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

Should you visit Inverness or Kotor?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Inverness and Kotor can help you decide which place is right for you.

Inverness

Inverness is a local, historic, and cultural city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kotor

Kotor is a dramatic, scenic, and beautiful 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.

Inverness and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Inverness or Kotor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kotor. Although Inverness and Kotor are popular destinations, Kotor has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kotor is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Inverness attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Inverness is more touristy than Kotor and is known for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness. 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 Inverness different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Inverness is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Inverness specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As a city rich in culture and heritage, you'll find a number of sights and museums in town. Check out the Highland House of Fraser, Culloden Moor, and Clava Cairns.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kotor is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Kotor has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Inverness has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city makes a great spot to fill your belly after a few days exploring the Scottish Highlands. You'll find local restaurants that serve up regional specialties, and when the weather's nice, there are some spots with outdoor seating.

Is Inverness or Kotor Better for Nightlife?

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

Inverness has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind with this town, but there are actually lots of distilleries in the area and there's a surprising number of high quality bars and pubs that make for a fun 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 Inverness or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a moderate coastal town for its resorts. However, Inverness 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.

Inverness is not a resort destination.

Is Inverness or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Inverness is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Kotor. 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.

Inverness is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Inverness or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Kotor is very good for the beache. However, Inverness is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Kotor to enjoy the beach. 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.

Inverness is not a beach destination.

Is Inverness or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Kotor is terrific for its old town. However, Inverness does not have a historic old town.

Kotor has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Inverness does not have a historic old town.

Is Inverness or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is terrific for the nearby hiking options. However, Inverness is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Kotor specifically for its hiking. 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.

Inverness is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Inverness or Kotor?

Inverness is well known for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Inverness is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The town is at the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands you'll find plenty of local shops where you can pick up local products. Make sure you check out the Inverness Victorian Market.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Inverness or Kotor Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Inverness or Kotor.

Inverness is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has some parks and activities that are great for kids. Make sure you explore Inverness Castle and the Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail.

Kotor is a family-friendly city. 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 Inverness or Kotor Better for Couples?

Kotor is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Inverness is a good city for couples to visit. Located in the Scottish Highlands, there ae many scenic spots and nice activities that couples can enjoy in the area.

Is Inverness or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kotor is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Inverness is not a good city 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.

Inverness is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There a some hostels and student hotels, but this isn't one of the major backpacker spots in the UK.

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

Both Inverness and Kotor offer reasonable public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Inverness. There are local buses that pass through the 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 Inverness or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Inverness is a very walkable destination. It's compact enough that you can explore much of the town on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Inverness?

How long in Inverness or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Inverness 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 Inverness, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

Families should spend more time in Kotor than Inverness. 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 Inverness. 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 Inverness 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 Inverness or Kotor?

In Inverness, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Even though Kotor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Inverness or Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Inverness. 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 is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Inverness or Kotor?

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

Kotor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Inverness or Kotor?

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

Kotor is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Inverness and Kotor, we can see that Inverness 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 Inverness would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Inverness 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 Inverness Expensive? and Is Kotor Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Inverness or Kotor?

Inverness has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Inverness 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 Inverness 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 Inverness or Kotor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Inverness and Kotor. The summer months attract visitors to Inverness because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

In July, Inverness is generally much colder than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 14°C (58°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kotor this time of the year. Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during summer. Inverness gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Inverness usually receives more rain than Kotor. Inverness gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Inverness or Kotor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Inverness as well as Kotor. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Inverness this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kotor for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Inverness is much colder than Kotor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 9°C (49°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, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Inverness gets 84 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Inverness usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Inverness gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Inverness or Kotor in the Winter?

Both Kotor and Inverness are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Inverness for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Kotor in the winter for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Inverness. In the winter, Inverness is much colder than Kotor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Inverness in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Kotor averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during winter. Inverness gets 42 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, Inverness usually receives less rain than Kotor. Inverness gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Inverness or Kotor in the Spring?

Both Kotor and Inverness during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Inverness in the spring for the small town charm. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kotor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Inverness is generally much colder than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 7°C (44°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Inverness gets 136 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. Inverness usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Inverness gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Inverness