15 Best Things To Do In Kotor Montenegro

Kotor is one of those places that genuinely lives up to the hype. Medieval old town, dramatic mountains dropping straight into the bay and more to do than most people realize. If you have one day or one week, this guide covers everything, the best hikes, hidden spots, day trips, where to eat and exactly what to skip.

I was introduced to Montenegro by a lovely hairdresser in Zagreb. “You have to go, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world” she said, full of pride for her home country. While the colour developed on my hair I curiously searched up this country. Instantly invited by the mountainous landscape and bright blue water, I bookmarked it for later. 3 years on, we based ourselves in Kotor for 2 months.

My hairdresser wasn’t wrong, Montenegro is beautiful, and Kotor is its hotspot. Tucked behind ancient walls at the foot of dramatic mountains on the edge of the Bay of Kotor, it’s a place that feels almost too picturesque to be real. A medieval old town with cafes, cats and cruise ship crowds, where the mountains are so close they feel like they’re leaning in. It’s small, it’s intense and it’s captivating.

Last updated: February 2026

^{Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase.}

Is one day enough in Kotor?

Kotor is a cruise ship destination, most people visiting have just one day to spare. If that sounds like you and you’re worrying you won’t see it all, listen up. One day in Kotor will involve choosing the things to do in Kotor that interests you the most.

It’s your holiday, don’t feel like you need to see it all. Maybe you’ve just come from Dubrovnik, ask yourself will another old town excite you. The beauty of Kotor is that there is something for every one. So one day is enough if you carefully plan what you want to do.

Check out my 1 day Kotor itinerary below.

15 Best Things To Do In Kotor

1. Wander Old Town

Kotor Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a maze of medieval alleys tucked behind ancient city walls. Well-preserved historic buildings are given a new lease of life with cosy cafes, trendy boutiques, high end jewellers and lively restaurants taking up residence inside.

This is one of the nicest old towns I’ve visited, to enter you need to walk through one of three city gates, under the shadow of dramatic mountains. Once inside, the tall buildings act as canopy from the hot Montenegrin sun creating an atmospheric setting where the air is slightly cooler and it’s a bit darker.

Many cute cats sprawl across outdoor tables, lounge on chairs or cheekily beg for some of your food, these are the true Kotor locals. They run this town.

Kotor Old Town is small, you really just need 1-2 hours to wander down the little streets. I recommend taking a walk, see the old buildings and then find a cafe or bar to relax in. I loved Bandiera for people watching with a spritz (the Irish coffee is delicious too) and Forza Cafe for cake and coffee overlooking the square.

There’s no denying this is an extremely touristy area, aside from staff most people are from the cruise ships. It becomes super crowded from 9AM with said cruise shippers who tend to join big walking tours so if you can try and visit at 8AM for a quieter experience. At 8 PM it becomes noticeably quieter but still has lots of energy. The nightlife here is great with live music in the squares, Holy Shot Bar for fun shots and Letrika for an upbeat late bar. There is just an overall vibe that everyone is here for a good time.

Some places to visit in Old Town Kotor:

• Saint Tryphon Cathedral – withstood numerous earthquakes. Make sure to climb up to the balcony for views over old town.
• Church of St. Mary Collegiate – Catholic church dating back to 1221. The large bronze entrance door is especially interesting with bas reliefs depicting scenes from Kotor history.
• Maritime Museum – maritime of history of Kotor. Exhibits include weapons and models of historic boats.
• Cat Museum – small museum filled with all things cats. Photos, artwork and stories all about the cats of Kotor. Entrance fee of €1 goes toward the cats of Kotor.

2. Climb To St. John’s Fortress

One of the best things to do in Kotor is undoubtedly hiking to the St John’s Fortress. Although it dates back to the 6th century when the city was first fortified by the Byzantines, most of what you see today was built between 1320 – 1797 under the Venetian rule.

It gives you gorgeous views over the Bay of Kotor with the terracotta rooftops of old town, bright blue water and the dramatic mountains that hug this bay. I couldn’t believe it was real, it looked like a painting.

There are two trails to hike, one is free and the second is €10. They both get you to the fortress but the free one involves a little climb up a ladder. Overall I recommend the free one which I’ll explain more below.

Both options take 45-60 minutes to hike to the top.

Option 1 – The Ladder

My preferred way of climbing to Kotor fortress, not least because it’s free but I found it more enjoyable due to a mix of scenery which makes you feel like you are more in the wilderness.

To get here you must enter at this location. Then a zig zag climb up a stony path awaits with uninterrupted views over Kotor Bay. You will pass goats and a charming cheese shop along the way.

After about 45 minutes you should be at this point, veer right to St. Juraj Church, from there you should see a small wooden ladder to a window, this is your free entrance to the fortress.

Disclaimer: If you are alone this way might be a bit dangerous. If you fall from the ladder, you could cause a serious injury to yourself. Below is a sharp drop to rocks. It’s helpful to have someone guiding your step, particularly on your way down.

Once you are through the little window you have joined up to the paid trail. The rest of the way is up stony steps, approximately another 15 minutes to the fortress.

You must climb back through the ladder on your way down or else you’ll be charged the full fee at the bottom.

Trail 2 – Paid Entrance

This is the route most people take, it’s more straightforward and has just as nice views. There are around 1355 steps in total and you climb adjacent to a short wall.

At the bottom are turnstile gates manned by 2-3 burly men. The cost is €10 per person, you are given a ticket which you must keep as it’ll be checked at the exit on the way down.

I found this more challenging than option 1, there is no cover from the sun which makes it tough from the get go. Aside from the sun, the steps can be relentless and pretty steep, I recommend good footwear to avoid slipping on the steps but I did see some ladies in small heels.

I fully support maximising profit from the heavy flow of tourists that fall upon their town each year, genuinely, Kotor is one of those places that seems like a difficult place to live if you’re a local. High prices, entitled tourists and crowds everywhere you turn. My only issue is that it seems locals are made to pay this fee too, which doesn’t sit right with me. It’s privately owned so the people of Kotor/Montenegro don’t get much benefit from it.

3. Walk/Cycle To Dobrata Beach

Dobrata is just 5 km north of Kotor but it feels like a world away. There is a beachy, laidback, lazy afternoon type vibe with beaches dotting the bay, bars, cafes and restaurants spilling out to the streets.

You can walk to Dobrata and beyond on a 7.2 km walk and cycle lane. I walked it a few times and barely came across any cars. It is so peaceful.

There are uninterrupted views of mountains and the bay, you can also enjoy a nice cool breeze which is much needed in the summer.

Along the way I recommend you stop by Church of St. Eustachius which has colourful frescoes on the ceiling. The gate is always closed but not locked so even though it might not look like it, it is open to the public. You can also see The Rooster’s Tower which is nothing special it’s a very old run down building but was once the palace of a Croatian family.

It takes about 90 minutes to walk to the end of the road. When you are finished you can either walk/cycle back or take the blue line bus to Kotor, however it’s on Montenegrin time so you could be waiting an hour or so for it.

If you make it to the end make sure to stop at Ponta Caffe, it has amazing views over Kotor Bay along with good coffee, juices and cakes. For something more substantial Bonazza Restaurant has lots of fresh seafood, their octopus dishes in particular are very nice.

There are many bike rental places in Kotor, I recommend Bajkovic Bike who have a mix of e-bikes and regular bikes.

4. City Walls

Kotor Old Town is surrounded by city walls that run 5 km all the way to St. John’s Fortress. There is a section in the town that is free to access (as of 2026). It’s an elevated cobblestone path that is lined with benches and greenery, running a few metres. It gives you a nice view of the bay, its boats and the striking mountains. It feels almost Games Of Thrones-esque.

Citadela Restaurant is located along a section of the wall, although I don’t recommend the food, it’s a nice spot for a drink with a view. Alternatively, grab a sandwich from Sandwich XL (Adriatic Bond with avjar and salami was my go to), take a seat on one of the benches and soak up the views.

5. Underwater Wine Cellar

For something unique to do in Kotor, visiting an underwater wine cellar surely ticks the box. Located 10 minutes from Kotor in Orahovac, you are taken to a floating wine bar by a small boat.

The wine served is aged under the water deep in Kotor Bay, you can watch the bottle you order be retrieved from the water which is super cool. Some have shells and other sea debris attached to it.

You have a table for 2 hours, during this time you can also get food like mussels from the bay and a cheese platter. Lots of people bring their swimwear to jump into the water for a swim in between the wine and cheese.

The bottles of wine cost €60-80 each but you can take any leftovers with you, although it’s expensive you are paying for the uniqueness of it all. Plus, the bottle can double as a candle holder. I think this is a perfect date night idea in Kotor, imagine watching the sunset here.

This is an attraction in Kotor you need to book in advance, spaces sell out fast during the peak season. You can book a table here.

Getting there: you can get to Orahovac from Kotor for around €15 in a taxi. The local blueline bus goes past here too but you’ll need to ask them to stop as it’s not an official stop. Another way to get back is the speedboat taxi which will take you back to Kotor for €30 in 15 minutes but be warned, it’s very fast!

6. Perast

One of the most popular attractions on Kotor Bay is Perast, a small romantic town that feels completely frozen in time. With its stone palaces, quiet waterfront, and dramatic mountain backdrop it’s easily one of the most beautiful spots in Bay of Kotor and an absolute must on your Montenegro itinerary.

Just offshore sits Our Lady of the Rocks, the only artificial island in the Adriatic Sea. According to local legend, sailors created it stone by stone after discovering an icon of the Virgin Mary on a rock in the water. Today, people visit for the small church, which houses 68 paintings and frescoes, along with intricate silver votive tablets left by local seafarers. It’s small and surprisingly moving.

To get there, head to Perast’s waterfront where small boats run continuously throughout the day. The ride takes just a few minutes and offers gorgeous views back toward the town and surrounding mountains.

If you want to experience more of the bay, you can also join one of the many Perast boat tours. These typically combine a visit to Our Lady of the Rocks with scenic cruising around the bay and sometimes even stops at hidden swimming spots. It’s easily one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Kotor Bay from the water.

• Speedboat:
  • Blue Cave, Submarine Base and Lady of the Rocks Tour
  • Perast and Island- Lady of the Rocks-Speedboat Tour
  • Private Tour: Kotor, Perast,Our Lady Of The Rock + Budva
• Slow Boat
  • Perast, Mamula Island, Blue Cave, Herceg Novi + St Marks Island

7. Lovcen National Park

Located about 4km from Kotor Old Town Lovcen National Park was my favorite thing to do in Kotor. A sprawling mountain range with scenic cable car journey, thrilling mountainside coaster ride, hiking trails, and incredible sunset viewpoints. If you come to Kotor put this on your must do list, it is such a fun day!

You could easily spend the full day here.

Cable Car

To get to Lovcen National Park from Kotor you need to take a cable car to the top. This is such a great way to kick off the day, the views are phenomenal, you can see Kotor Bay, Budva, Tivat and the mountain heads in the distance. Everywhere you look it’s beautiful. The journey takes about 15 minutes which gives you enough time to truly enjoy it. You can even see planes take off from Tivat Airport.

Alpine Coaster

The alpine coaster is at the top of Lovcen, you can’t miss it when you get off the cable car. It’s a 5 minute jolt around the side of the mountain in almost a jagged pattern.

The coaster starts with slowly taking you up on a steep incline before the path goes into a downward slope and the fun begins. The views are magnificent, it feels a bit surreal as you’re going around bends that open up to panoramic coastal and mountain views.

It doesn’t bring you to the bottom of Lovcen, you wind up where you started. Each cart can fit two people and allows you to control the speed but I highly recommend going as fast as it allows – 80 km/h.

Mausoleum of the Bishop Petar Njegos

Lovcen is a mountain with many trails, I recommend the mausoleum of the Bishop Petar Njegos, it’s a 90 minute walk from the cable car with the final part requiring you to climb 461 stairs through a tunnel.

All this walking and climbing is worth it though as you get a 360° view of Lovcen National Park and all its mountain peaks.

Dining

At the top are a few places to eat along with Monte1350 Bar which has the most amazing sunset views.

We relaxed on the deck chairs with an Aperol in hand for hours, watching the sky turn bright orange while the sun sank below the mountains. It was one of the most memorable sunsets I’ve experienced, it was top tier.

Monte1350 Bar had a cool DJ who was playing some house music and they supplied blankets which we needed, even in August.

Getting there: a shuttle goes from Kotor bus station to Lovcen cable car lower station every 30 minutes. It takes 10 minutes, you can buy tickets on board or when purchasing the cable car tickets.

Tickets: this is one of the top attractions in Kotor, therefore I recommend buying tickets in advance. There are combined tickets that cover the cable car, alpine coaster and shuttle bus. You can purchase them on the official website.

8. Krempita: Kotor’s Famous Local Cake

I don’t know about you but when I visit somewhere I have to try their regional dishes. One very famous regional dish to try in Kotor is the Krempita.

It consists of two pieces of puff pastry filled with thick cream and custard. I loved the texture of the pillowy cream with the crispy pastry, washed down with a coffee it is the perfect pick me up.

I had a delicious krempita overlooking a square in Cafe Forza, but they are on the dessert menus of most cafes.

On the topic of cakes, Dobrata also has a special cake called the dobratska. This is a heavy cake made with plenty of almonds and has a subtle lemon taste. It’s crumbly and goes well with a dollop of cream.

9. Hike To Fort Vrmac

A lesser known hike in Kotor is Fort Vrmac. We couldn’t believe how quiet this trail was when we first did it on a Saturday during peak season, we saw 2 other couples throughout our entire hike, compared to the ladder of Kotor where you see someone every minute or so, this is a crazy difference. We ended up climbing this a few times.

The starting point is a 10 minute walk from old town, right here. The first 20 mins involves a lot of concrete stairs but after this the path evens out to a more gradual incline. It’s a zig zag gravel path with lots of greenery and views over Kotor Bay.

We came across a few turtles on the path which was totally unexpected.

It takes around 90 minutes to get to the top at which point you’ll walk past a farm with a loud pig and a few goats, then you’ll find Fort Vrmac. This is an old and albeit creepy abandoned Austro-Hungarian fort dating back to 1860. You can go inside and climb up the stairs, some rooms have abandoned shoes to add to the chills.

There is also an observation area where you can see as far as Tivat with a clear view of Tivat airport.

10. Relax On The Beach

Along Kotor Bay you’ll find a few beaches, all of them are stony but have fantastic mountainous scenery. The bay ensures the water is calm offering perfect conditions for a swim.

• Kotor beach – the main beach in Kotor, lined with many sun beds costing €10 per person. Arrive early for a spot on the free area. Showers here.
• Kotor Natural Beach – quieter than the main one but there is an unsightly carpark close by.
• Dobrata beaches – dotted along the path to Dobrata, many little nooks to relax on.

11. Bazaar

Tucked away in Kotor Old Town is the old bazaar. The stone arches reminded me a lot of The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, although this Bazaar is much smaller.

There are around 10 stalls in this covered market selling souvenirs and a few random bits and pieces. It’s not the hottest shopping destination in the Balkans by any means, but it’s charming and enjoyable to look around for 10 – 20 minutes.

12. Kotor Food Market

Small local market with fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses, local wine, rakija (fruity brandy) and meat.

We preferred buying our produce here than the supermarket. It was more relaxed with better quality.

Please be careful if you are buying alcohol here, look for one with a government stamp and with the percentage clearly stated on the label.

13. Stream + City Park

If you want to escape the crowds, this little pocket of Kotor will give you some quiet time. I think it’s a bit of a secret area, as no one mentions it. We stumbled across here looking for a shortcut to our gym.

The stream is around 300 metres covered by trees. It’s so picturesque and quiet.

The city park is lovely too, with a tartan jogging track, playground, abandoned church and glass dome.

14. Day Trip To Budva

For something totally different consider heading to Budva, Montenegro’s glamorous party capital. People come here to unwind on one of its 35 beaches, sip cocktails and party the night away.

Living up to its glamorous reputation there is even a luxury resort island Sveti Stefan that was once a fortified village from the 15th century.

There is marble paved old town (Stari Grad) which looks remarkably well-preserved however, most of the town was destroyed by an earthquake in 1979 and was rebuilt to what is standing today.

Getting there: buses go every hour from Kotor. It takes 35 – 55 minutes depending on traffic, tickets can be booked here.

15. Day Trip To Herceg Novi

Herceg Novi is another old town along the Western Bay of Kotor. Smaller than Kotor but by no means less beautiful. Dating back to 1382 the town’s buildings are a mix of Ottoman, Venetian, Spanish, and Austro-Hungarian influences.

Warm up your calves as there are SO MANY stairs here, beautiful to walk through and climb but be prepared for an impromptu leg day. I was surprised by the number of plants the town has, palm trees, agave, and eucalyptus were some that we spotted, it adds another layer of charm.

• Forte Mare – 14th century coastal fortress
• Topla Tunnel – cute tunnel connecting the old town and seaside
• Kanli Kula- “Bloody Tower” because it once served as a prison.

Don’t write this off as just another old town, it feels different to Kotor as it doesn’t get many visitors, it’s actually peaceful with a local vibe and the promenades are wider than those in Kotor.

You don’t need the entire day here but 2 – 3 hours should allow you to see it all. Nearby is Igalo which is known for their therapeutic mud.

Getting there: there are buses every hour between Kotor and Herceg Novi, it takes around 1 hour with some buses hopping aboard a ferry which can make the journey even shorter. It should be about €10 return, tickets can be booked here.

Where To Eat In Kotor

Honestly, the restaurants in Kotor can be hit or miss. We found we were left disappointed by most of our meals. I think it’s the transient nature of the town, people don’t tend to stay for too long, most are here for a few hours so restaurants don’t need to worry about return customers.

However, we found a few genuinely good spots throughout our two months here.

• Resto Bar Taraca – my favorite restaurant in Kotor. Large vegetarian selection, lots of healthy options and lovely seating area beside a stream.
• La Catedral Pasta Bar – the carbonara is delicious. Also liked the pistachio pasta. Gluten free pasta available.
• BBQ Tangja – we went here so much! BBQ meat platters that are juicy, smoky and so well seasoned. Prices are reasonable for the high quality.
• Pizzeria Pronto – pizza slice New York style.
• Piccolo Kotor – cute cafe bar with “secret” outdoor seating. Coffee is great, lots of croissants and there is a resident dog.
• CAVE – speciality coffee shop in the shopping centre.
• Senso Bakery – you have to try the croissants, they are delicious.

1 Day Kotor Itinerary

Most people are only in Kotor for one day.

• Morning
  • Breakfast in Piccolo Kotor
  • Wander Old Town
    • climb the balcony of the Cathedral
    • cat museum
    • city walls
    • browse the shops
    • grand bazaar
• Afternoon
  • Lunch in Resto Bar Taraca
  • Climb the Ladder
• Evening
  • Rooftop dinner Hippocampus or Wine Bar
  • Drinks in Bandeiria or Lektrica
  • Finish with a slice from Pronto Pizza for the walk back to your hotel

If you’ve an extra day then definitely take a boat trip to Perast in the morning followed by an afternoon cycle or walk to Dobrata where you can relax on the beach there.

Getting To Kotor

From Tivat

If you can, fly into Tivat. It is so much easier! Kotor is only 15 minutes away by bus.

From Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik Airport is where most people land when visiting Kotor, the airport is bigger and receives more international flights daily. Whether you get a ferry or a bus you will need to go to Dubrovnik bus station which is 30 minutes drive away, a shuttle bus is available beside the entrance door in the arrivals hall. You don’t need to book in advance, but queue up as soon as you can so you can ensure you get a seat.

Full disclaimer but the bus service to Montenegro is awful, you will be treated like a cash cow and you unfortunately have to grin and bear it. For example, even if you have a bus ticket that covers luggage you need to pay the bus driver 2 euro per bag which he puts straight in his pocket. Additionally, you can sometimes be asked for another €2 as a platform charge.

Aside from the extra fees you need to go through the Croatian / Montenegrin border, expect lots of traffic and depending on the time of the day it could add anything from 1 hour to 3 hours to your journey. You need to get off the bus in Croatia, get passport checked, walk through the Croatian border, get on the bus, get off at the Montenegro border for passport check, and then back on the bus to Kotor.

The bus itself was Blueline and was very comfy, so aside from the fluff at the bus station it was all good.

There is also a ferry but it only goes twice per week. You still need to do border control when you arrive in Kotor port.

Best Time To Visit Kotor

When you visit Kotor can completely shape your experience.

• Summer (June to August) is the peak season in Kotor. Expect hot, sunny and humid days between 30 – 35°C (86 – 95°F), perfect for swimming, lounging at nearby beaches, or taking boat trips. It’s packed with tourists and all attractions are fully open, though prices are higher and the streets are crowded.
• Spring (March to May) is one of my favorite times to go, the weather is pleasantly mild, usually around 15–22°C (59 – 72°F). The Old Town feels almost peaceful compared to the summer rush, so you can wander its narrow streets, explore hidden cafes, and take a scenic boat ride without jostling through crowds. The sea is still a bit chilly for swimming, but if you’re into hiking or photographing the bay, spring is unbeatable.
• Autumn (September to November) is a great time for fewer crowds, it’s the last of the good weather with temperatures hovering around 18°C (64°F). In October the town almost suddenly shuts down, we were shocked how quickly this happens. Fewer tourists, restaurants close and it starts to feel more like a sleepy village. The weather gets very cold and windy, with the rain beginning to pick up.
• Winter (December to February) in Kotor is not advisable. The tourist services are closed and it’s a very quiet place. There is a large amount of rainfall and night-time temperatures can drop to -1°C (30°F).

I recommend skipping autumn and winter here, you won’t get the proper Kotor Bay experience and will have limited dining options.

Getting Around

Getting around Kotor Old Town itself is easy, it’s entirely walkable and enjoyable due to the pretty scenery. For anywhere outside of Kotor there are many local buses, the company is blueline and the fares are affordable. However, traffic can be a nightmare and can increase travel time to 2 -3 hours, mostly just sitting in traffic.

There is a highway currently being built between Herceg Novi and Budva which will greatly improve things, until then you can’t escape the traffic. It’s due to be completed in 2026 at some point.

You can also get water taxis to places around the bay and regular taxis but they can get expensive.

I recommend renting a car to give you the most freedom to see the area. DiscoverCars is always reliable.

Where To Stay In Kotor

The Old Town is the most popular area. Staying here puts you in the heart of Kotor’s medieval streets, close to restaurants, cafes, and landmarks like St. Tryphon Cathedral. It’s perfect if you want to explore on foot and soak up the historic vibe.

The bay area just outside the Old Town is quieter but still central. You get easy access to the promenade, boat trips, and views of the marina, making it a good balance between convenience and calm.

For a more relaxed, local feel, consider the neighborhoods on the hills or outskirts above the Old Town. These areas offer panoramic views of the bay, easy access to hiking trails, and a bit more space and peace away from the tourist crowds.

FAQ: Best Things To Do In Kotor

Is Kotor worth visiting?

Absolutely! Kotor has lots going on and should be on all Montenegro itineraries. Thanks to its desirable location on the Bay of Kotor, you can experience a little bit of everything in one place. Slow, sun soaked days on the bay, adventurous hikes in the surrounding mountains, wander through the medieval old town or easy day trips to nearby beach towns.

Is Kotor expensive?

Yes, Kotor is an expensive destination especially compared to its Balkans neighbors, it’s more on par with Western Europe. This is down to it being a popular cruise ship destination.

We found a meal at a mid-range restaurant was €20 ($24) per person and the quality was hit and miss. A cappuccino was typically €4.50 ($5.30).

Mid-range hotels start from $120 per night, expect to pay $200+ per night for luxury options.

Kotor’s saving grace is there are many free places to go such as the hikes, beaches and bay walks.

How many days do you need in Kotor?

2-3 days is the perfect amount of time in Kotor. This will allow you to enjoy the old town, conquer the fortress hike at golden hour, Lovcen Mountain and still squeeze in a day trip along the bay to places like Perast, Herceg Novi or Budva. It’s just enough time to mix adventure, scenery and slow sunny days, without feeling like you’re racing through it.

Should you tip in Montenegro?

Tipping isn’t customary in Montenegro, but it’s always appreciated. Since many restaurants, cafés, and tour companies operate seasonally and close during the quieter autumn and winter months, tourism income is concentrated in a short period. Leaving a small tip can genuinely go a long way in supporting local businesses and staff.

Which is nicer, Kotor or Budva?

It depends on what kind of trip you want.

Kotor is nicer if you’re looking for scenery, history, and a more relaxed atmosphere. The Old Town is compact and easy to explore, and the mountain backdrop makes it feel more dramatic and unique. It’s a good base if you plan to hike, explore the bay, and focus more on sightseeing than beach time.

Budva is nicer if your priority is beaches and nightlife. It has more beach options, more bars and clubs, and a busier summer vibe. It feels more like a traditional seaside resort.

If I had to choose, I’d stay in Kotor and visit Budva for a day. You can enjoy Budva’s beaches without committing to the crowds and party atmosphere the whole time.

Is it better to use euros or a card in Montenegro?

Montenegro uses the euro as its official currency, so you’ll need euros while you’re there.

In places like Kotor and Budva, most hotels, restaurants, and larger tour companies accept cards. However, smaller cafés, bakeries, local shops, beach bars, and some taxi drivers may only take cash. Card machines also occasionally “don’t work,” especially in busy summer months.

In my experience, it’s best to use a mix of both. Pay by card when you can, but always carry some euros in cash for smaller purchases, tips, parking, and local businesses. You don’t need huge amounts of cash, but having some on hand makes things much easier.

Related Posts

14 Fun Things To Do In Skopje
11 Alternative Things to do in Athens
How To Spend 1 Day In Istanbul