Budva

Day 1: Old Town charm and a soft landing

Ease into Budva with the stone-laned ambience of the Old Town and easy beach time. Note that since 2024 the Old Town is effectively a quiet zone at night, so it’s best for early-evening drinks before shifting to the livelier promenade or clubs.

• Morning: Coffee at a tucked-away kafić, then wander the Old Town lanes and Citadel before the heat and crowds. Pack swim gear and head through the pedestrian tunnel to Mogren Beach for a refreshing dip.
• Midday: Lunch in the Old Town or along Slovenska Beach; take a siesta or cool off back at your accommodation. If visiting in July–August, message tonight’s venue on Instagram/WhatsApp to reserve a table and avoid queues.
• Afternoon: Sample the modern beach-bar strip on Slovenska; venues like Torch Beach Club and San Trope are good for a first look at Budva’s day-to-night flow. Keep to shade and hydrate—summer afternoons can be scorching.
• Evening: Start with crafted cocktails at Vihor or the courtyard vibe at Casper in the Old Town (expect earlier closing and no outdoor loudspeakers). Around 23:00 move to the promenade bars such as Trocadero, Paris or Ambiente—choose by vibe, not hawker offers—and, if you’ve the energy, finish at Omnia for light shows and late beats.

Day 2: Beach party by day, superclub by night

Today is the classic Budva arc: sun, sound and a hilltop finale. Pace yourself—locals eat late, start late, and go very late.

• Morning: Head to Ploče Beach for pools, platforms and sea swims; arrive early to secure good spots. If you don’t have a car, use a boat taxi from the marina; bring cash for loungers and snacks.
• Midday: Lean into the day-party mood (foam parties/DJs in peak season), but alternate alcoholic drinks with water and food—sun plus shots sneaks up on you. Keep an eye on belongings; it gets crowded.
• Afternoon: Return to rest and reset. Lock in your Top Hill reservation via Instagram/WhatsApp, confirm your taxi pickup, and dress to impress (shorts/flip-flops risk refusal). Pre-game at home or a quiet kafić to save budget.
• Evening: Aim for Top Hill after 01:00 (that’s when it fills); taxi each way is typically €10–€15—agree the fare or insist on the meter. Expect minimum spends for tables and a late finish around 05:00; if turbo-folk is more your speed, swap in Trocadero for singalong anthems. Keep valuables close and plan a safe ride back.

Day 3: Slow coastal day and your preferred finale

Wind down with a scenic swim and a curated night of your choice—refined or full-throttle. Shoulder-season visitors (June/September) get most of the vibe with fewer queues; off-season pivots to cosy bars and smaller clubs.

• Morning: Take the coastal path east to Kamenovo Beach for calmer water and fewer crowds than the town beaches. Grab a late breakfast on the sand and soak in the Adriatic views.
• Midday: Long lunch and a leisurely return, or detour to Jaz Beach for a stroll where major concerts have played. If it’s hot, schedule an air-conditioned museum stop or downtime before the evening.
• Afternoon: Shop local wines and olive products near the marina, then catch golden hour from the Old Town walls or waterfront. This is prime photo time without the midday glare.
• Evening: Choose your finale: a music-led evening at Casper (deep house/funk/soul curation) followed by a last spin through the promenade, or a craft-cocktail crawl and a late entrance to Omnia. In off-season, look for smaller local spots like Sparta; note Old Town venues wrap earlier due to noise rules. As always, book tables in peak season, avoid street “deals”, and use reputable taxis.

By Air

• Tivat (TIV): Approx. 20 km; 25–35 minutes by road (longer in July–August). Taxis, pre-booked transfers and car hire available; limited public bus options from the airport (connect via Tivat town).
• Podgorica (TGD): Approx. 65 km; 1–1.5 hours by road via the Sozina tunnel. Frequent buses from Podgorica city bus station to Budva; taxis/transfers and car hire available.
• Dubrovnik (DBV), Croatia: Approx. 75 km; 2–3 hours by road depending on summer border queues at Karasovići/Debeli Brijeg. Cross‑border taxis/transfers common; seasonal direct buses.
• Tirana (TIA), Albania: Approx. 170–180 km; 3.5–4.5 hours by road via Hani i Hotit/Božaj. Daily buses/minibuses and private transfers operate year‑round.

By Train

• No rail station in Budva.
• Nearest stations: Bar and Podgorica on the Belgrade–Bar line (Belgrade–Bar typically 10–12 hours; sleepers in season). From Bar to Budva by bus or taxi (about 1–1.5 hours by bus). From Podgorica to Budva by bus (about 1.5 hours).

By Bus

• Budva Bus Station (Autobuska stanica Budva) is about a 10–15 minute walk from the Old Town.
• Domestic services (frequent, especially in summer):
  • Podgorica: every 30–60 minutes; about 1.5 hours.
  • Kotor: every 30–60 minutes; 30–45 minutes.
  • Herceg Novi: about 1.45–2.15 hours.
  • Bar: about 1–1.15 hours; Ulcinj: about 2 hours; Cetinje: about 1 hour.
• International routes (seasonal frequencies vary):
  • Dubrovnik: roughly 2–3.5 hours plus border time.
  • Sarajevo/Mostar: typically 6–9 hours.
  • Belgrade: overnight coaches, about 10–12 hours.
  • Tirana/Shkodër: about 3.5–6 hours via Hani i Hotit.
• Tickets sold at stations and online; in peak season book ahead. Expect €1–2 per bag paid in cash to the driver for luggage.

By Car

• Main approach is the Adriatic Highway (E65/E80). From Podgorica use the Sozina tunnel to the coast, then follow the coastal road (tunnel toll for cars approx. €2.50).
• Typical drive times (off‑peak): Podgorica 1–1.5 hours; Kotor 30–45 minutes; Bar about 1 hour; Dubrovnik border about 1 hour (plus variable queueing).
• Summer traffic and parking are challenging; allow extra time and consider hotel parking or paid public car parks. Border waits with Croatia and Albania can exceed 1–2 hours in peak season.
• Requirements: valid driving licence, insurance (green card for cross‑border), daytime lights year‑round; strict parking enforcement.