A Firsthand Guide to Budva Old Town, Montenegro
A slow last day in Budva. Exploring the 2,500-year-old old town, climbing the Venetian walls, carbonara at La Mia Pasta, dinner at Vista with views across the bay, and fireworks we didn’t see coming.
Discover our favorite European travel experiences, historic landmarks, and hidden corners. From the bustling streets of world-class cities to quiet coastal villages, these guides feature the exact sights and memories we collected across our journeys through Europe.
A slow last day in Budva. Exploring the 2,500-year-old old town, climbing the Venetian walls, carbonara at La Mia Pasta, dinner at Vista with views across the bay, and fireworks we didn’t see coming.
From the heights of the 1350 bar to the quiet chapel of Our Lady of the Rocks, our day exploring the Bay of Kotor took us through mountain passes, hairpin bends, and centuries of history. Perast, cats, and a miraculous island built by hand.
Our most recent trip to the Middle East, Southeastern Europe, Eurasia, and Western Asia started in Paris, France. Basically we used it as a stopover to get over our jetlag, and to explore parts of Paris we hadn’t had time to see the first time we were there. On our list was the 18th arrondissement,…
“Paris is always a good idea.” is one of my favorite quotes from the indomitable Audrey Hepburn, making her case for traveling to Paris, and this year, we put that theory to the test in a big way. We embarked on our largest journey yet: three continents, thirteen countries, ninety-two days, all starting in Paris….
A rainy drive led us to Montenegro’s glamorous Sveti Stefan island, a secret mountain church with stunning views, and a historic downpour in Bar. We found a perfect €8 lunch but are still searching for a great dinner in Budva.
Our day in Budva moved from chaotic traffic to serene discovery. We wandered the historic Old Town, found a beloved local bar, and ended with wine on a deck overlooking it all, piecing together the city’s layered charm.
Our trip from Dubrovnik to Budva delivered smooth borders, gorgeous Adriatic scenery, a helpful tourist tax lesson, unexpected scooter stress, and a hilltop condo with a stunning sea view.
Wine windows, or buchette del vino, are one of Florence’s most enchanting traditions. Once used by noble families to sell wine, these tiny doors became vital during plagues and are now revived for coffee, gelato, and wine. In 2022, we enjoyed a glass through one while people watching in Florence.
From the medieval village of Počitelj to the famous Stari Most in Mostar, and finally the serene Blagaj Monastery, our day trip from Dubrovnik was filled with history, stunning views, and a few surprises. We returned with full hearts, tired feet, and one last gelato to celebrate.
We spent the day walking the Dubrovnik walls, soaking up centuries of history, and visiting Rector’s Palace before capping it all off with sunset dining at Panorama Restaurant high above the Old Town. From rooftops rebuilt after war to sweeping Adriatic views, Dubrovnik delivered both perspective and wonder.
Dubrovnik is magical at sunrise. I wandered its historic streets, photographing landmarks like Onofrio’s Fountain, the Jesuit Steps, and the Rector’s Palace before the city woke. Later, Ron and I joined a walking tour, dined on sushi, and ended the evening with wine and laughter, welcoming family into this walled wonder.
After years of dreaming, we finally arrived in Dubrovnik. The towering walls left us in awe, the food and wine blew us away, and our apartment deck overlooking Old Town felt magical. From pašticada at Carmen Trattoria to late-night glasses of wine, Dubrovnik instantly stole a piece of our hearts.