The picturesque town of Kotor is a must-see during a Montenegro tour. Located in the Bay of Kotor, this walled city reflects the beauty of Montenegro. From narrow, cobbled streets that take you back to medieval times to impressive views of the Bay of Kotor with its rugged mountains. Climb the Kotor fortress, go hiking in Lovćen National Park or rub one of Kotor’s many cats. In this travel guide, find out what the best sights are in Kotor, where to stay and more tips!
10 best things to do in Kotor, Montenegro
The small town of Kotor in Montenegro is nestled deep in the picturesque Bay of Kotor, surrounded by steep mountain slopes. Many travelers visit Kotor for just one day, but we recommend staying here for at least one to two nights. This gives you time to really absorb the unique atmosphere of this medieval city. If you go out early in the morning, you can even experience the city at leisure before the daytime tourists arrive.
TRAVEL TIP: During the summer months, cruise ships dock daily in Kotor. Look online at Cruise Mapper when the cruise ships arrive and depart. This way you can visit the city at less busy times.
1) Wander through the old town (Stari Grad)
Nothing like getting lost in the maze of cobblestone streets in Kotor. Kotor’s old town, called “Stari Grad,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a reason. Surrounded by ancient city walls, inside you will find a maze of hidden squares, stone steps and narrow alleys. From the 13th to the 17th century, Kotor was under the influence of the Venetian Empire, and you can tell by the rich architecture. Spend a few hours in the old town that takes you back to times gone by.
2) Climb the fortress of Kotor
For the best view of the Bay of Kotor, you must climb the Kotor Fortress. Perched high on a hilltop, you’ll find the ancient ruins of the St. John Fortress. From the center of Kotor, walk up a whopping 1,300 stairs to the fortress! An alternative route is the “Ladder of Kotor.” This road follows an old path to the back of the fortress where you pass a picturesque church. There you can enter the fort through an opening in the castle wall, avoiding the €15 entrance fee per person. Do go early in the day or in the late afternoon, as it can get incredibly hot during the day.
TRAVEL TIP: The official start to the fortress and the alternative route ‘Ladder of Kotor’ can be found pinned in our Montenegro Google Maps Guide!
3) Drink fresh pomegranate juice in the “Cheese Shop”
Another reason why it’s worth hiking to the hilltop via the Ladder of Kotor is the local little bar called “Cheese Shop“. Instead of turning right toward the back of the fort, follow the path on the left further up the hill. There you will find a small, covered terrace with an insane view of the Bay of Kotor. The sweet owner there sells homemade pomegranate juice and cheese and is also happy to treat you to a glass of homemade rakija (hearty brandy).
4) Visit one of the many churches
Although the old town of Kotor is not large, you will find a surprising number of churches. These reflect the cultural and religious history of the region, and locals still light a candle there every day. In Kotor you will find mainly Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches dating from the 12th to 14th centuries. Especially the St. Tryphon cathedral (entrance fee is €8) and St. Luke’s Church (free) are worth a visit.
5) Walk the old city walls
Kotor is an old Venetian city and was once completely walled in by city walls to protect the city from possible outside attacks. Today, you can still walk over part of these city walls, clearly seeing the difference between the old and the “new” city. There are three gates from which you can climb the city walls: Gurdic Bastion, the Sea Gate and the River Gate at the Scurda Bridge.
6) Kotor Bazaar
Hidden in the narrow alleys of Kotor you will find the Kotor bazaar. At this small, covered market you will find numerous stalls where you can buy local souvenirs and products. The bazaar is not large, but it is fun to take a look inside. In addition, be sure to take a look at Danijela’s shop where you will find all kinds of homemade souvenirs with a cat theme.
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7) Cats, cats and more cats!
All over Montenegro you can find cats, but nowhere do you find as many as in Kotor. Not only in the streets but also in stores and on the chairs of the restaurants outside you will find a cat somewhere. The locals clearly take good care of these little animals because everywhere on the streets you see feeding troughs. You even have a cat museum in Kotor that you can visit for €1.
8) Relaxing on Kotor Beach
Especially in the summer months, it can get incredibly hot in Montenegro. Fortunately, about a 10-minute walk from the center you will find Kotor Beach. From this pebble beach you can swim in the Adriatic Sea with the surrounding mountains in the background. You can rent sunbeds there for the day or lay down your towel on a free spot. About a 30-minute drive from Kotor you will also find sandy beaches that are quite a bit nicer and larger such as Jaz Beach near Budva.
9) Boat trip in the Bay of Kotor
One of the best things to do in Kotor is to take a boat tour of the bay. You can explore on your own by renting a kayak or join a boat tour. A popular tour to take is the boat tour to Our Lady of the Rocks off the coast of Perast. On this man-made island you will find a 17th-century church that you can visit. The church has been an important pilgrimage site for boaters for centuries and one of the best sights near Kotor.
10) Day trip to Lovćen National Park
On the higher mountain plateau above Kotor you will find the Lovcen National Park. With the many forests and mountain landscapes, you are in a totally different environment here. You can hike, bike or enjoy the spectacular views of Montenegro’s coast. The absolute highlight in this park is a visit to the mausoleum of Petar II Petrovic-Njegos, where you will find one of the best viewpoints in Montenegro. End your day at the Horizont Bar for a spectacular sunset!
How to visit Lovćen National Park from Kotor
You can go to Lovcen National Park drive via the “serpentine road,” overcoming as many as 25 hairpin turns. The higher you climb, the more spectacular the view becomes of the Bay of Kotor and the surrounding area. An alternative is to take the Kotor cable car to Lovcen National Park. Once you arrive at the top of the mountain, you can rent bikes on site, participate in medieval games such as archery or take a ride on the toboggan run. Shuttle buses run from Kotor’s bus station to the cable car.
Opening hours Kotor Cable Car: daily from 09:00 to 21:00 (on Tuesdays from 10:30) | Single ticket: €13 – Return ticket: €23 and buy online here
Best restaurants in Kotor
Montenegrin cuisine is a nice mix of Eastern European and Mediterranean dishes. Because of its location on the Adriatic Sea, you’ll find plenty of fresh fish, seafood and dishes like pasta and risotto in Kotor. At night, Kotor really comes alive with the many outdoor cafes where live music is played in the old town. Wondering where to eat in Kotor? These are already some of the best restaurants and bars:
- Mon Bistro Cafeteria: Cozy bistro with a French touch for breakfast.
- Pizzeria Pronto: The best pizzas and budget-friendly.
- La Catedral Pasta Bar: One of the best restaurants in Kotor. It is often queuing but well worth it!
- Konoba Porturn: Family restaurant serving delicious food with beautiful terrace right on the waterfront (reservations in advance are highly recommended).
- The Nitrox Pub & Eatery: The best bar for special beers and cocktails!
Where to stay in Kotor
The old town of Kotor is not very large, but you will find plenty of nice accommodations. During the summer months, however, prices can be steep for Kotor. A good alternative is to sleep outside the center. We slept in Apartment Petar and had a beautiful view of the Bay of Kotor.
- Budget (€): Old Town Youth Hostel
- Comfort (€€): Apartment Petar 1
- Luxurious (€€€): Hotel Monte Cristo
How to visit Kotor in Montenegro
There are several ways to visit Kotor in Montenegro. The nearest airports are those of Tivat, capital Podgorica or Dubrovnik in Croatia. Here you can see what the cheapest flights are. Are you planning a road trip in Montenegro? Then we recommend you to rent a car rental! Montenegro is not a big country, and from the cities mentioned above you will be in Kotor in less than 2 hours drive.
TRAVEL TIP: During the summer months it can be very busy on the roads. In Montenegro, the roads are mainly dual carriageways and can be quite congested, especially during rush hours.
Public transportation Montenegro
You can also reach Kotor easily by public transportation. From Dubrvonik you can take a direct bus to Kotor. Tickets can be booked in advance here. Also from Podgorica and Tivat there are daily local buses to Kotor.
Best Travel Time Kotor, Montenegro
The best travel time for Kotor (and Montenegro in general) are the shoulder seasons. From April to June and September to October are less crowded and temperatures are more pleasant. Try to avoid the months of July and August. Not only does it get incredibly hot during the day, cruise ships dock in Kotor daily. That means hundreds of additional people visit the small town, which can make it feel very crowded and stuffy.
Still have questions about what to do in Kotor, Montenegro? Let us know in a comment below! Looking for more information for your next trip? Please do not hesitate to contact us contact or feel free to email info@snoezelsontheroad.com
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