Nikšić

Nikšić is the second largest city in Montenegro. In Nikšić proper there are a few sites to see but most of the really interesting places are located on the way to or from the city (such as the Ostrog Monastery). == Understand == Nikšić is a quiet, low-key industrial town that will hardly be on any visitor's itinerary, unless one happens to know someone living or have business matters there. However, it can make for a pleasant stop-over for a day, especially when coming from the very touristy coast further south. Have lunch at one of the restaurants at the main town square, and watch locals chatting the day away while enjoying Nikšićko beer. Free maps of the city, containing a lot of useful information, are available at the entrance of the bus station. == Get in == === By bus === 1 Bus station (Autobuska stanica), Gojka Garčevića bb (5 minutes walk from the city centre, adjacent to the train station), ☏ +382 40 213 018. Buses to Kotor (2 h to 3 h, depending on route), Podgorica (1 h), Žabljak (1 h 30 min) and other destinations. Quite small considering the city's size. Has free toilets, kiosks to buy snacks and two fast food places. Staff can speak enough English to sell tickets and advise on schedules. (updated Aug 2022) === By train === 2 Train station (Željeznička stanica), Stojana Kovačevića bb (5 minutes walk from the city centre, adjacent to the bus station), ☏ +382 40 211 912. Five trains per day go to Podgorica, leaving at 06:20/10:40/14:15/17:00/20:00 and taking slightly over one hour; there are 10 intermediate stops. A second class ticket costs €2.80, first class €4.20. The timetable is also available on the railway operator's website. (updated Aug 2022) == Get around == === On foot === The city centre is small and most points of interest are close by. === By taxi === If you don't have your own transport and want to visit Krupačko Jezero or other places far from the centre, taxis are available. It's unlikely that drivers speak English. AS Taxi, ☏ +382 67 336 919. Lucky Taxi, ☏ +382 69 072 888. Lux Taxi, ☏ +382 69 670 660. M Taxi, ☏ +382 69 703 701. Maestro Taxi, ☏ +382 19500. Maxi Taxi, ☏ +382 40 200 300. Quick Taxi, ☏ +382 69 477 774. Top Taxi, ☏ +382 69 300 555. Taxi Taxi, ☏ +382 19720. == See == 1 Carev Most (5 km south of the city centre). Carev Most, which translates to "The Tsar's bridge", is a 269 metre-long stone bridge, built in 1896. It was partially funded by Russian Tsar Alexander III, which is why Nikola I, then ruler of Montenegro, proposed to name the structure after him. 2 Most na Moštanici (6 km west of the city centre). Montenegro's last bridge remaining from Roman times, built in the III century and protected since 1947. Pedestrians only. 3 Bedem Fortress (North of the train station). Remnants of a Roman fortress from the IV century. The site as well as its car park receive little care and are full of trash, but after climbing few steps you are at least able to get a good view over the city. (updated Aug 2022) 4 St Basil of Ostrog's Cathedral (10 minutes walk southeast of the city centre). A large Serbian-orthodox cathedral on a pine tree hill, designed by a Russian architect and built between 1895 and 1900. 5 Spomenik Palim Borcima U Drugom Svjetskom Ratu (15 minutes walk southeast of the city centre). This concrete monument from the Yugoslavian era, erected in 1987 to honour the fallen fighters of WWII, is in fairly good condition and a must-see for fans of brutalism. (updated Aug 2022) 6 Ostrog Monastery (15 km south-east on the road to the capital Podgorica/8 km from the village of Bogetići). Ostrog Monastery, especially Upper Ostrog is one of the most popular religious touristic destinations in Montenegro. Built in the XVII century. == Do == Football: FK Sutjeska Nikšić play soccer in First League, the top tier. Their City Stadium (capacity 5200) is 1 km north of city centre. 1 Krupačko Jezero (6 km northwest of the city centre). An artificial lake, popular with locals for swimming and sunbathing. Features a restaurant, café (both open in summer only), and playgrounds for kids. 2 Trebjesa Forest Park (10 minutes walk southeast of the city centre). If all you're craving for is a literal walk in the park, look no further. During weekdays, the park might be devoid of people, aside from the odd jogger. One of the city's better hotels, Hotel Trebjesa, is located on the eponymous hill. == Buy == Around the city centre, there are a few clothing shops and – strangely – not less than six or seven shops selling only sneakers. A somewhat bigger congregation of different stores can be found in a small 1 shopping centre next to the main square. == Eat == === Budget === ==== Farmer's market ==== 1 Gradska Pijaca (behind the shopping centre). Fruits and veggies abound – as long as you come in the morning. ==== Supermarkets ==== 2 iDEA, Gojka Garčevića bb (opposite of the bus station). M–Sa 07:00–22:00. Good selection of usual groceries, including a number of Italian and Croatian imports. === Mid-range === 3 Galerija, Njegoševa. Daily 08:00–23:00. Restaurant with a large menu including pizza, pasta, risotto, grilled meat, seafood and other (fast) food popular in Montenegro. Menu features English translations, and staff speaks decent English. === Splurge === == Drink == One of the most popular beers in Montenegro, Nikšićko beer, is brewed in Nikšić. It can be a good choice compared to more expensive imported beers. Around the city centre, you can find many shabby-looking bars that seem to be popular with elderly local residents. == Sleep == == Connect == Most restaurants offer free WiFi for patrons. == Go next == Kotor is one of the country's most famous destinations; getting there takes two hours by road. Podgorica, Montenegro's capital, is mostly modern but with a small old quarter. Trebinje in Herzegovina is just an hour away, across the border.