I want to share my travel itinerary for 24 hours in Budva with you today. This coastal town on the Adriatic Sea in Montenegro is known for its beaches and nightlife scene, but there’s a lot more to discover on a trip to Budva.

24 Hours in Budva

24 Hours in Budva

It rained in Budva. After almost a week of sweltering weather on my Balkans trip, I traveled to Budva, Montenegro on a 25-minute bus ride from Kotor, and found myself under stormy skies.

I didn’t want the clouds to spoil my visit to the famous walled town on the Adriatic Sea, though. With a positive attitude, I hopped into a taxi and headed to the historic city center.

Street in the old town in Budva, Montenegro

Hotel in Budva

My first stop was the Avala Resort, a huge luxury hotel in Budva located right at the entrance to the old town.

The Avala Resort had offered me a complimentary massage in the spa and a lunch at the restaurant. I was excited to visit during my 24 hours in Budva.

Sculpture in the Avala Resort in Budva, Montenegro

Upon arrival, I went to the spa, a large complex on the ground floor of the Avala Resort. It was complete with a huge gym with fitness equipment, saunas, a steam room, an indoor pool, and hot tubs.

There was also an outdoor pool that rested right above the sea and had stunning views of Budva’s historic ramparts.

Hotel swimming pool and city walls in Budva, Montenegro

In the back were several spa treatment rooms. I spent a relaxing hour in one of them as my massage therapist worked out all the soreness from my climb up the mountain in Kotor the previous day.

The treatment combined traditional massage and stretching, and I felt great when it was finished.

Church Door in Budva, Montenegro

After the massage, my 24 hours in Budva continued as I went upstairs to a lounge area with welcoming white pillows and more beautiful Adriatic Sea views.

There I had a drink with the PR executive, who told me about the Avala Resort and its sister property in the mountains.

Old town in Budva, Montenegro

She also took me on a tour of several suites, one of which was the largest hotel room I’ve ever seen.

Set over two floors and decorated in cool minimalist style, it had two bedrooms, a living room, several bathrooms, a study, two balconies, and a film screening room. It was so big it was almost too big. I was in awe.

Suite at the Avala Resort in Budva

After the tour, my 24 hours in Budva continued as I sat down for lunch at the restaurant at the Avala Resort.

The interior was fashioned by the person who’d designed Nikki Beach in Miami, and it had a great mix of funky furniture, cool chandeliers, and the same stunning sea views as the rest of the property.

Restaurant in the Avala Resort in Budva

After devouring a basket of delicious fresh-from-the-oven bread, I started with a salad of prawns, fennel, mango, and avocado. It was a nice mix of flavors and was large enough to be a main course.

Salad for lunch a restaurant in Budva, Montenegro

From the salad I moved onto the sea bass with potatoes. The fish was fresh and plentiful. For dessert I chose the panna cotta. Silky and smooth, it was absolutely divine.

Throughout each course, I enjoyed crisp white Posip wine from Korcula in Croatia.

Dessert a restaurant in Budva

Things to Do in 24 Hours in Budva

After lunch I was in serious need of a walk to burn off the calories. Thankfully the torrential rains and hurricane-like winds that had plagued Budva throughout my lunch stopped just as I finished my meal.

Budva old town in Montenegro

My 24 hours in Budva continued as I ventured out into the old town, walking through narrow streets packed with shops, bars, restaurants, and cafes.

The area reminded me a lot of both Kotor and Dubrovnik, but much smaller and more intimate.

City walls and a sea view in Budva, Montenegro

One street I walked down suddenly opened up into a large square. In it was a stunning Orthodox church that had amazing interior frescoes and two mosaics above the exterior doors.

Also in the square were a museum and a big cafe with outdoor tables everywhere. It was a beautiful scene.

Mosaic on an Orthodox church in Budva

Outside the city walls, I continued my 24 hours in Budva with a walk along the waterfront. The area beyond the old town was much more developed than that of nearby Kotor, and there were beach bars and restaurants everywhere.

Some of them had themes, such as the Trocadero with its giant Eiffel Tower replica.

Trocadero beach bar in Budva

The wind had knocked down most of the tables and umbrellas along the beach, so the bars looked a bit worse for the wear. But soon everything was set up again, and they grew busy throughout the early evening.

Colorful table at a beach bar in Budva, Montenegro

As most visitors to Budva were getting ready to party, I was getting ready to go back to the spa at the Avala Resort. I spent an hour there enjoying the sauna, steam room, and private Jacuzzi room.

Just as I went to take a dip in the outdoor pool, the sun finally came out and bathed the city walls in a beautiful pink-orange light.

Beach by the old town in Budva, Montenegro at sunset

Eventually I had to tear myself away from the sunset and leave the spa behind. I checked into my hotel, which was located along the waterfront near the beach bars.

24 Hours in Budva

As I drifted off to sleep that night and got ready to depart for Tirana the next morning, I was glad to have had a busy 24 hours in Budva, and thankful the rain didn’t stop me from enjoying my final day in Montenegro.

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24 Hours in Budva

4 Comments on Lady’s Itinerary for 24 Hours in Budva, Montenegro

    • Thanks Andi! I was so happy the sun came out that I jumped out of the pool, ran to the locker room, and grabbed my camera to take the last picture. I’m really glad I did!

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