Budva Old Town & Nightlife Guide
Budva is where Montenegro comes alive after dark. A 2,500-year-old walled town on a peninsula, surrounded by beaches and packed with restaurants, bars, and clubs — it is the undisputed nightlife capital of the Montenegrin coast, and it is ten minutes from your apartment in Krimovica.
The Old Town by Day
Budva's old town sits on a small peninsula jutting into the Adriatic, enclosed by medieval walls that were meticulously rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1979. The streets are narrow, paved in smooth stone, and lined with a mix of ancient churches, art galleries, souvenir shops, and restaurants. It is smaller than Kotor's old town — you can walk end to end in 10 minutes — but what it lacks in size it makes up for in atmosphere, especially in the evening. Key sights: the Citadel at the southern tip (€3.50 entry, panoramic views, small library with a relief map of the old town), the Church of St. John with its bell tower, the Holy Trinity Church with its distinctive striped facade, and the Archaeological Museum (€2, surprisingly good collection of Greek and Roman artifacts found locally). The old town is most atmospheric in the early morning before shops open, or in the golden hour before sunset when the stone walls glow warm orange.
Restaurants — Where Locals Actually Eat
The old town has a restaurant problem: many places on the main drag serve mediocre food at inflated prices to tourists who will never return. Here is where to actually eat well. Inside the walls: Konoba Stari Grad is the reliable choice — traditional Montenegrin food served in a stone courtyard, with grilled meats, fresh fish, and local wine at €10–16 per main. Jadran has the best terrace in Budva — right on the waterfront with views of Sveti Nikola island, seafood €12–20. Outside the walls: Porto does modern Mediterranean with creative cocktails and a younger crowd (mains €14–22). Parma serves genuinely good Italian food, which is rare in Montenegro. For the best value within 10 minutes of Budva, eat at Restaurant Carevic in Krimovica — traditional Montenegrin cuisine cooked by a family who has been doing it for decades, at roughly half the price of old town restaurants. A full meal for two with wine at Carevic costs €25–35; the same quality meal in Budva Old Town would be €50–70.
Nightlife — The Real Guide
Budva's nightlife runs from June through September and is concentrated in and around the old town. Things do not get going until 11pm — dinner at 9pm, drinks at 10:30pm, clubs from midnight. Top Hill is the flagship venue — an open-air club built into the hillside above the town with capacity for 5,000 people, international DJs, and a sound system you can hear from the beach. Entry is €10–20 depending on the night and the DJ. Dress code is smart casual — no flip-flops or beach wear. Trocadero is a waterfront bar-club with a more relaxed vibe, good cocktails (€6–10), and a mix of live music and DJ sets. Inside the old town, Casper Bar is the go-to for cocktails in a medieval setting. The old town walls themselves become a bar crawl route on summer nights — dozens of small bars spill tables onto the narrow streets, and you can wander from one to the next with a drink in hand. For a quieter evening, the wine bars in the old town serve excellent Montenegrin wines by the glass (€3–5). The nightlife winds down in late September as seasonal venues close.
Beaches Within Walking Distance
Budva has several beaches you can walk to from the old town. Mogren I and II are the most beautiful — golden sand beneath the old town walls, connected by a tunnel carved through the rock. Access is via a coastal path that passes the famous bronze ballerina statue. Slovenska Plaža is the main town beach — long and sandy but crowded in summer, with sunbed rentals and water sports. Ričardova Glava is a tiny cove right next to the citadel walls — atmospheric but small. For better beaches with more space, drive north to Jaz (10 min from Budva, 3 min from Krimovica) or Trsteno (8 min from Budva, 5 min from Krimovica). The advantage of staying in Krimovica rather than Budva: quiet nights, free parking, and you are actually closer to the best beaches.
Getting There and the Parking Problem
Budva Old Town is 10 minutes by car from Krimovica — straight down the main road, past Jaz Beach, through one tunnel, and you are there. The problem is parking. The lots near the old town charge €2–3 per hour and fill quickly in summer. There is a larger lot near the bus station (15-minute walk to the old town) that is more reliable but still not cheap. Street parking is almost impossible in July–August. For daytime visits, arrive before 10am or after 5pm. For nightlife, take a taxi from Krimovica (€5–8 each way) — you can drink freely and avoid the parking headache entirely. Many of our guests at Mata Apartments drive to Budva for dinner, then taxi home after drinks. It is the smart play.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Budva from Krimovica?
Budva Old Town is 10 minutes by car from Mata Apartments in Krimovica, straight down the main road.
Is Budva nightlife good?
Budva has the best nightlife in Montenegro, running June through September. Top Hill club hosts international DJs, and the old town has dozens of bars. Things start late — expect to be out until 3–4am.
Where should I eat in Budva?
Konoba Stari Grad and Jadran in the old town are reliable. For the best value, eat at Restaurant Carevic in Krimovica — half the price of Budva with better traditional food.
Is parking difficult in Budva?
Yes, especially in July–August. Lots near the old town charge €2–3/hour and fill early. For nightlife, take a taxi from Krimovica (€5–8). Staying in Krimovica with free parking avoids the problem entirely.
Stay at Mata Apartments
3 apartments in Krimovica from €35/night. Free parking, WiFi, sea views.
