Kotor, Montenegro
Someone grabs your arm. A taxi goes off-route. A guy won't leave you alone. This free guide covers what to say and do.
The historic center of Kotor with medieval streets, restaurants, and cafes. Gets packed with cruise tourists during summer days but calms down in evenings and off-season.
Kotor Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site wrapped by fortress walls from the 9th century. The whole area is compact - five minutes to walk end to end - with narrow cobblestone streets, small squares with cafe tables, and cats everywhere. During summer, cruise ships dock and thousands of day-trippers flood the lanes between 10am-4pm, which gets overwhelming. Early mornings and evenings are different - locals walk their dogs, cafes set up tables, and you can hear the church bells. Most restaurant and shop staff speak English since tourism drives the economy. You'll see women sitting alone in cafes reading or working on laptops - solo dining is normal here. Tourist Police are visible, the entire area is pedestrian-only, and street lighting is good throughout. It stays busy until past midnight in summer with people out at bars and walking around. Main safety concern is pickpocketing during peak cruise ship hours in July-August when the streets are packed.
Daytime Safety
ExcellentNight Walking Safety
ExcellentHarassment Risk
LowPublic Transport Safety
ExcellentPickpocketing Risk
LowScam Risk
ModeratePolice Visibility
ExcellentEmergency Services
ExcellentEvening Venues
ExcellentSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
Very HighHomelessness Visibility
Very HighGetting By in English
ExcellentThings can happen when you're traveling solo — the pushy vendor, the guy who won't leave, the uneasy walk home at night. This free guide covers 10 of them and what to actually do.
"Felt completely safe walking around even late at night, lots of other tourists and couples out"
"Cruise ship days are overwhelming but early mornings are magical"
"Every restaurant and cafe staff spoke English which made solo dining easy"
"Watch your bag during peak hours, saw pickpockets targeting distracted tourists"
"More expensive than outside the walls but worth it for the atmosphere and safety"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
Residential waterfront area north of Old Town with cheaper accommodation and local atmosphere. Safe and quiet but you'll need to go into Old Town for nightlife and most activities.
Traditional village across the bay with authentic local life, waterfront views, and budget accommodation. Very safe and quiet but limited English, dining, and transport options.
Help other women stay safe in Kotor Old Town (Stari Grad)
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.