Things To Do
in Kotor
Nestled at the base of towering limestone cliffs, Kotor is a fortified medieval town on Montenegro's Adriatic coast. Its labyrinthine Old Town, surrounded by thick stone walls, feels like a living museum of churches, piazzas, and stair-stepped lanes. The setting between the bay and dramatic mountains makes every corner photogenic and atmospheric.
Visitors can wander ancient walls, savor seafood, and explore nearby natural parks with ease.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a charming cafe in the Old Town, where you can savor fresh pastries and locally brewed coffee. After breakfast, wander the cobblestone streets, taking in the stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, a beautiful Romanesque structure that dates back to the 12th century.
Continue your exploration by visiting the Maritime Museum to learn about Kotor's rich naval history. Afterward, take a break at one of the town’s picturesque squares, perhaps enjoying a gelato while watching the world go by. As the sun moves across the sky, consider climbing the fortress steps that lead to the Castle of San Giovanni for breathtaking views.
As dusk falls, find a cozy restaurant in the heart of the Old Town for a traditional Montenegrin dinner featuring local seafood and wines. Enjoy the lively ambiance as street musicians often perform, enhancing the magical experience of dining in this historic setting. End your evening with a stroll along the waterfront promenade, soaking in the beautiful views of the bay under the starlit sky.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading to the waterfront to embark on a boat tour of the stunning Bay of Kotor. As you set sail, admire the dramatic cliffs and charming coastal villages that dot the shoreline. The first stop will be the picturesque island of Our Lady of the Rocks, where you can explore the church and museum dedicated to the island’s history.
After visiting the island, continue your boat tour to the quaint village of Perast, known for its baroque architecture and serene atmosphere. Enjoy lunch at a seaside restaurant, where you can taste fresh fish dishes while overlooking the sparkling waters. Post-lunch, take a stroll along the waterfront, visiting the local shops and soaking up the stunning views of the bay.
Return to Kotor in the early evening and freshen up before heading out for a casual dinner at a local pizzeria. Enjoy the relaxed vibe as you indulge in delicious Montenegrin pizzas and local wines. After dinner, find a spot at one of the outdoor bars to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕️Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🍷Glass of local wine | $3-8 |
| 🧀Njeguški cheese and charcuterie | $6-12 |
| 🛵Short taxi ride within town | $4-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning bay scenery framed by rugged mountains
- Well-preserved medieval Old Town with walkable streets
- Crowds and higher prices in peak season
- Limited nightlife compared to larger coastal hubs
- "Dobar dan" - Good day
- "Hvala" - Thank you
- "Molim" - Please / You're welcome
- "Koliko košta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Govorite li engleski?" - Do you speak English?
- "Gde je…?" - Where is…?
Places to Visit in Kotor
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic ramparts hugging the harbor; excellent for dawn or sunset shots with the mountains as a backdrop.
Panoramic views over the town and bay; a challenging but rewarding ascent for sweeping landscape photographs.
Medieval architecture, intricate facades, and atmospheric interiors ideal for detail shots.
Dramatic church islets in the bay; best captured on a boat trip with the sea and cliff backdrop.
Harbor silhouettes of boats and the dramatic cliffside skyline during golden hour.
Food in Kotor
Kotor Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic seaside dish simmered in garlic, white wine, and parsley; best enjoyed at a seafood-focused restaurant along the Old Town harbor.
Must-Try!
Smoked cheese from Njeguši paired with Montenegrin prosciutto; great on a rustic board or in a sandwich.
Grilled minced-meat sausages served with flatbread, onions, and Ajvar (pepper-based relish).
Flaky pastry filled with cheese; a popular street-food snack and breakfast item.
Seasonal fish, prawns, and octopus prepared simply with olive oil, lemon, and herbs.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small market behind the medieval walls where locals buy seafood, olives, herbs, and cheeses; great for trying fried fish, octopus salad, and fresh produce.
Casual spots along the harbor offering quick bites like burek, grilled octopus, and fresh fruit.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake and eye contact are standard. Address people with formal titles when appropriate, and speak softly in public spaces; avoid loud or confrontational behavior in narrow streets.
When visiting churches or monasteries, dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) and remove hats where required.
Safety
Tipping in Kotor
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, service is often not included; leaving 5-10% is customary if the service is good. Round up taxi fares and leave small tips for hotel staff or guides as appropriate.
Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but having some cash (EUR or local currency) is handy for markets and smaller establishments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days and blooming landscapes; pleasant for walking the walls and harbor-side strolls without the crowds.
Hot, sunny days with busy piers and cruise-ship crowds. Beach time, boat trips, and outdoor dining are ideal, but expect higher prices and longer waits.
Warm seas linger into early fall; a great time to hike Lovćen and enjoy seafood without the peak-season bustle.
Milder coastal winters; some attractions may have reduced hours, but the Old Town is quiet and atmospheric for photography and strolls.
Kotor at Night
Hiking in Kotor
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Historic summit trail with rewarding vistas over Kotor and the bay; a must for hikers who enjoy panoramic photography.
Ridge hike offering coastal and mountain views; intersects with several overlook points and quiet forest segments.
Airports
How to reach Kotor by plane.
Closest airport to Kotor, roughly 10-20 minutes by car; easy transfers to Kotor by taxi or shuttle.
Main international gateway to Montenegro; about a 1.5–2 hour drive to Kotor with bus or private transfer options.
Cross-border option in Croatia; can be used for added travel flexibility, with longer transfer times to Kotor.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily Montenegrins with Bosnian/Serbian and Croatian ancestry; a mix of families and small-town communities around the Bay.
Seasonal visitors from Europe and beyond, plus a growing expatriate presence in the region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport across Montenegro, with local clubs and amateur games accessible in coastal towns.
Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and sailing are common in the Bay of Kotor due to calm waters and scenic scenery.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kotor.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers will find plenty of salads, cheese plates, baked vegetables, burek with cheese, and olive-oil–packed dishes. When ordering, ask for ‘bez mesa’ (no meat) and look for local cheese and mushroom options as hearty alternatives.