3 Best Sights in Podgorica, Montenegro

Undoubtedly Montenegro’s most magical place, Ostrog is peaceful, picturesque, and packed with presence. Located an hour north of Podgorica, the 17th-century Orthodox monastery is built into a vertical cliff above the road to Nikšić and holds the remains of Saint Basil of Ostrog. The complex is divided into upper and lower parts, and walking the almost 3 km (2 miles—uphill, very uphill) between the two is a rite of passage in these parts. The views and history are worth every bead of sweat. Trains run between Podgorica and Ostrog station, from where the long walk begins. The monastery is still an active one, so be sure to be respectful of the monks who live on the property.

Petar II Petrović-Njegoš looms large over Montenegrin history—and not just because of his famously giant frame. The 19th-century titan was a prince, poet, and philosopher largely credited with modernizing Montenegro. It is only fair that his final resting place should be high above the country, in the stunning surroundings of Lovćen National Park. The Njegoš Mausoleum is on Jezerski vrh, the second-highest peak in the Lovćen range, an hour west of Podgorica. Cetinje, Montenegro’s royal capital during the Njegoš times, is nearby and deserving of at least a day’s exploration.

Podgorica’s oldest neighborhood is a ticket to a different time before modern technology brought cars and chaos to the city. The clock tower is a central beacon for the Ottoman-era area, while a quaint stone bridge acts as a de facto entrance across the Ribnica River. You'll also find the Natural History Museum of Montenegro, a museum that makes up in curiosity for what it lacks in size.