Are you looking for the best things to do in Kotor, Montenegro?
This is the guide for you!
I visited Montenegro this past summer, and it’s truly a paradise.
The Bay of Kotor is an absolutely stunning stretch of water on the Montenegrin coast.
Picture blue waters surrounded by mountain scenery. Just a short walk away from the water, you will find yourself dropped into a storybook town, full of the most charming architecture.
You definitely won’t be bored! Kotor offers relaxation, adventure, and historic exploration all in one. Just watch out for the crowds- but I’ve got tips in this guide!
Less chatting- more planning.
Let’s dive in and start planning your Montenegro vacation!
12 Best Things To Do in Kotor, Montenegro
1. Old Town
Kotor’s Old Town has a very famous and historical past.
Enclosed by medieval stone walls and dotted with Venetian palaces, Kotor’s Old Town feels like stepping back in time.
Its maze of narrow alleys leads to hidden squares, centuries-old churches, and cafés tucked under terracotta rooftops.
I recommend visiting in the morning (before 10:00am) or in the evening. This is best for avoiding cruise ship and day trip crowds.
Seriously- the mid-day crowds are no joke.
2. Walking Tour
A guided walking tour is the best way to uncover Kotor’s history beyond the surface.
Local guides bring context to the city’s Venetian past, its UNESCO status, and stories hidden in the stone walls.
Tours usually cover major landmarks like St. Tryphon’s Cathedral, the Clock Tower, and the Old Town squares.
If you want to hear about what you’re looking at and form a deeper appreciation of the city, I always recommend walking tours.
(I signed up for the free walking tour, but I unfortunately missed it because I was late to the party on getting a SIM card, and I couldn’t find my group on time! Oops.)
⭐Popular Kotor Tours
3. Kotor Market
Located just outside the Old Town walls, Kotor Market is where locals stock up on fresh produce, cheese, and homemade rakija.
This lovely market is just 5 minutes outside of the Old Town. It’s my favorite thing I did in Kotor!
During my trip, I found it generally difficult to interact with locals in Kotor due to the large number of tourists.
But this is not the vibe I got at the market! It’s a local treasure and I recommend that everyone stop by.
The colorful stalls feature seasonal fruits, jars of honey, and herbs that reflect Montenegro’s Mediterranean lifestyle.
Tip: Bring cash! Most vendors don’t accept cards.
4. Food Tour
Joining a food tour in Kotor lets you taste Montenegro’s culinary heritage while exploring the Old Town.
Local guides introduce you to specialties like prosciutto and regional wines.
Along the way, you’ll stop at family-owned eateries and markets that highlight recipes passed down through generations.
Most tours last a few hours and combine history with tasting, so arrive hungry!
Booking ahead is recommended, especially in peak summer months.
⭐Interested in immersion?
Consider signing up for a Montenegrin Cooking Class
5. Swim
The Bay of Kotor offers calm, clear waters perfect for a swim after sightseeing.
While Kotor itself doesn’t have sandy beaches, you’ll find small swimming spots and concrete platforms along the waterfront.
For a more traditional beach experience, head to nearby Dobrota or Ljuta, both just a short drive from town.
The water is warmest from June through September.
Water shoes can be useful for rocky entry points!
⭐Popular Kotor Hotels
6. Blue Cave Tour
There are many different boat tours to choose from in Kotor. After all, it’s a port town!
The most popular highlight of the tours is a visit to the Blue Cave.
The Blue Cave is a natural sea grotto on the Lustica Peninsula, known for its dazzling turquoise glow created by sunlight reflecting through the water.
It’s one of Montenegro’s most striking coastal attractions and a favorite stop on boat tours from Kotor!
Most Blue Cave tours include a stop in the town of Perast, but you can also get to Perast on your own with a public bus, taxi, or rental car.
I highly recommend stopping in Perast, at least for an afternoon.
7. Walk The Waterfront
Walking the Kotor Waterfront is by far one of the simplest and best activities to do in town!
Like most activities on this list, I recommend strolling the waterfront early in the morning or early in the evening after cruise ship crowds are gone.
It provides a peaceful start or end to the day.
My favorite time on the Kotor Waterfront during my recent trip was during sunset.
A waterfront access point was just outside of my hotel– so convenient.
8. Perast
Kotor is the most popular tourist town along the Bay of Kotor. There are several other towns you can visit.
Most of the towns are between a 5 – and 30-minute drive from one another.
The closest town to Kotor is Perast. Perast is a lovely small town with a more relaxed feel. This is much more my travel speed.
It will be difficult to interact with locals here as well, because 90 percent of the people in the town are tourists.
However, there is no cruise port in Perast, which eliminates a lot of the crowds.
It’s close enough to Kotor, making it easy to visit either one for a day trip or a short afternoon.
⭐Popular Kotor Hotels
9. Risan
Risan is a town that is just five minutes up the coast from Perast, making it only a 25-minute drive from Kotor.
I recommend stopping here after Perast just to experience another town on the coast. Risan felt much more local to me.
Risan is the oldest settlement in the Bay of Kotor, dating back to ancient Illyrian and Roman times.
Its highlight is a Roman villa with remarkably preserved floor mosaics. Pretty cool!
10. Fortress Climb
There are two different fortresses you can climb while visiting Kotor: St. John’s Fortress and the Ladder of Kotor.
St. John’s Fortress rises above the Old Town with 1,350 steep steps, rewarding climbers with sweeping views of the bay.
It now has a 15 Euro entrance fee. The good news is that they accept both cash and card.
The bad news? This is a pretty hefty fee to see a fortress, especially since it used to be free.
Some travelers are having luck finding an alternate starting location, which involves them climbing through the window of the Fortress when they get to the top.
I honestly have no idea what they’re talking about, but I recommend looking into that alternate route if it is something you are interested in.
11. Durmitor National Park: Day Trip
A day trip to Durmitor National Park from Kotor offers a stunning escape into Montenegro’s wild beauty.
Seriously, this is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. Ever!
Known for its dramatic peaks and glacial lakes, the park is perfect for hiking, photography, or simply soaking in nature.
Popular stops include Black Lake and Tara River Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world.
This day trip is a great choice if you’re short on time during your Montenegro trip.
Tip: I highly recommend spending a few days in Durmitor National Park if you have the time. It’s absolutely worthy of a trip in its own right!
12. Lake Skadar: Day Trip
A day trip to Lake Skadar from Kotor reveals Montenegro’s largest and most scenic lake.
The trip often includes a boat ride to explore hidden coves, monasteries, and small fishing villages along the shore.
Kayaking, birdwatching, and sampling local cuisine are highlights.
⭐Popular Kotor Tours
Conclusion
The Bay of Kotor is an absolutely beautiful and lively place to be.
If you don’t mind summer crowds, you will have an absolutely amazing trip!
You can always explore Old Town early in the morning for way fewer crowds (my recommendation).
From wandering through its medieval Old Town to climbing fortress walls, there’s something for every traveler.
Your Montenegro trip awaits!
