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Budva offers some practical advantages for travelers on a budget. The cost of living can be quite low, with internet plans, transportation, and some services being affordable. The town is known for having good internet access and scenic views similar to other Adriatic destinations, which might appeal to digital nomads or remote workers. There are also a wide variety of tourist-focused activities, particularly during the summer season, and Budva serves as a good base for exploring nearby natural attractions and beaches such as Sveti Nikola.
However, the overall experience may fall short in several areas. Multiple reviews mention that customer service and hospitality are subpar, with staff in restaurants often described as rude or unhelpful. The quality of food is frequently seen as below average, and smoking in indoor restaurants remains a common issue. Although some describe the city as walkable, others found navigation difficult. The beaches in Budva proper tend to be overcrowded and dirty, and cleaner options require travel. Language barriers with locals due to limited English proficiency are also noted. Social interactions can feel closed off, especially for non-Serbian or non-Russian visitors. Ultimately, while Budva may offer value in some respects, visitors might find better overall experiences in neighboring Balkan countries like Albania or Croatia.
AI-generated summary of reviews
10 days ago
I really enjoyed my time here as the city is walkable, very friendly people, good holiday vibe, loads of touristy activities (I could barely fit everything in 2 weeks, prices are high compared to other countries for the same activities). Budva is the largest tourist city, so it feels more like a city compared to other places. Budva isn't for beaches, as it's overpacked, expensive, dirty and the water is unhealthy dirty (If you want to swim go to Sveti Nikola and the beach on the right of the ballerina statue - the only clean water places). Budva is known as a party place with loads of Serbians. Nightlife stops at 1am except nightclubs which are filled with smoke, music is mostly Serbian or a mix with Serbian, all places are pretty casual (no high end feel) and at night all the streets (even the furthest ones) are filled with party people. Locals and Serbians like to stick to tables and don't socialize with others.
2 years ago
Budva is a terrible place. Yes, it has scenic mountains, but the rest of the Adriatic coastline does too. I went to all of the Balkan counties and Montenegro and Serbia were pretty bad. The others are pretty nice, and I will definitely go back to them.
Here's why it's terrible:
1.)Bad food, overly pretentious restaurants that are smoke-filled, and rude and/lazy staff in them.
2.) Rude people. There are a few friendly ones but you need to work hard at it. They also seem to not like western Europeans or North Americans as much as their Russian and Serbian friends.
3.) Accommodation is overly priced and not great.
4.) They don't seem to understand hospitality as well as the other Balkan countries.
5.) English isn't very widespread like the other Balkan countries.
6.) Hard to walk around the city, not very walkable.
7.) More expensive than some of the actual good Balkan places like Croatia.
The good is that it has nice scenery, but it's basically the same scenery as Croatia and Albania, so there is absolutely no need to visit Montenegro when you can see the same stuff in better places like Albania and Croatia.
3 years ago
I really like Budva. It has paradisiac beaches, with extremely clear waters and very affordable prices for almost everything (Coming from Central Europe/Germany). Internet costs here 15€ for 500GB (no joke) and you can set up your life quite easily here. The gym costs around 40€ a month without a contract and the usual Taxi ride doesnt exceed 5€. You have very nice beaches everywhere and the boat ride is not so expensive. Specially after September on prices get really cheap for renting.
5 years ago
not great - known for night life, but things actually close quite early unless you take a cab to one club outside of the city - beach is just endless rent-able chairs, restaurants that all look the same, and juiced up Serbs
5 years ago
Th walkability in Budva is not good at all: almost no sidewalks, strong road inclinations, and roads do turn into waterfalls during raining period, which isn't make them more comfortable for walking at all.
6 years ago