
- Breakfast: $8 to $24
- Lunch: $12 to $32
- Dinner: $24 to $56
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $12
Closer to the coast, Montenegrin cuisine largely consists of fish and seafood with fresh catches like prawns, mussels, clams, shrimp, and octopus, typically garnished with polenta, blitva (a kind of spinach), or broiled potatoes. Fish is also often dried. Further inland, meat is more popular with selections of mutton, pork, beef, and poultry used in a variety of dishes. Meats are often served with vegetables and Kajmak (a kind of clotted cream made with sheep's milk). Being a major city, with connections to both the coast and towns further inland, Podgorica boasts a wide variety of all kinds of national dishes, as well as international selections. Outdoor cafes are especially popular where visitors and locals alike enjoy espresso, cappuccino, or coffee with their favorite sweets. Some of the local desserts include pala?inke (a large pancake filled with jam, chocolate or cream), baklava with raisins and walnuts, krofne (doughnut filled with jam or chocolate), and a cream layered cake called krempita.
A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Keep a water bottle handy instead of purchasing drinks everywhere. It's also better for the environment.
Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Podgorica
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Podgorica typically cost an average of $24 (€21) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$24
€21
Though many use the city as a home base for visiting other Montenegrin destinations, there are a few sights within the city itself worth a visit. One historic landmark that remains is Skaline, which is home to the ruins of old Nemanja’s town and an old Turkish bridge that crosses the Ribnica River. Other historic waypoints include the 10th century St. George’s church on the slopes of Gorica hill, for which the city was named, as well as King Nikola's Palace, which was the seat of the Montenegrin Royal family and is now a museum. There are also a number of monuments and memorials, and the more modern Millenium Bridge that crosses the Moraca River.
As far as day trips go, there are many options within reasonable distance of the city. Skadar Lake, for example, is just 20 minutes south of Podgorica. It is the largest lake on the Balkans and a national park with opportunities for hiking, boating, swimming, and bird-watching. North of the city, visitors can see the Moraca River canyon, the 13th-century Moraca monastery, or the 17th-century Ostrog Monastery and pilgrimage site further north. There are ancient ruins at Doclea (or Duklja) and Meteon (or Medun), and the nearest coastal beach town is Bar.
Podgorica itself is a fun place to experience Montenegrin city culture. There are plenty of pedestrian streets and squares, with restaurants, bars, and trendy cafes, which especially come to life in the evenings. The city is also a hub for transportation to other parts of the country, making day trips a very common activity once visitors have experienced the city.
A nice way to explore destinations in Podgorica is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- 2 Hours Guided - Private Nature Tour (taste local wine on tour) for $84 details
- Jeep tour in National park Biogradska gora for $258 details
- Explore Skadar Lake in Private 2 hour Boat Cruise for $120 details
Podgorica, Montenegro
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.