12 Breathtaking Instagram Spots in Kotor, Montenegro (With a Map!)
Welcome to Kotor, Montenegro, a hidden gem tucked along the picturesque Bay of Kotor. If there’s one thing I love while traveling, it’s tracking down the most photogenic spots at a destination, and Kotor is no different.
I am excited to share with you the top 12 Instagram spots in Kotor, Montenegro! When we visited, we were dodging raindrops, but we didn’t let that dampen our day. This scenic little town has everything a traveler can hope for —from the atmospheric views from the Kotor City Walls to the beauty of the Bay of Kotor, each spot offers a unique perspective of the city.
This guide covers the best Instagram and photo spots in Kotor, including helpful framing tips, timing advice, and the exact Google Maps locations so you can easily find each spot for yourself.
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Map: Best Instagram Spots in Kotor, Montenegro
If you’re searching for the best Instagram spots in Kotor or planning out your favorite photo ops, this overview list and map will help you plan out the most photogenic locations around the old town and Bay of Kotor.
1. Umbrella Square
2. St. Klara Church (from the walls)
3. Kotor City Walls
4. Quaint Alleyway
5. St. Tryphon’s Cathedral
6. Clock Tower
7. Archway
8. Our Lady of the Rocks
9. St. Nicholas Church (from the walls)
10. Drone Shots
11. Perast, Montenegro
12. Bay of Kotor
1. Umbrella Square
Google Maps Location: Here
Best for: Best colorful photo spot in Kotor
Picture a small square in Kotor covered with rows of colorful umbrellas hanging overhead. Umbrella Square (my completely unofficial name for it) is such a fun little photo stop, especially if you love bright colors like I do. Ironically, it was raining when we visited, so I was absolutely soaked by the time we took these photos, so please excuse my slightly drenched look. No matter the weather, I’m a sucker for color, which is how this landed on my list of top Instagram spots in Kotor.
This spot works especially well for vibrant portrait shots because the umbrellas create colorful lines overhead. I’d recommend using a slightly wider lens here to capture more of the canopy above you.
2. St. Klara Church
Google Maps Location: Here
Best for: Best elevated church view
For a stunning view of St. Klara Church, climb the Kotor City Walls to snag a shot. The view from above offers a breathtaking scene of the town and the bay, making the easy climb well worth the effort. I loved how relaxed it was up there — we visited the church mid-morning, and while there were people about, it didn’t feel crowded. What makes this viewpoint especially photogenic is the contrast between the church towers, blooming flowers, and the mountains in the background.
3. Kotor City Walls
Google Maps Location: Here
Best for: Best architecture + landscape combo shot
Head across the moat from the Kotor City walls for a photo that includes both the historic walls and the sparkling water in the foreground. It’s one of the best places in Kotor to capture both the medieval architecture and dramatic natural scenery in a single frame.
4. Quaint Alleyway
Google Maps Location: Here
Best for: Best candid street photography
Some of my favorite photo spots in Kotor weren’t famous landmarks at all, but the quiet stone alleyways tucked throughout the old town. The narrow passages, green shutters, and weathered stone walls create that Mediterranean atmosphere that makes Kotor feel so special.
I’d recommend exploring away from the busiest streets because some of the most photogenic corners are the ones you stumble upon unexpectedly.
5. St. Tryphon’s Cathedral
Google Maps Location: Here
Best for: Best historic architecture shot
St. Tryphon’s Cathedral is a popular spot, so it’s best to visit early to avoid the crowds. The cathedral’s architecture makes for an impressive photo, and an early visit ensures a better shot without too many people. If you’re not much of an early bird, it is still definitely worth a visit…there will just be a few extra friends with you enjoying the architecture.
The cathedral’s Romanesque architecture and twin bell towers make it one of the most recognizable landmarks in Kotor Old Town and one of the best photo spots in Kotor for classic European architecture shots.
6. Clock Tower
Google Maps Location: Here
Best for: Best central landmark photo
Visit the Clock Tower early, as it sits in a main thoroughfare and gets busy quickly. We didn’t manage to get there early but found refuge from a downpour under a nearby awning, which gave us a clear shot as the rain let up. Sometimes, weather luck turns into photo luck!
The surrounding stone buildings and mountain backdrop help frame the Clock Tower nicely, and I loved how the shot turned out just after the rain.
7. Archway
Google Maps Location: Here
Best for: Best framing shot
This charming archway marks the starting point for the “Road to the Fort of St. Ivan,” which will take you to the Kotor Fortress hike. I loved how the stone arch naturally frames the pathway leading toward the fortress. It creates a cinematic “gateway into adventure” kind of shot and works especially well for walking photos.
8. Our Lady of the Rocks
Google Maps Location: Here
Best for: Best sunset photo spot
Although technically not in Kotor, Our Lady of the Rocks is a must-see and just a short trip away. This man-made island and its church have fascinating legends and history. It’s super easy to hop on a boat tour from Kotor to visit this scenic location. My personal recommendation? Visit at sunset on this Perast & Our Lady of the Rocks Sunset Tour. You seriously cannot beat the views as the sun descends behind the mountain!
9. St. Nicholas Church
Google Maps Location: Here
Best for: Best church dome photo
St. Nicholas Church is especially stunning when viewed from above, which you can do by climbing the Kotor City Walls. It is right by St. Klara’s Church, so make sure to swing by both while you’re in the vicinity. The contrast of the church’s architecture against the beautiful backdrop makes for the perfect shot.
To frame your photo, shoot vertically so you can capture the church, mountains, sky, and the light yellow-green trees to the left and right.
10. Drone Shots
Google Maps Location: Here
Best for: Best aerial photography
Kotor is spectacular from the air, with the old town’s layout juxtaposed against the dramatic mountain backdrop, making it one of my favorite Instagram spots in Kotor. If you have a drone, this is your time to shine. No drone? Don’t worry, the views from the fortress hike are just as impressive (see #12). We use a DJI Mini 3 Pro, which for anyone considering a drone, is so easy to learn!
If you plan to fly a drone, make sure to check local drone regulations and weather conditions beforehand because the winds around the Bay of Kotor can change quickly.
11. Perast, Montenegro
Google Maps Location: Here
Best for: Best coastal town aesthetic
A short trip from Kotor, Perast is a photogenic little town with a rich maritime history and beautiful architecture. Wander its peaceful streets and capture shots of the idyllic waterfront. You can easily combine a trip to Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks. Since they are within a stone’s throw, most tours will hit up both.
Recommended Tour: Perast & Our Lady of the Rocks Sunset Tour
12. Bay of Kotor
Google Maps Location: Here (approximate location of the sailboat in the shot). You can take this photo by snapping a pic on the way up to Kotor Fortress or by flying your drone.
Best for: Best panoramic view of Kotor
The Bay of Kotor is clearly one of the most iconic Instagram spots in Kotor. The bay is best appreciated from above, and the climb to the Kotor Fortress offers panoramic views after approximately 1,350 steps straight up. If that’s not your thing, a drone can provide similar shots. No drone? No problem—plenty of postcards around town feature this epic view for your collection.
Whether you’re exploring the colorful Umbrella Square or hiking to take in the panoramic views from the Kotor Fortress, there are so many pretty Instagram spots in Kotor, Montenegro! Kotor’s picturesque beauty will leave you with an endless supply of memorable photos and stories to share. Happy snapping!
Where to Stay in Kotor, Montenegro
Here are my recommendations on where to stay in Kotor, Montenegro:
Hotel Vardar: If you’re looking for where to stay in Kotor Old Town, Hotel Vardar is an excellent choice. Nestled among historic monuments on the Main Square, it offers elegantly furnished rooms. Enjoy a buffet breakfast to start your day, or relax on the terrace with a cocktail.
Boutique Hotel Astoria: This boutique hotel is set within the 13th-century Buca Palace in Kotor’s Old Town, and the hotel’s rooms blend old stone elements with modern touches. Go for a room with a terrace to enjoy views of the harbor.
If you’re in the market for a cruise through the Mediterranean, this 7 night cruise on Viking takes you to unforgettable ports of call, including Kotor, Montenegro!
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