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

Should you visit Urbino 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 Urbino 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.

Urbino

Urbino is a laid back, historic, and undiscovered town. 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 beautiful, charming, and historic coastal town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Urbino and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular old town
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Urbino or Kotor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kotor than Urbino, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kotor is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Urbino is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Urbino is well known for its Renaissance walls, historic center, and authentic atmosphere. Kotor is well known for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. Also, Kotor is famous for The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral).

How is Urbino different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Urbino
Kotor

Urbino is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

Urbino is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. At the heart of the city are its historical sights. The cathedral is worth a visit, as is The Ducal Palace, but for most visitors, simply soaking up the town's atmosphere is the best experience.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Urbino
Kotor

Kotor is an amazing coastal town to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Kotor have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Urbino makes for a great culinary experience. The city's history has influenced its cuisine. Traditional foods include cornbread, truffles, and meat sausage. While these options aren't as common today, you can still find them if you seek them out.

Is Urbino or Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Urbino
Kotor

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

Urbino has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Because of the large student population, there are usually some fun activities going on at night. You'll find some good bars around town that are fun to hang out at.

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 Urbino or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Urbino
Kotor

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

Urbino is not a resort destination.


Is Urbino or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Urbino
Kotor

Kotor is a coastal town with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Urbino 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.

Urbino is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Urbino or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Urbino
Kotor

Kotor is a coastal town with good options for the beach. However, Urbino 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.

Urbino is not a beach destination.

Is Urbino or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Urbino
Kotor

Kotor is an amazing coastal town to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its 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.

Many visitors go to Urbino to see the historical old town. The historic center feels a bit undiscovered by Italian standards. There are stone houses and the town is built on a steep hill, giving it a beautiful setting.


Is Urbino or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Urbino
Kotor

Kotor is an amazing coastal town to visit for hiking. However, Urbino 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.

Urbino is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Urbino or Kotor?

Urbino
Kotor

Urbino is very good for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Urbino is a great destination for shopping. You'll find galleries, book shops, and jewelry stores around town that are fun to pop into.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Urbino or Kotor Better for Families?

Urbino
Kotor

Kotor is a coastal town with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Urbino is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Urbino is not the most family-friendly destination. The city is filled with history and architecture, which may be lost on the kids. There are the classic Italian restaurants which is a favorite among kids and adults alike.


Is Urbino or Kotor Better for Couples?

Urbino
Kotor

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

Urbino is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. This walled city is fun to explore and can make for a great romantic stop. The city is walled and has many historical buildings which couples will enjoy learning about together.

Kotor is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Urbino or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Urbino
Kotor

Kotor is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Urbino is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Urbino is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not well known by backpackers and there are a very limited number of hostels in the area.

Is Urbino or Kotor Better for Students?

Urbino
Kotor

Urbino is well known for students. However, Kotor is not popular with students.

Urbino is very popular with students. The student population is a large part of this small city. University students are usually happy and enjoy many activities and outings into the surrounding area.

Kotor is not popular with students.


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

Urbino
Kotor

Urbino and Kotor both offer respectable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Urbino. The town is accessible by bus but not by train.

Public transit is generally 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 Urbino or Kotor a more walkable city?

Urbino
Kotor

Kotor is an amazing coastal town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

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

Urbino is somewhat walkable. Many parts of the city are easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Urbino?

How long in Urbino or Kotor?

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

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


  • How many days in Urbino or Kotor? Ideal Length of Stay
    Urbino 1-2 
    Kotor 3-4

One day in Urbino or Kotor?

In Urbino, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this undiscovered destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Kotor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Urbino or Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Urbino. 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.

Kotor is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Urbino or Kotor?

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

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. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Urbino or Kotor?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Urbino. 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 it's a great destination if you're short on time. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Kotor or Urbino?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Urbino is €118, while the average daily cost in Kotor is €100. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Urbino and Kotor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Urbino 53
    Kotor 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Urbino 106
    Kotor 98
Compare Hotels in Urbino and Kotor

Looking for a hotel in Urbino or Kotor? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Urbino


Hotels in Kotor


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Urbino Hotel Prices and Kotor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Urbino 44
    Kotor 9.26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Urbino

Also for Urbino, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Borgo Maggiore to Rimini (RMI) Airport: $108

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kotor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kotor:

  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Kotor: $333
  • Kotor Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Podgorica hotels: $297
  • Podgorica Airport (TGD): Transfer to Kotor Cruise Port: $297
  • Airport Transfer Tivat / Porto Montenegro to Podgorica City: $272
  • Private Transfer from Lustica to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $262
  • Transfer Portonovi / Herceg Novi to Dubrovnik Old Town: $251
  • Private transfer from Kotor to Dubrovnik: $240
  • Private Transfer from Tivat Airport (TIV) to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV): $214
  • Private Transfer from Herceg Novi to Dubrovnik City: $194
  • Private Transfer from Kotor or Perast to Dubrovnik airport: $185
  • Private Transfer from Herceg Novi to Podgorica: $155
  • Private Transfer from Herceg Novi to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $155

Is it cheaper to fly into Urbino or Kotor?

Prices for flights to both Kotor and Urbino change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Urbino 39
    Kotor 43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kotor

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kotor.

  • Kotor City Tour and Cooking Class : $203
  • Kotor private cooking class with lunch and Old town guided tour: $226
  • Kotor and Perast Private Tour with Cooking Class and Boat Ride: $262
  • Cooking class in a local home & old town walking tour: $306

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Urbino 15
    Kotor 8.32

Tours and Activities in Urbino

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Urbino.

  • San Marino: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Entrance Ticket - Titanus Museum: Multimedia Experience: $8.68
  • San Marino Scavenger Hunt and Sightseeing Tour: $8.97
  • Private Guided Tour with Aperitif in Winebar in San Marino: $92
  • Guided group tour of Ducal Palace and National Gallery: $94
  • E-BIKE Tour San Marino for couples: $114
  • Private tour with Welcome KIT in San Marino: $136
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour with certified guide: $139
  • Private Walking Tour with Ducal Palace Ticket: $150
  • San Marino’s Starlit Stroll: A Christmas Walking Tour: $153
  • Private Tour of San Marino: UNESCO World Heritage Site: $172
  • Guided Tour of San Marino at Sunset with aperitif included: $184

Tours and Activities in Kotor

Here are a few actual costs in Kotor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Blue Cave, Lady of Rocks and Mamula Speed Boat Tour : $44
  • "Adriatic Adventure: Blue Cave & Islands Speedboat Tour": $46
  • 1-Day Montenegro Hiking Tour to Durmitor National Park : $119
  • 3 Hour Speed Boat Tour to Blue Cave with WiFi and Drinks: $55
  • 3-Hour Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks Private Speedboat Tour: $294
  • Adventure park ’Lovcen’ and Njegos’s Mausoleum : $198
  • All inclusive - Lovcen tour: $131
  • Bay of 2-Hour Stand Up Paddle Board Tour: $53
  • Bay of 2.5-Hour Kayak Tour: $53
  • Bay of 2.5-Hour Kayak Tour : $55
  • Bike & hike tour : $82
  • Bike tour - Downhill from Njegos Mausoleum to Kotor bay: $134

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Urbino 14
    Kotor 8.51

Sample the Local Flavors in Kotor

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kotor:

  • Private tour: Homemade food and wine tasting at my family home: $125
  • Private National Park Lovcen with food and wine tasting: $136
  • Wine tasting and magical tour from Kotor, Budva, Tivat (Lovcen,Skadar lake): $251
  • National Parks Skadar Lake and Lovcen+Wine tasting (Private tour): $260
  • Skadar Lake National Park with Wine Tasting: $428


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


Which is Bigger, Urbino or Kotor?

Urbino has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Urbino 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 Urbino 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 Urbino or Kotor in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Urbino as well as Kotor. Many visitors come to Urbino in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, 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, Urbino is cooler than Kotor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Urbino in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Kotor averages at about 26°C (80°F).

Urbino usually gets more rain in July than Kotor. Urbino gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Urbino 23°C (73°F) 
    Kotor 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Urbino or Kotor in the Autumn?

Both Kotor and Urbino are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Urbino for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, 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, Urbino is generally cooler than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Urbino average around 15°C (59°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In October, Urbino usually receives less rain than Kotor. Urbino gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Urbino 15°C (59°F) 
    Kotor 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Urbino or Kotor in the Winter?

Both Kotor and Urbino during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Urbino because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

The weather in Urbino can be very cold. Urbino is much colder than Kotor in the winter. The daily temperature in Urbino averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Urbino usually gets less rain in January than Kotor. Urbino gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Urbino 3°C (37°F) 
    Kotor 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Urbino or Kotor in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Urbino and Kotor. The natural beauty are the main draw to Urbino this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kotor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Urbino is cooler than Kotor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Urbino in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Kotor averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Urbino usually receives less rain than Kotor. Urbino gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Urbino 12°C (54°F) 
    Kotor 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kotor and Urbino

Urbino Kotor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Feb 5°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 172 mm (6.8 in)
Mar 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in) 11°C (51°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 19°C (67°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 75 mm (3 in) 26°C (80°F) 47 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 22°C (71°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 15°C (59°F) 77 mm (3 in) 17°C (63°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 11°C (53°F) 224 mm (8.8 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 215 mm (8.5 in)