Here’s a list of the 15 best things to do in Podgorica (Montenegro), along with famous landmarks, museums, and other points of interest.
Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ
The Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ is the most significant Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro. The imposing structure was built in 2013 and is since then one of the landmarks and symbols of Podgorica and Christianity.
It is built in a charming eccentric style of architecture and was built inspired by the Cathedral of St. Tryphon in Kotor. The biggest similarity being the twin-tower design and the large arch.
The interior of this Cathedral is full of splendid gold backgrounds, marble floors, and interesting iconographic murals.
Lake Skadar
Lake Skadar is the largest lake in Southern Europe and is one of the most beautiful natural attractions of the entire continent as it offers a wonderworld of untouched nature, beautiful water, and fantastic wildlife.
The lake is best explored with one of the inexpensive private boat tours that lead along the most interesting areas found here. On the water, you will experience picturesque fields of sea roses and lotus flowers that are of breathtaking beauty.
There are also many endangered animal species living here, and if spend enough time around the lake, you might get the chance to spot some of them.
13 Jul-Plantaze Vineyard
Close to Lake Skadar is Europe’s biggest single-complex vineyard, the Plantaže: 13. Jul. The vineyard produces excellent white, red, and rosè wines as well as brandy and a variety of olive oils, peaches, and grapes.
There is also a fantastic restaurant to be found here. The place is great not just for wine lovers but for everyone who loves beautiful landscapes as the endless rows of wine are a breathtaking sight that you hardly find anywhere else.
Cijevina Waterfalls (Niagara)
Montenegro’s Cijevina Waterfalls are sometimes called the Niagara Falls of Europe and are one of the natural highlights of Podgorica and its surrounding.
The waterfall is just a short drive away from the capital and still is very much off the beaten path for foreign tourists. It’s mostly locals that come here during the summer to refresh in the cold river waters and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Due to the popularity of the waterfall, some restaurants and shops have opened up here, and now you can enjoy food from Montenegro with a spectacular view.
Center of Contemporary Art
Podgorica’s center of contemporary art is one of the cultural highlights of the city. It was founded in 1995 when the previously separate National Cultura Center and the Gallery of the Non-Aligned Countries combined themselves to form the new Center of Contemporary Art.
The gallery is located in an edifice of the late 19th century. Its collection includes around 1000 items from all over the world and also features a section solely dedicated to Montenegrin artists.
Natural History Museum of Montenegro
The National History Museum of Montenegro was founded in 1961 when the local government intended for an exhibition that could be used to attract visitors while at the same time explaining the history of the country.
Much of its current exhibition consists of exhibits of the Montenegrin flora and fauna, including stuffed birds from Lake Skadar, bears, and wolves, as well as historic hunting and fishing gear.
Doclea (Duklija)
This ancient Roman settlement Doclea lays north of Podgorica and is around 2,000 years old. The town used to be the capital of the ancient state Zeta which can be considered a very early Montenegrin state.
The inhabitants of Doclea hastily left when the city got attacked by Turkish forces and has since then been abandoned.
Even though only a few parts of the city wall are intact today, the site is interesting as the remaining pieces scattered across the site are still largely intact and allow glimpses into the ancient history of the region.
Dajbabe Monastery
Dajbabe is a secluded monastery located a few kilometers south of Podgorica. The monastery is surrounded by beautifully kept gardens and greenery and feels very peaceful and tranquil.
Due to its slightly elevated location, it allows great views across the surroundings. Don’t miss the beautiful holy murals and paintings on the inside of the monastery and in the adjacent cave.
Moraca River
Moraca River and its namesake canyon are one of the landmarks of Montenegro. The river originates in the mountains of the north and flows into Lake Skadar.
The Moraca is a fast-flowing mountain river that over the millennia formed an impressive canyon that cuts through the mountainous landscape of the country.
It’s only in the area of Podgorica that the waters become calm. To experience the most exciting areas of the river you should head to the hills and mountains of the north and follow one of the many scenic routes along the canyon. There are hiking trails available here too.
Brutalist church of Podgorica
Podgorica’s Church of the Holy Heart of Jesus is the only Catholic church in the city and is a stark contrast to the rest of the city as it is built in a Brutalist style of architecture and resembles an almost windowless mass of concrete.
This style of building was popular in the Yugoslavia of the 1970s and often reminds more of a big bunker than a religious structure. The church’s 130-foot-tall bell tower is one of the highest buildings in the area and can be seen from many places in the city.
Karting Centar Podgorica
The Karting Centar is a fantastic go-kart center that offers hours of fun for recreational riders as well as competitive events that are worth watching. The modern track was built according to CIK-FIA standards, is very well maintained, and has a length of 804 m.
Pure adrenaline and excitement are guaranteed by the various classes of go-karts on offer. They all have safety features like an energy absorption system, an anti-gas-brake system, and a sliding protection system.
Racing is relatively cheap as 10 m of fun only costs around 12 €. If you want, you can also join the Karting Centar’s school and learn karting from the professional instructors working here.
If you want to attend one of the action-packed competitive events you can check the schedule and see if there is something on during your visit to Podgorica.
Adventure Park Gorica
The adventure park Gorica is located right in the middle of the capital and has recently become very popular with locals and residents alike. This park is suitable for adventure-seekers but also for children as there are trails of all difficulties available here.
Some of the tree-top trails can be very exciting even for people used to adrenaline-inducing adventures. The park is particularly popular during the summer, and visiting the Adventure Park Gorica is one of the best things to do in Podgorica with kids.
To make matters easy for visitors the trails of the park are separated into five categories (each difficulty is assigned a color).
Millenium Bridge
The Millenium Bridge is one of Podgorica’s architectural highlights. It was inaugurated in 2005 and connects Novi Grad and the downtown area.
What makes the 173 m long bridge so beautiful are the white pylons soaring 57 m above the road and the cables that connect the road deck to not just the pylons but also the counterweights on the land behind the bridge.
Church of Saint Great-Martyr George and Saint Neomartyrs of Momisici
Despite its quiet location in the northern suburbs of Podgorica, the Church of Saint Great-Martyr George and Saint Neomartyrs of Momisici is an important religious hotspot of the city.
The orthodox church is unassuming from the outside but boasts a splendid interior richly decorated with fantastic murals. Many people also come here for the views of Podgorica and the Millenium Bridge as the church is located quite a few meters above the altitude level of the capital city.
Enjoy a local sports game (basketball & football)
Podgorica is not particularly big compared to most other European capitals, but despite its size still offers an interesting spots scene. The local football club FK Budućnost Podgorica regularly plays in the qualifiers of the Europa League and the local fan culture is quite passionate.
The Stadion pod Goricom is used for the team’s home games and offers a capacity of 15,000. Watching a game of football here might not the first-class experience you would get in London, Madrid, or Paris but worth it nonetheless for football fans in search of a more authentic experience.
As with most former Yugoslavian republics basketball is also very popular in Montenegro. Budućnost Voli is one of the country’s best teams and is also located in Podgorica. The team has made a name for itself in the EuroCup (a European basketball competition).
Want more recommendations on things to do in Podgorica, Montenegro? Leave a comment below!