Kotor is one of the most popular travel destinations in Montenegro, and rightly so. The town has a stunning UNESCO world heritage-listed Old Town, incredible views over the Bay of Kotor and plenty to see and do for a few days stay in the town. It’s also very close to some of the best things to see on the Bay of Kotor, which are best seen by boat, to enhance the experience! Here’s our list of the 10 best things to do in Kotor to help you plan your trip.
1. Walk Along The Bay Of Kotor
The Bay of Kotor is stunning and is right up there as one of the most scenic places that we’ve ever seen in Europe. Kotor is perfectly perched on the bay and has sweeping views all around, making the best of the still waters, black mountains and dotted greenery. Take a stroll along the Kotor section of the Bay promenade where Kotor Port, beach and many bars and restaurants sit overlooking the breathtaking views. Check out our Walking the Bay of Kotor walking tour video here.
2. St John’s Fortress
St John’s Fortress was built between the 9th and 15th centuries to protect Kotor from invaders. As you head up to the fortress, 280m above sea level, you’ll notice the incredible view over the town and Bay of Kotor and how this would have been useful for watching for enemies. Located on the mountain behind Kotor Town, the fortress can be accessed by climbing up 1350 steps. It can be a little challenging at times, as the steps are fairly narrow and cobbled, but there are plenty of places to rest, catch your breath and admire the view. You will also find the Church of Our Lady of Remedy on the way up. Allow 2-2.5 hours for the round trip. The fortress itself is interesting, although a little run down. Walk the steps with us in our St John’s Fortress walking tour video here.
- Opening Times: Daily from 08:00 – 20:00
- Entry/Tickets: €3 ($3.50) per person
- Where to Buy: In person at the entrance to the steps
3. Explore The Old Town
As one of the main attractions of the town, Kotor’s old town deserves a day to wander around, explore the old streets and experience the shops, restaurants, cafes and history it has to offer. The town is one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in the Adriatic and is a UNESCO world heritage site. It earned its Unesco title due to it being an important part of the Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor and for its importance as a town with Venetian Works of Defence between the 16th and 17th centuries. The old town is beautiful with a diverse range of architecture and lots of hidden squares. It is also home to some of the other items on this list including the Cathedral and St Nicholas church. Check out our Kotor Old Town walking tour here to see what the town looks like.
4. Boat Trip To Our Lady Of The Rocks
Located a 20min boat ride from Kotor and situated on the Bay of Kotor, Our Lady of the Rocks is a small, artificial island that was created by a bulwark of rocks and by sinking old and seized ships loaded with rocks. The island offers incredible views over the surrounding bay as well as the opportunity to visit Our Lady of the Rocks Catholic church and the museum inside. Most boat trips will give you 30-45min to explore the small island, which is plenty. There is also a gift shop and some great photos to be had! Read our article about our Bay of Kotor boat trip experience here.
- Opening Times: Not applicable, dependent on boat trip times
- Entry/Tickets: Boat trips start from around €15 ($18)
- Where to Buy: In person at the port or to avoid disappointment book here on Viator
5. Take A Day Trip To Perast
Perast is an idyllic,small-townn overlooking the Bay of Kotor. Despite its small size, the town has 16 churches, the main one being the Church of Saint Nicholas. The town is often considered one of the more upmarket towns on the bay, with high-end restaurants and hotels available. You can get to Perast by car from Kotor or by boat, the more scenic option! Most boat trips will allow you anywhere from 40min to 2.5 hours to explore the town, which is enough as it is quite small. It’s nice to spend longer and enjoy some lunch in one of the many restaurants that sit along the front, overlooking the Bay of Kotor. To learn more about Perast and taking a boat trip there, read our article here.
- Opening Times: Not Applicable, dependent on boat trip times
- Entry/Tickets: Boat trips start from around €15 ($18)
- Where to Buy: In person at the port or to avoid disappointment book here on Viator
6. St Tryphon Cathedral
Consecrated in 1166, St Tryphon cathedral is one of the most ornate buildings in Kotor and a must-see when in the town. The cathedral was built to honour Saint Tryphon and had been rebuilt over the centuries. It suffered particular damage after the 1667 Dubrovnik earthquake and was substantially reconstructed, including the addition of the baroque bell towers. The interior is suitably impressive too and a great example of fine Romanesque architecture. Upstairs there is also a Sacral Art Museum which holds paintings and an old crucifix from 1288.
- Opening Times: Open 09:00-20:00 Apr-Oct, to 17:00 Nov, Dec & Mar, to 13:00 Jan & Feb
- Entry/Tickets: €2.50 ($3) per person
- Where to Buy: In person, on entry
7. Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum, located in the Square of the Boka fleet, in the Old Town, was founded by the Boka Marine Fraternity in the 1880s. These were the seamen of Kotor, who had been sailing the area since the middle centuries. The museum, spread across 3 floors, is housed in a beautiful building and displays artefacts, portraits of seamen and the history of the maritime past of Kotor. There are also model ships, weapons that were used and items of the seamen’s uniform and clothing. There is also a library which has a large selection of books on offer.
- Opening Times: Open 09:00-20:00 Mon-Sat, 10:00-16:00 Sun in Jul & Aug, 08:00-18:00 Mon-Sat, 09:00-13:00 Sun in May, Jun & Sep, 09:00-17:00 Mon-Fri, to 12:00 Sat & Sun in Oct-Apr
- Entry/Tickets: €4 ($4.75) per adult, €1 ($1.25) per child
- Where to Buy: In person, on entry
8. Cat Museum
Located in the heart of the Old Town, the Cat Museum in Kotor couldn’t feel more at home. While roaming the streets of the Old Town, cats can be seen everywhere, they are a part of the town and integral to everyday life here. Kotor’s prominence as a trading port for ships meant that cats would often be left in the town so there is now a healthy and diverse population of them. The museum is only 2 rooms in total but has an eclectic array of cat Inspired works including coins, writings and postcards as well as cat artefacts dated before the first world war. There is also a gift shop and you may even see some of the furry friends visiting the museum themselves!
- Opening Times: Open Mon-Sat 10:00-20:00, Sun 09:00-17:00
- Entry/Tickets: €1 ($1.25) per person
- Where to Buy: In person, as you enter
9. St Nicholas Church
This Serbian Orthodox church is located in the Old Town and its simple interior creates an almost mystical feel. Built-in 1908, the church has bare walls, dark wood features and simple stained glass. The exterior has two bell towers, both are topped with a gold cross, gifted by Russia. The church was built to replace a former church that burnt down in a fire on the Christmas Eve of 1896. Take some time to enter the church and admire the arts and icons that adorn the walls while taking in the smell of beeswax and incense.
- Opening Times: Daily, times unknown
- Entry/Tickets: Free
10. Kotor Beach
Kotor’s tranquil beach deserves some time to enjoy. Not only are the views incredible, like they are everywhere in Kotor, the water is calm and the sounds of birds and the water are very relaxing. The beach is more of a private beach than a long stretch and is shingle-pebble.
- Opening Times: Open 24 hours from May-October
- Entry/Tickets: Free
If you’re thinking about visiting Kotor, Montenegro, are planning your trip or are already there, read our Kotor Travel Guide, where we have everything you need to know about the destination. We’ve covered how to get in, out and around Kotor, where to stay, when to go and what to eat. Check out our collection of Montenegro travel guides for guides on more Montenegro destinations.
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