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

Should you visit Rome or Kotor?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Rome and Kotor can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Rome

Rome is a fun-filled, popular, and ancient city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. 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.

Rome and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rome or Kotor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Rome than Kotor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Rome is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Kotor is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Rome is more touristy than Kotor and is known for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. Also, Rome is famous for The Colosseum. Kotor is well known for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs.

The Colosseum

How is Rome different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Rome is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Rome that are not to be missed. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Rome and Kotor can be an enjoyable experience.

Many restaurants in Rome have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

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.

Is Rome or Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Rome is a world-class destination for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

People head to Rome just to party. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

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 Rome or Kotor Better for Music?

Rome is a world-class destination for live music. However, Kotor is not a live music destination.

Rome is a world class music destination. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Kotor is not a live music destination.

Is Rome or Kotor Better for Resorts?

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

Rome is not a resort destination.

Is Rome or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor is a coastal town with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rome is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Rome is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rome or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Kotor is a coastal town with good options for the beach. However, Rome is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Kotor. 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.

Rome is not a beach destination.

Is Rome or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Kotor is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Rome does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Kotor offers plenty to see. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Rome does not have a historic old town.

Is Rome or Kotor Better for Hiking?

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

Around Kotor visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

Rome is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rome or Kotor?

Rome is a world-class destination for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Rome is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Rome or Kotor Better for Families?

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

Rome is a very family-friendly place to visit. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

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 Rome or Kotor Better for Couples?

Both Rome and Kotor are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Couples visit Rome frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

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 Rome or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Rome is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

Many backpackers visit Kotor. 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 Rome or Kotor Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over the world to visit Rome. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

Kotor is not popular with students.

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

Rome is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Rome can get you around easily. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

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 Rome or Kotor a more walkable city?

Rome and Kotor both are amazing when exploring on foot.

Getting around Rome on foot is easy. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Rome?

How long in Rome or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Rome or Kotor. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Rome due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Rome, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rome 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 Rome.

One day in Rome or Kotor?

Each neighborhood in Rome has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

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 Rome or Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rome. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. 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 Rome or Kotor?

Rome is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Rome has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Rome or Kotor?

Each neighborhood in Rome has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

Which is Bigger, Rome or Kotor?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 480 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Rome 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 Rome 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 Rome or Kotor in the Summer?

Both Kotor and Rome are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Rome in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Kotor for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Rome is around the same temperature as Kotor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rome in July average around 25°C (77°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 Rome. Rome usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor during summer. Rome gets 338 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rome usually receives less rain than Kotor. Rome gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rome or Kotor in the Autumn?

Both Kotor and Rome during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Rome for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Kotor because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In Kotor, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Rome often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor. Rome gets 198 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. Rome usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Rome gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rome or Kotor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rome and Kotor. The winter months attract visitors to Rome because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the cuisine are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

Rome is a little warmer than Kotor in the winter. The daily temperature in Rome averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Rome usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor during winter. Rome gets 127 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, Rome usually receives less rain than Kotor. Rome gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rome or Kotor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rome as well as Kotor. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Rome this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Kotor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Rome is around the same temperature as Kotor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rome in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Kotor averages at about 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rome this time of the year. In the spring, Rome often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor. Rome gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Rome usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Rome gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Rome