Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, was the first stop on our Montenegro road trip. We flew with Montenegro Airlines from Frankfurt am Main, and it was our first experience with this airline. The service was excellent, and they even provided a simple supper during the flight. The aircraft felt new, and the seats were very comfortable. As we approached Podgorica, we were greeted by a stunning warm sunset through the window – a perfect start to our journey.
A Quiet Arrival: Landing at Podgorica Airport and Driving into the City
When we landed at Podgorica Airport, there were no other passengers, staff, or border control in sight. Shortly after we entered the empty hall, our luggage arrived on a very short conveyor belt. Within minutes, all the passengers, most of whom were locals, collected their bags and disappeared into the darkness.
We needed to pick up our rental car, and there was a single staff member waiting at the counter. Once we collected the car from him, he promptly left, leaving the entire airport eerily empty.
The airport is conveniently close to Podgorica city centre, about 10 kilometres away. We simply followed the E80 and reached our hotel within minutes. The journey was quick and straightforward, making for a smooth start to our trip.
A Leaky Ceiling, Chilly Rooms, and Exceptional Hospitality: Our Eventful Hotel Stay
After check-in, we headed straight to the dining room and found a cosy corner to relax. However, the friendly waiters quickly asked us to move because the ceiling above our table was leaking. It turned out the swimming pool above the dining room had a leakage problem.
We couldn’t help but worry that the ceiling might collapse, but the staff reassured us it was safe. To lift our spirits, they introduced the menu of the day. As more business travellers arrived, chatting and enjoying drinks, the dining room became lively, and we started to feel more at ease.
When we returned to our room, we found it uncomfortably chilly as the heating wasn’t working. With the night temperature dropping, the hotel staff promptly arranged another room for us.
Unfortunately, the second room wasn’t much better. After 30 minutes, it was still cold due to a balcony door that wouldn’t close properly, allowing the cold air to seep in. Since no other standard rooms were available, the staff quickly upgraded us to a suite. Nearly all the staff on duty that evening helped resolve the situation. Finally, close to midnight, we sank into the soft pillows and got some much-needed rest.
Podgorica: A 2,000-Year-Old City of Contrasts and Decay
The second day of our Montenegro road trip was dedicated to exploring Podgorica. Before heading to our hotel in Tivat, we took a short walk around the Millennium Bridge. With no signposted parking nearby, we simply parked by the roadside close to the bridge.
The Millennium Bridge, or Most Milenijum, is located on the west side of Podgorica city centre and stands out with its modern design, contrasting sharply with the older surrounding buildings. Interestingly, the word “Most” means “Bridge” in the local language. Next to Most Milenijum is a pedestrian bridge called Moskovski Most.
Both bridges span the Morača River, offering lovely views of the water. The area around them felt a bit worn, with some buildings in poor condition and many tall structures reflecting the communist era’s architectural style.
Good traffic connection
Podgorica is well-positioned, with good transport links to both the southern coast and the inland regions. The shortest route between Podgorica and Tivat is around 87 kilometres. According to our navigation system, the journey should take less than two hours. Unsure of the road conditions and not yet accustomed to driving in Montenegro, we decided to leave the capital earlier than planned.
Fortunately, the dual-carriageway M2.3 was in excellent condition. However, when passing through local villages and towns, some sections of the road were less well-maintained. On the bright side, travelling during the off-season meant there was minimal traffic. We arrived in Tivat by late afternoon, where the hotel staff greeted us warmly, making us feel instantly welcome.
Travel tips
Accommodation
Podgorica offers several quality hotels at a mid-range price level. Some top recommendations include:
Tours from Podgorica
Many organised tours depart from Podgorica to explore Montenegro’s top attractions. Here are some popular options to consider—be sure to book well in advance to secure your spot.
