Where to stay in Montenegro: Kotor or Budva?

When traveling to the beautiful country of Montenegro, many people are unsure whether they should stay in Kotor or Budva.

While both cities offer stunning sights and attractions, there are some distinct differences between them that may make one more appealing than the other depending on your travel needs. 

In this blog post, we will help you decide which one is better for your trip, Kotor or Budva. We have visited both cities multiple times and will give you an overview based on general information mixed with a bit of our own experience.

Spoiler alert, we are fans of Kotor!

Comparing Kotor vs Budva

Kotor and Budva are two of the most visited cities in Montenegro, followed by the capital Podgorica.

A bit about Kotor

Kotor is a city located by the Kotor Bay. It offers very unique landscapes as the city faces the fjords of the bay. The view from the Fortress of Kotor overlooking the Old Town and the waters of the bay is one of a kind.

Kotor is such a special destination that it attracts an enormous number of tourists every year. It gets quite busy during the summer as it is a popular layover for cruise ships.

Kotor and the Kotor Bay are also easily accessible by road from people coming from Dubrovnik, in Croatia. All of these combined make Kotor a very popular destination in Montenegro.

A bit about Budva

Budva, on the other hand, is located by the Montenegrin coast. It is a summer hotspot for travelers looking for a beach destination.

The coastline around Budva is one of the most beautiful I have seen and offers a wide variety of hotels, restaurants, parties, and events to choose from.

One thing Budva has that is very different from Kotor is its modern side. Outside of the old town, you will find very modern buildings and large resorts by the beach. While Kotor is more traditional and old-school, Budva is home to newer construction buildings and hotels.

In the next sections, we’ll go over the main differences between Kotor and Budva to make sure we paint the picture of what it feels like to stay in both of these cities. Our goal is to empower you to make the decision about which one would be the best fit for you: Kotor or Budva.

Kotor vs Budva: Best things to do in each city

Both cities offer a number of attractions and things to see, but each of them has its own special character.

Things to do in Budva

Budva is located further south than Kotor and it has been one of the most popular beach destinations in Montenegro for many years now. While the Old Town of Budva is much smaller, it is just as well preserved as the one of Kotor.

Budva is known for its nightlife and it offers plenty of bars and clubs to keep you entertained during your stay. Because of its agitated nightlife, Budva usually attracts a younger crowd in comparison to Kotor.

Here are some of the best things to do in Budva:

• Enjoy a day at Mogren Beach
• Explore the fortress around Budva to see the Old Town from a different angle
• Go for a romantic dinner at sunset indulging in incredible seafood dishes
• Explore the beaches around Budva

Things to do in Kotor

Kotor is one of the main cities in Montenegro and a very popular choice of place to stay. Kotor breathes culture and history, with the city walls protecting the very well-preserved city center. When compared to Budva, Kotor is a quieter city when it comes to nightlife but it is quite busy in terms of tourist buzz. 

During the summer, almost every day a different cruise ship is docked in the port of Kotor, bringing new groups of visitors into town. However, during the night, things usually get quiet rather soon, which is a great thing for families and quiet couples.

Here are some of the top things to do in Kotor:

• Go on a boat tour in Kotor Bay, with a stop in Perast and the Blue Cave
• Explore Kotor Old Town
• Walk up the fortress of Kotor for the best views of the fjords of Kotor Bay

Kotor vs Budva: Transport and access

Both Kotor and Budva are easily accessible through Montenegro’s main international airports – Podgorica and Tivat.

It takes only 10 minutes to go from Tivat Airport to Kotor and 30 to get to Budva. From Podgorica Airport, it takes 1h to Budva and 1h 30m to Kotor. The difference between each is very small.

Kotor is closer to the Croatian border for all travelers coming from Dubrovnik. If you will be doing a road trip through Montenegro, you may consider this route as it is incredibly scenic and a great way to combine both destinations into one trip.

On the other hand, Budva is more accessible for exploring the rest of the country. Kotor is located inside the Bay, which means the access is done almost exclusively through one road. Depending on the time of day, there can be quite a lot of traffic as most of the way is a single-lane road.

Considering how close the two cities are, I don’t think transport should be a decisive factor when choosing between Kotor or Budva as a place to stay. But, if I had to pick just one, I’d say Budva is a better place to stay and use as a base because of better connections for exploring the rest of the country.

Kotor vs Budva: Which one is cheaper?

Let’s talk prices!

Compared to other European countries, the prices in Montenegro are still on the affordable side for such an incredible beach destination. That being said, there are some differences between prices in Kotor and Budva.

We have found Kotor to have more expensive food options as the number of restaurants available was smaller. I’ll be honest and say that we did like the atmosphere of the restaurants better in Kotor, they felt much more authentic and rustic. They came at a cost that we were happy to pay.

Comparing the Old Town of both Kotor and Budva, the latter had more expensive accommodation prices in general. Budva’s Old Town is quite small so it gets completely crowded during the summer. Prices normally skyrocket.

However, since Budva is located on the coast, there are plenty of accommodation options outside the Old Town walls that are normally much more affordable.

Comparing accommodations in Budva and Kotor

Both Kotor and Budva have many great options of accommodations to offer. But, there is one big difference between both:

Budva has a lot of resorts and modern hotels around it, while Kotor has more rustic accommodations and apartment rentals.

If you are looking for luxury and you like staying in more modern places, Budva is the right place for you. But, if you prefer the historical vibe of the old town, Kotor would be a better place to stay.

To help you out, we have put together a few accommodation options in both Kotor and Budva below:

Places to stay in Kotor

Kotor has plenty of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury boutique hotels. Here are a couple of options to help you plan your trip:

1. Apartmani Art Karampana – This nicely decorated apartment can be found in the heart of Kotor. It’s located only 700 meters away from the beach.
2. Apartments Hun – Another great pick if you wish to stay inside of the Kotor walls. This is one of the best-rated apartments in Kotor.
3. Promenade Rose – This was the place we stayed in Dobrota (see pictures below) and we can’t recommend it highly enough. The apartment had the most amazing view of the bay, had free parking on site, was very organized, and had a great price. All in all, an amazing deal.
4. Apartments Ponta – This is one of the best-rated apartments in Dobrota. This cozy apartment is located just across the street from the beach and is perfect for a calm stay near Kotor.

Read more: Best areas to stay in Kotor

Places to stay in Budva

Budva has many accommodation options, ranging from luxury seaside hotels to smaller family-owned hostels. Here are some of our top picks:

• Hotel Villa Gracia – One of the best-rated properties in Budva. It is located 700 meters from Slovenska Beach and offers private parking.
• Twister Apartments – This unique-looking building is located only 15 minutes walk away from Budva city center, and Mogren beach. It offers modern rooms and free parking.
• Apartments Inspiration – If you want to enjoy inspirational views from your balcony, this is the place to be. Being located only 350 meters from the closest beach and 500 meters from the city center, this property offers amazing views from its balconies.

Where to stay in Montenegro: Kotor or Budva?

By now, you already have a pretty good idea of the two most popular cities in Montenegro. So it is time to decide which one should you stay, Kotor or Budva.

Reasons for staying in Kotor:

Of all the options available for travelers in Montenegro, staying in Kotor may be the best decision you could make. Here are five reasons why: 

1. Kotor has some of the most stunning views in Montenegro. Whether you will be going up to the Fort of Kotor or you will be admiring the view from the balcony of your accommodation, you will love having the view of Kotor Bay and the surrounding mountains.
2. The Old Town of Kotor is a great place to explore during your stay. With its winding cobblestone streets, ancient architecture, and many galleries, shops, and restaurants, you will find plenty to do! 
3. Kotor is located close to many other attractions in Montenegro such as Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks, and the Blue Cave. You can easily make day trips from Kotor to visit these places without having too much travel time.
4. Staying in Kotor can be quite cheaper than in Budva and most of the other coastal cities in Montenegro. Kotor may be less luxurious but you can find great deals on accommodation, especially if you are willing to stay outside of the city walls. Check our guide to see the best areas to stay in Kotor.
5. Last but not least – Kotor has a much more relaxed atmosphere compared to Budva or any of the other crowded beach towns. If you are looking for a laid-back, pleasant experience, Kotor should be at the top of your list.

Reasons for staying in Budva:

Here are a few of the reasons why you would want to choose Budva over Kotor:

1. The nightlife scene of Budva is one of the most lively in Montenegro and there are plenty of bars, clubs, restaurants, and cafes to keep you entertained during your stay. Comparing Budva to Kotor in regards to nightlife is not even fair, as Budva is by far the best destination for going out.
2. Budva is often considered one of the best beach destinations in the country because you have many incredible beaches only a few minutes away. The beaches around Budva have quite a nice structure so they are great for travelers that want a relaxing holiday by the beach.
3. Budva’s Old Town has a handful of nice restaurants to visit during your stay and its location by the sea makes it a great place to stroll around. If you are looking for a place for a surprise romantic dinner, Budva may be the right place for you.
4. Budva has more options for luxurious and high-end accommodations. Around Budva, you will find many options for all-inclusive resorts and modern hotels.

Final verdict: Which one is better, Kotor or Budva?

In conclusion, Kotor and Budva are two great cities to stay at in Montenegro. While Kotor is a more laid-back destination ideal for travelers who want to relax, Budva has the energy of a lively beach resort with plenty of entertainment options. 

At the end of the day, it all comes down to what you are looking for. 

• If you are looking to get away from the crowds and just relax, Kotor is a great option. 
• If you want more of an entertaining holiday by the beach, Budva could be a better choice for you. 

No matter which one you choose – both cities are worth visiting and will make your Montenegrin holiday unforgettable.

More about traveling to Montenegro

• Visiting Skadar Lake
• Renting a car in Montenegro
• Best SIM card for Montenegro
• Visiting Herceg Novi
• Visiting Perast