Things to do in Kotor
When looking for the best things to do in Kotor, the search can be exhausting, and the answers are many. Let’s check out some of the top things to do and places to visit in Kotor.
Experience Old Town on a Kotor Walking Tour
One of the best things to do in Kotor and the best way to get to know this ancient town is to join a walking tour through Kotor’s Old Town. Listen to the stories as you twist and turn through the narrow alleys and beautiful squares – each seems to tell a story more interesting than the other.
Kotor Fortress Hike: Good Exercise and an Amazing Sunset Spot!
It’s time to go hiking in Kotor! Probably one of the top three attractions, Kotor’s Fortress Hike is a must for anyone visiting. It takes about 30-40 minutes to reach the top, and after climbing 1350 steps, the view will be more than rewarding. Enjoy!
What to bring:
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- A hat
- Water
- And a must: Your Camera!
Feel like exploring Kotor fortress and the Ladder of Kotor with a guide?
What is the best time to visit Kotor Fortress?
The best time to visit the fortress and go hiking is earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon, as it can get quite warm, especially during hot summer days.
How Long Does the Kotor Fortress Hike Take?
It takes roughly 1-1:15 hrs both ways. Normally, about 40 minutes is enough to reach the top. You can do it quicker, but the views will be ‘slowing’ you down. At the top, take as much time as you need to reset and enjoy.
Vrmac Hiking: Explore Kotor’s Nature Park
Vrmac is a mountain peninsula on the other side of Kotor’s Old Town and one of the most popular places in the bay. It is popular for both locals and visitors from Kotor and Tivat. It offers beautiful views of the Bay of Kotor and its surrounding areas and is a popular destination for hiking and exploring nature. Vrmac is also home to several historical and cultural landmarks, including the Vrmac Fortress.
Cable Car from Kotor to Lovćen National Park
Already recognized as one of the top attractions, the Cable car from Kotor to Lovćen is a must-do activity when visiting. Add to it the sunset views and an additional activity or two (such as Alpine Coaster), and the experience only gets better.
How long does the Kotor cable car ride take?
It takes about 11 minutes (one way) to reach the top, where you can sit at the restaurant or a bar and enjoy the spectacular views.
Experience the Bay and the Blue Cave on a Boat Tour
For a good reason, it is named one of the 25 most beautiful bays in the world. Dramatic mountains surround the bay, and its deep blue waters are dotted with small villages and towns.
One of the best things to do in Kotor Bay is to go on a Kotor boat tour. From start to finish, you will be inspired to see and do more. Some of the highlights of the boat tour include:
A visit to Our Lady of the Rocks & Perast.
Blue Cave is a must-visit place in Montenegro! Visitors have about 30 minutes to swim, dive, and explore the cave.
Old Yugoslavian (Cold War era) Submarine Tunnels!
Porto Montenegro in Tivat, and not to forget, making many swim breaks to cool off during the hot summer days.
Cruising along some of the most picturesque villages on the Adriatic coast: Muo, Prčanj, Stoliv & Perast!
Visit the Montenegrin Coastline: Shore Excursion from Kotor
To top your bucket list of places to visit in Montenegro – a visit or a shore excursion is a must! While Kotor is undoubtedly a country highlight, it offers much more. The Montenegrin coastline is lined with charming towns and beaches, each with its unique character.
One of the most popular destinations on the coast is the town of Budva, known for its medieval architecture and lively nightlife. Visitors can also explore the nearby peninsula of Sveti Stefan, famous for its stunning beaches and luxury resorts.
Perast is one of the most well-preserved villages on this side of the Adriatic & a must-visit place. Perast only has one street, and its location provides some of Montenegro’s most beautiful views. Once here, visit the local museum, take a quick boat ride to the Islands in front, and enjoy the medieval charms of this village.
Experience the Cuisine: Visiting town’s Best Restaurant
No trip to Montenegro is complete without sampling the local cuisine. Montenegrin cuisine is heavily influenced by Mediterranean and Balkan flavors, resulting in a unique culinary experience.
Even though the Mediterranean diet is dominant here and a considerable part of local culture, one (slightly different) place has stood out lately—Resto Bar Taraca. It is one of Kotor’s latest restaurants. Located just outside the Walls of Kotor, this place has a rather exciting menu and plenty of vegan and vegetarian dishes—quite a rare sight in Montenegro.
Attend a Cultural Event – A Must-Do Thing in Kotor!
Kotor is a destination for all seasons, and virtually every month, something significant happens. Kotor has a thriving cultural scene and holds several festivals and events annually. The most well-known of them is the Kotor Carnival, which takes place in February and is one of the biggest carnival festivities in the Balkans (as of 2023, it celebrated its 505th year!).
Another popular event is the KotorArt Festival, which features a variety of artistic and cultural performances. Boka Bay’s Night (Bokeljska Noć) is also dedicated to the town’s maritime history, with celebrations that begin during the day and last until the early hours of the following morning.
Visit the Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum in Kotor is dedicated to the town’s rich maritime history. Its exhibits showcase traditional boats, navigational instruments, and artifacts from the town’s maritime past.
Enjoy the Natural Beauty of Lovcen National Park
Located just a short drive from Kotor, Lovcen National Park is a must-visit place when in Kotor! There are a couple of ways to reach Lovcen National Park and one of its peaks, where the highest Mausoleum in the World is.
Sunset in Kotor: Welcome to Fort Goražda – One of the Best Sunset Spots in Kotor Bay
A place is easy to miss but hard to forget! It is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a spectacular sunset, with views of the Old Town and the Bay on one side and Tivat Bay and the Adriatic Sea on the other. One of the most spectacular views in the entire Boka Bay is from the top of this abandoned Austro-Hungarian Fortress.
If you are wondering where to stay and what else to do in Kotor, we have an idea for you.
Where to stay in Kotor?
Old Town Hostel – for budget travelers/backpackers. Old Town Hostel in Kotor is also a top choice for solo female travelers.
Pearl Apartments – for high-end accommodation.
Day Trips from Kotor
Kotor is known to be an excellent base from which to explore Montenegro. Here are the Top five choices for day tours from Kotor.
Great Montenegro Tour – 2019 Best Tour in the World!
Tara River Rafting – An ALL-INCLUSIVE Experience!
North Montenegro Tour – Our guest’s TOP RECOMMENDATION!
Kotor Cruise – Full day boat tour from Kotor
Montenegro Hiking – Durmitor NP & Prutas Hike – A MUST-HAVE, all-inclusive Experience!
Lake Skadar Tour and Biogradska Gora National Park – The Latest addition to our day trips from Kotor and a must-have experience!
FAQ’s:
How many days do you need in Kotor?
Generally, a 2-3 day visit is recommended to experience Kotor fully. This allows enough time to explore the Old Town, climb the fortifications, and enjoy the beautiful bay views. However, if you’re keen on hiking, exploring the local cuisine, or visiting nearby attractions, you might want to extend your stay.
Is Kotor worth visiting?
Absolutely! Kotor is a fascinating city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with medieval architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and picturesque squares. Not to mention, the stunning Bay of Kotor offers breathtaking views. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or a foodie, Kotor has something to offer.
How long to spend in Kotor Old Town?
A full day is usually enough to explore Kotor’s Old Town thoroughly. You can walk around the Old Town, visit its many churches and museums, and explore its myriad shops and cafes. Remember to climb the walls of Kotor for a stunning view of the Bay. However, the beauty of the Old Town can be captivating, leading many visitors to return for a second day.
Which is better, Kotor or Budva?
Kotor and Budva offer unique experiences, and choosing between them depends on your preferences. Kotor is perfect for those interested in history, architecture, and nature. It’s a quiet, scenic city with a beautiful Old Town and stunning views from the fortress. On the other hand, Budva is known for its vibrant nightlife, beaches, and modern attractions. Budva might be the better choice if you’re after a more lively, beach-based holiday. But why choose? If time allows, visiting both cities can give you a comprehensive experience of Montenegro.
We hope our things to do in Kotor article has helped you, or at least inspired you to visit our charming little town and its surroundings.
See you!
