A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Imperia vs. Kotor for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Nightlife

Should you visit Imperia or Kotor?

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

Should I visit Imperia or Kotor? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Imperia

Imperia is a authentic, charming, and undiscovered town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kotor

Kotor is a remote, dramatic, and scenic coastal town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Imperia and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Imperia or Kotor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kotor than Imperia, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kotor is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Imperia is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Kotor is more touristy than Imperia and is known for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. Also, Kotor is famous for The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral). Imperia is well known for its access to the Ligurian coastline.

How is Imperia different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Imperia or Kotor?

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

Imperia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several interesting buildings of importance around town.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kotor is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Kotor is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Imperia. Food ranges from typical Italian dishes to local recipes that use local ingredients. Unique ingredients in the area include trumpet zucchini, flat breads, and anchovies.

Is Imperia or Kotor Better for Nightlife?

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

Imperia has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.

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 Imperia or Kotor Better for Resorts?

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

You might not think of Kotor as a resort destination, but it has a few places. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Imperia is not a resort destination.

Is Imperia or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Imperia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Kotor has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Imperia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Imperia or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Kotor is a popular place for the beach. However, Imperia is not a beach destination.

Kotor is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Imperia is not a beach destination.

Is Imperia or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Kotor is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Imperia does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Kotor can be explored in its historical center. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Imperia does not have a historic old town.

Is Imperia or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Imperia is not a hiking destination.

People visit Kotor specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Imperia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Imperia or Kotor?

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

Imperia is a great destination for shopping. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Imperia or Kotor Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Imperia or Kotor.

Imperia is a family-friendly place to visit. There's some nice walking trails in the countryside that the kids will enjoy.

Kotor is a family-friendly town. 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 Imperia or Kotor Better for Couples?

Kotor is notable for couples. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Kotor is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Imperia is a nice destination for couples. It's a beautiful town with a nice atmosphere that offers a nice break from the tourist crowds.

Is Imperia or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kotor is notable for backpackers. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kotor is a very popular coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Imperia is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Accommodation tends to be affordable and there's an off-the-beaten-path vibe that some backpackers will appreciate.

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

Imperia is very good for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Imperia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.

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 Imperia or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Imperia is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are convenient to walk around.

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

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Imperia?

How long in Imperia or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Imperia or Kotor. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kotor due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Imperia, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

Families should spend more time in Kotor than Imperia. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Kotor, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Kotor than Imperia. 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 Imperia 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.

One day in Imperia or Kotor?

In Imperia, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. This 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. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This coastal town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Imperia or Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Imperia. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Imperia or Kotor?

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

Kotor is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Imperia or Kotor?

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic destination of Imperia. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kotor. Since Kotor is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

When comparing the travel costs between Imperia and Kotor, we can see that Imperia is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Imperia or Kotor?

Imperia has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Imperia 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 Imperia 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 Imperia or Kotor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Imperia and Kotor. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Imperia this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kotor for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Imperia is around the same temperature as Kotor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Imperia in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Kotor averages at about 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kotor this time of the year. In Imperia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Imperia usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during summer. Imperia gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Imperia usually receives less rain than Kotor. Imperia gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Imperia or Kotor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Imperia as well as Kotor. Many travelers come to Imperia for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Kotor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Imperia is generally a little warmer than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Imperia average around 19°C (66°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In the autumn, Imperia often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Imperia gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Imperia usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Imperia gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Imperia or Kotor in the Winter?

Both Kotor and Imperia are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Imperia in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Kotor for the cuisine during these months.

Imperia is much warmer than Kotor in the winter. The daily temperature in Imperia averages around 11°C (51°F) in January, and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Imperia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor during winter. Imperia gets 127 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, Imperia usually receives less rain than Kotor. Imperia gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Imperia or Kotor in the Spring?

Both Kotor and Imperia during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Imperia for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kotor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Imperia is around the same temperature as Kotor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Imperia in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Kotor averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Imperia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor. Imperia gets 198 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. Imperia usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Imperia gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Imperia