Many consider Podgorica (Montenegro’s capital city) as one of Europe’s boring cities. When I told my friend, ‘I visited Podgorica’, his first reaction was, ‘Why… Why Podgorica? There are many good places in Montenegro’
The coastal cities in Montenegro like Budva, Bar, Kotor are famous. Since the country’s population density is low, many consider road trips along the coast than visiting the capital.
Our visit was in February, the end of winter. It was a quiet city as expected. But there were few interesting things to do in Podgorica.
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Blog Contents
Things to do in Podgorica
1. Visit the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ
The Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ is the third largest Orthodox church in the world. When in Podgorica, this cathedral should be first in your visit bucket list. The stunning 21st-century stunning beauty was open to the public recently, in 2013. The cathedral interiors are enriched with Fresco art iconography. READ MORE
2. Ribnica bridge
Built by the Ottoman Turks in the 15th century, Ribnica bridge is probably the most scenic part of the city. Surround by green lust, this small bridge offers a charming experience. It is one of the few historic structures that survived WWII.
3. The old town (Stara Varos)
The old town (Stara Varos) was the Podgorica’s core part in between the 15th and 19 century. Serving as the oldest neighborhood in the entire city, this Ottoman built old town has a 400-year-old history. To our surprise, still, two mosques remain, but you won’t identify it easily.
This part of the city was weird, creepy. The streets were silent as if they are abandoned. The buildings were old and we hardly saw locals. After strolling for a while, we felt a little insecure and wanted to leave the old town.
4. Stroll through the new town
The new town totally contrasts. Busy traffic, loads of pedestrians, coffee shops, restaurants make you think, ‘Are we in some other city?’
Stroll through the areas Novi Grad, City Kvart to experience proper city life.
1€ Souvenir
In the area Novi Grad, we accidentally found a cute souvenir shop ‘SVE PO 1 €uro’ where everything was 1€, similar to the Euro shop. The store had plenty of souvenir collections, confused about what to choose. Unfortunately, it’s not available in google maps, but try asking the locals.
5. Centre of Contemporary Art
Yet another important landmark in the new town’s side, the center of Contemporary Art is a 19th-century art museum. It is one of the coolest places to visit in Podgorica and adding to it, the entrance is free.
Inside there is a small collection of Montenegro’s modern art from 14 artists. As the museum is in a park, it serves you as an afternoon break to relax. The museum is not a popular one but definitely worth a visit. It has a total of 1500 pieces of art.
6. Independence square
Podgorica’s central town square, the city’s cultural heart greets you with a large Italian fountain. One can find here the city library, state art gallery, bars, and few shopping streets.
7. Milenium Bridge
The iconic cable-stayed bridge sprawls over the river Morača. Constructed in 2005, the bridge is 173m long. The picturesque backdrop makes it perfect for photographs.
8. Blažo Jovanović Bridge
Located near Ribnica, Blažo Jovanović is yet another bridge that connects the old town with the new town. The views are surreal and the decorative lightings adorn the bridge’s beauty even at night.
My experience
The city isn’t as boring as one expects. We found a few interesting things to do in Podgorica. One day is perfect to visit Montenegro’s capital. But if your stay is more than a day, try visiting Cijevna waterfalls, Plantaze vineyards, the Roman ruins in Duklja as they lie outside the city. Include Podgorica in your itinerary as a transit city, not as a travel destination.
Overall experience: 
out of 5
Time of visit: February 2020
“The part of the Adriatic Coast belonging to Montenegro is the purest part of the Mediterranean” – Jacques Cousteau