A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Baden-Baden vs. Kotor for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Baden-Baden or Kotor?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Baden-Baden or Kotor, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is a historic, relaxing, and nature-oriented spa town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kotor

Kotor is a historic, peaceful, and remote coastal town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Baden-Baden and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Baden-Baden or Kotor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kotor. Although Baden-Baden and Kotor are popular destinations, Kotor has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kotor is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Baden-Baden attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Baden-Baden is famous for its many thermal baths, spas and wellness centers, as well as its cultural venues and festivals. Kotor is famous for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. It is also well known for The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral).

How is Baden-Baden different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kotor and Baden-Baden. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Baden-Baden or Kotor?

Baden-Baden
Kotor

Baden-Baden is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

Baden-Baden is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The spa town has many places worth visiting including the Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Baths, the Museum Frieder Burda, and Altes Schloss Hohenbaden.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Baden-Baden or Kotor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baden-Baden
Kotor

Foodies will find both Baden-Baden and Kotor both to be terrific destinations.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Baden-Baden is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. There are Michelin starred restaurants and many opportunities to sip wine and sample local cuisine. Many consider the Baden cuisine to be among the best in Germany. You'll find wine, sausages, game meat, poultry, and more. Make sure you try the Rehrücken Baden-Baden (Roe Deer), Käsespätzle (cheese spatzle), and Schäufele (pig's shoulder).

Many restaurants in Kotor have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

Is Baden-Baden or Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Baden-Baden
Kotor

Baden-Baden is very good for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Baden-Baden has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are trendy, upscale bars and many fine dining opportunities. There's also a casino and a club in town.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Baden-Baden or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Baden-Baden
Kotor

Kotor is a moderate coastal town for its resorts. However, Baden-Baden is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Kotor offers a few options. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Baden-Baden is not a resort destination.


Is Baden-Baden or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Baden-Baden
Kotor

Kotor is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Baden-Baden is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Kotor has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Baden-Baden is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Baden-Baden or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Baden-Baden
Kotor

Kotor is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Baden-Baden is not a beach destination.

Kotor has a beach worth visiting. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Baden-Baden is not a beach destination.

Is Baden-Baden or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Baden-Baden
Kotor

Kotor is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Baden-Baden does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Kotor is revered around the world. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Baden-Baden does not have a historic old town.


Is Baden-Baden or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Baden-Baden
Kotor

Kotor is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Kotor draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Baden-Baden. Located near the Black Forest, you'll find a number of great hikes and walking trails just outside of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Baden-Baden or Kotor?

Baden-Baden
Kotor

Baden-Baden is very good for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Baden-Baden is a great destination for shopping. The city is filled with boutiques that sell jewelry, chocolate, designer fashion, and fine wine. There are several pedestrian shopping streets including the popular Lange-Strasse.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Baden-Baden or Kotor Better for Families?

Baden-Baden
Kotor

Baden-Baden is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Baden-Baden is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of opportunities to get into nature with hikes and wildlife reserves. There's also a funicular and castles to explore as well as several kid-friendly museums.

Kotor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.


Is Baden-Baden or Kotor Better for Couples?

Baden-Baden
Kotor

Baden-Baden and Kotor are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Baden-Baden is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a spa town, so there are thermal baths that couples can enjoy. There are also many gardens and walks through the countryside. The old town is picturesque and the castles are fun to explore.

Kotor makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Is Baden-Baden or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Baden-Baden
Kotor

Kotor is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Baden-Baden is not a good spa town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kotor is a great coastal town to visit for backpackers. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

Baden-Baden is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find a hostel or two in town, but most of the tourists aren't backpackers so you may have trouble meeting other like-minded travelers.

Is Baden-Baden or Kotor Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Baden-Baden
Kotor

Both Baden-Baden and Kotor offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Baden-Baden. There are a number of bus lines that run around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.


Is Baden-Baden or Kotor a more walkable city?

Baden-Baden
Kotor

Kotor is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Kotor on foot. The old town is best explored on foot.

Baden-Baden is a somewhat walkable spa town. It's possible to walk around parts of town, but it's easier to explore with a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Baden-Baden Worth Visiting? and Is Kotor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Baden-Baden?

How long in Baden-Baden or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Baden-Baden or Kotor. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kotor due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Baden-Baden, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

Couples should spend more time in Kotor than Baden-Baden. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kotor that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kotor than Baden-Baden if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Kotor.


  • How many days in Baden-Baden or Kotor? Ideal Length of Stay
    Baden-Baden 1-3 
    Kotor 3-4

One day in Baden-Baden or Kotor?

In Baden-Baden, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this nature-oriented destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This spa town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Kotor is a small town with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Baden-Baden or Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Baden-Baden. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.


Five days in Baden-Baden or Kotor?

Baden-Baden is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Baden-Baden. Lots of people come for the food. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Because Kotor is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Baden-Baden or Kotor?

You'll find food and shopping around the relaxing destination of Baden-Baden. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Since Kotor is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Germany, The Best Bicycle Tours in Germany, The Best Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Kotor or Baden-Baden?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Baden-Baden is €154, while the average daily cost in Kotor is €100. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Baden-Baden and Kotor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Baden-Baden 87
    Kotor 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Baden-Baden 174
    Kotor 98
Compare Hotels in Baden-Baden and Kotor

Looking for a hotel in Baden-Baden or Kotor? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Baden-Baden


Hotels in Kotor


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Baden-Baden Hotel Prices and Kotor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Baden-Baden 33
    Kotor 9.26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kotor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kotor:

  • Tivat hotels to Kotor Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $16
  • Private Transfer from Kotor Cruise Port to Tivat hotels: $16
  • Private Transfer from Tivat airport to Tivat city or Porto Montenegro: $27
  • Private Transfer from Tivat or Porto Montenegro to Tivat airport: $27
  • Kotor Cruise Port to Tivat Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $33
  • Tivat Airport (TIV) to Kotor Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $33
  • Enjoy Private Transfers by Car or Van from Tivat Airport to Kotor or Budva: $44
  • Kotor Cruise Port to Podgorica Airport (TGD) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
  • Private Transfer from Kotor Cruise Port to Podgorica Airport(TGD): $47
  • Deluxe private transfer from or to Portonovi: $52
  • Transfer Tivat Airport - Kotor Old Town (and viceversa): $53
  • Transfer Tivat Airport to Kotor old town : $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Baden-Baden or Kotor?

Prices for flights to both Kotor and Baden-Baden change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Baden-Baden 41
    Kotor 43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kotor

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kotor.

  • Kotor City Tour and Cooking Class : $203
  • Kotor private cooking class with lunch and Old town guided tour: $226
  • Kotor and Perast Private Tour with Cooking Class and Boat Ride: $262
  • Cooking class in a local home & old town walking tour: $306

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Baden-Baden 34
    Kotor 8.32

Tours and Activities in Baden-Baden

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Baden-Baden are as follows:

  • Powerful Women Themed Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Private Guided KNUMO e-Scooter Tour VIP: $138
  • Family Adventure Stroll: Exploring Baden-Baden’s Treasures: $232
  • Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $248
  • Family Adventure Stroll: Exploring Baden-Baden’s Treasures: $252
  • Romance in Baden-Baden – Private Walking Tour: $252
  • Christmas Market Walking Tour: $254
  • Baden-Baden Yuletide Stroll: Experience the Festive Charm: $359
  • Scenic Baden-Baden Walking Tour: Discovering Historic Charm: $373
  • Baden-Baden Private walking tour: $374
  • Private Walking Tour in Baden Neuweirs Vineyard: $653

Tours and Activities in Kotor

Here are a few actual costs in Kotor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private Walking Tour in Kotor : $22
  • Kotor Old Town - City Walking Tour: $24
  • Kotor Old Town Walking Tour: $24
  • Panorama and Semi-Submarine Underwater Experience: $24
  • Tour Kotor - Perast Old Town - Island Our Lady of the Rocks - Every 2 hours: $26
  • Boat Tour to Perast Old Town & Our Lady of the Rocks: $27
  • Whole Boka Bay Cruise with Ship Knez Lipovac: $33
  • Kotor Old Town Small-Group Walking Tour: $33
  • Blue Cave and Lady of the Rocks Boat Tour: $33
  • Shore Excursion - Handwoven Carpet Workshop, Local wine and Kotor Old Town tour : $34
  • Blue Cave Speedboat Tour from Kotor: $35
  • Speedboat tour Kotor Blue Cave, Our Lady of the Rock,swiming: $37

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Baden-Baden 12
    Kotor 8.51

Sample the Local Flavors in Kotor

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kotor:

  • Private tour: Homemade food and wine tasting at my family home: $125
  • Private National Park Lovcen with food and wine tasting: $136
  • Wine tasting and magical tour from Kotor, Budva, Tivat (Lovcen,Skadar lake): $251
  • National Parks Skadar Lake and Lovcen+Wine tasting (Private tour): $260
  • Skadar Lake National Park with Wine Tasting: $428


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Baden-Baden and Kotor, we can see that Baden-Baden is more expensive. And not only is Kotor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kotor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kotor and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Baden-Baden would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Baden-Baden than you might in Kotor.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Baden-Baden Expensive? and Is Kotor Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Baden-Baden or Kotor?

Baden-Baden has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Baden-Baden and Kotor, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Baden-Baden or Kotor?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Baden-Baden or Kotor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Baden-Baden and Kotor. Most visitors come to Baden-Baden for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kotor because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Baden-Baden is generally cooler than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Baden-Baden average around 20°C (67°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kotor this time of the year. In Baden-Baden, it's very sunny this time of the year. Baden-Baden usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during summer. Baden-Baden gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Baden-Baden usually receives more rain than Kotor. Baden-Baden gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Baden-Baden 20°C (67°F) 
    Kotor 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Baden-Baden or Kotor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Baden-Baden as well as Kotor. The autumn months attract visitors to Baden-Baden because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

Baden-Baden is much colder than Kotor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Baden-Baden averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In the autumn, Baden-Baden often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Baden-Baden gets 91 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Baden-Baden usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Baden-Baden gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Baden-Baden 11°C (52°F) 
    Kotor 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Baden-Baden or Kotor in the Winter?

Both Kotor and Baden-Baden are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Baden-Baden this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kotor for the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Baden-Baden in the winter. In the winter, Baden-Baden is much colder than Kotor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Baden-Baden in January average around 2°C (35°F), and Kotor averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Baden-Baden usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during winter. Baden-Baden gets 35 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In January, Baden-Baden usually receives less rain than Kotor. Baden-Baden gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Baden-Baden 2°C (35°F) 
    Kotor 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Baden-Baden or Kotor in the Spring?

Both Kotor and Baden-Baden during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Baden-Baden for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kotor in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Baden-Baden is generally cooler than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Baden-Baden average around 10°C (50°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Baden-Baden often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Baden-Baden gets 154 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Baden-Baden usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Baden-Baden gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Baden-Baden 10°C (50°F) 
    Kotor 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kotor and Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden Kotor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 172 mm (6.8 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in) 19°C (67°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 109 mm (4.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 20°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 47 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 75 mm (3 in) 11°C (53°F) 224 mm (8.8 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 215 mm (8.5 in)