Kotor is a cozy waterfront medieval town that sits at the south end of Kotor Bay. While small and compact, this vibrant city makes up for it in stunning views and colorful culture. With plenty of exciting things to do in Kotor, there is something for everyone to enjoy under the Montenegro sun.
Since the city has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has become one of the most visited cities in Montenegro. Being one of Europe’s oldest cities, it has preserved a medieval appearance as the world turns.
Kotor is unlike any other place to visit in Montenegro. The city is encased with thick walls spanning three miles and reaching up to 65 feet in height. It is also a popular day trip destination from Croatia. If you’re visiting or taking a day trip from Dubrovnik to Kotor, here are the best things to do in Kotor.
The Best Things To Do In Kotor
From towering fortresses to flavors, this charming city leaves you yearning for more. Like many older cities, Kotor has an Old Town of its revealing treasures around every corner.
Not to mention, Kotor is home to some quirky museums that lend affection to feline friends. This list covers some of the best showstoppers Kotor has to offer.
Discover Kotor Old Town
One of Kotor’s greatest treasures is its infamous Old Town, aka Stari Grad. Kotor’s Old Town is a place of wonder and mystery, filled with nooks and crannies that delight the soul. No matter which alley you make a turn on, you’re bound to find something of interest and beauty.
Old Town is a sanctuary for medieval Churches, Cathedrals, Palaces, trade shops, and so much more. Guiding you are cobblestone streets that line with terracotta-roofed houses and storefronts. Its unmatched historical charm makes it one of the most stunning parts of the Montenegrin town.
Shop at Kotor’s Old Town Market
Soak up an hour at Kotor’s famous Old town Market and explore the unrivaled Turkish treasures. The market has delicious Turkish delights from figs, fruit, herbs, cheese to plants, nuts, and meats.
The best time to visit Kotor’s Old Town Market is Saturday mornings when it is liveliest. Keep in mind that the earlier visit, the better, to avoid a busy crowd.
Explore the Kotor Cats Museum
Unique to Kotor, Montenegro is a curious little cat museum dedicated to our fellow furry feline friends. This ultimate cat haven sits in the heart of Kotor’s Old Town. With Kotor’s local cat population noticeably increasing, the medieval town turned to create a safe haven for them.
So, where did these cute critters come from? Kotor used to serve as a trading port for ships traveling from all over the world. Most of the time, those ships had furry stowaways left behind in the medieval town.
The cat population increased to the point where it was rare not to come across a cat. Today, the cats act as a symbol for the city of Kotor. They have become a part of daily life in Kotor.
Tucked away in a random building is the Cats Museum, Museo del Gatto di Cattaro. It welcomes all cat lovers to enjoy a collection of cat works, including writings, lithographs, and more. A section in the museum features cat artifacts that date back to the First World War.
Admission to view the Cats Museum is as low as 1 euro and helps support the local feline community.
Outdoors Things To Do In Kotor
Trek Up to Kotor Fortress
The Castle of San Giovanni, also known as the Kotor Fortress, is a sight to behold. This magical destination is the highlight of anyone’s visit to the waterfront town. While it requires a rigorous walk up to the fortress, the views are well worth it.
The journey up to the castle includes approximately 1,350 stairs until you reach a height of 120 meters. Sounds pretty intense, right? Believe it or not, this is the journey people used to make back in medieval times.
The castle dates back to the 9th century, built by many Byzantine to the Venetians. The castle has been through it all, from bombings to earthquakes, and is still standing today. Once you reach the top, the breathtaking view of Kotor Bay makes you forget the long climb.
Hike The Ladder Of Kotor
Off-the-beaten-path is the Ladder of Kotor, also known as the Ladder of Cattaro. It is an old military trail that industrious Austrians first built. It served as the road to help families bring their produce to and from the market back in the day.
Compared to the 1,350 stair climb to the castle, the Ladder of Kotor presents a relatively more straightforward journey. It is a wide-set path that starts at the Skurda River and is just a few minutes away from the Kotor Old Town.
Take A Cycle Trip Around Kotor
One of the best ways to soak up the city is by bike. Fortunately, Kotor offers several exciting cycling routes that take you along some of the most incredible scenery in the town. Here are just a few of the best cycling routes in Kotor.
- Ferry at Kamenari Loop from Plagente. This route is approximately 41.5 miles and one of Kotor’s most challenging bike paths. While the path is suitable for various skill levels, having good fitness certainly helps.
- The Ladder of Kotor. Mentioned earlier in this article is the Ladder of Kotor. Not only is it a great hiking path, but it also serves well as a cycling route.
- Sehenswerte Altstadt Loop from Plagente. This route runs around 28 miles and consists primarily of paved surfaces.
- Lovcen Nationak Park Loop from Plagente. This route is around 26 miles, making it one of the shorter routes. While it’s a shorter route, it’s one of the more strenuous ones due to its increase in elevation.
Enjoy Some Kotor Nightlife
The Montenegro nightlife focuses on the coastal towns such as Kotor. Kotor’s nightlife is rich and lively during the summer season, with universal joy running through the cobblestone streets.
From bars hosting live music to “Montenegrin Miami,” Kotor is hands-down the best city for nightlife in Montenegro. There’s something about stepping out under the warm night sky and vibing with open-air bars to get the night started.
When dusk comes, the city lights up an ambient orange glow throughout the town, including Old Town. A prime spot for the best view is just outside the South Gate outside the waterfront area.
Best Things To Do Nearby Kotor
Visit And Lounge at Perast
Located along the Bay of Kotor sits a small yet charming historic town known as Perast. You’ll find an adorable beach where guests can relax and swim in the beautiful blue waters. The trip to Perast is simple and is typically a short 30-minute bus or car ride.
There is a spectacular view of offshore islands and beachfront eateries from the beach. For a relaxing day, check out Perast and rent out one of the beach sun loungers. Perast is one of the most relaxing things to do in Kotor.
The Lady of the Rocks
Just off the coast of Perast is an artificial island known as The Lady of the Rocks. The Church of Our Lady of the Rocks is the largest structure to occupy the islet. For centuries, local seamen would leave a rock in the Bay, eventually forming the mini island.
While the act sounds random, it was done with purpose. In search of the icon of Madonna and Child, a religious symbol, a rock was laid in honor. Every July 22 at sunset, locals would take their boats out on the water and throw stones at the area.
To visit Our Lady of the Rocks, visitors must take a boat to the island. Boat fares cost as low as 5 euros, and bathing suits are not allowed.
Visit Dubrovnik from Kotor
Dubrovnik is a popular destination as a day trip from Kotor and vice versa.
Travel to and from Kotor and Dubrovnik can be done by car or bus. The trip is cost-efficient and offers picturesque views on the way. Here are some ways to get from one city to the other.
How To Get From Dubrovnik to Kotor
If traveling by bus, the ride will take around three and a half hours, while travel by car is half that time. There are approximately seven bus departures for this route, with the earliest leaving at 8:15. The last bus departs around 19:00. The price for a one-way adult ticket is about 15 euros.
Catch A Bus From Kotor To Dubrovnik
Traveling from Kotor to Dubrovnik by bus is perfect if you’re on a budget. The bus route from Kotor to Dubrovnik can take over 2 hours and provides a fantastic view. The overall distance is around 90 km and runs along the coastline of the Bay.
The first bus departs Kotor at 7:10 am, and the last bus leaves around 3:55 pm. There are about eight different buses for this particular route, so if you miss one, there’s still time to hop on the next. The transportation fee is around 15 euros for a one-way adult ticket. Always double-check the bus timings as it may change with time and season.
Discovering What To Do in Kotor
Kotor is a hidden gem in the Balkans and offers travelers plenty of activities to enjoy. From its stunning views of the bay to its vibrant nightlife, Kotor has something for everyone. If you’re looking for an adventure, take a day trip to Dubrovnik from Kotor. If you want to relax on the beach, visit Perast. And if you’re up for some exploring, don’t miss the old town walls. Whatever you decide to do, Kotor will not disappoint.
