Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Podgorica

Accommodation

$12-35 per night

Dorm beds in hostels, budget guesthouses, or basic private rooms with shared facilities

Food & Dining

$8-20 per day

Local bakeries, street food, traditional burek stands, grocery shopping, and occasional casual restaurants

Transportation

$2-8 per day

City buses, walking, occasional shared taxis for longer distances

Activities

$5-20 per day

Free walking tours, public parks, free museums on certain days, hiking trails, window shopping

Shop at local markets and grocery stores instead of tourist-oriented shops for 40-60% savings on food and snacks

Use city buses consistently instead of taxis - typically costs 80-90% less for daily transportation

Visit museums and attractions on free or discounted days, usually saving 50-100% on entry fees

Eat lunch at traditional local restaurants rather than dinner, as lunch menus are typically 30-50% cheaper

Book accommodation outside the immediate city center for 25-40% savings while still maintaining easy access

Take advantage of free walking areas like parks and riverside walks instead of paid entertainment

Buy groceries and prepare some meals yourself if staying in places with kitchen facilities

Relying solely on taxis instead of learning the bus system, which can triple your transportation costs

Eating exclusively in tourist-heavy areas where prices are typically 100-200% higher than local neighborhoods

Not researching free activities and museum days, missing opportunities to save 50-100% on entertainment costs

Booking accommodation at the last minute during peak seasons, often resulting in 40-80% higher rates