How To Spend 2 Days In Kotor, Montenegro

Travel

Jun 16

Cat sitting on fortress walk over Kotor — Cat on the Fortress of Kotor

Woman at top of mountain with Kotor in background — Kotor Bay from above

This summer, instead of the classic Euro spots like Greece, Italy, or France, venture deeper into Europe, away from the crowds, and discover a country that’s off the beaten path. Montenegro may be small, but it packs miles of pristine coastline, lush flora and fauna, towering mountains, and charming medieval villages. Situated on the Adriatic Sea, Montenegro has so much to offer, and Kotor is a city you won’t want to miss.

Kotor, Montenegro: 2-Day Itinerary

Day One: Ancient History

Coffee at Patisserie by Wine House — Almond milk latte from Patisserie by Wine House

8:30 AM • Breakfast at Patisserie by Wine House

Start your morning at this cozy corner café, where the extensive drink menu ranges from creamy coffees and fresh-pressed juices to boozy brunch cocktails. Order a croissant sandwich or a breakfast bowl, and browse the pastry case for a sweet treat or grab-and-go option. Patisserie by Wine House has plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Snag one of the small tables lining the streetside and count how many cats walk by.

Kotor city wall over water — Kotor City Wall

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM • Get Lost in Kotor’s Old Town

I love exploring a new area in the morning as the city is still waking up. Kotor has a vibrant nightlife, so people will still be sipping their coffees at this time, and the cruise ships have not disembarked yet, leaving the city all to you.

The Old Town was designed as a labyrinth as a defensive measure to confuse invaders (centuries later, it’s still confusing tourists). Kotor is a small city, so it’s okay to get a little lost and meander the winding side streets to discover the city’s secrets. Be sure to spot:

The Town Clock Tower in the Square of Arms
St. Tryphon’s Cathedral
St. Nicholas Church
The ancient city wall and its four gates

Four cats on the bench — Cats soaking up the sunshine on a bench in Old Town

Walking around, you’ll also see the star of the show: Cats! Introduced in the early 1900s to keep rodents at bay, the friendly felines have overrun the city. The cats are super sweet and will jump into your lap as you sit at a street-side café.

11:30 AM • Pick Up Snacks at the Farmer’s Market

Just outside the Sea Gate exit of the city wall, the outdoor market offers a selection of local produce. Grab cherries, if they are in season, and a few other snacks before heading toward the port for a boat ride.

Woman swimming in Adriatic Sea — Swimming in the Adriatic Sea

12:00 PM - 3:00 PM • Kotor Bay Boat Tour

Cruise the Bay of Kotor aboard a motorboat. During peak season, book online in advance. During shoulder season, you can walk down to the bay and buy your tickets at the time of the tour. There are multiple companies leading boat tours, but they all offer the same destinations at about the same price, so pick any option available. Tours leave promptly at 9 AM, 12 PM, and 3 PM, and last approximately 3 hours.

You’ll visit iconic Montenegro sites like:

Our Lady of the Rocks Church
The Blue Cave
Secret submarine tunnels carved into the mountains

There is also a swimming spot where you can take a refreshing dip in the Adriatic Sea. This was a highlight of my trip.

3:00 PM • Late Lunch at La Catedral Pasta Bar

This popular restaurant should be quieter in the late afternoon. Sit at an outdoor table and enjoy a comforting bowl of pasta paired with an Aperol spritz. They have vegetarian choices.

Stone steps with cat sitting on wall — Ladder of Kotor

5:00 PM • Hike the Ladder of Kotor to Kotor Fortress

After lunch, lace up your hiking shoes and head to the trailhead next to Moritz Eis (near the Church of St. Mary Collegiate). A steady climb up roughly 1,350 stone steps leads to Kotor Fortress. The hike should take between 1–1.5 hours. This trail is in full sun and will be very hot during the summer; bring sunscreen and plenty of water.

Note: Montenegro has snakes and can be buggy during the summer. Wear bug repellent and watch your step.

Kotor Fortress wall with window — Window that leads from the Fortress to secret bar

Church in Kotor mountains — Church in the mountains

Red Trail Marker — Red trail markers to follow

7:00 PM • Sunset Drinks at the Secret Mountain Spot

Your hike doesn’t end there. After you’ve explored the fortress and enjoyed the views of the bay, go on a little adventure. Look for the window on the first level of the fortress near the stairs you hiked up that is marked with a small red circle on the outer wall. You’ll have to peek through the window to see the red marking. And jump out! There used to be a ladder, but it’s since been removed, making this descent a little more difficult. I’m 5’6” and was fully dangling out the window, and still had to drop the last few inches. If you’re short, have a tall friend go first and help you down.

You’re officially off-roading it now. Follow the red dots through the mountainside, past a picturesque church, until you reach a hidden mountain house. This family has opened their home to hikers searching for a mountaintop refreshment. Try a fiery shot of plum rakija (a local specialty), chat with fellow hikers, and toast the sunset over the bay.

Mountaintop house with refreshments — Mountaintop home serving refreshments to hikers

To descend, follow the gravel switchbacks for a different route. This trail will drop you outside the River Gate (north city gate).

Note: You could walk this trail up to avoid paying the Fortress entrance fee, but without the ladder, it may prove difficult to pull yourself up and through the window. If you’re tall or have friends to help you, give it a try!

8:00 PM • Dinner & Nightlife in Old Town

Old Town buzzes with life after dark. Busy restaurants, live music, and lively bars line the city squares. For younger travelers, the Old Town Hostel (add link) often hosts karaoke nights or bar crawls to keep the party going all night.

Day Two: Mountains & Valleys

10:00 AM • Breakfast at Mon Bistro Café

Ease into the day with a leisurely breakfast and a cup of strong coffee. Sit in the sun and embrace the laid-back vibes of the Balkans.

Bike in bike lane near Kotor Bay — Bike ride along the coast

11:00 AM • Coastline Bike Ride

Rent a bike for €10/day and ride through the valley. You can pre-book online or walk up to any bike vendor on the day. I found a bike rental by walking along the port. Pedal toward Dobrota on quiet roads with dedicated bike lanes. Tuck in tight on curves, as cars can sometimes whip through the town, thinking they are alone on the road. Drivers in Montenegro can be crazy. Stop to swim at one of the many small beaches dotting the shore. This path goes on for miles, so bike as far or as little as you’d like.

1 PM • Bayside Lunch

Cycle back to Old Town and stop at one of the many bayside restaurants in Dobrata for a seafood lunch. Moments Restaurant is highly recommended by locals. Sit on the rooftop for live music and bay views.

3 PM • Kotor Cable Car Adventure

Ascend into the mountains on the Kotor cable cars. You’ll get sweeping views of the mountains and valley from overhead. Spend a few hours at the top, hiking trails, snapping photos at viewpoints, and riding the alpine coaster. You could even stay at the top for dinner at one of the restaurants.

You can either drive to the cable car or book a combined shuttle and cable car ticket online. (ADD LINK) Book online or book in person at Kotor’s main bus station.

7 PM • Goodbye Gelato

Cap off your Kotor getaway with a scoop of authentic gelato. Moritz Eis and Marshall’s Gelato are great options with unique flavors.

Winding side streets through Kotor, Montenegro — Winding streets in Old Town

Montenegro Miscellaneous Tips

Affordable, but… Montenegro is a budget-friendly location, but you need to account for an odd “service fee” here and there. You may be asked for a few euros to bring a bag on a bus, use a restroom, or for the convenience of using a digital ticket. It’s all very off-book but part of the experience. Just remember, locals are trying to make their income off of the tourist season.
Cash is king: Have cash on hand for the surprise fees, tickets to enter the fortress, bike rentals, etc.
Language: Montenegrin is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Pack smart: Bring a bathing suit, walking shoes, sunglasses, and a water bottle. The Balkans are hot during the summer!

Cats on the streets of Kotor — Cats everywhere!

Final Thoughts

Of all the places I visited in Montenegro, Kotor was my favorite for its blend of history, adventure, and laid-back seaside charm. Steal this itinerary, go explore, and drop me a message to tell me about your own Kotor adventure!

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