Budva is a popular tourist resort on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast. Known affectionately as the Montenegrin Miami, Budva is a major tourism hub in the country with gorgeous beaches and vibrant nightlife! There are also some interesting cultural attractions and restaurants throughout the town.

As quite a compact city, getting around is fairly easy – however, each area has something different to offer. This can make it tricky to decide where you stay, especially during the busy tourist season.

That’s where we come in! We’ve created this guide to the best areas in Budva (as well as some in the surrounding riviera) to help you plan your upcoming trip to this coastal gem.

So let’s just get started!

Quick Tips – Where to Stay in Budva

• Old Town – Best neighborhood in Budva for your first time
• Centar – Where to stay in Budva close to everything
• Slovenska Plaza – Where to stay in Budva for nightlife
• Petrovac – Best neighborhood in Budva for families
• Becici – Where to stay in Budva on a budget
• Rafailovici – Best neighborhood in Budva for couples
• Sveti Stefan – Best neighborhood in Budva for local life

Where to Stay in Budva

Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Budva.

Best Hostel in Budva

Freedom Hostel Budva

 

As the longest running hostel in Budva, it’s no wonder that Freedom Hostel is award-winning. They have great communal facilities and social events, and even provide a complimentary welcome drink to every guest! It is also well located in the Old Town.

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Best Budget Hotel in Budva

Hotel Hermes Budva

 

This gorgeous hotel can at times feel like you’re staying in one of the more luxury options, but nevertheless comes in at a great price! They offer bike hire and car hire – perfect if you want to explore further afield in Montenegro and the Balkans.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Budva

Dukley Hotel & Resort

 

As the closest five-star hotel to the town centre, Dukley Hotel & Resort has to be our pick for the best splurge option in the area! What really makes this hotel stand out from others is the private beach area where you can sunbathe in peace away from the tourist crowds.

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Budva 7 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in

Let’s take a look, in more detail, at the five best neighbourhoods in Budva. Each caters to different interests, so be sure to pick the neighbourhood that’s right for you.

Neighborhood #1 – Old Town

(Best neighbourhood in Budva for your first time!)

• COOLEST thing to do in Old Town – walk around the city walls to learn about Budva’s history and admire great views
• BEST place to visit in Old Town – the City Museum of Budva is another great place to learn about the history, as well as check out some unique exhibits

Old Town, known locally as Stari Grad, is one of the main tourist hubs in Budva! This is where you can learn about the historic origins in the city and admire some of the interesting old architecture. For first time visitors, Old Town is a great introduction to the town and the local culture.

Aside from the historic attractions, Old Town also has the largest concentration of restaurants in the town! Whether you want Montenegrin cuisine or interesting takes on international dishes, you are sure to find it in the Old Town Area. It is also well connected to other parts of the town centre.

• Try your luck at Avala Casino, one of the most popular destinations for revellers in the town during the peak tourist season
• Simply wandering around the Old Town allows you to uncover the rich history and culture of the Budva Riviera!
• Stanjevici Monastery is the central landmark of the area and an important monument to the importance of religion to Montenegro
• Astoria Beach Budva is a fantastic restaurant with an upmarket feel that is located right on the beach, giving you unbeatable views
• For a more local atmosphere, head to Dvoriste by Bahce – it is packed with locals and tourists in the evenings and serves fantastic Montenegrin cuisine

 

Best Hostel Old Town

Freedom Hostel Budva

 

This award-winning hostel was named the best hostel in Montenegro thanks to the excellent social facilities and levels of service! The common area has a relaxing lounge, as well as a bar with a balcony where you can mingle with other guests. The well-equipped kitchen also comes with a terrace.

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Best Budget Hotel in Old Town

Hotel Mogren

 

Hotel Mogren is located right next to the city walls, giving you easy access to both the Old Town and the bustling Slovenska Plaza area! Rooms are fairly basic, but well equipped with air conditioning and WiFi access. A buffet breakfast is provided complimentary to all guests every morning.

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Best Splurge Hotel in Old Town

Hotel Majestic

 

Though technically located just outside the Old Town, Hotel Majestic gives you fantastic views of the historic centre and is only a few minutes walk away! The on-site restaurant is open late, serving international cuisine and fantastic cocktails. All rooms come with a balcony, as well as modern conveniences.

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Neighborhood #2 – Centar

(Where to stay in Budva close to everything!)

• COOLEST thing to do in Centar – Rent-a-Bike ViVa offer well-priced bicycle rental – a great way to explore the town!
• BEST place to visit in Centar – Krapina Village is a great attraction for those interested in Montenegrin culture and adventure activities

Centar is located on the opposite side of the Adriatic Highway from Slovenska Plaza, and is the best location for getting around the region and further afield in Montenegro! The bus station is located in neighbouring Maini, and there is a central shopping street beginning in Centar that runs through the northern part of the town.

Whilst this side of the town is not as touristy as the other areas mentioned on this list, it nevertheless has some fantastic attractions that are worth exploring! In particular, Centar offers some great options for those interested in local culture. Krapina Village is a great example of this.

• Globtour Montenegro offer fantastic tours of the Budva Riviera, as well as towards Kotor and Podgorica, from Centar
• La Roca is a nightclub on the outskirts of the region that is not often visited by tourists, but is an interesting attraction if you want to meet locals
• Take to the skies with Paragliding Montenegro, a fun and unique way to take in the sights of Budva and the Adriatic Sea
• Coffeein is a modern coffee shop concept on the main shopping street, offering some of the best coffee and pastries in town
• Nacionalni Restoran Mercur offer high-quality Montenegrin cuisine in a peaceful setting with an artificial waterfall

 

Best Hostel Centar

Saki Guesthouse

 

Saki Guesthouse is owned and operated by a local family, giving you an insider peek into life in Budva! There is a large communal balcony area on the rooftop where you can mingle with other guests or relax in the jacuzzi. They arrange regular tours of the local area, as well as excursions outside of Budva.

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Best Budget Hotel in Centar

Hotel Hermes Budva

 

This elegant hotel gives you more for your money, with beautifully decorated rooms and fantastic levels of service. It’s no wonder it is one of the best-rated budget hotels in the entire town! A complimentary buffet breakfast is served every morning, and high-speed WiFi can be accessed throughout.

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Best Splurge Hotel in Centar

Hotel Kadmo

 

This gorgeous hotel has an outdoor pool – perfect if you simply want to lounge in the sun and take in the vibrant atmosphere of Budva! There is also a rooftop terrace with a bar, providing excellent views across the stunning landscape. Free private parking facilities are available on-site – perfect for those hiring a car.

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Neighborhood #3 – Slovenska Plaza

(Where to stay in Budva for nightlife!)

• COOLEST thing to do in Slovenska Plaza – party at Maltez, the biggest nightlife venue in the city with rotating DJ sets
• BEST place to visit in Slovenska Plaza – head down to Slovenska Plaza beach, which is well facilitated and has a great atmosphere year round

Aside from the Old Town, Slovenska Plaza is the next most popular tourist destination in the city thanks to the eclectic nightlife and beautiful beach that lines the coast! During the peak tourist season, parties run day and night across the area in bars, nightclubs and on the beach itself. 

Slovenska Plaza has a very youthful atmosphere, and as a major tourism centre in the country has plenty of great attractions. There are also multiple tour guide services throughout the area, allowing you to explore further afield in Montenegro with a local expert. For beaches and bars, you have to visit Slovenska Plaza!

• Aqua Sport offers a variety of water sports services, equipment hire facilities and coastal tours right on the beach
• Need to unwind after a night of heavy partying? Kamalaya Thai Massage is a very well rated spa facility in the heart of the area
• Photo Montenegro offer some excellent photography tours of the town, as well as private photographer services
• Raffaello Budva is another excellent nightclub in the area, with a more upmarket and laid back vibe
• Beat the hangover with a meal from Tropico, an incredibly popular restaurant that serves a wide range of Mediterranean cuisine

 

Best Hostel Slovenska Plaza

Hostel Budva

 

Hostel Budva is a brand new hostel right in the centre of town that offers rooftop parties every day of the week! If you are in Budva to party, this is the choice for you. They also offer a complimentary breakfast every morning and regular tours of the surrounding area. Free WiFi can be accessed throughout.

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Best Budget Hotel in Slovenska Plaza

Hotel Slovenska Plaza

 

As budget hotels go, Hotel Slovenska Plaza offers some excellent facilities! There is an outdoor pool on-site, as well as free tennis courts. Rooms are well equipped with air conditioning, fridges and workspaces. A breakfast buffet is provided every morning, and on-site parking is available. There are also multiple restaurants.

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Best Splurge Hotel in Slovenska Plaza

Hotel Bracera

 

Only a short walk away from the beach and the most popular nightclubs, Hotel Bracera is the best splurge hotel for experiencing the town’s nightlife! There is a large spa and wellness centre on-site that offers a Turkish hammam and a well-equipped gym. There is also an indoor pool and restaurant.

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Neighborhood #4 – Petrovac

(Best neighbourhood in Budva for families!)

• COOLEST thing to do in Petrovac – Montenegro Star Boat offer small group tours of the coast along the Budva Riviera
• BEST place to visit in Petrovac – Lucice Beach is a lot more secluded than other beaches in the region, but still has great facilities such as sun beds

Petrovac is a village located on the Budva Riviera with a calm and easy going atmosphere! This relaxed vibe makes it the perfect choice for families that want a quiet break in the sun in one of the most beautiful regions in the Balkans. There are multiple beaches, each with lower tourism levels than those in the main town.

Aside from the beaches, Petrovac has some interesting cultural attractions! Whilst it is not as well serviced by the tourism industry as Budva Town, it nevertheless has a few great tour operators that allow you to explore other areas of the region whilst staying in Petrovac.

• Take a relaxing hike along Petrovac Quay where you can admire the stunning natural beauty of the area – it is easily accessible for most ability levels
• Castle Solis is a unique experience close to the beach where you can catch performances from local bands
• Petrovac Kayak Club has recently opened up to tourists, allowing you to explore the coast and even try out some kayak fishing
• Picerija Kiss is a great beachfront restaurant with Mediterranean cuisine and live performers every evening
• Balkan is another fantastic restaurant, especially if you want to sample food from the region and other parts of the Balkans

 

Best Hotel for Backpackers Petrovac

Apartmani Mrvaljevic

 

Apartmani Mrvaljevic is a small apartment in the heart of Petrovac that offers private rooms – perfect for backpackers that want a more local experience! It is also a great choice for families on a strict budget. WiFi is available throughout the property, keeping you connected with friends and family back home.

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Best Budget Hotel in Petrovac

Hotel Danica

 

Another great choice for families on a budget, Hotel Danica gives you a more typical hotel experience with all of the comforts that entail! The hotel is surrounded by native forest, giving a relaxing atmosphere. The on-site restaurant serves typical Montenegrin cuisine, as well as a complimentary breakfast every morning.

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Best Splurge Hotel in Petrovac

Melia Budva Petrovac

 

This gorgeous five-star hotel is the pinnacle of luxury on the Budva Riviera! There are two large swimming pools – one indoor and one outdoor. There is also a wellness centre with an adjoining spa featuring a well-equipped gym and saunas. A buffet breakfast is provided every morning, setting you up for the day ahead.

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Neighborhood #5 – Becici

(Where to stay in Budva on a budget!)

• COOLEST thing to do in Becici – make use of the sports facilities on Kamenovo Beach, including volleyball courts
• BEST place to visit in Becici – Crkva Svetog Tome is a major historic and religious monument in the heart of Becici

Becici is an area located east of central Budva with some excellent beaches and tourist facilities! Though it is quite far away from the main attractions, this has resulted in it being one of the most budget-friendly areas of the town. For those on a budget, you can enjoy a variety of water sports facilities and restaurants at better prices.

As with most of the Budva Riviera region, the main attraction in Becici is its coast! The beaches here are a lot calmer than those in the main town, letting you unwind in peace whilst you enjoy the Mediterranean sun.

• The Tunnel Between Budva and Becici is a pedestrian tunnel that has been transformed into a museum and art gallery
• Becici Beach has regular beach frisbee events, as well as great sunbathing areas with parasols and sun beds
• Night Club Torine is quite small when it comes to nightlife venues, but gives you a unique insight into how locals from small Montenegrin towns party
• Italian cuisine has a massive impact on the Montenegro culinary scene, and Pizzeria Azzurro is a great example of this right on the beach
• At the other end of the beach, Papillon offers a good selection of Mediterranean and Balkan cuisine

 

Best Hotel for Backpackers Becici

Stars II Residence Rooms

 

This is an excellent option for backpackers on a budget that want a little more privacy than you usually get from a hostel! They offer private rooms at similar prices to dorms in the town centre, and each room has a balcony overlooking the beach. WiFi can be accessed throughout.

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Best Budget Hotel in Becici

Hotel Anita

 

For a little bit of an upgrade, Hotel Anita offers some fantastic facilities whilst still providing rooms at reasonable prices! There is a large spa and wellness centre on-site, as well as an excellent restaurant with views across the beach. Rooms are fully air-conditioned and come with private balconies.

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Best Splurge Hotel in Becici

Dukley Hotel & Resort

 

Dukley Hotel & Resort is the closest five-star hotel to Budva Town, and is by far the most luxurious option on the riviera! It comes with its own private beach and is surrounded by lush native forest. Rooms come with well-equipped kitchens and air conditioning. They also offer a great complimentary breakfast selection.

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Neighborhood #6 – Rafailovici

(Best neighbourhood in Budva for couples!)

• COOLEST thing to do in Rafailovici – hike around the Layered Rocks of Rafailovici, a natural wonder that is often adorned with local graffiti
• BEST place to visit in Rafailovici – there is another Kamenovo Beach, different from the one in Becici, that offers a secluded environment to sunbathe and swim

Rafailovici is located right next to Becici, however, offers a much more upmarket atmosphere! For couples, this gives you a romantic setting where you can enjoy luxurious restaurants, vibrant bars and calm beaches with great facilities. Rafailovici is surrounded by natural beauty such as mountains, forests and rock formations.

The beach is the main hub of the area, with plenty of spots for sunbathing and some basic water sports facilities! The road that lines the beach is packed with great restaurants where you can sample Montenegrin, Italian and other Mediterranean cuisines. It is also a great spot to watch the sunset.

• Beach Rafailovici is a large unspoiled beach with great swimming areas and some basic water sports and boat hire facilities
• If you want the ultimate date night restaurant, head to Restaurant & Wine Bar Aleksandar which has a great selection of Mediterranean dishes and wines
• Porat is another excellent restaurant right on the beach where you can sample some of the finest seafood in the region
• Hike up to the Old Olive Tree – though the tree itself is quite underwhelming, the path is lined with great monuments and plaques about olive cultivation in the area

 

Best Hotel for Backpackers Rafailovici

Hotel Sumadija

 

Whilst there are no hostels in Rafailovici, Hotel Sumadija is the best-priced accommodation in this exclusive area! All rooms are private, meaning it is also great for couples that are visiting on a strict budget. Every room comes with a balcony, flat screen TV and large en-suite bathroom. A complimentary breakfast buffet is included.

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Best Budget Hotel in Rafailovici

Mali Hotel Porat

 

Mali Hotel Porat gives you a little bit of an upgrade whilst still offering reasonable rates! It is located right on the coast, and only a short walk away from the main beach area. Rooms are fully air-conditioned and have private balconies with sun loungers. The on-site restaurant is highly rated by previous guests.

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Best Splurge Hotel in Rafailovici

Meridian Hotel

 

The Meridian Hotel is perfect for couples that want to splurge on a romantic getaway! There is an outdoor pool on-site, as well as a sauna and small spa area. Rooms are beautifully decorated and come with modern conveniences and full air conditioning. A continental breakfast is provided every morning.

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Neighborhood #7 – Sveti Stefan

(Best neighbourhood in Budva for local life!)

• COOLEST thing to do in Sveti Stefan – hike around Milocher Park, a beautiful nature reserve with stunning scenery
• BEST place to visit in Sveti Stefan – if you are staying at a resort that grants access, you absolutely must visit Sveti Stefan Island

Sveti Stefan is a popular tourist resort located just a short journey south of Budva Town. Its main attraction is the beautiful Sveti Stefan Island, a historic township with cobbled streets and interesting cultural attractions! Whilst it is only accessible to tourists staying at an approved resort, most hotels in the town allow this.

The main town itself also has some great restaurants and small bars where you can enjoy a more local atmosphere! Residents are famed for their friendliness, and this is a great place to hear their stories about life in Montenegro.

More Awesome Things to do and see in Sveti Stefan

• Royal Beach can be accessed by everyone and gives you great views across the island as well as towards the Adriatic Sea
• Hike up to Monastery Praskvica – a functioning monastery that allows visitors and is surrounded by beautiful hiking trails
• If you have access to the island, dine at Jade Restaurant – the only restaurant on the island, it has a very authentic feel
• On the mainland, Drago Restaurant is a lively eatery where you can mingle with locals and enjoy typical Montenegrin cuisine

 

Best Hotel for Backpackers Sveti Stefan

Hotel Adrovic

 

Sveti Stefan is one of the most expensive towns in the region, however, Hotel Adrovic is one of the cheapest hotels in the area that gives you access to the island! It is beautifully decorated in a traditional style, and rooms come with beautiful views across the village. 

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Best Mid-Range Hotel in Sveti Stefan

Hotel Azimut

 

This four-star hotel gives you a bit of an upgrade, whilst still being relatively reasonable in price! There is a large spa and wellness centre that comes with an indoor pool and bookable massage treatments. The on-site restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine, as well as a complimentary breakfast.

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Best Splurge Hotel in Sveti Stefan

Hotel California

 

Hotel California is the closest hotel to the island, and rooms come with great views towards the exclusive resort area! This five-star hotel has fantastic guest ratings thanks to the great levels of service and facilities on offer. They offer both buffet and á la carte breakfast options every morning.

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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Budva?

With beautiful beaches, fascinating historic attractions and a lively nightlife scene, it’s no wonder Budva is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Montenegro! If you scrape beneath the surface, there are also some interesting cultural attractions waiting to be discovered.

For the best area, we have to go with Slovenska Plaza! This is the main hub of activity in the town and gives you great access to the Old Town and surrounding mountains.

That being said, each area mentioned in this list has its own benefits, and wherever you choose to go will depend on what you want to get out of your stay in Budva!

Have we missed anything? Let us know in the comments!

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