With its picturesque Old Town, breathtaking views of Sveti Stefan, and laid-back vibe, this itinerary shows that you have to have the ultimate getaway when spending just two days in Budva.

While Montenegro might be less visited than the neighbouring Croatia, especially the beautiful city of Dubrovnik, don’t expect Budva to be empty of tourists. It has been popular with European tourists for their one- to two-week summer break vacation. 

While this itinerary is written to maximise just 2 days in Budva, you will find it useful even if you are coming to Montenegro for a week.

2 days in Budva Itinerary

Day 1: Beaches and Old Town Charm

Morning: Relax on Mogren Beach

Start your day at Mogren Beach, one of Budva’s most popular spots. This stunning sandy cove, divided into two parts by a rocky cliff, is connected by a short tunnel. 

Arrive early to see the beach more peaceful and enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea.

You can also follow the coastal path towards the Budva old town and look for the famous statue known as Budva Bellarina or Dancer of Budva. 

Lunch: Seaside Dining

You could simply dine near Morgan Beach at Mogren2 Beach Bar & Restaurant.

Or head to a beachside restaurant Jadran, near the marina. Savour fresh seafood dishes like grilled squid or a hearty plate of mussels paired with Montenegrin wine.

This has been one of my favourite restaurants to eat in Budva for years, and I always order the grilled calamari; it’s delicious.

Afternoon: Explore Budva’s Old Town (Stari Grad)

After lunch, step back in time with a visit to Budva’s Old Town. Encircled by medieval walls, this historic area boasts narrow stone streets, quaint squares, and centuries-old churches. 

Highlights include:

• Citadel: Climb up the fortress for panoramic views of the Adriatic and rooftops of the Old Town.
• Holy Trinity Church: Check out the beautiful frescoes inside this 18th-century Orthodox church.
• Church of St. Ivan: Known for its tall bell tower and scenic views, this is a great spot for photos.

It’s easy to get lost in the charming street, browsing boutique shops, and soaking in the atmosphere.

• 🔥 Hot Tip: Book accommodation on Booking.com
• 🎟 Book your tickets online: We use Viator and GetYourGuide
• 🔋 Stay charged: This Belkin Power Bank is essential!
• 📸 Join a Group Tour: View our tours OR search Tourradar
• ✅ Get Connected with eSIM: Easy and affordable! View eSIM

Evening: Dinner with a View

For dinner, choose a restaurant with a view, such as Vista Vidikovac. Located on a hillside, it offers a romantic setting with stunning views of Budva’s coastline.

Try traditional Montenegrin dishes like lamb in milk or kacamak (a creamy polenta-like dish). Reservation is recommended and I suggest you come at sunset. 

Optional: Nightlife in Budva

If you’re up for it, Budva’s nightlife is legendary. Hit up bars in and around the Old Town or go for a nice evening stroll along the promenade.

Day 2: Scenic Cruises and Day trips

On the second day in Budva, I recommend joining one of the tours for a day trip.

Budva has some beautiful coastline and one of the highlights here is the island of Sveti Stefan. There is also the gorgeous town of Kotor or Perast, and you should not forget a national park.

Here are 4 of my suggestions:

Option 1: Kotor Bay: Full-Day Catamaran Cruise with Blue Cave Visit

Embark on a catamaran cruise through the stunning Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Swim in the sparkling Blue Cave, admire the man-made island of Our Lady of the Rocks, and explore Porto Montenegro for a delightful lunch.

You also see Mamula Island and the ex-Yugoslavian submarine tunnels along the way.

Option 2: From Budva: Kotor, Blue Cave, Lady of the Rocks, Herceg Novi

Join a traditional cruise along Boka Bay, a favourite route for over 40 years.

With stops at iconic sights like the Blue Cave and our Lady of the Rocks and time to explore Herceg Novi, this tour is perfect for history buffs and nature lovers.

Travelling to a country with a different currency? Avoid ATM transaction fees and pay in local currency with a Wise Card. We love this card; it has saved us so much in fees.

Get a Wise Card

Option 3: Montenegro: Durmitor, Tara & Ostrog Monastery Day Trip

Experience Montenegro’s wild beauty with a visit to Durmitor Mountain and Tara Canyon, Europe’s deepest gorge.

Hike around the stunning Black Lake and end the day at the awe-inspiring Ostrog Monastery, perched high on a cliff.

Option 4: Montenegro: Full-Day Tour to Lovcen National Park & More

Discover Montenegro’s cultural and natural treasures on this full-day tour.

Visit the Njegusi village, Lovcen National Park’s mausoleum, Cetinje, Crnojevic River, and enjoy spectacular views of Sveti Stefan.

Evening: Return to Budva

Wrap up your day trip and enjoy a relaxing evening back in Budva. 

Take a stroll along the promenade, and for dinner, head to Restaurant Porto near the marina to savour fresh seafood in a chic setting.

Travel Tips for Budva

• Best Time to Visit: May to September for beach weather; June and September are less crowded.
• Getting Around: Budva is compact, and most attractions are walkable. For Sveti Stefan and other beaches, boats and taxis are convenient.
• What to Pack: Comfortable shoes for exploring the Old Town, swimwear, sunscreen, and a hat for sunny days.
• Currency: The currency of Montenegro is Euro and cards are widely accepted. Montenegro is not part of the European Union.
• Food: As most visitors stick to the coastal part of Montenegro, I highly recommend eating seafood. The food is very similar to Croatian cuisine.

Travelling to a country with a different currency? Avoid ATM transaction fees and pay in local currency with a Wise Card. We love this card; it has saved us so much in fees.

Get a Wise Card

Where to Stay in Budva

Budva offers accommodations for every budget, from luxurious resorts to cosy guesthouses.

Here are five excellent options:

1. Avala Resort & Villas: A luxurious beachfront property with stunning views and an infinity pool, perfect for those seeking a high-end experience.
2. Hotel Budva: Centrally located with modern amenities, this 4-star hotel is ideal for travellers who want to be close to the action. I stayed here last time and loved the location and rooms.
3. Villa Perla Di Mare: A mid-range option offering clean, comfortable rooms and excellent hospitality in a quieter part of town.
4. Freedom Hostel: A budget-friendly choice with a social atmosphere, great for backpackers and solo travellers.
5. Guesthouse Orlovic: A charming, family-run guesthouse with affordable rates and a welcoming vibe, located a short walk from the beach.

Don’t miss our EUROPE CITY GUIDES

• ROME 3 Day Itinerary
• VENICE in 2 Days
• VENICE in 1 Day
• FLORENCE in 2 Days
• MILAN in 2 Days
• WARSAW in 2 Days
• KRAKOW in 2 Days
• GDANSK in 2 Days
• DUBROVNIK in 2 Days
• ZAGREB in 2 Days 

• BUDAPEST in 2 Days
• ATHENS 1 Day Itinerary
• PRAGUE 2 Day Itinerary
• AMSTERDAM in 3 Days
• LJUBLJANA in 2 Days
• BUCHAREST in 2 Days
• SKOPJE in 2 Days
• SOFIA 2 Day Itinerary
• BELGRADE in 2 Days 

• PARIS in 4 Days
• LONDON in 1 Day
• BERLIN in 2 Days
• VIENNA in 2 Days
• SALZBURG in 2 Days
• LISBON in 2 Days
• PORTO in 2 Days
• BUDVA in 2 Days
• TIRANA in 2 Days

Final Thoughts on 2 Days in Budva

Budva combines Montenegro’s natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage and history. It’s compact and while popular with visitors, is less crowded than Dubrovnik.

You can have a real beach getaway or see more of the area on fascinating day trips.

Whether you’re lounging on golden beaches, wandering historic streets, or cruising to iconic Sveti Stefan, 2 days in Budva will leave you amazed and planning your return to this tiny country in the Balkans.

Travel Tips for Europe

We have many travel guides and tips for Europe— an incredible continent!

Are you travelling on a budget? These ten cheapest European countries will help you plan an itinerary that lets you see as much as possible while there.

Furthermore, if you plan to travel long-term (or at least until the money runs out), these 21 cheapest countries to visit will help you make your hard-earned dollars stretch a bit further.

Delicious cuisine can be enjoyed across Europe, and our food map of Europe will inspire your culinary journey.

For food lovers, don’t miss our top 10 best countries for foodies, a couple of them are located in Europe.

Here are 8 things to know about travelling to Eastern Europe and it’s good to know these 7 misconceptions about Eastern Europe too.

These top 6 travel hacks to save money are great to read when planning your travels.

You’ll need to stay connected while travelling in Europe. We recommend eSIM. It’s easy, reliable and affordable. View eSIMs for individual European countries, or consider a regional eSIM for Europe (which covers 39 countries).

If your travels in Europe are part of a much larger global adventure, then a Global eSIM may be the answer. It connects you in 124 countries, offering data-only eSIM and data/call/text eSIM. The Global eSIM has been a game-changer; we couldn’t imagine travelling without it now.

If you want to travel with like-minded travellers, consider joining a group tour. Check out our Group Tours first for any upcoming European departures, or view Tourradar for great deals on group tours in Europe.

Check out our best-ever travel tips compiled from more than twenty years of experience.