A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint-Etienne vs. Kotor for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a park-filled, industrial, and undiscovered city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and museums.

Kotor

Kotor is a beautiful, charming, and historic 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.

Saint-Etienne and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint-Etienne or Kotor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kotor. Although Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Kotor is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular 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). Saint-Etienne is famous for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Saint-Etienne different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint-Etienne or Kotor?

Saint-Etienne is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

Saint-Etienne is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Saint-Etienne or Kotor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kotor is an amazing coastal town to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Saint-Etienne or Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Etienne is very good for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Saint-Etienne has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs 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 Saint-Etienne or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a resort destination.

Is Saint-Etienne or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint-Etienne or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Kotor is a good destination for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Kotor offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Saint-Etienne or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Kotor is an amazing coastal town to visit for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Kotor offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is an amazing coastal town to visit for hiking. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Etienne or Kotor?

Saint-Etienne is a city with a few options for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saint-Etienne or Kotor Better for Families?

Both Saint-Etienne and Kotor are nice family-friendly destinations.

Saint-Etienne offers lots of family activities. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

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 Saint-Etienne or Kotor Better for Couples?

Kotor is great for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Saint-Etienne or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kotor is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

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.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

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

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are tram and bus options available in 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 Saint-Etienne or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor is an amazing coastal town to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting? and Is Kotor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Saint-Etienne?

How long in Saint-Etienne or Kotor?

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

Families should spend more time in Kotor than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne or Kotor?

In Saint-Etienne, many people enjoy the nightlife and museums that this park-filled 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. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Saint-Etienne or Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kotor. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Saint-Etienne or Kotor?

Saint-Etienne is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the destination of Saint-Etienne. 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. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in Saint-Etienne or Kotor?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Saint-Etienne. 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 small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

When comparing the travel costs between Saint-Etienne and Kotor, we can see that Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne Expensive? and Is Kotor Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint-Etienne or Kotor?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne or Kotor in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint-Etienne as well as Kotor. Many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Kotor in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint-Etienne is generally cooler than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 22°C (71°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 Saint-Etienne this time of the year. In the summer, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Saint-Etienne gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets more rain in July than Kotor. Saint-Etienne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Kotor in the Autumn?

Both Kotor and Saint-Etienne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Kotor for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Saint-Etienne is cooler than Kotor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Kotor. Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during autumn. Saint-Etienne gets 127 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. In October, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than Kotor. Saint-Etienne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Kotor in the Winter?

Both Kotor and Saint-Etienne during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kotor because of the cuisine.

Saint-Etienne can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Saint-Etienne is much colder than Kotor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint-Etienne in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Kotor averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Saint-Etienne gets 62 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. Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in January than Kotor. Saint-Etienne gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Kotor in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Etienne and Kotor. The spring months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

In April, Saint-Etienne is generally cooler than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 11°C (53°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during spring. Saint-Etienne gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than Kotor. Saint-Etienne gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Saint-Etienne