Podgorica: description, attractions, travel and overnight

Podgorica - the largest city and national capital of Montenegro, is located at the confluence of the Moraca and Ribnitsa rivers in the south-eastern side of the country. The settlement is an official cultural and commercial center and is considered the main city of the country, as well as its administrative and economic center.

Podgorica has a population of about 170,000 inhabitants. On its territory is the main university of the country and other higher educational institutions. The city is located at the intersection of numerous historically significant routes in the valley of Lake Sakadar, not far from the Adriatic Sea. There is not only a favorable climate, but also fertile soils, so fruits and vegetables are highly ecological clean.

The main feature of the village is the wealth of water bodies. The city is located on the plain to the north, unlike other cities in Montenegro. Podgorica is crowded with modern architectural buildings that are located on almost every corner. It is difficult not to notice a large number of green spaces and parks. There is also an embassy of the Russian Federation.

From the city you can go to Cetinje, the distance between the settlements is only 36 kilometers, and the cost of the trip is within 200 rubles. On the way, the bus is about an hour. The city has a key location, stands only 9 kilometers from the International Airport, there are also railway and bus stations located close to each other on its territory.

Podgorica offers visitors excellent beaches for relaxation and attractions. There is a well-developed transport connection, there are both affordable and expensive hotels, there is a lively nightlife.On the territory of the village are such major cultural events as Crnogorsko Narodno, Dodest and Gradsko. One of the main attractions is Ostrog Monasterywhich is nearby.

Along with with the National Theater of Montenegro, which is considered the most important theater in the whole country, there are numerous art galleries and museums.

Podgorica offers a large number of restaurants, bars, cafes, pubs and wine establishments with live music. The city serves delicious Montenegrin cuisine, which can be divided into Mediterranean and continental delights.

In terms of weather, the best time to visit Podgorica - spring and autumn seasons, because in the summer it is very dry and hot, and the village itself is usually crowded with tourists. Winter can also be a good time to visit, because during this period in local stores there are big discounts on last year's collections.

In Podgorica, the weather is Mediterranean - with dry, warm summers and cool, mild winters. The Adriatic Sea has a great impact, since it is located about 50 km, and the proximity of the Dinar Alps to the north also contributes to the formation of a unique climate. The average annual temperature in the city is 16.4 ° C. The absence of rainfall for 260 days should be taken into account. Rains are more characteristic of late autumn.

Monthly temperatures change gradually, and there are rarely sharp jumps on the thermometer. In January, February and March, the indicators change from 6 to 16 ° C. In spring and until the end of May, the temperature rises to 20 ° C.

Onshore, on average, from September to November 20-22 ° C, the sea water temperature is 24-25 ° C.

Days in a year with precipitation and strong winds are about 60 m / s. Snow is an almost unknown phenomenon in Podgorica, observed no more than a few days a year. Relative humidity is 59.6%, and the average air temperature is above 25 ° C for 135 days a year. All these features, combined with the unique nature make Podgorica a city with a very favorable climate, suitable for recreation all year round. This place is also known for its extremely hot and dry summers.

In summer, the city gets very hot, but nevertheless, the convenient location and the availability of a sufficient number of roads makes it possible for tourists to go on an exciting hike to the mountains, where it is much cooler.

The Mediterranean climate during the winter season in Podgorica is mild and cool with little rainfall. The coldest time of the year is January, when the average temperature drops to a minimum of -6°WITH. In the winter season, frosts are possible, but they are never long.

Sights and beaches attract tourists to Podgorica from spring to late autumn. In addition, dental tourism is developed here, and many come to shopping. Indeed, dentistry in the country is at a high level, and the cost of services is quite acceptable, so this service is popular. As for purchases, then before the start of the new holiday season, shops begin to sell old Italian collections at low prices, what can be significantly saved.

In the city itself there is no beach, but nearby is the famous Budva Riviera. However, it is best to choose a vacation destination. beach in Sutomore, because this settlement is closer, and buses run to it regularly.

Montenegrin "old cities" are usually very picturesque places to visit. In Podgorica, however, in the Old Town there are few attractions and they are located far from each other. Air raids during the war destroyed almost all structures of the Ottoman Empire, including fortresses, city walls, minarets and houses that the Turks built in 1484-1878.

All that's left - the ruins of the fortress Ribnitsabuilt by the Turks between 1474 and 1478. The object is located at the mouth of the Ribnitsa and Moraca rivers. There are several small paths to explore the area, sit next to the river and enjoy a picnic.

Near the fortress is Ribnitsa bridge, the construction of some parts of which date from the Roman era. In addition, the Old Town has Clock tower, built in 1667.

Runs across the river New town. Here, most of the architecture still creates the atmosphere of the Iron Curtain. Republic Square and the nearby pedestrian streets - Sloboda and Negosheva have a more modern aesthetics characteristic of Europe. The new city is home to City Hall and the National Theater. It is definitely worth a look here Orthodox Cathedral of Podgoricawhere frescoes, mosaics and other features of the interior decoration cannot but hit.

As a local landmark of modern times, the city stands Moscow bridge is a new pedestrian bridge located parallel to the Millennium Bridge. It passes through one of the most beautiful parts of the Moraca River.

A few minutes drive from Podgorica are waterfalls located on the river Chizhevna. There is a wonderful restaurant and a small park for relaxation. It serves classic meat and fish dishes of Montenegro, offers outdoor playgrounds with rabbits that can be stroked. To see the waterfalls, you will need a little walk.

More than a children's zoo - an animal sanctuary. This is an open space for people and animals, where deer, piglets, camels and other animals graze. Here they offer to feed the piglets from the bottle, treat the carrots with camels and chat with the emu ostrich. There are also peacocks, geese, pigeons, rabbits, horses, dogs, turtles and other animals that need help.

Suitable for history buffs Doklea, or Duclia - The ruined Roman city, which was introduced as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These ruins are located just 5 km from the town of Podgorica. Archaeologists took away the artifacts found here, and now they are exhibited in the Podgorica Museum, but the stone ruins are still available for inspection.

There is an opportunity to walk around the square and imagine life here 2000 years ago. Interestingly, scientists found here about 300 tombs dated to the 1st century.

Guests of Podgorica can count on amazing local cuisine in which the chefs managed to reflect a rich cultural and culinary history, with Russian and Italian influences. In the list of the best restaurants in the city you can find the following restaurants.

• "Dali." Ideally located in the very center of Podgorica. It is a stylish and modern restaurant that is crowded with visitors almost every night. The interior of the establishment is a luxurious extravaganza of purple velvet chairs, ruby ​​silk curtains and soft leather sofas. In another part, modern, minimalist design predominates. It serves a variety of Italian and Oriental dishes, and you can order salads, pasta, risotto and local seafood. Specializing in wine, the establishment offers a wide range of local and international vintage drinks, including a number of Montenegrin wines from Plantaze vineyard - one of the most respected plants in the country.

• Per Semper. Specializes in authentic Italian cuisine. This is an elegant and certainly prestigious venue with a grand piano in the hall and works of art in the Renaissance style. The room will delight you with a wooden interior, a collection of fine wines. Guests can choose from all the classic Italian dishes, such as spaghetti carbonara, as well as some homemade recipes.

• Pod Volat. The place is famous for its fried meat and delicious signature goulash. Pod Volat offers primarily a meat menu of veal, lamb and goat cooked over hot coals. The modest restaurant focuses on serving Montenegrin cuisine with an extensive selection of wines, beers and traditional drinks.

• "Nostalgia". This institution is a tribute to the past of Montenegro and its exciting cultural heritage. The traditional Yugoslavian restaurant offers home-cooked recipes from generation to generation. Chefs focus on using minimal ingredients and achieving maximum flavor. The institution serves juicy steaks, buttery mashed potatoes, airy rice dishes and rich vegetable soups.

• Kalabrija. This charming Italian restaurant is a tiny gem in the northeastern part of the city center, where guests can soak in a unique atmosphere and enjoy delicious pizza. Exuding the atmosphere of a cozy tavern hidden in the Italian countryside, the interior is an assembly of fancy curtains and tablecloths, antique furniture and open brick walls. The unique atmosphere of home comfort reigns here.

• Maša. An elegant and modern restaurant dedicated to the fish menu, in addition, it is also a universal store for those who want to taste fresh, high-quality seafood in Podgorica. Large and spacious, with high ceilings and a glass facade overlooking the busy streets of the city, the restaurant has its own urban charm. For breakfast, they are served croissants and homemade cakes.

Podgorica has its own airport and airfield. All these objects are not difficult to find on the map, which is very convenient. However, for those who are not going to stay here for a long time and would like to move to a quieter area, the bus station works.

The distance from the airport to Podgorica is only 1 km, to Kotor - 86 km. Budva is a little closer - 64 km, and farthest from the city to Herceg Novi, since you have to drive 108 km. The easiest way to get from Budva to Podgorica is by bus. There are more than 100 routes here, transport does not go only at night - from 00-30 to 3-30.

Urban and intercity transport is constantly working, the infrastructure is well developed, so tourists do not have problems. The only thing worth paying attention to is the flight schedule, which varies from season to season.

There are many hotels in Podgorica, there are cheap hostels and expensive 4-star establishments with quality service.

Among the hotels that are especially popular, you can consider several at once.

• Hotel Hilton podgorica It is located in the city center, where government offices are located, which makes it ideal for those who come here for work. It used to be an old hotel in the upper part of the city, but not so long ago it was completely renovated and now it is a luxurious property of the 5-star Hilton brand.It offers an indoor pool, a wellness center, parking, and even pet-friendly accommodation.

• If you like 5 star hotels, you should definitely stay at Ziya, which is hidden on a quiet street in the center of Podgorica. The hotel is close to the Donja Gorica Forest Park and within walking distance of the city center. It has an outdoor terrace and a wellness center.

• Aria Located near the city center (7 km), this is an ideal family hotel. They provided a games room and a pool.

• Comfortable and modern hotel Aurel located on the outskirts of the city, at the exit of Podgorica, namely - on the main road from the coast, which leads to the north. It also offers a free airport shuttle.

• Hotel podgorica It stands right on the banks of the Moraca River. From here, guests enter the city park, the Old Town and new neighborhoods.

• Hotel Ramada - A modern building located in a busy part of the city. Inside there is a wellness center and gym.

In the next video, you can watch the life and sights in Podgorica.