If you’re planning a trip to Kotor and browsing accommodation options, you might be wondering where the best place to stay actually is. There are lots of options along the Bay of Kotor, from hostels and boutique hotels inside the Old Town to apartments and homestays in the surrounding villages.

During my trip to Montenegro, I actually stayed in two different areas of Kotor. I spent three nights in Dobrota, a quiet waterfront neighborhood just outside the city, and one night right next to the Old Town walls before taking an early morning bus ride to my next destination.

Because of that, I was able to experience both options and have formed some honest opinions about where to stay in Kotor. The best place for you will depend entirely on your travel style, how long you’re staying in Kotor, and what kind of experience you want. Some travelers will prefer the lively atmosphere of the Old Town, while others might enjoy the quieter, more relaxing setting along the bay.

The Main Areas Where to Stay in Kotor

There are a few main areas where travelers usually stay when visiting Kotor. Here’s a summary of each.

Kotor Old Town

This is the historic center of the city, surrounded by medieval stone walls. Staying here puts you right in the middle of the restaurants, bars, and main attractions. It’s also close to Kotor’s bus station which can take you to other cities in Croatia and Albania.

Dobrota

Dobrota is a quiet coastal neighborhood about a 20 minute walk from the Old Town of Kotor. It’s located directly along the bay and has beautiful waterfront views, swimming spots, and more affordable accommodations.

Perast (Further Away)

Some travelers choose to stay in Perast, a small town about a 30 minute bus or car ride from Kotor. I didn’t personally stay there, I just visited for the day, so I won’t go too in depth, but it’s known for its beautiful waterfront hotels and historic architecture. Accommodations tend to be more expensive, so it’s better suited for travelers with a larger budget.

If you stay in Perast, you can still easily visit Kotor during the day while enjoying the quieter atmosphere in the evenings. So it’s still a decent place to stay if you want to explore Kotor.

Why Stay in Kotor Old Town?

1. You Only Have One Day in Kotor

If you’re only spending one day in Kotor, staying inside the Old Town makes the most sense. That way, all the main attractions are within walking distance of your accommodation, along with the bus station so you can easily get to your next destination.

Kotor is a relatively small city, and most of the things to do are located in or around the Old Town. If you stay there, you can easily walk to the Kotor Fortress hike, the harbor for boat tours, the restaurants, and the main squares without needing transportation.

If you are planning a short visit, check out my guide to One Day in Kotor for the exact itinerary I followed to explore the city to the fullest.

2. You’re a Solo Traveler Who Wants to Stay in a Hostel

If you’re a solo traveler who enjoys meeting people and being social while traveling, staying in a hostel near the Old Town is definitely the best option.

I stayed one night at Hostel Pupa, which is located just outside the Old Town walls. The hostel had great common areas that made it really easy to meet other travelers. When I was there, the hostel staff were organizing a group outing to the Kotor Cable Car the following day. Unfortunately I was leaving that next morning, but it looked like a really fun opportunity to spend the day exploring with other travelers.

Another thing I liked about Hostel Pupa was its location. It’s close enough to the Old Town to walk everywhere easily, but also near the bus station, which makes it convenient if you’re arriving or leaving Kotor by bus.

There are lots of great options for hostels in the Old Town, including Old Town Hostel and Hostel Centrum, which are both located inside the city walls and have amazing reviews on HostelWorld.

3. You Want to Be Near Restaurants and Nightlife

Kotor’s Old Town is filled with restaurants, cafes, bars, and small shops, so staying there means everything is right outside your door.

In the evenings, the Old Town has a lively atmosphere with people dining in the squares, listening to live music, or enjoying drinks at outdoor bars. As a solo traveler, you’ll feel safe walking around here at all hours of the day, even at night.

So if you enjoy being in the middle of the action and don’t mind a bit more noise, staying in the Old Town can be a really fun experience.

Why Stay in Dobrota

Even though many travelers stay in the Old Town, Dobrota ended up being my favorite place to stay in Kotor.

1. You’re Staying in Kotor for More Than Two Days

If you’re spending more than one or two days in Kotor, staying in Dobrota is a great option. Kotor is beautiful, but it’s also very small. You can see most of the main attractions in just one day. After that, it’s nice to have somewhere more peaceful to relax.

Dobrota is still close enough that you can easily walk into the Old Town to explore, but you don’t have to spend all of your time there. During my trip, I spent 1 full day exploring Kotor’s Old Town, and then spent the rest of my time relaxing by the water in Dobrota and exploring other nearby places like Perast, which is actually a bit closer to Dobrota than the Old Town.

2. You’re a Solo Traveler Who Wants a Private Stay on a Budget

As a solo traveler, I knew that I wanted to stay in a private apartment with access to a kitchen during my time in Montenegro. After several weeks of traveling in Croatia and mostly staying in hostels, I really wanted some privacy and to be able to cook a few meals. When I looked at apartments inside Kotor’s Old Town, they were all out of my budget, which led me to look at places in Dobrota instead.

That’s how I found Apartments Ivanišević, where I stayed for three nights. I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it to any other introverted solo travelers on a budget. For reference, it was only about €5 more per night than the hostel I stayed at in Kotor’s Old Town, but I had a lot more space, privacy, and a great view.

The apartment was run by a local family who were incredibly welcoming and helpful. They even offered to pick me up from the bus station when I arrived. The studio apartment had everything I needed, including a small kitchen and even a washing machine, which was amazing after weeks of traveling.

The best part, though, was the view of the bay right from the apartment. Oh, and these cats, who belonged to the family and insisted on coming into the apartment and spending time with me. As an animal lover, these cats were the highlight of my time in Montenegro.

So if you’re a solo traveler who prefers privacy and a quieter place to stay, Dobrota is an excellent option.

3. You Want to Spend Time Relaxing by the Water

Another big reason I loved staying in Dobrota is that it’s much better for swimming and relaxing along the bay.

Kotor’s Old Town doesn’t really have many good swimming spots nearby. But in Dobrota, you’ll find lots of small waterfront areas where you can swim or relax by the water.

Many of these “beaches” are actually rocky areas or concrete swimming platforms rather than sandy beaches, but that’s very typical for Montenegro. The water in the bay is incredibly calm and clear, which makes it perfect for swimming.

The walk between Dobrota and the Old Town along the waterfront is also really pleasant. I walked it several times during my stay. There is also a €1 local bus that runs between the two areas, which I used when I moved accommodations with my luggage.

My Honest Recommendation of Where to Stay in Kotor

If I returned to Kotor, I would absolutely stay in Dobrota again.

While I loved exploring the Old Town, I really only needed one full day to see most of the main attractions in Kotor. After that, I was happy to spend the rest of my time relaxing by the bay, swimming, and enjoying the slower pace of Dobrota. It felt much more peaceful than staying inside the busy Old Town.

That said, if you’re only visiting Kotor for a short trip or are a solo traveler looking for a hostel, staying in the Old Town would definitely be the most convenient option. Both areas have their advantages, so the best choice really depends on how long you’re staying and what kind of travel experience you want!