The Ultimate Guide to Kotor (2024)

Gareth Popovic

If you’re thinking of visiting Montenegro and you want to see the sights, Kotor is certainly a town that should be at the top of your list. In the last decade, it has gained a well-earned reputation as a tourist hot spot but is it worth the visit? Well, this guide to Kotor should provide you all you need to know about this wonderful town and why it is a must-go if you are in Montenegro.

Its name likely comes from the ancient Greek word “katareo”, which means “rocky”. The town is situated at the base of steep mountains and is surrounded by fortified walls and towers, giving it a rocky and dramatic appearance. Over time, the name “katareo” was likely modified to “Kotor” as the town became an important center of trade and commerce in the region.

Where is Kotor?

Kotor is located in Montenegro, on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea.

Kotor: Know before you go

✈️  Airport:   Tivat (code: TIV)

⏰  Time Zone:  Central European Standard Time (GMT+1)

  Currency:  Euro

  Language:  The official language of Montenegro is Montenegrin. Other languages commonly spoken in Podgorica include Serbian, Bosnian, Albanian and Croatian.

  Visa:  Those with passports from Australia, Canada, the EU, UK and US can travel to Montenegro without a visa and remain there for up to 90 days. Please click here for more details about your own country

  Electricity Socket:  The most common type of electricity socket used in Montenegro is the standard two-pin European socket, which uses 220-240 volts at a 50Hz frequency.

  SIM Card:  Wondering,  Do I need a SIM card for Montenegro?  The answer is yes, and read our blog post on what the best way is for tourists.

What is the best time to visit Kotor?

The ideal period to take a trip to Kotor is between May and September, with the highest demand occurring during the European school holiday season of July and August. For those not restricted by school holidays, June and September provide excellent travel conditions.

What Makes Kotor Special?

One of the first things that set Kotor apart as a unique and magical destination is its distinctive geography. Nestled beneath magnificent mountains, the town curves gently around the corner of Kotor Bay – perfectly situating itself between the peaks and the sea.

kotor

The surrounding environment is so spectacular that it is part of a World Heritage Site, known as the Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor. With a name like that, it should come as no surprise that there is a huge amount to see and do.

At its core is the Kotor Old Town, which is a remarkable Venetian labyrinth of ancient walls filled to the brim with artsy cafes, intriguing museums, and iconic historical buildings.

If you are here for a longer time, feel free to read our Ultimate 7 day Itinerary for Montenegro and experience the best that Montenegro has to offer.

What To Do In Kotor

Explore the old town.

The heart of Kotor is its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Adriatic. Wander through its narrow streets, admire its ancient architecture, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this charming town.

Walk the walls

Kotor’s city walls are a testament to the city’s rich history and culture. The walls were built in the 9th century and surround the old city. Visitors can climb the walls and enjoy stunning views of the city and Boka Bay.

If you want to get a close-up view of some of the history that Kotor has to offer, the 8 euros it costs to walk the walls of the ancient Kotor Fortress is a very small price to pay.

kotor walls

Climb the ladder

There are many wonderful hikes around the town, but the Ladder of Kotor is perhaps the most rewarding.

kotor ladder

It starts as an unassuming pathway hidden behind an old hydroelectric power plant (or you can join it from atop the Old Town walls, if you have paid the entrance fee). As you climb, the path snakes its way back and forth up the mountain, offering a breathtaking view of the entire bay all the way to the top.

Visit St. Tryphon’s Cathedral

One of the most impressive landmarks in Kotor is St. Tryphon’s Cathedral , a beautiful Romanesque church that dates back to the 12th century. Inside, you’ll find a treasure trove of religious art, including frescoes and mosaics.

You can also visit Saint Nicholas Church located in the heart of Kotor’s old city. The church is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful artwork.

Hike to the Fortress of San Giovanni

The Fortress of San Giovanni is situated on top of a steep hill and requires a strenuous climb up a series of narrow and winding staircases. The total distance to the top is around 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) and takes about 1-2 hours to complete, depending on your fitness level and pace. However, the stunning panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor and the surrounding mountains make the climb well worth the effort.

Enter the Blue Cave

The Blue Cave is a must if you are coming to Kotor – The Blue Cave , located on the Lustica Peninsula in Montenegro, is a natural wonder that draws visitors from around the world. This stunning sea cave is known for its crystal-clear blue water and the mesmerizing blue glow created by the sun reflecting through the water, making it a spectacular sight to behold.

Enjoy the water

One of Kotor’s greatest attractions is the bay that it sits on, so why not see it in all its glory? There are many different boat tours that operate from the port itself, or you can hire your own vessel and go out exploring for the day.

kotor on boat

If you don’t feel like embarking, you can relax on the beach or set out a towel along the Promenade and go for a dip.

Eat and drink

There are a remarkable number of high-end bars, enchanting cafes, and incredible restaurants considering the town’s size. You can sit on the cobbled streets of the Old Town with a coffee or queue with the locals for some delicious meaty dishes at BBQ Tanjga. Read also our article on the top traditional eats in Kotor

food in kotor

Soak up some culture

There are several fantastic museums in Kotor, and two of the most popular are at completely opposite ends of the cultural spectrum.

The Maritime Museum is filled with captivating exhibits depicting nautical history, while the Kotor Cats Museum is a quirky and charming collection of cat-related artwork and memorabilia.

If however, you are more interested in what happens after dark, read our amazing guide to the 5 best nightspots in Kotor .

kotor museum

Places to stay in Kotor

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Kotor then you have a lot of wonderful options to choose from. The town is filled with boutique hotels, friendly BnBs, and even historic buildings that have been renovated to perfection.

To help you with your search, we’ve come up with a few of the best options out there right now that you can escape to. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious couples weekend or a fun and active extended stay with the kids, we’ve got you covered.

1) Best for Families: Apartments Olive

Address: Dobrota bb, 85330 Kotor, Montenegro

See availability on: Booking.com

With space for the whole family, these apartments are a very popular choice, with every convenience you could ask for. Each unit has its own balcony and they offer a range of extra bed options for the little ones – from sofa beds to large doubles – depending on the exact apartment you choose.

These apartments are one of the favorite places to stay in the area for families with children, and they’re located just a mile from the main part of town. You can also be at the beach in just a short walk to get a dip in and soak up some sun, with both Kotor Beach and Virtu Beach less than a mile from the door.

They make everything as easy as possible with free parking on-site and even helpful shuttle services to get you to and from the airport with no hassle at all.

2) Best for Couples: Boutique Hotel Astoria

Address: Stari Grad 322, Kotor Old Town, 85330 Kotor, Montenegro

If you and your partner are hoping for a romantic getaway with a high level of luxury, you can’t ask for more than Boutique Hotel Astoria. It’s actually located in the UNESCO -protected 13th-century Buca Palace within the old town itself. You’ll be as close as possible to the best restaurants and cafes – and the surroundings couldn’t be more beautiful.

As for the hotel itself, it is really stunning with a whole lot of character. The bathrooms are entirely marbled, and every room looks like a work of art. Despite its ancient and historic setting, it has every modern convenience you could ask for.

3) Off The Beaten Track: Three Dots by Todorovic Family

Address: Dobrota 199, 85331 Kotor, Montenegro

This incredible villa was once a palazzo, home to the families of many famous captains that lived in the region. The overall architecture still retains its classic beauty, but it is truly luxurious inside. The whole place oozes class and style, and you won’t find a more incredible way to wake up than with a coffee on the terrace, overlooking Kotor Bay.

It’s located a little north of the main town area, which puts you out of the way of much of the tourist traffic while still being within walking distance of all the sights. Perhaps the biggest draw that this place has to offer is that you’re just a stone’s throw from the waterfront, and a few hundred yards from the beach.

Can you recommend any day trips from Kotor?

Budva – Explore the old town, a maze of cobblestone streets, and visit the Church of St John and the Citadel .

Ostrog Monastery – Located in the mountains, this monastery is a place of pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians.

Cetinje – Formerly the capital of Montenegro, Cetinje boasts several cultural attractions such as the National Museum , the Monastery of Cetinje and the National Library.

Kolasin – Located in the northern part of Montenegro, this area is great for outdoor activities such as hiking , mountain biking and skiing.

Skadar Lake – The largest lake in the Balkans that is home to several species of birds, as well as numerous small islands and monasteries.

Kotor is located near several national parks, including Lovćen National Park . Lovcen National Park is home to the impressive Lovćen mountain range and is known for its breathtaking views and hiking trails.

Is Kotor Worth Visiting?

In conclusion, Kotor, Montenegro is a city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, Kotor has it all.

With its stunning old city, picturesque Boka Bay, and proximity to national parks like Lovćen National Park, Kotor is a destination that should not be missed. Visitors can also explore the city walls, climb the Clock Tower and Sea Gate, hike to St. John’s Fortress, and visit Saint Nicholas Church . And with Tivat Airport just a short drive away, getting to Kotor has never been easier.

Gareth Popovic

Gareth Popovic

Hi there, my name is Gareth Popovic. I was born and raised in the suburbs of Brisbane, Australia, but my passion for the great outdoors led me to Montenegro. Now, I call the charming town of Niksic my home. I spend my days exploring the rugged mountains and crystal-clear waters of this stunning region. From hiking and rock climbing to swimming and kayaking, there's always an adventure to be had.

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Kotor City Guide: The Ultimate Guide to Montenegro’s Most Popular City

Kotor Old Town Montenegro

Although the city itself is fairly small and compact, there are so many surprises at every turn: From cobblestoned streets winding beneath historic stone buildings to breathtaking views from the Kotor fortress , streetside cafes, and cute locals (ahem, the cats!), Kotor has everything you need for the perfect introduction to Montenegro . 

Whether it’s your first time traveling to Kotor or your hundredth, I’m sure there will always be something new for you to uncover! 

Let’s explore the city that I affectionately like to call ‘ The closest thing you can get to being on the set of Game of Thrones’ with this Kotor travel guide! 

PSA: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book something through them. This is at no cost to you and helps keep this site running. Thank you! 

KOTOR, MONTENEGRO TRAVEL GUIDE

Perfect for …

Getting a taste of historical Montenegro 🇲🇪 A home base for day trips 📍 Culture, food, and adventure! ⛰

Kotor is undeniably Montenegro’s most famous city ( shh, don’t tell Budva !) and one that should be a must-see on your Montenegro trip .

Whether you’re visiting for the day as part of a cruise ship stop or planning an entire holiday with Kotor as your home base, this city is sure to charm your socks off. 

Kotor offers a deep dive into Montenegro’s culture with its museums, cafes, churches, mysterious alleys, and little nooks to get wonderfully lost. 

Likewise, it offers an excellent home base if you want to travel to other parts of the country. Thankfully, a good majority of interesting cities (such as Herceg Novi , Cetinje , and Ulcinj ) are within an hour or two drive! For more information, I have a special section called “DAY TRIPS FROM KOTOR” if you want to skip ahead. :)

How many days do I need in Kotor?

This really depends on how you plan to travel to Montenegro. If Kotor is just one stop along your itinerary, I would recommend at least 2 or 3 days — one day for taking a city tour or visiting the museums, a second day to hike up Kotor Fortress, and a third day to do a day tour (if you wish). 

For super busy itineraries, you can even do Kotor in a day ! 

However, if you don’t feel like going inland and plan to spend your time along the Bay of Kotor, you can set up base in Kotor for the entire week and do multiple day trips. 

Kotor is conveniently located right in the center, with Herceg Novi and Perast to the west, and Budva , Lovcen National Park, and Cetinje to the east. Each of these locations is within an hour’s drive, and if you’re planning to do multiple day trips from Kotor, feel free to scroll down to the bottom of this post for more detailed information. 

HOW TO GET TO KOTOR 

Kotor-Montenegro

Kotor’s popularity makes it very easy to access from virtually any part of Montenegro — and even Europe! — no matter if you get here by plane, train, or bus. 

BY PLANE: The closest airport is Tivat Airport (TIV) which is about 5 kilometers from Kotor. Although it’s a short distance away, be warned that taxi drivers tend to drive up the price to around 15 EUR. You can get a ride for much cheaper if you book a transfer through your hotel or accommodation.

Alternatively, you can fly into Podgorica (TGD) and take the bus or car to Kotor. It’s a bit far (the journey takes around 1.5 hours) but if you see a deal, go for it! 

BY BUS: Because of Montenegro’s small size, you can get to Kotor from any major city for only a couple of EUR. Popular connections include Budva, Herceg Novi, Ulcinj, and so on. 

There are also plenty of international busses from neighboring countries. For example, Dubrovnik (Croatia) to Kotor is a popular route that drives along the gorgeous Montenegrin coast and only takes 2 hours. In fact, it can be even cheaper than flying directly to Tivat, since there are more planes that fly to Dubrovnik. 

Likewise, if you started your Balkan trip in Albania, you can take a 4-hour bus from Shkodër to Kotor for around 15 EUR and see another country! 

BY TRAIN: Kotor doesn’t have a train station, but it’s still well-connected thanks to the Bar to Belgrade route. If you’re traveling from Belgrade (Serbia), you can take the train to Bar and then a 1-hour bus ride to Kotor. 

TRANSPORTATION & GETTING AROUND KOTOR 

Old buildings in Kotor, Montenegro

Compared to other popular cities in the Balkans, Kotor is a small city that is very easy to get around. In fact, you can walk from one end of the city to the other in under 15 minutes! 

The beauty of Kotor lies in getting lost in the little side streets, plazas, and charming alleys, and the only thing you’ll need to see them are your legs and adventurous spirit. 

However, if you need a taxi, there are plenty waiting near Camilija Mall on the northern outskirts of the city. They’re particularly useful when you want to do a day trip, such as to the nearby town of Perast. 

WHAT TO DO IN KOTOR

Kotor’s laidback charm lies in the fact that you could fill your days with activities, or just chill out on the beach or cafe in the Old Town… and either option would be absolutely blissful. Here are some things to do in Kotor for inspiration:

Montenegro travel tips

Hike Kotor Fortress 

St John’s Fortress, Sveti Ivan Fortress, San Giovanni Fortress, or simply the Fortress of Kotor… No matter what you call it, climbing up to the top is a must-do when in Kotor!  

Some 280 meters above sea level, Kotor Fortress offers a great workout and amazing views packed into one fun activity. To get to the start, follow the signs to the fortress in Kotor’s Old Town. The ticket gate is open between 8am to 8pm, and costs 8 EUR per person.

NOTE: Be sure to ask the ticket person for identification, and if they don’t give you a ticket/receipt — it’s a scam. When we did the hike, there was a ‘fake’ ticket seller who took our money and disappeared by the time we came back down. We asked the tourist desk and they’re aware of the problem, but there’s not much they can do. :\ 

I recommend doing the journey as early as possible since it can get very hot by the afternoon. If you start around 8 or 9 in the morning, the side of the mountain offers shade on the way up. 

The journey takes between 2 to 3 hours (round trip), but it feels like it flies by when you’re treated to gorgeous views of Kotor Bay at every single step. Feel free to enjoy a picnic, explore the ruins near the top, or take a quick break. 

At the top, you’ll be treated to a panoramic scene of the entire bay, along with an old fortress to climb and explore (if you wish!). 

Get lost in Kotor’s Old Town 

Although Kotor is only about 300 by 350 meters, you’ll be surprised at how many charming alleys, secluded plazas, and hidden gems are just waiting to be uncovered!

If you have an hour or two, I highly recommend turning off your phone, ditching the map or guidebook, and take the time to get lost in Kotor’s streets. Let your nose guide you to the delicious smells coming out of a local bakery, follow a local cat and see what treasures it’ll lead you to, or just go with the flow! Who knows what you’ll find? 

Do you want to get acquainted with Kotor’s history with a professional? Learn more about the history of its famous attractions on a 1-hour walking tour, like this one! 

Walk Along the Old City Walls

If walls could talk, I’m sure Kotor’s old city walls would have a loooot of interesting gossip ;)

The oldest walls of Kotor date back to the 9th century and have plenty of history. Once you’re done walking around the Old Town, I recommend getting a bird’s eye view and seeing the city from the top! There are multiple places where you can go up to the wall towers (via stairs, of course) to get a good look at Kotor.

One of my favorite viewpoints is Kampana Tower, which can be accessed by the stairs near the North Gate. There are often interesting art installations nearby — when we visited, there was a dragon made entirely out of plastic bottles that was ‘climbing’ up the tower! 

Hang out in the plazas

Thanks to its historical layout, Kotor has a handful of distinct and interesting plazas with their own personality. Be sure to check out each one to get a sense of the city: 

Trg od Oružja (Arms Square) — Arms Square will most likely be your first impression of the city, since it’s located at the very entrance of the city. Famous for being the biggest square in Kotor, Trg od Oružja has famous sites like the Sea Gate, Clock Tower, and the giant lamp statue. 

Pjaca od Drva (Wood Plaza) —  Although not the most popular square in Kotor, Pjaca od Drva’s charm lies in the fact that it’s the most popular hangout spot for cats! Located near the Northern Gate, this is the perfect place to sit on a bench, relax, and do a bit of people watching (or pet the cats). 

Sit in a cafe and listen to live music 

Once the sun goes down, Kotor’s Old Town really comes alive. It feels as if evenings were made to sit al fresco, enjoy some appetizers, and listen to the live music that can be heard from virtually every cafe.

kotor montenegro tourist information

Pet all the Kotor kitties 

Of course, how could I forget about Kotor’s most famous locals? 

kotor montenegro tourist information

You don’t need to go far to do this activity – just step outside of your hostel/hotel and you’re bound to find a kitty soaking up the sunlight or chilling out on a windowsill. 

For those who want to bump it up a notch, check out the Cat Museum in Kotor. The entrance fee is only 1 EUR and goes towards local charities that take care of Kotor’s many cats. There’s also a souvenir store that exclusively sells cat-themed goods.

Finally, I challenge you to count how many cats you see throughout your day. On our last day we counted around 20! 

WHERE TO STAY IN KOTOR ACCOMMODATIONS IN KOTOR

KOTOR HOSTELS

kotor montenegro tourist information

Hostel Pupa — Located a short walk to both the Kotor bus station, Old Town, and the farmer’s markets, Hostel Pupa is modern, clean, and comfortable. The hostel has two kitchens, spacious rooms (with privacy curtains on the bunk beds), and clean bathrooms. Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com  

Old Town Youth Hostel — Perhaps the most popular hostel in Kotor, Old Town Youth Hostel has absolutely everything you need in order to enjoy the city to the fullest. For example, what other hostel has a  swimming pool? That’s right!

Besides awesome amenities, Old Town Youth Hostel organizes tours all around Montenegro, has an on-site cafe/lounge, and offers both dorm rooms and private rooms. Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com    

KOTOR HOTELS

Best-Hotel-Kotor-Montenegro

Historic Boutique Hotel Cattaro – To really get into the historical atmosphere of Kotor,  Boutique Hotel Cattaro will do just the trick. Luxurious touches in each room, friendly staff, and a 9.5/10 rating make this one of the best hotels in Kotor. 

Travel tip: The hotel sometimes holds special offers, like a complimentary dinner – you can see their current offerings on Booking.com Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com  

Hotel Vardar — Centrally located in the Square of Arms (the first square after entering through the old walls), Vardar has everything you need for a comfortable trip to Kotor including a fitness center, al fresco dining, and parking. I recommend asking if they have the rooms with a view of the Kotor Bay available, as they’re truly magnificent! Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com  

palazzo-drusko-kotor-montenegro

Palazzo Drusko— Located in the heart of Kotor’s Old Town, Palazzo Drusko is a boutique hotel in the truest sense. With only seven rooms, you’ll get the royal treatment from check-in to check out.

Each of the seven rooms in the 600-year old building are decorated after typical characters of Kotor’s past, such as The Monk’s Room, The Merchant’s Room, The Captain’s Room, and so on. Try to find all of the portraits of local aristocrats! Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com  

Hotel Forza Mare – If you’re looking for a modern oasis, Forza Mare is it. Located in Dobrota (just north of Kotor), this boutique hotel has its own private beach, an upscale restaurant, and gorgeous rooms. Speaking of which — each of the rooms have their own theme based on different countries around the world, like Japan, the UAE, and India. Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com  

KOTOR APARTMENTS

Sirena-Apartments-Kotor-Montenegro

Apartments Sirena — We stayed here for our anniversary and it was an amazing experience across the board! The apartment is a quick 7-minute walk to Kotor and is located in a very peaceful area. The view can’t be described in words—  we spent the entire day picnicking on the balcony and looking at the beautiful reflections in the Bay of Kotor. Finally, the host, Jovanna, is so wonderful and hospitable and made us feel at home. :) Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com  

Old Town Clock Tower Apartment — If you want to be in the center of all the action, this location can’t be beaten — it’s located right in the center of Kotor’s Old Town! The apartment features modern renovations yet still keeps its historical charm, especially with the balcony that opens up to the plaza below. Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com  

DAY TRIPS FROM KOTOR

kotor montenegro tourist information

If you’re staying longer and have some free time, consider adding a day trip from Kotor to your itinerary! Here are a few options to get you started:

Perast (pictured above) — A sweet seaside town just 15 minutes from Kotor, Perast exudes charm and a carefree spirit. If you have a free day (or even a few hours!), this is my top pick for a day trip from Kotor. You can take a taxi (about 10 EUR) or hop on a bus to get here. Check out my detailed guide to Perast here!

All Montenegro Tour — If you only have one day and want to see (almost) all of Montenegro in a single tour, let it be this one! The All Montenegro tour visits the must-see attractions around the country, including Lovcen National Park and the Njegos Mausoleum, the old capital of Cetinje, the glamorous half-island of Sveti Stefan, and more. Check availability and book here

Boat trip around Kotor Bay — Get to know Kotor Bay in a few hours with a boat tour that includes the most popular spots, such as Our Lady of the Rocks, the Blue Cave, and Budva.

Check out some popular Kotor day trips here:

 WHERE TO GO AFTER KOTOR 

Gradska Kafana Herceg Novi

Herceg Novi – Herceg Novi is famous for many things– it’s the sunniest city in Montenegro (it averages around 200 days of sunshine a year!), has a popular mimosa festival every year, and is well-known for its historical fortresses.  

Located at the western end of the country, Herceg Novi is the perfect continuation of your Montenegro trip if you’re planning to head to Croatia, or as a weekend getaway from Kotor. Learn more about Herceg Novi with my travel guide . Kotor to Herceg Novi is about 1 hour (44 km) away.

Montenegro National Museum in Cetinje

Cetinje – Although it has less than 15,000 inhabitants, Cetinje actually had a huge influence in shaping Montenegro into what it is today — that’s because it was the first capital of Montenegro!  Although Podgorica took that title after World War II, Cetinje is still fondly called ‘The Old Royal Capital’ to this day.

A trip to Cetinje means you’ll experience authentic Montenegrin culture that you might not find in Kotor. Thanks to its museums and local charm, you’ll also have a chance to delve into the country’s interesting history and relax as the locals do. Cetinje, as I like to say, is a small town with a big history. Learn more about Cetinje with my travel guide . Kotor to Cetinje is about 40 mins (38 km) away.  

Budva – With no less than a dozen nightclubs and home to a popular summer music festival, it’s no surprise why Budva is known as the “Montenegrin Miami.” If you love to be the life of the party and plan your trips around nightlife, then Budva is definitely calling your name. Learn more about Budva with my travel guide . Kotor to Budva is about 30 mins (23 km) away.   

Ulcinj Montenegro Beach

Ulcinj – Off the beaten path and hidden beneath the sands of south Montenegro, Ulcinj is famous for having the longest beach in Montenegro (more than 14 kilometers!) as well as being crowned New York Times’ Best Destination back in 2010. 

In short, Ulcinj is an absolute paradise that you have to visit at least once in your life — and thankfully, it isn’t too far from Kotor! Learn more about Ulcinj with my travel guide . Kotor to Ulcinj is about 1.5 hours (85 km) away.  

USEFUL REFERENCES FOR TRAVELING TO MONTENEGRO

Looking for more information before your trip to Montenegro? I recommend the following websites that I personally used:

🛂 Need a visa to Montenegro ? Check out iVisa for more information . 

✈️ Once you have your visa all set, it’s time to book airline tickets ! I use both CheapOAir and SkyScanner to book flights.

🛏 Book accommodations on Booking or Hotels . These two offer fantastic options for every traveler, from hostels to hotels, apartments to penthouses, local guesthouses, and everything in between! 

✨  Speaking of amazing accommodations… I have an entire blog post dedicated to the best guesthouses, apartments, and Airbnbs in Montenegro !  

📷   Find tours, day trips, or sightseeing activities at Get Your Guide or Viator .  

❗️ One of the most popular day trips is the All Montenegro Tour .  This 12-hour tour gives you a taste of Montenegro as you enjoy breakfast at a local village, tour the Old Royal Capital, visit the birthplace of the Petrović dynasty, enjoy a boat ride through River Crnojevica, and finish the day with a panoramic view of the famous Sveti Stefan.

🚗 Prefer to carve out your own itinerary ? Rent a car through RentalCars.com, which has the biggest selection of car rentals and the company that I use whenever I rent a car.

🧳 Not sure what to pack ? I have an entire blog post that details what to pack for a trip to Montenegro for all four seasons! 

🇲🇪 Looking for even more information before traveling to Montenegro ? Check out my Ultimate Montenegro Travel Guide for everything you need to know before your trip OR 17 Montenegro Travel Tips for some bite-sized tips…

🇲🇪 … Or check out all of my blog posts on Montenegro here ! Happy travels :)

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2 thoughts on “ kotor city guide: the ultimate guide to montenegro’s most popular city ”.

Wooow, Kotor looks as interesting and pretty like this blog :)

Aw shucks, thank you! 😁

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kotor montenegro tourist information

Wander-Lush

12 Wonderful Things to Do in Kotor, Montenegro

The Venetian-era walled city of Kotor is a must-see on any Montenegro road trip . Here are 10 wonderful things to do in Kotor, including highlights of the UNESCO-Listed Old Town.

Despite its small size, Montenegro’s beauty is boundless. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Kotor, a stunning medieval city located right at the base of the Bay of Kotor.

Kotor is by far the country’s most popular attraction and one of the best places to visit in the Balkans . The city is characterised by its authentic Old Town: A maze of cobbled streets, narrow lanes, stone churches and orange-roofed houses encased in a fortification wall and set against a backdrop of towering mountains.

It has a similar vibe to nearby Dubrovnik in Croatia , otherwise known as Kings Landing from Game of Thrones . Happily, yet Kotor is usually much quieter than Dubrovnik, especially in shoulder season.

Bay of Kotor and Kotor Old Town, made up of hundreds of orange roofs, viewed from above.

There are a number of easy day trips you can take from Kotor , making it a perfect base for exploring the area either by boat or by foot. If there’s one thing to know before you visit Montenegro , it’s this: Do not skip Kotor!

Read on for the best places to visit in Kotor and essential Kotor travel tips.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Kotor essentials

How to get to Kotor: Hire a car and drive from Podgorica ; join an organised day tour from Dubrovnik ; or book a private transfer from Dubrovnik airport . Hiring a car in Montenegro: The Bay of Kotor is the perfect place for a road trip. Use Discover Cars to find the best price on a rental car in Sveti Stefan, Tivat or Podgorica. Check out my tips for driving in Montenegro and see this post about road tripping in the Balkans for more itinerary inspiration. Where to stay in Kotor: Historic Hotel Cattaro (boutique) – luxurious rooms with balconies and terraces overlooking the Bay. Apartment Ivan (mid-range) – self-contained apartments near the Old Town. Hostel Old Town (budget) – basic accommodation in the heart of the city. Apartments Nancy (self-contained apartment) – excellent hospitality close to the old town.

Red rooftops and the dome of a church in Kotor Old Town in Montenegro.

Best time to visit Kotor

Due to Kotor’s increasing popularity , the best time to visit the city has changed in recent years. During the summer months, from June to August, cruise ships dock in Kotor’s harbour every single day, unloading hundreds of people into the Old City. The influx of people can make the small area feel very packed.

This is why the best time to visit Kotor (and Montenegro in general) is in the shoulder seasons, April and May or September and October . These months are still warm enough to swim, however, you’ll see far fewer tourists.

Top 5 Kotor tours & experiences

  • Walking tour of Kotor Old Town (from $79)
  • Boat tour to Our Lady of the Rocks & the Blue Cave (from $34)
  • Kayaking on the Bay of Kotor (from $40)
  • Full-day tour from Kotor to Lovcen National Park (from $56)
  • Full-day tour from Kotor to Perast (from $23)

12 wonderful things to do in Kotor

1. explore kotor old town (stari grad) on foot.

Beautiful buildings with wooden shutters in Kotor Old Town in Montenegro.

As mentioned, the Old Town in Kotor is a beautiful sight and the city’s main attraction. The area is made up of white stone walls, laneways and staircases that create a maze of passages and hidden courtyards.

Shuttered windows with washing hanging on lines in old Kotor.

Built by the Venetians, the Old Town is so impressive and historically important that it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Getting lost here is a great way to transport yourself back in time.

Guided option: This small group tour of Kotor’s Old Town runs for 1 hour and visits all the highlights of the UNESCO zone.

2. Hike up to Kotor Fortress for a view

The red roofs of Kotor Old Town viewed from above.

One of the highlights of visiting Kotor is the Kotor Fortress hike.

The walk is extremely popular among visitors thanks to the incredible views you get from the top. The hike takes you from the base of the Old Town, up 1,300 steep steps to an old fortification (also known as St. John Fortress ) positioned high in the mountains overlooking the city.

The hike takes around 35 minutes and is not easy in the slightest. The rocks are slippery, and if you go when the sun is at its peak, the heat will exhaust you. However, the views are worth every second of pain!

An alternative route, the Ladder of Kotor or Via Ferrata Kotor, starts from this point and takes you to the top via a goat trail. It’s much quieter, more scenic, with small stone churches along the way – and if you manage to duck into the fortress via the opening in the castle wall, it’s completely free!

The Ladder of Kotor, an alternative hiking trail in Kotor to reach Kotor Fortress.

There are ways you can make the hike easier: Be sure to wear shoes with a good grip, pack water, and go in the morning before the sun passes over the mountain.

3. Walk the Old City Walls

The heart of Kotor is enveloped by stone fortifications, with most of what still stands today built in the 16th and 17th centuries by the Venetians. Sadly time has not been as kind to Kotor’s walls as in Dubrovnik for example – it’s impossible to walk the entire perimeter as the stone is crumbling in sections.

Gurdić Bastion (the south gate), Valier Bastion and Kampana Tower on the Scurda are all accessible. Here, you can see the intricate stonework up close and get an appreciation for the time and energy that went into the construction.

Take care when climbing on the walls as the rock is fragile and it’s easy to lose your footing.

4. Visit the stunning Cathedral of Saint Tryphon & Kotor’s old churches

St Tryphon Cathedral in Kotor, Montenegro.

If you’re a fan of historic churches, then you’ll love the religious architecture in Kotor. There are several churches within the Old Town that date back to the 12-14th centuries and are open to the public to explore.

Start with the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, Kotor’s largest and most recognisable Catholic church. Built in the Romanesque style in 1166, it houses a clutch of important religious relics in its small museum as well as beautiful frescoes in the main chapel. Don’t miss walking out on the upstairs balcony for a view of the empty plaza below.

The cathedral is open between 9am-6pm daily. Entrance costs 3 Euros.

Other smaller churches to visit in Kotor include St. Nicholas Church, the Serbian Orthodox church Sveti Nikola, Sveti Luka Church, and St. Ana Church.

5. Browse the Kotor Farmers’ Market

Fresh produce at the Kotor Farmers Market, a food market in the Old town.

Kicking off every morning bright and early at 7am, Kotor Food Market is one of the first places to open on the seafront. It’s the domain of locals and a good place for a wander if you’re looking for a more ‘authentic’ Kotor experience.

With both undercover and open-air sections, the market opens directly onto the waterfront. The main entrance can be found near the Sea Gate. Vendors sell fruit, vegetables, cheese, dried fruit, small-batch wine and homemade rakija – perfect supplies for a bayside picnic.

The market is open daily but it’s recommended to visit on the weekend, when villagers from around Kotor come to show off their farm-fresh produce.

6. Relax on Kotor beach

Since Montenegro is located on the Adriatic Sea, there are ample opportunities to spend time on the beach. There are no sandy beaches in Kotor, but there is one pebble beach, Kotor Beach in Dobrotat , a 5-10 minute walk from the Old Town.

Sun loungers are available to hire, or you can perch yourself at one of the restaurants on the shore instead. The current is gentle and the swimming area is roped off for safety, making it suitable for kids.

If you find yourself visiting Kotor in the warmer months, you will really be yearning for a swim to cool down from the hot sun. If you’re willing to travel a bit further, there are a few larger beaches nearby that are more suitable for swimming. Trsteno Beach near Budva runs for 200m along the Adriatic Coast and can be reached in 30 minutes by road from Kotor. It’s the best of the bunch, with fine sand, clear waters and lush nature nearby.

7. Take a boat trip or go paddleboarding on the Bay

View of Kotor Bay from Kotor city.

Kotor’s location on the water makes it easy to access one of the most beautiful bay areas in the world, the Bay of Kotor, directly from the city. Hopping on a boat tour to cruise around the turquoise waters is a must-do.

This is the best way to see the surrounding towns while taking in Kotor’s beauty from a distance. Plus, tours are well-priced and guides can give you some interesting information about the area’s history.

Popular water activities off-shore in Kotor include:

  • Stand up paddleboarding
  • Kayaking on the bay
  • A speed-boat tour for magical city and water views

8. Indulge in Kotor cuisine & Montenegrin Wine

A plate of fresh fish and grilled vegetables at a restaurant in Montenegro.

Kotor is packed with amazing restaurants that you will be more than happy to indulge in after a long day in the Montenegrin sun. Seafood is a specialty for obvious reasons, but Italian and Turkish cuisine are also very popular.

While you’re here, you’ll also want to sample some Montenegrin wine. Montenegro has an underrated wine scene and is even home to the largest single-owned vineyard in the world. Be sure to try Varnac, a rich red with a dark purple colour.

The best restaurants and wine bars in Kotor include:

  • Cheese Shop : The best views in Kotor! Lunch and wine is a 30-minute hike from the centre via the Kotor Stairs (pictured below right).
  • Restaurant PRŽUN : Classic seafood in the Old Town.
  • Old Winery Wine Bar : For local bottles and delicious charcuterie plates.

Tables and chairs at a cafe in Kotor Old town.

Tip: This private walking tour of Kotor includes a local meal and wine tasting.

9. Go Shopping for Kotor souvenirs

A black and white sketch of Kotor at a souvenir shop in Kotor Old Town.

Kotor’s historic centre is full of cute shops that are packed with handmade souvenirs and interesting items. This is the perfect place to buy some mementos or an interesting piece of art to remember your travels in Montenegro.

You can find lots of hidden stores in the side streets and alleys around the Old Town, including:

  • Kotor Bazaar : A big range of souvenirs under one roof. The market is a bit touristy but it’s still worthwhile browsing here even if you don’t buy anything.
  • Danijela’s Shop : Hand-drawn illustrations and cute cat-themed souvenirs.

10. Go on an adventure to Our Lady of the Rocks

The silhouette of a small island wreathed by golden leaves on a shimmering ocean at dusk.

One of the best places to visit on a boat tour from Kotor is Our Lady of the Rocks, a historic island off the coast of Perast, just 20 minutes by road from Kotor.

The tiny islet is the only artificial island in the Adriatic. As the story goes, locals made the island by sinking ships and throwing rocks into the water. On the island, there is a single church which you can visit on a short guided tour. The interior frescoes are stunning, and there’s a small museum dedicated to curios unearthed from shipwrecks in the bay.

Our Lady of the Rocks is a popular tourist attraction so you won’t have any trouble finding a boat to take you there from Kotor. Alternatively, you can take the bus to Perast (see below) and join the regular boat departures from the harbour there.

Top tip: This 3-hour boat tour to Our Lady of the Rocks also includes a visit to the Blue Cave.

11. Escape the crowds in Perast

A white Venetian building on a harbour with boats and a stone tower in the background.

Perast is a small coastal town just 20 minutes by road from Kotor. Reachable by car, bus or boat, it’s the perfect place to escape when the Old Town gets too crowded.

Charming Perast is a breath of fresh air after buzzing Kotor. Walk the quaint streets, visiting the Baroque Palaces and crumbling churches, eat at a local restaurant, go swimming, and take a boat out to Our Lady of the Rocks.

Read my complete Perast guide for more things to do .

Top tip: This day trip to Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks from Kotor is an affordable and efficient option.

12. Take a day trip to Herceg Novi

Boats in dock in Herceg Novi in Montenegro.

Just over an hour by bus or taxi from Kotor, the city of Herceg Novi sits at the north-western corner of the bay. Bigger than Kotor but still small enough to explore on foot, its location near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina gives Herceg Novi a different vibe.

It’s perfect for a short-day trip if you want to add another authentic and interesting place to your Montenegro itinerary.

There are a tonne of things to do in Herceg Novi , from beaches to old streets, and another stunning fortress.

About the author: Samantha of Sam Sees World is a millennial traveller on a mission to seek out the new and unknown. Just like me, she fell in love with Kotor on her recent visit to Montenegro.

Plan your trip to Montenegro

Here are a few more resources to help you plan the perfect visit.

  • 15 best places to visit in Montenegro
  • My suggested Montenegro road trip itinerary
  • 21 essential things to know before you visit Montenegro
  • Essential tips for driving in Montenegro
  • Guide to the Podgorica Bar train
  • More Balkans road trip inspiration

More Balkans travel ideas

  • 21 tips for visiting Montenegro
  • Things to know before you drive in Montenegro
  • Explore guide to Novi Sad , Serbia’s second city
  • More beautiful old towns: Photo guide to Sarajevo and walking tour of Skopje Old Bazaar
  • Albania guides: What to do in Tirana , Berat , Gjirokaster , Korca , and Valbona
  • Kosovo guides: Things to do in Pristina and Prizren
  • The perfect Albania itinerary for culture, nature and history
  • More from the region: Check out my Balkans travel guide .

The best things to do in Kotor, Montenegro – including the UNESCO-listed Old Town, hidden gems, and the top day trips from Kotor.

Best things to do in Kotor: Share it on Pinterest

Montenegro essentials.

Here are my favourite resources to help you organise your visit to Montenegro.

FLIGHTS: Find affordable flights to Montenegro on Skyscanner .

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance.

CAR HIRE: Use Local Rent to hire a budget-friendly car from a local agent (prices start from 15€/day) or jump on the Discover Cars website to hire a car through an international company.

ACCOMMODATION: Find the best hotel and apartment deals on Booking.com , the most popular booking platform in Montenegro.

TOP-RATED MONTENEGRO DAY TRIP: Durmitor, Tara & Ostrog Monastery (from $60/person).

MORE TRAVEL TIPS: Check out this post – 21 things to know before you visit Montenegro .

One Comment

awesome article.i be been today to the fortress above Kotor and the second road was not easy to get into through the window.was quite high to lift itself up. just as warning.the trek is beautiful and quiet on the secondary option, but only as a descent.also in pomegranate season, probably towards the end of October,u get Ur belly full , trees are surrounding the path.

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Spiritual Travels

15 Unmissable Things to Do in Kotor (plus 5 day trips!)

Dear reader: This article contains links to products and services that I may be compensated for, at no extra cost to you.

Kotor, Montenegro is an finely preserved medieval town in a secluded corner of the visually stunning Bay of Kotor. It is a top attraction in the young Balkan nation of Montenegro in Southeastern Europe and protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. There’s no denying it’s a tourist magnet, but few can resist its charm once they step food in Stari Grad, the Old Town of Kotor.

While most visitors come as a stop on a cruise or as a day trip from Dubrovnik in neighboring Croatia, there are enough compelling things to do in Kotor to justify staying for at least a few nights. If you only visit for a couple hours, you’ll wish you had more time to linger and soak up its fairy tale-like atmosphere.

There are also some great day trip possibilities from Kotor, justifying an even longer stay. You can even go as far as making a day trip to Ostrog Monastery , one of the most impressive sights in the Balkans.

Kotor Old City from above

Kotor is also the perfect home base for further exploration of the Bay of Kotor, such as the unbelievably beautiful village of Perast , and it is possible to make day trips further afield to other enchanting Montenegrin destinations, and even across the border in Croatia. No matter how long or short you are in the country, it is an essential stop on your Montenegro itinerary .

In this Kotor guide I’m going to list the top Kotor attractions and what to see in Kotor in one day or more. I’ll also cover where to stay in Kotor, plus some ideas for Kotor day trips at the end of the article.

If you’re visiting with little ones like we did, see my article on visiting Kotor with kids .

You can also read about our trip to nearby Dubrovnik , Skradin , and other great places to visit in Croatia with kids .

AWESOME DEALS A boat tour like this one is the best way to experience the Bay of Kotor. An audio guide is included on the Bay of Kotor Hop-On-Hop-Off bus , which is a fun way to reach nearby Perast and other attractions on the Bay of Kotor. To get to Kotor, find the best flight deals on Kiwi, a flight hacking website . If you plan to rent a car, we had a great experience with this car booking site .

Table of Contents

A Brief History of Kotor

Ruins of a monastery in the Old City of Kotor

The Old Town of Kotor dates back to Roman times, first being mentioned in 168 BC. Occupying a strategic position on the Adriatic Sea, it has been fortified since the Middle Ages.

Over the centuries, the town has been occupied by Illyrians, Serbians, Hungarians, Venetians, Austrians, and the French. The town has also been subjected to numerous earthquakes, with notable ones in 1537, 1563, 1667, 1729, and 1979.

Montenegro was subsequently a part of Yugoslavia, and finally achieved independence in 2006.

The Old Town of Kotor and its ancient city walls climbing up the slopes of Saint John’s Mountain toward Mount Lovcen (1749 m) have been preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, but it wasn’t until the 2000s that it started catching on in a big way as a tourist destination.

The best way to experience Kotor’s rich history is by entering though one of the three main gates and exploring the Old City’s ancient cobblestone streets, walking along the Old City walls, and stepping in to its stone churches.

Where to Stay in Kotor

Spending the night in Kotor means you get to enjoy crowd-free streets and a more romantic vibe in the evening when all the cruise ship tourists have cleared.

If the noise will bother you (the streets of Kotor Old Town are so narrow that even talking from the streets, not to mention music from the restaurants and bars, funnels up to every window), consider staying in a guesthouse in a quiet corner of the Old City.

A good example is La Dolce Vita Apartments (see on Booking / Agoda ), or somewhere just outside of the Old City, such as Apartments Ana (see on Booking / Agoda ) near the River Gate.

View of rooftops in Kotor and mountain in background

When we visited in October, we stayed in this Airbnb situated in the middle of the Old City. We had an extremely cute rooftop balcony with a stunning view of Kotor rooftops and parts of the Old City walls snaking up the mountain to Kotor Fortress. It was the cheapest apartment we stayed at during our 10-week trip across Europe!

At night, we could hear people talking on the streets below and some light music, but it wasn’t too bad, and our kids slept fine. The church bells did wake us up early in the morning though.

Search here for other great deals on hotels in Kotor .

When to Visit Kotor

In summertime Kotor and other famous places in Montenegro like Budva are packed and have a party vibe, with bars pumping music until the middle of the night. The weather can also be unbearable hot for sightseeing.

We strongly recommend visiting in the shoulder seasons of late spring or early autumn. We went in October, and the weather was absolutely gorgeous; it was perfectly clear every day and just hot enough to go swimming, and only a hint chilly at night.

However, by mid- to late-October, some things start shutting down for the season, and if you visit Kotor or other places in Montenegro in winter , you may find many things closed and the the weather rainy and cold, but at least you’ll be some of the few tourists in town!

Also see my related article on visiting Lake Bled in October and November .

Top Things to Do in Kotor

The following places to see in Kotor are listed roughly in order of what you absolutely must see while in town. Also be sure to pick up a detailed map of the Old Town from the Kotor Tourist Information Center, which is located just outside the Sea Gate (the main entrance to the Old Town).

Explore Stari Grad (Kotor Old Town) on Foot

My kids in an empty square in Kotor Old Town

You’ll most likely begin your Kotor experience by entering through one of Kotor Old City’s three main gates: the River Gate (dating to 1540) in the north, South Gate (Gurdić Bastion, 13th to 18th century), or the main Sea Gate (1555) on the western side.

Shot of Kotor Sea Gate

Most people enter via the Sea Gate, and its impossible not to be smitten by Kotor’s glistening cobblestone streets and medieval edifices from the moment you walk in.

To the left is the Main Square (Trg od Oružja) of Stari Grad, while right in front of you you’ll see the impressive Clock Tower (1602).

Clock Tower, Trg od Oružja, Kotor Old Town

From there, choose a direction, start walking, and get lost in Star Grad’s unforgettably charming maze of streets. The Old Town is surprisingly small, so even if you get a little disoriented, just keep going, and you’ll eventually stumble upon one of Kotor’s top attractions and realize where you are.

If you’ve got limited time, then I’d suggest joining a walking tour to cover the main sights. This one-hour walking tour is budget-friendly and has small groups, while this private 90-minute tour is more comprehensive.

Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral)

Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral) in Kotor Old Town

The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (1166, on the site of a church dating to 809) is the most impressive of Stari Grad’s dozen or so churches, cathedrals, and monasteries. It is the most popular thing to see in Kotor, and one of the most well-known Cathedrals in Montenegro.

Kotor Cathedral is one of only two Roman Catholic cathedrals in Montenegro (most of them are Christian Orthodox). It was built in honor of Saint Tryphon, the patron saint of the city.

Interior of the Cathedral of St. Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral)

The Cathedral features a gorgeous Romanesque interior and two Baroque bell towers that were added after an earthquake in 1667. It was badly damaged by another earthquake in 1979, but extensively repaired in 2016, which is why you can see both 1166 and 2016 on the front. Watch for the gilded-silver bas-relief screen on the altar, considered the most important treasure.

The cathedral is only a few minute’s walk from the Sea Gate at the southeastern end of town; looking at a map, the streets may appear complicated, but you’ll be surprised how you just walk in that general direction, and the roads seem to lead you there.

Jesus on the cross artwork, Sacral Arts Museum, Cathedral of St. Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral Treasury)

The 2€ entrance includes access to the Sacral Art Museum , a treasury of valuable relics on the second floor, including precious silver items, 14th century frescoes, and other artworks. From the second floor balcony you can also enjoy an impressive view of the square below.

The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon opening hours are 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with more limited hours in winter. It didn’t open until 9 a.m. when we visited in October, and in January/February, it may close as early as 1 p.m.

Church of Saint Nicholas and other Kotor Churches

Shot from above of the Church of St. Nicholas in Kotor Stadi Grad

The second most impressive religious structure in the city is the Serbian Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas (1909, on the site of a church dating to the 17th century). The church fronts St. Luke’s Square at the northwestern end of the Old Town.

The church’s front façade is topped with two bell towers with black domes and golden crosses, while a large Serbian flag hangs down. The most striking feature as you enter are the huge frescoes adorning the walls. Many visitors enjoy the mystical atmosphere of the church.

Inside Church of St. Nicholas in Kotor Old Town

In the same square sits smaller St. Luke’s Church (1195), with its distinctive round top. Its worth a quick look, but like several other Kotor churches, there is a souvenir stall inside, which unfortunately takes away from the experience.

Other places of worship in town worth a look are the Franciscan Monastery of Saint Claire (18th century, just south of the Church of Saint Nicholas), Saint Michael’s Church (18th century, across from the Kotor Cars Museum (see #7 below), Church of Saint Mary (1221, in front of the entrance to the Kotor Fortress hike (see #4 below), and the Monastery of Saint Francis (17th century, at the southeast end of town).

Hike to Kotor Fortress

View of Kotor Fortress (Fortress of Saint John)

The hike to Saint John’s Fortress , or Castle of San Giovanni, is one the most enticing things to do in Kotor. 1355 steps follow a section of Old City walls steeply up the hill next to the Old Town, providing absolutely epic views of the Bay of Kotor. Around the halfway point, you’ll pass the Church of Our Lady of Remedy , visible in the image below.

It only takes about 45-minutes going up, but a tiring 45 minutes, and 30 to come back down. Most people spend two hours or more in total with all the picture stops and time at the top. Do this hike in the morning if you can for the best sunlight, otherwise you’ll be shooting pictures into the sun.

Hiking trail to Kotor Fortress (Saint John's Fortress), with the Church of Our Lady of Remedy

Note that there is a charge of 8€ (8 a.m. to 8 p.m., May to October) to do the hike, payable at the entrance to the hike in the northeast corner of the Old City near the Church of St. Mary Collegiate/Rd. to the Fort of St. Ivan. Go earlier or later (or out of season) to avoid the entrance fee; the walls are open 24 hours!

Bay of Kotor viewed from Saint John's Fortress (Kotor Fortress)

A good (and free!) alternative to the main trail to Saint John’s Fortress is the Ladder of Kotor (or “Ladder of Cattaro”), a series of switchbacks up the hill that begins just north of the Old Town. The hike is free to enter (and free of crowds!) and connects to the Kotor Fortress part way up.

If these hikes aren’t wild enough for you, then you can even cycle down the mountain while you enjoy the incredible views!

Kotor Cats Museum

My wife playing with cats at the Cats Musueum in Kotor

One thing you will instantly notice about Kotor is the presence of a large number of cats. They are everywhere, lounging in the sun, accepting strokes from passersby, and mooching for food on restaurant patios.

Locals and visitors alike seem to have a soft spot for the cats and are well taken care of (as far as strays go), judging by the dishes and piles of cat food everywhere.

A cat lying upside down beside a white wall in the Old Town of Kotor

The Kotor Cats Museum is, as the name suggests, devoted to the cats of Kotor. Mostly the museum is a collection of paintings and souvenirs about cats, and the small entrance fee goes towards helping the city’s strays.

After being closed for a few years, the museum is open again (high season only), though it doesn’t actually house as many cats as it used to.

Cat lovers can also check out the Cats of Kotor shop cat-related jewelry and other items that are prettier than the usual cat souvenirs you see in all the other shops.

Kotor Bazaar

Kotor Bazaar, one of the best places to buy souvenirs in Kotor

Also built into a section of the Old City wall, in between Saint Claire Church and Saint Nicholas Church, the Kotor Bazaar is nothing but a collection of souvenir and trinket stalls, but it’s worth a quick look.

Head to the back and look up for an impressive view of the crumbling remains of a 16th century Dominican Monastery.

Dining in Kotor

A restaurant patio in Kotor at night

The numerous tourist-oriented restaurants in Kotor’s Old City feature inviting outdoor seating in the town’s many squares and small lanes. Menus feature Italian and Montenegrin fare, heavy on seafood.

These restaurants are particularly romantic after the sun goes down. When we visited in October, evenings were becoming a little chilly, but fiery heaters placed between tables only added to the ambience.

Stuffed squid at Cesarica, one of the best restaurants in Kotor Montenegro

I would personally recommend Cesarica Restaurant , which is tucked away in a quiet little alley and is known for the Montenegrin specialty of squid stuffed with shrimp and a side of blitva (chard with crushed potatoes and olive oil).

You can of course also find gelato stalls throughout town, and they are half the price of what you’d pay in nearby Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Food lovers can also consider this guided walking tour that includes sitting down to enjoy a local snack with wine.

Sampling Montenegrin Wine and Beer

Glass or red Montenegrin wine in Kotor

Montenegro produces some excellent wines, and it would be a crime to visit and not try some. I would recommend Old Winery Wine Bar at the northeast end of town near the entrance to the Kotor Fortress Hike.

The small wine bar with street side chairs features dozens of wines from Montenegro and Serbia on its menu. I tried the sampler deal which features a Chardonnay and two red wines for 16€, including a plate of cheese, olives, nuts, dried fruit, and prosciutto.

The rose wine I also tried was excellent, as was the bar’s food. We spotted other tables enjoying enormous plates of charcuterie to pair with wine.

For a bottle of local Montenegrin wine at a fraction of the price, try the couple of Mini Markets at the center of the Old City, or even better (and to stock up on groceries), head to the supermarket in Shopping Centre Kamelija just north of the Old Town or Idea Supermarket just south of the Old Town.

Me drinking a large glass of local Montenegro Niksicko beer at a restaurant in Kotor

For pivo (beer) lovers, there are a handful of pubs in town, while most restaurants also serve draught Niksicko beer , Montenegro’s main brew. If you’re lucky, you can find the tamno (dark) version and (not so bitter) IPA. The grocery stores out of town carry both, but they are tough to find in the Old Town.

Kotor Beach

Kotor Beach viewed from the water

What would a holiday be without spending some time tanning on the beach? Kotor’s main beach is located a five minute walk north of the Old Town, past the Port of Kotor and Park Slobode.

The beach is mostly pebbles and has paid sun loungers in summer plus a free section. The sizeable swimming area is roped off to offer protection from the many passing boats (nobody wants to get run over by an enormous cruise ship, right?)

Kotor Maritime Museum

Although I personally wouldn’t consider it a must-see, history buffs will enjoy the Maritime Museum in Kotor’s Old Town. The small museum covers the maritime history and culture of the area.

Entrance is 4€ (children 1.5€, very young children free). See the museum’s official website for the opening hours by season.

Boka (Bay of Kotor) Cruise

Motorboat cruise on the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro

One of the most popular (and worthwhile) things to do in Kotor is to cruise the incredibly picturesque Bay of Kotor on a motorboat.

Options abound, but this highly rated choice includes a visit to Our Lady on the Rocks in Perast and swimming in the magnificent Blue Cave .

If you’ve got kids, they’ll have fun on this half-submarine Kotor Bay cruise like ours did, but heads up that we didn’t see any fish through the glass bottom. It was too foggy.

Semi-submarine cruise on Boka (Bay of Kotor)

Kayaking or Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

Two people stand-up paddle boarding on the Bay of Kotor

For a more environmentally friendly way to explore the Bay of Kotor try paddling around in a kayak or riding a SUP (stand-up paddle board).

To rent a kayak (or bicycle), try Kotor Bay Tours or go for a guided kayak tour .

For stand-up paddle boarding, here is a recommended 2.5-hour tour .

View the Old City Walls at Night

Kotor city walls at night, one of the best things to see in kotor at night

While looking down at the Bay of Kotor from Kotor Fortress is a remarkable experience, looking up at the mountain walls at night when they are lit up is also very special. The lights come on around dusk and make the wall more visible that it is in the daytime, when it is camouflaged.

The best spot to view the lit up city walls is from the waterfront area outside of Gurdic Bastion (South Gate). Just exit the gate and cross the road to the parking lot on the other side. If you follow the parking lot to the end, you’ll reach popular, upscale Restaurant Galion , whose patio has the best night view in town.

Day trips from Kotor

Kotor is also a convenient base for doing day trips to surrounding areas. Here are some of the best day trips from Kotor.

Perast, which can easily be done as a day trip from Kotor

Perast is an extremely pretty village on the bay of Kotor that is second only to Kotor in popularity. It’s only 20 minutes away by bus, so it can easily be done as a half-day trip from Kotor. You can read my guide to Perast here .

The village is tiny but has a rich naval history, occupying a strategic entrance facing the only water entrance into the Bay of Kotor. It only takes 10 minutes to walk across town, but there are over a dozen and just as many palaces, picture postcard views, and several romantic restaurants at the water’s edge.

Most special of all, Perast faces two tiny islets, a natural one that is off limits to tourists, and an artificial one, Our Lady of the Rocks, housing a small church. Boats run from Perast for 5€ return.

To get to Perast from Kotor, take the Blue Line bus from the main road just north of the Kotor Old City, hop in a taxi (20-25€ one-way), or try the Kotor Hop-on-Hop-Off Bus , which also stops at other scenic points on the Bay of Kotor.

White Water Rafting Tara Canyon

Tara canyon, a popular place for white water rafting from Kotor

The Tara Canyon 3.5 hours north of Kotor features the country’s best white water rafting. The typical route is from Brstnovica to Šćepan Polje, which is 18 kilometers and takes two to three hours.

A typical tour like this one is a full-day adventure that includes navigating thrilling rapids, lunch at a riverside restaurant, stopping to admire Piva Monastery, and more.

kotor montenegro tourist information

Budva is one of the most popular cities on the coast of Montenegro. Beach lovers flock to Budva in summer to hit the beach and party. The city also boasts a well-preserved Old City with 2500+ years of history, occupying a rocky peninsula jutting out from one end of the bay.

If you’ve got enough time in Montenegro, you may want to devote several days to Budva, but it can easily be done as a day trip from Kotor as it is only 45 minutes away by bus. Catch any Podgorica-bound bus from Kotor Main Bus Station, five minutes’ walk south of Kotor Old Town. Budva is also included on this day tour from Kotor , which also stops in a popular Sveti Stefan and Perast.

Ostrog Monastery

View of Ostrog Monastery, which is possible to do as a day trip from Kotor

While it is easier to make a day trip from Podgorica to Ostrog Monastery, it is also possible from Kotor; I did it myself!

If you’re willing to rent a car in Montenegro , you could drive there yourself in just over two hours, but be careful on the winding roads! By public transportation (which is what I did), you have to catch a bus from Kotor to Podgorica (2-2.5 hours), then a train from Podgorica to Ostrog (45 minutes), and finally walk uphill to the monastery (2 hours return, not counting time at the monastery). See all the details in my guide to making a day trip from Kotor to Ostrog Monastery .

To save all that trouble, you can also join an Ostrog Monastery day tour from Kotor , which includes stops at several other scenic attractions.

Day trip to Dubrovnik

Panoramic view of Dubrovnik, which is only two hours away from Mostar

Dubrovnik is Kotor’s larger, more expensive, more crowded, and more popular sister a few hours north on the Adriatic coast in southern Croatia. If Dubrovnik is not already on your travel itinerary, you can still squeeze in a day trip from Kotor if that is your home base for your trip.

Expect to spend 2-2.5 hours getting there on a bus, or join a hassle-free day-tour from Kotor to Dubrovnik .

Thank you if you made it this far, and I hope I’ve helped you figure out what to do in Kotor to make the best of your visit! Please don’t hesitate to comment below if you have any questions!

Related Posts

If you're looking to take an Ostrog Monastery tour or travel from Podgorica to Ostrog Monastery or Kotor to Ostrog Monastery, this article has all the details!

13 thoughts on “15 Unmissable Things to Do in Kotor (plus 5 day trips!)”

Hey Nick, appreciate the tips. I’m in Kotor in October 2020. I’m from Edmonton too. Thanks

It’s my pleasure. Enjoy your trip!

Thanks for the info. I’m quite lost between the walls and wandering what to do. The entrance is now free of charge due to covid-19. Z from Mongolia.

Great article Nick. I am a big fan of Kotor Old Town and I am hoping I can go back again once we are done with the virus. Keep up the good work.

Thanks Oscar!

Thanks a mil for the tips! Informative and helpful, I took lots of notes. The section on kids was spot on.

Thanks for reading!

Hi Nick, I will be visiting Kotor in April (next month!) and found your piece very useful. I now have my day planned out. What will the weather be like then? Thank you from a fellow travel writer, Sandy

Hi Sandy, since we visited in autumn, I’m sorry that I can’t really speak for the weather in April. Hope you enjoy your trip!

Hi Sandy we are going from 18-21st April- also unsure about the weather Aga

Hi We are going to Kotor next week and your guide to Kotor and Perast is amazing- thank you!

Absolutely brilliant article! So interesting, detailed & informative. Best I’ve read so far & I’ve read tons!!! Ps: how old is your article. I’m planning a trip this year 2023 Thank you Michele South Africa

Thanks so much Michele! We traveled to Kotor in fall of 2019 and I wrote the article in early 2020. But I’ve just updated the article in early 2023 for things that have closed/reopened or changed, so the info should still be pretty current. Hope you have a great trip!

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Eastern Europe , Europe , MONTENEGRO

Complete travel guide to kotor, montenegro.

Ultimate Travel Guide to Kotor, Montenegro

Let’s be clear here peeps, you need to get to Kotor in Montenegro and you need to do it soon!

For while this gem of Adriatic beauty has been discovered by travellers, it’s not yet overrun with them.

However, if nearby Dubrovnik is anything to go by, it soon will be!

For Kotor is every bit as ideal as Dubrovnik in my opinion – think: a UNESCO-listed fairytale-like Old Walled City that sits above the dazzling, aquamarine ocean and is surrounded by a wall of picturesque mountains.

But the secret is that it’s still half the price of its Croatian counterpart and, while Montenegro’s € currency does make a trip here a little more pricey than nearby Serbia or Bosnia, it’s still an absolute steal given the quality on offer!

Yup, there’s no question that Montenegro is one of the highlights of my eastern Europe adventures and here’s my complete travel guide to Kotor to help you plan your trip there ASAP!

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How to Travel to Kotor?

Montenegro, Kotor, Me and the View

One of the great reasons Kotor makes a great budget travel destination is because it’s easy to get to from lots of different directions and in lots of cheap ways!

International airports can be found in Montenegro’s capital Podgorica or just outside nearby Dubrovnik in Croatia.

Both boast budget airline arrivals from destinations around Europe – including plenty of Ryanair and WizzAir routes – and I highly suggest checking Skyscanner as it includes these airlines in its searches.

Skyscanner will also allow you to see which airport boasts the best deals which is helpful because, as both airports are roughly a 2-3 hour drive away from Kotor, it doesn’t make a huge difference which one you fly to (the only slight thing to consider is the border crossing if flying into Dubrovnik).

From either Podgorica or Dubrovnik airport you can then easily find a cheap bus to Montenegro.

For those already travelling in the Balkan / eastern Europe area, buses to Kotor can also be easily found from nearby cities including Mostar in Bosnia , Skopje in Macedonia and Tirana in Albania.

The website Busbud is a great resource for those travelling to and from Kotor as you can book online bus tickets from a range of local companies – a godsend in an area where neither Eurolines nor Flixbus operates.

Just enter your details below and I'll email it you - simple!

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How to Get Around Kotor?

Montenegro, Kotor, Giant Washing Line

Once in Kotor, you’ll be delighted to know getting around this city is super cheap and easy.

That’s mainly because it’s undertaken using your own 2 feet!

Yes, Kotor really is a small place, and with the bus station situated just outside the walls of the Old Town, many accommodation providers located close by, and waterfront swimming possibilities – as well as shops, restaurants, bars, cafes etc scattered in and around the Old Town – there really isn’t any need to navigate Kotor any other way than walking.

The exception is if you want to head out to explore other parts of the Bay of Kotor, such as the village of Perast, which sits further along the inlet’s coastline.

I’ve written more about Perast in the day trip section of this article – but it’s worth knowing that both bus and bike transport, to a range of other towns in the Kotor area, is totally possible and very cheap.

When to Visit Kotor?

Montenegro, Kotor, River

I was in Kotor during early September and it was perfect – the weather was still delightful and the ferocious crowds of the peak summer season had dropped away.

Cruise boats also seemed to be less visible and I only witnessed 1 during my 4 days in Kotor.

As such, I’d say June and September would be the best months to visit Kotor to ensure the weather and views, but minimal crowds.

July and August will be hot and busy, but fun.

April / May and October may be a little cool for swimming if you’re a softie like me, but good for sightseeing otherwise.

Winter will be wet and cold!

Top 6 Things to Do in Kotor

Montenegro, Kotor, Old Town

One of my favourite things about Kotor in Montenegro is that it’s the sort of place where there’s both a huge amount to do and simultaneously nothing much at all.

The perfect travel combination if you ask me!

If you are keen to be active and see the best of this city however, here’s my list of the top 7 things to do in Kotor.

#1 Explore the Old Town

Montenegro, Kotor, Fortress Free Entrance

Definitely one of the best things to do in Kotor is simply to wander around, soaking up the beautiful streets and ambience of the Old Town, framed by the dazzling waters of the Adriatic sea and gawping at the mountains which rise steeply from the crystal blue at every angle.

If I were you, I’d first visit the Old Town during the day to snap the thin, cobbled streets, religious buildings and quaint squares.

Don’t miss the 3 gates, the clock tower or the rather bizarre array of giant objects either – including a washing line, bench and lampshade!

I’d then visit the Old Town again during the evening, when the place comes to life under the subtle hues of twinkling street lights and gentle live music emanating from the many restaurants.

It’s blooming lovely and if you’d like a guide to ensure you learn more about the history here, this great walking tour with food and wine comes highly recommended.

#2 Hike to the Fortress

Montenegro, Kotor, Fort Walls

The next must-do thing in this destinationa is the Kotor Fortress hike .

A 2hr round trip, walking up to this imposing set of ruins, which dates back to 532AD, involves choosing 1 of 2 routes – either The Walls of Kotor, which is the most popular route, or The Ladder of Cattero, which is the more challenging route.

Situated above the city, whichever route you take up to this fortress, the view from the top should not be missed!

What it is even harder to miss however, is the 8€ entrance fee – which is a complete rip-off for somewhere that has amazing views, yes and is old, yes, but doesn’t have any signage, museum, exhibition or whiff of curatorship!

But don’t fear budget travellers there is a way to get into this fortress for free!

Walk the clear trail to the left of the fortress walls (as you gaze up at it) and when you get to the second rest house (which doubles as a cheese shop FYI), you then want to take the trail towards the fortress walls.

Here you’ll find a window that has not been blocked up like the others (rumour has it, they forgot to fill this one in and then, after UNESCO listed the fortress, they weren’t allowed to make any further modifications!)

Climb through this window and you’re into the fortress for free!

Spend a while ogling at the amazing views and snapping some serious selfies, before descending through the paying entrance gate (try not to grin too smuggly!) and heading down back into the heart of the Old Town.

#3 Check out the Market

Montenegro, Kotor, Market

Every morning until around 1pm, a farmers market is held just outside the gate of the Old Town in Kotor.

Head here to buy some yummy local, fresh produce including figs, grapes, tomatoes, nectarines, olives, cheese and more.

The perfect excuse for a picnic!

#4 Wander the Walls

Montenegro, Perast, Harbour

For just a few euros you can also wander the Old City walls of Kotor – definitely one of the best things to do in this city.

As with the fortress, I’d tackle the climb either during the early morning or at sunset.

Not only are the crowds less at this time, but so are the temperatures!

#5 Kayak the Bay

kotor montenegro tourist information

What could be more delightful than soaking in the beauty of Kotor from afar?

While if you rent a kayak and head out into the Bay of Kotor, you can do just that.

Plus, cruising these peaceful waters has to be one of the biggest treats ever!

Kayak Tours Kotor or Adventure Montenegro are both hire outlets near to the city that can hook you up with a rental.

#6 Hit the Beach

Ok so there’s not a huge sandy beach in the Bay of Kotor, but there are some pebbly patches where you can spread out your towel with the locals and soak in some of those rays, as well as soak in the sea too!

In fact, just a short walk from Kotor’s Old Town, there’s a great public beach and swimming area.

Otherwise, if you feel like exploring a little further afield, the “suburb” of Dobrota, which has some quiet places to recline by the water amidst slightly upmarket cafes, and is a lovely spot away from the main hustle of bustle of Kotor.

Top 6 Day Trips from Kotor

Montenegro, Kotor, Cycling

There are a selection of both independent and organised day trips you can make from Kotor that I highly recommend.

Here’s my list of the top 6 Kotor day trips…

#1 Cycle the Bay

First up is cycling the Bay of Kotor.

Yes the whole way round!

It actually is much shorter than it looks and easily doable in a day – including swimming, sunbathing, coffee, lunch and ice cream stops!

Heading out of Kotor in a clockwise direction is the easiest way round to make the loop when it comes to ascents, and don’t forget you can hop across the small channel on the ferry with your bike too.

Bikes can easily be rented just outside the East Gate of the Old Town – 15€ for 24hrs.

And then you’re off cycling to your heart’s content.

If you only have time for one stop you must make it Perast – read on to learn more!

#2 Head to Perast

But if cycling isn’t your thing, then you can also use the local Blue Lines bus service to get to the star attraction of the bay (aside from Kotor) and that is the pretty town of Perast.

The Blue Lines bus leaves hourly (roughly) from Kotor and takes around 20 minutes to reach Perast at a grand old price of 1€.

When in Perast, it’s all just about wandering the tiny foreshore of this cute town, enjoying the views, having a coffee / burek and taking a dip then drying out via one of the coastal platforms.

There’s also an island you can visit just out from Perast.

A boat ride there and back will cost you 5€ and entrance to the island is free.

The captains normally give you half an hour to wander round the island with its Orthodox Church and a small museum (museum entrance 1.50€).

But, to be honest, the real reason to take this boat trip to enjoy the, albeit short, experience of sailing on the Adriatic and also to take in, and snap the views of Perast from a watery distance.

Another option is just to cycle to Perast and back rather than peddle the whole bay – this will be quicker, as the ride to Perast from Kotor is less than 1 hour.

#3 Bus to Cetinje & Budva

And my third day trip recommendation when it comes to the best things to do in Kotor is to make a DIY day trip south to the central coastal area of Montenegro.

Start by hopping on one of the hourly buses from Kotor to Cetinje and spend an hour or 2 strolling around this historic capital and its interesting streets, which offer monasteries, museums and heritage charm by the bucket load.

Then board a regular bus to Budva and spend the afternoon soaking up the rays with the crowds on Montenegro’s most popular beach resort, before hitting the bars for a sundowner or 2.

Buses to Cetinje from Kotor run hourly during the summer and from there to Budva, it’s just 40 minutes.

Buses from Budva back to Kotor run half hourly during the summer months and all rides cost just a few euros.

This day trip is a great way to see a little more of Montenegro without having to fork out tons of euros unnecessarily!

#4 Adventure to Durmitor National Park

Fancy getting some nature time?

Then do check out this top-rated tour to the beautiful Durmitor National Park.

With some epic hiking, stunning scenery and top mountain vibes, check out this great guide if you’re planning on heading there.

#5 Enjoy Lovecen National Park

A day trip that includes spectacular viewpoints, beautiful natural locations, a decent smattering of historic monuments, a boat ride on the Crnojević river, breakfast in Njegusi village and a visit to Lovcen National Park – this 12 hour day trip from Kotor is a winner if you want to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time!

#6 Experience Dubrovnik

Croatia, Dubrovnik, Sunset Behind Clouds

And finally, if you really want to give a Kotor day trip a good run for its money, then you can even get to Dubrovnik from this city using local buses.

Just be aware that you’ll need to set off super early and have a lot of energy for this mega excursion!

Here’s how to visit this famous Croatian city cheaply !

How Long to Spend in Kotor?

Montenegro, Kotor, Clock Tower

I’d honestly advise staying at least 3-4 nights in Kotor – there’s a lot to see and do in and around the town and it also makes for a nice Montenegro base if you want to venture further afield.

See my itinerary below for more details…

Top 3 Day Kotor Itinerary

Montenegro, Kotor, Old Fort Views

Hike up to the Fortress early in the morning via the free track and then wander back down through the Old Town.

Spend the rest of the morning exploring the historical centre of Kotor, as well as the local cafes, shops and markets.

In the afternoon, stroll along the foreshore to sunbathe and swim at Kotor’s public beach, before heading back into the Old Town during the evening for dinner and some picturesque moonlight snaps.

Hike a bike or kayak and set out to explore the Bay of Kotor – the name given to the whole inlet in this part of Montenegro.

Cycling is possibly the whole way round – care of a handy ferry crossing and makes for a wonderful excursion. See more in the day trip section above

Otherwise, why not hire a kayak and explore the beautiful Adriatic waters and views with the help of a paddle/oar?

Boat rides to the Blue Cave , along with evening booze cruises (if that’s your thing), are also a great way to get out on the water and see more of the surrounding area.

Why not venture out of Kotor and check out more of Montenegro such as nearby Lovćen National Park or the former capital of Cetinje?

My recommended day trip section above provides some great ideas, otherwise, I heard that the towns of Bar and Ulcinj on the southern coastline of Montenegro are also amazing and I’d love to head to these places on my next trip to this country.

In particular, The Grove Hostel near Bar gets rave reviews from lots of travellers I meet!

Eating and Drinking in Kotor

Montenegro, Kotor, Hoste

With a big Italian influence (it’s just across the water!), eating in Kotor tends to be dominated (at least during the summer) by alfresco pasta and pizza options.

However, the funky spot, Hoste, in the Old Town provides some welcome relief with funky vegetarian dishes, yummy snacks and a relaxed café vibe.

They also do good coffee, have free wifi and an outside seating area!

The next best coffee in town can be found almost next door to Hoste at O Clock Café.

If you are looking to eat out in the Old Town, Pasteleria comes highly recommended and, for drinks, the Pub “Old Town” Kotor and Letrika are both traveller favourites.

Otherwise, do as I did and make sure you stay at a hostel in Kotor with a kitchen.

Both the daily farmer’s market – held just outside the walls of the Old Town every morning – and the nearby Idea Supermarket are well stocked and cooking your own meals is therefore cheap and easy.

Best Places to Stay in Kotor

Montenegro, Kotor, Archway

#1 Pupa Hostel

With a great location very nearby to the Kotor bus station and boasting marina views, Pupa Hostel has large, clean dorms and each bed has a curtain, reading light and charging station.

There’s a kitchen too, super-fast wifi and some very friendly, helpful staff.

#2 Old Town Hostel

A party hostel full of young, energetic things, Old Town Hostel is a firm Kotor favourite, situated in the heart of the Old Town.

There’s a kitchen and a pool here (both big drawcards) and the backpacker tour agency Monte360 is connected with them too.

Organising daily activities make this is a great place to stay if you want to meet others and enjoy the Kotor nightlife.

#3 Stranger Tides

With more of a boutique feel, Stranger Tides is a renovated property that has diversified into the backpacker market, offering something of a quieter retreat from the crowds in the nearby suburb of Dobrota.

While this does mean a bit of a walk into the Old Town and the bus station, as well as shops, there’s plenty of delightful coastline to occupy you here, as well as a few upper-market style cafes and restaurants.

This would be the perfect place to stay if you want to relax in peace and quiet.

#4 Hostel Montenegro 4U

Right on the beach and close to the old town, Montenegro Hostel 4U seems to combine the best of both worlds.

It tends to attract a younger crowd, which put boring old me off, but the location is really hard to beat and they continually get top reviews.

As such, this place fills up quickly, so do book ahead of time if you want to stay here. Party is definitely the name of the game!

#5 De Luxe Apartments Sirena

With sea views and covered parking, plus great decor and a top location, De Luxe Apartments Sirena is an awesome place to stay for the price.

#6 Apartments Castello

Choose from a range of apartments that sleep 2 adults and include kids under 4 for free and boast amazing views at this top-rated self-catering spot.

The owner of Apartments Castello is lovely and you’re right by the beach and the Old Town here.

#7 Guesthouse STEP

Beautifully furnished with lovely views and good air-conditioning. The shared bathrooms at Guesthouse STEP help keep the price down.

4 Packing Essentials for Kotor

Montenegro, Kotor, Old Town Scene

#1 Good Camera – You will be pretty much snapping non-stop in Kotor and will need a good camera to do this gorgeous destination justice. I highly recommend the Sony A6000 , which I use for all my travels and which I love not least because it’s light, compact and robust!

#2 Good Walking Shoes – There will be a lot of walking in Montenegro, it’s as simple as that! Make sure your feet are comfortable therefore with a pair of New Balance Trainers . Perfect for city strolling, cycling or hiking, I love mine!

#3 Good Water Bottle – Montenegro gets seriously hot in the summer, so make sure you have a metal water bottle that you can refill as you go, because the tap water here is drinkable… and free!

#4 Good Backpack – And to carry your water bottle, camera and guidebook, you’re going to need a decent backpack that will help you balance the weight as you travel. In my opinion, you can’t go past the Bobby Anti Theft Backpack , which is also perfect for helping you avoid pickpockets too.

Travel Insurance for Kotor

Montenegro, Perast, Village

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

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Complete Travel Guide to Kotor in Montenegro

So there you have it, my complete guide to travelling Kotor in Montenegro.

Have you decided on the things to do in Kotor you’re going to be enjoying soon?

Heck, why not enjoy them all?!

Let me know in the comments box when you’re heading there…

kotor montenegro tourist information

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

9 thoughts on “ Complete Travel Guide to Kotor, Montenegro ”

kotor montenegro tourist information

Really does a good job, we have always found their tours to be very well done. Thanks!

kotor montenegro tourist information

Whose tours Matt?

kotor montenegro tourist information

Kotor looks so good! I am expecting to go to Dubrovnik next year but it was between that and Kotor!

Hi Craig – it’s a tough one to decide between the two. That said, both are close together so it is possible to day trip from one to the other, which does allow you the best of both worlds. Croatia is more expensive than Montenegro and has less tourists, but it just depends what you’re looking for. Either way, enjoy!

kotor montenegro tourist information

Kotor is beautiful, but I believe that Herceg Novi is a better place to rest on the Bay of Kotor 🙂

Great tip Greg, yes I’ve heard this place is nice too, especially for families. Although I liked being in Kotor itself 🙂

kotor montenegro tourist information

As beatifull as croatia, but far less crowded, worth visiting this hidden gem in the balkan!

Couldn’t agree more! Cheaper than Croatia too!

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Perched on the edge of a majestic bay, the medieval Old Town of Kotor is the undisputed jewel in Montenegro’s crown. Though no longer Europe’s best-kept secret, Kotor’s sudden elevation to the tour-bus league has failed to dim the timeless delights of its maze of cobbled alleyways and secluded piazzas. Enclosing cafés and churches galore, the town walls are peered down upon by a series of hulking peaks. Down below, a harbour now bustling with sleek yachts marks the end of the Bay of Kotor , made fjord-like by the thousand-metre cliffs that rise almost vertically from the serene waters.

Eating, drinking and nightlife

Festivals in and around kotor.

First colonized by the Greeks, Kotor came to prominence in the twelfth century, then passed through Serb, Austro-Hungarian and Bosnian hands before fifteenth-century Ottoman conquests forced it under the protective wing of Venice. Its period under Venetian rule ended in 1797, the shape of today’s Kotor having been laid out in the intervening years.

Kotor’s charms are best appreciated by heading to the Old Town , sans map, and getting lost in the maze of streets. You’ll likely enter through the Sea Gate, next to the harbour, and emerge onto the main square, Trg od Oružja. Cafés spill out from glorious buildings, the most notable of which are the old Rector’s Palace , and a leaning clock tower . Burrow through the streets and before long you’ll end up at St Tryphon’s Cathedral , backed by a wall of mountains and perfect for photos; it’s well worth the entry fee for a peek inside. Elsewhere there are several churches worth looking at, as well as a fascinating Maritime Museum , a repository of nautical maps, and model ships.

The old fortress walls sit proudly above the town, and make for a rewarding climb. Allow at least ninety minutes for the round-trip to St Ivan’s Castle , from which you’ll have tremendous views of the fjord. On hot summer days it’s best to set off early or wait until evening, and note that the first building you come to, the Church of Our Lady of Health , is not even halfway up.

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Southern Pearls

10 days  / from 2327 USD

Southern Pearls

This ten-day trip will take you around three adjacent countries, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Your tour starts in Split, Croatia, moving south (hence the name "Southern Pearls") over the island of Hvar and Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina to end up in Montenegro.

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If you are curious and looking for a remarkable journey filled with true wilderness, lovely people and life-changing adventures then Serbia & Montenegro are a must-visit! Enjoy the diverse UNESCO sites, glorious mountain peaks and crystal blue waters during this exciting 14-day trip.

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13 days  / from 3153 USD

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The Balkan Extended tour truly showcases the finest of Balkan’s heritage and natural beauty as you make your way through the 5 countries. Learn about the Serbian Athens, climb the splendid Old Bridge in Mostar, observe Slovenia's water castle and dive into the pearl of Croatia's beauty in Istria.

Balkan & Adriatic

10 days  / from 2569 USD

Balkan & Adriatic

The most relaxing Balkan & Adriatic tour! This trip is for travellers who are interested in visiting different locations in the Balkans but prefer a comfortable way of travelling. Get to know parts of Serbia, Montenegro and the beautiful towns of Croatia, all while travelling at a slow pace.

Croatia and Slovenia: An Adriatic Adventure

12 days  / from 4535 USD

Croatia and Slovenia: An Adriatic Adventure

This expansive trip celebrates the splendour of Croatia and Slovenia, with their wondrous hilltop towns and stunning cities, such as Dubrovnik, Ljubljana and Split. Experience the wine and olive oil-making traditions of these two countries, and go truffle hunting on the Istrian Peninsula.

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12 days  / from 2959 USD

Nature & Culture

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Balkan Essentials

10 days  / from 2191 USD

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The Balkans are stunning and you will have a chance to experience their beauty during this 10 day-multiple country trip. Feel the welcoming vibe of Belgrade, visit Kotor, Europe's unmissable town, walk down the famous Bridge on Drina and observe stunning Plitvice Lakes.

Explore the Balkans

10 days  / from 1970 USD

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Enjoy the sights of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Croatia in one trip - the best of the Balkans! Stroll through the old towns, marvel at the historic buildings and stunning natural landscapes as you make your way through these four interesting countries.

At all times of year, you’re likely to be approached by sobe -owners as you get off the bus. Alternatively, the tourist office can book rooms from €20/person. Rooms are mainly grouped in two areas: Škaljari, uphill from the industrial mess near the bus station, and the more pleasant area of Dobrota, on the bayside just north of the Old Town.

Given the Old Town’s status as a tourist magnet, its culinary scene is disappointing, especially for those on a budget – though you’ll find places serving slices of pizza for €1.50. Nightlife, however, can be surprisingly good, and there’s usually live music on weekends, which see the cobbled streets thumping until midnight.

Kotor’s festival year kicks off on February 1, with folk dances and church music on the day of St Tripun ; this is closely followed by the Masked Ball , a colourful event that sees processions head through the Old Town. In April there’s the Montenegrin Dance Festival , which showcases pretty much every kind of dance, before theatrical and musical performances kick off the sunny months at the International Summer Carnival , held in late July/early August. Around the same time is Refresh ( w www.refreshfestival.com ), a four-day music festival that ropes in some big-name DJs. All pale in comparison, however, to late August's Boka Nights , when boats fill the bay, fireworks electrify the sky and everyone goes just a little bit mad.

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The Boho Chica

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Kotor, Montenegro

By guest contributor Kat Smith

Kotor in Montenegro is a pretty sight, flanked by the Bay of Kotor on one side, and the mighty Mount Lovćen on the other. Within the fortified walls of Old Town Kotor lies a cobbled maze of restored medieval stone houses, Baroque palaces, markets, churches, museums, lively squares, and charming cafes. Whitewashed laundry flutters overhead on window lines in quiet alleys and singers’ music fills the squares, while the town’s many cats saunter over to café tables with confident curiosity.

I’ve quickly fallen in love with Montenegro. As part of a trip through the Balkans, while I work online and travel from one country to another, Montenegro has really stood out. In particular, the shining jewel in my eyes has been Kotor Bay, in which the lovely town of Kotor sits with its charming Old Town.

Kotor Bay is a pretty large, oddly shaped bay in Northern Montenegro, just south of the border with Croatia. Although, when I say large, you have to take that with a grain of salt. Montenegro is a teeny tiny country so size is certainly relative here. But make no mistake, with beautiful beach towns, quaint villages, wineries and farms, and lush national parks that cover nearly 10% of the country, there are plenty of incredible places to visit in Montenegro.

Although transportation around the Bay of Kotor isn’t the smoothest, especially in summer, it’s relatively quick and easy to get anywhere on the bay, so long as the bus actually comes.

Before traveling to some of the best places in Albania , Montenegro wasn’t on my radar. I’m not even sure if I knew Montenegro was its own country. To be fair to me, Montenegro has only been independent since 2006 so compared to the rest of the world, it’s brand spanking new. Previously it was part of Yugoslavia and after that dissolved, it was part of Serbia, until finally gaining its own independence.

Before I share the juicy details in this Kotor travel guide, one big thing to note is there is Kotor and there is Kotor Bay (also called Bay of Kotor or, locally, Boka Kotorska ). Around the bay, there are a handful of small towns, one of which is Kotor itself. Recognizing this distinction will help you to better plan your trip.

While the entire bay is incredible, for this guide, we’ll focus primarily on Kotor, the town not the bay in general. The rest of the bay is spectacular though, and you, like me, might actually prefer staying in one of the small towns and just pop into Kotor when you’re looking for some entertainment. I’ll leave that choice to you though- you can’t go wrong either way.

With a jaw-droppingly beautiful coastline along the Adriatic Sea and far more natural beauty than one can imagine in a country of its size, Montenegro is a highly underrated destination in the Balkans and all of Europe. Pretty beaches, cobbled towns, mountain trails & national parks, here are the best things to do in Montenegro & places to visit (including Kotor, Budva, Herceg Novi, Lake Skadar, Tivat and Podgorica) on your Montenegro holidays. Plus travel tips and itinerary recommendations for beaches, food, culture and adventure. Free map included. #Montenegrotravel #Montenegro #Kotor #Budva #Tivat #thingstodo #beaches

So, let’s dive right into this Kotor travel guide so I can share why I’m so in love with this place and convince you that you need to visit, as well.

How to Get to Kotor, Montenegro

You can get to Kotor, Montenegro by bus or car from bordering countries, by bus, car or boat from nearby cities, or by air if flying directly to Montenegro.   

By Air: 

If you’re flying directly to Montenegro, you would arrive at the nearby Tivat Airport and get a bus or car (rental or taxi) from there. The drive from Tivat Airport to Kotor isn’t too long—just around 8km and it takes about 15 minutes (considering a bit of traffic), if you take the cut-through road in the mountains. 

Or, you can go around the bay, which would take about 40 minutes. There is a bus station in Kotor, a few minutes’ walk from Kotor Old Town, and another in Tivat.

For driving, you’d most likely be coming from the north (Dubrovnik, Croatia) and will drive south through Herceg Novi. The drive from Dubrovnik is less than 3 hours.

You’ll need to get your car on the ferry but it’s very straightforward and you won’t even need to get out to buy tickets. The ferry runs continuously and only takes about 10 minutes from one side to the other. It’s free for pedestrians but only a few Euros for cars. 

Otherwise, you could come from the south, either from Podgorica or Albania. That’ll take you along the coast and you can either cut inland directly to Kotor or through Tivat. The drive from Podgorica is less than 2 hours.

There are buses to Kotor from many cities in neighboring countries such as Dubrovik and Split in Croatia, Sarajevo, Mostar and Trebinje in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Tirana and Shkoder in Albania, and Belgrade in Serbia. 

The coastal views on the journey from Dubrovnik are absolutely wonderful. 

Flixbus buses are great—they’re comfortable, clean, and you can book tickets online in advance. Just be sure to have your passport handy for checks at border control. 

Here are some travel times on buses from nearby cities:

  • Dubrovnik, Croatia to Kotor, Montenegro – 2 hr 20 min
  • Split, Croatia to Kotor, Montenegro – 7 hr 10 min 
  • Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina to Kotor, Montenegro – 6 hr 10 min 
  • Trebinje, Bosnia & Herzegovina to Kotor, Montenegro – 5 hr
  • Tirana, Albania to Kotor, Montenegro – 7 hr 45 min 
  • Shkoder, Albania to Kotor, Montenegro – 4 hr 40 min 

There are no ferries directly to Kotor. If you’re traveling from Italy, you can take the ferry but will need to go to Bar, a city on the coast, first and make your way to Kotor from there.

There are no trains going to Kotor.

When to Visit Kotor

Montenegro gets four seasons, so your trip will greatly change based on the time of year you decide to visit.

With a jaw-droppingly beautiful coastline along the Adriatic Sea and far more natural beauty than one can imagine in a country of its size, Montenegro is a highly underrated destination in the Balkans and all of Europe. Pretty beaches, cobbled towns, mountain trails & national parks, here are the best things to do in Montenegro & places to visit (including Kotor, Budva, Herceg Novi, Lake Skadar, Tivat and Podgorica) on your Montenegro holidays. Plus travel tips and itinerary recommendations for beaches, food, culture and adventure. Free map included. #Montenegrotravel #Montenegro #Kotor #Budva #Tivat #thingstodo #beaches

Kotor in Summer

Kotor Bay thrives in the summer, so if you want to see Kotor with everything open and lively, this is the time you’ll want to visit. It’s obviously the most popular time as well, so you will see your fair share of tourists there, too.

Kotor is also a popular stop for cruise ships, so you can expect extra crowds when a ship docks. Weirdly enough, the boats don’t seem to follow any sort of schedule so on some days you’ll see up to three boats in the bay, whereas on other days there won’t be a boat in sight.

Kotor in Any Other Season

Kotor in any other season will be a greatly different experience. The shoulder months around summer, think May and September, will also be great times to visit, but you should expect that not everything will be in open.

The rest of the year, October thru April, will be quiet. If you’re looking for a picturesque escape full of rest and relaxation, you’ll still love your visit here. In Kotor Old Town, you’ll still find plenty of places open, so you certainly won’t go hungry, but if you stay elsewhere in the bay, it’s best you’re content cooking.

The Best of Kotor Old Town

Now on to the good stuff!

Kotor itself is slightly larger than its designated Old Town but not by much. Outside of Kotor’s Old Town, you’ll find the marina, grocery shops, some other small stores, and a variety of restaurants. While many of these places are more practical than fun, the marina is where you’d catch a boat or sailboat for a tour of the bay.

Also, along the beach, heading in the direction of Dobrota towards the Maritime Museum, there are places to sunbathe and swim and a waterfront promenade full of great restaurants.

But the heart of Kotor is certainly within the confines of the walls of Kotor Old Town. While it might look small from the outside, it feels bigger once you’re wandering the maze-like alleys. 

kotor montenegro tourist information

From the moment you walk through the Sea Gate, it’s easy to get lost and turned around but give in to it. Let the alleys lead the way, instead of you trying to. The city is walled on three sides and a mountain on the other, so I’m certainly using the word “lost” lightly. Rest assured you can explore freely without worrying about any real consequences.

With a jaw-droppingly beautiful coastline along the Adriatic Sea and far more natural beauty than one can imagine in a country of its size, Montenegro is a highly underrated destination in the Balkans and all of Europe. Pretty beaches, cobbled towns, mountain trails & national parks, here are the best things to do in Montenegro & places to visit (including Kotor, Budva, Herceg Novi, Lake Skadar, Tivat and Podgorica) on your Montenegro holidays. Plus travel tips and itinerary recommendations for beaches, food, culture and adventure. Free map included. #Montenegrotravel #Montenegro #Kotor #Budva #Tivat #thingstodo #beaches

Things to Do in Old Town, Kotor

Wander around kotor old town.

Within Kotor’s Old Town, the best things to do are: eat, drink, shop, and aimlessly stroll through the old town visiting squares, churches, boutiques, cafes, and markets, along the historical housefronts or the outskirts of the fortress. Outside of the walled city, you’ll get more variety in your to-dos, but within the walls, this is the best of Kotor’s Old Town.

kotor montenegro tourist information

Take a walking tour of Kotor Old Town or for a self-guided walking tour, head to St Tryphon’s Cathedral which was reconstructed after destruction during earthquakes- there are two baroque bell towers, of which one still remains incomplete. Step into the Romanesque interior to admire a glorious, silver altar screen, see what’s left of Byzantine frescoes, and visit a museum with paintings and other artifacts. 

Other churches to visit include St Luke’s Church, St Nicholas’ Church, and St. Mary’s Collegiate Church . 

With a jaw-droppingly beautiful coastline along the Adriatic Sea and far more natural beauty than one can imagine in a country of its size, Montenegro is a highly underrated destination in the Balkans and all of Europe. Pretty beaches, cobbled towns, mountain trails & national parks, here are the best things to do in Montenegro & places to visit (including Kotor, Budva, Herceg Novi, Lake Skadar, Tivat and Podgorica) on your Montenegro holidays. Plus travel tips and itinerary recommendations for beaches, food, culture and adventure. Free map included. #Montenegrotravel #Montenegro #Kotor #Budva #Tivat #thingstodo #beaches

The Maritime Museum of Montenegro is housed in an 18th-century palace, and it showcases Kotor’s history as an important maritime town on the Bay of Kotor through photographs, paintings, and other maritime memorabilia.

The history is rich, the cats are plentiful (Kotor is nicknamed the ‘City of Cats’), and the architecture will leave you wanting to walk around slowly, careful not to miss an inch.

Hike to the Castle of San Giovanni

Once you’ve gotten your fix of bars, restaurants, and cafes, it’s time to go up. And the only way up is by walking. A popular hike in Kotor is up the fortress walls to an abandoned medieval castle—the Castle of San Giovanni—that overlooks Kotor. The walk is well worth the thousands of stairs and provides an amazing view of Kotor Old Town all the way across Kotor Bay from the top. 

kotor montenegro tourist information

For the best light and to beat the heat, start your walk around 6 pm or go early in the morning before the sun turns harsh. The hike up should only take around an hour. You’ll be rewarded with a great view the entire time up and down but the ultimate vista is certainly from the top.

Best Places to Eat and Drink

Kotor is a great city to eat, drink, listen to live music, and have a good time on your trip. While there are plenty of great places to enjoy outside of the list, these bars, restaurants, and bakeries have become my favorites.

  • Niente Cafe Bar: Don’t let the name fool you, this cozy spot serves a unique and delicious cocktail, too. ( 85330 Ulica 2 (sjever-jug), Kotor)
  • The Nitrox Pub & Eatery: This is the best place to get craft beer from all over the world. ( 263, stari grad kotor, Kotor 85330)
  • Bandiera: Another bar, just near the 2 above, that has great prices. It’s also a really fantastic place to stay put and people-watch. ( CQFC+7MG, Ulica 2 sjever-jug, Kotor)
  • Pub “Old Town” Kotor: Although certainly the least creative name, they make up for it with their cocktails. Their espresso martini is sweet but one of the best you can get in the area. (Old Town, Kotor)
  • Bakery Mamma Mia: For a slice of pizza or other baked goods, this is a good grab-and-go option. (Old Town, Kotor)
  • Mon Bistro Cafeteria: If you’re a digital nomad like me, you can work from this small cafe. They have a few seats inside with air-con, which is a lifesaver on those especially balmy days. I wouldn’t recommend staying all day but the staff was more than welcoming when I stayed a few hours. ( Stari grad 310, Kotor 85330)
  • La Catedrale Pasta Bar: A small spot that makes a mean pasta. (Old Town, Kotor)
  • Cesarica: The perfect spot for dinner to try local Montenegrin food. I highly recommend the “squids stuffed in traditional way.” ( 375, Kotor 85330)
  • Moritz Eis: This ice cream chain has locations throughout the Balkans. I first tried it in Budva and every time I’ve eaten it, it never disappoints. There are a lot of local ice cream spots as well that are good, too, but I would avoid the ones right at the Old Town Sea Gate entrance- they’re expensive with small servings. At Moritz Eis, my go-to order is the activated charcoal with lemon. ( 293 Pjaca od salate, Kotor 85330)

Things to Do Around the Bay of Kotor

Now that you know how to make the most of your time within Old Town, you’ll most likely be interested in exploring the area around Kotor. You’re in luck, there’s plenty to do and see in the surrounding area so you certainly won’t find a lack of interesting sights.

Here are the best things to do around the Bay of Kotor.

Take a boat tour

There’s an option for whatever you’re in the mood for, from fishing tours on a sailboat to sunset tours with wine tasting, so pick the tour that most appeals to you. If you’re feeling active, consider this kayaking trip in the Bay of Kotor or this stand-up paddleboarding tour . 

kotor montenegro tourist information

Most tours like this Kotor Bay Boat Tour go to the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks on an island off the coast of the beautiful town of Perast and to Mamula Cave. From there you can choose from an hour-long tour to an 8-hour tour. You can even opt for a private boat or sailboat.

Rent a scooter and drive the perimeter of the bay

To drive here, I recommend you have some experience behind the wheel. The roads are incredibly narrow and can certainly be intimidating if you’re a first-time (or even experienced) driver. But, if you’re up for it, it’s one of the best ways to explore the area around Kotor. 

With a jaw-droppingly beautiful coastline along the Adriatic Sea and far more natural beauty than one can imagine in a country of its size, Montenegro is a highly underrated destination in the Balkans and all of Europe. Pretty beaches, cobbled towns, mountain trails & national parks, here are the best things to do in Montenegro & places to visit (including Kotor, Budva, Herceg Novi, Lake Skadar, Tivat and Podgorica) on your Montenegro holidays. Plus travel tips and itinerary recommendations for beaches, food, culture and adventure. Free map included. #Montenegrotravel #Montenegro #Kotor #Budva #Tivat #thingstodo #beaches

You can start your drive in Kotor and drive to Dobrota, Perast, and Risan, cross over with the ferry, and come back to Kotor via Stoliv and Prcanj. To add some extra stops and time to your journey, add a detour to Herceg Novi or Tivat, too.

Enjoy the “beaches”

I quote beaches for a reason here and that’s because the Bay of Kotor doesn’t have sandy beaches like you might be accustomed to. Instead, they have cement docks that make it easy to dive right into the water intertwined with small pebbly beaches for wading in. 

kotor montenegro tourist information

Personally, I don’t think the beaches are great in Kotor. Given the amount of cruise ship and boat traffic and the fact that it’s at the end of the bay, the water isn’t as nice as other areas. But go further to Perast, and the beaches are quieter and much prettier. Dobrota, Prcanj, and Stoliv have the best places to swim, in my opinion.

Visit Perast

Perast is the town closest to the church of Our Lady of the Rocks on an island and is a popular place to stay and equally to visit. It’s small, like everywhere in the area, but is filled with hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, boat tours, and a stunning waterfront. 

Perast

The town is filled with churches, chapels, Venetian palaces and former regal residences, so it’s lovely to walk through. The Perast Museum is an interesting maritime museum on the waterfront which talks about the town’s rich and illustrious maritime heritage. 

Spend some time in Prcanj

Prcanj is another teeny town that’s extremely picturesque. There’s a small promenade along the water that offers an incredible view of the mountains behind Dobrota and Kotor. Konoba Vila Marija is a great spot to grab a bite to eat and swim.

Take a day trip to the Adriatic Sea

There are a handful of great places to choose from on a day trip to the sea but Budva, Bar, and Sveti Stefan are among the most popular.

With a jaw-droppingly beautiful coastline along the Adriatic Sea and far more natural beauty than one can imagine in a country of its size, Montenegro is a highly underrated destination in the Balkans and all of Europe. Pretty beaches, cobbled towns, mountain trails & national parks, here are the best things to do in Montenegro & places to visit (including Kotor, Budva, Herceg Novi, Lake Skadar, Tivat and Podgorica) on your Montenegro holidays. Plus travel tips and itinerary recommendations for beaches, food, culture and adventure. Free map included. #Montenegrotravel #Montenegro #Kotor #Budva #Tivat #thingstodo #beaches

Take a longer trip to the mountains

While you’ll most likely want to stay longer than just a day, Durmitor National Park is only around 2 hours away and has great hiking. Crno Jezero or the Black Lake is a gorgeous lake within the national park and you can hike around the lake in just a few hours. Likewise, Prokletije National Park is another great place for trails, nature, and cooler temperatures.

Go to Lake Skadar

Lake Skadar is the largest freshwater lake in Southern Europe and the Balkans, with two-thirds of it located in Montenegro and the rest in Albania (where it’s called Shkoder). Lake Skadar National Park is located in the country’s interior, but with a driving time of just 1 hr 20 min from Kotor, it makes for a great day trip from the city.

With a jaw-droppingly beautiful coastline along the Adriatic Sea and far more natural beauty than one can imagine in a country of its size, Montenegro is a highly underrated destination in the Balkans and all of Europe. Pretty beaches, cobbled towns, mountain trails & national parks, here are the best things to do in Montenegro & places to visit (including Kotor, Budva, Herceg Novi, Lake Skadar, Tivat and Podgorica) on your Montenegro holidays. Plus travel tips and itinerary recommendations for beaches, food, culture and adventure. Free map included. #Montenegrotravel #Montenegro #Kotor #Budva #Tivat #thingstodo #beaches

Tours to Lake Skadar stop at the town of Rijeka Crnojevica, home to some 200 people, for the iconic horseshoe bend views at Pavlova Strana. Another photo stop here is a stone bridge, built in 1853, that makes for a pretty picture when it’s reflected in the water. You can also go on a Lake Skadar tour with wine tasting . 

With a jaw-droppingly beautiful coastline along the Adriatic Sea and far more natural beauty than one can imagine in a country of its size, Montenegro is a highly underrated destination in the Balkans and all of Europe. Pretty beaches, cobbled towns, mountain trails & national parks, here are the best things to do in Montenegro & places to visit (including Kotor, Budva, Herceg Novi, Lake Skadar, Tivat and Podgorica) on your Montenegro holidays. Plus travel tips and itinerary recommendations for beaches, food, culture and adventure. Free map included. #Montenegrotravel #Montenegro #Kotor #Budva #Tivat #thingstodo #beaches

Where to stay in Kotor

Budget stays in kotor.

Old Town Youth Hostel

Studios Belvi

Guesthouse 455

Mid-range Stays in Kotor

Apartments Windrose

Garni Hotel Villa Panonija

Apartments Jovanovic

Apartment Palata Bizanti

Luxury Stays in Kotor

Hotel Vardar

Hotel Villa Duomo

Hotel Forza Terra

Basic Travel Tips for Montenegro

Alright, now that you have the what to do, where to go, and how to get there but there are a few things you’ll want to know to make your Montenegrin getaway as magical as possible.

  • Nearly everything closes on Sunday, including the supermarkets. Plan for your Sunday to be restful and relaxing.
  • Know that there’s a lot of history to unpack in such a small amount of land. Their independence is still really fresh, so be careful not to lump them together with Serbia. Many people are good-natured, friendly, and will answer your questions, but be respectful that everything in this county is “Montenegrin” not “Serbian.”
  • Buses are unreliable in the summer. I know I mentioned this in the beginning but I just want to drive it home so it really sticks. In general, a bus leaves Kotor and Tivat every hour, going along the bay simultaneously, usually crossing each other’s paths in Prcanj. This is how it should work but given the increase in traffic, sometimes a bus will be late, sometimes it won’t come.
  • Taxis are also tough to flag down in the smaller areas. Just outside of Old Town Kotor, getting a taxi is usually a breeze. That though is pretty much the only place it’s easy. Even Tivat can sometimes be tough unless you know a number to call. In the smaller towns, it’s really just luck of the draw if one drives by.
  • The internet can be less than reliable. If you’re working online from here, do yourself a favor and get a local SIM card with data. This will come in handy since the WiFi isn’t always the best. Or you can also get an Airalo e-Sim so you won’t have to keep changing your SIM card repeatedly. 
  • The power might go out often. This is especially true in smaller towns but can just add to the realities of the digital nomad lifestyle that you’ll need to also be prepared for a few hours without access to power.
  • The language can be confusing. Montenegrin is the official language here but if you go to Google Translate, you’ll realize that isn’t an option. It’s incredibly similar to Serbian (except they use the Roman alphabet), Croatian, Bosnian, and Slovenian. We’ve been practicing Croatian on Drops, a really cool app for language learning, and it’s been doing the trick.

With this, you’re ready to enjoy an unforgettable trip to Kotor, from the Old Town to the surrounding area. As far as I’m concerned, I’ve found my slice of paradise. Let the slow days guide you, give in to the relaxing environment, and soak up the nature all around Kotor- from the sea to the mountains, I’m sure you’re going to love it here.

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Author Bio: Kat Smith, founder of A Way Abroad , has been based in Kotor Bay for the past 2 months. She’s been abroad for the past 10 years, working online for the past 4. She started as a solo traveler but now travels with her husband, dog, and cat

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using these, I might get a small commission with no extra cost to you , which goes towards running this site.

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Kotor old town Montenegro

20+ Wonderful Things to Do in Kotor for an Idyllic Stay

As one of the most beautiful towns in Montenegro, visiting Kotor is a must on any Balkans itinerary. Plan your trip with these epic things to do in Kotor that promise an idyllic stay.

The picturesque town of Kotor, nestled on the mesmerizing Adriatic coastline of Montenegro is a must-visit on any trip in the Balkans region. Kotor is seeped in history and surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, providing a perfect balance of culture, medieval charm as well as outdoor activities. 

There are some pretty spectacular things to do in Kotor, Montenegro. Make sure to explore the charming Stari Grad or Old Town of Kotor as well as spend some time ogling at the jaw-dropping views of the Bay of Kotor. You’ll also want to allow some extra time for hikes and day trips to some other hidden gems in the area. 

In this blog post, I’ll outline all the best things to do in Kotor as well as the best hotels in Kotor and where to eat. Keep reading to plan that perfect slow trip around one of the most mesmerizing towns in the Balkans. 

view of Kotor from above

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Best Time to Visit Kotor

The ideal period to visit Kotor is during the spring and autumn months. From April/May to June and September to October, the weather is comfortably mild, there are few crowds and temperatures range from the low 60s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit (15-25 degrees Celsius).

During the summer months crowds can be a real problem in Kotor and the town isn’t the hidden gem it once was. Cruise ships now dock daily in the summer months unleashing hordes of people into the rather small historic center of town. Sometimes it can really feel immensely overcrowded. 

During the shoulder season, you’ll also have the advantage of scoring better deals on accommodation and activities that’ll leave you with more money to spend on Kotor’s thriving dining scene. I always make the effort to visit during the shoulder season and the last time I was in Kotor, in early- October it was just perfect. 

Visiting in winter is also possible and I’m sure the town would look magical under a blanket of snow. Note however that the range of activities available in winter is limited. Hiking trails might be closed due to weather and it might be too cold for watersports. 

20+ Amazing Things to Do in Kotor, Montenegro

Explore stari grad (kotor old town).

Go back in time with a wander around the charming streets of Kotor’s Old Town. The Stari Grad or Old Town is composed of charming, cobblestone lanes, Medieval stone churches and palaces, and a wide range of pretty cafes and restaurants. 

The best way to explore the old town is on foot just by getting lost in the labyrinth of narrow streets. 

square in Kotor. things to do in Kotor

As you walk around you’ll notice many of the best things to do in Kotor. You can marvel at the grandeur of St. Tryphon’s Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece that dates back to the 12th century, climb the city walls as well as check out the many churches and palaces. 

Make sure not to miss all the beautiful and atmospheric squares located throughout town. 

The best time to go for a wander is early in the morning before it gets too busy. 

Hike the Ladder of Kotor

For those that want to combine some of Kotor’s best views with an exhilarating hike make sure to allocate a morning for the Ladder of Kotor hike. This switchback trail will lead you up to a mountain viewpoint with some of the best views of the Bay of Kotor. 

Ladder of Kotor

It’s the most famous hike in Kotor so if you’re planning just one hike, make sure it’s this one. If you don’t quite want to hike the entire ladder you can join onto another trail that goes to Kotor Fortress halfway into the hike. This way you can combine the two experiences together. 

The path is very rocky so make sure to wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, and be prepared for a challenging hike. If hiking in the summer, make sure to start out early in the day. 

Drive the Serpentine Road

If hiking the whole Ladder of Kotor sounds like too much for you then why not drive the Serpentine Road instead? The Serpentine Road will take you to Lovcen National Park but it’s also a destination in itself. 

views of the Bay of Kotor from the Serpentine Road

Not only does the road offer some pretty adventurous driving, but the views are also absolutely stunning along the way. I think it took us 90 minutes the drive the 20-minute road just because we were stopping all the time for pictures. 

With 25 bends, this 8 km road is one of the best things to do in Kotor. The road gets pretty narrow and nail-biting in some sections but it is super fun to drive. 

You won’t find too many views of Kotor town itself from here but the views over the Bay of Kotor are just unparalleled. 

If you’re not doing a road trip and don’t already have a rental car you can rent one locally for just a day. There are many deals and local outfitters available on  Discover Cars , one of my favorite car rental platforms for the Balkans.  Find the perfect rental car with Discover Cars here . 

Dine on Seafood

Montenegrin cuisine isn’t world-famous but I really can’t understand why. On our whole Balkans Road trip we ate some of the best food in Kotor. 

mussels and seafood in MOntenegro

When it comes to culinary delights, Kotor is a seafood lover’s paradise. From fresh catch-of-the-day to succulent grilled octopus and delectable Adriatic shrimp, the local restaurants offer an array of dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. You’ll want to pair your meal with a glass of local wine or rakija for a truly local slow, dining experience. 

For the more veggie inclined, there are plenty of pasta, grilled vegetables, and salads available. I’ve outlined the best restaurants in the ‘Where to Eat’ section below. 

Those that want to learn more about the food culture in Montenegro, you can take a guided tour.  This Ko tor Food Walking Tour with Tastings will teach you more about the food culture of the town and its most popular dishes. 

Take in the Churches and Palaces

Kotor’s Old Town is littered with charming, Medieval churches and palaces which you’ll no doubt come across when exploring the Stari Grad. Kotor is brimming with historical and architectural treasures that will transport you to another era.

CAthedral of Kotor one of the best things to do in Kotor

What’s particularly interesting to note is the sheer mix of both Catholic and Orthodox Churches in the tiny town. You can start by visiting the magnificent St. Tryphon’s Cathedral, a symbol of Kotor’s rich heritage, adorned with intricate stonework and frescoes. Make sure to also visit the two main Orthodox Churches in Kotor; St. Nicholas’ Church and Saint Luke’s Church. 

In terms of palaces, you’ll find them located all around the Old Town. One of the most spectacular is the Palace of the Drago family, where you can marvel at the grandeur and imagine the lives of the nobles who once inhabited these opulent residences.

Hike to St. John’s Fortress

Hiking to St Giovanni Fortress in Kotor

Another hike that runs parallel to the Ladder of Kotor is the hike that takes you up to St. John’s Fortress. Hiking to St. John’s Fortress is one of the best things to do in Kotor, not just for the Fortress but also for the picturesque church of Our Lady of Remedy and the stunning views that accompany you all the way up. 

Start the San Giovanni Fortress hike  he re. It’ll lead you up to the back of the old town and then up toward the fortress along a winding hiking path. You’ll also need to pay the entrance fee of €8 on the way up. 

Along the way, you’ll pass the Church of Our Lady of Remedy, a beautiful little chapel in the middle of the path with beautiful views of the Bay of Kotor. You’ll also pass the old Fortress Walls, ramparts, towers, and bastions before reaching the top.

San Giovanni Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and this short hike really is a must during your visit to Kotor. 

Hike to St John's Fortress Kotor

Visit the Cats Museum of Kotor

Cat fans rejoice, and no joke, there is a cat museum in Kotor. Once you arrive in Kotor you’ll understand why. The city really does belong to all its feline residents and you’ll see them everywhere once you start wandering around. 

At the Cat Museum, you’ll learn a little more about the history of cats in Kotor as well as see their collection of cat-themed memorabilia and vintage artwork. For the cat lovers out there, it’s a great spot to pass an hour. 

Take it Easy on Kotor Beach

If visiting in the summer, why not make the most of the great weather in Kotor and head to the town’s beach? After a day of exploring the town’s wonders, unwinding on this pebbly beach is pure bliss.

You’ll be able to lounge under an umbrella and of course, go for a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Bay of Kotor.

Play with the Local Cats

Cats are everywhere in Kotor. The locals really care for them here too so they are fairly friendly, healthy, and well-fed. 

Cats in Kotor

If, like me, when there’s a cat around nothing else matters, you’ll want to head to the small square right by the Church of St. Mary Collegiate. There you’ll find many cats that live in the square that you can pet and play with for a while. When we visited there were plenty of playful kittens too. 

Visit the Maritime Museum

One of Kotor’s best museums, the Maritime Museum takes you on a journey of history and culture. The collection was founded by the ‘Boka Marine Fraternity in 1880 and it gradually opened to the public.

On display, you’ll find a variety of different maritime artifacts from the 19th Century and you’ll be able to learn more about the history of the area through its strong maritime heritage. 

Take a Sunset Walk along the Bay

There isn’t much of a sunset in Kotor (the sun dips behind the mountains way too soon before sunset), but that doesn’t mean that dusk isn’t a lovely time for a walk. 

As the day ends, it’s the perfect time for a leisurely walk along the bay to admire the tranquil waters, and the locals going about their day. 

The best place to walk is on the road that hugs the bay, going north of Kotor towards Dobrota. You’ll pass Kotor Beach and many atmospheric bayside restaurants and cafes. It’s a great place to be as the sun goes down.

Go on a Day Trip

There are many unique day trips to head out on from Kotor. A day trip is a perfect way to explore the surrounding areas and discover more of Montenegro’s beauty beyond Kotor.

Perast Montenegro at sunset

From visiting the gorgeous Lovcen National Park, located in the mountains right behind Kotor, to setting sail on the Bay of Kotor there are many different day trips to choose from, either to do by yourself or by tour. 

Here are some of the best day tours I’d suggest looking into to get the best out of the area. 

  • A Full Day in Lovcen National Park
  • Coastal Montenegro: Discover Budva, Tivat or Herceg Novi on a Day Cruise
  • Durmitor Mountain, Tara Canyon and Ostrog Monastery:  Discover Northern Montenegro

If you’ve got a rental car you can head out to any one of these on your own accord. I’d highly recommend visiting Lovcen National Park and staying for sunset, Herveg Novi and Sveti Stefan. 

Take in the City Walls

Sea GAte and city walls in Kotor, Montenegro

For some of the best views of the actual town of Kotor, head up onto the old City Walls. You’ll come across many of the well-preserved ramparts where you can admire the locals go about their day. Take your time to explore the hidden nooks and crannies, admire the Medieval architecture, and soak in the remarkable history that surrounds you.

To admire the city walls, the Gurdić Gate or Sea Gate are the best places to start.

Go Kayaking on the Bay of Kotor

For a thrilling and unique adventure in Kotor, grab a paddle and hop into a kayak to explore the stunning Bay of Kotor. Glide through the crystal-clear waters, marvel at the majestic mountains that rise dramatically from the bay, and soak in the serenity of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a novice or an experienced kayaker, there are options for everyone, from guided tours to renting your own kayak.

Check out  this 2.5 Hour Kayak Tour of the Bay of Kotor  for one of the best guided kayak tours in Kotor. If you prefer to just rent your own kayak and go for it, you’ll find many kayak rental companies by the water just by Kotor. 

If you prefer paddle boarding over kayaking then check out this brilliant  2-hour Stand Up Paddle Board Tour . 

Shop at the Kotor Farmer’s Market

If you’re a foodie or simply love exploring local culture, a visit to Kotor’s Farmer’s Market is an absolute must. You’ll find the market just outside of the city walls, opposite the bay by the Sea Gate. 

Here you can take a wander through the bustling stalls, filled to the brim with colorful fruits, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and an array of local delicacies. Some of the best things to buy are homemade cheeses, local honey, and fresh pastries. 

If you’re staying in an apartment or self-catering make sure not to miss coming down to the market to pick up the best local ingredients. 

Take a Boat Trip to the Montenegro Blue Cave

One of the best things to do in Kotor is to take a boat trip and the best place to see? The Montenegro Blue Cave. 

You’ll have the chance to cruise along the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea and arrive at the captivating Blue Cave, known for its mesmerizing turquoise hues. Step into a world of sparkling reflections as sunlight filters through the underwater entrances, illuminating the cave walls in a breathtaking display of color.

You’ll also have the opportunity to dive in and take a swim or just relax on the boat. 

You’ll need to book a tour to access the Blue Cave unless you have your own boat. Tours generally go to a few other hotspots on the Bay of Kotor so you’ll be able to spend a few hours on the water.  This Blue Cave Tour also heads to Mamula and Our Lady of the Rocks . 

This boat tour takes in Montenegro Blue Cave as well as a Submarine Base . 

Top Things to Do Near Kotor

Visit perast….

Perast, Montenegro at sunset, one of the best things to do in Kotor

Perast might be the Bay of Kotor’s best-kept secret. The fact that we arrived here right in time for golden hour definitely added to its charm but the tiny town right on the bay is like something out of a fairytale. 

You’ll be able to stroll by the water, have a seafood lunch here as well as admire the old stone town, its main church, and all the little cottages right on the water. There isn’t much to do here but just slow down, open a bottle of wine, and have a game of cards on a small boat pier at sunset and just let everything go by. 

Perast (in my opinion) is even more scenic than Kotor so make sure not to miss visiting for at least half a day. 

…and take a Boat to Our Lady of the Rocks

Opposite Perast you’ll notice two small islands sitting on the Bay of Kotor. One of the islands has a beautiful church on it, Our Lady of the Rocks. This unique and picturesque island holds a special place in Montenegro’s history and culture.

Our Lady of the Rocks, Kotor, Bay of Kotor

Legend has it that the island was created by local fishermen who, over centuries, placed rocks in the water upon returning from their successful voyages. Today, a beautiful church stands proudly on the island, adorned with magnificent frescoes and a mesmerizing collection of votive silver plates. it’s well worth the boat trip to see it well. 

You’ll also be treated to a different vantage point and stunning panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor. 

You can hop on a boat to Our Lady of the Rocks from Perast or arrange  a tour from Kotor  that’ll take you to a few other famous sights too.  This Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks tour by boat from Kotor  is a winner. 

Visit Sveti Stefan

Sveti Stefan was one of my favorite places in Montenegro and I highly recommend visiting from Kotor if you have an extra day. 

woman with a view of Sveti Stefan Montenegro

Located along the Adriatic Coast, just under an hour’s drive from Kotor, Sveti Stefan is a small resort town famous for Aman Sveti Stefan Resort , an island-like peninsula that juts out into the sea. There isn’t that much to see here if you’re not staying at the hotel but it is incredibly picturesque and the beaches here are stunning. 

Start at Park Milocher and take in the views before taking the coast path to the main beach where you can relax. Make sure to cross the long path to the peninsula and explore the town itself before you leave. 

For those looking for incredible beaches in the area, Sveti Stefan beach is pretty gorgeous but so are Milocer beach and the stunning Crvena Glavica beach a little further south. 

Take a Day Trip to Lovcen National Park

Lovcen National Park is one of Montenegro’s 5 National Parks. It’s within an easy drive from Kotor, via the Serpentine Road. You could honestly spend days in the National Park traversing its trails and summiting its manageable peaks. 

Lovcen National Park Views, Montenegro

The most popular spot in the park is the Mausoleum of Petar II Petrovic-Njegos which is reachable via car. The mausoleum and small museum isn’t really massively impressive in itself but it’s the views that you’re here for. 

Head right to the end of the mausoleum where you’ll be greeted by 360-degree views of Lovcen National Park and the Bay of Kotor in the distance. I’m not sure there’s a better view of the entire area. For the best experience make sure to come for sunset or as close to sunset as the opening hours allow.

If you have a rental car, it’s pretty easy to head up here alone. You’ll need to pay a small admission fee to get into the park. Otherwise, this  Full Day in Lovcen National Park To ur is one of the best ways to visit the park from Kotor. 

Where to Stay in Kotor

There are hotels and rentals for all budgets in Kotor. If you’re arriving in Kotor from another Western country you’ll notice that accommodation prices here are a little more budget-friendly.

Here are some of my top picks for where to stay in and around Kotor.

Historic Boutique Hotel Cattaro  – Historic, old town luxury with a Montenegrin flare is what you can expect at this gorgeous property. The terrace here is probbaly one of the most beautiful in town and the rooms are spacious, clean and comfortable. Staff and service is on point too.  Check rates and availability here . 

Hotel Vardar  – Another stunning hotel in the center of Kotor town. Contemporary furnishings, lovely balcony views, all the mod-cons as well as room service, parking, and a fitness center. The breakfast here is great too.  Check rates and availability here . 

Hotel Monte Cristo  – Take advantage of this hotel’s location right in the heart of Kotor. Uniquely designed rooms that capture the spirit of the town beautifully. Make sure to also dine or have a drink at their stunning terrace overlooking town.  Check rates and availability here . 

Conte Hotel and Restaurant – For those that prefer to stay a little further out of Kotor, don’t overlook this stunning property in Perast. With amazing balcony views and bright and clean rooms with exposed beams or stonework, this is a spectacular place to stay.  Check rates and availability here . 

street of Kotor, Montenegro

Where to Eat in Kotor

There are many great restaurants, cafes, and bars in Kotor to take advantage of during your stay. Make sure not to miss these amazing restaurants we found during our travels. 

Konoba Roma  – A lovely local tavern on a beautifully atmospheric square. They serve a lot of amazing local food, don’t miss the grilled octopus here. 

Konoba Scala Santa  – A very atmospheric, traditional restaurant, listed as one of the oldest in Kotor. The food here was lovely with a wide range of pasta, seafood, and meat dishes. A great selection of wine too. 

Konoba Trpeza – Another great local Montenegrin restaurant. 

Mon Bistro Cafétéria  – Probably the best spot in town for coffee and breakfast items like yogurt, pastries and juices. 

Old Winery Wine Bar – Discover Montenegro’s wine-making culture and traditions and of taste some of their best wines. 

Are you ready to visit Kotor and explore the best things to do in Kotor, Montenegro? Let me know your questions and comments below, I’d love to hear from you.

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Planning a trip right now? These are just some of my favourite websites I use to book everything from hotels to rental cars!

Rentalcars.com  and  Auto Europe  for quick and easy car rentals worldwide

Booking.com  for great deals on hotels

Agoda  also for great deals on hotels

Get Your Guide  and  Viator  for tours and adventures around the world

Related posts you might like:

Our Curated 7 Days in Croatia Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide

A Rundown of the Best Day Trips from Dubrovnik to Mostar

A Slow Traveller’s Guide to Perast, Montenegro

Visiting Lovcen National Park: The Ultimate Guide

Our Curated Montenegro Itinerary: A Journey of Discovery

A Short Travel Guide to Budva Old Town, Montenegro

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The best things to do in Kotor Montenegro

Alex Wieteska

Alex Wieteska is a full-time travel writer and photographer. She has visited 50+ countries and lived in 4 long term. She's renowned for her ability to discover the world's most coveted destinations, chicest eateries, and unique accommodations. Her curated travel guides are read by thousands of people daily, whom she inspires to travel the world slowly and live more consciously. She visits every destination she writes about and handpicks all recommendations. Find out more about me

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Clifton Voss

I am trying to get some information’s on a store in Kotor. My wife and I visited Kotor in April 2023, and we purchased some jewelry in Liora Jewelry. The personnel were very helpful and courteous and she loved the jewelry. When we paid for the purchase, they had us go to another store nearby in order to pay with a credit card. That store had some beautiful men’s leather jackets. I am trying to find out contact information for that men’s clothing store so that I can look into purchasing a jacket. I do not want to impose upon you, but can you help me find out how to contact that store? Again, all of the people were very friendly. The clothing store was very near the Liora jewelry store. But I have not been able to find how to contact Liora. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

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Thanks for getting in touch Clifton. I can have a look for you but its nothing I can recall. I’ll leave your comment here in case any other readers can help too.

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A Slow Traveller’s Guide to Perast, Montenegro

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Places to visit when traveling to Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor may be a small town, but it is one of the  most picturesque places in Montenegro . The city is located right by the side of the bay and surrounded by mountains, leading to incredible views all around. Kotor is also home to a number of historical and cultural landmarks, making it an ideal destination for those interested in history and culture, making it the perfect place to spend a day or two.

In this guide, we will help you put together the perfect itinerary for  visiting Kotor Old Town in one day , with a list of the best things to do in the city and important tips to help you plan the trip.

kotor montenegro tourist information

Visiting Kotor Old Town: What to do in 1 day

If you’re looking for a jam-packed itinerary that will let you see the best of Kotor Old Town in just one day, then you’ve found it! This guide will walk you through  what to see in Kotor in a day , taking you on a whirlwind tour of the city’s most important landmarks and attractions. 

Keep in mind that this itinerary can easily be split into more days if needed.

1. Explore Kotor’s Old Town on foot

kotor montenegro

Start the day by taking a stroll around Kotor’s Old Town and soak in all the local culture. Explore the narrow, cobblestone streets of the old town, taking in all the sights.

Kotor Old Town  is quite small and can easily be explored within one day only. The streets are full of interesting churches, museums, galleries, souvenir shops, small bars… and cats. Lots of cats.

Kotor is a walled city and there are three main gates you can use to enter the Old Town: the Sea Gate, the South Gate, and the North Gate.  The Sea Gate  is what is considered the main one, as just inside you have the Kotor Old Town Square, with the Clock Tower watching over it.

2. Take a walk along the Kotor city walls

what to do in kotor

The Kotor City Walls are one of the most popular attractions in the city, and for good reason – they offer some of the  best views of Kotor . 

The walls were built as a means of defense for the city. Today, they are open to visitors and provide a great way to see all of Kotor. You can visit the part of the city walls that protect the city and also walk all the way up to the  San Giovanni Fortress  – but more on this hike later. For this part, we are just recommending you check out the part that is on the city level, which is easily accessible to anyone.

The walls are located just outside of the old town, so they are easy to find. You can access the walls by turning left after you enter the Old Town via the Sea Gate. Access is very easy and the  walls are free to visit.

3. Check the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, aka the Kotor Cathedral

visiting the cathedral of kotor

The Kotor Cathedral, also known as the  Cathedral of Saint Tryphon , is one of the most important landmarks in the city of Kotor. The cathedral is a beautiful example of renascence baroque architecture and one of the main tourist attractions in town. 

The cathedral was rebuilt a few times because it was damaged during an earthquake. The current building was built between the XVI and XVII centuries and is dedicated to Saint Tryphon, who is considered the  patron saint of Kotor . The cathedral features a number of interesting religious artifacts and paintings, as well as a large bell tower that offers great views over the city. 

If you’re visiting Kotor Old Town, checking out the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon is one of those things that needs to be on your list.

4. Visiting the other churches in Kotor

visiting kotor montenegro

The Kotor Cathedral is only one of the many churches you will find within the walls of Kotor Old Town. 

Another church that definitely deserves mention is the  Church of Saint Nicholas , which is a local Serbian Orthodox Church. The Church of Saint Nicholas is beautiful from the outside, but if you have the chance, check out the inside and you will be truly marveled.

When strolling around the streets of Kotor Old Town, you will definitely come across other churches. There is no need to follow any strict guide, but if you want, you can also join a  Free Walking Tour  to get more information about each of the city’s landmarks.

5. Hike up to San Giovanni Fortress, aka the Kotor Fortress

kotor montenegro tourist information

The hike up to the Kotor Fortress, also known as the  San Giovanni Fortress , is one of the most popular attractions in Kotor. The hike is uphill and takes about an hour each way (plus the time for breaks and photos), but it’s definitely worth it for the views you get along the way. 

The fortress is located on a hill overlooking the city and the bay of Kotor and offers some of the best views in the city. Once you reach the fortress, you can explore the ruins and learn more about its history. 

The walls that connect Kotor to the fortress are  open 24h a day , but if you go up between 8 am and 8 pm, you will have to pay a ticket that costs € 8 per person. You can avoid the fee by going up earlier or later than this time.

Now, I have to be honest… while the hike to San Giovanni Fortress may be one of the best things to do in Kotor, it is time-consuming so if you only have one day in the city, just know that you will probably leave some other things out of the list. I do think the hike is definitely worth it for the views of the bay, but if you have limited time and are visiting Kotor for the first time, I would give preference to  going on a boat tour  for half of the day instead.

6. Visit the Kotor Bazaar and the local food market

Even though the Kotor Old Town has many options of stores and shopping places, I want to take the time to call attention to two of my favorite: the  Kotor Bazaar  and the  Kotor food market .

The Kotor Bazaar is a bit touristy but still has a great vibe and you will find a lot of local souvenirs and decoration items. It is not very well signaled, so make sure you look for it.

The Kotor food market is where the locals sell fruits, sweets, veggies, etc. Going to food markets is one of my favorite things to do every time I arrive in a new city and in Kotor it wasn’t any different. We bought some amazing dry figs and craved several of the other goodies.

7. Try typical Montenegrin dishes and wines

food in perast

What Montenegro lacks in size, it makes up for in its amazing food and wine. 

Montenegrin cuisine is heavily influenced by Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine, so you can expect to find a  lot of seafood dishes  as well as some  delicious Turkish-style desserts . One of our favorite restaurants in town was  Scala Santa  – it is quite small so make a reservation! 

Besides experiencing Montenegrin food, you should also try one of the local wines. Montenegro has a long history of winemaking, and today there are over 20 different grape varieties grown in the country. If you like red wine, we recommend trying a  Vranac . It was our favorite.

8. Enjoy the beaches in Kotor Bay

Montenegro Kotor

Now that you have gone around and enjoyed the best things to do within the walls of Kotor Old Town, it is time to explore the surroundings, starting with the amazing beaches located by the bay.

Just outside the city walls, you have Kotor Beach, but this is not the best area to spend the day by the water in our opinion. If you want to find a more empty spot with better water conditions, walk in the direction of  Dobrota  (check on Maps). Once you make your way out of the city you will immediately notice how the beaches already look nicer.

The water of  Kotor Bay is simply amazing  – incredibly transparent and not freezing at all. It is perfect for spending some time by the beach if you’ve got the time for it.

9. Hop on a boat tour of the Kotor Bay

visiting perast montenegro

When exploring the best things to do in Kotor, make sure to include a  boat tour of Kotor Bay . There are many companies that offer this tour and it typically takes about  3-4 hours . The tour will take you to some of the most popular destinations in the bay, including  Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks .

Most boat tours start at the Kotor Marina, very close to the port where the cruise ships dock. Read our post about  our boat trip in Kotor Bay , where we went all the way to the  Blue Cave , with several stops along the way.

10. (Bonus tip) Check out the Kotor city walls at night

Montenegro Kotor

In the evening, the Kotor city walls light up and it is one of the most beautiful parts of spending a full day in Kotor. If you have enough time in the city, you can go for a drive or for dinner in the opposite village called Muo. From there, you can see the  entire loop of the city walls  and, with any luck, even its reflection in the water.

It is one of the most beautiful views of Kotor.

Check more options to do in Kotor on Get Your Guide:

Best day trips: Places to visit from Kotor

Will you have more days to spare? Then make sure you also check out some of the destinations located near Kotor. These are the places we recommend visiting as a  day trip from Kotor :

  • Budva : Located only 30 min away, Budva is a must-see destination in Montenegro. Budva is located by the seaside so you will also find many incredible beaches by the Adriatic Sea, along with the Old Town that is definitely worth a visit.
  • Perast : One of the most picturesque cities of the Kotor Bay, Perast is easily accessible from Kotor by boat, car, or by bus. Perast is small so you can choose to spend only a couple of hours there if you have limited time.
  • Our Lady of the Rocks : A little church on an island – it does not get more picturesque than this. Our Lady of the Rocks is located right in front of Perast and you book a combined trip if you get a boat tour.
  • Herceg Novi : Located a bit further down Kotor Bay, Herceg Novi is a destination that is often overlooked by tourists but it has a very charming Old Town and very good beaches.
  • Blue Cave : The most famous day trip from Kotor is to visit the beautiful Blue Cave, which is located in the open sea, just when you leave the Bay. The Blue Cave is only accessible by boat but it is definitely worth the trip.
  • Tivat : The only city by the Kotor Bay that has its own airport. Tivat is an important starting point for travelers coming from abroad by plane.

kotor montenegro tourist information

How to get to Kotor?

Most people who plan a visit to Kotor are either coming from Dubrovnik, in Croatia, or from other parts of Montenegro. To help you plan your trip, we have made a summary of the  best ways to get to Kotor:

Going to Kotor by bus

Whether you are located in Montenegro or in Dubrovnik, you will find regular daily routes going to Kotor. The schedule varies a lot during the year based on the season, with more daily departures during the summer months as they are the most popular time of the year to visit Kotor.

Bus tickets are fairly affordable but make sure to plan ahead based on the schedule. From  Podgorica to Kotor , for instance, the bus ride takes  2h and 30min.

Going to Kotor by car

If you are located in Montenegro or Croatia, it is very easy to drive to Kotor. The roads are good and it only takes a couple of hours from most locations. There is parking available in the city but it can be expensive if your accommodation does not offer parking places.

If you will be driving, check our tips on  how is it to drive in Montenegro as a foreigner.

Need to rent a car for your trip? Get a quote here!

Going to Kotor by boat

Going to Kotor by boat is one of the most popular ways of visiting the city as many cruise ships with itineraries along the Adriatic Sea include a stop in Kotor. The most popular route is the one that  comes from Dubrovnik , in Croatia, and then makes a stop in Kotor Montenegro.

The cruise ships are especially popular among American tourists who end up having one day to visit Kotor Old town during a stop on the cruise tour. We were impressed by the number of American tourists in Kotor when we visited in late summer this year.

kotor travel guide

What is the best time of the year to visit Kotor

The best time of the year to visit Kotor is  during the summer months . The weather is warm and sunny and there are plenty of activities and events taking place in the city.

We have decided to visit Kotor in late summer,  during September , and found it to be the perfect timing. The cities were not very full, even though all the tourist activities and attractions were still fully functional. Prices were more affordable than in July/August and the roads were a bit quieter, which was great, especially when crossing the borders between Croatia and Montenegro.

staying in kotor montenegro

How many days do you need to visit Kotor

Kotor Old Town is very small  and you can easily see everything if you only have one day to visit Kotor. From this point of view, Kotor is an excellent destination for a one-day stop during a cruise tour.

However, if you have extra time available, I strongly recommend spending  at least 2-3 days in Kotor  because we simply ADORED our time in the city. Besides the old town, there are many day trips you can make and places close by that you can visit.

We stayed in Kotor for 2,5 days and had an amazing time, we did almost everything we wanted. But if I were to plan another trip to Kotor, I would save at least 3 full days in the city so I would have enough time to really enjoy some time off relaxing at the beach or going for a morning run along the promenade.

kotor montenegro

Where to stay in Kotor?

If you will be sleeping in Kotor, you can choose between a place  inside the city walls or in the neighboring areas . The advantage of sleeping inside the city walls is that you have easy access to all of the attractions and the best things to do. 

But I have to point out that most guests that choose this option complain that it gets quite noisy during the evening. The reason for this is that the streets of Kotor Old Town are so narrow, that even people just chatting makes a big echo, let alone all the bars and busier places.

During our trip, we decided to stay outside the city walls in the area called Dobrota. It was the best choice we could have made because our apartment was literally beachfront and we had a free parking place included. The apartment we stayed in is called  Promenade Rose  and we can’t recommend it enough!

Read more:   Best areas to stay in Kotor

If you are looking for other options, here are a few good alternatives:

  • Boutique Hotel Hippocampus   – Beautiful boutique hotels located within the city walls. A great option for a place to stay for travelers who look for comfort and seek centrally located accommodation.
  • Hotel Monte Cristo  – Themed decorated rooms in a hotel located in the heart of Kotor Old Town. This accommodation has really good reviews and it is rated as a very good option for a place to stay in Kotor.

Organizing your trip

To help you plan your trip to Montenegro, we have put together our favorite planning resources: 

  • Flights : Get affordable flights to Montenegro on  Skyscanner.com . 
  • Travel insurance : Make sure you are protected during your trip. We use  VisitorsCoverage  whenever we are traveling abroad. 
  • Renting a car : We always use  Discover Cars  to get the best car deals. 
  • Accommodation : Find the best hotels and apartments on  Booking.com . 
  • Activities : Get fun ideas of what to do and buy unique activities with  Get Your Guide.
  • SIM Card : Stay connected during your trip with  Airalo.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. This means that we get a small commission from any purchase you make, at no additional cost to you!

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Edin (Edo for friends like you) is the Slovenian half of Mauka. Even though Edo was born in Novo Mesto (Slovenia), he has Bosnian origins and has spent most of his life exploring the Balkan Region. Now, with Fernanda, he has expanded his travel borders to explore more of Europe, South America, and the rest of the world. He is the technical master behind the blog, but he also adventures as a writer when it comes to giving tips about destinations he is passionate about.

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Road is Calling

what to do in kotor

What to Do in Kotor Guide: 20 Best Things For Any Visit + My Top Travel Tips

Last updated on December 17th, 2023

Kotor is a special city not only in Montenegro but in entire Europe and the world. However, traveling to Kotor does not only imply seeing the old part on a quick visit. It is ideal for a weekend trip or a two-week vacation, really. If you are wondering where to go and what to do in Kotor on any visit, I would love to share a list of my favorite experiences and things to do. There are a lot of activities for any type of traveler! 

Kotor is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and owes its appearance to the Venetians, who ruled it for 400 years. Once you enter the city, you can easily forget what time you live in. Untouched by wars and cataclysms, Kotor seems to have frozen somewhere in the distant past. But then the multi-lingual crowd of tourists, colorful umbrellas near street cafes, and snow-white cruise ships in the Old Port remind us that we are in the 21st century.

By renting a canoe, yacht or motorboat, you can appreciate from the water the picturesque coast of the Bay of Kotor , which English poet Lord Byron called the world’s most beautiful merging of land and sea. However, before you do that, I invite you to read my mega guide to Kotor to find out what other attractions and sightseeing are in this beautiful region.

If you are also looking for more tips on Montenegro travel , check my other posts or see travel resources for Montenegro at the end of the article. 

During the time Mark and I lived in Montenegro, we have been to Kotor and the surrounding area many, many times. All the information I share is based on my own experiences. And by sharing it, I am sure you will have a fabulous time!

Quick Kotor Tourist Information

Why visit kotor.

Kotor is an ancient city in Montenegro on the shores of Boka Bay. The landscapes are reminiscent of the Norwegian fjords , in particular Geiranger. One of the reasons to visit is Kotor’s mountains, emerald water, and cruise ships.

Other reasons are several beautiful churches, a pretty old town, a couple of squares, and two mountain peaks that rise above the bay – Lovcen and Orjen.

The old town of Kotor is similar to the towns of Italy or Croatia . What really deserves attention and for what it is worth visiting Kotor is the fortress of St. John. But we’ll cover all of that below.

Best Time to Travel to Kotor

visiting Bay of Kotor

The best time for you personally depends on what you are looking to do and how well you tolerate the heat. Oh well, and crowds.

If you have a choice when to visit Kotor, for the best experience try to plan your trip between the months of April and October but avoid the timeframe from mid-July to the end of August. This is the busiest time and the hottest. It almost never rains. And if rain happens, it usually falls in midday thunderstorms, ending within an hour. Also, July and August are incredibly expensive and always booked out months in advance.

May and October are more suitable for nature walks and sightseeing as well as cruises on the bay. June through September are perfect for water sports, lazy beach days, and road-tripping from Kotor into the mountains. 

From November to April, there is not much to do in Kotor except to admire the storms. Although the temperature rarely drops below 0, it rains all the time. Stormy winds from Africa periodically blow, making navigation difficult and bringing even lower temperatures. Most of the tours on the coast close at the end of October, leaving few options for holidaymakers to entertain themselves. 

Kotor Beaches

When choosing which beaches in Kotor to go to, it is worth considering two things.

The first one is that Kotor as a city doesn’t have any nice beaches for swimming. Actually it does have one city beach which is located next to the ferry pier where the views are spectacular but the water is not clean. Second, almost all of the beaches that you find in the Bay of Kotor are small.

And those small beaches are either small pebble beaches that are 30-60 meters long or concrete piers protruding into the sea with ladders for entering the water. 

The closest beaches to Kotor with clear water are located in the neighboring town of Dobrota, which stretches for 4 km and is a 15-minute walk from the Old Town. There you’ll find showers, changing rooms, toilets, playgrounds, cafes and bars, and free parking. Also, there are many shallow water areas suitable for small children.

By car or public transport, it is easy to get to the comfortable beaches on the northern shore of the bay. You’ll find a small sandy and pebble beach in the village of Morin, a pebble beach in Risan and Orahovac, and a concrete beach in Perast.

For beaches, it is much better to go to Budva or less popular beaches among tourists in Montenegro .

Kotor Bay beaches

Kotor Restaurants & What to Try

The menu in every Kotor restaurant is a harmonious combination of Balkan meat cuisine and light Mediterranean cuisine. It is very common for dishes to be a mix of seafood and meat on one plate . Lamb stewed in milk with spices and potatoes can be served next to freshly caught grilled octopus. A large chopped pljeskavica cutlet (ground beef, lamb or pork meat) with shrimp carpaccio can be served with a glass of strong brandy.

The Venetians, who ruled the area for centuries in a row, left behind a legacy of pasta with seafood and black risotto with squid. It is easy enough to find them on the menu in almost every restaurant.

Traditional restaurants in Kotor serve rich soup “ Chorba “, sausages “ Ćevapi “, smoked ham , and Njegoš cheese . The portions are large, in some places they are as big as in America. The most expensive restaurants are located in the Old Town and cheaper eateries with moderate prices are south of the center.

Those with a sweet tooth should try ‘ Tulumba ‘ (similar to churro), a choux pastry with chocolate or nut filling, soaked in honey. And lovers of beautiful panoramas should head to seafood restaurants in Dobrota or Prčanj overlooking the Bay of Kotor and the Old Town.

Souvenirs to Buy in Kotor

Almost every second store in Kotor is a souvenir shop – with dolls in national costumes, silver jewelry, ceramic dishes, seashell crafts, tablecloths and napkins with traditional ornaments, and small trinkets that you can purchase throughout Montenegro.

But nowhere except for Kotor, you can find such an abundance of cat-themed souvenirs . Just some of them are cats-boxes, cats-earrings, watches, candlesticks, pillows, cats-cups with a handle in the form of a tail. Kotor residents adore these animals that have become an unofficial symbol of their city.

For something truly exclusive, visit the Cats of Kotor Souvenirs and Handicraft store located on Stari Grad 490 Street ( coordinates here ), which sells handmade souvenir cats.

Foodies should buy cheese and prosciutto from the mountainous town of Njegushi. And wine connoisseurs will surely appreciate the Vranec red wine and the Krstač white wine .

Renting a Car in Kotor

If you are wondering if Kotor is a good place to rent a car, I’ll tell you without a second thought that yes, it definitely is.

In fact, I recommend all my friends and clients to rent a car and drive around Kotor because there is too much beauty that you don’t want to miss. If you are up for it, see my post about car hire & driving in Montenegro which answers all questions and tells what are the best companies to rent from. There is also a chance to rent a vehicle in Kotor and drop it off in another city.

As for driving in and around Kotor, you should remember that Kotor is a small city. Entering Old Town by car is not possible and you don’t want to do it anyway. It is very easy to walk anywhere in Kotor city or use public transportation to travel to nearby towns and use a car to go on road trips.

What to Do in Kotor – General Tips & Ideas 

Like many cities in Europe that have a long history, Kotor consists of old and new parts. When you visit, you have to go to the old part which is surrounded by the fortress walls. It has a fascinating mix of Venetian, Austrian, and Baroque architecture. Additionally, narrow cobblestone streets, marble squares, endless palaces, and churches – they make you feel like in the Middle Ages.

Along with  Durmitor National Park that I wrote about in my other post, Old Kotor is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is the most beautiful old town among all the other cities in Montenegro .

So below is a list of general activities and things to see in Kotor for any occasion. I believe they are all great to experience. However, if you don’t have a lot of time, you won’t be able to cover them all. So pick what you like more and what reflects your travel lifestyle and enjoy your trip to this gorgeous city of the Balkans. 

Top Things to Do in Kotor On Any Visit 

1. go on a walking tour.

The first thing I always recommend to my friends and clients, when they visit Kotor, is to go on a quick 1 or 2-hours tour around the city. It will just give you a brief introduction and help you understand the history behind its buildings.

Yes, Kotor is a pretty compact destination that you can walk around all by yourself. Yet, random walking won’t show the whole picture. Without a tour, Kotor will be just another European town that actually looks very much alike to some other towns in Italy, Northern Spain , or Croatia for instance.

If you opt to walk on your own, I guarantee that in the end, you won’t know much about Kotor. But a local guide can make it easier for you to understand the history, culture, and heritage that ancient walls hide. Honestly, in my opinion, you don’t need a tour in Tivat or even Budva but Kotor is a must.

There are many interesting and reasonably priced excursions that are packed with information. Also, the selection of tours is really big, so everyone can choose something for his taste. You can go on a free, paid, or self-guided tour.

Montenegro fjords in a distance

When we lived in Montenegro, we explored Kotor on our own and once on the excursion . And the excursion just helped us see this city in a totally different light. Besides that, our tour guide gave us some helpful tips on a few unique things to do in Kotor (which I talk about below). 

If you are a budget traveler, try to look for free tours in Kotor or this low-priced 1-hour tour . If you can splurge a bit, see this private walking tour with wine and food .

2. VISIT A CITY MARKET

In front of the walls of the Old Town near the Port of Kotor , to the right of the main entrance, there is a city market. It is notable for the fact that people from all over Montenegro bring homemade products here. Believe it or not, but this is one of Kotor’s top attractions.

This is the place where you can find fresh meat and fish, the finest fruits, vegetables, nuts, honey, bread, cheese, and other products. Local farmers living in the mountains bring here various cheeses of their own production. Montenegro is famous for its goat cheese , as well as pork ham prosciutto (similar to Spanish Jamon).

Like any market, it’s better to come as early as possible, but the usual working hours are from 7.00 to 15.00. Some sellers may come later and leave earlier. The busiest day on the market is Saturday but it is open on other days too.

If you don’t feel like buying anything, look around, and sample a few products. They are so good that you’ll want to buy at least something to snack on it later. You can sample almost everything there.

walking tour in Kotor

3. SEE THE GATE TO KOTOR & CLIMB THE FORTRESS WALL

As I mentioned earlier, Kotor’s old town is surrounded by a thick fortress wall which is 4.5 km long. And that wall has three different gates. You can enter the Old town through one of those gates:

Sea gate – this is the main entrance to the town. Most people enter through this gate.  River gates  – located in the northern part of the town near the river Shkurda. You can enter through a beautiful arch bridge. Gurdich Gate – near the Gurdich River in the southern part. 

Walking through the gate is not really a major Kotor attraction. The fortress walls are interesting in that way that you can climb them and walk around the perimeter of Kotor at the level of the roofs. There are passages in several places and it’s not difficult to find them. Feel free just to walk along the wall and look for stairs. They’ll bring you to the top of the wall. 

4. EXPLORE NARROW STREETS OF KOTOR OLD TOWN 

If you don’t want to take any tour of Kotor Old city, here are a few tips for how you can explore it on your own.

The old town of Kotor is not big, but very picturesque. It has a long and complicated history. The Roman Empire, Byzantium, the Goths, and the Arab pirates, Serbs and Bulgarians, Napoleon, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire managed to invade this city. At some point, it was even burned by the grandson of Genghis Khan!

Also, Kotor suffered from earthquakes on a few occasions. In 1979, there was one big earthquake that partially destroyed the city. Soon after that, UNESCO took it under its protection.

old streets

All for all, you would need a few hours to take a short walk, gaze on history, wander around narrow streets, and stop for a cup of coffee in one of the cute Kotor cafes. At the same time, you would need a day or even a two if you would like to go inside of many buildings, visit museums, stay overnight in a historical place and go on one of a few stunning hikes.

Kotor in summer gets incredibly busy. But, surprisingly, almost never too hot. It’s nice to walk here in the summer in hot weather because the narrow streets get nice ventilation and lots of shade. There are also many cats walking around Kotor and living in the city.

And main churches and cathedrals to see in Kotor Old Town are:

– St. Tryphon Cathedral;

– St. Nicholas Orthodox Church;

– Ancient Orthodox Church of St. Luke;

– Church of St. Mary;

5. CLIMB LADDER OF KOTOR TO ST. JOHN FORTRESS TO BE ABLE TO SEE BOKA BAY FROM ABOVE

St John fortress hike in Kotor

One of the most interesting things to do in Kotor is climbing the stairs (called Ladder of Kotor) to the St. John Fortress. The ladder, 1460 steps long, ends near the fortress and becomes an old Kotor Fort Trail that goes to the village of Njegusi near Lovcen National Park. If you have time and energy, hike all the way to the end of the trail as it offers amazing nature, gorgeous views, and a goat cheese shop in the middle of the way.

Even if you don’t feel like going the entire way, definitely don’t miss the fortress. It is one of the most touristy places in Montenegro and the Balkan region in general. But still, it is very much worth your effort. From the top of the fortress, you get stunning views of the old town, port, and the Bay of Kotor.

There are two options on how to get to the top of the fortress. The first one is a free one outside Old Town that starts here . The second option is a paid one that costs around 8 euros and starts in the Old Town by fortress walls. If you take the free road, it will be easier on the way back since you’ll be descending the ladder.

TIP:  If hiking in the summer, you need to start the ascent in the morning before 8 am when it is still not too hot. Take 1-1.5 liters of water per person with you and a hat. Until 8 am the entrance is free. If you go late in the evening, expect to take pictures against the sun.

6. GO HIKING IN KOTOR NEARBY MOUNTAINS 

The hills and mountains surrounding Kotor are rich with countless trails. It is really easy to access all of them and being on a hike or walk is always a pleasure. A trail to St John fortress mentioned above is only one short path among many others in Kotor national trail system.

No matter which direction you go to, you’ll see cliffs and ancient buildings mirrored in the azure Adriatic Sea. And see the beauty of Kotor Bay from a different angel.

hiking in Kotor

There are many hikes starting in Kotor and nearby villages but Lovcen National Park is not the only place where they lead to. On another side of Kotor Bay, there is the Vrmac mountain range that has routes in different directions and opens up views of the Tivat and Kotor municipalities. 

I have another post about trekking in Montenegro which also mentions hiking in Kotor. Give it a read and explore around!

7. TRY THE BEST BBQ IN KOTOR 

Kotor Old Town has quite a few nice restaurants and cafes where you can get a meal and enjoy your time. Yet, for meat lovers, I recommend stopping for lunch (or dinner) at BBQ TANJGA cafe . 

It looks inconspicuous and like a very basic eatery but the food is absolutely delicious there. If you are up for local meat, this is the best place in Kotor so far.

How it works, you pick the food (like a burger, steak, sausage, etc.) from the showcase and the cook prepares it for you in a minute. Portions are huge and two people can easily share one plate. Mark and I ate there a few times always ordering just one dish and still had leftovers to take home. 

Be prepared to wait for the table in the evening. 

Montenegrin food

8. CONTEMPLATE THE BEAUTY OF KOTOR’S PALACES

If you love visiting historical places and wonder what to do in Kotor besides seeing the churches and walking the historic streets, then visit one of its beautiful palaces. They are really special.

In fact, Kotor’s palaces look like ordinary buildings and most people don’t even know that when walking around the city. Often though, they attract someone’s attention with their bas-reliefs and coats of arms.

Not knowing that the palace is in front of you, you can easily pass by it too. So here are a few ideas for you where to go:

– One of the most popular things to see in Kotor is Beskuch Palace .

– Pima Palace and Flour Square . Among the streets of old Kotor, there is one palace from the architectural ensemble of the city. The style of the palace is complemented by a stone terrace, a long balcony, and courtyard. It is located on Flour Square which has repeatedly suffered from earthquakes until the 17th century.

– Palace of Drago Family . The building itself is made in the Gothic style of the XV century with baroque elements. After the mysterious disappearance of a noble family, ownership passed to the city. It was converted into a kindergarten and subsequently taken care of after earthquakes and severe destruction.

– Gergurin Palace . The building was erected in the XVIII century in the late Baroque style. The main accents were stone balconies and balustrades, as well as the symmetry of the main facade of the palace, where a family coat of arms – a goat – towered above the central part. Now, this building is home to the Maritime Museum. If you are visiting Kotor on a rainy day, it’s a great place to go to.

walking around Kotor old town

9. TAKE A CRUISE IN THE BAY OF KOTOR

This is probably the most popular Kotor excursion and rightfully so. On the boat tour around the Bay of Kotor, you will go on an unforgettable voyage where you’ll be able to get acquainted with the unique nature and rich history of Montenegro, as well as see beautiful medieval cities and small islands.

There are so many different boat tours to choose from. Some of them include a visit to the old secret naval base, one of the most beautiful beaches where tourists can relax and swim in the clear water. Others are more informative with a quick visit to the most beautiful place of the Montenegrin coast the Blue Cave. 

Once in Kotor, you will notice a huge number of offers from the organizers of boat trips on yachts and boats. In the summertime, they sell pretty quickly, so I recommend booking a tour in advance online.

If I could recommend you only one Kotor Bay excursion tour, it would be this one from friends of our friends. These guys will bring you to Blue Cave, some hidden islands and cruise you all over Boka Bay. Ivan is a very nice friendly person who knows how to turn moments into memories. If you are looking for a bit cheaper option, I’d suggest this 3-hour boat group tour instead.

10. RENT A BIKE AND RIDE AROUND 

Frankly speaking, it will take a lot of time to ride around the Bay of Kotor. But you don’t really need to go that far. What I suggest doing, if you enjoy biking, is to rent a bike and go through Dobrota to Perast or even Risan, or in opposite direction to Donji Stoliv. You’ll pass by many beaches (mainly concrete platform ones), cute cafes, beautiful villas, and gardens. 

Each ride is very scenic and offers plenty of opportunities for photos. If you go to Donji Stoliv and feel hungry, stop at Bokeski Gusti restaurant to try their seafood. Portions are big, everything is very delicious and the view of the bay and mountains is spectacular. 

There is an outside rental shop near the Port of Kotor where you can rent a bike for about 15 euros per day per person. In exchange, they ask you to leave a driver’s license or passport. Other options would be to rent a bike in advance through a trusted company or go on a cycling Kotor Bay adventure group tour.  

TIP: The stretch of the road between Dobrota and Perast doesn’t have any biking path or shoulder. You’d need to share it with vehicles. So most likely you won’t be comfortable biking with kids . Also, it goes uphill. On a hot summer day it may be better to start as early as possible and have water with you. 

Dobrota seafront

11. GO KAYAKING IN THE BOKA BAY 

The one thing that I really regret we didn’t do in Kotor was kayaking. My friends did it and I watched other people kayaking and it looked like so much fun.

Kotor Bay is perfect for kayaking since waters in the bay are calm and sheltered from strong winds.

With the help of kayak, you can explore the coast, usually inaccessible from land, find beautiful fjords and caves, visit interesting islands, and enjoy picturesque panoramas. In the Bay of Kotor alone there are such famous sights as the islands of Gospa od Shkrpela (or Our Lady of the Rocks in English) and Mamula, the Blue Cave, and the unusually picturesque town of Perast, which you can visit during independent kayaking.

To rent a kayak, there are a few companies like  Kotor Bay Tours . But for a more exciting experience, you’ll definitely love a 2.5-hour group kayaking tour.

12. HAVE FUN PADDLE BOARDING

Another activity in Kotor that becomes more and more popular is standup paddleboarding. Since the water in the bay is always calm, you can go paddling all year round. But of course, the best season for that is May through October.

SUP is a relatively new activity that became available around 3 years ago. Before that, you could explore the bay on a boat or yacht. So if you feel like getting out on the water in Kotor when the temperatures are high, don’t miss a paddleboarding tour.

There are a few departure points but for each tour, the company picks you up at your location. One is a 3-hour tour that starts in Kostanjica and another one a 4-hour paddling tour of Boka Bay.

paddle boarding

13. GO FISHING IN THE BAY OF KOTOR

Fishing in Montenegro in the open sea is a real thrill for true lovers of this type of outdoor activity. The thing is that there are more than forty species of various fish in the Adriatic Sea and you can go catch them in one of the most beautiful bays in the world.

This unusual thing to do in Kotor Bay will bring a lot of memories and unforgettable emotions. Because it’s all about the stunning views of Montenegrin nature against the backdrop of the majestic coastal cliffs that will surround you throughout the fishing.

The best way to go finishing in Kotor is through an organized tour. 

14. GET A MASSAGE

What can you do at the end of the day after biking around Kotor Old town or boating in the Bay? Of course, you have to come and get a massage. Kotor is not Chiang Mai and Montenegro is not Thailand, but one spa in Kotor’s city center gives pretty good Thai massages. Kamalaya Spa offers services of professional certified Thai masseuses.

Their prices are reasonable, the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. There are various types of massages to choose from and afterward, you can even have some tea overlooking the harbor.

We thought it was a really good center to relax and release tension. If you feel you need a massage, this is a place to go to. 

15. SAMPLE LOCAL WINES 

After you went on a walking tour, biked, and even got a massage, the next must-do thing in Kotor should be the local wine tasting. Wine not? 

Since Montenegro produces its own wine, it is very easy to try it in many establishments around the country, including Kotor. Besides Montenegrin wine, you can be also offered wines from other countries of the Balkan region. Montenegrin red wine is called Vranec and white wine Krstač. And you can find them under different brands. 

Honestly, Kotor is not the best place for wine tastings but a few restaurants have a very wide selection. Old Winery Wine Bar , Galion , Restoran Ellas , Che Nova , and Cesarica are some of those restaurants. 

Also, it is easy to buy homemade wines at the farmer’s market I mentioned above. Wines there are called Vranac or Krstac as well.

If time and money permitting, you can go on a 6-hours wine tasting tour from Kotor . 

16. WALK ALONG THE KOTOR SEAFRONT 

Kotor’s seafront starts on a one-side street near the Burger Factory cafe and stretches from Kotor to a small adjoining town Dobrota.

This is one of my favorite areas in Kotor because of the beautiful walking path , stunning views, seagulls, and many cafes where you can stop for a drink. I know you will enjoy it as much as I did. 

It’s very pleasant to stroll here looking at villas, houses, and hotels facing the bay and listening to the sound of the sea. The northern part of the seafront near the Palazzo Radomiri is a spot where you can watch the sunset. The colors of the sunset are amazing. 

walk in Kotor Dobrota

17. VISIT KOTOR AT NIGHT

Kotor city at night is amazing. This is the time for soft and warm lighting of buildings and streets, the luster of polished stones of the road, and candles on the tables of numerous restaurants. All shops and restaurants work until late at night, so the city feels pretty busy even though it’s half-empty than during the day.

The main thing is that tourists from huge cruise liners are already on the ships as they depart Kotor in the evening. If you arrive at 18.30-19.00, it will be much easier to find parking.

Nightlife in Kotor is usually about live music and romantic dinners in one of the bars or restaurants. You can literally walk through Old town and pop into any restaurant you like. Our favorite places though were cafe Cesarica and restaurant Galion . The second restaurant had a large selection of wine, traditional Montenegrin food, and a beautiful setting by the water.

By the way, speaking of places by the water. There are quite a few of them in the bay of Kotor. And another restaurant that I highly recommend is Konoba Portun . It’s actually located in Dobrota but you can easily walk there (in half an hour) or take a taxi from Kotor. See all the amazing reviews and photos to understand why this place is great.

Kotor also has one of the most famous disco clubs in Montenegro which is called ‘Maximus’ if you feel like hitting the floor.

18. DRIVE THE SERPENTINE ROAD TO NJEGUSI VILLAGE

If you hire a car, I recommend going even higher than the uppermost observation deck of the old St. John fortress hiking trail.

A very picturesque road runs from Kotor towards Lovcen National Park and the village of Njegushi. This road is a serpentine road of 26 loops. It is very narrow in some places which is not an obstacle for sightseeing buses because they run there on a daily basis. The views that open from this road are simply magnificent, especially on a nice clear, cloudless day.

The best viewing platform of Bay of Kotor is located in Lovcen Park, right here . This viewing platform is lined with a stone fence in a semicircle and offers a full panorama. But the drive from Kotor to Njegusi village has many other points with spectacular views. Like restaurant ‘Nevjesta Jadrana’ or recently opened Horizontal cafe . 

If you are up for adventure and enjoy ziplining, do not miss a thrilling opportunity to zip across the hills of Kotor .

views of the Bay

19. VISIT TWO FAMOUS KOTOR MUSEUMS

A trip to Kotor would not be complete if not visiting its real pride – two small museums. Both of these museums have interesting exhibitions and located in old buildings of the 18th century. Going to a museum is a cool thing to do in Kotor on a rainy day or when you are traveling with children. And these two museums are: 

  • Cat’s Museum

The idea of creating an unusual cats’ museum , the second in Europe after Amsterdam, came to mind after the donation of thousands of cards with cats, medals, magazines, and books from the 17th century.

It is really small and the entrance fee is only €1 but it offers some interestingly weird facts about cats.

  • Maritime Museum

Maritime Museum has a few collections from different eras. It presents the rich marine history of the Adriatic Sea coast and the Bay of Kotor. The museum is located in an old building, which used to be the Gergurin Palace (the one I mentioned above in a section ‘Palaces of Kotor’).

20. AND FINALLY – GO ON A DAY TRIP

If you feel like you haven’t gotten enough or if you’ve been staying in Kotor for too long, now it’s time to go on a day trip to explore more of Montenegro.

As a matter of fact, Montenegro is that country where you want to get out and travel all over it. The country is compact and has excellent infrastructure. And to help you get inspired, I have another post with the best day tours from Kotor . The list includes organized tours as well as trips that you can go on independently. 

What to Do in Kotor From a Cruise Ship 

Cruise ships usually stop in Kotor for 6-12 hours. This is enough time to have a quick tour of the city and see the main attractions. 

Among all the sightseeing spots I mentioned in this post, I would love to highlight only a few for those who are visiting Kotor from a cruise ship. 

So, my number one recommendation , if you are in good shape and enjoy extensive walking and hiking, is to climb St. John fortress and see Kotor from above . The very next thing I recommend doing is to walk the pedestrian road along the seafront towards Dobrota, making a stop in one of the lovely waterfront cafes.

For the climb, if you have more time in the city, start near the hidden free entrance to the fort . Yes, it will take you longer (around 1.5 hours) but chances are you will be among only a few people from your cruise ship on that path. If you have only a few hours and don’t have time to go to the top, I recommend climbing the stairs at least to the first viewing platform. It will not take much time but you will be able to get this view:

Bay of Kotor from above

The standard route for all tourists who leave the cruise ship lays through the Sea Gate into the old town. Almost no one ever goes in another direction. If you choose to go straight on a hike to the fort, taking the path I recommend, you’ll be able to see Old Town on the way back when taking the stairs down. 

For the seafront walk, stop at Kotor beach , St. Elijah Church from where you get a mesmerizing view of the Kotor Bay and also stop for a drink or snack at one of the multiple restaurants. All of them are very nice. Besides those that I mentioned above, other cool restaurants in Kotor are Palazzo (a pizzeria with the best pizza in Montenegro!) and Ponta Caffe .

If you are not in a good shape or don’t feel like walking a lot, start your exploration of the Old Town from the south. The best way to enter it is through the Gurdich gate (the one I mentioned above). In this way, you won’t be walking the same streets twice.

Even if you don’t plan to climb to the fortress, I still advise walking towards the gate where the staircase begins. It will provide an opportunity to stroll through some cute back streets, see how people live, and even get some views of the sea in a distance. 

Another suggestion for cruise ship tourists is to go on a tour to Perast and Lady of the Rocks Island or a half-day private tour of Kotor and Perast . 

Where to Stay in Kotor Tips – Historic Accommodation 

Depending on the type of vacation and your budget, you can find any option your heart desires. Rent a villa on the coast with a pool or private beach, an apartment, a hotel room, a room in a guest house or a bed in a hostel. We loved Kotor accommodation options, especially beachfront hotels that offer views of fjords.

Thus below, I am sharing a few of my favorite picks:

VARDAR HOTEL : A very beautiful hotel in the heart of Kotor on the main square. Grab a bite to eat at Galion Fish Restaurant. It has good food and a very nice view of the bay. Another win-win option is the restaurant at the Astoria hotel with an unusual interior (a huge tree grows inside) and a panoramic terrace.

HOTEL R PALAZZO: a modern and relatively new hotel in Dobrota with absolutely unbeatable views. It features spacious rooms with a modern design, a gym, outdoor pool, sauna, and stunning views of Kotor Bay. Come to spend some quality time and get full relaxation.

APARTMENTS BOGDANOVIC: One of the most budget-friendly options in Dobrota. In this place, you get clean rooms and everything you may need for a comfortable stay. Even though the apartment is located a bit farther from Kotor’s old town, you can still easily reach it on foot. Each room features a balcony and the hotel has a garden.

STUDIOS BELVI APARTMENT: if you are looking to stay inside the walls of Old Town of Kotor, this is one of the nicest apartments to choose! It has everything you may need for a comfortable stay and offers great value for money. 

More Montenegro Inspiration

If this will be your first time in Montenegro, I have a lot of resources to help you get the best out of your trip. Check them out:

  • Montenegro Itinerary for First-Time Visitors – from 1 day to 7 days in the country
  • Is Herceg Novi worth visiting? – in different seasons & vacations
  • What to Do in Herceg Novi – 20 best things & places to visit
  • Lovcen National Park hiking guide
  • Montenegro Sedlo Pass – the most scenic route in Durmitor
  • Guide to Hiking to Bobotov Kuk Sumit – the highest peak in Montenegro 
  • 6 Easy Scenic Walking Trails Along the Montenegro Coast
  • Is Montenegro Safe?  
  • 12 Quieter Beaches in Montenegro
  • Best Beaches Near Budva – which one is best for you
  • Montenegro Hidden Gems – places you absolutely have to see
  • Where to Stay in Montenegro – guide to resort cities & accommodation
  • Car Hire & Driving in Montenegro Things to Know
  • How to Find & Rent Apartment in Montenegro Long Term
  • Backpacking Montenegro – things to know before you go
  • Travel guide for Montenegro – with all my best posts here!

My list of things to do in Kotor, Montenegro will help you make the most of your trip on the first or twenty-first visit. Find out where to go and what to do in this historical charming city! #Kotor #Montenegrotravel #bestofmontenegro

Anya is originally from Ukraine but in heart she is a citizen of the world. She is working online and that’s why has an opportunity to travel a lot and live in different countries. At present time, she is based in Spain while waiting for the war in Ukraine to be over to be able to return home. On this blog, her main goal is to inspire others to travel to under-the-radar places and discover the world while working remotely.

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Old Town of Kotor

The most famous part of Kotor is its magnificent old town

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The old town – that is the most famous part of Kotor, where the Kotor history, culture, and tradition are being preserved. The old town of Kotor has a great number of monuments of the medieval architecture: churches, cathedrals, palaces, and museums. Its beauty is complemented with the multitude of narrow streets, squares, and markets. The old town of Kotor stands out also by the great number of stylishly made gates, palaces of the wealthy families, and a great number of stairs. The old nucleus of Kotor today is considered to be the best preserved medieval urban entity in the Mediterranean. The largest and the most impressive are, by all means, city bulwarks which surround the town.

South Entrance to Kotor Old Town

They are about 5 km long, 20, high, and about 10 m wide. Bring completely preserved, they are a unique sample of the fortification architecture in Europe. The beginning of their construction started in the IX century, in order for them to be added onto and arranged for the next 10 centuries. Bulwarks have 3 doors, through which for centuries people have came in and out of the town. From whichever door that you go into the town, the road will bring you to the most famous edifice – cathedral Sveti Tripun from the XII century, which is dedicated to the protector of the town – Sveti Tripun.

St. Tryphon Cathedral in Kotor

There are several squares in the town and the main, and the biggest city square is Trg od oruzja (Square of arms). That square was and remained the main place for gathering. Various gatherings happened there and it was the place where people from Kotor assembled.

Square of the Arms, Kotor

Cultural richness of Kotor is made priceless by its treasury which hides some significant cultural monuments like: Tower watch (VIII century), Cathedral of Sveti Tripun (XII century), Church of Sveti Luka (XII century), Prince’s palace (XVII century), Church of Sveta Marija (XII century), Church of Lady of Health (XV century), and Napoleon’s Theater (XIX century). Old Kotor has also numerous palaces like: Bizanti, Buca, Pima, Grgurin, in which today is Maritime museum.

In the Old town in Kotor we have the first Faculty of tourism and hotel keeping, as well as some music halls, Center for culture, galleries etc.

In the old town we have the greatest number of boutiques and trade shops. There are also some smaller shops and stores that offer footwear and clothes of the renowned European and world designers and creators. Except the boutiques and clothes stores, in the old town we also have a great number of souvenir shops, photo shops, jewelry shops, book stores, antique shops, hair dressing saloons, beauty centers, barber shops, cafés, pizzerias, etc.

Narrow Streets of Kotor old Town

If you decide to spend the entire day touring the old town, you will not make a mistake, because beside the research and getting to know with the town you can get refreshment in some of the numerous Kotor cafés. They are mostly found on Kotor squares. The old town of Kotor has also a large number of nicely decorated restaurants and hotels. In them you can try traditional specialties, as well as different Mediterranean food. In the old town there are also 2 hotels, in which you can accommodate yourself nicely, and pleasantly spend your holiday. The most important thing of all is to mention that the Old town of Kotor is on the list of the UNESCO world cultural inheritance, since 1979. From the same named institution Kotor was recently declared the world cultural inheritance in danger, so in the following period numerous European and world cultural institutions will give it even bigger attention.

Gospa od Skrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks) island, lit by early morning light, near Perast, Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

Getty Images/Robert Harding World Imagery

Bay of Kotor

Gorgeous, breathtaking, majestic, divine; however hefty your thesaurus, the brain-blowing beauty of the Bay of Kotor will leave you struggling for superlatives. Hemmed in by commanding cliffs and shape-shifting between rippling gulfs and sparkling straits, the cobalt cove even manages to defy geographic description: is it a fjord? A submerged canyon? It seems there’s only one way to define Boka Kotorska: unmissable.

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©2013 Slavica Stajic All Rights Reserved Photo may not be used without my permission . .Kampana Tower in the night, North Gate, Kotor fortress.The Old City of Kotor is a well preserved urbanization typical of the middle Ages, built between the 12th and 14th century. Medieval architecture and numerous monuments of cultural heritage have made Kotor a UNESCO listed “World Natural and Historical Heritage Site".

Kotor City Walls

Kotor's fortifications started to head up St John's Hill in the 9th century and by the 14th century a protective loop was completed, which was added to…

Gospa od Škrpjela

Gospa od Škrpjela

This picturesque island was artificially created (on 22 July 1452, to be precise) around a rock where an image of the Madonna was found; every year on…

Blue Grotto

Blue Grotto

A popular cruise stop, the Blue Grotto gets its name from the mesmerising effect of the light reflecting through the clear water. Boats head into the 9m…

The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon in Kotor, Montenegro

St Tryphon’s Cathedral

Kotor’s most impressive building, this Catholic cathedral was consecrated in 1166 but reconstructed after several earthquakes. When the entire frontage…

Šetalište Pet Danica

Šetalište Pet Danica

Herceg Novi

Named after five young women named Danica who died during WWII, this pedestrian promenade stretches along the waterfront for more than 5km from Igalo to…

Mt Orjen

Hulking Mt Orjen (1893m) separates Herceg Novi from Hercegovina and is higher than the more famous Mt Lovćen. It’s a popular spot for hiking and mountain…

Lipci Prehistoric Drawings

Lipci Prehistoric Drawings

You'd never know it – thanks to a distinct (and puzzling) lack of hype – but 3km up the road from Morinj, a quick hike will bring you to the Balkans' most…

Rose

At the peninsula’s very tip you’ll find this sleepy fishing village (pronounced with two syllables: ro-seh), a blissful stand of stone houses gazing at…

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Old town landscape, Perast, Kotor Bay, Montenegro

  • Things to do in Kotor

Whether it’s climbing the ancient walls or relaxing on the beaches around the bay, there are heaps of awesome things to do in Kotor.

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle. A journalist for more than 20 years, he's been travelling the world since 2011.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle and has been travelling full time for a decade.

Updated: December 2, 2023

The best things to do in Kotor

The glittering jewel in Montenegro's coastline, the nature and the heritage are the key attractions around the bay.

But look a little deeper, and you'll find there are lots of other things to see in Kotor, including quaint towns and adventure tours.

Kotor Cathedral

Kotor maritime museum, walking tour, kotor walls, kotor fortress, kotor beach, watersports, kotor boat tour, our lady of the rocks, blue cave tour, mount lovcen.

Back in 2013, when I first visited Montenegro, I wrote a story on my blog about how I thought Kotor would be Europe’s next summer hotspot .

It’s not that this gorgeous little part of Montenegro was unknown – but it wasn’t receiving the sort of mass tourism that Croatia’s coast, for example, was experiencing.

Fast forward to today and I think it’s turned out that I was correct. (I’m not looking for too much applause, though – it was pretty obvious.)

Montenegro has seen a boom in tourism as flight routes opened up with Western Europe and visitors looked for less-crowded alternatives.

And it’s Kotor, as one of the best things to do in Montenegro , that has become the centre of attention for much of this increased tourism.

A good way to get your bearings and see Kotor’s highlights is with this one-hour tour of the Old Town .

A stunning small town on a bay, with sweeping views across the water and mountains, it has a wonderful mix of heritage and nature.

When it comes to the history, Kotor has been an important town since the early Middle Ages because of its strategic location on a bay where ships can shelter.

Over the centuries, the town expanded and the buildings were influenced by the various empires that controlled it – Dalmatians, Bulgarians, Serbians, Hungarians. But it was under the Venetians that it took most of its current form.

Kotor was part of the Republic of Venice from 1420 to 1797. So it’s no great surprise that, when you walk through the Old Town of Kotor, most of the architecture is in the Venetian style.

The Kotor Cathedral is one of the highlights. As you explore, though, you’ll find lots of little gems in the streets that are tightly enclosed by the city walls.

But seeing the historic buildings is just one of the things to do in Kotor. There are also the Kotor Walls, nearby hikes, beaches, the bay, small towns and villages, and lots of day trips from Kotor.

Is Kotor worth visiting?

Kotor is one the best things to see in Montenegro. This stunning coastal city is full of things to see and do, and there are gorgeous views from every direction. It’s not a question of whether Kotor is worth visiting, but how long you can stay here!

How long should I spend in Kotor?

I would recommend spending at least two full days in Kotor and, if you can, consider basing yourself here for a whole week to explore and relax. If you only have one day, you”ll still be able to see the main sights, but there’s more to be explored around Kotor Bay and in the region’s smaller towns.

What is Kotor known for?

Kotor is known as the most beautiful town on the coast of Montenegro (well, technically its in a bay, but close enough). In particular, Kotor is known for the Medieval Old Town and the 16th-century fortifications that rise up the hill to protect it.

What is there to do in Kotor on a cruise?

If you arrive in Kotor on a cruise, your time may be limited but there are still lots of things you can do. Wander through the Old Town, climb up some of the fortifications, and head along the coast to Perast.

I find Montenegro to be a very relaxing place, where nothing is ever too rushed and part of the charm of visiting is slowing down and appreciating each moment.

Having said that, it is worth having a think in advance about what to do in Kotor so you can have some form of a plan before you arrive. (Some of the boat tours need to be booked ahead of time, for instance.)

Regardless of how long you have in Kotor, I am sure you’ll be able to fill your time. After you’ve seen the obvious sites in town, you can explore a bit further around the bay.

Then slow down even more and discover that relaxing by the water makes for a pretty decent holiday. Then when you get a bit bored, there are plenty of day trip options.

Here are my tips for some of the best things to do in Kotor.

Old Town of Kotor

The modern part of Kotor spreads out along the coast of the bay, but the Old Town of Kotor is actually very compact. The area within the city walls is only a few hundred metres in each direction.

It won’t take long for you to walk through it all but there are plenty of details to explore – so don’t rush through.

There are the city walls themselves to walk along and there’s the main Square of the Arms. Other than the main cathedral, you’ll spot quite a few churches, but take particular note of the orthodox Church of St Nicholas and the 12th-century Church of Saint Luke.

The most important building the Old Town of Kotor is Kotor Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of St Tryphon.

Although it was consecrated in 1166, it’s been damaged a few times over the years from earthquakes and was reconstructed slightly differently with new additions each time.

The exterior is quite striking but make sure you go inside to see the wonderful interior architecture. There’s also a small museum inside with important local treasures.

Although it’s only small, the Kotor Maritime Museum represents a long history of maritime heritage in the region. As a safe harbour, Kotor Bay was a critical location for many empires.

The collection in the museum has models of ships, along with photos, paintings, uniforms, and other artefacts. It’s spread across three levels of a small baroque palace.

The Old Town of Kotor is compact and, as I mentioned, you won’t need too long to wander through it. But you will get a lot more out of your time here if you take a walking tour with a local guide.

For a quick tour to get your bearings and learn a bit more about the town, I would recommend this hour-long tour .

If you would like to go a bit deeper, then I would suggest this private tour which finishes with local wine and snacks and a chance to chat more with your guide.

Around Kotor

Even when you’re in town, you’ll be well aware that there’s much more to Kotor than just the urban centre, with the large mountains hard to miss as they cradle the bay.

So put on your walking shoes (you won’t want flip-flops for these first couple of suggestions) and get ready to explore.

Rising up above the Old Town, on the steep slope to the east, are the Kotor Walls (also known as the Fortifications of Kotor).

Much like the buildings they protect, the fortifications have been expanded and modified by the various empires that have controlled the city.

But it’s the Venetians who get much of the credit for how they look now (and the fortifications are part of a separate World Heritage Site called ‘Venetian Works of Defence between the 16th and 17th Centuries’).

I think climbing the walls is one of the best things to do in Kotor. It puts you right into the history of the city, as you walk along the ramparts. As you climb higher, you get incredible views across the city and the bay.

Because of the way they’re designed, you can go up one side and then done the other, creating a loop with different vistas and elements of the fortifications.

When you’re up on the fortifications, you’l find the Kotor Fortress, also known as St John’s Fortress or the Castle of San Giovanni.

It’s about 280 metres above the town and there are about 1350 steps to get there. But it’s worth it for both the view and the fortress itself.

Kotor Fortress was built over hundreds of years, starting in about the 9th century. It is part of the fortifications and blends into the walls, but is certainly one of the most important sites in the city.

Just to the north of the Old Town, near the small marina, is Kotor Beach. This short stretch on the coast is an easy spot to head for a swim or some sunbaking.

But Kotor Beach and the other beaches nearby tend to be quite rocky and they are also not particularly secluded or quiet. Although nice for a quick dip, there are better ones to head to if you want to relax for a while.

Head into Budva for big sandy beaches or, if you would prefer to stay in the bay, there are nice ones at Perast or Orahovac.

On the water

Although you’ll be able to see the bay from most parts of town, the water isn’t just for decoration – it also hosts some of the best activities in Kotor.

To make the most of your visit to Kotor, I would definitely recommend having a swim… and then considering some of these things to do that will show you the best of the region.

The water of the bay offers heaps of activities to fill your time and I think heading out on the water is one of the best things you can do in Kotor (too many people just concentrate on the Old Town and the fortifications).

You’ll find quite a few places to rent equipment to use in the bay, like paddle boards, kayaks, and snorkelling. But there are also some fun tours where you’ll get a local insight to special places.

I would recommend this fun kayak tour or another option is this stand up paddle board tour of the Bay of Kotor.

Of course, the problem with something like kayaking is that you have to do all the work. If you were on a boat, you could just sit back and relax.

So, luckily there are quite a few awesome boat tours of Kotor Bay where you can see the natural landscapes, learn a bit about the region, and just generally have a fantastic time.

I would suggest this boat tour , which takes you to a few of the best sights near Kotor. But there are a few other different options to consider as well:

One of the places that most boat tours of Kotor Bay will take you is to Our Lady of Rocks. But, even if you don’t go on a boat tour, it’s worth visiting anyway.

Our Lady of the Rocks is a small island in the bay that was built in the 15th century for the church that sits on it. There’s also a museum and a shop now.

From a distance, it’s a pretty sight, with the spire and the orange brick buildings catching the sun’s reflections off the water. But there’s lots to see inside – including some impressive artwork – that makes a visit worthwhile.

Boat tours like this one will take you to the island, or you can usually find a ride from someone in Perast.

Kotor is not the only town along the coastline of the bay and it’s worth visiting some of the other ones because they are each unique.

I’m going to to mention Perast in particular because it’s the closest and also one of the most charming. It’s very small but it certainly doesn’t feel like a fishing village.

There are about 16 palaces and 16 churches, a reminder of when it was quite a busy base for wealthy sailors. It almost feels a bit abandoned these days, except it’s usually busy with lots of tourists.

These days, lots of people visit Kotor on a cruise and it’s common to see at least one ship moored in the bay.

If you’re wondering what you should do in Kotor on a cruise, I would suggest taking the Hop-on Hop-off bus tour . It includes a short walking tour of the Old Town and then heads along the coast to see some of the highlights of the bay.

With the extra time you have, you can explore the fortifications and any of my other suggestions above that have taken your fancy.

Everything I’ve suggest so far is within easy travel distance from the Old Town of Kotor, but there are lots of other things to do around Kotor that make great day trips.

One of great delights of Montenegro is how quickly you can get from the coast, to the inland heritage sites, to national parks, and into the mountains.

So here are a few quick ideas for day trips from Kotor that I would recommend if you’re staying in the area for a few days.

The Blue Cave is a very popular natural sight which is on the main coastline just outside the Bay of Kotor. It gets its name because it glows a blue colour when the light bounces off the bottom of the water and back onto the rocks.

You can really only get to the cave by boat and it’s a great place for a swim.

You can take this tour that combines a few other sites or, if you want to be more relaxed, there’s a private tour option .

Not far from Kotor is Mount Lovcen, which is a very important site for Montenegro. At the top is a shrine to one of the country’s most important historical figures, and there are also some incredible lookouts on the peak.

You can visit Mount Lovcen on this excellent tour that packs a lot into a full day, or there is a private tour that will also take you to some other interesting spots.

The old capital of Montenegro is a small city full of sights. There are lots of things to see in Cetinje and it’s worth a visit.

Founded in the 15th century, it became the centre of Montenegrin culture and much of that legacy remains.

You can get to Cetinje quite easily by bus, but it’s also included in the same Mount Lovcen tour I mentioned earlier, which is a great way to see a lot on a big day trip.

Further down the coast past Budva (which is, of course, a day trip option in itself), you’ll find the ruins of Stari Bar. This old city, built high up on a slope, was abandoned after an earthquake in 1979.

There are lots of things to see at Stari Bar and it’s a nice way to explore this part of the coast, which often isn’t as visited as the area around Kotor.

Montenegro is a beautiful country and I hope you’re able to spend a bit of time here, more than just a cruise stop or cheap weekend away.

But however you explore, using Kotor as a base to see the coastline, bay, and surrounding sights is a great way to experience this part of the Balkans.

THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN KOTOR

You can choose between a hotel in the Kotor Old Town or something a bit more relaxed around the bay.

kotor montenegro tourist information

Cheap and fun, Montenegro Hostel 4U is a great option for a backpacker atmosphere.

kotor montenegro tourist information

You’ll save money by not being in the Old Town, but Hotel Galia still has great views of the bay.

kotor montenegro tourist information

With a very cool design inside, Boutique Hotel Hippocampus is right in the heart of the Old Town.

kotor montenegro tourist information

And for some luxury, Hotel Forza Terra is a beautiful five-star hotel with an incredible location.

More stories about Montenegro

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13 thoughts on “Things to do in Kotor”

Great reading. I was supposed to be in Montenegro this summer, but due to the quarantine the trip had to be canceled. I’m upset because I’m still in the “red” zone …

Better to cancel a trip than to die. Just wait for a year or two. Montenegro ain’t going away.

Another beautiful hike, for which you don’t need a car, is to walk across Vrmac from Kotor to Tivat (and then return by bus or hitchhiking): It offers some of the best views of the bay of Kotor and the town itself, because you are on the other side of the bay.

We were thinking Croatia next year, but this has put Montenegro on the list! Love a good walking tour – from Boston to Bath we always seek out the trails that take you around a place’s history – and Kotor looks amazing!

Lovely pictures! I really like to read this amazing post on Kotor Montenegro. Please keep sharing more traveling experiences with us,

Hi Michael,

Firstly, I would like to thanks for such a informative article. I am a regular reader of your blog and I acquired lots of knowledge.

I would love to share this article on Social media

kotor? i’ve not even heard this destination earlier, but according to the article seems like it’s an beach holiday destination, but is this open for travel in December? I thought of travelling in December to explore this destination, but unfortunately I’m scared to travel in this period of time, how about travelling in 2021? also how’s the food there? since I’m a vegetarian. could i expect vegetarian food?

This is my first time on your blog and I’m glad to reach it out. i want to say that many people doesn’t Know Kotor but I would say that is an amazing destination to spend a holiday. all the information shared in this amazing article are very helpful for first timer travelers to this place.

Great post! will definitely try to go at Montenegro after the covid is gone. Also one of the interesting part will be in kotor walls so you can see the outside and beautiful scenery of the place.

Old town, beaches and cathedral is must Things to do and visit in Kotor. I will try the other you mentioned above in my next travel and when the covid is over. thank you for sharing awesome articles in kotor

Is the hop on hop off bus close to where the cruise ships go

thanks for sharing this perfect article with us am so impressed

That’s Great Admin. I loved your BlogSpot. Our Team is plaining to visit Kotor Montenegro and I was searching for best things to do in this location after that i found your blogpost. this post helped me a lot to get fully prepared for this location. Thanks for providing such a nice stuff.

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Kotor Tourist Information Office

Kotor Montenegro Travel Guide

The Kotor Tourist Information Office is located just outside the Fortress Walls near the Sea Gate.  Make sure to pick-up a free city map of the Old Town.

Kotor Tourist Information Office

The Old Town is entirely surrounded by the Kotor Fortress.  Plan to spend at least two hours exploring the community.

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Discover Kotor: A Timeless Montenegro Gem in Just 1 Day

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February 27, 2024 · 1 min read

Kotor 1 Day Itinerary

Embark on a one-day journey through the enchanting town of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in Montenegro. Your adventure begins in the ancient town of Kotor, where cobblestone streets whisper tales of the past. Spend your day exploring the well-preserved medieval structures and soaking in the atmosphere of this historic marvel. In the afternoon, shift your gaze to the serene Bay of Kotor, where the crystal-clear waters mirror the surrounding mountains. Allocate three hours to bask in the natural beauty, perhaps with a leisurely boat ride or a scenic hike along the bay. This compact itinerary is designed to immerse you in the essence of Kotor, leaving you with lasting memories of Montenegro's cultural and natural splendors.

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  • Day 1: Exploring the Timeless Charm of Kotor

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Begin your one-day adventure by stepping into the historical heart of Montenegro with a visit to Kotor, an ancient city that whispers tales of bygone eras through its winding streets and medieval architecture. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Kotor is a treasure trove of cultural heritage, offering visitors a full day's journey back in time. Explore the well-preserved fortifications, climb the fortress walls for a breathtaking view, and lose yourself in the quaint charm of this Adriatic gem.

Attraction Info

  • Suggested tour duration: 1 day

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Old Winery Wine Bar

  • Bay of Kotor

After immersing yourself in the rich history of Kotor, continue your journey to the serene Bay of Kotor. Set aside three hours to embrace the tranquility of this picturesque bay, which is often referred to as Europe's southernmost fjord. The Bay of Kotor boasts a stunning landscape where crystal-clear waters meet majestic mountains, creating a perfect backdrop for relaxation and photo opportunities. Whether you choose to sail its calm waters or simply enjoy the scenic views from the shore, the Bay of Kotor is a must-visit spot that beautifully complements your day in this enchanting region.

  • Suggested tour duration: 3-5 hour

Restaurant Carrubba

Where to Stay Tonight

Carine hotel delfin, luxury sea residence by kristina, sea residence kristina romantica, hotel casa del mare - blanche, top things to do in kotor-2024.

Kotor

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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IMAGES

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COMMENTS

  1. Kotor

    Kotor has dropped an anchor between the gray mountains and the sea, and veiled its life behind the high and wide ramparts. Its bulwarks seem to have been eternally growing rock tendrils along the hill, up to the old fortress that overlooks the town. It is a dramatic town where the present lives in the maze of medieval churches, cathedrals ...

  2. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Kotor

    2023. 12. Cats Museum. 323. Speciality Museums. Cats Museum was founded in 2013. It is located in the middle of the Old town of Kotor, in the area of the antique monastery of Our lady of Angels, which belonged to the nuns of Santa Clara. This area, currently open to the public, used to be an antique refectory, unfortunately unrecognizable due ...

  3. Kotor travel

    Kotor. Montenegro, Europe. Wedged between brooding mountains and a moody corner of the bay, achingly atmospheric Kotor (Котор) is perfectly at one with its setting. Hemmed in by staunch walls snaking improbably up the surrounding slopes, the town is a medieval maze of museums, churches, cafe-strewn squares, and Venetian palaces and pillories.

  4. The Ultimate Guide to Kotor (2024)

    Kotor: Know before you go. ️ Airport: Tivat (code: TIV). ⏰ Time Zone: Central European Standard Time (GMT+1). Currency: Euro Language: The official language of Montenegro is Montenegrin.Other languages commonly spoken in Podgorica include Serbian, Bosnian, Albanian and Croatian.. Visa: Those with passports from Australia, Canada, the EU, UK and US can travel to Montenegro without a visa ...

  5. Kotor City Guide: The Ultimate Guide to Montenegro's Most Popular City

    Kotor is an unmissable part of any trip to Montenegro, and for good reason! Although the city itself is fairly small and compact, there are so many surprises at every turn: From cobblestoned streets winding beneath historic stone buildings to breathtaking views from the Kotor fortress, streetside cafes, and cute locals (ahem, the cats!), Kotor has everything you need for the perfect ...

  6. 12 Wonderful Things to Do in Kotor, Montenegro

    12 wonderful things to do in Kotor. 1. Explore Kotor Old Town (Stari Grad) on foot. Beautiful architecture in Old Kotor. As mentioned, the Old Town in Kotor is a beautiful sight and the city's main attraction. The area is made up of white stone walls, laneways and staircases that create a maze of passages and hidden courtyards. Laundry day in ...

  7. 15 Unmissable Things to Do in Kotor (plus 5 day trips!)

    Kotor, Montenegro is an finely preserved medieval town in a secluded corner of the visually stunning Bay of Kotor. It is a top attraction in the young Balkan nation of Montenegro in Southeastern Europe and protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. There's no denying it's a tourist magnet, but few can resist its charm once they step food in ...

  8. Complete Travel Guide to Kotor, Montenegro

    The Blue Lines bus leaves hourly (roughly) from Kotor and takes around 20 minutes to reach Perast at a grand old price of 1€. When in Perast, it's all just about wandering the tiny foreshore of this cute town, enjoying the views, having a coffee / burek and taking a dip then drying out via one of the coastal platforms.

  9. Kotor

    Perched on the edge of a majestic bay, the medieval Old Town of Kotor is the undisputed jewel in Montenegro's crown. Though no longer Europe's best-kept secret, Kotor's sudden elevation to the tour-bus league has failed to dim the timeless delights of its maze of cobbled alleyways and secluded piazzas.

  10. The Ultimate Travel Guide to Kotor, Montenegro

    Kotor in Montenegro is a pretty sight, flanked by the Bay of Kotor on one side, and the mighty Mount Lovćen on the other. Within the fortified walls of Old Town Kotor lies a cobbled maze of restored medieval stone houses, Baroque palaces, markets, churches, museums, lively squares, and charming cafes. ... Ultimate Travel Guide to Kotor ...

  11. 20+ EPIC Things to Do in Kotor, Montenegro: A Travel Guide

    Best Time to Visit Kotor. 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Kotor, Montenegro. Explore Stari Grad (Kotor Old Town) Hike the Ladder of Kotor. Drive the Serpentine Road. Dine on Seafood. Take in the Churches and Palaces. Hike to St. John's Fortress. Visit the Cats Museum of Kotor.

  12. Visiting Kotor in One Day: What to Do and See

    1. Explore Kotor's Old Town on foot. Start the day by taking a stroll around Kotor's Old Town and soak in all the local culture. Explore the narrow, cobblestone streets of the old town, taking in all the sights. Kotor Old Town is quite small and can easily be explored within one day only.

  13. What to Do in Kotor Guide: 20 Best Things + Top Travel Tips

    2. VISIT A CITY MARKET. In front of the walls of the Old Town near the Port of Kotor, to the right of the main entrance, there is a city market. It is notable for the fact that people from all over Montenegro bring homemade products here. Believe it or not, but this is one of Kotor's top attractions.

  14. Kotor Attractions

    Kotor Maritime Museum. Your visit to the Old town in Kotor can be supplemented with the visit of the Maritime museum, which is found on the Square of the Boka fleet. Whoever you ask or in whatever part of Kotor you are, and you ask someone about the Maritime museum, you will...

  15. Old Town of Kotor

    The old nucleus of Kotor today is considered to be the best preserved medieval urban entity in the Mediterranean. The largest and the most impressive are, by all means, city bulwarks which surround the town. South Entrance to Kotor Old Town. They are about 5 km long, 20, high, and about 10 m wide. Bring completely preserved, they are a unique ...

  16. Bay of Kotor travel

    Bay of Kotor. Montenegro, Europe. Gorgeous, breathtaking, majestic, divine; however hefty your thesaurus, the brain-blowing beauty of the Bay of Kotor will leave you struggling for superlatives. Hemmed in by commanding cliffs and shape-shifting between rippling gulfs and sparkling straits, the cobalt cove even manages to defy geographic ...

  17. The best things to do in Kotor in 2024

    The glittering jewel in Montenegro's coastline, the nature and the heritage are the key attractions around the bay. But look a little deeper, and you'll find there are lots of other things to see in Kotor, including quaint towns and adventure tours. Old Town of Kotor. Kotor Cathedral. Kotor Maritime Museum.

  18. 13 Best Things to Do in Kotor, Montenegro in 2024

    City Walking Tour: Kotor: Private Walking Tour with Wine and Food Tasting and Kotor: Private Guided Walking Tour. Kotor Bay Boat Tour: From Kotor, Budva, Tivat or Herceg Novi: Boka Bay Day Cruise. Kayak Tour: Bay of Kotor: 2.5-Hour Kayak Tour. Hiking: Best Hikes in Kotor.

  19. Kotor Montenegro Tourist Information and Vacation Guide

    Popular tourist attractions in Kotor including churches, parks, historic buildings and the gates to the walled city. Kotor Cruise Port. Important information for passengers arriving in Kotor Montenegro on small and large cruise ships. Hotels in Kotor Montenegro. Information about tourist accommodation in the walled city of Kotor and in the ...

  20. Montenegro

    Explore the area of the Bay of Kotor and the Montenegrin coast with its enchanting beaches, mighty mountains, and ancient cities that bear the historical marks of Roman, Venetian and Byzantine conquerors! ... The official website of Montenegro National Tourism Organisation. Unique Montenegro Explore Inspire Plan&Book. MICE Business & Media Contact

  21. KOTOR, MONTENEGRO (2023)

    Kotor is a medieval town located in a secluded corner of the stunning Bay of Kotor. In this video, we'll show you 10 of the best things to do in and around t...

  22. Kotor Tourist Information Office

    The Kotor Tourist Information Office is located just outside the Fortress Walls near the Sea Gate. Make sure to pick-up a free city map of the Old Town. Tourist Information Office, Kotor Montenegro. Tweet The Old Town is entirely surrounded by the Kotor Fortress. Plan to spend at least two hours exploring the community.

  23. Kotor

    Kotor (Montenegrin Cyrillic: Котор, pronounced), historically known as Cattaro (from Italian: pronounced), is a coastal town in Montenegro.It is located in a secluded part of the Bay of Kotor.The town has a population of 13,347 and is the administrative center of Kotor Municipality.. The old Mediterranean port of Kotor is surrounded by fortifications built during the Venetian period.

  24. Discover Kotor: A Timeless Montenegro Gem in Just 1 Day

    Embark on a one-day journey through the enchanting town of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in Montenegro. Your adventure begins in the ancient town of Kotor, where cobblestone streets whisper tales of the past. Spend your day exploring the well-preserved medieval structures and soaking in the atmosphere of this historic marvel.