10 best neighborhoods to live in Budva, Montenegro according to expats
Journalist and music critic
Budva is one of the most attractive cities in Montenegro for living and leisure. But which district of Montenegro's resort capital suits you best? Every corner of this Adriatic gem has its own character: the Old Town immerses you in a medieval atmosphere, reflecting the Venetian heritage with its narrow streets and ancient stone buildings, modern neighborhoods attract with their comfortable infrastructure, the Yugoslav-era housing stock offers solid construction and local charm, while coastal districts provide unforgettable views of the sea and mountains.
After reading this article, you will learn how Budva’s districts differ, which are best for families with children, which suit young active people, and which are perfect for those seeking solitude. We will cover such key areas as Old Budva, Becici, Old Bakery, TQ Plaza, and other notable spots known for their infrastructure and level of comfort.
This article will be useful for those planning to move to Budva, as well as for anyone wishing to better understand local specifics before buying property or renting an apartment. Read on to discover which district will become the ideal place for your future home!
Contents:
Features of Budva’s districts
1. Old Town and Gospostina (Stari Grad, Gospostina)
2. Lazi
3. Old Bakery and Bijeli Do (Stara Pekara, Bijeli do)
4. TQ Plaza and Center (Centar)
5. Babin Do
6. Podkošljun
7. Velji Vinogradi
8. Maini
9. Podmaine
10. Becici
Tip: where is the best place to live in Budva
Map of Budva districts
Features of Budva’s districts
Budva is one of Montenegro’s most famous resort towns, located on the Adriatic coast. It is not only a tourist center but also a living community where history, culture, and modern life merge. It is often referred to as the tourist capital of the whole country.
This resort spot stands out for its dynamic lifestyle. While towns like Kotor and Herceg Novi preserve a more traditional, calm character, Budva offers a wide variety of entertainment and activities. Here you can find vibrant nightlife, large festivals, carnivals, as well as a wide selection of shops and restaurants. This liveliness and richness make Budva a unique community, offering residents and visitors a special atmosphere full of energy, youth, and celebration.
1. Old Town and Gospostina (Stari Grad, Gospostina)
The Old Town, founded more than 2,500 years ago, is Budva’s cultural and historical core. Walking through these narrow streets, bearing traces of different civilizations, one inevitably feels the breath of history. It’s hard not to admire the fortress walls or the beauty of ancient churches!
But what is everyday life like here?
Nikolai, who lives there and runs a small bar near the bell tower, shares:
“In the Old Town, aesthetics matter more than comfort. The atmosphere here is unique, and that’s what makes it special.
In winter, it’s rainy and cold, with mold and few people. In summer, huge crowds of tourists, noise, and very high prices.
Parking is limited and paid, cars can’t enter the Old Town. Only a small store and one pharmacy exist, supermarkets are 10 minutes away. Infrastructure is mostly tourist-oriented and more expensive than in residential areas.”
Gospostina, right next to the Old Town, offers more comfort: supermarkets, parking, and varied housing — from old stock to new luxury complexes.
2. Lazi
Lazi is a modern, peaceful, and developing area with greenery and cozy yards. Perfect for families and those who want quiet living.
Oksana (instagram.com/okszavarka):
“It’s quiet, safe, beautiful, with views of the sea and mountains. Few tourists. Sometimes water shortages, but rare for us.
Main issue: transport. Taxis don’t always come in rainy weather because of slippery hills.
Nearby is a big hypermarket. But with kids it’s inconvenient — schools and activities are far.
Big plus: apartment prices are lower than in town.”
3. Old Bakery and Bijeli Do (Stara Pekara, Bijeli do)
Old Bakery is a modern residential complex, named after the bakery once located there. It has underground parking and is popular with newcomers.
Lilia Bulanova lives there:
“I’m very satisfied: near work, closed territory, mountain and sea views, parking, and a hypermarket on the ground floor.
Downside: in summer, garbage collection can’t keep up. Not ideal for families with small kids — no playgrounds. But for me, it’s a plus.”
Bijeli Do, located uphill, is one of Budva’s oldest areas. Once a place of family estates, now it combines tradition with new housing.
4. TQ Plaza and Center
The Center is Budva’s busy heart, full of shops, markets, and offices. Housing options vary from modern apartments to old blocks. Everything is nearby, but it’s noisy in season.
Vladislav Somov (facebook.com/vladislav.somov):
“TQ Plaza is almost perfect! Close to the sea, has a store indoors, market nearby, and underground parking.
Minor issues: disco echoes at night, AC noise. Prices are high.”
5. Babin Do
Babin Do is a hillside residential area with sea and mountain views. More secluded than tourist zones.
Yaroslav (instagram.com/yariki.tiki.tavi):
“Quiet and peaceful, but climbing hills daily is tough. Neighbors are great — but always invite for coffee and rakija!
Drawbacks: dense buildings, hard for families with strollers.”
6. Podkošljun
Podkošljun combines modern complexes, hotels, and houses. Good for families and expats.
Maria Magilevskaya (instagram.com/merry.mag):
“Comfortable area, playgrounds, school nearby, safe streets, shops, 10 minutes to the sea. But parking is a big problem.”
7. Velji Vinogradi
Velji Vinogradi balances city life with quiet living, located in a flat area.
Evgenia Goldobina (instagram.com/ya_enya_gold):
“Flat terrain, beach across the road, quiet most of the year. Only July–August is noisy with young tourists.
Great for families, everything nearby. Garbage handling could be better.”
8. Maini
Maini is cozy yet lively, with shops, cafes, and schools nearby.
Ruslan:
“Best district in Budva. 10–15 min to promenade. Shops, cafes, even quiet. Only issue: parking canal floods in winter. Streets need names.”
9. Podmaine
Podmaine is a quiet area near the monastery, with greenery and hills. It feels like a friendly village.
Sergey:
“Feels remote, neighbors are friendly, nature and monastery nearby. Few tourists. In bad weather, water flows from the hill and cars skid.”
10. Becici
Becici is technically a suburb of Budva, but it’s a full resort on its own with sandy beaches.
Aleksei Charakhchyan (instagram.com/araukrota):
“Sometimes cows walk the streets — gives authentic charm. There’s a spring, waterfall, shops, and a crowded beach. Neighbors are quiet, but tourists are many. Needs an updated aquapark and a 24/7 store open even on Sundays.”
Tip: where is the best place to live in Budva
Budva is universal: it offers something for everyone. Want luxury? Choose TQ Plaza or Dukley in Becici. Prefer quiet hills with views? Options are there too. Love history? The Old Town has its charm. Each district has unique energy.
That’s what makes Montenegro’s tourist capital so diverse — and always beautiful!
Looking for a home in Budva? Try our professional real estate search service — nepokretnost.me.
Your ideal home is waiting for you!
Map of Budva districts
Here is a map with all the districts mentioned in the article.
Journalist and music critic