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

Should you visit Pisa or Kotor?

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

Should I visit Pisa 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.

Pisa

Pisa is a iconic, world-famous, and classic 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 dramatic, scenic, and beautiful coastal town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Pisa and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pisa or Kotor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pisa. Although Pisa and Kotor are popular destinations, Pisa has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pisa is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Kotor attracts visitors for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Pisa is more touristy than Kotor and is popular for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere. It is also well known for The Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kotor is famous for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

How is Pisa different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Pisa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kotor is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and 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.

Dining out in Pisa is an experience not to be missed. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

Is Pisa or Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Pisa is well known for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Pisa is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

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 Pisa or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Pisa 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.

Pisa is not a resort destination.

Is Pisa or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Pisa 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.

Pisa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pisa or Kotor Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Pisa and Kotor are nice choices.

Pisa is a good option for a beach vacation. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

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.

Is Pisa or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Kotor is terrific for its old town. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Is Pisa or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is terrific for hiking. However, Pisa 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.

Pisa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pisa or Kotor?

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

Pisa is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Pisa or Kotor Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Pisa or Kotor.

Pisa offers lots of family activities. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

Kotor is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Pisa or Kotor Better for Couples?

Kotor is a great coastal town for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Kotor is a great coastal town 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.

Pisa is a good city for couples to visit. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Pisa or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Pisa and Kotor are great places to visit.

Many backpackers visit Pisa. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

Kotor is a very popular city 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.

Is Pisa or Kotor Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over the world to visit Pisa. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

Kotor is not popular with students.

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

Pisa 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 Pisa, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

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 Pisa or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Kotor is a very easy coastal town to get around on foot. The old town is best explored on foot.

Pisa is a very walkable destination. The city is a great place to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Pisa?

How long in Pisa or Kotor?

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

Families should spend more time in Kotor than Pisa. 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 Pisa. 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.

One day in Pisa or Kotor?

In Pisa, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this iconic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Pisa or Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pisa. 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 is a fun place to experience. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Pisa or Kotor?

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

Kotor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Pisa or Kotor?

You'll find food and shopping around the classic destination of Pisa. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Because Kotor is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

Which is Bigger, Pisa or Kotor?

Pisa has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Pisa 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 Pisa or Kotor?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Pisa or Kotor in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Pisa as well as Kotor. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pisa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kotor for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Pisa is generally cooler than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Pisa average around 23°C (73°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kotor. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pisa this time of the year. In the summer, Pisa often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Pisa gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun.

Pisa usually gets less rain in July than Kotor. Pisa gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pisa or Kotor in the Autumn?

Both Kotor and Pisa are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Pisa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Kotor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Pisa is around the same temperature as Kotor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pisa averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Kotor. Pisa usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during autumn. Pisa gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. It's quite rainy in Pisa. In October, Pisa usually receives less rain than Kotor. Pisa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Pisa or Kotor in the Winter?

Both Kotor and Pisa during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Pisa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kotor for the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Pisa is a little warmer than Kotor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pisa in January average around 7°C (45°F), and Kotor averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Pisa often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Pisa gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Pisa usually gets less rain in January than Kotor. Pisa gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pisa or Kotor in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pisa and Kotor. Most visitors come to Pisa for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Kotor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Pisa is generally cooler than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Pisa average around 13°C (55°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Pisa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor during spring. Pisa gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the spring. Pisa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Pisa usually receives less rain than Kotor. Pisa gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Pisa