Kotor, Montenegro may be a small town, but it delivers some of the most dramatic scenery I’ve ever seen. From medieval streets to fortress views, this city is one of the most rewarding stops along the Adriatic Coast. If you’re short on time, these are the top 5 things to do in Kotor that will give you the best mix of scenery, history, and even a little bit of an adrenaline rush!
Table of Contents
At A Glance: Top 5 Things to Do in Kotor
| Activity | Cost (USD) | Time Spent |
|---|---|---|
| Explore Kotor Old Town | Free | 4 hours |
| Hike to Kotor Fortress | Free | 3 hours |
| Lovćen Cable Car & Alpine Coaster | $44 | 3 hours |
| Boat Trip to Perast & Our Lady of the Rocks | $23 (group tour) | 3 hours |
| Day Trip to Budva (Old Town + Beaches) | $29 (bus + taxi) | 8 hours |
1. Explore Kotor Old Town (Stari Grad)
No visit to Kotor is complete without wandering through Kotor Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Balkans. Behind its fortified walls, you’ll find:
- Narrow stone alleyways that feel like you’re stepping back in history
- Small squares with cafés, churches, and hidden courtyards
- Landmarks like St. Tryphon’s Cathedral, dating back to the 12th century
The best way to experience Old Town is to simply wander around and get lost. Note that cruise ships dock Kotor during the day, so the best times with fewer crowds are early morning or after 5 pm.
How to do it (logistics):
- Getting there: Walkable from anywhere near Old Town
- Time needed: 2–4 hours
- Cost: Free (churches/museums may charge a small fee)
2. Hike to the Kotor Fortress
The Kotor Fortress (San Giovanni Castle) hike is a must-do activity, offering expansive views of the Bay of Kotor as well as a dramatic perspective of the walled city below. This hike can be done at any time, but I recommend doing it at sunset for the best views and to avoid the midday heat.
The hike takes about 45–75 minutes up, depending on your pace. Start about 1.5–2 hours before sunset and bring plenty of water. I hiked in sandals, and I thought it was fine, but to be safe, you might want to wear proper shoes.
There are two ways to do this hike, the official route that starts inside the walls of Old Town and the unofficial way via the Ladder of Kotor.
The official route (paid)
- Starting point: Inside the Old Town, near the North (River) Gate. Look for an archway and signs like Main Entrance to St. John’s Fortress and Road to the Fortress on the Hill.
- Path: A steep but straightforward climb on paved stone steps all the way to the top.
- Cost: €15 ($17.50) entrance fee, paid at the ticket booth near the base.
The unofficial route via Ladder of Kotor (free)
- Starting point: Starts outside the city walls, often found by heading right after exiting the main Sea Gate and following signs for the Ladder of Kotor. Here is the Google Maps address pointing you to the start of the route.
- Path: A series of switchbacks. Around halfway up, you have to make your way through a small opening in the fortress wall to get onto the official fortress path without passing the ticket booth (see picture below). You need to hoist yourself up and over the wall. This isn’t too hard, and I saw people of all ages do it.
- Cost: Free (no official ticket checkpoint).
How I hiked the Kotor Fortress
I hiked up via the Ladder of Kotor and came down using the official route. It was a bit of a gamble since several people told me tickets were sometimes checked on the way down as well. In the end, it worked out. By the time I descended after sunset, there were no officials manning the exit. I also noticed plenty of locals starting the hike after dark, likely to avoid both the heat and the entrance fee.
3. Ride the Lovćen Cable Car & Alpine Coaster
For a totally different scenery of Kotor, take the Lovćen Cable Car, which transports you from sea level into the mountains in just minutes. This is perfect for travelers who want epic views without the need to do the Fortress Hike.
How to do it (logistics):
- Getting there: Buy the ticket using at this website. Choose the add-on that includes a round-trip shuttle to and from the Lovcén Cable Car Station. This shuttle departs at the Kotor Bus Station just outside of Old Town.
- Good to know: The cable car can occasionally close due to bad weather. If riding it is a priority, plan a backup day to ensure you don’t miss out.
- Time needed: 2–4 hours total
- Cost: $35 for cable car and round-trip shuttle
- Best time: Morning for clearer skies
Is the alpine coaster worth it? I was skeptical about trying the alpine coaster at first. I assumed it was more of a kids’ ride and wouldn’t be very exciting, but I was pleasantly surprised. The ride turned out to be pretty thrilling, with sections that went surprisingly fast and gave me a real adrenaline rush. I purchased the regular ticket for around $9.
4. Boat Trip to Perast & Our Lady of the Rocks
A Perast boat tour is one of the most scenic experiences you can have in Kotor. Seeing the Bay from the water gives you a completely different appreciation for the landscape. Most tours include:
- A short cruise across the bay
- Free time to walk around the town of Perast
- A stop at Our Lady of the Rocks, a man-made island church rising straight out of the water
How to do it (logistics):
- Departure point: Kotor waterfront (a guide will lead you to the boat)
- Time needed: 3–4 hours
- Cost: $23 per person
- Booking: Book at one of the many tour agencies in Kotor or online
Note that the boat ride can be quite rocky. I went in the afternoon and was tossed around by the waves, so the morning might be a calmer time to go.
5. Day Trip to Budva
For beaches and a more energetic coastal vibe that contrasts nicely with Kotor’s slower pace, take a day trip to Budva where you can:
- Explore Budva Old Town
- Relax at Mogren Beach, known for its clear turquoise water
- Enjoy cliffside views and beach clubs along the coast
How to do it (logistics):
- Distance: 25 km from Kotor
- Time needed: Full day or half day
The trip takes about 1 hour by bus or taxi, making it one of the easiest excursions from Kotor. I took the bus on the way there for $7 and a taxi on the way back for $47 (split with a friend). For a stunning panoramic view of the coast and Budva’s rooftops, stop for lunch at Restoran Vista Vidikovac.
How Many Days Do You Need in Kotor?
If you’re focusing on highlights:
- 2 days: Old Town and fortress hike
- 3 days: Add Perast and Lovćen cable car
- 4 days: Add Budva day trip
For most travelers, 3–4 days in Kotor is the sweet spot.
Is Kotor Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Kotor is one of the most scenic destinations in Europe, offering a rare mix of medieval history, mountain landscapes, and crystal-clear Adriatic waters, all without needing a car.
Whether you’re starting a Balkans itinerary or just passing through Montenegro, Kotor easily earns its place as a must-visit stop.
👉 Planning your trip around the Balkans and Eastern Mediterranean? Check out these posts.
- 1 Month Balkans and Eastern Mediterranean Itinerary
- 4 Days In Montenegro (Kotor, Budva, Perast)
- 8 Days In Albania (Shkodër, Lake Koman, Tiranë, Gjirokastër, Sarandë, Himarë)
- 9 Days In Greece (Corfu, Athens, Paros, Santorini, Rhodes)
- 8 Days In Turkey (Fethiye, Capaddocia, Istanbul)
