otor in Montenegro, packs over two thousand years of history into its medieval walls. Tucked between towering mountains and the blue Adriatic, this stunning city is a hidden gem of Southern Europe. Despite the growing tourist buzz, its charm remains undeniable. Picture a town where ancient fortresses loom over vibrant squares, terracotta rooftops, and timeless churches. With its rich Venetian heritage and breathtaking beauty, it’s a destination that surprises and captivates at every turn.
Despite being a popular tourist destination for cruise ships, it hasn’t lost its authenticity. Stari Grad attracts plenty of day time visitors exploring the city until late afternoon. However, as the sun descends and after the cruise ships raise the anchors, the city remains peaceful again. The busy tourists are replaced with the locals hanging out in the restaurants and also local bars.
UNIQUE AND COOL THINGS TO DO IN KOTOR
1. Hike up to the San Giovanni Fortress
If you only have time for one activity, we’d highly recommend that you visit San Giovanni’s Castle. Magnificent fortress located high above the town offers stunning panoramic views of the entire bay.
Perched high above Stari Grad, Saint John’s Fortress, also known as San Giovanni Castle, is one of Kotor’s absolute highlights. The fortress, which withstood multiple earthquakes, has seen many battles and modifications throughout the centuries. Many centuries later, a UNESCO World Heritage site included it on its list. Therefore, visiting Saint John’s Fortress is one of the unique things to do in Kotor.
GOOD TO KNOW:
St John’s Fortress or also the Fort of St Ivan are alternative names to San Giovanni Castle you might hear
Get out there
Stairs to San Giovanni Fortress, above the Old Town
Once you decide to visit the fort, be prepared to face hundreds of steps. Climbing the 1350 steps to the Castle of San Giovani starts with the serpentines from the east part of the town. The walk up to the medieval castle is a challenging hike, but the views from the top are definitely worth every step.

Although some visitors might find the trail along the old walls exhausting, it is essential to note that there are a few resting places. But, that is not all, those beautiful viewpoints offers plenty of scenic spots. Besides the castle, there are other significant sites along the way – the Church of Our Lady of Remedy and the ruins of military buildings. However, those pretty views come at a price; there is a charge of €8 to visit the fortress.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Those who would like to save some euros can access the fort for free. It is important to remember that several different routes can take you up to the castle. However, only the trail located near “the River Gate entrance” requires you to purchase the ticket. Also, an early riser can access the ruins from the River Gate without a charge. The Saint Giovanni fortress is open 24 hours; just make sure to pass the entrance before 8 am.
Tips for exploring San Giovanni fortress:
- allow yourself enough time: most visitors spend 2 and a half hours, although if you are in a rush, you can hike up and down in around 2 hours
- it is best to pick a dry day to visit, as the stairs become slippery when wet
- the trail up to the fortress is rocky and has uneven parts, hence wear comfortable shoes
- bring plenty of water and also some snacks
- on a sunny day, try to avoid hiking at lunchtime (not much shade if it is hot).
- for the best sunlight, walk early in the morning: otherwise, you will be shooting pictures into the sun
2. Wander the streets of the Old Town
Begin your day in iconic Stari Grad. Did you know that Kotor Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Adriatic? Yes, that is right, the Old Town is crisscrossed with the narrow streets and also squares. Stari Grad filled with a seemingly chaotic street plan, and the Venetian charm has a significant number of beautiful landmarks.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The tourist office located outside the Sea Gate provides much appreciated free maps of the town.
3. Explore the City Walls
No visit to Kotor would be complete without exploring the old town city walls because it offers stunning views of the terracotta roofs. You can also see a labyrinth of narrow streets. Pay attention to the roofs of stone houses, don’t miss lovely decorations and colourful flowers.
Sadly, these city walls are crumbling in many sections. Therefore, it is not possible to walk all the way around city walls like it is possible in nearby Dubrovnik. There is no admission fee to enter the old city walls. The entry points are near the River Gate and also the Sea Gate.
Access to the Old Town is granted via historic gates:
- SEA GATE on the western site
- SOUTH GATE – also known as Gurdic gate
- RIVER GATE – located in the quieter northern corner of town
4. Clock Tower
It is no surprise that the Clock Tower is one of the first things visitors see as they enter Stari Grad through the sea gate. You can find this impressive Clock Tower made of grey stone in the main square. Finding a tower with a coat of arms surely one of the popular things to do in Kotor.
TIP:
Check out a small pyramid-shaped stone that can see in front of the Clock Tower. The stone was used as “a pillar of shame” – the criminal was once tied here as punishment.
5. St Tryphon’s Cathedral
Whatever you do, don’t leave without visiting St Tryphon’s Cathedral. The twin-towered Roman Catholic Cathedral is certainly one of the most impressive sights to visit. Named after the patron and protector of the town, the St Tryphon Cathedral is also one of two Roman Catholic churches in Montenegro. Rebuilt and reconstructed after several earthquakes, the cathedral remains a symbol of Kotors’ Old Town.
Regardless of how long you are staying here, a visit to St Tryphon’s Cathedral is a must. The Cathedral built in Roman style with precious frescoes houses the relics of St. Tryphon, the city’s patron saint, and also a protector. But that is not all, you can see here the gilded altar, which is one of the most valuable treasures in the city.
GOOD TO KNOW:
There is an entrance fee of €2.50 to visit St Tryphon’s Cathedral. If visiting during the summer months, the visitors must dress respectfully.


If you love history, don’t forget to visit the Sacral Art Museum. The museum located on the second floor is filled with valuable relics, including painting, weapons, and other artefacts.
TIP:
Make sure you visit the upstairs balcony; the balcony offers stunning views of the city.
6. Visit Saint Nicholas’s Church
Another must-see church is Saint Nicholas’s Church. The ornate Orthodox Church with a mystical atmosphere is the second most impressive religious building the city. Located in the northern part of Stari Grad, the Church of St Nicholas is an easily recognizable church with the sizeable Serbian flag.
A pseudo-Byzantine church with two bell towers is surely the most significant Serbian Orthodox Church in the city. The beautifully decorated religious structure with black domes, golden crosses, and also large frescoes is a feast for the eyes.
GOOD TO KNOW:
There is no admission charge to see the church of St Nicolas, although it is tradition to purchase and light a candle.
7. Saint Luke’s Church
From there, you can make your way to the nearby Saint Luke’s church, which can find on the same square. The smaller Saint Luke’s Church with a characteristic round top is easily missed by many visitors. Saint Luke’s church was built as the Catholic Church, although the Catholic and Orthodox did take turns to hold services for both faiths. Nowadays, one of the smallest churches in the city is an Orthodox religious building.
8. Cats Museum
If you are a cat lover, one of the most popular things is stopping at the Cats Museum. As the name suggests, the museum is devoted to the cats that have become the city’s unofficial symbol. The presence of cats lounging on ancient walls in the sun is one thing all visitors notice when exploring this city. The charming museum located by the Church of Saint Mary Collegiata houses a collection of paintings and souvenirs of cats. The small admission fee (€1) goes towards helping the famous pets.
9. Maritime Museum
If you would like to learn more about the city’s rich, consider visiting the Maritime Museum. You can find this three-story museum in one of the beautiful palaces in the Old Town. The museum houses a collection of maritime pieces as well as weapons, furniture, and traditional dress.
10. Sample some Montenegrin Cuisine
Once you have explored the streets, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes where you can grab a bite. Try out the traditional Montenegrin breakfast or other specialities. Make sure to visit “City Restaurant” with delicious food within the walls of the Old Town.
If you prefer less touristy restaurants, don’t miss “Lav Gastro Bar”. The restaurant with the outside sitting area lies just a short walk from the port and the old town. With a wide range of delicious meals for a few euros, Lav Gastro Bar with a chilled vibe is also a hidden gem.
11. The Ladder of Kotor
For other views of the picturesque bay, hike up (or down) the Ladder of Kotor. A spectacular hiking trail follows the route connecting the city with Montenegro’s old Royal capital – Cetinje.
The Ladder of Kotor is among the most impressive hiking trails and certainly one of the top attractions. The hiking trail starts at the end of the Old town (at the start of the Skurda River). The unique trek offers stunning views of Montenegro’s famous bay and the surrounding peaks. However, it is worth mentioning that an epic hiking trail with more than 70 switchbacks can be strenuous at times.
Once you reach the end of the hike, you can catch a bus or taxi back to the town. Otherwise, hike back down to Kotor. The return hike should take you about 5 hours.
TIPS:
To beat the midday heat, hike the Ladder of Kotor in the morning. Hiking in the mornings allows you to take better pictures (you won’t be shooting directly into the sun). Stop for refreshment at the restaurant Nevjesta Jadrana before you head back to the town. The restaurant is located near the end of the trail.
12. Waterfront promenade
If hiking isn’t really for you, take a relaxing stroll along the waterfront promenade. Strolling through a pedestrian promenade overlooking docked boats in the harbour and seeing massive cruise ships is one of the best things to do.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The waterfront promenade can get very busy when cruise ships are in town. Instead, walk along the boardwalk in the evening after all cruise ships have gone from the town. The bay is gorgeous at sunset and in the evening.
13. Beaches
Visiting during the summer months? Many of the tourists would like to spend some time working on their tan during their getaway. However, it’s vital to remember that this city hasn’t got any long sandy beaches. The beaches are mostly pebbles, although some boats with a lovely atmosphere can be found here. You can find the city’s main pebble beach with sun loungers about 5 minutes from Stari Grad.
14. Shop at the market
To sample some authentic Montenegrin products, head to the market just outside the city walls. Every morning (except on Saturday), the visitors can buy the local products, such as a variety of home-made Rakija, fresh honey, olives, or dried figs. The best time to visit the farmers market is surely early in the morning.
15. The Bay of Kotor Montenegro
Those with extra time to spare should not miss exploring the Bay of Kotor. Cruising along the bay with steep mountains with a narrow shoreline and shimmering waters is certainly one of the best things to do in Kotor, Montenegro.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The serene bay with picturesque medieval villages can be easily accessed by car, bus, or also a ferry from the town.
TIP:
Use the local “Blue Line” bus service to explore the Bay of Kotor. A €1.20 bus ride from Kotor to Perast takes about 20 minutes. The Blue line bus leaves from the town every 30 minutes (except on Sundays when it is every 2 hours). Learn more information about the bus schedule to Perast at the tourist information centre.
Alternatively, take the ferry from Kotor to the nearby village of Perast and enjoy stunning views of the bay. The ferry ride to Perast takes about an hour. Another option is a guided excursion where you can visit the famous Blue Cave, the island of Mamula (Montenegro’s version of Alcatraz).
16. Perast
For the best views of the bay, visit the nearby village of Perast. A small Bayfront village with a compelling naval history is surely one of the most beautiful places in Montenegro. The tiny town with the narrow streets, white-stone clock tower, and also the Lovcen Mountains in the background was ruled by the Venetians for a few centuries.
Surprisingly, a Baroque village with impressive 16 churches and numerous palaces is a less touristy location than Kotor. Despite its close proximity, hordes of day-trippers don’t spoil peaceful Perast. With no cars in the centre and no cruise ships dropping anchors in the nearby waters, visitors can enjoy the relaxing ambience in one of the seaside restaurants.
17. Our Lady of the Rocks
After exploring the streets of Perast, take a local boat across the bay to the nearby island. A quick boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks will bring you an artificial island with a photogenic church. A Catholic church with an impressive marble altar was built to honour the Virgin Mary. A blue-domed church with an impressive art collection can be visited by boat just for €5 a person.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Two small islands are off Perast’s shores. However, you can only visit Our Lady of the Rocks (the Island Gospa od Skrpjela) by a boat. The smaller Sveti Đorđe Island (Saint George Island) is a home a Benedictine monastery, and therefore, you cannot visit the island.
18. See Kotor at night
Once you have explored the streets during the day, make sure you see the town in the evening. At night, this town has a different atmosphere – it is very peaceful. As the temperature drops and the day-trippers leave, the city becomes quiet again. The old town walls with San Giovanni castle lit up in the background, and the lights twinkling around the bay add to a mystical feeling – make sure you don’t miss that.
Don’t forget to explore the quiet streets of Stari Grad at night: the massive restaurant umbrellas and stalls that dominate the alleys come down, and you can finally observe Kotor’s stunning architecture. Now you will understand why this fairy tale town is a worthy winner and a must-see destination for many of us.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Getting there
Fly directly to Podgorica (Montenegro’s capital), which is located about an hour and a half from Kotor. Alternatively, fly to Tivat Airport, which is situated only about 15 minutes from Kotor, the flights may not be as affordable though. Regardless of which airport in Montenegro you choose to fly to, it must be noted that direct flights to Montenegro are always more expensive than flying to the neighbouring countries.
Another option is flying to Dubrovnik in Croatia. With more affordable flights and the Adriatic Highway along the coast, you can reach Kotor in about 2 hours. Dubrovnik has also an excellent bus service with this city; hence consider visiting it after exploring the streets of Dubrovnik.
DID YOU KNOW?
Although Montenegro is not part of the European Union, the official currency in the country is euro.
GOOD TO KNOW:
When travelling from Dubrovnik to Kotor by bus, allow yourself enough time due to the long wait at the border between the countries.
You can find Kotor’s bus station 5 minutes away from the town centre. With several buses connecting Kotor with other Montenegrin cities and also the neighbouring countries, this city is well connected and easy to access.
Where to stay
Although it’s relatively small, there are many various types of affordable accommodations to choose from. If you decide to stay a few nights here and you don’t mind staying through Airbnb, consider renting out a Gracija’s apartment. Kotor has plenty of well-equipped flats, but this one comes with chic décor.
A fully refurbished spotlessly clean apartment makes an excellent base for exploring the romantic streets. Located just behind the city walls in the quieter part of the town, the apartment is close to restaurants and also shops.
With the fully equipped kitchen and minimalistic design, you are always only a few steps away from adventures. Although the flat does not come with a parking space, Gracija will give you tips where to park locally without a charge. What’s more, he can recommend a friend who runs a private car rental business, and you can rent a nice car for a perfect price.
And the best of all? You would never believe this luxurious stay has some of the most affordable rates. Besides, Gracija is a super host who provides a great stay with exceptional customer service as well or better than 5* hotels.
DISCLAIMER: We were not hosted by Gracija, all opinions are our own. We came across his apartment while searching for accommodation in Kotor through Airbnb. #noad
Now you know what to see in Kotor!
Have you been to Kotor in Montenegro? What was your favourite thing to do there? Let us know in the comments below 🙂
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Last updated: 18/08/2024
Thank you very much for your kind words Aiva! Kotor is absolutelly stunning and you need to visit it one day. London has got some direct flights to Kotor and Podgorica (the capital), but they are very expensive though. We did fly to Dubrovnik in Croatia and after few days we did travel to Kotor and other parts of the country. Montengero is beautiful country and it does remind us a lot of Slovakia. Love, Martina 🙂
Lovely photos and it brought back memories from our visit a few years ago. We actually stayed in Perast and loved it. We took a bus into Kotor and I’m glad we stayed in quieter Perast.
We also spent two days in Rafalovicki and went to Budvha. Wasn’t so keen on Rafalovicki but loved Budvha.
Glad we brought back your memories from beautiful Montenegro. Idyllic Perast with breathatking views of Bay of Kotor sounds like a great place to stay – may be next time. Medieval Budva was too busy for us, we actually prefered Sveti Stefan. Have you visited Sveti Stefan?
No I haven’t been to Sveti Stefan
We went out of season ..so it wasn’t too bad. Kotor was busy though. We took a taxi to Dubrovnik! Crazy but it was cheaper than flying and also got us through immigration and we took the coast road which was beautiful. But even out of season Dubrovnik was super crowded. I would love to go back to Croatia
We were in Montenegro in October and you are right, Kotor was very busy e ery day untill late evening. We did fly to beautiful but crowded Dubrovnik and after few days went to Montenegro by bus. It was much cheaper than direct flights. Totally worth it.