Podgorica — The Capital City
Most tourists flying into Montenegro will begin their trip at Podgorica Airport (TGD), located 9 km from the city centre. As both the capital and largest city in Montenegro, Podgorica is home to approximately 170,000 residents and sits uniquely on the banks of six rivers: the Moraca, Ribnica, Zeta, Sitnica, Mareza, and Cijevna.
The city's architecture reflects diverse historical influences. Ottoman rule left its mark, while medieval structures stand alongside communist-era functionalist buildings and contemporary glass towers. The Millennium Bridge has become a symbol of the city's modern aesthetic.
Podgorica is the cultural capital of the country. Tourists who rush off to the beach towns or mountains without spending time here will certainly miss an important part of Montenegro.
What to See
Shopping highlights include Italian fabrics, art galleries, and local wines and brandies. Notable attractions include Sat-Kula (the clock tower) from Ottoman times and Duklja, an archaeological site dating back approximately two thousand years.
Day Trips from Podgorica
Skadar Lake
Potentially Europe's most beautiful lake, located on the Montenegro-Albania border as a National Park. Home to millions of pelicans, it is the largest lake in the Balkans and a must-visit for nature lovers.
Danilovgrad
A scenic river town approximately thirty minutes west of Podgorica, featuring riverside beaches, boat rides, galleries, and the nearby Zdrebaonik monastery.
Zabljak
An alpine town in the Durmitor mountain region, sitting 1,500 metres above sea level and 170 kilometres from Podgorica. A year-round destination offering skiing in winter and hiking, rafting, and mountain biking in summer.