Montenegro is a stunning Balkan country featuring dramatic Adriatic coastline, medieval towns, and rugged mountains. From the UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor to the beaches of Budva, Montenegro offers remarkable natural beauty and rich cultural heritage in a compact, accessible destination.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Njeguški Pršut (Smoked Ham)
Traditional dry-cured smoked ham from Njeguši village, one of Montenegro's most prized products. Sold vacuum-packed for travel at markets and specialty shops.
Price: $10-30
Where: Njeguši village farms, Kotor markets, Budva specialty shops
Njeguški Sir (Cheese)
Hard mountain cheese from Njeguši, traditionally smoked and aged. Rich flavour unique to the Lovćen highlands.
Price: $6-15
Where: Njeguši village, Kotor Old Town shops, Green Market Podgorica
Loza (Grape Rakija)
Montenegro's signature grape brandy, produced across the country and ranging from home-made to aged premium bottles. Best purchased direct from producers.
Price: $5-25
Where: Virpazar wine shops, Podgorica supermarkets, Kotor souvenir stalls
Vranac Red Wine
Indigenous Montenegrin red grape variety producing bold, dark wines. Top producers include Plantaže and Šekularac near Lake Skadar.
Price: $6-20
Where: Virpazar winery shops, Podgorica wine stores, Porto Montenegro boutiques
Lacework (Kotor čipka)
Delicate hand-made lace unique to the Bay of Kotor region, with centuries of tradition. Tablecloths, doilies, and decorative pieces.
Price: $15-80
Where: Kotor Old Town craft stalls, Perast souvenir shops
Olive Wood Products
Hand-carved bowls, boards, and utensils from Montenegrin olive trees, especially from Luštica Peninsula. Each piece has unique grain patterns.
Price: $10-50
Where: Herceg Novi craft shops, coastal market stalls
Traditional Embroidered Textiles
Handwoven table runners, wall hangings, and clothing with traditional Montenegrin geometric patterns in earthy tones.
Price: $12-60
Where: Cetinje craft shops, Podgorica central market
Wild Herb Teas & Honey
Mountain herbs (sage, chamomile, mountain savory) and raw honey from Durmitor highland beekeepers. Fragrant and authentic souvenirs.
Price: $4-15
Where: Žabljak local stalls, health food shops in Podgorica
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Zelena Pijaca (Green Market) Budva
Lively outdoor market selling fresh local produce, cheeses, cured meats, honey, and wild herbs. Great place to sample Montenegrin food culture and buy local souvenirs at fair prices.
Where: Trg Slobode, Budva
Hours: 6AM-1PM daily
Stara Tržnica (Old Market) Podgorica
The oldest market in the capital in the Ottoman old quarter. Traders sell seasonal vegetables, fruit, artisan cheeses, homemade spirits, and traditional handicrafts.
Where: Stara Varoš, Podgorica
Hours: 7AM-3PM Mon-Sat
Kotor Market
Small but lively market just outside the northern gate of Kotor's old town. Fresh fish from the bay, local cheese, olives, and seasonal produce available at very reasonable prices.
Where: Outside Kotor Old Town walls (Novi Grad)
Hours: 7AM-2PM daily
Virpazar Wine & Produce Market
Informal market at the Lake Skadar gateway village where local wine producers and farmers sell directly. Excellent Vranac wines, lake fish, and smoked products.
Where: Virpazar harbour, Lake Skadar
Hours: 8AM-2PM Sat-Sun (seasonal)
Herceg Novi Daily Market
Fresh fruit and vegetables, citrus, figs, and subtropical produce reflecting Herceg Novi's mild climate. Good spot for fresh mandarins in autumn and spring flowers.
Where: Đenovića, Herceg Novi
Hours: 6AM-1PM daily
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Kotor Old Town
The medieval walled city offers the best selection of authentic Montenegrin crafts, lace, ceramics, and local food products. Dozens of small shops fill the stone alleys with quality souvenirs.
Best for: lace, ceramics, food souvenirs
Porto Montenegro, Tivat
Upscale waterfront promenade in the superyacht marina featuring designer boutiques, jewellery, nautical clothing, and high-end gifts. Montenegro's closest thing to a luxury shopping street.
Best for: designer goods, nautical items, jewellery
Slovenska Beach Strip, Budva
The main commercial drag parallel to Budva's main beach lined with souvenir shops, clothing stores, and swimwear boutiques. Great for beach gear and mainstream souvenirs.
Best for: swimwear, casual clothing, souvenir items
Bulevar Svetog Petra Cetinjskog, Podgorica
Podgorica's main commercial boulevard with a mix of local and international chain stores, banks, and cafes. Good for everyday shopping and modern fashion.
Best for: fashion, electronics, everyday goods
Ulcinj Bazaar
The old bazaar area of Ulcinj retains traces of its Ottoman trading past with small stalls selling spices, textiles, traditional silverwork, and handmade goods.
Best for: spices, silver jewellery, traditional items
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Delta City Podgorica
Montenegro's largest shopping centre in the capital with over 100 stores including Zara, H&M, and local brands. Food court, cinema, and entertainment facilities make it a full-day destination.
Hours: 10AM-10PM daily
Mall of Montenegro, Podgorica
Modern multi-level mall near the city centre featuring fashion chains, electronics, sports stores, and a large supermarket. Convenient for families and those seeking international brands.
Hours: 10AM-9PM daily
Bazar Shopping Center, Budva
Coastal shopping centre in Montenegro's tourist capital offering a mix of fashion, sportswear, souvenirs, and a supermarket. Convenient location near the beach and old town.
Hours: 9AM-9PM daily
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Fixed prices are standard in shops and supermarkets - do not bargain in retail stores
At outdoor markets (pijaca) there may be slight flexibility if buying in bulk - always polite and respectful
Private apartment and room rentals often have negotiable prices especially for longer stays
Taxi fares can sometimes be negotiated for long journeys - agree price before entering
Artisan craft makers at festivals may reduce prices slightly on high-value pieces
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Antiques and items of cultural heritage require export permits; contact the Ministry of Culture. Living plants may not be imported/exported without phytosanitary certificate.
Tax Refund: Montenegro is not EU so EU VAT reclaim does not apply. Some larger stores offer their own refund schemes - ask at point of purchase.
Duty Free: Personal allowances on entry: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, 1 litre spirits, 2 litres wine. Excess must be declared.
Shipping: International parcel services available at post offices (Pošta Crne Gore). DHL and FedEx operate in Podgorica for expedited shipping.