A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Montpellier vs. Kotor for Food, Old Town, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Montpellier or Kotor?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Montpellier and Kotor. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a beautiful, friendly, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kotor

Kotor is a peaceful, remote, and dramatic coastal town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and food.

Montpellier and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montpellier or Kotor?

Both Kotor and Montpellier have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Montpellier is better known for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Kotor is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Montpellier is well known for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. Kotor is well known for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs.

How is Montpellier different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Montpellier specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kotor is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Kotor, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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 Montpellier. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Montpellier or Kotor Better for Nightlife?

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

Montpellier has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're 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 Montpellier or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a coastal town with a few options for its resorts. However, Montpellier 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.

Montpellier is not a resort destination.

Is Montpellier or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Montpellier is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Montpellier is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Montpellier or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is well known for its beaches. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

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.

Is Montpellier or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the first-rate old town areas in both Montpellier and Kotor.

With a famous historical old-town, Montpellier offers plenty to see. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

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.

Is Montpellier or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

Kotor is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Montpellier or Kotor?

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

Montpellier is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Montpellier or Kotor Better for Families?

Both Montpellier and Kotor are notable family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Montpellier. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

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 Montpellier or Kotor Better for Couples?

Montpellier and Kotor both high quality destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Montpellier frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Kotor is a great city if you're traveling as 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 Montpellier or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier and Kotor are high quality places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Montpellier is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Kotor is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Is Montpellier or Kotor Better for Students?

Montpellier is a world-class destination for students. However, Kotor is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Montpellier. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

Kotor is not popular with students.

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

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

Visitors to Montpellier can move around easily with public transportation. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

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 Montpellier or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Kotor on foot is easy. The old town is best explored on foot.

Montpellier is very walkable. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

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

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Kotor?

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

Families should spend more time in Kotor than Montpellier. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montpellier than Kotor 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 Montpellier.

One day in Montpellier or Kotor?

In Montpellier, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city 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 Montpellier or Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montpellier. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Montpellier or Kotor?

Montpellier is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Montpellier. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Montpellier or Kotor?

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly destination of Montpellier. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, The Best Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Kotor?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Montpellier 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 Montpellier 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 Montpellier or Kotor in the Summer?

Both Kotor and Montpellier are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Montpellier for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kotor in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Montpellier is cooler than Kotor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montpellier in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Kotor averages at about 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Kotor. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. Montpellier usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor during summer. Montpellier gets 351 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Kotor. Montpellier gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Montpellier or Kotor in the Autumn?

Both Kotor and Montpellier during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Montpellier in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kotor for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Montpellier is generally around the same temperature as Kotor. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 15°C (60°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Kotor, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Montpellier often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Montpellier gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. Montpellier usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Montpellier gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Kotor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montpellier and Kotor. Most visitors come to Montpellier for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Kotor because of the cuisine.

Montpellier is a little warmer than Kotor in the winter. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Kotor during winter. Montpellier gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Kotor. Montpellier gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Montpellier or Kotor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Montpellier as well as Kotor. The spring months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

In the spring, Montpellier is cooler than Kotor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montpellier in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Kotor averages at about 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. In the spring, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Kotor. Montpellier gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Montpellier usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Montpellier gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Montpellier