15 Unmissable Things to Do in Kotor (plus 5 day trips!)

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Kotor, Montenegro is an finely preserved medieval town in a secluded corner of the visually stunning Bay of Kotor. It is a top attraction in the young Balkan nation of Montenegro in Southeastern Europe and protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. There’s no denying it’s a tourist magnet, but few can resist its charm once they step food in Stari Grad, the Old Town of Kotor.

While most visitors come as a stop on a cruise or as a day trip from Dubrovnik in neighboring Croatia, there are enough compelling things to do in Kotor to justify staying for at least a few nights. If you only visit for a couple hours, you’ll wish you had more time to linger and soak up its fairy tale-like atmosphere.

There are also some great day trip possibilities from Kotor, justifying an even longer stay. You can even go as far as making a day trip to Ostrog Monastery, one of the most impressive sights in the Balkans.

Kotor Old City from above
Stari Grad (Old City) of Kotor

Kotor is also the perfect home base for further exploration of the Bay of Kotor, such as the unbelievably beautiful village of Perast, and it is possible to make day trips further afield to other enchanting Montenegrin destinations, and even across the border in Croatia. No matter how long or short you are in the country, it is an essential stop on your Montenegro itinerary.

In this Kotor guide I’m going to list the top Kotor attractions and what to see in Kotor in one day or more. I’ll also cover where to stay in Kotor, plus some ideas for Kotor day trips at the end of the article.

If you’re visiting with little ones like we did, see my article on visiting Kotor with kids.

You can also read about our trip to nearby Dubrovnik, Skradin, and other great places to visit in Croatia with kids.

AWESOME DEALS

A boat tour like this one is the best way to experience the Bay of Kotor.

An audio guide is included on the Bay of Kotor Hop-On-Hop-Off bus, which is a fun way to reach nearby Perast and other attractions on the Bay of Kotor.

To get to Kotor, find the best flight deals on Kiwi, a flight hacking website.

If you plan to rent a car, we had a great experience with this car booking site.

A Brief History of Kotor

Ruins of a monastery in the Old City of Kotor
Ruins of a monastery in the Old City of Kotor

The Old Town of Kotor dates back to Roman times, first being mentioned in 168 BC. Occupying a strategic position on the Adriatic Sea, it has been fortified since the Middle Ages.

Over the centuries, the town has been occupied by Illyrians, Serbians, Hungarians, Venetians, Austrians, and the French. The town has also been subjected to numerous earthquakes, with notable ones in 1537, 1563, 1667, 1729, and 1979.

Montenegro was subsequently a part of Yugoslavia, and finally achieved independence in 2006.

The Old Town of Kotor and its ancient city walls climbing up the slopes of Saint John’s Mountain toward Mount Lovcen (1749 m) have been preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, but it wasn’t until the 2000s that it started catching on in a big way as a tourist destination.

The best way to experience Kotor’s rich history is by entering though one of the three main gates and exploring the Old City’s ancient cobblestone streets, walking along the Old City walls, and stepping in to its stone churches.

Where to Stay in Kotor

Spending the night in Kotor means you get to enjoy crowd-free streets and a more romantic vibe in the evening when all the cruise ship tourists have cleared.

If the noise will bother you (the streets of Kotor Old Town are so narrow that even talking from the streets, not to mention music from the restaurants and bars, funnels up to every window), consider staying in a guesthouse in a quiet corner of the Old City.

A good example is La Dolce Vita Apartments (see on Booking / Agoda), or somewhere just outside of the Old City, such as Apartments Ana (see on Booking / Agoda) near the River Gate.

View of rooftops in Kotor and mountain in background
View from the rooftop balcony of our apartment in Kotor

When we visited in October, we stayed in this Airbnb situated in the middle of the Old City. We had an extremely cute rooftop balcony with a stunning view of Kotor rooftops and parts of the Old City walls snaking up the mountain to Kotor Fortress. It was the cheapest apartment we stayed at during our 10-week trip across Europe!

At night, we could hear people talking on the streets below and some light music, but it wasn’t too bad, and our kids slept fine. The church bells did wake us up early in the morning though.

Search here for other great deals on hotels in Kotor.

When to Visit Kotor

In summertime Kotor and other famous places in Montenegro like Budva are packed and have a party vibe, with bars pumping music until the middle of the night. The weather can also be unbearable hot for sightseeing.

We strongly recommend visiting in the shoulder seasons of late spring or early autumn. We went in October, and the weather was absolutely gorgeous; it was perfectly clear every day and just hot enough to go swimming, and only a hint chilly at night.

However, by mid- to late-October, some things start shutting down for the season, and if you visit Kotor or other places in Montenegro in winter, you may find many things closed and the the weather rainy and cold, but at least you’ll be some of the few tourists in town!

Also see my related article on visiting Lake Bled in October and November.

Top Things to Do in Kotor

The following places to see in Kotor are listed roughly in order of what you absolutely must see while in town. Also be sure to pick up a detailed map of the Old Town from the Kotor Tourist Information Center, which is located just outside the Sea Gate (the main entrance to the Old Town).

Explore Stari Grad (Kotor Old Town) on Foot

My kids in an empty square in Kotor Old Town
My kids wandering around Kotor Old Town

You’ll most likely begin your Kotor experience by entering through one of Kotor Old City’s three main gates: the River Gate (dating to 1540) in the north, South Gate (Gurdić Bastion, 13th to 18th century), or the main Sea Gate (1555) on the western side.

Shot of Kotor Sea Gate
The Sea Gate, the main entrance to Kotor Old Town

Most people enter via the Sea Gate, and its impossible not to be smitten by Kotor’s glistening cobblestone streets and medieval edifices from the moment you walk in.

To the left is the Main Square (Trg od Oružja) of Stari Grad, while right in front of you you’ll see the impressive Clock Tower (1602).

Clock Tower, Trg od Oružja, Kotor Old Town
Clock Tower in the Main Square of Kotor

From there, choose a direction, start walking, and get lost in Star Grad’s unforgettably charming maze of streets. The Old Town is surprisingly small, so even if you get a little disoriented, just keep going, and you’ll eventually stumble upon one of Kotor’s top attractions and realize where you are.

If you’ve got limited time, then I’d suggest joining a walking tour to cover the main sights. This one-hour walking tour is budget-friendly and has small groups, while this private 90-minute tour is more comprehensive.

Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral)

Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral) in Kotor Old Town
Like my pics? See the Olympus mirrorless camera and lenses I travel with!

The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (1166, on the site of a church dating to 809) is the most impressive of Stari Grad’s dozen or so churches, cathedrals, and monasteries. It is the most popular thing to see in Kotor, and one of the most well-known Cathedrals in Montenegro.

Kotor Cathedral is one of only two Roman Catholic cathedrals in Montenegro (most of them are Christian Orthodox). It was built in honor of Saint Tryphon, the patron saint of the city.

Interior of the Cathedral of St. Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral)
Interior of Kotor Cathedral

The Cathedral features a gorgeous Romanesque interior and two Baroque bell towers that were added after an earthquake in 1667. It was badly damaged by another earthquake in 1979, but extensively repaired in 2016, which is why you can see both 1166 and 2016 on the front. Watch for the gilded-silver bas-relief screen on the altar, considered the most important treasure.

The cathedral is only a few minute’s walk from the Sea Gate at the southeastern end of town; looking at a map, the streets may appear complicated, but you’ll be surprised how you just walk in that general direction, and the roads seem to lead you there.

Jesus on the cross artwork, Sacral Arts Museum, Cathedral of St. Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral Treasury)
Sacral Arts Museum on the second floor of Kotor Cathedral

The 2€ entrance includes access to the Sacral Art Museum, a treasury of valuable relics on the second floor, including precious silver items, 14th century frescoes, and other artworks. From the second floor balcony you can also enjoy an impressive view of the square below.

The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon opening hours are 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with more limited hours in winter. It didn’t open until 9 a.m. when we visited in October, and in January/February, it may close as early as 1 p.m.

Church of Saint Nicholas and other Kotor Churches

Shot from above of the Church of St. Nicholas in Kotor Stadi Grad

The second most impressive religious structure in the city is the Serbian Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas (1909, on the site of a church dating to the 17th century). The church fronts St. Luke’s Square at the northwestern end of the Old Town.

The church’s front façade is topped with two bell towers with black domes and golden crosses, while a large Serbian flag hangs down. The most striking feature as you enter are the huge frescoes adorning the walls. Many visitors enjoy the mystical atmosphere of the church.

Inside Church of St. Nicholas in Kotor Old Town
Interior of Church of Saint Nicholas

In the same square sits smaller St. Luke’s Church (1195), with its distinctive round top. Its worth a quick look, but like several other Kotor churches, there is a souvenir stall inside, which unfortunately takes away from the experience.

Other places of worship in town worth a look are the Franciscan Monastery of Saint Claire (18th century, just south of the Church of Saint Nicholas), Saint Michael’s Church (18th century, across from the Kotor Cars Museum (see #7 below), Church of Saint Mary (1221, in front of the entrance to the Kotor Fortress hike (see #4 below), and the Monastery of Saint Francis (17th century, at the southeast end of town).

Hike to Kotor Fortress

View of Kotor Fortress (Fortress of Saint John)
Kotor Fortress, looking over the Old Town and Bay of Kotor

The hike to Saint John’s Fortress, or Castle of San Giovanni, is one the most enticing things to do in Kotor. 1355 steps follow a section of Old City walls steeply up the hill next to the Old Town, providing absolutely epic views of the Bay of Kotor. Around the halfway point, you’ll pass the Church of Our Lady of Remedy, visible in the image below.

It only takes about 45-minutes going up, but a tiring 45 minutes, and 30 to come back down. Most people spend two hours or more in total with all the picture stops and time at the top. Do this hike in the morning if you can for the best sunlight, otherwise you’ll be shooting pictures into the sun.

Hiking trail to Kotor Fortress (Saint John's Fortress), with the Church of Our Lady of Remedy
The hike to Kotor Fortress, with Church of Our Lady of Remedy visible on the bottom left

Note that there is a charge of 8€ (8 a.m. to 8 p.m., May to October) to do the hike, payable at the entrance to the hike in the northeast corner of the Old City near the Church of St. Mary Collegiate/Rd. to the Fort of St. Ivan. Go earlier or later (or out of season) to avoid the entrance fee; the walls are open 24 hours!

Bay of Kotor viewed from Saint John's Fortress (Kotor Fortress)
The Bay of Kotor as we saw it from Saint John’s Fortress

A good (and free!) alternative to the main trail to Saint John’s Fortress is the Ladder of Kotor (or “Ladder of Cattaro”), a series of switchbacks up the hill that begins just north of the Old Town. The hike is free to enter (and free of crowds!) and connects to the Kotor Fortress part way up.

If these hikes aren’t wild enough for you, then you can even cycle down the mountain while you enjoy the incredible views!

The Old City Walls and Bastions

Kamapana Tower and Citadel, Kotor City Walls
Kamapana Tower, one of the bastions on the Kotor Old City Walls

Kotor’s Old City is encircled by walls, facing the waterfront in the south, Scurda River in the west and snaking up Mount Lovcen to Kotor Fortress to the east (see #4 above).

The walls are crumbling in many sections, so it is not possible to walk all the way around the Old City on the walls like visitors can do in Dubrovnik a few hours to the north in Croatia.

However, there are still several section of the wall that visitors can easily access right in the Old Town, including Gurdić Bastion (South Gate), Korner Bastion (on the south side), Valier Bastion (also on the south side, above the Sea Gate), Kampana Tower and Citadel at the southwest corner, and Bembo Bastion (currently a performance stage, with Bastion Restaurant (Бастион 1 on GoogleMaps) occupying the park below, near the River/North Gate).

Its important to take care when walking on wall, as some sections are in decay or have steep drops with no fence.

Kotor Farmer’s Market

Vendor at the Kotor Market (AKA Kotor Farmer's Market or Kotor fruit and vegetable market), built into the Kotor city wall

We showed up at the local Kotor Market (“Маркат” on GoogleMaps) to expect only fruit and vegetables, but were pleasantly surprised to find so much more. We ended up leaving with armfuls of groceries and treats.

Besides cheap produce, you can find olives, rings of dried figs, local fruit wines (raspberry, blackberry, pomegranate) and rakija (distilled fruit liquor), fish, prosciutto and other cured meats, and a selection of cheeses. The verdant green pesto cheese we bought was possibly the most delicious cheese I’ve ever had!

Ring of dried figs at Kotor Produce Market, the best place to buy groceries in Kotor Old Town
Various cheese for sale at the fresh food market in Kotor

The market is set up under a section of the Old City wall. To find it, exit the Old City from the Sea Gate, turn left, and walk 100 meters around a corner of the wall. It’s open 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (best visited in the morning). It’s labelled “Kotor Food Market” on GoogleMaps.

Kotor Cats Museum

My wife playing with cats at the Cats Musueum in Kotor
My wife Emily and some resident cats at Kotor Cats Museum, currently closed for renovations

One thing you will instantly notice about Kotor is the presence of a large number of cats. They are everywhere, lounging in the sun, accepting strokes from passersby, and mooching for food on restaurant patios.

Locals and visitors alike seem to have a soft spot for the cats and are well taken care of (as far as strays go), judging by the dishes and piles of cat food everywhere.

A cat lying upside down beside a white wall in the Old Town of Kotor
A cat doing its thing in Kotor

The Kotor Cats Museum is, as the name suggests, devoted to the cats of Kotor. Mostly the museum is a collection of paintings and souvenirs about cats, and the small entrance fee goes towards helping the city’s strays.

After being closed for a few years, the museum is open again (high season only), though it doesn’t actually house as many cats as it used to.

Cat lovers can also check out the Cats of Kotor shop cat-related jewelry and other items that are prettier than the usual cat souvenirs you see in all the other shops.

Kotor Bazaar

Kotor Bazaar, one of the best places to buy souvenirs in Kotor
Touristy but atmospheric Kotor Bazaar

Also built into a section of the Old City wall, in between Saint Claire Church and Saint Nicholas Church, the Kotor Bazaar is nothing but a collection of souvenir and trinket stalls, but it’s worth a quick look.

Head to the back and look up for an impressive view of the crumbling remains of a 16th century Dominican Monastery.

Dining in Kotor

A restaurant patio in Kotor at night

The numerous tourist-oriented restaurants in Kotor’s Old City feature inviting outdoor seating in the town’s many squares and small lanes. Menus feature Italian and Montenegrin fare, heavy on seafood.

These restaurants are particularly romantic after the sun goes down. When we visited in October, evenings were becoming a little chilly, but fiery heaters placed between tables only added to the ambience.

Stuffed squid at Cesarica, one of the best restaurants in Kotor Montenegro
Squid stuffed with shrimp at Cesarica

I would personally recommend Cesarica Restaurant, which is tucked away in a quiet little alley and is known for the Montenegrin specialty of squid stuffed with shrimp and a side of blitva (chard with crushed potatoes and olive oil).

You can of course also find gelato stalls throughout town, and they are half the price of what you’d pay in nearby Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Food lovers can also consider this guided walking tour that includes sitting down to enjoy a local snack with wine.

Sampling Montenegrin Wine and Beer

Glass or red Montenegrin wine in Kotor

Montenegro produces some excellent wines, and it would be a crime to visit and not try some. I would recommend Old Winery Wine Bar at the northeast end of town near the entrance to the Kotor Fortress Hike.

The small wine bar with street side chairs features dozens of wines from Montenegro and Serbia on its menu. I tried the sampler deal which features a Chardonnay and two red wines for 16€, including a plate of cheese, olives, nuts, dried fruit, and prosciutto.

The rose wine I also tried was excellent, as was the bar’s food. We spotted other tables enjoying enormous plates of charcuterie to pair with wine.

For a bottle of local Montenegrin wine at a fraction of the price, try the couple of Mini Markets at the center of the Old City, or even better (and to stock up on groceries), head to the supermarket in Shopping Centre Kamelija just north of the Old Town or Idea Supermarket just south of the Old Town.

Me drinking a large glass of local Montenegro Niksicko beer at a restaurant in Kotor
That’s me, happy to find some dark Niksicko on tap!

For pivo (beer) lovers, there are a handful of pubs in town, while most restaurants also serve draught Niksicko beer, Montenegro’s main brew. If you’re lucky, you can find the tamno (dark) version and (not so bitter) IPA. The grocery stores out of town carry both, but they are tough to find in the Old Town.

Kotor Beach

Kotor Beach viewed from the water

What would a holiday be without spending some time tanning on the beach? Kotor’s main beach is located a five minute walk north of the Old Town, past the Port of Kotor and Park Slobode.

The beach is mostly pebbles and has paid sun loungers in summer plus a free section. The sizeable swimming area is roped off to offer protection from the many passing boats (nobody wants to get run over by an enormous cruise ship, right?)

Kotor Maritime Museum

Although I personally wouldn’t consider it a must-see, history buffs will enjoy the Maritime Museum in Kotor’s Old Town. The small museum covers the maritime history and culture of the area.

Entrance is 4€ (children 1.5€, very young children free). See the museum’s official website for the opening hours by season.

Boka (Bay of Kotor) Cruise

Motorboat cruise on the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro

One of the most popular (and worthwhile) things to do in Kotor is to cruise the incredibly picturesque Bay of Kotor on a motorboat.

Options abound, but this highly rated choice includes a visit to Our Lady on the Rocks in Perast and swimming in the magnificent Blue Cave.

If you’ve got kids, they’ll have fun on this half-submarine Kotor Bay cruise like ours did, but heads up that we didn’t see any fish through the glass bottom. It was too foggy.

Semi-submarine cruise on Boka (Bay of Kotor)
The “semi-submarine” that we cruised on with our kids

Kayaking or Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

Two people stand-up paddle boarding on the Bay of Kotor

For a more environmentally friendly way to explore the Bay of Kotor try paddling around in a kayak or riding a SUP (stand-up paddle board).

To rent a kayak (or bicycle), try Kotor Bay Tours or go for a guided kayak tour.

For stand-up paddle boarding, here is a recommended 2.5-hour tour.

View the Old City Walls at Night

Kotor city walls at night, one of the best things to see in kotor at night

While looking down at the Bay of Kotor from Kotor Fortress is a remarkable experience, looking up at the mountain walls at night when they are lit up is also very special. The lights come on around dusk and make the wall more visible that it is in the daytime, when it is camouflaged.

The best spot to view the lit up city walls is from the waterfront area outside of Gurdic Bastion (South Gate). Just exit the gate and cross the road to the parking lot on the other side. If you follow the parking lot to the end, you’ll reach popular, upscale Restaurant Galion, whose patio has the best night view in town.

Day trips from Kotor

Kotor is also a convenient base for doing day trips to surrounding areas. Here are some of the best day trips from Kotor.

Perast

Perast, which can easily be done as a day trip from Kotor

Perast is an extremely pretty village on the bay of Kotor that is second only to Kotor in popularity. It’s only 20 minutes away by bus, so it can easily be done as a half-day trip from Kotor. You can read my guide to Perast here.

The village is tiny but has a rich naval history, occupying a strategic entrance facing the only water entrance into the Bay of Kotor. It only takes 10 minutes to walk across town, but there are over a dozen and just as many palaces, picture postcard views, and several romantic restaurants at the water’s edge.

Most special of all, Perast faces two tiny islets, a natural one that is off limits to tourists, and an artificial one, Our Lady of the Rocks, housing a small church. Boats run from Perast for 5€ return.

To get to Perast from Kotor, take the Blue Line bus from the main road just north of the Kotor Old City, hop in a taxi (20-25€ one-way), or try the Kotor Hop-on-Hop-Off Bus, which also stops at other scenic points on the Bay of Kotor.

White Water Rafting Tara Canyon

Tara canyon, a popular place for white water rafting from Kotor

The Tara Canyon 3.5 hours north of Kotor features the country’s best white water rafting. The typical route is from Brstnovica to Šćepan Polje, which is 18 kilometers and takes two to three hours.

A typical tour like this one is a full-day adventure that includes navigating thrilling rapids, lunch at a riverside restaurant, stopping to admire Piva Monastery, and more.

Budva

Budva is one of the most popular cities on the coast of Montenegro. Beach lovers flock to Budva in summer to hit the beach and party. The city also boasts a well-preserved Old City with 2500+ years of history, occupying a rocky peninsula jutting out from one end of the bay.

If you’ve got enough time in Montenegro, you may want to devote several days to Budva, but it can easily be done as a day trip from Kotor as it is only 45 minutes away by bus. Catch any Podgorica-bound bus from Kotor Main Bus Station, five minutes’ walk south of Kotor Old Town. Budva is also included on this day tour from Kotor, which also stops in a popular Sveti Stefan and Perast.

Ostrog Monastery

View of Ostrog Monastery, which is possible to do as a day trip from Kotor

While it is easier to make a day trip from Podgorica to Ostrog Monastery, it is also possible from Kotor; I did it myself!

If you’re willing to rent a car in Montenegro, you could drive there yourself in just over two hours, but be careful on the winding roads! By public transportation (which is what I did), you have to catch a bus from Kotor to Podgorica (2-2.5 hours), then a train from Podgorica to Ostrog (45 minutes), and finally walk uphill to the monastery (2 hours return, not counting time at the monastery). See all the details in my guide to making a day trip from Kotor to Ostrog Monastery.

To save all that trouble, you can also join an Ostrog Monastery day tour from Kotor, which includes stops at several other scenic attractions.

Day trip to Dubrovnik

Panoramic view of Dubrovnik, which is only two hours away from Mostar

Dubrovnik is Kotor’s larger, more expensive, more crowded, and more popular sister a few hours north on the Adriatic coast in southern Croatia. If Dubrovnik is not already on your travel itinerary, you can still squeeze in a day trip from Kotor if that is your home base for your trip.

Expect to spend 2-2.5 hours getting there on a bus, or join a hassle-free day-tour from Kotor to Dubrovnik.

Thank you if you made it this far, and I hope I’ve helped you figure out what to do in Kotor to make the best of your visit! Please don’t hesitate to comment below if you have any questions!

16 thoughts on “15 Unmissable Things to Do in Kotor (plus 5 day trips!)”

  1. Thanks for the info. I’m quite lost between the walls and wandering what to do. The entrance is now free of charge due to covid-19.
    Z from Mongolia.

    Reply
  2. Great article Nick. I am a big fan of Kotor Old Town and I am hoping I can go back again once we are done with the virus. Keep up the good work.

    Reply
  3. Hi Nick, I will be visiting Kotor in April (next month!) and found your piece very useful. I now have my day planned out. What will the weather be like then? Thank you from a fellow travel writer, Sandy

    Reply
  4. Absolutely brilliant article! So interesting, detailed & informative. Best I’ve read so far & I’ve read tons!!!
    Ps: how old is your article. I’m planning a trip this year 2023
    Thank you
    Michele
    South Africa

    Reply
    • Thanks so much Michele! We traveled to Kotor in fall of 2019 and I wrote the article in early 2020. But I’ve just updated the article in early 2023 for things that have closed/reopened or changed, so the info should still be pretty current. Hope you have a great trip!

      Reply
  5. Thank you very much for all the info Nick.
    will be arriving on July 31st and looking forward spending 4 days in Kotor.
    With the things to do you have suggested.
    We will be coming by bus from Dubrovnik anything on the way you can suggest.
    Jeffrey

    Reply
  6. This was such a good blog post!! Love all the info and history as well as the little tips and insights along the way 🙂

    Reply

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