Nazi and allied bombing during World War II destroyed most of the old architecture, so Podgorica is mostly modern city. In the last decade it has been emerging as a modern pro-western city, with blocks of modern buildings overshadowing the old communist architecture. It is not itself considered a tourist destination, but is a hub of Montenegrin tourism, because both its coastal cities and best mountain resorts are within one hour ride from the city, and with its vibrant atmosphere and outgoing citizens - it might be an interesting place to spend a few days in.
'''Note''': Currency in Montenegro is EURO. Most of the young population speaks English. Some signs are in Latin letters while others, especially street signs, are in cyrillic.
There are several daily flights from Belgrade for around €60. There are regular flights from Budapest, Zurich, Frankfurt, Ljubljana, London, Paris, Rome, Milan and Vienna - ticket price varies.
The airport (TDG) is situated 12 km (7.5 miles) south of Podgorica. The best choice is to take a combi bus or a taxi to city center. Taxi ride is usually under €10, but this should be confirmed with the taxi driver in advance.
There is regular passenger train service from Subotica through Novi Sad and Belgrade. Train tickets are cheap, but quality of service is lower comparing European standards. There are overnight trains with sleeping cars for around €25. Trains can be late but are a usual mean of transportation.
Bus station serves number of domestic destinations, as well as those in neighbouring countries.
The bus and train station are located next to each other. City center is 10 minutes walk from there, but if you have any luggage - it's recommended that you either take a minibus(combi) (next to all of the little grocery/snack stands) or some of the taxis usually waiting at the station entrance.
Road through Mora?a canyon north of Podgorica is considered dangerous during the winter.
Podgorica is a medium-sized city of about 140,000 people. There is a public '''bus''' system, and a number of minibuses (combis) and unlicensed "taxis" drive around the bus routes, all usually charging €0.50. Unlicensed "taxis" will honk to pick up passengers at bus stations every few minutes. They have no labels or marks on their vehicles whatsoever - you will recognize them only by stopping at the bus stations briefly, honking or waving to the passengers at the station.
Other option is to take a '''taxi'''. You can stop one on the street, or call for one through the radio-taxi service. They usually charge around €0.35-€0.70 per kilometre. Considering the size of Podgorica - no drive within the city should cost more than €3 to €4. Make sure that the meter actually runs, some taxis modify them in ordre to double the price of their drives !
Taxi numbers:
19700 ALO Taxi
19702 Royal Taxi
19703 Boom Taxi
19704 PG Taxi
19705 Pink Taxi
19706 DeLuxe Taxi
19709 Orange Taxi
19711 City Taxi
19712 Exclusive Taxi
19714 Red Line Taxi
19723 Peugeot Taxi
19800 Bel Taxi
While in Podgorica, one can enjoy the diversity of Montenegro's capital cafes and restaurants, check out the nightlife, or take a walk at some of the favourite picnic locations of Podgorica citizens - Mareza, Skadar Lake, or Gorica hill. While strolling through Podgorica center, you might find the shopping area interesting, as there is vast number of boutiques, just beware the counterfeits!
Note that swimming in the Mora?a river might be a pleasant way to cool off in the summer months!
Streets in the center of Podgorica are filled with boutiques, yet, one should be aware counterfeited clothes of world famous brands.
Most of the premium clothing brands have their stores in new part of the city, chiefly Vectra-Maxim neighborhoods. The prices are on par with those in the region.
There are a few shopping malls in Podgorica, notably Delta City, a 48,000 sqm mall with over 70 stores, food court and a multiplex cinema. There are also smaller malls, such as ''Palada'' and ''Niki? Center''.
Open markets on the outskirts of the city are a place to buy very cheap clothing, often of low quality.
There are many more great restaurants, notably "Salvadore Dali", "Giardino", "Carine", "Galileo" and hotel restaurants, all offering great food at reasonable prices.
Other restaurants:
There are no international fast food chains such as McDonalds, Burger King or KFC present in Podgorica.
Most loved amusement of Podgorica's residents is to sit in a cafe on a summer day and drink their espresso.
There are dozens of '''cafes''' in pedestrian Njego?eva street in city center, and many more scattered around the city center. Most of the new and trendy cafes are located around "Vectra" district in the new part of the city.
Modern design and relaxed atmosphere of the cafes coupled with Podgorica's art of making espresso will make an interesting experience. Some of the well known caffes are :"Alpe bar", "Buddha bar", "Carine", "Greenwich", "Grand cafe", "Cafe, Cafe", "Switch cafe", "Soul II Soul"...and many more.
Espresso costs from €0.50 to €1.50. Coke and other soft drinks and juices will cost from €1.00 up to €2.50.
There is a number of '''clubs and bars''' to go out to in Podgorica. In the summer, there are many open-air bars and clubs. However, by law, open air bars must turn the music off at 01.00 AM, when the crowds move to the clubs located mostly in the basements in the city center.
It is important to determine weather a club plays worldwide popular dance hits the entire night, or does the playlist include folk music from EX-Yugoslav countries, which is often the case. The latter could be difficult for a foreigner to enjoy, so asking around before going out for the night might be a good option.
Clubs are most crowded from 11PM until 2AM on the Friday and Saturday nights, but some of them are full throughout the week.
The price of the accommodation varies, and is from €20 for a room in a motel on the outskirts of the city, up to over 100 euros in the premium hotels in the city center.