travel > Travel Story > Europe > Montenegro > Montenegro shopping guide - where to shop and what to buy

Montenegro shopping guide - where to shop and what to buy

TIME : 2016/2/24 9:48:31

Montenegro is not renowned for its shopping experience but there are a few local products that make good gifts to bring home including a bottle of velvety red Vranac wine. Browse the local open-air markets for fresh produce and great souvenirs unique to Montenegro. 

Most clothes and shoes in Montenegro are imported but there are a number of quirky boutiques that sell local designers. Prices tend to be a little more but you are paying for quality and a unique flair (and of course supporting the local talent). As well as food, local markets also sell household items and cheap clothes. For jewelry and art galleries, Herceg Novi's old town is worth exploring.

 

Budva

 

In Budva's Old Town there are a variety of good boutiques offering a wide range of clothes in different styles and colors. Nearby are stores selling perfume, jewelry and books. The waterfront walkway along the beach or the main promenade is also a popular shopping area. There is also the summer bazaar next to Budva's promenade where you can find various clothes and beach items. It's a great place to pick up a Montenegrin souvenir.

 

Kotor

 

In Kotor you are spoilt for choice when it comes to unique boutiques and craft shops and welcoming cafes to rest your weary legs. Most of Kotor's speciality shops and boutiques are in the Old Town and the clothes are mostly Italian fashion designers. There are also a number of souvenir shops, stores selling books, jewelry and antiques and hair and beauty salons. Across Kotor harbor is the bazaar, which sells mostly fruits and vegetables. It takes place every morning except Sunday and is filled with colorful local produce. There is also a big department store and a number of supermarkets.

 

Podgorica

 

People in Podgorica are into their fashion so there are lots of boutiques selling clothes and shoes by well-known designers. There are also two big shopping malls - the Mall of Montenegro and Delta City. The former has a covered market and a Ramada Hotel within its complex and houses well-known brands like Levi and Office as well as a bowling alley, fast food court and children's playground. Delta City is the bigger mall with prominent stores like Nike, Zara and Marks & Spencer. If you're planning a skiing trip in the north, Podgorica is a good place to find modern ski gear. There are two popular markets in Podgorica too.

 

Bar

 

As Bar is an important harbour in Montenegro its shops are the largest along the coast. Head to the center for shops selling clothes, footwear and sports equipment. The wide boulevards have shops with the top designers from Europe and other parts of the world. If you like Italian designers, Bar will offer you all the best fashion clothing that can be found in Milan and Rome. The owners use liners to go to Italian cities such as Bari and Ancona to make sure they are the first to stock up the latest designs. Bar has a wide selection of swim wear making it popular in the summer season, but souvenirs, jewelry and toys are also readily available.

 

Shopping tips

 

The shops are usually open Monday to Friday 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 9pm and 8am to 3pm on Saturdays, although in the touristy areas many shops will stay open as late as midnight in the high season. Grocery stores open as early as 6am. Credit cards are widely accepted but cash may be necessary for some payments. The currency is the Euro.