Podgorica is the capital of Montenegro and its largest urban centre. You might skip it on your way to the coast or mountains, but the city is worth a visit for its modern buildings, rivers, and historical ruins. The streets carry stories from past wars and growth periods. Some even call Podgorica the “Old Lady” for its rich and aged character. Its central location makes it a great base to explore other parts of the country. By renting a car in Podgorica, you can enjoy this flexibility. You can also easily explore the city’s sights and plan day trips to nearby places.
Podgorica is one of the easiest cities to explore by car. The airport is 15 minutes away from the city centre. Its roads are wide, traffic is light compared to other capitals, and most attractions are close to each other. You can visit Stara Varoš in the morning, head to the Roman site of Duklja before lunch, then stop at a viewpoint on Gorica Hill in the afternoon. Parking is available near most sites, and driving through the city centre helps you see how modern Podgorica fits around its older areas.
Podgorica is one of the greenest capitals in the Balkans. It is a modern city, but you will find peaceful nature all around. If you explore Podgorica by car, you can easily reach scenic parks, walking hills, and rivers with lovely views.
Gorica Hill is one of the most loved green spaces in the city. It is in the middle of Podgorica and gives wide views of the whole area. You can walk or drive to the top. Once there, you will find walking trails, quiet parks, and places to sit and relax. Locals often come here to exercise or enjoy the fresh air. As a visitor, you can take photos, have a picnic, or take a short break from city noise.
Not far from the centre, Ljubović Hill gives you another peaceful escape. It is smaller than Gorica Hill but has good views. The area has shaded paths, trees, and open space for walking or biking. This spot is popular with families and people who enjoy outdoor sports. It is easy to reach by car, and parking is available nearby. Ljubović is a good place to feel the local lifestle and enjoy nature in the heart of the city.
Two rivers run through Podgorica: the Morača and the Ribnica. These rivers are important to the city’s look and feel, dividing neighbourhoods and offering quiet spaces by the water. You can drive along the banks, stop for coffee, or take long walks by the riverside. Stone bridges and small parks are great for photos, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. You can join kayaking or boat tours on the Morača if you enjoy outdoor activities. The river paths are also good for jogging or short stops during your city drive.
Podgorica has many important sites that reflect its long and changing history. Roman ruins, Ottoman-era buildings, and medieval fortresses are all within short driving distance.
Stara Varoš is the Old Town of Podgorica. This area still has its Ottoman-stle streets and buildings, showing the city's older face before modern growth. You can visit the Clock Tower, a key symbol from Ottoman times. The narrow streets are quiet and full of history. When you visit, you will feel the old spirit of Podgorica and see how it has changed over time.
The ancient ruins of Duklja and Medun are not far from the city center. These sites are best reached by car and offer a look into the area's deep past. Duklja was a Roman town with the remains of temples, villas, and roads. Medun is a medieval fortress built on a hill with wide views. Both places are peaceful and not crowded. If you like history, this is one of the top things to do in Podgorica.
The Ribnica Fortress stands where the Ribnica River joins the Morača. It dates back to the Nemanjić dynasty and is one of the oldest historical structures in Podgorica. Although parts of the fortress are in ruins, you can still walk through the stone remains and enjoy river views. Its location in the city centre makes it easy to visit during your Podgorica city tour.
Near the Ribnica Fortress is a stone bridge that crosses the Ribnica River. This bridge is one of the oldest in Podgorica and was part of the Ottoman-era town plan. It connects the city's past and present in a simple but beautiful way. The bridge area is peaceful, with stone walls and old paths. It is a nice photo stop to feel the city's hidden charm.
Also located in Stara Varoš, the Old Turkish Bathhouse is another trace of Ottoman life in the city. While no longer in use, the structure still stands with its stone dome and inner walls. It shows how important the bath culture was in daily life. You can stop by and see it while walking around the old town. It is a quiet spot with cultural meaning.
Podgorica is known for its traditional dishes, local snacks, and full tasting events that offer more than just a meal. You can try favourites like njeguški pršut (smoked ham from Njeguši), cicvara (cornmeal with cheese and cream), and fresh cheese from nearby mountain farms. These meals are rich in flavour and made with care.
There are many tasting tours across the city. Some take you through open-air markets, where you can sample honey, olives, wines, and fresh fruit. Others are held in small, cosy spaces where local hosts prepare food and share their history. These food guides are often from the area and speak clearly, making it easy to understand even if English is not your first language.
Some tours focus on farm-to-table cooking, where the food comes directly from nearby producers. These include seasonal vegetables, organic meats, and homemade products like rakija and jams. Many of these events promote sustainable farming, which helps protect local land and supports the community.
Podgorica also has a growing art and museum scene. Why not explore museums, galleries, and public art spaces while on your Podgorica road trip? One of the most exciting upcoming plans is a cultural park along the Morača River. This space will bring together the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Natural History Museum. This will be a modern area for exhibitions, events, and education. Once complete, it will be one of the top places to visit in Podgorica for art lovers and families. The riverside location will make it easy to enjoy nature and culture in one place.
Podgorica is also part of the Roman Emperors and Danube Wine Route, an international route linking historical landmarks and wine regions across Europe. This route highlights the city’s role in Roman heritage and wine tourism. Visitors can explore exhibitions that explain this shared European story while also tasting local wines that connect to the land’s deep roots. Several other art spaces are spread across the city. Galleries often host local and international artists, showing paintings, sculptures, and mixed media. You may also find murals and public art installations while walking through the city.
Podgorica is a great starting point for day trips across central Montenegro. When you explore Podgorica by car, you can also visit nature spots, historic towns, and scenic viewpoints outside the city. Many of these places are under an hour away. One of the best routes takes you to Lake Skadar, just 30 km from Podgorica. It is the largest lake in the Balkans and famous for its wetlands, birdwatching, and boat tours.
You can visit the small town of Virpazar, where you’ll find lakeside cafés, old stone bridges, and boat rentals. From here, continue to Rijeka Crnojevića and Karuč, two peaceful villages with stone houses and river views. Another short trip is to Cetinje, the old royal capital, 38 km from Podgorica. You can walk through quiet streets, visit former palaces, and explore museums that explain Montenegro’s royal and religious past. Cetinje is also the gateway to Lovćen National Park, which begins around 57 km from Podgorica.
For something different, drive to Niagara Falls on the Cijevna River, just 14 km from Podgorica. These small but beautiful waterfalls are beside a local restaurant. They are a peaceful place to relax, take photos, and enjoy a riverside lunch. If you enjoy wine, head to a wine cellar, around 11 km east of Podgorica. It is one of the biggest wineries in the Balkans. You can join a guided tour inside the old military tunnel and enjoy tasting Vranac and Krstač, two famous Montenegrin grapes.
A Podgorica road trip is one of the best ways to explore Montenegro’s capital and surroundings. Our guide has shown you how much the city offers, from river walks and Ottoman ruins to scenic day trips and rich local flavours. Rent a car in Montenegro with Final Rentals to visit museums, enjoy a lunch by the river, and end your day at a fortress or winery. You can pick-up and drop-off locations across Montenegro, including Podgorica Airport, Tivat Airport, and selected bus stations.
