Nestled between lush mountains and a sparkling waterfront, Kotor is alive with history, culture and is a great place to go if you wanna explore the countryside of Montenegro. It’s literally so old that the fortified city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – it’s BEAUTIFUL.
Think red roofs and stone buildings, pretty churches and great local restaurants. Combined with a buzzing nightlife, this is the sorta place you could really get lost for a few days… or more!
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 in this heritage site?
Yes, no, and yes. And in fact, we’ve gone through the best hostels in Kotor and sorted them by category just to make life that little bit easier for you when making your choice for the hostel that will suit you the most.
So what are you waiting for? Have a look and see what the Kotor hostel scene has in store for you!
Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Kotor
- Best Party Hostel in Kotor – Old Town Hostel East Wing
- Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Kotor – Pupa Hostel
Best Hostels in Kotor
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Old Town Hostel East Wing – Best Party Hostel in Kotor
- $$
- Bar & Cafe
- Outdoor Swimming Pool
- Luggage Storage
Think daily sunset BBQs, booze cruises, pool parties, pub crawls – pretty much every method of getting drunk and having fun you can think of, this place does. So yeah, it’s easily the best party hostel in Kotor. Unapologetically loud and we like it.
This Kotor backpackers hostel also advertises itself as being gay-friendly – in fact, they specifically mention that if you have a problem with that, you should not book here. Fair enough. The outdoor pool and terrace here is a great place to, um, unwind on a hangover.
Pupa Hostel – Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Kotor
- $$
- Privacy Curtains
- Outdoor Terrace
Pupa. Like a pupa? Or like a pooper? Dunno. But the views out across the water from this top hostel in Kotor are pretty 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 travelers. So we’re gonna just go ahead and say that it’s the best hostel for solo travelers 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.
Montenegro Hostel 4 U – Best Overall Hostel in Kotor
- $$
- Cafe & Restaurant
- Security Lockers
- Fitness Centre
If you don’t wanna party then, sorry, this ain’t the place for you. But also it’s a fun social place, so if you can stand a bit of loudness at night, then sure, this top hostel in Kotor is a good shout. Plus in the daytime it’s pretty chill… probably ’cause everyone’s still sleeping.
Located just 5 mins from the old town, there are loads of nice things in the vicinity like bakeries and cafes. But it’s more than just partying and location that makes this the best overall hostel in Kotor. Yep, you can pretty much also just step out onto the beach from the hostel door. Chirpy staff, too. Oh, and it’s cheap. And it’s clean. Top marks.
Hostel Centrum – Best Cheap Hostel in Kotor
- $
- Communal Kitchen
- Motorbike Hire
- Location Location Location
The name of this Kotor backpackers hostel couldn’t be more apt: it really is Centrum. In fact, it’s in the centre of the centre, being located smack bang in the middle of the old town. Staying here means a bargain bed for the same price as a boutique hotel, basically.
So yeah, you can understand why it’s our top pick for the best cheap hostel in Kotor. There’s a fresh produce market just downstairs, which makes easy to buy some cheap ingredients for the communal kitchen. I mean, what more do you want out of a top budget hostel in Kotor? It’s great!
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View on Osprey View on REIStranger Tides – Best Hostel for Couples in Kotor
- $$$
- Communal Kitchen
- Outdoor Terrace
- Airport Transfers
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 we’d drop that in there. The private rooms may be basic but DANG those views really are good. Clean, tranquil, with amazing staff, yep, it’s pretty much the best hostel for couples in Kotor. It’s almost honeymoon level.
Hostel Cent – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Kotor
- $$$
- Luggage Storage
- 24 Hour Reception
- Cafe
It does not cost a cent if that’s what you were thinking (we were too). But it’s affordable. Surrounded by historical sights and museums – and being a 7 min walk to the beach – this top hostel in Kotor really seems brand new. Like, literally brand new. And the location means if you only have one day in Kotor, this is where you’ll want to stay!
The lobby is immaculate and there’s space down there for you to get work done and enjoy a coffee. Our top pick for the best hostel for digital nomads, it’s a great place to base yourself for, like, a week – not just a few days. The building is 15th century. Oh, and the communal kitchen helps when you need some snacks mid-work.
Old Town Hostel West Wing – Best Hostel with a Private Room in Kotor
- $$
- Bicycle Hire
- Air Con
- Tours/Travel Desk
A vibrant hostel with a lot going on, if you wanna party – you can party; but if you wanna take some time out, there are some really pretty sick double rooms with boutique quality beds and exposed stone walls and stuff like that.
You can see why it’s the best hostel with a private room in Kotor – it’s top notch stuff here. 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.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Best Hostels In Kotor
Want to stay in the party district or maybe somewhere more laidback? Decide on where to stay in Kotor before booking your hostel.
Montenegro Hostel B&B Kotor
- $$
- Outdoor Terrace
- Book Exchange
- Bicycle Hire
It’s been open for 10 years, which is a long time in any former Yugoslavian country, so you trust this place based on its longevity. It’s also in the heart of the old town and set in an old building with high ceilings, big shutter windows and all that jazz.
This Kotor backpackers place is a bright and welcoming place where you’ll be happy to arrive after a long journey. It’s not the place to party – BUT there’s a free city tour and the staff are super helpful. Most of all, the beds are literally so comfy you won’t even be able to get out of ’em to even go on that free tour.
Adriatic Guesthouse
- $$
- Balconies
- Airport Transfers
- Laundry Facilities
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 run like clockwork (actually) and there’s a communal kitchen here that’s perfect for budget travelers. 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.
Agape Farm Camp
- $
- Bar
- Events/Activities
- Hammocks
Not… sure about the game. But it IS an eco-campsite set on an eco/organic farm, so it’s fine. Anyway it’s rustic and it’s set away from the tourist sights of the city, but if you wanna stay out in the elements and enjoy some time in nature this is the best hostel in Kotor for you.
Think BBQs and sunsets, fresh air, nice people to hang out with – all that jazz. The tents actually come with mattresses and actual bedding, but you’re free to be your own tent too. Activities include yoga, treks and jeep safaris. A decent fun place for outdoorsy type peeps – maybe that’s you!
What to Pack for your Kotor Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from us, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straight forward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art we 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 our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
Why you should travel to Kotor
Wow. Who knew that some of the best hostels in Kotor would be set in ridiculously old buildings?
It makes backpacking to this crazy cool city an experience that feels like it should be worth a lot more money!
Not only that but some of the views from this Kotor backpackers hostels… I mean, dang. They’re pretty amazing – mountain scenery and the fjord in front. Sounds literally idyllic.
But we totally get it if you’re stuck for a place to choose now. They’re ALL pretty amazing, right?
So we’d say go for the best overall hostel in Kotor (duh), Montenegro Hostel 4 U. It’s a great all-rounder – and a pretty fun place if you feel like partying, too!
FAQ about Hostels in Kotor
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Kotor.
Travel Safety Tips for Kotor
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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!
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More Epic Hostels in Montenegro and Europe
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Kotor.
Planning an epic trip all across Montenegro or even Europe itself?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around Europe, check out:
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Kotor has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
