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.
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.
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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.
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
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.
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
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!
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
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
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
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
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.
Tip: This private walking tour of Kotor includes a local meal and wine tasting.
9. Go Shopping for Kotor souvenirs
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
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
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
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.
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.
We just walked up the Kotor ladder to sneak in the window opening of the fortress that you mention. They’re charging €15 pp to enter the fortress which I think is overpriced, hence why we took the free route, the other problem is they now require a ticket to exit! We had to pretend we’d lost it and he let us out luckily.
Ohh I guess that was bound to happen one day! Thank you Connie for the update!
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.