Shopping in Montenegro is a slightly different experience than many other sun, sea and sand destinations. You’ll find a refreshingly ambivalent attitude to rampant global consumerism, especially in the local open-air markets where Montenegrins do their regular shopping. The stalls set up at sunrise and stay open until early afternoon, with displays of everything from inexpensive clothing, footwear and accessories to local olive oils, olives and other natural produce such as cured ham and fruit a delight to see and buy.
The Old Town districts in Budva and Kotor are the places for upscale and everyday boutiques offering local and internationally known designer brands side–by-side with their counterfeits. Podgerica shoppers have their own mall, Delta City, crammed with local entrepreneurs as well as Mike, Zara, Marks and Spencer and other retail giants. It’s a convenient concept, but can’t match the charm or the prices in the country’s open-air markets and each town hosts its own specialties.
Favorite souvenirs in Montenegro include the beautifully hand-crafted silver and gold filigree jewelry, hand-carved wood images and home décor crafts, and leather goods like shoes and purses. Traditional art includes embroidery, metalwork, lace-making, crochet, and traditional musical instruments. The late 20th and early 21st century upheavals resulted in many craftsmen leaving for safer havens, with efforts now being made to entice ethnic artists back home. A number of small galleries in the capital and resorts offer a good choice of paintings and sculptures.