Kotor on a beautiful summer day, Montenegro

Things to do in  Kotor

Queen of the fjord

Two millennia of history and a tangled mix of Greek, Serbian, and Austrian roots have shaped Kotor into this cultural melting pot in Montenegro. Taking position at the tip of the Bay of Kotor and framed by swooping sea cliffs, the waterfront city is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the gateway to southern Europe’s only fjord. A boat cruise around the bay is among the most memorable things to do in Kotor, along with visiting the clifftop castle and exploring the medieval Old Town.

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Top 7 attractions in Kotor

#1

Bay of Kotor

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Working its way inland from Montenegro’s Adriatic Coast, the fjord-like Bay of Kotor—known locally as Boca—is one of Europe’s great natural beauties. Backed by rugged mountain peaks, scattered with sparkling blue coves, and dotted with medieval waterfront villages, this glittering inlet reveals a postcard-perfect scene at every turn.More
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#2

Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Skrpjela)

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Perched on one of two small islands in the Bay of Kotor, just off the coast of Perast, the 17th-century Our Lady of the Rocks church is a majestic sight. Framed by mountain peaks and cobalt blue waters, the church appears to float on the water’s surface, and has fast become one of Montenegro’s most photographed landmarks.More
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#3

Kotor Old Town

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Nestled into Montenegro’s steep Bay of Kotor, Kotor Old Town is one of the Mediterranean’s best-preserved gems. Ringed by stone walls that climb the limestone cliffs behind it, its knot of streets hosts centuries-old architecture, quirky museums, and countless shops and alfresco eateries, making it a magnet for sightseers and cruise liners.More
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#4

St. Tryphon Cathedral

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St. Tryphon Cathedral is an impressive sight sandwiched between Montenegro’s UNESCO-listed walled city of Kotor and the mountains behind it. Rebuilt several times between the 12th and 17th centuries, this remarkable church is known for its original Romanesque architecture and sacred treasures and as a religious and cultural cornerstone of this history-steeped old town.More
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#5

Kotor Clock Tower

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Built in 1602, the clock tower in the center of Kotor is the focal point of the town. Standing three stories tall with two clock faces, it is one of the first things people see as they enter the town through the main sea gate. Combining elements of both Baroque and Gothic architecture, the tower is made of gray stone and features a coat of arms on the front of the building that belonged to the family of a Montenegrin prince from the era when it was built. On the ground level is a watchmaker’s shop that is said to have been there since the 17th century. In front of the tower is a small pyramid shaped stone that served as a pillar of shame where local criminals were once tied as punishment.More
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#6

Kotor City Walls

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Snaking around Kotor Old Town and the mountain behind it, Kotor’s UNESCO-protected walls have guarded this well-preserved city since the Middle Ages. Mainly built between the 4th and 14th centuries, tourists walk along them to see the mountainside St. John’s Fortress and spectacular panoramas over Kotor and the Bay of Kotor beyond.More
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#7

Church of St. Luke

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The Church of St. Luke in Kotor is one of the oldest churches in Montenegro. Originally built in 1195 as a Catholic church, the modest single nave building features both Romanesque and Byzantine architectural elements. Only fragments of the original 12th century frescoes remain today. The iconostasis dates to the 17th century and the floor is made of tomb panels as citizens of Kotor were buried underneath the church through the 19th century. The church is particularly unique due to the existence of Catholic and Orthodox altars standing side by side and from 1657 to 1812, services for both religions took place. Miraculously, the church was the only building in Kotor that did not suffer major damage during a 1979 earthquake.More
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Itineraries for your Kotor trip

Top activities in Kotor

Lady of the Rocks and Blue Cave - Kotor Boat Tour
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Lady of the Rocks and Blue Cave - Kotor Boat Tour

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Montenegro Private Tour: Kotor, Perast,Our Lady Of The Rock,Budva

Montenegro Private Tour: Kotor, Perast,Our Lady Of The Rock,Budva

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Great Montenegro Tour-Lovcen NP,Mausoleum Lovcen,River of Crnojevic,Sveti Stefan

Great Montenegro Tour-Lovcen NP,Mausoleum Lovcen,River of Crnojevic,Sveti Stefan

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Private Montenegro Tour for Cruise Passengers

Private Montenegro Tour for Cruise Passengers

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Kotor Old Town Walking Tour

Kotor Old Town Walking Tour

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Private Kotor Bay Speed Boat Tour and Blue Cave Adventure
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Private Kotor Bay Speed Boat Tour and Blue Cave Adventure

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The Great Montenegro Tour from Kotor

The Great Montenegro Tour from Kotor

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Ticket Tour: Blue Cave, Mamula Island, Submarine Tunnel, Lady of the Rocks (3hr)

Ticket Tour: Blue Cave, Mamula Island, Submarine Tunnel, Lady of the Rocks (3hr)

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Private tour: Best of Montenegro day tour

Private tour: Best of Montenegro day tour

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North Montenegro, Durmitor, Tara & Ostrog Tour

North Montenegro, Durmitor, Tara & Ostrog Tour

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Kotor-Perast-Budva-Kotor private tour with English speaking driver

Kotor-Perast-Budva-Kotor private tour with English speaking driver

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Private Boat Tour Kotor - Blue Cave Adventure - Up to 9 passengers
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Private Boat Tour Kotor - Blue Cave Adventure - Up to 9 passengers

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Tour Kotor - Perast Old Town - Island Our Lady of the Rocks - Every 2 hours
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Tour Kotor - Perast Old Town - Island Our Lady of the Rocks - Every 2 hours

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$29.58  $2.96 savings
Private Walking tour with Wine and Food - Rick Steves Recommended

Private Walking tour with Wine and Food - Rick Steves Recommended

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Blue Cave & Lady of the Rocks 3 hrs private tour (up to 5 pax)

Blue Cave & Lady of the Rocks 3 hrs private tour (up to 5 pax)

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Kayak active tour

Kayak active tour

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Kotor private tour-Budva Riviera-Our Lady of the Rocks-Perast

Kotor private tour-Budva Riviera-Our Lady of the Rocks-Perast

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Full-day Tara River White Water Rafting Tour from Kotor

Full-day Tara River White Water Rafting Tour from Kotor

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Kotor Cruise: Perast, Our Lady of The Rocks, Mamula, Blue Cave, Porto Montenegro
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Kotor Cruise: Perast, Our Lady of The Rocks, Mamula, Blue Cave, Porto Montenegro

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Our Lady of the Rocks and Blue Cave 3 hours tour- ticket tour
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Our Lady of the Rocks and Blue Cave 3 hours tour- ticket tour

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All about Kotor

When to visit

Kotor is busiest in July and August when the small town can get overwhelmed with day-trippers, cruise passengers, and vacationers. To avoid the crowds, but still make the most of the beach weather, a visit in May-June or September-October can be a smart move. If you do brave the August crowds, time your visit for the International Summer Carnival to watch the spectacular costumed parades.

Getting around

Boats of all shapes and sizes ply the shores of the Bay of Kotor, so there’s no excuse for not getting on the water. Hop on a ferry to reach the neighboring villages and beaches, or take a sightseeing cruise around the bay’s islands. In Kotor itself, the best way to explore the small town is on foot, but prepare to clock some miles as you wander the cobbled lanes and hike up to the hilltop fortress.

Traveler tips

Cat lovers unite! Kotor lives up to its self-proclaimed nickname as the “City of Cats," and locals take good care of the large population of street cats, leaving food and water out on the main squares. Cute, cat-adorned souvenirs are sold everywhere, and there’s even a Cats Museum devoted to the city’s felines.

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People Also Ask

Is there much to do in Kotor?

Yes. While you can easily explore the Old Town of Kotor in an afternoon, there’s plenty more to see and do around the UNESCO-listed city. Hike up to San Giovanni Fortress, take a cruise around the Bay of Kotor, and visit the island church of Our Lady of the Rocks.

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How many days should I spend in Kotor?

Kotor is small enough to see the highlights on a day tour, including the San Giovanni Fortress, Kotor City Walls, and atmospheric Old Town. However, with two or three days, you can take a cruise around the Bay of Kotor and visit nearby islands and villages.

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Is Kotor Montenegro worth visiting?

Yes. Kotor’s reputation as Montenegro’s prettiest town is well-deserved, and it’s worth visiting for the views across the Bay of Kotor alone. Hike up to the San Giovanni Fortress, explore the Kotor City Walls, and stroll around the atmospheric cobbled lanes, cafés, and boutiques of the Old Town.

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Is 1 day in Kotor enough?

Yes, but you might prefer to stay longer. Many travelers visit Kotor on a day trip from Tivat or Budva, and one day is enough time to see San Giovanni Fortress, Kotor City Walls, and the picturesque Old Town. However, you won’t have time for a Bay of Kotor cruise.

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Is 2 days in Kotor enough?

Yes. Two days in Kotor gives you time to take in highlights like San Giovanni Fortress and the Kotor City Walls, experience the lively nightlife in the Old Town, and enjoy a Bay of Kotor cruise, stopping at Perast village and the island church of Our Lady of the Rocks.

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Should I stay in Kotor or Budva?

It depends. Budva is a lively beach resort with plenty of family-friendly attractions, while Kotor is known for its UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town and picturesque location on the Bay of Kotor. Both are well situated for exploring, so choose the best fit and visit the other on a day trip.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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