Things to do in Kotor: Montenegro’s must-visit town

When planning our trip to Montenegro everyone we spoke to said that we have to visit Kotor, so we decided that it should be our first stop on our 7-day road trip around the country.

Now that we’ve been, we can 100% recommend visiting – in fact we would even say that no trip to Montenegro is complete without stopping by in this charming gem of a town!

If you’re considering visiting this picturesque town, this article will cover everything you need to know for your trip. From the best time to visit and things to do in Kotor, to the best day trips and places to stay. 

We hope you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit to Kotor and have the most fantastic time whilst you’re there.

Where is Kotor? 

Kotor is one of the most picturesque towns in Montenegro. It is a historic coastal town on the southern end of Kotor Bay and surrounded by towering mountains. In 1979, its Old Town was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical importance, architectural and natural beauty.

It is definitely one of the most picturesque towns we’ve visited. The incredible views over the bay from the Kotor Fortress are breathtaking. They reminded us of views of Norwegian fjords and towns like Bergen.

Kotor is a must-visit place for all travellers. It doesn’t matter whether you are captivated by towns with historical charm or love places with natural beauty, this is a destination for you.

Is Kotor worth visiting?

Absolutely! 100% yes! Kotor is an absolute gem of Montenegro that combines rich cultural heritage with breathtaking natural beauty.

We loved walking around Old Town and getting lost in those narrow streets. However, our favourite thing about it was climbing the Kotor Fortress and having those spectacular views from up there. 

The panoramic views of the town and bay are so unique that they must be on any list of things to do in Kotor. 

How to get to Kotor?

There are a few ways to get to Kotor – by car, bus, plane, or boat.

By Plane

The nearest airport to Kotor is Tivat Airport (7 km away), which serves international and domestic flights. During peak season, it handles 80% of the entire volume of passengers that visit Montenegro!

There are two other airports not too far away. One is in the capital of Montenegro, Podgorica (78 km away), and the other is in Dubrovnik in Croatia (80 km away).

By Bus

Buses are the most popular form of public transport in Montenegro. They connect the most popular destinations in the country and offer a stress-free alternative to car rentals.

The extensive bus system reaches nearly all regions, with the only exception being some remote mountain villages. The best way to get your ticket is to buy it online or at the bus stop. Remember that when purchasing an online ticket, you must print it off and show it to the driver before you get on the bus.

Also, make sure you carry some cash with you, and you might have to pay a bus station fee (if you’re getting on a bus at the station) and a few euros for your luggage (usually 1 Euro per bag)

By Car

Renting and exploring by car have always been our favourite ways of seeing new places. However, there are a few things you need to know about Kotor if you decide to get here by car.

First, make sure the place you’re staying in Kotor provides free parking, as finding a parking spot here can be difficult. There are many paid car parks around, but they fill up quite quickly.

We rented an apartment within Old Town with private parking. This meant we didn’t have to find a place to park around Kotor, but also allowed us to explore Old Town stress-free.

By Boat

If you don’t want to stress about parking but still want to explore Kotor and the old town, you can take a boat from most of the towns on the coast of Montenegro, like Budva or Herceg Novi. This can be as part of a short stop or a longer trip, and some hotels along the coast also offer day trips to the city by boat.
It is also possible to visit the city by cruise ship, but we prefer taking the time to explore with less people around!

Best time to visit Kotor?

Kotor is a small town that is very popular amongst tourists, and for a reason. If you want to have the best experience and enjoy it without huge crowds, we recommend avoiding peak season (between June and September). 

In addition, try to avoid weekends. They are much busier than on weekdays, as many people visit Kotor for a weekend trip. We visited Kotor mid-week in April, and the town was pretty quiet. It gave us a chance to enjoy those charming, narrow streets to the fullest that way.

We recommend coming in April/May or September. Alternatively, if you’re coming in the summer, stay in an apartment in the Old Town. You will be able to wake up early and explore the town before tours and visitors arrive. 

How many days to spend in Kotor?

The town can be explored in one day, but there are so many things to do in Kotor that we recommend at least 2 days. 

This will allow you to explore the Old Town, hike to the fortress, and take a boat tour and a trip to nearby towns or beaches.

You can also make Kotor your base for the entire trip. However, due to traffic around Kotor, we recommend staying here only for a couple of days. Then move to the next town, like Perast or Herceg Novi, or go south to Budva or Sveti Stefan. 

Where to stay in Kotor?

There are so many lovely places to stay in the area. However, as we mentioned already, the best way to explore Kotor is to stay in the Old Town and explore it from there. It allows you to make the most of your time, saves you from being stuck in traffic, and makes the most of your time in this area.

Things to do in Kotor Town

Explore the Gates to Old Town

The Kotor Old Town can be accessed through 3 impressive gates. The first is a Sea Gate, also known as a Main Gate. It was built in 1555 under Venetian rule and features the traditional Venetian winged lion symbol.

The second gate, River Gate or North Gate, connects the town to the Škurda River. It is the smallest of the 3 gates and was constructed in 1540 to celebrate the victory over the Ottomans’ attack in 1539.

Last but not least is the Gurdić Gate or South Gate. It is the oldest gate out of the 3 and the most unique one. Built in 1470, it consists of 3 sections that were built at different times. 

The outer area where the drawbridge is was built in the 18th century. The middle section is the oldest part and the innermost part. It was built in the 16th century to strengthen the middle section. Gurdić Gate was our favourite because of its history, and we loved the drawbridge leading onto it. 

Visit The Kotor Farmer’s Market (Pijaca)

Located just outside the Old Town walls near the River Gate, the Kotor Farmer’s Market provides an authentic glimpse into local life. This cute market is open daily, and we recommend visiting it in the morning when it’s bustling with people. 

You’ll find here fresh seasonal produce from nearby farms, like Njeguski cheese or ham, homemade jams, local wine, olive oil, and freshly baked bread. The market is a great place to stock up on fresh food for your day trip or buy food-related souvenirs.

Walk the City Walls

Kotor’s City Walls stretch for an impressive 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles) around the Old Town and up the hillside to the fortress. Built between the 9th and 15th centuries, these stone fortifications reach heights of up to 20 meters (65 feet) and widths of 16 meters (52 feet) in certain places.

City walls are split into Lower and Upper City Walls. Lower City walls surround the Old Town and are perfect for a lovely walk in the late afternoon or early evening. It is an easy walk and won’t take more than 20 – 30 minutes unless you want to take a lot of pictures, like we did.

Upper City walls lead to Kotor Fortress, and you will need a ticket to access both of them. The walk is not easy and quite steep. We cover this in more detail below. 

Visit the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon

The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Kotor. Built in 1166 on the foundations of a 9th-century church, this Romanesque cathedral is dedicated to the patron and protector of the city.

The cathedral has survived numerous earthquakes, including devastating ones in 1563, 1667, and 1979, each time being carefully restored.

Hike to Kotor Fortress (San Giovanni Fortress)

The hike to Kotor Fortress (also known as St. John’s Fortress or San Giovanni) is the most iconic activity in the city. It sits approximately 280 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking panoramic views of Kotor Bay and the red-roofed Old Town below.

You must climb over 1,350 steps along the ancient city walls to get there. The path zigzags up the mountainside, and while challenging, you get to see more impressive views as you climb. The views over the fjord-like bay were definitely a highlight of our visit to Kotor.

Entrance and fee

Kotor Fortress is open from 7 am to 8 pm, and if you want to climb it during those hours, you will have to pay €15 per person! Don’t get us wrong, we love beautiful views, but this seemed like an extortion. We found out the way around this. 

If you get to the entrance to the fortress before 7 am, there will be no one there, and the gate is open, so you can just climb up the stairs. However, if you plan to go down the same way, you will still be asked to show your ticket at the exit. If you don’t have it, then you will have to pay the fee as you leave.
If you want to explore the fortress for free after it opens, you’ll have to climb up the ladder of Kotor instead (more info below!)

Alternative exit

There is a way to enter and leave the Fortress without paying the fee, but it involves a bit of climbing. Once you reach the San Giovanni Castle at the top of the Fortress and have explored the area, head down to this place. It is to your right on the way down.

You will find a window there with views over the hills surrounding the Fortress. The window is relatively low, and there used to be a ladder to climb down or up. However, in the last year or so, it was removed. 

It is still possible to climb down it. We did it, and it was pretty easy, but it isn’t suitable for everyone. Please be careful and assess your abilities before you try to climb down. Honestly, €15 is not worth getting an injury.

Walking back

If you leave the Fortress, the way back down to the Old Town will take you via the first section of the Ladder of Kotor. At first, follow the path towards the little church (St. Juraj Church).

From there, follow the path to the right that will get you to the Cheese Shop. Make sure you download offline maps in Google, just in case. We recommend a little stop at the shop run by this lovely couple. You can grab a drink, try the local cheese or ham, and enjoy the views over the Bay.

From the Cheese Shop, you will join the Ladder of Kotor. The views are gorgeous, and seeing the Fortress from this angle was cool. The walk down to the North Gate will take around 40- 50 minutes. 

Here are our top tips for the fortress hike:

• Start early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the sun and heat
• Wear comfortable shoes with a good grip, as the steps can be slippery
• Bring plenty of water and some snacks
• Allow 1.5-2 hours for the round trip, depending on your pace and time spent at viewpoints.
• Carry €15 for the entrance fee if you enter after 7 am or want to leave via the main exit.

Hike the Ladder of Kotor

If you are more adventurous and prefer an alternative to the crowded fortress path, the Ladder of Kotor is perfect for you. It offers less touristy hiking, and some people find the ramped path easier than the steps of the Fortress climb. 

The trail consists of the 70 switchbacks that ascend from the Old Town to the mountains above. This path takes you much higher than the fortress and provides even more spectacular views than the fortress hike. 

Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to climb all the way to the top of the ladder, but walking down the path was better than walking down the uneven steps at the Fortress.

Allow 4-5 hours for this hike. However, you can do it one way if you don’t have enough time. You can arrange a taxi to drive you to the top of the ladder, via the famous Serpentine Road. From there, you can walk down to Old Town. Alternatively, you can walk it up and arrange for a taxi to pick you up at the top.

Stroll Through the Old Town

Kotor’s Old Town is also known as Stari Grad. It is a mesmerizing maze of narrow marble streets and cute squares. It is important to note that this is a car-free historic center with no car traffic going through it. 

The Old Town is surrounded by impressive defensive walls that have protected the city since the Venetian period. As you wander the cobblestone pathways, you’ll encounter many charming cafés, boutique shops, and historic buildings. 

You’ll almost feel like you’re in Italy because of the very characteristic Venetian influence in the architecture here. There are so many lovely courtyards, ancient churches, and great restaurants to discover.

Visit the Piazza of the Arms

The Piazza of the Arms is Kotor’s main square and the social heart of the Old Town. For centuries, it has served as a city’s central gathering place and is even now used for festivals all year round. Check out the local website to see what might be happening during your visit.

Today, you can find many lovely cafes and restaurants around the square. This is a perfect place to sit down, relax, and admire the historical buildings surrounding it.

For us, the best time to visit was in late afternoon/early evening. The square is lit up, making it look atmospheric and even more charming.

Things to do around Kotor 

While exploring the charming Old Town is a must among things to do in Kotor, the city is also a perfect base for exploring. Below are a few day trip ideas worth exploring while staying here. They will allow you to experience more of Montenegro’s natural beauty, charming towns, and lovely beaches. 

Take a Boat Trip Around Kotor Bay

One of the most popular things to do in Kotor is to explore it and the Bay of Kotor from the water. There are many daily trips, and the price depends on what you want to see and explore. 

We recommend a tour that will take you to the Blue Cave, Mamula Island, Our Lady of the Rocks Island, and the former submarine tunnel from the Yugoslav era. During this excursion, you can swim in the Blue Cave and the bay itself (weather permitting).

Please note that the Blue Cave and Mamula Island visit depends on the sea conditions. If it is choppy, the boat will only stay in the bay and not go to the sea.

This happened to us, and we were disappointed but couldn’t do anything about it – we still went ahead with the trip but we could have skipped it, as half of the fun is seeing and swimming in that unique atmosphere.

The boat tours are between €20 and €40 and depart from the marina outside Old Town. Pack your sunscreen, a hat, and long sleeves, as it can get windy during the spring months.

Visit Perast from Kotor

Just 20 minutes by car or a bus from Kotor is Perast, a more tranquil town worth visiting to soak up an authentic Mediterranean atmosphere. This small coastal town has one main street lined with impressive palaces and churches on one side. On the other side, you will find restaurants with fantastic views over the bay.

Try to visit in the afternoon when all the crowds from the boat and cruise trips are gone and the town becomes much quieter. If you love a good sunset, this is also the only place in the bay where you can see it. 

Mountains surround most towns along the bay, so you don’t get to see the sunset directly from any of them. In Perast, however, you can enjoy the dinner and watch the spectacular sunset over the water. It is definitely worth experiencing and travelling to Perast for.

Visit Lovćen National Park

Rising dramatically behind Kotor, Mount Lovćen and its surrounding national park offer some of Montenegro’s most spectacular mountain scenery. A day trip from there offers unparalleled views from the viewpoint at the Njegoš Mausoleum. You can even see Croatia and Albania from there on a good day.

In addition, getting there requires driving through the windiest road in Montenegro, the Kotor Serpentine Road. It is an experience in itself as the road climbs quite rapidly, and you will have to face 25 tight hairpins to get there.

Make sure you drive slowly and cautiously. The road is very narrow, so always try to identify potential passing points to reverse if necessary. We recommend driving there first thing in the morning. That way, you’ll avoid the usual start, making it a less challenging experience.

Visit Tivat from Kotor

Just a short 20-minute drive from Kotor is Tivat. A town that offers an entirely different atmosphere and vibe. Over the last few years, Tivat has transformed into a modern resort with a center around the luxurious Porto Montenegro marina.

If you enjoy upscale boutique shopping, fine dining restaurants, and admiring superyachts, this is the place for you. However, if you’re not a fan of those attractions, we recommend skipping Tivat or just stopping here on your way to or from the Tivat Airport.

Day Trips from Kotor 

If you’re staying in Kotor for more than 2 days or making it your base, there are a few day trips worth taking. A day trip to Budva and Sveti Stefan is the most popular and a must when staying in Kotor. 

Budva is Montenegro’s most popular coastal destination, offering beautiful beaches mixed with Old Town charm. On the other hand, Sveti Stefan is the iconic islet resort with the most picturesque views and beaches.

Another excellent day trip option is a tour of Lovcen, the River of Crnojevic, Lake Skadar, and Sveti Stefan. This is the best value for money tour as you get to see the most picturesque places in one day.

Lake Skadar is one of our top 3 must-see places in Montenegro and absolutely worth visiting. The boat tour on the lake is breathtaking, and if you’re lucky and visit during the lily blooming season (late spring to early fall), you’ll be in for a real treat. 

Where to Eat in Kotor

For a small town, Kotor has many restaurants to choose from. We compiled the list of the ones we visited and enjoyed the food there.

• Konoba Scala Santa – a lovely upscale restaurant serving traditional as well as delicious seafood dishes
• Pizzera Pronto – great pizza for amazing price. We had a takaway slices from there but you can also have a sit down dinner in this lovely pizzeria
• BBQ Tanjga – popular amongst local and tourist alike. This BBQ place is popular for a reason. Everything is made fresh and you chose your own cuts of meat for them to grill in front of you.
• Moja Kafanica – Gastropub with great atmosphere and food. We stopped there for a quick bite and really enjoyed their platters.

Things NOT to do when in Kotor

There are a few things to avoid that we want to share with you that will make your visit more enjoyable.

• Don’t rely solely on credit cards – cash is still very much a thing in Montenegro. Smaller shops and hotels operate on a cash-only policy.
• Don’t miss checking cruise ship schedules – The Old Town can become extremely crowded when multiple cruise ships dock. Check online cruise schedules and plan around their stops.
• Don’t wear flip flops or heels – Kotor’s cobblestone streets and the 1,350 steps to St. John’s Fortress require sturdy and comfortable shoes.
• Don’t drink tap water without asking – While generally safe in hotels, water quality varies. Ask locals or your accommodation host before drinking from taps.
• Don’t forget to book accommodation with free parking – Parking is available near the walls, but it is limited and expensive. Having an apartment with free parking included saves you money and hassle.
• Don’t rush through the Old Town – Many visitors hurry to climb the fortress and miss the charming squares, churches, and hidden corners below. Allow time to explore the medieval streets and city walls.

Things to do in Kotor – Top Tips

Tips for exploring Old Town

• Visit early morning or evening – experience Kotor’s charm without cruise ship crowds before 10 am or after 4 pm.
• Get lost intentionally – You’ll find the most charming streets here in Old Town, so get lost in the little maze of them away from the main spots. 
• Climb St. John’s Fortress strategically – Start the 1,350-step climb early (before 7 am) or late afternoon (after 4 pm) to avoid heat and crowds. Bring water and wear proper shoes.

Tips for Day Trips

• Take a speedboat over a large tour boat – Smaller speedboat tours offer more flexibility and can reach secluded swimming spots that larger boats can’t access.
• Visit Perast in the afternoon – This picturesque town gets busy during the day; by 4-5 pm, most people leave, and you can explore this charming town in peace.
• Visit Budva selectively – Go early or late to enjoy Budva’s Old Town without the crowds that dominate midday.
• Don’t miss Tivat’s Pine Promenade – A refreshing alternative to Porto Montenegro with beautiful waterfront walking paths.

Food & Drink Tips

• Try local specialties – Don’t miss njeguški pršut (prosciutto), black risotto, fresh seafood, and local wines like Vranac.
• Visit the morning market – Purchase local produce, cheese, olives, and homemade rakija (fruit brandy) directly from producers.
• Escape the main square restaurants – Walk just two streets back from popular areas for better quality and prices.
• Sample local craft beer – Montenegro’s craft beer scene is growing; look for local brews from Mammut (this was Justin’s favourite brand in Montenegro) or Karver breweries.

Practical Tips

• Book accommodation inside the walls – Staying within the Old Town gives you magical early morning and late evening experiences when day-trippers are gone.
• Buy a local SIM card – Affordable data packages (€10-15) provide maps, translation, and communication capabilities. We got a whopping 200GB for only €15 and shared between us. Safe to say we didn’t run out of data
• Check cruise ship schedules – Plan quieter activities or day trips when multiple ships are docked (check schedules online).
• Bring cash and small bills – Many smaller establishments don’t accept cards, and breaking large bills can be challenging.

Summary

We loved exploring Old Town with its lovely, narrow streets. The climb to and the spectacular views of the Kotor Bay from the Fortress were the highlight of our visit.

We hope that this article provided you with everything you need to know and inspired you to visit this gem of a town.