4 amazing things to do in Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor is reminiscent of a miniature Dubrovnik. If you are nervous about the crowds of Dubrovnik, then Kotor might be perfect for you.
We visited Kotor on the tailend of our Balkan journey and utilized our time there to relax, as we were exhausted from our nearly constant travel. We stayed in the heart of the Old Town and I would recommend you do the same. The Old City is devoid of the countless cruise ship tourists at night and in the morning, so you can enjoy the city when it is calm. On that note, it can get quite crowded during the day during peak tourist season, so it is best to exit the city during the day. So how should you spend your days in Kotor? Keep reading and I will reveal the best things to do in and around Kotor.
Exploring the Old Town:
A glimpse of Stari Grad.
The Old Town is exceptionally easy to walk. Take your time and get lost. Kotor is not a big city and with just a few turns you will find your way back to civilization.
Book a Kotor Walking Tour Here: Walking Tour
Tip: Google maps does not work in the Old Town. The alleyways do not have any logical sense to them. If you get lost, ask someone where to go and they will point you in the right direction. Honestly, you can just keep walking and you will eventually find your way.
The Old Town has a few notable attractions that are worth checking out. The two churches are the most prominent landmarks in Kotor. The two churches are Kotor Cathedral (Cathedral of Saint Typhon) and the Church of Saint Nicholas. Bring your camera and snap some photos of these remarkable architectural feats.
Kotor is known for having scores of stray cats, they even have a museum dedicated to their city cats. I did not go to this museum but I did admire the felines from a distance. It seems that there are just as many cats as people in Kotor, if not more.
There is a Bazaar that is built into the Old Town wall that is worth checking out. There are small shops there selling goods and tourist gifts. The Bazaar is small and will not require much time to walk through.
The Old Town at night is when Kotor is at its best. It is a city that pervades romance in the evening hours. The food is not expensive, so find a good restaurant and enjoy the ambiance at night. Numerous restaurants have live music that range from smaller string bands that play classical music to larger bands that play more contemporary music. Find one that suits your taste and spend a couple hours enjoying good food and good music.
Kotor Fortress:
Hiking up to the fortress.
This hike is not for the faint of heart. There are 1,355 steps in total, and it is all uphill. It takes about 45 mins one way depending on how in shape you are. If you are in Kotor in the summer, then it is best not to do this hike during the day. We did this hike in the evening and we were covered in sweat. I can only imagine how awful this hike would have been during the heat of the day. Go either early in the morning or late in the evening if you are in Kotor during the summer months.
Was the hike worth it? Absolutely. I am a sucker for good views and this hike produces some amazing views of the city and the surrounding landscape. Make sure to bring a camera as this will help you pause for some tactful “photo” stops.
Tip: bring some good walking shoes. You are not walking on a flat surface so prepare appropriately. Also, bring some spare change, there will be locals stationed at various stops with drinks for sale. When you are exhausted and hot, there is nothing better than an ice cold coca cola.
The return journey from the fortress.
Kotor Beach:
I was tired of driving and only had enough energy to lounge by the sea. Kotor Beach was not even close to the best beach we visited during our Balkan trip, but it did the trick. If you find yourself in Kotor for a few days and are in a similar situation as I was, then this beach is a good option. It is a pebble beach, so make sure to bring a mat or towel.
Budva:
Budva is about 45 mins away by car. If Kotor is a smaller Dubrovnik, then Budva is a smaller Kotor. The main reason to go to Budva is the beaches. There are 4 good beaches to visit in/near Budva. We stuck to the beach by the city walls because parking was nearly impossible at the other beaches that day.
Besides the beaches, the town itself is also worth exploring. The best way to describe Budva is charming. You can easily explore the city in less than an hour. To prolong your experience in Budva enjoy a meal there at one of the many outstanding restaurants. If you have the time, then Budva is well worth a visit.
