Tivat, Kotor, or Budva: Which Part of Montenegro is Right For You?
When planning a trip to Montenegro, one of the first questions that might come to your mind is where do I stay if it’s my first time in Montenegro?
For the majority of other Balkan countries, the answer is pretty simple — most travelers start their journey in the capital and work outwards, so you might fly and stay in Tirana, Albania, or perhaps Belgrade in Serbia, or even Sarajevo in Bosnia in Herzegovina. Simple, right?
But with Montenegro, it’s a little different.
Montenegro’s capital, Podgorica, is inland and doesn’t offer much to do (for those interested, I have a post on The Most Boring Capital Ever). In fact, most of the action is happening along the Bay of Kotor, which is where “the big three” cities are located. Let’s break it down:
The closest airport is located in Tivat (which must mean it’s the gateway to the Montenegrin coast, right?)
The most popular destination is in Kotor (with fortresses, a beautiful Old Town, and a cruise port, how can it not cinch this coveted title?)
… and all the nightlife is in Budva (which means that’s where all the excitement is?)
To add insult to injury, all three cities are within a 15-30 minute drive of each other!
Phew, I think I added even more confusion to the whole question, didn’t I? Thankfully, that’s what this guide is for!
I’ll be taking you through each of the three cities — what they’re best for, the top attractions, why you should choose one over the other, and some day trips — so that you can confidently decide on whether to choose Tivat, Kotor, or Budva as your base.
A little background info: During our month-long trip through Montenegro, we lived in all three cities and got to know what each place was like. I hope that this guide will serve you well and make it a little easier to plan your travels around Montenegro! :)
PSA: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book something through them. This is at no cost to you and helps keep this site running. Thank you!
TIVAT
Homely, posh, and cute
CLAIM TO FAME: Seaside promenade (Porto Montenegro) and a very convenient airport
CHOOSE TIVAT IF YOU…
📌 Need to rest and recharge after your arrival to Montenegro
📌 Prefer a laid back and calm city away from the tourist crowds
📌 Want to see how the rich and famous live
Let’s start off with Tivat, since this will most likely be your first point of contact with the Bay of Kotor if you’re flying into Tivat airport (TIV).
Similar to Male City in the Maldives, Tivat is a fantastic option if you need a buffer day before starting your trip through Montenegro. The city is perfect to chill out and recharge (especially if you have jetlag!) and ‘get settled’ — i.e. buy a SIM card, get your rental car, or assimilate to your new environment. Tivat was our first city and I’m glad we started here before diving into fast-paced touristy cities like Kotor (our next stop).
Ironically, although Tivat has the most popular airport in the entire country, it is still a very local city. You won’t find it on many ‘Top 20 Jaw-Dropping/Incredible/Must-Visit Places to Visit in Montenegro’ blog posts because, well, it’s not that much of a must-visit destination… which is actually a good thing! Thanks to the relatively low level of tourists, Tivat enjoys a very calm and peaceful atmosphere. This makes it the perfect home base if you prefer to stay away from crowds yet plan to drive into Kotor or Budva for the day.
The extent of Tivat’s “Old Town” 😅
It’s important to note that Tivat does not have an ‘old town’ like Kotor, Budva, or other historical cities in Montenegro. In fact, Tivat is one of the youngest cities along the Bay of Kotor, which explains the lack of historical monuments and attractions. Instead, the city is modernized and reminds me of Monaco, Monte Carlo, or another posh city — you can feel it as soon as you walk along the promenade, carefully manicured palm trees in the background, and see dozens of yachts lined up at Porto Montenegro. If you prefer visiting historical places, I would pass on Tivat.
Likewise, Tivat doesn’t have the same quality of beaches like Budva or Kotor. Most beaches in the city are concrete slabs that open up to the water (unless you count the artificial sand at Waikiki Beach Resort). If you’re looking to enjoy the beaches in Montenegro, I would recommend a seaside destination like Ulcinj instead.
Overall, I recommend choosing Tivat if you need time to get adjusted to Montenegro or prefer a quiet escape away from the crowds of tourists in Kotor or Budva. Otherwise, you can go straight to Kotor or your next destination so as to not lose time on your vacation. :)
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DAY TRIPS FROM TIVAT
🗺 Herceg Novi — If you’re keen on a real adventure, I highly recommend visiting Herceg Novi. It’s less than an hour’s drive and you’ll get to experience the Lepetane – Kamenari ferry across the bay, which is an adventure in itself. Herceg Novi offers a less-crowded version of Kotor, with its historical fortresses, quaint seaside promenade, and cliffside cafes.
🗺 Full Day Montenegro Tour — If you only have a day and want to see (almost) all of Montenegro in one tour, let it be this one! The tour offers pick-ups from Tivat and visits the must-see attractions around the country, including Lovcen National Park and the Njegos Mausoleum, the old capital of Cetinje, the glamorous half-island of Sveti Stefan, and more. Check out the Full Day Montenegro Tour here.
🗺 Lustica Bay — Situated directly across Tivat, Luštica Bay is quickly developing into the next ‘it’ town in Montenegro thanks to its lush wildlife and prime location on the waters. In fact, many people believe that this will be the “next” Tivat because of the posh new developments, hotels, marina, and golf course!
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WHERE TO STAY IN TIVAT
🧳 Regent Porto Montenegro — It’s not an accident that this hotel was listed first. 😉 Regent Porto Montenegro is the cream of the crop in terms of hotels in Tivat. The building itself is built in a Renaissance Venetian style and is a nod to the history of the area, while the inside is elegant, chic, and welcoming. There are about 30 types of rooms available (!), including one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites. I highly recommend booking a room with the Sea View, as it’s absolutely gorgeous! Finally, Regent Porto Montenegro is close to the center yet still peaceful. Travel tip: Don’t miss the pool!
Check Availability & Book @ Booking.com || Hotels.com
🧳 Hotel Palma — Located near the seaside promenade, Hotel Palma features swoon-worthy sea views for an amazing price. Bonus: it even has its own private beach!
Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com
🧳 Boutique Hotel La Roche — At this 5-star hotel, you’ll feel like you’ve had a mini-vacation on top of your vacation! With posh rooms, amazing views, and plenty of amenities, you won’t want to leave. Amenities include a restaurant, a spa, a private beach, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop bar.
Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com
🧳 Apartments Infinity — If you prefer to go local and book an apartment, this is a fantastic option. There are three different options to choose from, all within the same building and just a one-minute walk to Belane Beach.
Check Availability & Book @ Booking.com
KOTOR
The closest you can get to being on the set of Game of Thrones
CLAIM TO FAME: Historical Old Town and fortress
CHOOSE KOTOR IF YOU…
📌 Want to be in the center of all the action: history, cafes, museums, nature, and more!
📌 Plan to do day trips (most start from Kotor)
📌 Want to explore the rest of Montenegro with ease
📌 Love cats :)
The most well-known city in Montenegro, it’s no wonder why Kotor is so popular. From cobblestoned streets beneath historic stone buildings to breathtaking views from the Kotor fortress, streetside cafes, and surprises at every turn, Kotor has everything you need for a full-filled vacation.
In fact, if it’s your first time in Montenegro, I highly recommend choosing Kotor as your base: everything is conveniently located, there are plenty of hotels/apartments/accommodations, and you’ll get a good sense of the Montenegrin culture.
Likewise, thanks to its central location, Kotor is an ideal base if you want to do anything and everything, and especially if you’re short on time and want to cover the highlights.
If you have a few more days, you can head over to neighboring Bay of Kotor villages like Muo or Dobrota, or the beautiful islands of Sveti Juraj (Isle of St George) and Gospa od Škrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks).
Kotor also makes an excellent base if you want to explore the rest of Montenegro with ease — you have Perast and Herceg Novi to the west; Budva, Ulcinj, and the entire southern coast to the south; Podgorica and Skadar Lake to the east; and Niksic and Zabljak to the north. Best of all, the majority of these locations are under a 2-hour drive!
And speaking of day trips, you’ll also have the most choice and variety if you plan to take a tour. Since Kotor is the most popular city to be based in Montenegro, the majority of tour companies depart from Kotor.
LOOKING FOR MORE INFO ON KOTOR? CHECK OUT MY KOTOR TRAVEL GUIDE HERE!
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DAY TRIPS FROM KOTOR
🗺 Perast — A sweet seaside town just 15 minutes from Kotor, Perast exudes charm and a carefree spirit. If you have a free day (or even a few hours!), this is my top pick. Check out my travel guide to Perast here.
🗺 Cetinje — Some 50-kilometers to the east, Cetinje is known as the Old Royal Capital because it was the first ever-capital of Montenegro. You can expect colorful historic houses, beautifully-preserved embassies, and a calmer pace than Kotor. Cetinje is also a great base if you plan to see the Lipa Cave and Lovcen National Park. Check out my Cetinje travel guide here.
🗺 Tara National Park — You’re an adventurous one, aren’t you? Then this is for you! Go from the calm coastline of Kotor Bay to the rushing waters of Tara River as you raft down the deepest river canyon in Europe. For something a little calmer, you can get acquainted with the northern part of Montenegro with a tour to Durmitor, Tara River, and Ostrog Monastery.
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WHERE TO STAY IN KOTOR
🧳 Apartments Sirena— We stayed here for our anniversary and it was an amazing experience across the board! The apartment is a quick 7-minute walk to Kotor and is located in a very peaceful area. The view can’t be described in words— we spent the entire day picnicking on the balcony and looking at the beautiful reflections in the Bay of Kotor. Finally, the host, Jovanna, is so wonderful and hospitable and made us feel at home. :)
Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com
🧳 Old Town Clock Tower Apartment — If you want to be in the center of all the action, this location can’t be beat — it’s located right in the center of Kotor’s Old Town! The apartment features modern renovations yet still keeps its historical charm, especially with the balcony that opens up to the plaza below.
Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com
🧳 Kotor Nest — Modern and colorful decor plus convenient amenities will make you never want to fly from this nest! 😉 Kotor Nest is a modern oasis in the middle of the historical city center. Bonus: there are complimentary guide books (such as Lonely Planet and Fodor’s) available for guests to browse. What a sweet touch, right? :)
Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com
🧳 Historic Boutique Hotel Cattaro – To really get into the historical atmosphere of Kotor, Boutique Hotel Cattaro will do just the trick. Luxurious touches in each room, friendly staff, and a 9.5/10 rating make this one of the best hotels in Kotor.
Travel tip: The hotel sometimes holds special offers, like a complimentary dinner – you can see their current offerings on Booking.com
Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com
🧳 Hotel Vardar — Centrally located in the Square of Arms (the first square after entering through the old walls), Vardar has everything you need for a comfortable trip to Kotor including a fitness center, al fresco dining, and parking. I recommend asking if they have the rooms with a view of the Kotor Bay available, as they’re truly magnificent!
Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com
BUDVA
An all-inclusive, resort feel
CLAIM TO FAME: Nightlife and partaaaays
CHOOSE BUDVA IF YOU…
📌 Want to party all night long
📌 Plan to spend your days relaxing on a beach
📌 Prefer no-fuss vacations and/or don’t want to plan a complex trip
📌 Love glitz, glamour, and luxury
📌 Plan to visit the southern coast of Montenegro (like Ulcinj!)
With no less than a dozen nightclubs and home to a popular summer music festival, it’s no surprise why Budva is known as the “Montenegrin Miami.” If you love to be the life of the party and plan your trips around nightlife, then Budva is definitely calling your name. Similar to Ibiza or Las Vegas, you can expect plenty of booze, upscale nightclubs, and partying it up with local Eastern European tourists.
This could be you ;)
Besides its signature nightlife, Budva also offers more than 30 beaches around its vicinity, from small hidden alcoves to popular spots with everything you need for a relaxing day under the sun. Sunbed and parasol rental? Nearby stores selling unicorn floaties? Bars and cafes with trendy smoothies and cocktails? You can have it all in Budva!
Finally, Budva is great if you want a lavish vacation without putting too much effort into it. Budva is famous for its ritzy and lux atmosphere, especially if you check out the 5-star Sveti Stefan resort (or stay there 😉). There are plenty of spas, resorts, high-end restaurants, cocktail bars, and even villa/yacht rentals for those ballin’ on a champagne budget.
Likewise, Budva is very convenient: you can fly into Tivat airport, take a transfer, and enjoy your week-long vacation at a glamorous hotel of your choice (which Budva has plenty of). Most of these hotels have their own little ecosystem that includes a breakfast lounge, cafes/bars/restaurants, private pools and spas, and more — so you can choose to spend your vacation at your hotel and go sightseeing when it’s convenient.
On the flip side, I also want to be realistic and mention the negatives of staying in Budva. Some travelers might find Budva cliche, cheesy, and over-the-top, especially if they come during the high season. June through August is the most popular time of the year for Budva, and as such, there are bound to be overcrowded beaches, overpriced food and hotels, and drunk tourists making their way home after a long day/night of partying.
I felt the same way when we booked a few days in Budva during our month-long trip around Montenegro. We had already seen ‘traditional’ Montenegrin cities like Kotor, Perast, Herceg Novi, and Cetinje and weren’t too enthusiastic on visiting a party town like Budva (we don’t drink or party 
). In the end, I’m glad we gave Budva a chance because we saw some beautiful sights in the Old Town, tried delicious food, broke up our long trip between Cetinje to Ulcinj, and saw what all the fuss was about Budva.
If you’re undecided about Budva, I can offer you this suggestion: if you don’t have much time in Montenegro, then I wouldn’t add Budva to your itinerary because it’s easily skippable. If, however, you love to party, have a bit more time, or prefer a no-fuss vacation, then go for it. :)
LOOKING FOR MORE INFO ON BUDVA? CHECK OUT MY BUDVA TRAVEL GUIDE HERE!
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DAY TRIPS FROM BUDVA
🗺 Sveti Stefan — A beautiful 15th-century fishing village that’s been turned into a luxury hotel and only a 15-minute drive from Budva. Plenty of opportunities to hike, enjoy the nearby beach, and take postcard-worthy photos.
🗺 Hawaii Island — Also known as Sveti Nikola Island, this island is one of the most popular day trips from Budva. You can get here by taking a ferry boat (the island is located 1 kilometer off the coast) and spend a few hours or an entire day exploring the 2-km wide island.
🗺 Ulcinj — If you’re craving a little adventure, a day trip to Ulcinj is just the answer! Located an hour south of Budva, Ulcinj is a sweet little city that’s famous for its olive groves, beaches, and Albanian culture. Check out my travel guide to Ulcinj here.
🗺 Skadar National Park — Located an hour east of Budva, Skadar Lake is a great place to relax and unwind in nature. Taking the title of the largest lake in southern Europe, you can enjoy a boat trip on the water, go bird watching, explore Virpazar, or stay overnight in a river cottage.
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WHERE TO STAY IN BUDVA
🧳 Fontana Hotel & Gastronomy — Can we just take a moment to appreciate the gorgeous mid-century modern design and blue color palette? 😍
Anyway, back to business: Fontana is located steps away from the main beach and promenade, and has spacious rooms with fantastic views of the sea. Guests love the attention and high level of service from the employees, and, like the name mentions, the food here is delicious.
Check Availability & Book @ Booking.com || Hotels.com
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🧳 Hotel Aleksandar Rafailovići — Want to feel like you’re living the posh lifestyle without paying the $$$ price tag? Voila! With amazing sea views, a private beach, and an upscale interior, Hotel Aleksandar feels like a high-end hotel but with a very moderate price.
Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com
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🧳 Hotel Kadmo — Located in the center of Budva, Hotel Kadmo is a smaller family-run hotel with impeccable service. It’s great for families or romantic getaways, and breakfast is included.
Tip: Book the Deluxe Suite with Sea View to have your own private terrace with a jacuzzi!
Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com
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🧳 Boutique Hotel Vissi d’Arte — Phew, where do I even start? Vissi d’Arte is easily the best-rated hotel in this entire section (it has a 10/10 rating!) and is the epitome of luxury. There are plenty of high-end touches throughout the hotel, such as having a personal butler assigned to you, as well as gorgeous decor. In fact, one reviewer even noted that “the rooms are decorated better than a 5-star hotel, [and] the view leaves you speechless.”
Each suite is equipped with premium beds from Hästens, as well as a personal balcony/terrace, luxury toiletries, and a complimentary breakfast every morning.
Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com
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🧳 La Villa Boutique Hotel — True to its name, La Villa is a lovely boutique hotel with only five suites and very cozy boho decor that’s reminiscent of the Budva riviera.
Thanks to its small size, each guest gets personalized service from the staff from the moment they check in to the daily breakfast, concierge recommendations, and check-out. The hotel is located in the middle of Budva’s old town and features two in-house restaurants: a traditional Mediterranean restaurant called LaVilla and Asian cuisine at Shanghai.
Check Availability & Book @ Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com
See all accommodations in Budva here
LOOKING FOR EVEN MORE PLACES TO STAY IN MONTENEGRO?
Check out my post with 40+ incredible accommodations here!
USEFUL REFERENCES FOR TRAVELING TO MONTENEGRO
Looking for more information before your trip to Montenegro? I recommend the following websites that I personally used:
🛂 Need a visa to Montenegro? Check out iVisa for more information.
✈️ Once you have your visa all set, it’s time to book airline tickets! I use Kiwi to book flights.
🛏 Book accommodations on Booking or Hotels. These two offer fantastic options for every traveler, from hostels to hotels, apartments to penthouses, local guesthouses, and everything in between!
✨ Speaking of amazing accommodations… I have an entire blog post dedicated to the best guesthouses, apartments, and Airbnbs in Montenegro!
📷 Find tours, day trips, or sightseeing activities at Get Your Guide or Viator.
❗️One of the most popular day trips is the All Montenegro Tour. This 12-hour tour gives you a taste of Montenegro as you enjoy breakfast at a local village, tour the Old Royal Capital, visit the birthplace of the Petrović dynasty, enjoy a boat ride through River Crnojevica, and finish the day with a panoramic view of the famous Sveti Stefan.
🚗 Prefer to carve out your own itinerary? Rent a car through RentalCars.com, which has the biggest selection of car rentals and the company that I use whenever I rent a car.
🧳 Not sure what to pack? I have an entire blog post that details what to pack for a trip to Montenegro for all four seasons!
🇲🇪 Looking for even more information before traveling to Montenegro? Check out my Ultimate Montenegro Travel Guide for everything you need to know before your trip OR 17 Montenegro Travel Tips for some bite-sized tips…
🇲🇪 … Or check out all of my blog posts on Montenegro here, including more city guides! Happy travels :)