Grumpy’s Guide to the Best Souvenirs in Kotor

Because you deserve more than a fridge magnet.

Why Souvenirs Matter

and Why Most Are Rubbish

Let’s be honest. Souvenirs often have a bad reputation. Most become dust collectors, bought quickly from shops that could be in Rome, Dubrovnik, or your nearest airport. 

But what if your souvenir actually meant something? What if it told stories of stone palaces, sea breeze, and the sound of old town bells? At Grumpy Sailor, we think a good souvenir should feel like a memory you can touch. Here’s how to avoid the usual and take home a piece of Kotor’s soul.

Grumpy’s Golden Rule:

Make It Meaningful

Buy what you can use, wear, or treasure. Ask about its story. If it reminds you of that moment—on the waterfront at sunset, in the breeze under the pines, or chatting with a local over figs and cheese—get it.

Where to Find the Best Souvenirs in Kotor

1. Wear the Heritage – Grumpy’s Top Pick

This campaign brings Kotor’s history to life with museum-inspired souvenirs. 

Available at:

  • St. Paul Church (just behind St. Tryphon Cathedral);
  • Head office of Museums of Kotor (which is located halfway between the apse of the Saint Tryphon Cathedral and Skaljari Square); 
  • Perast Museum;
  • Roman Mosaics in Risan.

What to look for: 

Why we love it:

These pieces tell real stories. They don’t just say “I was in Kotor.” They whisper, “Let me tell you about it.”

2. Support Local Artists & Artisans

Look for studios and galleries where art is handmade with love: 

  • Kotor City Gallery & Gallery of Solidarity (sometimes offer affordable prints or even paintings for sale).

Artist and ateliers near:

  • Gurdic Gate
  • Skaljarska Pjaca (Salad Square)
  • Old Kotor Prison
  • Museum Square
  • Souvenir shop inside the Maritime Museum

Why we love it:

Here you may find: watercolor seascapes, sea glass jewelry, hand-painted tiles, and unique Boka-inspired pieces.

3. Make Your Own: The Coin-Press Souvenir

A little piece of tactile magic. Head to St. Nicholas Square, drop in a 5-cent coin, and press your own keepsake featuring St. Tryphon Cathedral. It’s playful, interactive, and has a unique date—just like your trip.

Why we love it:

You can keep the coin as-is, or turn it into something even more personal—a pendant, charm bracelet, or a pair of earrings. It’s budget-friendly, creatively yours, and a story you made with your own hands.

4. Collect Natural Treasures (Mindfully!)

Take a walk along the waterfront in Dobrota, Stoliv, or Muo, and collect a few smooth pebbles, shells, or pieces of driftwood. These make beautiful reminders—no purchase necessary.  

Why we love it:

You don’t need to fill your suitcase to take a piece of Kotor home. A single smooth pebble from Muo or a tiny shell from Dobrota carries the scent of salt, the warmth of the sun, and the sound of waves. Keep it sustainable—a small handful is enough. The real treasure is the memory.

5. Local Products: Soaps, Oils & Herbs

Find these at the Kotor Green Market (near the main entrance to Old Town):  

  • Natural soaps
  • Lavender sachets
  • Herbal teas
  • Olive oil from Ulcinj or Bar (ask for cold-pressed!)

Why we love it:

Imagine it: months after your trip, you open a drawer and the soft scent of lavender escapes. Or you brew a cup of herbal tea and—suddenly—you’re back on Kotor’s stone steps, barefoot after the beach, salty hair, sun-warmed skin. These souvenirs don’t just sit on a shelf. They bring you back.

6. Taste Kotor: Edible Souvenirs

At Kotor Green Market, you could buy something you can share back home (if it makes it that far):

  • Njeguški pršut (dry-cured ham)
  • Dried figs or homemade pomegranate juice
  • Smoked cheese with nuts or berries
  • Local wines – ask for recommendations at the floating wine bar in Kotor Bay for a special tasting experience
  • Dried mushrooms

Why we love it:

Tastes carry tradition. Seasons of sun, the rhythm of this place, and generations of knowledge are all contained in every bite of Njeguški pršut and every glass of local wine. You don’t just taste Kotor—you experience its culture, its land, and its people. Bring some home, and you bring the Bay’s soul with you.

7. Create Your Own Kotor Soundtrack

You won’t find music CDs from street musicians, but you can create your own travel soundscape.

Why we love it:

It’s a simple way to keep your memories alive. Add the Kotor festive music to your video or reel, and just like that—you’ve got a personal soundtrack to your trip. Months later, when you hear that tune, it won’t just be music—it’ll remind you of the day you wandered the Old Town

Grumpy Tips for Souvenir Shopping

The Souvenir is a Story

Kotor is a place filled with layered history—Venetian palaces, Roman mosaics, and sun-bleached lace curtains. Bring home something that reflects that.  

Because when you open your suitcase back home and see your brooch, pebble, or scarf with a map of Boka Bay, you’ll remember. Not just the place, but the feeling.  

And that, dear traveler, is the only kind of souvenir worth having.

Want to Find These Spots?

Explore the Interactive Map!

We’ve created a free map with all these locations marked for you.  

Click here to explore Grumpy’s Kotor Souvenir Map (Interactive Google My Maps – easy, visual, and mobile-friendly!)

Get monthly tips from the Bay — no spam, just salt and sunshine

Captain’s Log

Sign up for Kotor travel insights, hidden gems & sailor-approved stories.