What to do in Kotor: the Most Picturesque Town in Montenegro
Explore Kotor, Montenegro with my guide, filled with fun activities for day trips, multi-day stays, and water adventures. You'll find my detailed insider tips with all information you might need.
I recently spent 2 weeks in Kotor and walked every corner many times over and got to know it really well.
I share many pictures that will, hopefully, help you make up your mind to visit this beautiful place.
Let me help you plan a perfect itinerary in Kotor, based on your interest and the length of your stay!
Overview of Kotor Montenegro
Kotor, Montenegro is an incredibly picturesque town on Kotor Bay of Adriatic Sea. It is home to 13,347 residents and acts as the main administrative hub for Kotor Municipality.
Why tourists visit Kotor Montenegro
Kotor town in Montenegro is fast becoming a new hot travel destination in Europe, and for a good reason(s):
Its cute Venetian-era old town
Fortified city walls and Kotor Fortress hike
Kotor Bay (Boka Kotorska or Kotorski Zaliv) and water activities you can do there.
Kotor's Marina with impressive yachts
Kotor town is one of the big reasons people visit Montenegro.
Topics
What to see in Kotor in one day
The maze of narrow cobblestone alleys
Frescoes in St. Nicola' church
Local dishes in picturesque and cozy restaurants
What to do on longer stays in Kotor
Adventure, hiking and water-sports activities
How to get to Kotor
Is Kotor good for nightlife?
Explore Old town Kotor
Explore the maze of narrow cobblestone alleys in Old Town Kotor
Kotor Old town is a special place because it was built over many centuries, from the Medieval times to the 18th century. This means that the buildings and streets are from different times and in different conditions.
Some buildings are very well kept, while others are not as much. You will see a mix of different styles, all beautiful in their own way.
beautiful pink cobblestone pavement
The cobblestones you will walk on are old, uneven and beautiful! I couldn't decide where to look: up or down! The pavement was so awesome and pink, I was taking endless videos of it.
All the beauty around will make you wonder about Kotor's history.
Kotor's history in a few words
Kotor has a long and fascinating history. Knowing the major events of its history is helpful to understand the Kotor's town fortifications, churches, old building and Venetian architecture.
It was once the seat of Illyrian Queen Teuta and then became a Roman port town after the Roman Empire conquered it.
However it's impossible to explain the entire history of Kotor a few words, so check out my post on Kotor's history and history of Montenegro, if you're interested.
But let's continue with your future walk. You will pass many churches. You would want to visit them!
Visit unique churches of the Old town of Kotor
There are many unique churches in old town Kotor, both Catholic and Orthodox. It's interesting to visit visit them all. Below are the four better known churches.
Cathedral of Saint Tryphon
Saint Tryphon's Cathedral, also called Kotor Cathedral, is dedicated to Saint Tryphon, the patron saint of the city. It was built in 1166 by Byzantine monks, and is one of the oldest and most recognizable landmarks in Kotor, Montenegro.
It features a mix of Romanesque and Byzantine architectural styles. There is a €4 entrance fee to visit inside.
Frescoes in St. Nicola' church
St. Nicola Church is a Serbian Orthodox church, dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors. It is an active place of worship for the Serbian Orthodox community in Kotor.
The frescoes in the church are one of the major draw to visitors. The cupola ceiling is pretty spectacular as well.
But there is more to this church than just frescoes. I loved walking around it as well.
check out Saint Luke's church from the back!
St. Luke's church is a Baroque-style building near the city walls and its history starts in the 12th century.
It is located on a cute square and it is a unique historic and archeological building. I took this top picture of the facade of the church from the same spot as many other people were taking pictures as well. But that's where most people stop - at the front of the church.
But St. Luke's church has some original walls at the back; don't miss the pretty round tower there (see the 2nd picture)! I kept taking pictures of it every day I passed it, it just looks so unique!
Our Lady of Health Church
Our Lady of Health Church was built in 1484, so it's one of Kotor's oldest churches and contains a collection of religious artifacts from as far back as the 9th century.
This church is located high up, and you will see it only if you choose to go up to the castle.
The Old Town of Kotor truly is a special place, and I'm sure you would want to stay longer than your day trip!
But even if you only visit the Old Town of Kotor for just one day, you already have an answer to the question you probably had on your mind before you came: is Kotor worth visiting?
So, Is Kotor worth visiting?
Yes, Kotor is worth visiting, even if you only have time for the old town of Kotor part! But don't stop exploring yet, as there are still plenty of interesting shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore, food to taste, city walls to walk and boat trips to enjoy!
Shop for Souvenirs at Old Town Markets
While walking on narrow streets of Kotor's old town, you will find many souvenir markets. There you'll find unique items like locally made arts, crafts, and traditional Montenegrin clothing. It's the perfect place to find something special to bring home with you for warm memories.
You will also find many souvenir cats shops! You will also find a cat (or 5), sitting by the shop, waiting to be fed. They're quite spoiled and very friendly in Kotor.
You know what will make them ever friendlier? Read my next insider's tip!;)
Bring some cat treats
If you are a cat lover - you are in for a very special treat in Kotor! Let's just say you will have plenty of chances to give away your cat treats! :)
I had cats treats with me at all times and I made many furry friends.
But for now, you should probably get hungry by all the outdoor activities! Time to eat some delicious meal (cats will approve!.. as long as you share some food with them!) 😉
Cats in front of this 'Hand made cats shop" look VERY realistic! ;)
Try local dishes in picturesque and cozy restaurants
You won't have to search for a restaurant in Kotor. Restaurants are everywhere, and their cute setups are a huge part of the town's charm.
Even if you are not hungry, you would still want to sit at some picturesque outdoor table, enjoying a cup of coffee or some local wine.
Or you can sample the local food: Kotor's Mediterranean cuisine and plenty of fresh seafood will make you tempted to try its delicious there. Order some traditional dishes like Njeguški pršut (smoked ham) or savory cheese pies.
You should visit a seafood restaurant, for example - Konoba Trpeza.
Local cafes Karampana Caffe bar and many others are also great places to eat local food. I also liked BBQ Tanjga and Luna Rossa. I didn't know what I liked most, the food itself, or the settings: both were wonderful!
So, now that you got the fresh energy from all the food, there are more activities to do!
Walk the city walls
One of the most iconic experiences you can have in Kotor, Montenegro, is walking on the city walls. It's fun and it gives you a chance to see old houses you wouldn't see otherwise.
The impressive structures we see today in Kotor were constructed in the Medieval Ages. Their purpose was to safeguard the city from external aggressors. Subsequently, several additions were made to these buildings over time.
The walls are almost 5 km long. Read my detailed guide to Kotor City Walls and Fortifications in my other post.
Here, I just want to mention information that will help you plan what to do in Kotor according to the number of days you have there.
Insider tip. It is important to understand is that there are 2 parts to the city wall walks: the lower city walls walk, and the upper city wall walk. This wasn't explained anywhere before I visited, and I was confused. And it's important to know to plan your visit better!
See the picture about for this explanation.
The lower city wall walk.
The lower city wall walk is an easy, enjoyable and free part. It will take you about 20-30 minutes to finish this walk, and you will see plenty of beautiful sights along the walk. It took me 1 hour because I saw some many cute old buildings, I just had to take pictures of them all.
This is a must-do activity: easy, pretty and special.
The upper city walk.
The upper city walk is a rather steep hike described below in this post. Also, if you choose to hike to St. John's fortress, read the tip below to figure out the time it will take you and if you can fit it on your day trip visit.
Choose between hiking or a relaxing.
Now, depending on how much time is left on your day trip, you might need to make a choice; either to take time to hike up the cliff, following the upper city walls to St. John's Fortress (some call it St. John's Castle), or take a relaxing 2-4 hours boat trip.
I recommend taking the boat, it was the highlight of my stay in Kotor for me. I describe that boat trip in details in another post.
Take a boat tour of Kotor Bay.
There are two boat tours available in Kotor Bay (more during the summer). You should take that boat your for the spectacular views of the bay and its islands. You can either book online or right there on the marina.
You can find people booking tours on the waterfront pedestrian walkway. Book an hour or so in advance by paying a 5 euro deposit. I wasn't sure if the person to whom I paid the deposit would still be there when I returned, but everything went well.
Boat tours available:
2 hours tour to our Lady Rocks, one of the two islets off the coast of Perast in the Bay of Kotor, and to Perast.
3-4 hours tour to the Blue Cave + the Lady of the Rocks and Perast.
Since we're planning a one day trip right now, I recommend the 2-hour trip. That's the one I took as I didn't want to commit for 4 hours of my time.
You can find the 3-4 hours tour description under the multi days itinerary to Kotor section below.
Boat tour to Our Lady of the Rocks church island and Perast town.
This is a fun boat tour. I highly recommend taking it! This was definitely one of the highlights of my trip to Kotor.
The island could be seen from afar because of the church's lovely white with blue cupola buildings.
Insider tip. The cost of the tour used to be €15, but it's €20 now. It is still worth it! The tour is listed as 1.5 hours, but in reality, it took 2 hours when I went on that tour. Keep this in mind, planning your day.
Kotor promenade
Kotor Promenade doesn't start in Kotor old town. You need to go further toward Dobrota to get there. Once there, it goes for a while. Walking there is very pleasant and you will see the views of the Kotor Bay all the way.
outdoor restaurants by the beach
There is a long line of restaurants to choose from, located right on the waterfront.
Is it about time to go back to your cruise or the bus stop to head home? You can squeeze in one more adventure on the way.
Shopping at Kotor Outdoor Market
Depending on the season, Kotor outdoor market might be open. You can get snacks, fruits and more souvenirs there. It's right outside the city walls, you don't need to enter the old town again.
I am sure you enjoyed your day in Kotor tremendously and you will bring home lasting memories and a desire to visit for longer next time!
Now, for those of you who could plan a longer visit, let's see what other things you might enjoy to do in Kotor!
So, we have just finished talking about all the fun things to do on a day trip to Kotor in the section above.
Now, since you could stay in Kotor for a few days longer, you will have time to do more top-rated things in Kotor.
If you are looking for something low key, there are plenty of opportunities to relax. Here are the best low-key activities in Kotor on a multi-day longer stays.
Or, if you want to mix it up, and have some adventure, there is a decent list to choose from as well. Go to my section for adventure activities in Kotor of this post or continue reading.
What to do on multi-day trips and longer stays in Kotor
Visit Perast Town (again)
Perast is a pretty town located on a slop off the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. Look at this beautiful view of Perast I took from my boat tour. It looks unbelievably picturesque, isn't it?
Even though you may have already taken the two-hour boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks with a stop in Perast, I suggest revisiting and spending more time in Perast. The short 30-minute visit during the tour didn't allow me enough time to fully explore the town, even though I managed to climb all the way to the town's hill top.
I decided I will return to explore more of Perast's architecture, and eat at a waterfront restaurant: one looked particularly picturesque, with tables right by the water.
I also wanted to explore the second island off Perast that was not included in the first boat tour (see the next item on my list).
So, my advice is - visit Perast again. This time, consider taking a bus ride to Perast to have a taste of authentic travel and local life. That's how lots of locals get around there: using the bus.
take a Boat trip to The Monastery of Saint George Perast from Perast town
Monastery of Saint George Perast (built in 1630), is on an island just off the coast of Perast town, next to Our Lady of the Rocks.
You can rent a boat (with a driver) from Perast town ($8) for a short ride. This is about the only way to get to that island. You can read about more islands in the Bay of Kotor in my other post.
Boat trip to the Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto is a very cool spot on the Lustica Peninsula where the beautiful turquoise light shines through an underwater cave entrance.
My boat tour driver told us we can jump from our boat to swim for 15 minutes.
The boat trip to Blue Cave is the 4-hour boat trip.
The price is 40 euro from Kotor and includes the visit to the Blue Lagoon.
Visit Kotor Old Town Square after dark
Kotor's old town square is a lively spot, and a nice place to spend your evening and do some people watching. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes, serving food and drinks, with outdoor table for people watching.
Visit Maritime Museum
You can learn more about Kotor's maritime history at this small but interesting museum. You will find displays of maritime artifacts and exhibits on local sailors' traditions. You'll also see beautiful furniture and artwork, clothing and jewelry. There is an interesting weapons display there.
Visit Municipal Museum
Visit the Municipal Museum to admire its rich collection of artwork and artifacts from the Middle Ages to modern times.
Visit Risan Archaeological Site
To learn more of Montenegro's rich history, visit the archaeological site of Risan, located just outside Kotor to learn more of the Montenegrin culture and history.
You will find remnants of Villa Urbana there, the house of a noble family from the 2nd century A.D. The villa’s foundations survived the centuries remarkably well and have been thoroughly reconstructed.
The mosaics show various scenes from Roman life back in the days. I was surprised to learn about the advanced plumbing and heating systems, existing back then.
Visit the Kotor Art Museum
When you are back in Kotor, you can visit Kotor art museum. It's home to a wide range of artwork created over several centuries.
Go to Mamula Island
Visit Mamula Island for a day of sun, swimming and relaxation.
Or, for an exotic city break, stay at the luxurious Mamula Island Hotel, a reconstructed 19th-century fort, where you can enjoy pampering and exceptional care. The island has a dark history, but don't let it get to you, it's all in the past.
So many fun things to do and see, right? Even if you just do some things and not all from my list, you will keep yourself happily busy!
If you're still looking for more activities after all the above, there are plenty of other adventurous options to choose from!
Adventure, Hiking and Water Activities
Were you hoping to do some adventure activities in Kotor, Montenegro?
You can hike Mount Lovcen (reach it by cable car!) or explore the upper city walls. In the summer, you can switch things up with swimming and water activities, like paddleboarding.
Don't forget to check out my recommendations for day trips and multi-days activities mentioned above in this blog.
Top adventure and sport activities in Kotor
To read about Kotor water sports, visit my page about the Bay of Kotor and water sport activities on the bay. You will learn about sailing, kayaking and canoeing, standup paddleboarding, scuba diving and snorkeling and jet skiing there.
Here are some other most popular adventures and sport activities in Kotor besides water sport activities.
1. Take a Hike Up the Ladder of Kotor.
Ladder of Kotor is a steep path that winds up the mountain for 2 kilometers. If you go all the way, you will end up in Kotor fortress.
This a strenuous hike on a loose gravel, keep this in mind and don't hike on a rainy day – the gravel will be even more slippery!
I tried to hike it after hearing stories of other people who've done this, as it's a popular activity and everyone I've met in Kotor arrived there with hopes to take this hike. But I gave up half way - it felt too dangerous, so I just went to the Kotor Fortress the easier way ( read below).
2. Walk up to Kotor Fortress along the City Walls walk, you will end up in Kotor fortress again, but this is an easier way to get there. Kotor has well-preserved city walls that stretch 4.5 kilometers long. Most people take this hike for the views of Kotor Bay and pretty rooftops of Kotor old town.
If you have already explored the Church of Our Lady of Remedy, you were halfway to reaching Kotor Fortress (St. John's Castle). Read here about how long the hike takes and where it starts.
3. Visit Lovcen National Park. This would be a good case for renting a car. Drive on a winding mountain road for 40 minutes to reach Lovcen National Park. You can also arrange for a local car ride.
The road leading to there is not for the people who are afraid of heights: it is narrow and very steep. But the views are incredible!
And if you want to make this even more exciting adventure and even more unforgettable views? Read below.
4. Take the cable car to Lovcen park!
Here is the Kotor cable car website. Do check with them before going: sometimes they close the Alpine station. Once again, this activity is not for the people who are afraid of heights, but it will definitely pump your adrenaline and give you adventure you were looking for.
You should also visit the mausoleum of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš (the famous Montenegrin poet) while there.
5. Stop by at Kotor Horizont Bar, here is the address. Let's just say it's called Horizont bar not for noting. You will be clinking your wine glasses high above the Kotorska Bay and Kotor, almost floating at the horizon.
It's a miracle that the bars functions and the bartender serves you, considering how it's hanging on a cliff! But it's something you will remember for a long time! Especially if you go there for the sunset. Besides, almost no-one but locals knows about this bar, so you will have a very rare photo opportunity!
6. White river rafting. Go on a full-day rafting supervised adventure on the Tara River with a tour. If you think 1 day is not enough, you can take a 2-days Tara Canyon rafting tour. It's even cheaper, than the price for the 1-day tour!
Well, since I don't know what activity could be even more adventurous than the white river rafting, I will wrap up my list for adventurous activities in Kotor. Don't forget to check out water activities on Kotor Bay from my other post, like paddleboarding and kayaking.
But I want to mention one more less adventurous, but very pleasant activity I haven't mention yet.
See Kotor Fortress on the top of this white cliff?
How to get to Kotor
You can get to Kotor, Montenegro by:
Flying to Tivat airport
By bus. Your options are: Dubrovnik to Kotor bus, Mostar to Kotor bus, Budva to Kotor bus or Podgorica to Kotor bus. Or use the Blue Line Bus to get to Kotor from other towns around Bay of Kotor.
By boat or yacht. Fun! :)
Nearby adventures
If you decide to explore things outside Kotor, there are plenty of places to go and things to do.
Top things to do nearby:
Take a Trip to Skadar Lake. Located just a short drive away, Schkodra Lake is the largest lake in the Balkans and home to many species of birds, fish and other wildlife. You can enjoy a boat trip around the lake or take a hike through the surrounding mountains.
Tour Stari Bar. Located just 25 kilometers away, Stari Bar is an ancient fortified city with a rich history. Explore the old ruins and wander through the cobblestone streets. Another great town, Ulcinj is only 45 min away from there.
Take a Trip to Budva. Not only does Budva has lively wibe, but you'll find many spectacular beaches to enjoy the intensely turquoise clear water of Adriatic Sea. Budva is one of the Montenegro's most popular destination.
You can explore old town of Budva (tiny but cute), enjoy the relaxing Mediterranean vibe and some of the best restaurants and nightlife in the country.
Ideally, stay in Budva for a few days. Here is my post to help you decide if you want to stay in Budva or Kotor longer. I, personally, prefer Budva to Kotor, but I did very objective analysis of both towns in that post.
Visit Herceg Novi. It's another picturesque coastal town located at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor. It has better beaches than Kotor, and you might be in luck and they have one or another festival going on.
Take a trip to Dubrovnik. It's about 3-4 hours' ride away and it's hard to have a bad time in Dubrovnik. I do not advise to go there for a day tour, though. It's possible, but it will make for a too long a day.
Go here to find out about other destinations in Montenegro on Alonga Travel.
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