Plizio Visual Lab
Old Town of Budva
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
ruins
The Old Town of Budva is an architectural masterpiece on the Montenegrin coast and stands as one of the oldest urban centers on the Adriatic, with a history spanning over 2,500 years. According to Greek mythology, the city was founded by Cadmus, the founder of Thebes, who found sanctuary here with his wife Harmonia after being exiled from Greece. The present-day layout and aesthetic were largely defined during the Venetian administration from the 15th to the 18th centuries, evident in the robust defensive walls, grand bastions, and characteristic stone houses. At the northern end of the fortification lies the Citadel, expanded by the Austrians in the 19th century upon medieval foundations, now housing a museum and a significant historical library. Several ancient churches, including the 7th-century Church of St. John and the Santa Maria in Punta built in 840, attest to the town's deep-rooted Christian traditions. Following a catastrophic earthquake in 1979, the entire Old Town underwent a rigorous eight-year reconstruction process where every stone was cataloged and replaced according to historic architectural plans.
- Location: Montenegro
- Nearby: Przno (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 4 | 5 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 24 | 24 | 19 | 14 | 10 | 6 |
| Rain mm | 156 | 152 | 138 | 103 | 89 | 67 | 42 | 43 | 116 | 138 | 187 | 178 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Old Town of Budva is a lively fortified old town freely accessible around the clock. The narrow streets, squares, and Venetian buildings can be explored anytime, though some museums have separate hours.
Typical hours
The Old Town itself has no closing time; the streets are always walkable. Individual attractions like the citadel or churches typically open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., seasonally adjusted.
Photography
Photography in the streets and squares is allowed anytime, with Venetian architectural details especially appealing. From the city walls you get fantastic views over the coast.
Time needed
A leisurely stroll through Budva's Old Town takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. If you visit churches, the citadel, and museums, budget 2 to 3 hours.
Combine with
Combine the Old Town visit with a beach day at nearby Mogren Beach, reachable on foot. The archaeological museum in the Old Town also has fascinating historical insights.
Getting there
Budva's Old Town is right on the coast and easily reachable on foot from the city promenade. Park best outside the city walls at one of the public parking lots.
Insider tip
Explore the Old Town early morning or late evening when the day-trip crowds have thinned. The illuminated streets at night create a special atmosphere and great photo opportunities.
Geography
Facts
- Founded by the mythological figure Cadmus
- One of the oldest cities on the Adriatic
- Venetian defensive walls from the 15th century
- Under Venetian rule for 400 years
- Fully reconstructed after the 1979 earthquake
- The Citadel houses a rare library and map collection
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
When was the Old Town of Budva founded?
It was founded about 2,500 years ago by Illyrians and Greeks.
What is the Budva Citadel?
The fortress by the sea featuring a museum, a library, and great views.
How much is the entrance to the Citadel?
The entrance fee is about 3.50 to 5 euros per person.
Are there beaches directly at the Old Town?
Yes, Ricardova Glava beach is located right next to the Old Town walls.
Was Budva severely damaged in the 1979 earthquake?
Yes, the Old Town was almost completely destroyed but rebuilt in its original style over 8 years.
Old Town of Budva: where is it located?
Old Town of Budva is located in Montenegro.
Old Town of Budva: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Old Town of Budva: why is it worth visiting?
The Old Town of Budva is an architectural masterpiece on the Montenegrin coast and stands as one of the oldest urban centers on the Adriatic, with a history spanning over 2,500 years.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Montenegro →
Nearby cities
Podgorica Commerce Center
Main business district of the Montenegrin capital with many office complexes and banks.
Zagora
Zagora is a quiet coastal village in Montenegro, offering a peaceful retreat away from the busy tourist hubs with stunning Adriatic sea v…
Bar
A major port city blending modern infrastructure with the fascinating ruins of the ancient Stari Bar.
Ulcinj
The southernmost city in Montenegro, known for its oriental flair and the 13 km long sandy Velika Plaza beach.
Ulcinj Agricultural Area
Region around Velika Plaza beach, known for intensive vegetable growing and olive groves.
Donji Štoj - Shtoji i Poshtëm
Donji Štoj is a popular holiday resort in Montenegro near Ulcinj, famous for its stunning sandy beaches and vibrant summer atmosphere.
Gošići
Gošići is a tranquil village on Montenegro's Luštica Peninsula, surrounded by lush olive groves and stunning natural coves along the Adri…
Tuzi Agricultural Region
Tuzi is a significant agricultural center, especially for wine and fruit growing.
Tuzi
Tuzi is the center of the municipality of the same name in southeastern Montenegro.
Golubovci
Golubovci is a town near Podgorica and the administrative center of the Golubovci city municipality.
Canj
A peaceful bay famous for its stunning 'Pearl Beach' and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Sutomore
A popular Adriatic resort town famous for its long sandy beach and vibrant summer atmosphere.
Petrovac
A picturesque resort town known for its red sand beaches, Venetian fortress, and relaxed family atmosphere.
Buljarica
A coastal village near Petrovac featuring a 2.2-kilometer-long pebble beach and campsites.
Spuž
Spuž is a settlement in the Danilovgrad municipality of central Montenegro.
History & landmarks
Lipa Cave
One of Montenegro's largest caves, featuring stunning stalactites and massive underground halls near Cetinje.
Citadel of Budva
The Citadel of Budva is situated in the southern part of the old town.
Milocer Plateau
A gentle elevation along the Montenegrin coast above Miločer Bay.
Sveti Stefan Island
Sveti Stefan is a picturesque island off the Montenegrin coast.
Kastio Fortress
This small fortress is situated on a rock off the coast of Petrovac.
More places
Church of St. John Budva
The Church of St.
Budva Marina
A popular yacht marina right next to the old town of Budva.
Church of the Holy Trinity Budva
This church is located in the old town of Budva.
Ballerina Statue Budva
The ballerina statue on the way to Mogren beach in Budva is a well-known photo opportunity.
Sveti Nikola Island
The Sveti Nikola Island is located off the coast of Budva in the Adriatic Sea.
Podlastva Monastery
Podlastva Monastery in Grbalj is a significant religious site.
Praskvica Monastery
Praskvica Monastery near Sveti Stefan has a long spiritual history.
Reževići Monastery
Reževići Monastery is located on the coast between Budva and Petrovac.