Kotor stands out as one of Montenegro's most-visited destinations with its incredible medieval history and an absolutely beautiful landscape. The heart of the city, Kotor Old Town, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site with the picturesque Bay of Kotor (also known as Boka Kotorska) offers a stunning mountain backdrop that alone makes Kotor well worth the trip.
One of the best things to do in Kotor, Montenegro is wandering the charming streets of Kotor’s Old Town. But it does not end there, our guide will hep you in exploring the natural beauty of the Bay of Kotor (aka Boka Kotorska) and discover the best things to do in and around Kotor.
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Things to Do Within the Town of Kotor, Montenegro
1. Explore Kotor Old Town
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kotor’s Old Town is a labyrinth of narrow streets, medieval squares, and historic landmarks. Highlights include the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, the Maritime Museum, and charming cafés where you can soak in the town’s atmosphere.
Every part of Old Town is stunning; we have been to countless medieval towns in the Balkans and Kotor is likely our favourite. There are over a dozen beautiful churches which you can step inside, and every corner is picturesque. Pro Tip: Take a private guided walking tour to learn more about the history of Kotor as you stroll along Old Town.
2. Hike to St. John’s Fortress
For panoramic views of Kotor and the bay, hike up to St. John’s Fortress. The climb consists of over 1,300 steps, but the breathtaking scenery at the top makes the effort worthwhile. The hike begins within Kotor old town.
The hike costs €15 or you can take the Ladder of Cattaro (Ladder of Kotor) for free.
3. Visit the Kotor Cats Museum
Kotor is known for its feline residents, and the Kotor Cats Museum is a quirky yet delightful stop for animal lovers. It showcases cat-themed art, literature, and history, celebrating the town’s beloved furry inhabitants. Entrance is only €1 and helps feed the cats of Kotor.
4. Wander the Kotor Farmers Market
Located just outside the Old Town walls, the Kotor Farmers Market is a great place to sample local cheeses, cured meats, olives, and fresh produce. It’s perfect for grabbing a snack or souvenirs.
The Kotor Farmers Market operates daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. While it's open every day, Saturdays are particularly vibrant, as more vendors from nearby villages participate, offering a wider variety of products.
5. Experience the Nightlife and Local Cuisine
Kotor boasts a variety of restaurants and bars offering Montenegrin specialties like fresh seafood, black risotto, and Njeguški pršut (Montenegrin prosciutto). Be sure to try a glass of local wine or rakija, a traditional Balkan fruit brandy.
Our favourite bar is certainly The Nitrox Pub, known for its excellent craft beer and highly-Instagrammable cocktails.
Things to Do Around the Bay of Kotor
6. Visit Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks
A short drive or boat ride from Kotor, Perast is a picturesque coastal town known for its baroque architecture. Take a boat to Our Lady of the Rocks, a stunning artificial island with a historic church and museum.
After staying in the Old Town, we opted to stay in Perast for 3 more days to experience a quieter side of Kotor. Think of peaceful walks by the marina, dinner by the bay and less crowd. Check out our guide on things to do in Perast to help you in discovering the place.
7. Enjoy a Boat Tour on the Bay of Kotor
One of the best ways to experience the bay is by boat. Most tours stop at Our Lady of the Rocks, a submarine tunnel and Mamula fortress, before reaching Blue Cave, the most popular destination of Kotor Bay only accessible by boat. Sunlight creates a mesmerizing blue glow inside the cavern and it's really fun to discover.
8. Explore Lovćen National Park
For nature lovers, Lovćen National Park is a must-visit. Home to the famous Njegoš Mausoleum (the highest in the world!), the park offers breathtaking mountain views and excellent hiking opportunities.
You can drive here up an hour-long winding road, or book a tour to avoid the difficult drive. This lookout spot was our favourite, then you can continue further to several destinations. Njegoš Mausoleum is only 10-minutes further, and shouldn't be missed; the panorama views up top allow you to see over half of all of Montenegro!
Lipa Cave is absolutely stunning as well, not far from the town of Cetinje, the historic former royal capital of Montenegro. You can also drive to the summit cable car station.
9. Kotor, Montenegro Cable Car
Also located in Lovćen park, the newly built cable car will take you up to a viewing platform with excellent views of Kotor bay. It also has restaurants and cafes, and several activities for kids, as well as the Mountain Roller-coaster.
You can drive to the top platform by car once you're in Lovćen park. If you want to avoid the fairly difficult drive up but still want to see the incredible viewpoints of Kotor Bay, the cable car is absolutely your best option.
10. Relax at Porto Montenegro in Tivat
If you’re looking for a luxurious experience, head to Porto Montenegro in Tivat. This upscale marina features designer shops, fine dining, and a lively waterfront promenade.
We enjoyed posing next to the mega-yachts like we were the owners.
11. Swim and Sunbathe
When on Kotor bay, a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing is quite inviting. However Kotor's coastline is rocky, and despite the crystal-clear waters, can have seaweed, there are still beaches around Kotor you can go to
Kotor beach is the closest option within town, while Jaz Beach, located closer to Budva (about 30-minutes away) is likely the single most popular beach in Montenegro. Plavi Horizonti (just 15-minutes from Kotor) is another one of the best sandy beaches in the region.
12. Extreme Tours
If you choose to paraglide down the mountain overlooking Kotor bay, it'll surely be a moment of your life you'll never forget. If this is a little too adventurous but you still want a thrill, you can get some excellent views from zip-lining as well.
Where to Stay in Kotor, Montenegro
A lot of people choose to stay in Kotor Old Town and you can expect crowds during peak season. However, there are several locations where you can stay around the Bay of Kotor - Old Town, Muo, and Dobrota, Tivat and pretty much other nearby towns.
- Apartments Kotor Old Town - A beautiful and spacious apartment right within old town.
- Apartman Maestral - An apartment blending modern comforts with traditional design.
- apartman365kotor - A modern, spacious apartment suitable for up to 4 guests.
Final Thoughts on Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor and the surrounding Bay of Kotor offer a diverse range of experiences including historical exploration, outdoor adventures and coastal relaxation - we hope that this guide helps you plan the best trip to Kotor, Montenegro. Simply wandering Old Town Kotor is incredible, but the whole Bay of Kotor offers so much more. It's no surprise why Kotor, Montenegro is the highest recommended spot in the country.
Heading to Perast, Montenegro next? Check out the Best Things to do in Perast, Montenegro.
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