Next to it is the old Rectors Palace. But before you book your stay you should know that the one complaint of people staying in the old town is that it can be noisy. This is a set of historical fortifications protecting the medieval town via a series of walls, ramparts, towers, citadels, bastions, and forts leading all the way up the mountain range to the Castle of San Giovanni. There were comments that the window might be closed at times, but it was open at the time of my visit, so, Once you are at the main route, you have amazing views of the Bay of Kotor (much better than those from the unofficial hiking trail). We were told by our guide that vendors from the mountains come down to Kotor in season, with local delicacies to tempt visitors: ham from Njegui, smoked carp from Lake Skadar, and olives and olive oil. Even if you're staying near the Old City or Dobrota and looking for things to do in Kotor in the late afternoon, take a stroll around the bay to Muo! Be warned though: you might be kept up by music at night, particularly in season. And it isnt very large, so you can cover most of it in just one hour. So, whether you window-shop or actually shop Kotor is a good place for buying gifts and bits and bobs. You can explore the ruins and 1,000 year old Church of St John. Kotor is a beautiful small town. In medieval times, ships from Kotor contributed to the Boka Navy. Slovenia: The Best Things to Do in Lake BledItaly: The Best Day Trips from SorrentoSpain: The Ultimate 2-Week Southern Spain ItinerarySweden: 25 Best Things to Do in StockholmDenmark: How to Spend One Day in Copenhagen, Canada: What to Do in Vancouver BC on Your First Visit!USA: The Best Things to Do in Las Vegas if You Dont GamblePoland: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Gdansk Old TownGermany: One Day in the Hanseatic Town of RostockNorway: How to Spend One Perfect Day in Bergen. There are also lots of tours departing from Kotor, so if you dont want to hire a car, Kotor is the ideal place to stay. Travelers short on time should make sure they climb the wall of San Giovanni Fortress, walk around the Old Town, and take a boat trip or kayaking tour around the bay. Although it was built as a Catholic church, for several generations, it was shared by Orthodox Christians and Catholics. If you look at Kotor fromSt. Johns Fortress, you will notice the port with huge cruise ships. The Romanesque interior is a sedate pink, with beautiful columns that draw the gaze upward. The Boka Bay is beautiful, and Kotor is a great place to do a boat tour, so you can experience it from the water. 3 hour boat tour to Our Lady of the Rocks and the Blue Cave - this tour takes you to Our Lady of the Rocks, Yugoslav-era submarine caves and then to swim in the beautiful Blue Cave. Youll also see a few high-end shops offering jewelry and leather. Photograph the Bell Towers & Kotor Churches, 16. We bought a big bag to snack on as we walked, and they were so juicy and sweet that we finished the whole bag by the time we completed our walk! The first sight that catches the eye is the remarkable wall above the rooftops. Planning a trip to Kotor and wondering what to see and do in Kotor? Take a Boat Trip to the Montenegro Blue Cave, 9. Local guides will tell you more about the history of Kotor and give you insights that you probably would not get via guidebooks (well, you might, but honestly, which of us is reading everything in our textbooks? Discover the top attractions, things to do and places to stay in Kotor old town. But, Im here to convince you that there are numerous fun things to do in Kotor that you should visit for a few days at least! The streets are narrow, but overall, in excellent condition. In Montenegro, cats are called "matzki", and they respond to "matz-matz" or to the sausages:). Nice views opening from town walls. Snag Some Fresh Seafood. One of the best things to do in Kotor is soak in the atmosphere in the old towns main square. Narrow town streets and I would recommend to find to find 2-3 hours for Ladder Of Kotor. P.S. The process of recovery was long and slow, but the coastal Mississippi community worked . Families looking for things to do in Kotor with kids will want to check out the famous Kotor Semi Sub trip. Burek is a pastry thats filled with meat, cheese, spinach or potato. With tourists wandering around all day and bars open until 1am, its not the ideal place to stay if you like peace and quiet. Visit The Shops Of Old Town. If you dont climb the walls all the way to the top, you can still view them snaking up the hill from town. Here, youll get traditional Balkan grill in huge portions and at local, not tourist, prices. For a long time, this gate served as a symbol of the Venetian Republic, with a winged lion of St. Mark's once carved above the gate. This fun red semi-submersible boat is one of the most iconic attractions in the bay, offering a unique and unusual tour. The most popular place to visit in the park is the Lovcen Summit. Additionally, views of Kotor Bay and the medieval cities below are incredible, and an opportunity to get a unique perspective that most people will miss. It is situated just in front of the village of Perast. And book way in advance if you plan to visit Kotor during the summer months: it gets extremely busy from mid June until mid September. (cuddle) with these affectionate cats who have learned that tourists are an excellent source of pleasure and food. If you prefer to stick to the main attractions like climbing the fortress, taking a boat trip on the bay, and wandering around the Old Town, then it's possible to see all of this on a day trip from Croatia like the one suggested above. You can also visit the makeshift cafe for some rakija (brandy), juice and cheese. We are definitely going back. The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon. There is another island next to Our Lady of the Rocks whichisanatural island and the site of the Saint George Benedictine Monastery. Durmitor, Tara and Ostrog Day Trip- this full-day tour takes you to see the jewels of north Montenegro: Durmitor National Park, the Tara Canyon and Ostrog Monastery. First things first, according to experts: Keep your mouth shut. If youre looking for breakfast or youre on a budget, the best place to head is to a bakery (pekara) and grab a burek. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Experiencing All of the Marvels of the Old Town. However, I am a bit spoiled when it comes to well-preserved old towns, and I was not blown away. The secret beach, along the Arve river, is a great time to enjoy Geneva's nature. And if you love all things cats, you must pop into the towns tiny Cats Museum. In the afternoon, do a boat tour that includes Perast and the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks. We had dinner twice at Ladovina Kitchen and Wine Bar, about an 8-minute walk from the Sea Gate along the waterfront. The best way to learn about the Old Town of Kotor is by joining the famous Old Town Walking Tour. There are some churches and other buildings that are worth a visit in the old town of Kotor: Places to visit within the old town of Kotor. These days vendors likely come to Kotor in a vehicle, but our guide told us that back in the days when his grandma was a young woman, she would walk down a switchback track from Njegui all the way down to Kotor to sell her products, and then walk back home after the market closed! Take plenty of water. Did you find this article informative? You can see not just all of Boka Bay spread out below you, but also the Adriatic Sea and Croatia beyond. Inside you'll be able to see the layout and dcor of the palace as well as artefacts from the Bay of Kotor. The Hotel Cattaro was once a theater. If you only have time to do one thing in Kotor, make it this: climbing to San Giovanni Fortress offers absolutely spectacular views of both the city and the Bay of Kotor, and the fortress itself is tons of fun as well! Lets not forget about what to drink in Kotor! Enjoy! Pack sunscreen, lots of water, and lunch, and head up for the day. Interesting facts about the city of Kotor. Another great option is to stay along the Bay of Kotor, near the Old Town but not in it. This is one of the best place to taste Montenegro. About halfway into your climb youll come to the Church of Our Lady of Remedy, the perfect place to rest up for a bit and enjoy the fabulous views of the Boka Bay below. The Stari Grad or Old Town is composed of charming, cobblestone lanes, Medieval stone churches and palaces, and a wide range of pretty cafes and restaurants. I found it enjoyable to stumble across the sites and you'll run into everything you need to without having to check on Google Maps. June, July, and August are peak season months in Kotor. Grab your camera and head down to the waterfront at night time. We discovered that there were actually quite a lot of things to do in Kotor - some of which are outside of the old town itself. Of the two Baroque towers, the left one remains unfinished. Even if you get up only halfway, you will have some amazing views! What a great view from the fortress of San Giovanni! 2. Read more: The Best Things to Do in Budva, Montenegro! This path will take longer, but it includes fewer stairs. This is one of two Roman Catholic cathedrals in Montenegro (number 18 below), Church of Our Lady of Remedy - an iconic 16th-century church perched atop the hilly slopes above the fortified city. Travel Resources This tour runs daily and includes detailed information from an experienced local guide. On our last trip, we made Kotor our base in Montenegro for five nights, and spent some of those days exploring other parts of Montenegro, while enjoying Old Town Kotor at less crowded times. Walking around the square in the early morning or at night is extra special. Thanks for the suggestions! Church of Saint Nicholas - Serbian orthodox church in Saint Luke's Square, Maritime Museum - located on the Square of the Boka fleet, the Maritime Museum is a long-running exhibition of the country's nautical history, Lapidarium - located on square Kina, a church transformed into an exhibition showcasing a rich collection of stone objects. Definitely one of the most thrilling things to do in Kotor is to experience the switchback road from Kotor to Njegusi. Rooms and bathrooms are spacious and elegantly appointed.Read reviews on TripAdvisor | Book a room here. Kotor is indeed lovely. Under Venetian rule, the Boka Navy fought against the Ottomans, but Kotors ships were utilized in maritime trade as well. Although they can appear to be falling apart in places, the walls are in quite good condition considering their age dates back to the 9th century. For those reasons, exploring Stari Grad is one of the best things to do in Kotor, Montenegro. And the palaces are some of the best places to see it. I have been running this blog since 2015. Travel Inspiration Most of the best restaurants in Kotor are also within the walls, some offering live music in the evenings. The charm of Kotor is undeniable. 4. If youre gluten-free or have any allergies youll need to be very specific when you order. Have a drink at one of the many cafes in the square. Since there are no cruise ships, it is much quieter (and cheaper), even though quite a few people come from Kotor for a few hours. This is the most beautiful and best-preserved town in Montenegro. Read on and find out how to spend one day in Kotor or two days. Definitely leave enough time to take a boat trip on the bay because this is the highlight of any trip to Montenegro. We sadly ran into rain on both days we had earmarked for our boat tour, but its on the list! There you'll see examples of art by Kotor's famous goldsmiths and you'll also be able to see local artefacts in the cathedral's treasury. It's fun to drive, but it's even more fun to photograph with the drone! The lower decks of the sub have clear windows, allowing you to see through to the bottom of the fjord! From Podgorica, drive to Kotor, or take the bus. We visited too early in the year for the beach, but it looks super inviting! 21 Best Sunset Viewpoint Locations in Malta, Gozo, & Comino, My Story How I Travel Full-Time As a Travel Blogger. Many restaurants here are decidedly average and it would be a shame to miss out on some of the great food available because you settled for a below-average pizza. You'll hear the anecdotes and curiosities that make the history of Kotor come alive, and visit a locally loved eatery to sample smoked ham, cheese, and wine as you chat about the . Even fellow country music star Sheryl Crow spoke out, saying "I'm from a small town." "Even people in small towns are sick of violence. Hiking to the very top should take about 45 minutes make sure to wear comfortable and solid footwear (no flip-flops for this part of the day). Perast is much smaller than Kotor, and you cannot do much. The sausages (evapi) and hamburger patties (pljeskavica) are finger-licking good. It all gives you a feeling for life in Kotor over the centuries, Bring euros- Youll need cash in euros to enter attractions like St Tryphons Cathedral, the Maritime Museum and the fortress hike. It is a wonderful city to meander through old streets and piazzas. Places to visit within the old town of Kotor. Believe it or not, but this is one of Kotor's top attractions. The most popular thing to do in Kotor is hike up the hilltop Kotor Fortress (aka San Giovanni Fortress, St. John's Fort). The most important Serbian Orthodox Church in Kotor is St Nicholas'. Entrance to this must-see attraction costs just 3 euros! Safeguard yourself from unforeseen travel mishaps like accidents, cancellations, delays, and loss of your personal items. Staying in the old town is ideal for backpackers because everything is within walking distance (including great nightlife), there are good-value group tours departing from the old town and the bus station is a 10-minute walk from the old town. As a result, Montenegro is one of the most affordable places to travel in Europe! I stayed in Kotor for three nights (because I wanted to make sure I had sunny weather so that I could enjoy it to the fullest). Kotors port is picturesque. If you start hiking up before 8 am, you do not have to pay the entrance fee. The Romanesque structure with Byzantine elements was built towards the end of the 12th century. Read more: Visiting Perast, Montenegro, from Kotor. Youre likely to have the square mostly to yourself, so you can really appreciate the architecture and take all the photos you want. The city is characterised by its authentic Old Town: A maze of cobbled streets, narrow lanes, stone churches and orange-roofed houses encased in a fortification wall and set against a backdrop of towering mountains. 25 Best Things to do in Kotor 1. I am all about great views, amazing lakes, mountains and city breaks in between. Id love to hear your thoughts: comment below to respond. Rent a car! Check out this highly-rated Kotor Sightseeing Bay Cruise, stopping by many of the attractions further up the bay, including: This boat trip allows travelers to see all of the beautiful islands and stone churches dotting the unique villages in Boka Bay. The fortress is one of the best places to admire the wonderful scenery of the area, with the magnificent mountains surrounding the town. You can do full-day tours that depart from Kotor old town and take you to the best attractions around Montenegro. But Kotor makes a great base from which to explore Montenegro. This is the main tourist area in the city and holds many historical monuments, churches, cathedrals, palaces, museums, and unique, medieval buildings. You can get there via boat, bus (tickets are about 1.20 one-way), or drive there yourself. By Sarah Pavlovic | Copyright 2023 | Montenegropulse.com | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy, Saint Nicholas' Church. Also on Saint Luke's Square, Saint Luke's Church is much smaller, but one of the most important in Kotor old town. Podgorica Airport has flights year round to and from several cities, including London, Zurich, and Frankfurt. Click here to see pricing and availability. If you prefer meat over seafood, go for Balkan grill. Watch your step when walking through the ruins. If that sounds too strenuous: you do not have to climb up all the way for nice views. READ NEXT 19 Sun-Soaked Summer Destinations in Europe GOOD TO KNOW: The tourist office located outside the Sea Gate provides much appreciated free maps of Kotor. Saint Lukes was a Catholic church, but became Orthodox in 1657, when it was Or do you planon staying longer? If you have a car and you are an experienced mountain driver, you can drive the road, but if you really want to enjoy the views, I suggest a tour or hiring a car and driver for the day. For the best view, however, keep climbing up for another 10-20 minutes until you reach the St. Johns Fortress. While not as big as the famous Durmitor National Park or Lake Skadar, Loven National Park is one of the most biodiverse places in Montenegro and is easily accessible from Kotor on a day trip. Its many winding switchbacks lead up to a mountain viewpoint overlooking the Bay of Kotor at approximately 940 meters above sea level. In the evening, wander the streets of the Old Town. In the early morning, the streets are practically empty. The squares come alive and make for great people watching. Every year visitors from all around the globe come to see this idyllic town on the shore of the Bay of Kotor. Other than the quirky Cats Museum, the other visit-worthy museum in Kotor is the Maritime Museum. The old city looks so lovely and I think I would like to stay there and make it a base to explore Montenegro from. Old Town Kotor is small and doesnt really take a long time to explore. From the early part of the 15th century until the end of the 18th century, Kotor was part of the Venetian Republic. With a couple of days or more, you can enjoy the town in the early morning and late evening, when its less crowded and more atmospheric. If you like shellfish go for the mussel buzara (stew) or mixed seafood stew. It is notable for the fact that people from all over Montenegro bring homemade products here. If you are short on time or energy, you can return to town. Budvas Stari Grad is right on the Adriatic Sea. The Kotor fortress walk is one of Kotors top attractions and youll get incredible views of Kotor and the Bay of Kotor all the way up. The Tryphon Cathedral is one of Kotors top attractions, so its generally crowded during the day, especially in season when cruise ships are in port. speedboat tour that takes you to the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks, the Mamula Fortress, and the Blue Cave, Shorter speedboat tours are also available. Some people sell drinks. Kotor is small, but it has several lovely churches. Without doubt the No.1 thing to do in Kotor is visiting the Old Town. These tours take you around the most important sites in the old town and tell you about the history and significance of each. Kotor is such a charming little town that its impossible not to fall in love with it. This is the best way to see Montenegro if you only have a few days in Kotor. Thank you for all the detailed tips. Schedule the climb for early in the day, especially if its warm when you visit. It was a place that I had never heard of before in a country I knew very little about. Just outside the town walls, (between numbers 10 and 11 on the map you get from the information centre by the Sea Gate) youll find vibrant arrays of local produce. Thanks for the inspiration. I did not do a (free) city tour in . Read on to discover the best things to do in Kotor, Montenegro! With its two graceful towers and its stunning location at the base of the mountains, the cathedral is one of the most popular photo spots in Kotor. The fort atop Mount Saint John (also known as Sveti Ivan and San Giovanni) was built 280m above sea level and transformed into a castle as the fortifications developed. Jump down for practical tips for visiting Kotor Things to do in Kotor What to do in Kotor on a cruise Day trips from Kotor Kotor accommodation

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