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

Should you visit Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a overlooked, quaint, and historical city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. 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. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Sarajevo and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sarajevo or Kotor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sarajevo. Although Sarajevo and Kotor are popular destinations, Sarajevo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sarajevo is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Kotor attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Kotor is more touristy than Sarajevo and is popular for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. Sarajevo is famous for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food. It is also well known for The Old Town.

How is Sarajevo different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Sarajevo specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The sights in the city reflect its history and culture. Famous places to visit include Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Latin Bridge, Kovači Memorial Cemetery, and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Eat your way through Sarajevo, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Bosnia isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of food, but it is actually among the best. The dishes are heavy on meat and pastry, with the perfect amount of seasoning. Favorite dishes include Bosnian burek and cevapi. And it's easy to dine your way through this beautiful city as restaurants are very affordable.

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.

Is Sarajevo or Kotor Better for Nightlife?

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

Sarajevo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. After immersing yourself in history for the day, the nighttime offers the perfect opportunity to unwind. Locals and tourists come together at the city's many bars and nightclubs where you can listen to music, dance, or chat with locals over a cold beer.

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 Sarajevo or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo is not a resort destination.

Is Sarajevo or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sarajevo or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Kotor is a good destination for the beache. However, Sarajevo 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.

Sarajevo is not a beach destination.

Is Sarajevo or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

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

With a famous historical old-town, Sarajevo offers plenty to see. The city's old town, which is known as Baščaršija, is filled with a history charm that is unlike any other European city. The wooden shops, wandering lanes, and striking minarets highlight the area's beautiful culture and long-running history.

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 Sarajevo or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Sarajevo and Kotor, and they are first-rate.

Sarajevo is well-known for its hiking and trekking. If you have a way to get out of town, you'll be rewarded with a natural beauty that is untouched and pristine - a rare find in Europe. There are a number of popular trails that are popular with locals and tourists alike. While landmines remain a concern in off-the-beaten-path areas, if you stay on marked trails, they pose no real threat.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Sarajevo or Kotor?

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

Sarajevo is an extremely popular place for shoppers. This city offers a unique opportunity to shop for traditional hand-crafted good in the old town. The goods are handmade and reflect the city's long running history as a center for trade. Popular items for purchase include coffee sets, jewelry, and handmade carpets.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Sarajevo or Kotor Better for Families?

Kotor is a good destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Kotor is a family-friendly coastal town. 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.

Sarajevo doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Older kids will really benefit from the history and cultural lessons that coincide with a visit to this beautiful city. There are also some fun activities that they can enjoy including a zoo, an indoor play area, and an amusement park not far outside of town.

Is Sarajevo or Kotor Better for Couples?

Kotor is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for couples.

Kotor makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Sarajevo is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Romance isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sarajevo, but the city has amazing food and world class cultural sights that will make for a truly rewarding trip.

Is Sarajevo or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sarajevo and Kotor are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Sarajevo. This city is among the most culturally captivating places in Europe. Although it's often overlooked by tourists and backpackers, the affordability, stunning beauty, and unique personality make it a truly amazing place to visit.

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

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

Visitors to Sarajevo can move around easily with public transportation. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

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 Sarajevo or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Kotor. The old town is best explored on foot.

Sarajevo is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the touristy areas in the central part of the city are walkable, but there are also some sights outside of town that you will need a taxi to visit.

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

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Sarajevo?

How long in Sarajevo or Kotor?

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

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

One day in Sarajevo or Kotor?

In Sarajevo, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful 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. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Sarajevo or Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sarajevo. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Sarajevo or Kotor?

Sarajevo is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Sarajevo. 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 popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Sarajevo or Kotor?

You'll find food and shopping around the quaint destination of Sarajevo. 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.

Kotor is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina, The Best Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sarajevo and Kotor, we can see that Kotor is more expensive. And not only is Sarajevo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sarajevo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sarajevo 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 Kotor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kotor than you might in Sarajevo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sarajevo Expensive? and Is Kotor Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sarajevo or Kotor?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo or Kotor in the Summer?

Both Kotor and Sarajevo during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Sarajevo for the hiking, the city activities, 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 July, Sarajevo is generally around the same temperature as Kotor. Daily temperatures in Sarajevo average around 26°C (78°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Kotor, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sarajevo. In the summer, Sarajevo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor. Sarajevo gets 323 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun.

Sarajevo usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Kotor. Sarajevo gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sarajevo or Kotor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sarajevo and Kotor. Many visitors come to Sarajevo in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, 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.

Sarajevo is around the same temperature as Kotor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sarajevo averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kotor this time of the year. Sarajevo usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during autumn. Sarajevo gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Sarajevo usually receives less rain than Kotor. Sarajevo gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Sarajevo or Kotor in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sarajevo as well as Kotor. Most visitors come to Sarajevo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kotor because of the cuisine.

In the winter, Sarajevo is around the same temperature as Kotor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sarajevo in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Kotor averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Sarajevo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor. Sarajevo gets 113 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sarajevo usually gets less rain in January than Kotor. Sarajevo gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sarajevo or Kotor in the Spring?

Both Kotor and Sarajevo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the activities around the city and 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, Sarajevo is generally around the same temperature as Kotor. Daily temperatures in Sarajevo average around 14°C (58°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. In April, Sarajevo usually receives less rain than Kotor. Sarajevo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Sarajevo