Things to Do in Budva

Everything you need to explore Budva — top attractions, local dining, insider tips and transport.

Cultural in Budva

Church of St. John (Sveti Ivan)
Free 0.1 km from centre

Catholic cathedral inside Old Town, originally built in the 7th century and rebuilt in the 17th. Plain stone exterior, but inside has a painted wooden iconostasis and a modest treasury with old manuscripts.

🕐 Mon–Sat 9am–12pm, 4pm–7pm; Sun 10am–12pm

💡 Free to enter but donations welcome. Go during daily Mass at 11am (weekdays) for a short peaceful visit – otherwise it can be locked. The treasury costs a euro, skip it unless you're into artefacts.

Hotels near Church of St. John (Sveti Ivan) →

Park in Budva

Budva Riviera Promenade
Free 0.2 km from centre

Paved seafront walk from Old Town harbour all the way to the Marina and beyond. Benches, pine trees, views across the bay to the mountains. Perfect for a sunset stroll or morning jog.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Walk from the Old Town past the small marina to the raised section by the Hotel Avala – best photo spot of the Old Town walls with the sea. Bring a bottle of water; no public fountains nearby.

Hotels near Budva Riviera Promenade →
Budva City Beaches: Richard's Head (Glavica)
Free 0.4 km from centre

Small pebble beach directly beneath Old Town walls, just past the harbour. Not the best swimming (rocky entry) but great for sunbathing with a view of the Old Town ramparts. No shade except from a few trees.

🕐 Accessible year-round; no gates

💡 Snorkel the rocks at the far right end for small fish and occasional starfish. Bring a mat or towel with padding – the pebbles hurt. Avoid midday in peak season; the sun bounces off the wall and gets intense.

Hotels near Budva City Beaches: Richard's Head (Glavica) →
Mogren Beach
Free 0.8 km from centre

Two connected sandy coves below steep cliffs, a 10-minute walk from Old Town along a coastal path past the Hotel Splendid. Clean water, sunbeds for hire, but you can plonk your towel on the sand for free.

🕐 Accessible year-round; no gates

💡 Walk past the first cove – the second one (Mogren II) is quieter and has a small bar with reasonable beer prices. Bring water shoes: the rocks near the water are sharp.

Hotels near Mogren Beach →

Historic in Budva

Old Town of Budva (Stari Grad)
Free 1.0 km from centre

Walled medieval core with narrow cobbled lanes, Venetian-era buildings, churches and a small citadel. The main square, Pjaca od Poete, has a lively market and outdoor cafe tables. Entry to Old Town streets costs nothing.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Visit early morning or after 8pm to dodge cruise-ship crowds. Climb the citadel walls for panoramic views of the coast and island of Sveti Stefan – it costs a few euros, but worth it if budget allows.

Hotels near Old Town of Budva (Stari Grad) →

Where to Eat in Budva

Old Fisherman's Pub mediterranean ££
Hemingway Local ££
Kangaroo seafood;mediterranean;fish;fish_and_chips;coffee_shop;grill;local;balkan ££
Златибор Local ££
Papillon Local ££
Caffe Firma Local ££
Express food Local ££
Slovenska Plaža restaurant Local ££

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Budva?

The top attractions include Church of St. John (Sveti Ivan), Budva Riviera Promenade, Budva City Beaches: Richard's Head (Glavica), Mogren Beach, Old Town of Budva (Stari Grad).

How many days do you need in Budva?

Most visitors spend 2–4 days to see the main highlights. Three days is ideal for a first visit — see our Budva 3-day itinerary for a day-by-day plan.

What is Budva famous for?

Budva is known for its history, culture and distinctive character. Visitors come for the landmarks, food scene and local atmosphere.

Where should I eat in Budva?

Top options include Old Fisherman's Pub, Hemingway, Kangaroo, Златибор.