Things to do in Kotor
Kotor is a charming coastal town situated in the Bay of Kotor. With its stunning medieval architecture, narrow winding streets, and ancient city walls, it is a true gem of the Adriatic. The old town’s rich history, scenic landscapes, and vibrant cultural scene make it a popular destination for travelers seeking a unique and unforgettable experience.
Not only will you have sheer cliffs behind you, but also you’ll be starting at them from all directions. At night, if you’ve got an apartment facing the bay, you’ll also catch the lights of the houses all around.
I have visited Kotor twice! The first time I visited by myself and the following year I visited with my husband, Wilhelm, and his parents for a night.
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Updated 2023
How long to Stay in Kotor
Founded by the Romans in the 2nd century BC, Kotor evolved into a significant coastal trading hub, the remnants of which you can see today. Throughout the centuries, Kotor witnessed the influence of various civilizations, including the Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans, each leaving their architectural and cultural imprints on the city. The Old Town is surrounded by fortified walls and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
I suggest staying 2 nights in Kotor, though you can also experience the best of the city in just one if need be.
As you book your trip, keep in mind that Kotor’s old town is a popular destination for cruise ships. Cruises with a capacity for up to 4,000 people stop here and it makes such a difference while walking the streets. You can check the schedule for when cruise ships dock if you’re able to have flexible dates.
Day 1
On your first day, you’ll probably arrive in Kotor from somewhere else and just have a half day. Have a relaxing afternoon by wandering the old town and chilling at the beach. End the day by getting dinner at La Catedral.
Day 2
Do a morning hike up the Kotor fort walls (as the light is much better in the morning than in the evening. That said I have hiked up north times in the afternoon). In the afternoon, take a boat tour to Our Lady of the Rock and the blue caves. Spend some time at the beach and then walk around the old town in the evening.
Day 3
Use this as a travel day to your next destination!
What to do in Kotor
Explore Old Town Kotor
The first thing to do in Kotor is to plan to wander the old town without a plan. Walk down each street and eventually come across all the shops and restaurants. I found it enjoyable to stumble across the sites and you’ll run into everything you need to without having to check on Google Maps.
If you prefer to go with a guide, do this Kotor Old Town Walking Tour.
I suggest entering the city from the main gate and this gate.
Stop at the Kotor Bazaar (also one of the few shops open on a Sunday) to get souvenirs or buy beautiful handmade shoes from Handmade Sandals (€60 cash or €70 card).
Check out the old churches and squares.
Walk along the wall by starting off here at the restaurant. Although it may look like the area is just for the restaurant, it’s not.
Hike to Kotor Walls/Church of Our Lady of Remedy
If you’re looking up into the mountainside behind Kotor, you’ll notice a church and a fort. You can hike to both of these locations as part of the “Kotor city walls” admission fee.
Start walking up from here. This costs €8 between 8am and 7pm from May to September. Although the signs will tell you the gate is open until 8pm, the ticket office closes one hour earlier at 7pm.
You can avoid the fee by entering the city walls before 8am; you’ll just have to jump the turnstile. Or by accessing the trail from this location. The view naturally provides stunning views. You can also visit after the attendant leaves at 8pm, but I don’t suggest this as the trail is dark and there are few lights.
It takes about 10 minutes to reach the first stop, the Church of Our Lady of Remedy, which dates back to 1518. The views from here are amazing just before sunset. It’s recommended to visit at 7-8am or just before sunset because the views face directly into the sun—creating hazy pictures.
If you’re up for a longer hike, continue to St. John Fortress for another hour or so and then take the same way back down. Hike even further on the “Ladder of Kotor” towards Krstac Pass for an 8km roundtrip adventure. When I visited, there were two different stalls to buy water and drinks on the way to the top. At a steady pace, it took me 40 minutes to reach the fortress.
The views are worth the hike!
There is a steady, rocky staircase to the top. Expect the rocks to get slippery if it has rained.
Chill at the Beach
There is one beach in Kotor. In early September, it wasn’t crowded. The beach is free, but it costs to rent beach chairs or umbrellas. I spent €20 on beach chairs and an umbrella. Beer and water are also for sale for €2.50.
If you’ve got your own shade or want to tan, you’re set to just throw down your beach towel.
Visit the Cat Shops
The cat is Kotor’s city symbol. Naturally, there are cats everywhere and several shops are dedicated to cats. Souvenirs include mugs, ceramics, postcards, figurines, and bags. The most unique shop was the Cats of Kotor. The owners work with local artists to produce their designs, though I heard that commonly in shops. I got a scarf for my mom and a mug for myself.
There is also a cat museum!
Go on a boat tour
Visit the Lady of the Rock, Perast, beaches, and Montenegro’s own blue caves on a boat tour. Tours can range from 1.5 hours to a full-day experience. I went on a tour with Montenegro Globe. Read the review for the full details. You can also go on a private boat tour, which will include a spot at the Blue Cave too.
Picture Perfect
There are so many cute places to photoshoot but you’ve got to watch out for the cruise ships! If you want to take cute pictures during the day, I suggest you start early or wait until evening when they depart.
Where to eat in Kotor
Touristy restaurants dominate Kotor. For the most part, places seem a same-same-but-different, if you know what I mean. I had two great meals during my two trips to Kotor. The first is the pasta restaurant, La Catedral. With no sauce, white sauce, and red sauce options, there is something for everyone, including gluten-free peeps. There is usually a line that starts to form around 7pm. I suggest getting an early dinner or you’ll be waiting for one of the few tables. I ate here on both visits to Kotor!
With Wilhelm and his parents, we also went to Cesarica. Cesarica is a little bit hidden away from the main square around the corner. We shared a seafood pot and a grilled seabass, which was very good.
We also considered going to Restaurant PRŽUN but didn’t have the chance.
If you’re up for a hike, visit the Cheese Shop cafe near the fort walls. Apparently, it is possible to hike between the cafe and the fort; we attempted this but had to forgo the visit becuase we couldn’t find the connection from the fort to the cafe. After all the climbing we did to get to the fort, we didn’t feel like doing it again for the cafe. Be sure to take this entrance up for the cafe.
If you just want a drink (lemonade, beer, or coffee), I stop at Karampana. The bar entrance is around the back, past the umbrella set up in the square. It’s so cute! The water fountain in the square is a popular place for tourists to stop and take a picture
You can also go on a food walking tour to experience some of the country’s traditional dishes and even cook with the chef. On this olive farm tour, you can visit 1,000-year-old olive trees and explore how olive oil is made.
Jazz bar, Evergreen, had live music and Charlie Caplin montages playing in the evening; such a fun vibe!
Moritz Eis had the best ice cream in town. This is subjective because I had it on my first day and then didn’t bother trying to find another place that would compare. The pistachio tastes legit and was amazing. I also recommend the mocha and lemon-basil!
If you’re gluten-free or vegan, check out Marshall’s—they had a sign stating both gelato options were available.
Where to stay in Kotor
I suggest staying outside the old town unless you read enough reviews about a place that says it’s quiet. The old buildings don’t muffle sound very well. I spent two nights at this Airbnb and a third night in the old town at an apartment property. I carry around ear plugs which blocked a lot of the music from the streets below, but I would avoid the sounds by staying outside the city walls. However, there are some hotels on the edge of the old city walls that would be great like La Rocca, Studios Belvi, Hotel Hippocampus, D & Sons Apartments.
The view from my first airbnb.
The walk between the Airbnb I stayed in and the old town was a pleasant 15 minutes along a promenade. There were some restaurants and shops along the way, and it was close to the beach.
This cute apartment with a view is similar to where I stayed and this house looks incredible if you’re a large group.
When I came back to Kotor with WIlhem and his parents, we stayed at Hotel Monte Cristo and had a nice experience though the rooms were right above a restaurant that played music until 11:30pm. If this would bother you, then stay outside the old town. The room was nice and had AC. Unfortunately, the internet was not able to handle a steady connection and so if you’re working-away-from-home (as I did!), then you should get a sim card with enough data to support your calls and emails.
I really liked the stained glass fish motifs in the bathroom!
Day Trips from Kotor
If you’ve got more than 3 days in Kotor, then I suggest you also go on some day trips to experience rural Montenegro. Check out this day trip that will take you to Lovecen National Park and Budva’s Old Town. Or, go on an adventurous rafting trip at Tara River Canyon.