Nestled between lush mountains and a sparkling waterfront, Kotor is alive with history, and culture. It’s so old that its fortified city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – think red roofs and stone buildings, pretty churches and great restaurants. Impressive, eh?
Combined with a buzzing nightlife, this is the sorta place you could really get lost for a few days… or more! The Old Town itself is a beaut but my favourite part about Kotor are the views from the town and all along the coast. Dreamy.
But… is there anywhere to stay in a town like this? Is it just, y’know, a local place for local people? Can you even STAY inside this heritage site?
Yes, no, and yes.
I’ve gone through the best hostels in Kotor and sorted them by category just to make life that little bit easier for you. There are actually a reasonable number of places to stay INSIDE the walls of the Old Town but plenty just outside it too.
Whether you’re down to party, get some work done or just after the cheapest bed in town, I’ve got you covered.
So, let’s dive in and find which hostel in Kotor is best for YOU.
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Kotor
- Best Overall Hostel in Kotor – Montenegro Hostel 4 U
- Best Hostel in Kotor for Solo Travellers – Pupa Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Kotor – Hostel Centrum
- Best Party Hostel in Kotor – Old Town Hostel
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Kotor – Kotor Nest Coliving
The 5 Best Hostels in Kotor
Kotor is one of the most popular places to stay in Montenegro – and for good reason! Whether you’re looking for the best party hostel, the cheapest place in town or somewhere to knuckle down and get some work done, I’ve got you covered… let’s dive into the BEST hostels in Kotor, Montenegro.
1. Montenegro Hostel 4 U – Best Overall Hostel in Kotor
- Dorm (mixed): From $48 (2-night stay)
- Address: Dobrota Donji put bb, Kotor, Montenegro
If you don’t wanna party then, sorry, this ain’t the place for you. This is a fun, social hostel, so if you can stand a bit of noise at night, then this top hostel in Kotor is a good shout. Plus in the daytime, it’s pretty chill… probably ’cause everyone’s still sleeping.
The hostel is SUPER welcoming to every traveller who steps through their doors. There is so much to do nearby, from beach time (just 5 minutes away), to boat tours, kayak tours and more. But you’ll want to hold some of your energy for the evening, as the hostel runs EPIC BBQs, drinking games and pub crawls.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Pub crawls
- Great location (near the Old Town and the beach!)
- Travel and tour desk
- Party and social vibes
Located just 5 mins from the old town, there are loads of nice things in the vicinity like bakeries and cafes. But it’s more than just partying and location that makes this the best overall hostel in Kotor. Yep, you can pretty much also just step out onto the beach from the hostel door. Chirpy staff, too. Oh, and it’s cheap. And it’s clean. Top marks!
It’s one of those hostels that wins a heap of awards, so you know it’s gonna be a goodie! If you’re looking for one of the best hostels to stay in while travelling in the Balkans, you’ve found it.
2. Pupa Hostel – Best Hostel in Kotor for Solo Travellers
- Dorm (mixed): From $23
- Address: Njegoseva 254, Suranj, Kotor, Montenegro
Pupa Hostel… Like a pupa? Or like a pooper? Dunno. But the views out across the water from this top hostel in Kotor are pretty bloody nice. It’s also surrounded by mountains, and located within an old stone building, this is a safe place to stay with staff on hand to help you out.
The common room at this place has a great atmosphere, very conducive to meeting fellow travellers. So I’m gonna just go ahead and say that it’s the best hostel for solo travellers in Kotor. It’s also close to a load of restaurants. It’s just outside the old town, meaning you WILL be able to get some sleep but close enough to wander in whenever you like.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Great location, just outside the old town
- Amazing views
- Chill-vibe
- Equipped Kitchen
The hostel itself is set in a stone building that is 150 years old (!!), but don’t worry it’s recently been completely renovated so it feels lovely and modern inside. There are a few different dorm rooms on offer – either a 4-, 10- or 14- mixed room.
Slightly older crowd here, and by that, I mean 25+, so not really old at all. But it has less of a party vibe and more of a social, chill vibe which considering I fall into this age bracket… I’m into lol.
3. Hostel Centrum – Best Cheap Hostel in Kotor
- Dorm (mixed): From $20
- Private Room: From $63
- Address: Stari Grad 459, Kotor, Montenegro
The name of this Kotor backpackers hostel couldn’t be more apt: it really is Centrum. In fact, it’s in the centre of the centre, being located smack bang in the middle of the old town. Staying here means a bargain bed for the same price as a boutique hotel, basically.
So yeah, you can understand why it’s my top pick for the best cheap hostel in Kotor. It’s one of the best places in town for those budget-backpacking to Kotor. There’s a fresh produce market just downstairs, which makes it easy to buy some cheap ingredients for the communal kitchen. I mean, what more do you want out of a top-budget hostel in Kotor?
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Ideal location
- Best bang for your buck in town
- Tour/ travel advice and organisation
- Organised social activities
Hostel Centrum is one of the highest-reviewed hostels in Kotor, so you know it’s worth throwing your travel bucks at. The hostel hosts daily tours around Montenegro including walking tours and boat tours, they also rent bikes and SUP boards (in other words, they are pretty much their own travel/ tour company too!)
Other in-house hostel activities include painting sessions and family dinners in the common room. It’s a great place to stay if you want to be close to everything Kotor has to offer but also get welcomed into a safe, friendly environment.
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Old Town Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Kotor
- Dorm (mixed): From $23
- Private Room: From $32
- Address: Old Town 284, Kotor, Montenegro
Think daily sunset BBQs, booze cruises, pool parties, pub crawls – pretty much every method of getting drunk and having fun you can think of, this place does. So yeah, it’s easily the best party hostel in Kotor. Unapologetically loud and I like it.
If you’re down to drink a few too many Nikši?ko’s (AKA local beer), explore the hell out of this beautiful town and meet some top-notch humans – this is an EPIC place to stay. It’s a great hostel for those who are travelling solo or those who are keen to explore the nightlife in Kotor.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Swimming pool!!
- Super welcoming vibe
- Travel/ tour desk
- Great pub crawls and parties
The hostel can organise tours and activities – plus they offer some of the best prices in town on some of the best tours in town. Although it says breakfast is not included, the reviews seem to say otherwise – so I don’t want to get your hopes up but there may be free food involved.
This Kotor backpackers hostel also advertises itself as being gay-friendly – in fact, they specifically mention that if you have a problem with that, you should not book here <3 The outdoor pool and terrace here are great places to unwind on a hangover.
5. Kotor Nest Coliving – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Kotor
- Private Room: From $67
- Address: 444 Stari Grad Kotor (Old Town) 1st and 2nd floor, Kotor Old Town, 85330 Kotor, Montenegro
It does not cost a cent if that’s what you were thinking (I was too). But it’s affordable. Surrounded by historical sights and museums – and being a few-minute walk to the beach – this is one of the best spots to stay in town. And the location means if you only have one day in Kotor, this is where you’ll want to stay!
There is a coworking space in the building there for you to get work done and enjoy a coffee. My top pick for the best hostel for digital nomads, it’s a great place to base yourself for a decent time – not just a few days. Oh, and the communal kitchen helps when you need some snacks mid-work.
Why you’ll love this stay:
- Coworking space
- Great location
- Social activities
- Shared kitchen
It’s not exactly a hostel, as there are no dorm rooms but you’ll have access to plenty of shared spaces to get to know fellow travellers and digital nomads. All of the bedrooms have been designed with nomads in mind, AKA with desks and decent chairs, so you’ll find working here stress-free.
After work and at the weekends, there are plenty of activities to join to explore the surrounding area. From hiking and biking to sailing! If you’re a digital nomad looking for a place to perch up in Kotor, this is it
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Kotor Hostels & Budget Stays
Want to stay in the party district or maybe somewhere more laidback? Decide on where to stay in Kotor before booking your hostel. But in the meantime, here are a few more bangin’ stays in Kotor.
Old Town Homestel
- Private Room: From $32
- Address: Stari Grad 284, Kotor, Montenegro
As per the name, this hostel in Kotor is a mix between a homestay and hostel nestled into the heart of the Old Town. The atmosphere is cosy and relaxed, the perfect place to stay if you want to get that home away from home sense.
Old Town Homestel offers private rooms in many forms – from single rooms to triple, there is a room for nearly every kind of traveller here. Located close to most of Kotors top attractions, you’ll be in the perfect location to explore.
Guesthouse STEP
- Dorm (mixed): From $41
- Address: Put I Bokeljske Brigade, Kotor, Montenegro
Last but not least, Guesthouse STEP is easily one of the best places to stay for backpackers in Kotor. My favourite part of the hostel is the balcony with an epic view over the bay. The location is top-notch and will have you a stones throw from most of Kotor’s top things to do.
It’s not the most social hostel but it is the perfect place to chill out, unwind and explore the town. However, it is MEGA clean which is a rarity in the hostel world… so big brownie points from me 🙂
Montenegro Backpackers Home Kotor
- Address: Stari Grad 390 (Trg od Muzeja), Kotor, Montenegro
A vibrant hostel with a lot going on, if you wanna party – you can party; but if you wanna take some time out. And the location helps: it’s smack bang right in the middle of the old town. Everything about this place is well run with staff who’ll make sure everyone’s having a good time.
The only catch is that this hostel is only available to book in the high, summer season – so you’re out of luck with this one if you want to stay here in the shoulder/ winter seasons.
Stranger Tides
Located right on the seafront of Boka Bay, this recommended hostel in Kotor has stunning views across the water, which makes for a really cute/special/romantic place to stay with you and your partner.
This building was built over ONE THOUSAND YEARS AGO. Just thought I’d drop that in there. The private rooms may be basic but damn those views really are good. Clean, tranquil, with amazing staff, yep, it’s pretty much the best hostel for travelling couples in Kotor. It’s almost honeymoon level.
Adriatic Guesthouse
RIGHT on the coast, sandwiched (no pun) between two tasty lil’ restaurants, this recommended hostel in Kotor (more of a guesthouse, obvs) has an amazing view of the lake and the surrounding mountains. If you paid for that view at some other hotel it would be seriously expensive. Probably.
Cheap and clean, the staff keep this place running like clockwork (actually) and there’s a communal kitchen here that’s perfect for budget travellers. This Kotor backpackers hostel is located in a not-so-touristy area, which is just the ticket if you wanna just wander around some local lanes and stuff.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Kotor
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Kotor.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQs About Hostels in Kotor
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Kotor.
What to Pack for Your Kotor Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Kotor?
The average price of hostels in Kotor starts from $18 – $22+ per night. Of course, the private rooms are on the higher end of the scale than the dorm beds.
What are the best hostels in Kotor for couples?
Stranger Tides has stunning views of Boka Bay, which makes for a romantic place to stay with you and your partner. Kotor is a SUPER romantic place so staying somewhere suited for couples is ideal.
What is the best hostel in Kotor near the airport?
Old Town Hostel will have you a mere 10-15 minutes drive from Tivat Aiport which makes for a smooth entrance to the city or exit. Plus, the hostel can help you to organise transport – winning!
Final Thoughts on Kotor Hostels
By now I hope my epic guide to the best hostels in Kotor has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure. Kotor is a small but BEAUTIFUL place along the Montenegro coastline. It’s a compact area that has a lot to offer – especially in terms of views!
If you’re still feeling unsure as to where to book, I’d go for Montenegro Hostel 4 U – it’s my overall top pick and also one of the top-reviewed hostels in Kotor. It’s mega-social and has a bit of a party vibe, so as long as you’re ok with that – you’ll love it. If you’re after a more relaxed vibe, Pupa Hostel is also another fab choice.
Wherever you end up staying, I hope you fall in love with this little town as much as I did 🙂
- Check out the best places to stay in Kotor before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Europe to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Balkans backpacking guide.
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