City Walls
City Walls
4.5
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
Read more
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience City Walls and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
150 within 3 miles
Attractions
139 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,794 reviews
Excellent
1,142
Very good
506
Average
121
Poor
19
Terrible
6
AndiM74
Eugene, OR237 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
We got up early to hike the walls and began around 7:15. We had done research and had heard that there was free entry outside of the hours 8am-8pm. The sign outside the entry has these hours too. However, they have changed the starting hours to 7am. And entry has gone up to 8Euro per person over 12. We paid the somewhat hefty fee and enjoyed the beautiful and challenging hike. Views are incredible. However, for the fee, it’s not maintained very well. Full garbage containers, little signage or directions. They did provide an info pamphlet with the ticket. The hike is very worth it but it’s always helpful to have posted hours and fees.
Written July 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helena L
Malmesbury, UK864 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We avoided the €8 per person entry fee by starting off on the Ladder of Cattaro route. This track zig-zags up the mountain behind the River Gate. It is a steady climb on a firmed stone track and far easier than the 1350 steps.
Once you reach a small shack selling goats cheese and ice creams, follow the main track as it zig-zags behind the house but then follow the straight on path that starts to go down hill, via steps, to an abandoned chapel. In front of you are the walls and if you look right there is a step ladder through a gap in the walls. Once through the gap you are on the main City Wall trail about 200 steps below the peak.
The views throughout were fantastic.
You need stout shoes. Trainers or hiking shoes would be ideal. One of my sons did it in crocs and struggled. That said I saw a few wearing flip flops snd they looked good. Water is a must!
We walked down on the main trail via yhe 1350 steps. No issues.
Once you reach a small shack selling goats cheese and ice creams, follow the main track as it zig-zags behind the house but then follow the straight on path that starts to go down hill, via steps, to an abandoned chapel. In front of you are the walls and if you look right there is a step ladder through a gap in the walls. Once through the gap you are on the main City Wall trail about 200 steps below the peak.
The views throughout were fantastic.
You need stout shoes. Trainers or hiking shoes would be ideal. One of my sons did it in crocs and struggled. That said I saw a few wearing flip flops snd they looked good. Water is a must!
We walked down on the main trail via yhe 1350 steps. No issues.
Written August 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AlexSwallow
Sheffield, UK1,548 contributions
Oct 2022
We weren't sure whether to head up the main city walls or to go up the Ladder of Kotor, just a little bit out of town. I am pleased in every way that we chose the Ladder. The way is easier and there were almost no people around. At first we planned to just go up a little bit but we were enjoying it so we went higher and moved across so that we joined the main walls.
The only thing to watch out for (which would put some people off) is that to get between the Ladder and the main walls there was a literal ladder that we needed to climb and then scramble through a low gap. It might be that there is another way around but just thought it best to warn you.
Once we were through the gap we were rewarded with the amazing sights of Kotor from the main walls. There were so many more people and as we headed down the steps I thought they would have been much harder and less fun to climb than the way we had gone. Even better when we reached the bottom I realised that if we had come the more popular way we would have had to have paid a fee to come up (I had previously thought that was just for the summer season but it didn't look like it).
The walls themselves are amazing and the views of the bay are spectacular. The walls are lit up at night and later the same day I walked around the bay to the other side in the dark and seeing the walls lit up encircling the city was again, spectacular.
So definitely go, but choose your route carefully and see which is best for you, given the time you have.
The only thing to watch out for (which would put some people off) is that to get between the Ladder and the main walls there was a literal ladder that we needed to climb and then scramble through a low gap. It might be that there is another way around but just thought it best to warn you.
Once we were through the gap we were rewarded with the amazing sights of Kotor from the main walls. There were so many more people and as we headed down the steps I thought they would have been much harder and less fun to climb than the way we had gone. Even better when we reached the bottom I realised that if we had come the more popular way we would have had to have paid a fee to come up (I had previously thought that was just for the summer season but it didn't look like it).
The walls themselves are amazing and the views of the bay are spectacular. The walls are lit up at night and later the same day I walked around the bay to the other side in the dark and seeing the walls lit up encircling the city was again, spectacular.
So definitely go, but choose your route carefully and see which is best for you, given the time you have.
Written October 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
doctorbobster
Gainesville, FL964 contributions
Oct 2020
If you are physically capable of handling the 1000+ steps, The ancient city walls of Kotor offer an incredibly well-preserved series of structures including the cobblestone ramp to the top, buildings in various states of preservation and decay, the wall itself and, as you get progressively higher some spectacular views of the bay and surrounding mountains.
Best to avoid the heat of the midday but if you do go late and are going to run into sunset, a headlamp is a smart idea. The footing on the steps is pretty reliable, but you will want footwear that you can trust. Fluids and a snack or also a smart idea.
Best to avoid the heat of the midday but if you do go late and are going to run into sunset, a headlamp is a smart idea. The footing on the steps is pretty reliable, but you will want footwear that you can trust. Fluids and a snack or also a smart idea.
Written October 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jan V
Rochester, NY32 contributions
Jul 2022
We walked all the way up the walls of Kotor to the top, and it was a very long climb. The views are great, and the history is interesting, but unfortunately the way up is not too well maintained, with broken pavement, graffiti on almost every surface, and decrepit shrines leading to the small chapel halfway up.
It was also very hot and there was no place to get water or to rest, except for one freelance vendor with a cooler full of overpriced water and soda. Benches, canopies for shade and someplace to get water would make this a much better experience.
It was also very hot and there was no place to get water or to rest, except for one freelance vendor with a cooler full of overpriced water and soda. Benches, canopies for shade and someplace to get water would make this a much better experience.
Written July 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PavlaPavla
Chrudim, Czech Republic6,172 contributions
Aug 2022
Walking around the old walls was one of the nicest parts of visiting Kotor for me. I walked on the walls from Bembo Bastion, to Kampana Tower, through the archway of Duke's Palace to Gurdić Gate in the southern part of the city. I didn't go to the hill, I just enjoyed lower part of the city walls. You could see the harbor and the mountains all the time. There weren't many people there, so it was a very nice walk.
The lower part of the city walls was free. If you want to climbe 1400 steps to the hill to the fort you have to pay €8.
The lower part of the city walls was free. If you want to climbe 1400 steps to the hill to the fort you have to pay €8.
Written August 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Phill
Fareham, UK47 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
It is well worth doing.
Wear good shoes.
Go before the cruise ship passengers arrive.
It costs €8, not sure where that goes but worth it. Apparently you can take a path that’s free.
The steps can be narrow & off the steps can be slippery.
The amount of litter laying around is a disgrace I would of liked my €8 to pay for either more bins or litter pickers.
There is a derelict fort at the top & not a lot else. The views are breathtaking though.
Wear good shoes.
Go before the cruise ship passengers arrive.
It costs €8, not sure where that goes but worth it. Apparently you can take a path that’s free.
The steps can be narrow & off the steps can be slippery.
The amount of litter laying around is a disgrace I would of liked my €8 to pay for either more bins or litter pickers.
There is a derelict fort at the top & not a lot else. The views are breathtaking though.
Written October 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Aga
Dubai, United Arab Emirates87 contributions
Aug 2021
Climbing the walls is a must. If you fit it takes max 40 min to make it to the top. Morning is a nice climb as there is no sun on that side of a bay however afternoon climb is rewarded with most beautiful sunset you can see in Montenegro 😍
Written August 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Daniel J
4 contributions
Apr 2022
The hike is worth it, had lots of fun, and I would go back!
Pros: fresh air, great views of the Bay, nature, city and cruises (if any). You get to exercise. You go at your own pace and visit whatever you want to visit. There's more than stairs since you get different panoramas and "checkpoints" after some time. There are many trails you can take when you reach the middle and wander around. (make sure if you go off-trail you might injure yourself if you fall, or you might find wild animals. I found a snake that attacked me and almost bit me)
I really liked the fact that there aren't any signs or modern barriers, so you feel like you are hiking the original walls and not a Disneyland manmade attraction!!
Cons: No accessibility: not ideal for persons with movement disabilities or older people. It was somewhat expensive. Crowded, many people going up and down at the same time and the stairs/trails aren't very spacious.
Pros: fresh air, great views of the Bay, nature, city and cruises (if any). You get to exercise. You go at your own pace and visit whatever you want to visit. There's more than stairs since you get different panoramas and "checkpoints" after some time. There are many trails you can take when you reach the middle and wander around. (make sure if you go off-trail you might injure yourself if you fall, or you might find wild animals. I found a snake that attacked me and almost bit me)
I really liked the fact that there aren't any signs or modern barriers, so you feel like you are hiking the original walls and not a Disneyland manmade attraction!!
Cons: No accessibility: not ideal for persons with movement disabilities or older people. It was somewhat expensive. Crowded, many people going up and down at the same time and the stairs/trails aren't very spacious.
Written April 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Brittany_11_10
Los Angeles, CA1,631 contributions
May 2021
The incredible views along the way up and at the top make this little hillside stair climb definitely worth the sweat. It's not really shady, so best be prepared with hat and/or sunscreen if you go on a sunny day.
Depending on which side you start from, you might have to pay but also you might not have to. It's not an officially-run hike, per se, but at one entrance (I'm not sure how to describe it b/c we kind of meandered through Old Town and then found some stairs up to a turnstile being "run" by some guy) it seemed we had to pay, and then when we came down and out another entrance, there was no one collecting money. We probably could have hiked without paying, but it's worth paying for, so...
There are some nice spots along the way for a snack or picnic, while the top is pretty exposed.
Depending on which side you start from, you might have to pay but also you might not have to. It's not an officially-run hike, per se, but at one entrance (I'm not sure how to describe it b/c we kind of meandered through Old Town and then found some stairs up to a turnstile being "run" by some guy) it seemed we had to pay, and then when we came down and out another entrance, there was no one collecting money. We probably could have hiked without paying, but it's worth paying for, so...
There are some nice spots along the way for a snack or picnic, while the top is pretty exposed.
Written July 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AndrewMichae1
Palma de Mallorca, Spain1 contribution
What time do the walls open? Can you go super early like 6am?
bucketlistbabs
Santa Barbara, CA47 contributions
My husband would like to not go to the top but stay at the bottom while I go, are there things for him to do at the bottom? Thank you ❤️
Laura L
Chicago, IL288 contributions
Absolutely, a lovely old town with museums, shops, restaurants, and old churches. Great gelato stands, too.
Iryna Teslia
Pereiaslav-Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine7 contributions
Is there any other path where you can go up to the city walls without paying 8€?
frankiepankie
The Netherlands105 contributions
Just go on time (8:00). We walked through the old city the path up the hill. According to the tourist information the entrance fee is €8 but in the morning there was nobody yet, we saw the ticket selling at the entrance when we came back down.
silvia836
Buckinghamshire, UK119 contributions
hey kev that was 3 years ago do you have any idea if that route is still available ? kind regards silvia
June A
Surrey, UK2,486 contributions
I think you may have asked this in the wrong place. If you want to ask a specific reviewer a question it's best to message them direct by clicking on their profile. Whoever Kev is he is unlikely to see it here.
Andreas K
Baku, Azerbaijan
Ηι. We are a group of 8 people and we have planned to stay for one night at the hotel RENDEZ VOUS. We will have 3 hours from 18:00 to 21:00. We would like to have a tour of the most important sights. Start point will be our hotel and end at a restaurant or tavern (that if you had your kindness to suggest us). We would like local food if it is possible and beautiful sea views. We would prefer to be close to the hotel. Would we like to know the total costs for the group and what points we will see. Many thanks Andreas
nmm766
1 contribution
We're planning to walk today but wondering is it suitable for children aged 8-10?
Tom S
Alvechurch, UK92 contributions
Personally I'd say no. I don't remember seeing any children when I went last week. It's quite demanding... there are viewing points though before you get to the top, so maybe don't expect to be able to make it all the way up. If you do, use the access with steps from within the Old Town.
City Walls (Kotor) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about City Walls
- We recommend booking City Walls tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 City Walls tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near City Walls:
- (0.02 mi) Spacious apartment in the heart of the Old Town
- (0.03 mi) Palazzo Max and Alex Apartments
- (0.04 mi) La Dolce Vita II❤️ of UNESCO Kotor Luxury 1BR place experience Medieval magic
- (0.04 mi) La Dolce Vita Ⅰ❤️of UNESCO Medieval Kotor Luxury 1BR close to caffes & restaura
- (0.04 mi) La Dolce Vita l ❤️ of UNESCO Kotor Luxury 1BR place - Experience Medieval Magic
- Restaurants near City Walls:
- (0.02 mi) Bastion
- (0.03 mi) Snack bar "BOKUN"
- (0.04 mi) Gelateria Sol
- (0.06 mi) Resto Bar Taraca
- (0.11 mi) Little Bay Old Town