Things to do in Kotor in 2026

TL;DR Things to do in Kotor in 2026 that actually deserve a spot on your itinerary! From fortress hikes and sunset viewpoints to the cable car, day trips, beaches, cultural festivals, and food worth telling your folks at home, Kotor delivers more than Old Town selfies and a quick stroll. If you want the full experience – nature, history, adrenaline, coastline, and a few ‘how is this place real’ moments, this article is your shortcut to doing Kotor right.

Experience Old Town on a Kotor Walking Tour

One of the best things to do in Kotor in 2026, and one of the easiest ways to get to know this ancient town, is to join a walking tour through Kotor’s Old Town. Listen to the stories as you wind your way through narrow alleyways and charming squares, each one holding a tale more fascinating than the last!

Kotor Fortress Hike: Great Exercise and an Amazing Sunset Spot!

Time to go hiking in Kotor! This is easily one of the top three attractions in the city, and a must for anyone visiting. It takes around 30-40 minutes to reach the top, and after climbing about 1350 steps, the view makes every step worth it. Enjoy!

What to bring on a Kotor Fortress Hike

Some of the things you must bring when hiking Kotor’s walls are:

• 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 is early in the morning or later in the afternoon, as it can get very warm during the summer months.

How Long Does the Kotor Fortress Hike Take?

It takes roughly 1 hour, 1 hour and 15 minutes for the full round-trip. Around 40 minutes is usually enough to reach the top. You can get up quicker, but the views tend to slow you down. Once at the top, take your time to reset and enjoy it.

Vrmac Hiking: Explore Kotor’s Nature Park

Vrmac is a mountain peninsula just across from Kotor’s Old Town and one of the most popular natural areas in the bay. Enjoyed by both locals and visitors from Kotor and Tivat, it offers stunning views of the Bay of Kotor and the surrounding mountains. It’s ideal for hiking, nature walks, trail running, and exploring its old fortresses, including its iconic landmark – Vrmac Fortress.

Cable Car from Kotor to Lovćen National Park

Now one of Kotor’s top attractions, the cable car from Kotor to Lovćen is a must-do. Pair the ride with sunset views and an extra activity or two (like Alpine Coaster), and the experience becomes even 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.

Visit the Montenegrin Coastline: Shore Excursion from Kotor

A shore excursion from Kotor along the Montenegrin coast is a fantastic addition to your trip. While Kotor is a highlight on its own, Montenegro offers so much more.

The coastline is dotted with beautiful towns and beaches, each with its own charm.

• Budva – famous for its medieval Old Town and lively nightlife.
• Kotor – a walking tour is a MUST!
• Perast – one of the best-preserved villages in the Adriatic, with only one main street but endless views.

Once in Perast, visit the local museum, St. Nicholas’ church, and take a short boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks island, and enjoy the town’s endless charms.

Experience the Cuisine: Visiting the Town’s Best Restaurant

No trip to Montenegro is complete without trying the local cuisine. Montenegrin food blends Mediterranean and Balkan influences, creating a delicious mix of flavours.

While the Mediterranean diet is strong here, one place has been turning heads lately – Resto Bar Taraca. Located just outside Kotor’s Old Town walls, it offers an exciting and modern menu with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options – something still fairly rare in Montenegro!

Attend a Cultural Event: A Must-Do Thing in Kotor!

Kotor is lively all year round, with festivals and events happening almost monthly. Some of the musts are:

• Kotor Winter Carnival – one of the biggest and oldest carnivals in the Balkans, over 500 years old.
• KotorArt Festival – a major cultural event featuring music, theatre, and art.
• Boka Bay Night (Bokeška Noć) – a celebration of the region’s maritime heritage, lasting from daytime through early morning.
• Fašinada – an annual event in Perast celebrating the Lady of the Rocks and its traditions.

Visit the Maritime Museum 

The Maritime Museum in Kotor is dedicated to the town’s rich seafaring history. Exhibits include traditional (model) boats, nav equipment, and various artefacts that tell the story of Kotor’s maritime past.

Enjoy the Natural Beauty of Lovcen National Park 

Just a short drive from Kotor, Lovćen National Park is a must-visit! There are several ways to reach the park and its famous peak, home to the highest mausoleum in the world.

Fort Gorazda and One of the Best Sunset Spots in Boka Bay

Easy to miss but impossible to forget, Fort Goražda is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Kotor. From the top of this abandoned Austro-Hungarian fortress, you’ll get incredible views: Kotor Old Town and the bay on one side, and Tivat Bay and the Adriatic Sea on the other.

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.

Full Day Trips

Kotor is known to be an excellent base from which to explore Montenegro. Here are our Top choices for day trips from Kotor.

Great Montenegro Tour – Perfect for anyone, especially those visiting Montenegro for the first time!

Tara River Rafting – Rafting tour from Kotor and an ALL-INCLUSIVE Experience!

North Montenegro Tour – Our guests’ TOP RECOMMENDATION!

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 Montenegro Tours 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 in 2025 article has helped you, or at least inspired you to visit our charming little town and its surroundings.