Podgorica might be Montenegro’s capital, but it’s often overlooked in favor of the coast or the mountains. That’s a mistake. The city serves as a lively base for exploring natural wonders, historic sites, and local culture. We particularly appreciate how some tours combine scenic views, like the Skadar Lake sightseeing boat, with wildlife spotting and wine tasting, all packed into a manageable two-hour trip. For those craving a deeper cultural experience, the private city walking tour offers personalized insights into Podgorica’s secrets. Whether you seek outdoor adventure or urban exploration, Podgorica offers a variety of well-organized tours to fit your interests.
Quick Overview
Podgorica’s top tours balance nature, history, and local culture. You can relax on a boat cruise on Lake Skadar, explore mountain landscapes with Biogradska Gora, or take a private city walk to uncover the city’s hidden spots. For a mix of everything, the full-day Kotor, Budva, and Skadar Lake combines coastal towns with scenic drives. Now, let’s explore each tour in detail.
1. Skadar Lake: Guided Sightseeing Boat Tour with Refreshments
At number 1, the Skadar Lake boat tour offers a relaxing 2-hour cruise through Montenegro’s most famous freshwater body. Starting in Virpazar, the tour combines sightseeing — with stunning views of mountains, forests, and wetlands — with opportunities for swimming. You’ll get a close-up look at the local birdlife, making it a hit for nature lovers. The boat includes local wine tastings, which elevates the experience beyond just scenery. Guests rave about the value at $17.29 per person, praising the knowledgeable guide and the peaceful atmosphere. The tour is perfect for travelers wanting a quick, scenic escape with a taste of local hospitality.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those short on time but craving beautiful views, wildlife spotting, and a glass of Montenegrin wine.
2. Podgorica: Ostrog, Niagara, and Skadar Lake Private Tour
Number 2 on our list is the private tour visiting Ostrog Monastery, Niagara Waterfalls, and Skadar Lake. This flexible 3–6 hour experience takes you from the spiritual serenity of the Ostrog Monastery, carved into a cliff face, to the natural beauty of Niagara Waterfalls, and optionally a boat ride on Lake Skadar. The private format means a tailored experience, with your guide sharing stories about Montenegro’s religious sites, historic landmarks, and local legends. The reviews highlight comfortable transport and a knowledgeable guide who makes even rainy days worthwhile. It’s perfect if you’re interested in a mix of spirituality, nature, and culture all in one trip.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting a personalized, diverse experience covering both nature and history.
3. Budva & Kotor–with Optional Speedboat Tour to Lady of the Rocks
At number 3, the Budva & Kotor tour is a 4 to 6-hour private adventure that highlights Montenegro’s most iconic coastal towns. Starting from Podgorica, your guide will introduce you to the medieval charm of Kotor’s Old Town, with its historic churches and quaint squares, plus Budva’s lively atmosphere and stunning beaches. For an extra touch of adventure, upgrade to the speedboat tour visiting Our Lady of the Rocks, which adds a scenic island cruise to your day. Guests love the personalized attention and the flexibility to explore at their own pace. This tour suits history buffs and coast lovers alike.
Bottom Line: Fantastic for those who want a full day combining coastal sightseeing, history, and a splash of sea adventure.
4. Kolasin and Biogradska Gora Tour
Number 4, the Kolasin and Biogradska Gora tour is a nature lover’s dream. In roughly six hours, you’ll visit the Biogradsko Jezero, a pristine glacial lake located at 1,094 meters on Bjelasica Mountain. The tour includes a stop in Kolašin, a charming mountain town, and offers opportunities for short hikes and photos of the lake’s crystal-clear waters and surrounding forests. The area is known for its primeval forest and abundant wildlife. Reviewers mention the tour’s excellent value, especially for its scenic scenery and expert guides. It’s best suited for active travelers who enjoy walking and want to experience Montenegro’s mountain landscapes firsthand.
Bottom Line: Perfect for hiking enthusiasts and nature explorers looking for a scenic mountain escape.
5. Private Podgorica City Walking Tour
Number 5, the private city walk offers a personalized 1.5 to 2-hour exploration of Podgorica’s main sights. Your guide will lead you through the city’s historic Starodoganjska Mosque, the Clock Tower, and the Millennium Bridge, sharing insights into Montenegro’s history and urban development. Guests praise the flexibility to customize the route and the friendly, knowledgeable guides. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a quick, immersive overview of the city’s main landmarks.
Bottom Line: Great for first-time visitors wanting a focused, private introduction to Podgorica’s highlights.
6. Podgorica: Walking tour, all the secrets of Podgorica
Number 6, the all-in secrets walking tour digs deeper into Podgorica’s charm over two hours. It covers less obvious spots like Sastavci, the river confluence, and the city’s lesser-known corners. The guide shares stories about local life and the city’s hidden history, making it an ideal choice for travelers who like to go beyond the typical tourist trail. Reviews applaud the friendly guide Nino and the insights shared.
Bottom Line: Best for curious travelers who want to discover the “secrets” behind Podgorica’s modest facade.
7. From Podgorica: Kotor & Budva Old Towns Tour and Skadar Lake
Number 7 is a jam-packed full-day Montenegro tour that combines coastal towns, lake scenery, and scenic drives. Starting early, you’ll visit Kotor’s fortress and old town, then move on to Budva’s historic streets, and optionally explore Cetinje, the former royal capital. The drive along the mountain serpentines offers spectacular views. Guests mention the guides’ personable approach and the well-organized itinerary. It’s a good fit for travelers wanting a broad taste of Montenegro in one day.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those short on time but eager to see a mix of coast, mountains, and history.
8. Podgorica Historic, Safari, and Winery Tour — Skadar Lake
Number 8, the historic safari and winery tour combines a bit of everything over seven hours. You’ll explore Zabljak Crnojevica’s ruins, see white horses grazing at Bisevina savanna, and enjoy wine tasting at Mrkan winery. The tour includes a coffee break at Besac fort with views over Skadar Lake. Enthusiasts of Montenegro’s wine culture and countryside landscapes will find this trip rich in authentic experiences. The tour is praised for Ivan’s engaging storytelling and the scenic stops.
Bottom Line: Excellent for wine lovers and those wanting a full day combining history, wildlife, and wine tasting.
9. Podgorica: Biogradska Gora, Moraca, and Kolašin Day Tour
Number 9 offers an 8-hour journey through northern Montenegro’s natural marvels. You’ll drive the highest highway in the EU to visit Biogradska Gora National Park, walk along the Moraca River Canyon, and explore the Moraca Monastery. Reviewers note the beautiful landscapes and expert guides making the experience memorable. This tour suits adventurous travelers who want to see Montenegro’s mountains and deep wilderness.
Bottom Line: Ideal for active travelers eager to enjoy Montenegro’s scenic mountain and canyon landscapes.
10. Montenegro: Nature, Locals & Wine Tour
Number 10 combines scenic viewpoints, a visit to Cetinje, and a stop at a family-run winery. Over about five hours, you’ll meet local winemakers, enjoy tastings, and see scenic spots like Rijeka Crnojevića. Guests comment on how Dimitri’s knowledge and personal touch elevate the experience. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxed day with authentic wine and local culture.
Bottom Line: Suited for travelers wanting a gentle mix of scenery, wine, and Montenegrin hospitality.
11. From Podgorica: Ostrog Monastery Tour with Pick Up
Number 11 is a 4-hour spiritual journey to the Upper Ostrog Monastery. The visit includes a guided tour of one of Montenegro’s most revered religious sites, famous for its stunning frescoes and relics. The panoramic mountain views along the way add to its appeal. Reviews mention the peaceful atmosphere and the guide’s insights. It’s ideal for travelers interested in Montenegro’s spiritual side.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a meaningful, scenic religious experience.
12. ATV Private Tour Montenegro – Žabljak Crnojevića
Number 12 offers a 1.5-hour adrenaline rush exploring Žabljak Crnojevića and nearby sites on ATV. The tour takes you through ancient settlements, fortress ruins, and Dodoši Village, with a traditional lunch included. It suits active travelers craving a fun, off-road adventure. Reviewers mention the beautiful landscapes and expert guides making it both exciting and safe.
Bottom Line: Best for thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts who want to combine scenic views with a bit of action.
13. Podgorica: City Highlights Guided Tour
Number 13 is a quick, one-hour guided overview of Podgorica’s main sights. It covers Independence Square, the Millennium Bridge, and the Church of St. George. The reviews highlight the guide’s engaging storytelling and the concise nature of the tour. It’s great for those with limited time wanting a snapshot of the city’s main landmarks.
Bottom Line: Ideal for busy travelers needing a quick yet comprehensive introduction.
14. Podgorica Great Private Tour
Finally, the Great Private Tour combines the city with visits to Kući, a local winery, and the Cijevna Canyon, including Niagara Falls. Over six hours, you see Montenegro’s diverse landscapes and enjoy wine tasting. Reviewers mention the friendly guides and the well-rounded experience. This tour suits travelers interested in a broader, more relaxed exploration.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a full-day, personalized adventure with scenic and cultural highlights.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Podgorica
Picking the best tour depends on your interests, fitness level, and time constraints. If you want to relax with scenic views and a bit of wildlife, the Skadar Lake boat trip is hard to beat. For a deep dive into Montenegro’s mountains and forests, the Biogradska Gora offers hiking and natural beauty. If city sights are more your style, the private Podgorica walk or secrets tour are excellent choices for a quick, personalized introduction.
Active travelers looking for adventure might prefer the ATV tour, while those interested in wine and local culture should consider the Montenegro wine tour. Remember to book early during peak seasons—many tours fill up fast, especially private options.
To sum it up, Podgorica offers a surprisingly diverse selection of tours tailored to different interests. Whether you’re after a scenic boat ride, mountain hikes, cultural insights, or a full-day adventure, you’ll find something that fits. For a quick overview, the full-day Kotor and Skadar Lake is a popular choice for those eager to combine the coast with lakeside scenery. For the best value and local charm, the Skadar Lake sightseeing boat is hard to beat. Whatever your style, booking your tour early will ensure you don’t miss out on these memorable experiences in Montenegro’s fascinating capital region.