Every Balkan backpacker’s itinerary should include a stop in Budva, a stunning coastal city in Montenegro with warm, rocky beaches and turquoise waters. 2,500 years old, and one of the Adriatic’s first settlements along the coast, Budva, the “Miami of Montenegro” attracts tens of thousands of tourists each year, especially during the summer months. It is the best luxury Balkan city for lounging lazily all afternoon on the beach and enjoying the city’s opulent nightlife.
Montenegro’s compact size and even more compact cities make the country a Balkan backpacking favorite. Whether you’re going south to Albania, north to Croatia, or continuing your backpacking trip elsewhere, the 20-kilometer drive from Tivat Airport and proximity to other popular Balkan destinations make Budva an excellent place to start (or end) your trip.
Unlike its northern neighbour Kotor, many hostels in Budva are scarce and costly for the average backpacker. A quick search on popular accommodation booking websites reveals that finding cheap accommodation in Budva is difficult. Luckily, Hostel Geeks has compiled a list of the best hostels in Budva for social travellers looking for quality, cleanliness, and a welcoming environment.
Our favorite hostels in Budva are:
- Freedom Hostel - best for Backpackers
- High Hostel - best for Families
- Montenegro Hostel B&B Budva - best for Couples
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Freedom Hostel
2. High Hostel
3. Montenegro Hostel B&B Budva
With the increase in tourism in recent years, the Balkans are no longer the Adriatic’s hidden gem that they once were, so booking at least a few days in advance at popular hostels is essential if your trip falls between June and September. While it is still possible to find a bed simply by showing up, most hostel dorms fill up quickly, especially in coastal cities like Budva and Kotor, so plan ahead of time! Summer prices typically start around 20 euros and can drop by nearly half between late fall and early spring (if still open).
Fortunately, whether you book accommodation or not, the entire town of Budva is easily walkable, so you can complete all of your sightseeing in one day. Though not a backpacker favourite due to its touristy nature, many recommend spending no more than one day in the city. However, we strongly recommend staying for 2-3 days, preferably on a weekend, as this gives you enough time to see all of the main sights as well as any additional day tours in and around Budva without feeling rushed.
Many tourists flock to the city for its waters, but Budva, like many city center beaches, is no stranger to crowded, lawn-chair-filled shores. While the beaches near the Old Town, Mogren, Pizana, and Ricardova Glava, are pleasant enough, they draw large crowds during the summer months. Luckily, because Budva is on the coast, there are a plethora of less-crowded beaches to choose from. Jaz Beach is about a two-hour walk west of Old Town (or twelve minutes by taxi). This one-kilometer-long beach is nestled in front of a wild forest, with numerous restaurant and bar options. Visitors will be relieved to see that there is a beach outside of the city center that is still accessible to the average tourist who may or may not have a car.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
If you run out of things to do and beaches to swim in, try waking up early on one of your days in Budva and sail to Sveti Nikola Island, an island a kilometer away from the Old Town that has been dubbed “Hawaii” for its varying shades of bright blue waters that resemble its pacific comparison. Sveti Nikola Island is easy to reach from Budva, with roundtrip tickets to the island costing only five euros from Slovenska Plaza or the Old Town. The island has a native deer population that roams freely among tourists, in addition to its three beaches!
If you’re still keen on island hopping, a trip to Sveti Stefan, famously known for its pink sand beaches, is also an option. Don’t be intimidated by the 5-star, guests-only resort; Sveti Stefan Beach is open to the public. To get to Sveti Stefan from Budva, take a scenic, two-hour walk east from the Old Town along the coast. Alternatively, take the bus for 2 euros from the Budva bus station and arrive in thirty minutes to take the most stunning photos of your Montenegrin vacation.
If you happen to be in Budva in late August, try to catch the famous Sea Dance Festival, a summer music festival held every year on Buljarica Beach. Whether you’re staying overnight or just passing through, you’ll be among thousands of fans partying the night away along the Adriatic. If you want to pay reasonable prices, we recommend booking your preferred hostel ahead of time (or avoiding this weekend entirely).
What we cover in this article?
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Budva
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Budva cost 12€ – 25€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 21€ up to46€ per night. This is a rough average just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Safety: Budva is very safe to travel to, but at the same time, it never hurts to be prepared! So our advice is never leave your possessions unattended.
How many days is enough in Budva: One or two days is plenty if Budva is part of a larger itinerary. However, Budva is an excellent ‘home base’ if you want to explore the rest of Montenegro but want to stay in one place. And also, if you travel in summer and want to rest and swim, you can plan a more days for this town.
Can you drink tap water in Montenegro? Tap water is considered safe in Montenegro, so you can ease off on the bottled stuff.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
The 3 Best Hostels in Budva are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Budva.
- Freedom Hostel – best for Backpackers
- High Hostel – best for Families
- Montenegro Hostel B&B Budva – best for Couples
These are our favorite hostels in Budva. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. Freedom Hostel
2. High Hostel
3. Montenegro Hostel B&B Budva
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Freedom Hostel |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | High Hostel |
| 🎒 For Backpackers: | Freedom Hostel |
| 👩❤️👨Couple Hostel: | Montenegro Hostel B&B Budva |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | High Hostel |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Montenegro Hostel B&B Budva |
| 👫 For Socializing: | Freedom Hostel |
1. Freedom Hostel
The highest-rated hostel in Budva, Freedom Hostel, is the top choice for backpackers looking to party and explore all that the amazing city of Budva has to offer.
The Freedom Hostel, located in the heart of Budva’s Old Town, offers travelers everything they need to enjoy Montenegro’s most popular coastal city. With beaches Ricardova Glava and Pizana only a one-minute walk away, the area is great for water activities such as snorkeling and boat excursions, all of which can be booked with the hostel’s friendly staff. The hostel organizes trips, tours, and activities daily, so you’ll never be bored, no matter what day you arrive!
With the hostel’s sea view terrace and spacious common room where guests gather to play board games, music, and drinking activities, many visitors leave the hostel with new travel buddies. The hostel has two four-bed dormitories and two eight-bed dormitories, all of which are air-conditioned to keep you cool in the southern European heat. The hostel’s convenient location makes it easy to purchase food from one of Budva’s many restaurants and cafes or to reheat leftovers in the hostel’s well-equipped kitchen. Freedom Hostel is a haven for social butterflies looking to immerse themselves in Balkan culture while having a good time!
Location: Freedom Hostel is located in the very heart of Old Town Budva, center of cultural and historical part of the city, at loveliest old town square, steps away from best Mediterranean/traditional restaurants, coffees and beautiful Budva beaches, 1 minutes away by walk.
The best choice in Budva for
- Backpackers
- Solo Travellers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. High Hostel
Get ready for a leg day, because the hike to High Hostel will be the most strenuous workout of your trip!
High Hostel, as the name suggests, is a twenty-minute uphill walk west of the Old Town and overlooks the beautiful Mogren Beach. The secluded location of High Hostel is ideal for backpackers who want to grab a beer and spend the late evenings away from the tourist traps and rolling suitcases of the Old Town. Though the hostel is still walkable to the Old Town and its beaches, many visitors recommend taking a taxi for a few euros to make the way up less daunting.
The hostel’s cozy and laid-back environment brings backpackers together every day, with daily barbeques and nightly bonfires. Guests appreciate its beautiful balcony, family-styled common room, and charming outside patio, which is the perfect size to not feel like just another traveler passing through. High Hostel caters to everyone, with mixed dorms, double rooms, a family room, and an all-female dorm. This hostel is suitable for visitors who drive, as parking in the Old Town is extremely expensive. The intimate setting of High Hostel encourages bonding with other travelers while also “getting away” from the craziness of the city center.
Location High Hostel is located in Budva in the Budva County Region, 1.2 km from Budva Old Town. Free private parking is available on site.
A great choice for
- Families
- Female Solo Travellers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Montenegro Hostel B&B Budva
Montenegro Hostel B&B Budva, the city’s very first hostel, is also located in the Old Town.
Opened in 2008, this traditional stone-styled Balkan home has four 6-8 person dorms. Montenegro Hostel B&B Budva is an excellent choice for mature, budget-conscious backpackers who still want minute access to the nearby beaches, pubs, and nightclubs. The hostel’s friendly and knowledgeable staff, and welcoming atmosphere, are continuously praised by guests. Montenegro Hostel B&B Budva is best suited for those who prefer to plan their afternoons and nights out while still getting a good night’s sleep away from the chaos of a typical hostel.
The hostel offers daily excursions and tours in Montenegro and its neighboring countries, allowing you a calm and stress-free stay. Those seeking a more relaxing living space will feel right at home at the cozy Montenegro Hostel B&B Budva. Visitors will appreciate the nearby shops and eateries for recharging and refueling before continuing their treks in Budva and beyond. Montenegro Hostel B&B is a great place to begin your well-deserved trip to Budva!
Location: Montenegro Hostel B&B Budva is located in the middle of the old town of Budva, 50 meters far away from the beach.
This is one of the best hostels in Budva for
- Digital Nomads
- Couples
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Budva for Solo Travelers?
What is seriously the best hostel in Budva for solo-travelers?
The best hostel in Budva for solo-travelers is Freedom Hostel. This is relaxing, chill out and fun hostel with warm and welcoming atmosphere. You will feel home and taken care of from the first moment you step inside this little treasure house. They have super comfortable beds with brand new matresses, courtains, light & electricity for more privacy on every bed, big lockers, very clean and well equiped kitchen and cozy common area. And they also have the best balcony ever with an amazing sea view to hang out!
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
What about the cheapest hostels in Budva?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Budva.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Budva
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.
It is completely free to join!
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Budva best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
Need an eSIM Card for Budva?
Get your eSIM Card with Airalo.com instantly online. It is easy to set up and cheap! Read our review of Airalo here.
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Our Favorite Hostels in Budva put on a map + sights
Let us have a look at the map. Below, we list all three best Budva hostels on a map.
Personally, we love to plan our trips with a map having all sights and potential hostels on it. We thought this map will help you with planning your trip too.
In Budva we absolutely enjoyed:
- Budva Old Town
- Podmaine Monastery
- Mogren beach
- Saint Ivan Church
- Sveti Stefan
- Museum of the City of Budva
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FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
Any questions about hostels in Budva?
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Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
Flights to Budva?
You cannot fly directly to Budva. You can fly to Tivat (TIV) (25 km from Budva). From there you can rent a car or get a taxi. Other nearby airports are Podgorica Golubovci (TGD) (64 km) and Dubrovnik (DBV) (92 km).
Actually, most backpackers travel by bus through Montenegro. Or better to say, along the coastline. It is very easy and cheap.
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
More handmade Guides for you
We’ve gone one step further and created these awesome guides to nearby destinations to Budva:
- best hostels In Kotor, Montenegro
- best hostels in Dubrovnik, Croatia
- best hostels in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- best hostels in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- best hostels in Tirana, Albania
- best hostels in Albania
- best hostels in Macedonia
- best hostels in Skopje, Macedonia
Over to you
Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!
Your question will help us to improve this Budva guide.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
