Ultimate Travel Guide to Kotor, Montenegro: Best Things to Do & See

Montenegro was the third stop on my Balkan trip — and it ended up being my favorite. Kotor, in particular, is the country’s showpiece. Tucked into a dramatic bay surrounded by steep mountains, it’s a mix of medieval history, postcard-perfect views, and relaxed coastal life. Whether you’re climbing fortress walls at sunrise, taking a boat out to hidden caves and islands, or winding down with dinner in the old town, Kotor has a way of slowing you down in the best possible way. I spent three days here, but I could’ve easily stayed a week.

A Brief History of Kotor

Kotor is an amazing old town tucked into a beautiful bay in Montenegro. It started out as a Roman settlement more than 2,000 years ago and quickly became an important port because of its perfect spot on the coast.

Over the years, different groups ruled here — from the Byzantines and Venetians to the Ottomans and Austro-Hungarians. The Venetians left a big mark, building the famous city walls and charming old streets you still see today.

Despite some tough times, like attacks and earthquakes, Kotor has kept its medieval vibe and stunning views. Now it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see for anyone visiting the Adriatic.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Kotor

Two full days at the very least; however, the more, the better!

Three Day Itinerary 

Day 1: Kotor

Welcome to the jewel of the Montenegro! If you’re reading this, you most likely are planning to visit in the summer time, and I have to warn you, Kotor is hot, and I mean hot. It’s so hot that it’s almost not worth going outside unless you’re going for a swim. I stayed indoors for the first half of the day, just going for a quick swim in the AM. 

Once the sun started to chill out a bit, I headed to Kotor’s Old Town, and honestly, it’s the best part of the city. It’s not huge—you can walk the whole thing in a couple of hours—but it’s packed with charm. Narrow stone alleys, cats lounging in the shade, little squares with cafes—it feels like something out of a movie.

As the day winds down, this is the perfect spot to grab dinner. Find a quiet table in one of the plazas, order some fresh seafood or pasta, and just sit back and take it all in. Kotor comes alive in the evenings—soft lights, music in the distance, and that warm, salty breeze from the bay.

Day 2: The Bay by Boat & Perast

If you’re in Kotor and only have one day to get on the water, don’t waste it on a quick round trip. Go for the longer boat tour. It’s about four to five hours, hits multiple stops, and covers parts of the bay you’d never see otherwise.

We left the harbor mid-afternoon, cruising past small villages and stretches of untouched coastline before heading toward the open Adriatic. First big stop — the Blue Cave. From the outside it’s just a gap in the cliffs, but once you’re inside, the water lights up neon blue from the sunlight hitting the sand below. You can swim here if you want too, which is nice.

Next was a quick pull-in to one of the submarine tunnels from the Yugoslav days. Basically huge hidden docks cut into the rock where they used to hide subs during the Cold War. It’s not flashy, but it’s the kind of thing you don’t see unless you’re on a boat.

The ride between stops might be the best part. Cooler air, no traffic, and the view constantly shifting — sometimes it’s jagged peaks right on the water, sometimes it’s just a tiny fishing boat tied up to a dock.

Then came Our Lady of the Rocks, which is one of those places that sticks with you. The island is completely man-made — legend says sailors found an icon of the Virgin Mary on a rock in the bay centuries ago. Every time they came back from a safe voyage, they dropped stones there, and over hundreds of years it grew into an island. They even built a small church. Even if you’re not religious, the history and the view from the island back toward Perast are worth the trip. Standing there, you feel like you’re in the middle of the bay with nothing around but water, mountains, and sky. 

We wrapped the day in Perast — no cars, just one waterfront street lined with stone houses, cafés, and church towers. Out of everywhere I visited, this was my favorite stop. If you can, stay for dinner. The setting is unbeatable — mountains dropping straight into the bay, soft light in the evening, and a calm pace that makes you want to linger. Most tours only stop here for 20–30 minutes before heading back to Kotor, but I got off here and made my own way home. Best decision I made all trip.

Day 3: Kotor Fortress & Chill 

I started the day early — partly to beat the heat, partly to avoid the cruise ship crowds that roll in mid-morning. The plan was simple: hike up the old fortress walls above Kotor for that classic view you see on every postcard.

The trail starts right in town and winds its way up through switchbacks and old stone steps. It’s a steady climb, nothing technical, but you’ll feel it in your legs pretty quickly. Every few minutes there’s a spot to stop, catch your breath, and take in the view as the bay slowly opens up below you. The higher you go, the more you see — red rooftops, church towers, and the mountains folding into each other all the way to the horizon.

About halfway up, you pass through old gates and crumbling watchtowers that look like they’ve been frozen in time. If you’re into history, it’s worth pausing to imagine what it was like when these walls were part of Kotor’s defense.

At the top is San Giovanni Fortress — or what’s left of it. The view from up here is the payoff: the entire bay, the town laid out like a model below you, and the water reflecting the morning light. It’s the kind of scene that makes you forget how sweaty you are.

Pro tip: Bring water, wear good shoes, and start as early as possible. By 10 a.m., the sun is brutal and the path gets crowded.

After the hike, I headed back down, grabbed a coffee in the old town, and just let the rest of the morning unfold without a plan.

I decided to check out Budva Old Town in the afternoon, about a 30–40 minute drive from Kotor along the coast. Budva is bigger and busier, with more restaurants, shops, and nightlife, but it also feels more commercial. The old town has its moments — narrow stone streets, sea views from the walls — but it’s missing the authenticity that makes Kotor’s Old Town so special.

In the end, I headed back to Kotor, and it was even better the second time around. Having dinner there and people-watching in the square is something I could do every night.

Final Thoughts

Kotor isn’t just Montenegro’s crown jewel — it’s one of the most unforgettable stops in the Balkans. With its medieval old town, stunning bay views, and easy day trips to places like Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks, it’s the perfect mix of history, scenery, and relaxed coastal life. Three days is enough to see the highlights, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself wishing you had a week. If you’re planning a trip to Montenegro, make sure Kotor is at the top of your list — it’s a place you’ll remember long after you’ve left.