Things to Do in Budva
Budva's heart is Stari Grad, a compact walled peninsula that was once an island. Enter through any of its five stone gates — the main one is Vrata od Mora (Sea Gate) from the marina side — and you're in a maze of narrow marble alleys, Venetian palazzos, and sun-drenched squares. The Old Town packs three medieval churches into its tiny footprint: the Church of St. John with its distinctive belfry, the Baroque Holy Trinity from 1804, and the ruined 14th-century Church of St. Sava.
The Citadela fortress crowns the southern tip of the peninsula. Entry is EUR 3.50. It has a library, a summer stage hosting the Budva City Theatre festival in July-August, and a wine bar on the ramparts where you can sip Vranac while watching the sunset. Just below the western wall, follow the coastal path toward Mogren Beach and you'll pass the Dancing Girl statue — a topless bronze figure in a yoga pose that's Budva's most photographed landmark.
Mogren Beach is the best swimming spot in town, split into two coves connected by a tunnel. Get there by 9 AM in summer to claim a spot before the sunbed crowd arrives. The beach bars charge EUR 2-3 for bottled water — buy it at the supermarket for EUR 0.50 before you go.
For a day trip, the Sveti Stefan viewpoint is 15 minutes down the coast (local bus EUR 1.50). The island-hotel is most photogenic at golden hour. Boat taxis from the Old Town harbour run to Sveti Nikola Island for EUR 5-8 round trip.