Where to Stay in Budva 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Budva is Montenegro's tourism capital - a beautiful medieval old town backed by dramatic mountains and fronted by the Adriatic. The 'Budva Riviera' stretches from the party town center to the iconic Sveti Stefan island. July-August brings massive crowds from Serbia and Russia; shoulder seasons reveal a more charming destination.
Editor's Pick for First-Timers
Slovenska Beach / Old Town
Best of both worlds - walking distance to the historic Old Town and steps from the main beach. All restaurants, bars, and activities accessible on foot. The central location lets you explore the entire riviera by bus or taxi.
Stari Grad (Old Town)
Slovenska Beach
Bečići
Sveti Stefan
Petrovac
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • July-August is extremely crowded and expensive - seriously consider shoulder seasons
- • Some older Soviet-era buildings are being marketed as 'apartments' - check photos carefully
- • Nightclub noise can be intense in central Budva until 5am in summer
- • Beach loungers at popular spots can cost €30-50/day in high season
Understanding Budva Geography
Budva sits on a small peninsula with the medieval Old Town at its tip. The main Slovenska Beach runs along the town. The Budva Riviera continues south through Bečići, Rafailovići, and the iconic Sveti Stefan island to Petrovac. Mountains rise dramatically behind. Coastal buses connect all points.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Budva
Stari Grad (Old Town)
Best for: Medieval walls, cobblestone streets, citadel, boutique atmosphere
"Tiny walled medieval town with Venetian architecture and Adriatic views"
Pros
- Historic atmosphere
- Beautiful architecture
- Great restaurants
Cons
- Crowded in summer
- No big beach
- Tourist prices
Slovenska Beach Area
Best for: Main beach, promenade, restaurants, central location, nightlife
"Main tourist strip with long beach, promenade, and party atmosphere"
Pros
- Central location
- Long beach
- Most amenities
- Nightlife access
Cons
- Crowded beach
- Noisy in summer
- Tourist prices
Bečići
Best for: Best beach, family resorts, calmer than Budva, water sports
"Quieter resort zone with Montenegro's best sandy beach"
Pros
- Best beach
- Family-friendly
- Quality resorts
- Quieter than Budva
Cons
- 2km from Budva
- Less nightlife
- Resort atmosphere
Sveti Stefan Area
Best for: Iconic island, luxury resort, beautiful beach, photography
"Iconic postcard island village turned ultra-luxury resort"
Pros
- Most scenic spot
- Luxury resort
- Beautiful beaches
- Instagram-perfect
Cons
- Very expensive
- Public beach crowded
- 5km from Budva
Petrovac
Best for: Family-friendly, peaceful, local feel, beautiful coves, pine trees
"Quieter family resort town with pine-backed beach and local character"
Pros
- Family-friendly
- Less crowded
- Beautiful setting
- Better value
Cons
- 17km from Budva
- Limited nightlife
- Smaller beach
Accommodation Budget in Budva
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
€ Best Budget Hotels
Freedom Hostel
Budva Town
Social hostel near the Old Town with pool, bar, and organized trips. Best backpacker option on the Montenegrin coast.
Guest House Bonaca
Bečići
Family-run guesthouse with excellent breakfast, beach proximity, and warm Montenegrin hospitality.
€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels
Hotel & Casino & Spa & Wellness Budva
Bečići
Modern beachfront resort with pool, spa, casino, and excellent beach access. Good mid-range choice for families.
Hotel Avala Resort & Villas
Stari Grad
Beachfront hotel at the edge of Old Town with pools, spa, and private beach. Best location combining history and beach.
Villa Montenegro
Sveti Stefan Area
Elegant villa hotel with sea views, pool, and intimate atmosphere. Accessible luxury near Sveti Stefan.
Hotel Palas
Petrovac
Beachfront hotel in quiet Petrovac with excellent restaurant and family-friendly atmosphere.
€€€ Best Luxury Hotels
Dukley Hotel & Resort
Zavala Peninsula
Contemporary luxury resort on private peninsula with marina, beach club, and upscale restaurants.
Aman Sveti Stefan
Sveti Stefan
The entire island village converted into one ultra-luxury resort. Montenegro's most exclusive address with Aman's signature service.
Smart Booking Tips for Budva
- 1 Book 2-3 months ahead for July-August; shoulder seasons much easier
- 2 May-June and September offer best value with good weather and fewer crowds
- 3 Many apartments offer better value than hotels - great for families
- 4 Day trips to Kotor (30 min), Dubrovnik (90 min), and Skadar Lake highly recommended
- 5 The Sea Dance music festival (August) books out everything - plan around it
- 6 Rent a car for day trips - public transport is limited
Why you can trust this guide
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
Ready to Visit Budva?
Book your flights, accommodation, and activities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Budva?
How much does a hotel cost in Budva?
What are the main neighborhoods to stay in Budva?
Are there areas to avoid in Budva?
When should I book a hotel in Budva?
More Budva Guides
Weather
Historical climate averages to help you pick the best time to visit
Best Time to Visit
Month-by-month weather and seasonal tips
Things to Do
Top attractions and hidden gems
Itineraries
Coming soon
Overview
Complete travel guide for Budva: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.