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Kotor, Montenegro: Ultimate Guide to Montenegro's Top Destination

BY SARAH BIJELIC

Kotor, Montenegro, is one of the most captivating destinations in Europe.

This historic town, nestled in the Bay of Kotor, offers a blend of medieval history and stunning scenery. Despite its boom in popularity with the arrival of cruise ships, Kotor has retained an authentic charm that’s hard to find in today’s tourist hot spots. 

I've lived in the Bay of Kotor since 2008 and explored Kotor's nooks and crannies dozens of times. 

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan a fantastic visit to Kotor - whether it be for a day or a week.

You'll find information on must-see attractions and hidden gems, the best beaches, where to eat and where to stay. I've also included practical tips like how to get around to help make your visit to Kotor stress free.

  • Best Time to Visit: April-June & September-October (great weather, fewer crowds)
  • Ideal Trip Length: 2-3 days (or a day trip from Dubrovnik)
  • Best for: History lovers, hikers, foodies, photographers
  • Currency: Euro (€)
  • Language: Montenegrin (English widely spoken)

Why Visit Kotor?

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Kotor is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, ancient walls and 2,000 year old Old Town.

Walking through its narrow, stone-paved streets feels like stepping back in time. You’ll see Gothic and Baroque palaces, centuries-old churches, and lively piazzas.

Today, Kotor is a thriving tourist and local hub that is a must-see in Montenegro. Its well-connected location with an airport just 10 minutes from the town also makes it a great base for a stay in Montenegro.

You'll find a range of things to do here, including the historic Old Town, wine and food, water sports, boat tours, adventure activities, beaches, a cable car, an aquarium and much more!

Kotor sits in the heart of the Bay of Kotor (Boka Kotorska), one of the world's most beautiful bays. The bay offers authentic seaside villages, gorgeous beaches, historic towns and glittering superyacht marinas.

There are so many reasons to visit Kotor. This page will help you plan the perfect trip!

Kotor Top 3

Top 3 popular things to do in Kotor:

Top tours to Kotor:

Top 5 Things to Do In Kotor, Montenegro

There are lots of things to do in Kotor. The Old Town is the center of Kotor and most attractions are here. You'll also find many tours to nearby attractions and around Montenegro starting here.

1. Kotor Old Town

Sea Gate entrance to Kotor Old Town, MontenegroKotor Old Town's Sea Gate

Kotor’s Old Town is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and lively squares. And it has a fascinating history that goes back over 2,000 years.

I recommend everyone take a walking tour of Kotor. It's the easiest way to see the town’s top sights like St Tryphon Cathedral and learn about its history.

You can also explore the alleyways to find quirky bars, handmade crafts and dozens of cats!

>> Click here for the best Kotor Old Town tours

Local's Tip: Pick up a free town map at the kiosk in front of the Sea Gate.

2. San Giovanni Fortress

View from the hike to San Giovanni Fortress in Kotor, MontenegroView from the hike to San Giovanni Fortress in Kotor

The hike to San Giovanni Fortress is a challenging, but rewarding hike that starts from Kotor Old Town. It follows an ancient military path up the walls to San Giovanni Fortress, which was used by the Venetians to guard the city below.

The trail climbs over 1,300 steps, rewarding you with breathtaking views of the Bay of Kotor from the top.

>> Read this guide before attempting this hike!

Local's Tip: Do this hike early morning or sunset to avoid the midday heat, bring cash (€15 entrance fee) and wear sturdy shoes.

3. Kotor Boat Tours

Boat tours are one of the most popular things to do in Kotor. Most trips include stops at Our Lady of the Rocks, Perast, and the Blue Cave.

Tours depart just 200m from Kotor Old Town and you’ll find tours from 2 hours to all day cruises. The most popular tours are boat tours to the Blue Cave.

This is a must do in summer when it’s hot!

>> Click here to see the best Kotor boat tours

Local's Tip: Choose a morning or late afternoon tour to avoid crowds in July and August.

4. Kotor Cable Car

Kotor Cable CarKotor Cable Car

The newly opened Kotor Cable Car is a great way to get panoramic views of the town and bay below. 

The ride takes you from Kotor up to Lovćen National Park, giving you stunning views of Kotor along the way. 

At the top, there is a restaurant, alpine coaster ride and bike hire. This is a fun activity that’s great for everyone!

5. Kotor Beaches

Beach in the Bay of KotorBeach in the Bay of Kotor

While there is no beach directly in front of Kotor Old Town because of Kotor Port, there are several nice beaches nearby for swimming and sunbathing.

You can walk to beaches in Dobrota and Muo, either side of the town. Further away, small hamlets like Orahovac and Morinj offer calm waters and stunning views of the bay.

>> Click here to find your perfect beach in Kotor

Local's Tip: Pack quick-drying beach towels because most accommodation in Montenegro doesn't have beach towels. Also bring aqua shoes if you don't like pebbly beaches. 

FIND MORE THINGS TO DO IN KOTOR >

Where to Stay in Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor old town's beauty, atmosphere and tourism hub make it a great place to base yourself for a stay in Montenegro. You’ll find restaurants, nightlife and plenty of tours departing from Kotor all on your doorstep. 

There are some excellent hotels in Kotor. Despite it's amazing location, you'll also find budget-friendly options in the Old Town.

However, staying in Kotor Old Town can be noisy, especially during the tourist season between April and October. If you prefer somewhere quieter or would like to wake up to sea views, there are lots of beautiful Bay of Kotor hotels lining the shores of the bay.

Budget

Guesthouse BiT Kotor

Guesthouse BiT has super affordable and good quality rooms in a quiet part of Kotor Old Town.  

This is a great alternative if you're looking for budget accommodation, but don't like hostels. The rooms have shared bathrooms, but you have a private bedroom.

And with prices as low as €30 a night, it's great value for such an amazing location!

CHECK RATES AT GUESTHOUSE BIT

Mid-Range

Kotor Nest

Kotor Nest has beautifully-presented and comfortable rooms in Kotor old town. These stylish rooms come with private bathrooms, A/C (a must in summer!), a shared kitchen and some rooms have a private balcony. 

“Fantastic location in the middle of Kotor old town, but at the same time very quiet with no outside noise disturbing us late at or during the night” - Rob, Sweden

CHECK RATES AT KOTOR NEST

Luxury

Hotel Astoria Kotor 2023

Set in Buća Palace, the 13th century residence of the noble Buća family, Boutique Hotel Astoria is a small hotel with just 9 rooms.

This luxury hotel is in the heart of Kotor Old Town and has one of the only rooms in Kotor with a sea view.

“We had the gorgeous junior suite with sea view . Spotlessly clean, great breakfast, very helpful staff. Comfy bed, awesome shower. Lots of English tv channels.” - Heather, UK

CHECK RATES AT BOUTIQUE HOTEL ASTORIA

Events in Kotor, Montenegro

To find out what’s happening while you’re in Kotor check the notice boards around town, especially the one on the outer town wall by Kulturni Centar Nikola Đurković.

Look out for these annual events while you’re there:

  • 27th January: Sveti Sava and Tripun festivities, hoisting of the flag at St Tryphon Cathedral at 12pm.
  • Carnival: Kotor’s carnival season kicks off mid-January every year and includes parades, music and kids events.
  • 26th June: Bokeljska mornarica is the traditional Bay of Kotor navy and every year on 26th June they’re given the keys to Kotor and symbolic control of the town for three days. This tradition has been going on since 1420! Be sure to watch them dance the kolo which dates back to medieval times.
  • 22nd July: Fašinada takes place in Perast and celebrates the founding of island church Our Lady of the Rocks in 1452. Watch local families row their decorated boats along Perast’s shore to throw rocks at the base of the island.
  • 3rd Saturday in August: Bokeljska noć is a fun, summer event that draws crowds from all over the bay. There’s a decocrated boat competition, music and fireworks.
  • August: The annual klapa festival in Perast brings together traditional acapella groups from the Dalmatian coast, including Croatia. A great chance to visit Perast and listen to traditional music.
  • 31st December: New Year’s Eve concert in the old town.

Best Times to Visit Kotor

  • Spring (March-May): Great weather, fewer tourists
  • Summer (June-August): Peak season, busy but perfect beach weather
  • Fall (September-October): Best balance of weather & crowds
  • Winter (November-February): Quiet but some businesses closed

>> Click here to find out more about the best times to visit Montenegro

Kotor Travel Itineraries

One-Day Kotor Itinerary

If you’re in Kotor for just one day, start early with a hike up to San Giovanni Fotress before lingering over coffee with the locals in a cafe in one of the piazzas. 

Take a walking tour through the Old Town to soak in its medieval charm. Visit key landmarks like the Cathedral of St. Tryphon and the Maritime Museum. 

Next, enjoy lunch at a local konoba like Skala Santa and try a dish like black risotto. 

In the afternoon, take a boat tour to Perast or the Blue Cave. End your day with a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade and dinner at Galion with a view of the town walls.

>> Find out more about how to spend one day in Kotor

Three-Day Kotor Itinerary

Day 1: Spend your first day like the one-day itinerary above. Take a walking tour of the Old Town and a boat tour in the afternoon.

Stay in atmospheric accommodation in the Old Town.

Day 2: Take a full day tour to see some of Montenegro’s best landscapes and cultural monuments outside Kotor. I recommend the Montenegro Full-Day Tour to Lovćen and More, but you could also do the Durmitor and Ostrog Monastery tour or go white water rafting in the Tara Canyon.

End the day with a hearty meal of Balkan grill at Tanjga restaurant, near the Old Town.

Day 3: Explore some of Montenegro’s best beaches by taking a day trip to the Budva Riviera. Head to Budva to visit the Old Town and walk the seaside path to beautiful Mogren Beach. 

Then, continue south to stunning Sveti Stefan to see the iconic island and its incredible beaches.

End your day watching the sun set over the sea at Adrović Restaurant or upscale Dukley Seafront Restaurant.

Three-Day Kotor Itinerary For Adventure Lovers

Day 1: Start with the challenging hike up to San Giovanni Fortress. Spend the rest of the day exploring the Old Town.

In the afternoon, take a kayak tour to the Blue Cave.

Have dinner at a waterside restaurant like Conte in Perast.

Day 2: Take the Epic '25 Turns' Bike Descent with best views of Kotor Bay bike tour to experience Kotor's cable car ride and famous serpentine road. You'll get some of the best views in Montenegro here!

Try Balkan grill at Tanjga restaurant, near the Old Town, for dinner.

Day 3: End your stay with one of these thrilling activities:

Getting to Kotor

Plane

Kotor is easy to get to with three international airports within easy driving distance:

You can rent a car with Localrent.com at any of these airports and drive to Kotor.

Airport transfers are also a convenient and cost-effective way to get to Kotor if you prefer not to hire a car. I recommend Kiwitaxi for transfers in Montenegro because of their professionalism and affordability.

Whatever you do, don't get an unmetered private driver at the airport. You'll pay 4-5x the amount you would if you book a transfer in advance!

>> Find out more about Montenegro airports

Car

It's easy to drive to Kotor from wherever you're staying. By car it's just 15 minutes from Tivat, 30 minutes from Budva, 60 minutes from Herceg Novi and 90 minutes form Podgorica.

There are two parking lots for the old town – one directly in front of the marina and one at the north end. Parking is relatively cheap at about €0.80 an hour.

Cruise

Kotor is a popular stop on Adriatic cruises. Kotor's port is located just across the road from the Old Town, so you can disembark and walk to the centre of town.

If you're visiting Kotor on a cruise, check out my port guide to find out the best things to do while in port.

Bus

Kotor's bus station is a 600m or 10 minute walk from the town centre.

There are several buses from other Montenegrin cities and towns daily. You'll also find bus links to destinations in neighbouring countries.

The best places to find bus timetables are Busbud, Busticket4.me and Balkan Viator.

Train

Kotor doesn't have a direct rail connection. You can get a train from Belgrade to Bar, on the southern coast of Montenegro and catch a bus from Bar to Kotor.

This train journey has some stunning scenery, especially once you cross into Montenegro and has been called "one of Europe's best train journeys".

There are two departures daily and you can find timetables on the Serbian Railways website (choose BEOGRAD CENTAR for Belgrade Central Station).

Getting Around Kotor

Getting around Kotor, Montenegro is relatively easy and convenient, as the town is compact and walkable.

Kotor also has a good bus system that connects the town with neighbouring towns and villages, which is convenient if you want to explore the wider area but don’t want to hire a car. Taxis are also widely available for a reasonable price.

If you’re looking venture beyond Kotor, renting a car (I recommend Localrent.com for the best choice and prices) or hiring a private driver can give you more flexibility and independence.

Local's Tip: Kotor Old Town is pedestrian-only, so cars are not allowed within its walls.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kotor, Montenegro

Is Kotor Montenegro in Croatia?

No, Kotor, Montenegro is not in Croatia. Kotor is a town in the country of Montenegro, which lies east of Croatia on the Balkan Peninsula.

Is Kotor Montenegro walkable?

Kotor, Montenegro is a very walkable town. In fact, the entire old town is pedestrian, so there are no cars in the town. Kotor is very compact and you can walk freely around the town.

How many days do you need in Kotor Montenegro?

You need at least 3 days in Kotor to experience what this town has to offer. One day is enough time to see the old town and perhaps another 1 or 2 attractions.

Because of Kotor’s central location and abundance of tours and activities on offer, you can easily make it a base for a 7 night stay in Montenegro.

Where do cruise ships dock in Kotor Montenegro?

Cruise ships in Kotor, Montenegro dock in the port just 200m from Kotor old town. There is a convenient underground passage connecting the port with the old town. If there is not enough space for all the cruise ships in port, they will anchor just outside Kotor port.

What language do they speak in Kotor Montenegro?

People speak Montenegrin, a dialect of Serbo-Croatian, in Kotor, Montenegro. People might also identify as speaking Serbian, Croatian or Bosnian. These are essentially the same language, with some regional differences.

Is Montenegro friendly to tourists?

Yes, Montenegro is very friendly to tourists. The coast of Montenegro is the most tourist-friendly part of the country, especially the Bay of Kotor and Budva Riviera, but other inland regions, especially Žabljak near Durmitor National Park and Kolašin near Biogradska Gora National Park are also popular tourist destinations in Montenegro.

Do they speak English in Montenegro?

Many people speak and understand English in Montenegro. People who work in hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions in tourist destinations all speak English. Most people understand and speak at least basic English, with many speaking conversational English well.

What currency is used in Montenegro?

The currency used in Montenegro is the Euro.

What to do on a day trip to Kotor?

The best things to do on a day trip to Kotor are:

What to do in Kotor in 2 days?

The best things to do in Kotor in 2 days are:

What are the must-see attractions in Kotor?

The must-see attractions in Kotor are:

  • Sea Gate
  • River Gate
  • Gurdić Gate
  • Kampana Tower and citadel
  • St Tryphon's Cathedral
  • St Nicholas' Church
  • St Luke's Church
  • Saint Mary's Church
  • Pima Palace
  • Grgurina Palace / Maritime Museum
  • Karampana Fountain
  • Farmers Market
  • San Giovanni Fortress

Should I stay in Kotor or visit on a day trip?

It’s best to stay in Kotor if you can. There are many things to see and do in Kotor and the Bay of Kotor, such as old town Kotor, Our Lady of the Rocks and the Blue Cave. You can also take day tours  such as the Montenegro Full-Day Tour and Durmitor, Tara and Ostrog Day Trip from Kotor to see other attractions around Montenegro.

What are the best things to do in Kotor when it rains?

The best things to do in Kotor when it rains are Kotor Aquarium and Kotor Maritime Museum.

What are the best free things to do in Kotor?

The best free things to do in Kotor are:

  • Kotor beach
  • Stroll the promenade
  • Explore the old town
  • Ladder of Kotor hike
  • Visit the churches in Kotor

What are the best things to do in Kotor with children?

The best things to do in Kotor with children are:

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