Things to Do in Clock Tower (Sahat Kula)

Podgorica might not be the first Montenegrin city that comes to mind when planning a Balkans adventure, but this capital has a quiet charm that grows on you. The Clock Tower (Sahat Kula) stands as one of the city's most recognizable Ottoman-era landmarks, a weathered stone sentinel that's witnessed centuries of change in this crossroads city. Built in the 17th century, it's one of the few structures that survived the heavy bombing during World War II, making it a tangible link to Podgorica's layered past. The tower sits in the old town area, where you'll find yourself wandering through a mix of Ottoman remnants, Yugoslav-era architecture, and modern developments. It's the kind of place where you might stumble across a traditional coffee house next to a sleek shopping center, giving you a genuine sense of how Montenegro has evolved. The city tends to be overlooked by travelers rushing between the coast and the mountains, but that actually works in its favor - you get an authentic slice of Montenegrin urban life without the tourist crowds.

Podgorica's dining scene is refreshingly unpretentious, with a good mix of traditional Montenegrin restaurants and international options. You'll find the best local food in the old town area near the Clock Tower, where family-run establishments serve hearty mountain dishes like lamb under the bell (ispod sača) and fresh river trout. The city center has several excellent pizza places - for whatever reason, Montenegrins have mastered Italian-style pizza. Don't miss trying the local wines, particularly the reds from the Plantaže winery. Prices are very reasonable compared to the coast, with good meals available for €10-20 per person including wine.

Late spring through early fall (May to October) offers the most pleasant weather for walking around the Clock Tower area and exploring the city. Summers can get quite hot since Podgorica sits in a valley, but the dry heat is manageable and most restaurants have shaded terraces. Winter might actually be underrated - the city takes on a different character and you'll have attractions to yourself, though some rural day trip options become less accessible. If you're using Podgorica as a base for exploring Montenegro, late spring and early fall offer the best combination of good weather and fewer crowds at nearby attractions.