Kotor vs Budva: Detailed Comparison – Where Should You Stay in Montenegro?

Kotor and Budva are the two main rivals for tourists' attention on Montenegro's coast, yet they could not be more different in character. The short version: Kotor is quiet evenings inside medieval walls beneath dramatic mountains, while Budva offers long beaches, clubs and full-service resort infrastructure. Only 22 km separates them (about 30 minutes by car), so your choice of base sets the tone for the entire trip.

Key takeaways:

• Distance between the cities – 22 km, buses run every 30–60 minutes, ticket costs 3–4 €.
• Beaches: Budva has dozens of beaches for every taste; Kotor has virtually no beach of its own – the nearest swimming spots are inside the bay.
• Accommodation: Kotor apartments average 15–25% more due to limited supply within the Old Town.
• Food: average lunch costs are comparable – 10–15 € – but Budva has more fast food and street food options.
• Nightlife: clubs and bars – Budva wins hands down; Kotor is about intimate wine bars and jazz spots.
• Parking: a critical problem in both cities, but in Kotor finding a spot is far harder.
• Nearest airport – Tivat (9 km to Kotor, 22 km to Budva).

Kotor is an open-air museum squeezed between the Bay of Kotor and the mountain of St. John. Kotor Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – a maze of stone alleys barely a metre wide, where every turn reveals another square or medieval church. There is no "resort" feeling here; instead, you get a sense of having stepped back several centuries. Cats are the unofficial symbol of the city and seem to outnumber humans.

Budva is the opposite in energy. It is Montenegro's tourist capital, featuring a long promenade, dozens of beachfront hotels and a club scene that runs until sunrise in peak season. Budva Old Town is more compact than Kotor's and feels more polished – more shops and restaurants, less raw history. But the beach-holiday infrastructure here is the best in the country.

Key nuance: in July–August, Budva gets so packed that walking from the beach to dinner becomes a challenge. In Kotor on the same dates, cruise ships dock and tour groups fill the Old Town, but they leave by evening.

This is the deciding factor for anyone after sun and sea. Budva wins by a wide margin.

From Budva, you can also take a boat to Sveti Nikola Island (5–10 €, 15 minutes) for fewer crowds and cleaner water. From Kotor, people swim near Perast or visit Our Lady of the Rocks, but that feels more like an excursion than a beach day.

Both cities offer everything from hostels to boutique hotels. The difference is in the structure of supply.

In Kotor, the main stock is stone apartments inside or near the Old Town walls. Supply is limited, so high-season prices spike and booking 2–3 months ahead is essential. In Budva, competition is fierce – dozens of hotels line the coast, plus there are apartments in neighbouring Becici and Rafailovici at slightly lower prices.

For booking, Booking.com or Trip.com work well, especially for early reservations – the difference versus walk-in rates can reach 30–40%.

Tip: to save money while staying within reach of both cities, consider Tivat as a base. It sits exactly between them, prices are lower and the airport is walkable. For more detail, check our guide to the most charming apartments.

The average lunch costs 10–15 € in both cities; dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant runs 30–90 € depending on the venue. The difference is variety and style.

In Kotor, intimate stone-walled restaurants dominate: seafood, squid-ink risotto, local wines. A cappuccino in the Old Town costs around 2–3.50 €, a beer 2.50–4 €.

In Budva, the range is wider – from pizzerias and fast food at 7–10 € to upscale fish restaurants on the promenade. Street food (burek, ćevapi) costs 3–5 €. For self-catering, large supermarkets are available (inside Kotor's walls, only small shops exist).

For more on local cuisine, see the guide to wine and culinary tours in Montenegro.

Buses between Kotor and Budva run every 30–60 minutes (3–4 €, 30–45 min ride). A taxi costs 25–35 €, though in season drivers often quote 40–50 €. Check out the taxi guide for Montenegro for tips.

Within each city:

In Kotor, you do not need a car – the Old Town is pedestrian and everything is within a 15-minute walk. The main headache is parking: limited spaces, 1–2 € per hour in summer, free zones fill by 9 AM. More details in the parking guide.

In Budva, the city stretches along the coast and if your hotel is 2–3 km from the Old Town, walking is impractical. For trips along the Budva Riviera (Becici, Rafailovici, Petrovac), renting a car through Localrent is convenient – from 20–35 € per day. Full breakdown in the car rental article.

From the airport:

Tivat is the closest airport to both cities. Kotor is 9 km away (10–15 min), Budva is 22 km (25–35 min). Pre-book a transfer via Kiwi Taxi or Welcome Pickups. Full details in the airport transfer guide.

In Kotor, the key sites are Old Town itself (free), the climb to Castle of San Giovanni (8 € admission, 1 350 steps and one of the best views on the coast), Cathedral of St. Tryphon (4 €) and the Maritime Museum. Boat excursions to Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks also depart from here.

In Budva, highlights include Old Town with the Citadel (3.50 €), the Ballerina Statue (free, perfect photo spot), Mogren Beaches and day trips to Sveti Stefan (15 minutes by car). Tours are easy to book through GetYourGuide or Viator.

This one is straightforward – Budva is Montenegro's nightlife capital. The promenade and Old Town area turn into one large party: clubs, live-music restaurants, karaoke bars. The season runs from late May to September, peaking in July and August.

Kotor is for those who value quiet after 11 PM and a glass of wine beneath medieval church walls. A handful of atmospheric jazz bars and wine spots exist, but there is no real "scene." The exception is occasional live-music evenings on the squares in summer.

For exploring the wider coast, check the itinerary guide for 1–7 days.

Mobile internet works reliably in both cities. To save on roaming, consider an eSIM – check our eSIM comparison for Montenegro. Check visa requirements for your nationality before travelling.

Travel insurance is worth arranging in advance. A basic 7-day policy through EKTA starts from around 7 €. If you plan rafting or hiking, opt for an extended cover. Details in the Montenegro insurance guide.

1. Which is better to stay in – Kotor or Budva?

It depends on your priorities. If beach holidays and nightlife are the focus, Budva is the better fit. For a calm, culture-driven holiday with evening strolls through a historic centre, choose Kotor. They are only 22 km apart, so visiting the other by bus (3–4 €) is easy.

2. Can you swim in the Bay of Kotor?

Yes, the bay water reaches 24–26 °C in summer. However, beaches are few and small – they cannot compare with Budva's coastline. For a proper beach day, head to Budva, Becici or Kamenovo Beach.

3. How much is a taxi from Kotor to Budva?

25–35 € by meter; in high season drivers may ask 40–50 €. The bus costs just 3–4 € and runs regularly. More on fares in the taxi guide.

4. Where is accommodation cheaper?

Budva – thanks to greater competition. Studio apartments start from 35 € per night versus 50 € for a comparable option in Kotor. Even cheaper options can be found in Tivat or Herceg Novi.

5. Should I rent a car if I'm based in one of these cities?

For Kotor – probably not: parking is expensive and scarce. For Budva – useful if you plan to visit Sveti Stefan, Petrovac or the mountains. Rentals via Localrent start from 20–35 € per day. Full details in the car rental guide.

Kotor and Budva are not competitors – they are two poles of the same coastline. The optimal approach is to spend part of your holiday in each, taking advantage of their proximity. If forced to choose one base: Budva delivers more "classic beach and entertainment," while Kotor offers depth of impression and tranquillity. First-time visitors who want a bit of everything will find Budva the safer bet. For return visits or longer stays, Kotor rewards richly.

See also:

• Affordable Seaside Hotels: Budget-Friendly Stays Without Compromise
• Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Montenegro
• Public Transport in Montenegro: Is It Convenient to Travel Without a Car?
• Top Luxury Hotels in Montenegro

• Numbeo – current prices in Montenegro
• EKTA – travel insurance
• Localrent – car rental in Montenegro
• Booking.com – hotel prices
• Trip.com – hotel prices
• Montenegro – Montenegro National Tourism Organisation