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

Should you visit York or Kotor?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a historic, medieval, and fanciful city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kotor

Kotor is a historic, peaceful, and remote coastal town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

York and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Kotor?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kotor. Although York and Kotor are both popular with visitors, Kotor has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kotor is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while York is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. York is more touristy than Kotor and is known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. Kotor is popular for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. It is also home to The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral).

How is York different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to York specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both York and Kotor both to be world-class destinations.

For foodies, York is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

Kotor has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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 York or Kotor Better for Nightlife?

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

York is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

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 York or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a moderate coastal town for its resorts. However, York is not a resort destination.

Kotor has a few resort options worth checking out. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

York is not a resort destination.

Is York or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, York 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.

York is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is York or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Kotor is a popular place for its beaches. However, York is not a beach destination.

Kotor is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

York is not a beach destination.

Is York or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the world-class old towns in both York and Kotor.

The historic old town of York is revered around the world. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

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.

Is York or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, York 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.

York is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Kotor?

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

York is a great destination for shopping. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is York or Kotor Better for Families?

York is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

York is one of the most popular family destinations. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Kotor Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both York and Kotor make for a great place to visit.

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

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.

Is York or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both York and Kotor are great destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

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

York 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 York, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around 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 York or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Kotor on foot. The old town is best explored on foot.

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Kotor or York?

How long in York or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either York or Kotor. Both can be explored in comparable amounts of time. In general, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

Couples should spend more time in Kotor than York. 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 York or Kotor?

In York, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this medieval destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 York or Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. 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 York or Kotor?

York is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of York. Lots of people come for the food. 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 York or Kotor?

You'll find food and shopping around the fanciful destination of York. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

Which is Bigger, York or Kotor?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Kotor. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to York 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.

York is much colder than Kotor in the summer. The daily temperature in York averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kotor this time of the year. York usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives more rain than Kotor. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Kotor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to York as well as Kotor. Many travelers come to York for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Kotor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, York is much colder than Kotor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in York in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Kotor averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In the autumn, York often gets less sunshine than Kotor. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. York usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Kotor in the Winter?

Both Kotor and York are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to York in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Kotor for the cuisine during these months.

York can get quite cold in the winter. In January, York is generally much colder than Kotor. Daily temperatures in York average around 4°C (39°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In January, York usually receives less rain than Kotor. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Kotor in the Spring?

Both Kotor and York during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Kotor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

York is much colder than Kotor in the spring. The daily temperature in York averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, York often gets less sunshine than Kotor. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. York usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kotor and York