With its rich history, unique architecture, picturesque views, and plenty of things to do in the city and surrounding area, Dubrovnik is, without a doubt, a must-see destination in Croatia and Europe.
As a Croatian and Slovenian couple who also travel extensively in other countries, we know what foreign visitors need to know when planning a trip to Dubrovnik.
So, beyond listing the best things to do in Dubrovnik, in this guide, we’re also giving you our very best local tips for having the best time in this gem of a place in Croatia. Plus, the most worthwhile trips from the city.
In our opinion, it’s worth spending a week in the area. But, if you don’t have that much time, definitely check out our one-day itinerary and 3 to 5 days itinerary to see the highlights without missing out on anything that makes Dubrovnik special!
QUICK TIPS
Use our Travel Map to navigate around on your visit.
Opening hours depend on the month. For example, some attractions close at 7 PM in the summer, but in the off-season, they close at 3 PM.
Must-read articles: Best Time To Visit and our Hotel Guide (for all budgets).
Stay connected on your trip with our favorite eSIM, and save $3 off your first purchase with the code MATEJ1033.
Things to do in Dubrovnik
1. Dubrovnik City Walls
Begin your adventure in the Pearl of the Adriatic by visiting the City Walls, one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik and the thing the city is most known for.
The iconic medieval walls, which span roughly 2 kilometers, are hard to miss because they encircle most of Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
Before the City Walls became Dubrovnik’s famous landmark, they were built in the 13th century as a series of defense systems to avoid danger and prevent possible invasions.
Today, the walls are a fantastic vantage point for admiring the Adriatic Sea and Dubrovnik’s famous terracotta rooftops.
Travel tip: Bring some water and wear sun protection because a full lap around the City Walls will take two hours (enough time to take breaks and photos). It took us almost four hours, but we took it slow, had drinks, and snapped lots of photos.
Opening hours and price
The ticket price for the Dubrovnik City Walls is 40 EUR for adults and 15 EUR for children (under 18).
The opening and closing times vary depending on the season. In general, in the summer, the walls are open from 8 AM to 7 PM, and in the winter from 9 AM to 3 PM.
In our City Walls Guide, you can learn all about the walls and how to visit them best, including the best entrances and first-hand tips (including a map).
For a guided experience, since there are no informational signs along the walls, we recommend this city walls walking tour. You can go in the early morning or late afternoon, which are the two best times to avoid the biggest crowds and the hottest part of the day.
LOCAL TIP
Most visitors don’t know or skip the Western Outer Wall, which has a separate entrance but is also included in the walls price.
But it’s actually worth visiting, as you can walk inside the rooms and tunnel-like corridors, plus on top of the Bokar fortress (which gives you amazing views).
Read more about it in our city walls guide.
2. Old Town
Inside the city walls of Dubrovnik, you find the Old Town, which is full of historical buildings and has plenty of things to see.
To enter the Old Town of Dubrovnik, you will likely enter through Pile Gate, built in the 15th century and now the main drop-off spot for tourist buses and groups.
It’s a great starting point for your Dubrovnik trip since it leads straight to the Old Town and nearby attractions, as well as the main entrance to the City Walls.
Alternatively, you might enter through the Ploče Gate on the east side of the town (one of the three main entrances), with graceful stone arches and scenic harbor views.
As you enter through Pile Gate, you will be met with two of Dubrovnik’s most iconic landmarks, the Onofrio Fountain and Stradun, the iconic limestone-paved street lined with shops, cafes, and historical buildings.
We came to the fountain each time we wanted to refill our water bottles and chill between exploring. Yes, the water is drinkable!
Travel tip: Prices in the restaurants and shops on Stradun will be much higher than in some other spots in Dubrovnik. But keep in mind that this is the main street, after all! Must-read: Dubrovnik Budget Guide.
Further within the Old Town, you can explore beautiful buildings like the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Sponza Palace, and Church of St. Ignatius, as well as museums like the Ethnographic Museum “Rupe.”
Also, don’t forget to walk through some narrow streets on the south side or the steep streets on the north side for a glimpse into the real Old Town.
- Must-read: Old Town Guide and Best Dubrovnik Museums
3. Franciscan Church and Monastery
Another must-visit place in Dubrovnik is the Franciscan Church and Monastery, a gem of 13th-century medieval architecture, right at the entrance to the Old Town.
Inside, you will find a beautiful altar, chandeliers, artwork, paintings, and sacred statues.
The peaceful adjoining cloisters and library offer a glimpse into the monastery’s history, housing a collection of manuscripts and one of the oldest still-functioning pharmacies in the world, established in 1317.
Opening hours and price
Dubrovnik’s Franciscan Church and Monastery is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, except in the winter when it closes at 2 PM (November to the end of March).
Entry to the Franciscan Monastery is free with the Dubrovnik Pass. Otherwise, it costs 6 EUR.
- Must-read: Best Time To Visit Dubrovnik and Dubrovnik Pass Guide (save money on entrance fees)
The courtyard of the Franciscan Monastery is also one of the top photo spots in Dubrovnik. So if you want great photos, come early!
It looks stunning, but it would be easy to think this is elsewhere in Europe rather than Croatia.
4. Rector’s Palace
From the 14th century until 1808, when the city was called Ragusa (Republic of Ragusa), it had a unique form of government. A council of influential people would choose a citizen to serve as a Rector, who would rule and lead for a month.
The Rector’s Palace, located near the old port, served as the seat and quarters during the Rector’s term. It’s a must-visit attraction in Dubrovnik if you want to learn about the city’s fascinating past.
Today, Rector’s Palace houses the Cultural History Museum, where you can view historic furnishings, oil paintings, weapons, manuscripts, and other artifacts, including the keys to the city gates.
- Also read: Visitor’s Guide to Rector’s Palace
It’s also a great place to see photos of the city’s history during and after the Balkan War – they’re located in one of the dungeon-like rooms. We’re so happy that the city wasn’t damaged more, as Dubrovnik is truly a gem of a place and rightfully the most famous destination in Croatia.
Opening hours and price
The Rector’s Palace in Dubrovnik is open daily (Monday through Sunday) from 9 AM to 6 PM and costs 15 EUR for adults and 8 EUR for children. However, it’s also included in the Dubrovnik Pass.
Did you know? A 17-year-old cat called Anastazija lived in the Rector’s Palace and even had a small cat house made for her by loving locals. Unfortunately, after she was evicted two times (the last time in 2022), she sadly passed away in 2023.
5. Fort Lovrijenac – St. Lawrence Fortress
Going outside of the Old Town, you will stumble upon a few more defensive structures, like Fort Lovrijenac, a magnificent fortress on top of a 37-meter-high cliff.
Fort Lovrijenac, also known as St. Lawrence Fortress, has thick stone walls and a strategic position overlooking the West Harbor, one of the city’s most crucial entrance points.
While Fort Lovrijenac once protected Dubrovnik from potential invasions and Venetian enemy ships, it now serves as a stage for theatrical performances, concerts, and the annual Dubrovnik Summer Festival.
Plus, it has some of the best views of the Old Town, making it a perfect Dubrovnik photo spot, especially before sunset.
If you’re a fan of the hit TV series Game of Thrones, make sure to include Fort Lovrijenac in your itinerary, as it was the site of the Red Keep in King’s Landing. GOT Tip: The best way to see all the GOT filming locations is on a Game of Thrones Walking Tour.
Opening hours and price
Dubrovnik’s Lovrijenac Fortress is open daily from 8 AM to 7:30 PM with a 15 EUR admission fee, which is included in the City Walls ticket, and you can visit it separately within three days of your City Walls visit.
Please note that the fortress has different closing times depending on the season. It closes at 3 PM in the winter (1 November to 31 March), between 6 PM and 7:30 PM from April to the end of September, and at 5:30 PM in October. Doors to the fortress close 10 to 15 minutes before closing time.
6. Mount Srđ
While you can get nice views in the town, our favorite spot to visit in Dubrovnik is Mount Srđ, with the most breathtaking panoramic views of Dubrovnik and the surrounding area.
Towering at 412 meters, it’s the perfect viewpoint to see the beauty of the walls and terracotta-roofed houses from a different perspective.
Aside from the beautiful views from Mount Srđ’s summit, you can also visit Fort Imperial, a fortress built in the 18th century to defend Dubrovnik, now a museum showcasing the city’s rich history.
But for us, Mount Srđ is all about the views! It’s truly one of the best photo spots in Dubrovnik, especially for sunset.
Getting to Mount Srđ
The easiest way to Mount Srđ is by cable car (27 EUR return), but you can also hike for about one hour on the rocky trail that zig-zags up the hill.
CABLE CAR
Dubrovnik’s cable car operates only from March to November. It is open from 9 a.m. and closes differently depending on the month.
The cable car closes at midnight in June, July, and August, and much sooner in the shoulder season (March/November 5 PM, April 9 PM, May 10 PM, September 11 PM).
If you plan on hiking up Mount Srđ, check this hike starting point on Google Maps or use the Way of the Cross trail on AllTrails.
Alternatively, if you rent a car, you can also drive up to Mount Srđ (that’s what we did). Or, if you would rather have a guided experience, check out this Bus Panorama Tour (with Audio Guide).
7. Harbors
The perfect place to cool down, grab a bite to eat, or drink something refreshing is at one of Dubrovnik’s charming harbors, like Dubrovnik Old Harbor, also known as Porporela.
It offers breathtaking views of the medieval walls, St. John’s fortress, and various docked boats. Right under St. John’s fortress, you can also find ladders leading into the water for a refreshing swim.
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On the other side of town is the famous West Harbor, located between Fort Bokar and Fort Lovrijenac. You can get great views of it from the city walls and down by the water.
This harbor is another Game of Thrones filming site (Blackwater Bay).
8. Museums
We recommend visiting some of the museums to break up exploring Dubrovnik’s outside attractions. It’s the best way to learn about the city’s eventful past and Croatian culture.
Museums most worth visiting in Dubrovnik:
- Ethnographic Museum “Rupe” (traditional clothing, crafts, and tools)
- House of Marin Držić (works of Croatia’s greatest playwright – Croatian Shakespeare)
- Maritime Museum (showcases Dubrovnik’s rich maritime history and trade)
- Red History Museum (journey through Croatia’s era under the communist Yugoslavian regime)
Browse the complete list and find more details in our Dubrovnik Museums Guide.
9. Beaches
Hitting the beach is the best thing to do in Dubrovnik on a hot summer day.
And the great thing about it? There are great beaches super close to the Old Town – at most, a 25-minute walk.
Of course, the beaches here are not sandy. Instead, you can find fine pebble beaches and rocky beaches.
Local tip: Nearby Lopud Island actually has a sandy beach! Learn more about the Elaphite Islands further in the article.
Banje Beach
The most famous beach in Dubrovnik is Banje Beach, located near Ploče Gate. It’s quite picturesque and has stunning views of the harbor, Old Town, and Lokrum Island.
- Also read: Best Beaches in Dubrovnik
Sveti Jakov Beach
Continue on foot from Banje Beach for another 20 minutes, and you will reach arguably the best beach in Dubrovnik, Sveti Jakov Beach. It’s located in a small cove and is really picturesque, plus the color of the water there is stunning.
For the best beach experience, you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas (15 EUR sunbed and 15 EUR umbrella for the day).
TRAVEL TIP
Check out this top-rated studio apartment near Sveti Jakov Beach – it’s the perfect place to stay if you want to be close to a great beach (and the Old Town).
Beaches just outside the Old Town
Right below Fort Lovrijenac, you can visit the small Šulić Beach, and just behind Gradac park, Danče Beach, a rocky beach with ladders leading into the water.
Pasjača Beach
The closest to a hidden gem around Dubrovnik is Pasjača Beach, located a 30-minute drive south of Dubrovnik, just outside the village of Popovići. It’s the best beach we visited while in Dubrovnik!
The most common way to get to Pasjača Beach is by rental car. Otherwise, you can first get to Cavtat and then take an Uber or taxi the rest of the way.
Keep in mind: There is no mobile signal at the beach and the parking lot, so you will likely need to walk back to Popovići village before being able to call an Uber/taxi back.
10. Beach Bars
In addition to beaches, Dubrovnik is home to some cool beach bars, perfect for grabbing a drink and relaxing.
Our favorite is the beach bar Dodo above Šulić beach, which is very close to the Old Town and has a relaxed atmosphere, delicious cocktails, and great music.
- Read more: Best Dubrovnik Bars and Beach Clubs
For some adventure, you can check out Buža Bar, the most famous place in Dubrovnik for cliff diving, as there are great spots right under it from which you can jump into the water. Fun fact: ‘Buža’ literally translates to “hole in the wall”, as you have to walk through a tiny wall entrance to reach it.
If you’re more interested in a beach club vibe, check out the Coral Beach Club, located on the Lapad peninsula (a 10-minute drive outside of Dubrovnik’s Old Town).
11. Lokrum Island
Lokrum Island is one of the best places to visit near Dubrovnik if you’re searching for a little island getaway and an escape from the buzz of the Old Town.
Just a quick 15-minute ferry ride from the Old Port, Lokrum Island makes for an easy and fun day trip. The ferry ticket to Lokrum Island costs 30 EUR return for adults and 5 EUR for children, which includes the entrance fee to the island.
As you wander around Lokrum Island, you will find the Benedictine monastery, which dates back to the 11th century, a botanical garden with colorful peacocks, walking paths, the Dead Sea (a cool swimming hole), Lokrum Island’s famous nude beach, and more rocky beaches.
Because it served as the filming location for “Qarth,” Lokrum Island is another famous destination for Game of Thrones fans looking for filming locations in Dubrovnik.
Plus, you can take photos while sitting on the original Iron Throne at the Lokrum Visitor Center.
12. Kayaking
If you’re looking for an adventurous way to explore Dubrovnik, kayaking is a great activity that allows you to experience Dubrovnik’s charm from another perspective.
Paddling under the city walls will give you a sense of how massive they are, and kayaking further away will allow you to reach cliffs, charming coves, and beaches.
- Must-read: Best Dubrovnik Tours and Activities
You can rent a kayak at Banje Beach or West Harbor, the “kayaking base” of Dubrovnik. There’s also an online option to book a kayak on Banje Beach.
For an organized trip, we recommend the Standard Sea Kayaking Tour with experienced and friendly tour guides. And if you’re up for even more adventure, you can also kayak around Lokrum Island on a Lokrum Kayaking Tour. It’s possible for all ages, but you do cover quite a bit of distance.
Travel tip: The best time to kayak in Dubrovnik is early morning or sunset to avoid the heat and boat traffic.
13. Elaphite Islands (Elafiti)
While there are plenty of things to do in Dubrovnik alone, a trip to the Elaphite Islands is a great option if you want to see other parts of the beautiful area around Dubrovnik.
The Elaphite Islands are a small archipelago with three main islands, the closest islands to Dubrovnik, located just northwest (not counting Lokrum!).
- Also read: Best Dubrovnik Day Trips
Koločep is the closest island to Dubrovnik and is usually the first stop on every Elafiti Islands day trip. Its pristine coastline, seafood restaurants, and old buildings make it the perfect relaxing place. Koločep is also home to the popular Blue Cave.
Second is Lopud, the most developed island with bars and restaurants along the promenade, ancient ruins, and the famous sandy beach Šunj.
The last and largest island out of the three is Šipan, with gentle waters, olive trees, and sandy beaches.
Did you know? Šipan holds the Guinness World Record for having the most olive trees per square meter. There are over 300 thousand olive trees on the island!
Getting to the Elaphite Islands
The most effortless way to see all three islands is the Elafiti island-hopping tour, and if you’re feeling adventurous in the summer, you can join a Kayak & Bike tour.
You can also ride the ferry from Gruž for 5 EUR. However, due to infrequent ferry times (and seasonality), a tour makes more sense if you want to see more than just one of the Elaphite islands.
Find the latest timetables for Lopud and Koločep on Jadrolinija and the ferry to Šipan on Omio.
You can also stay overnight in Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan if you want more time.
- Koločep: Kalamota Beach House – TUI BLUE All-Inclusive
- Lopud: Boutique Hotel Tomić – Lafodia Resort & Wellness
- Šipan: Hotel Bozica – Lela Studio Apartments and Rooms
14. Sunset cruise
There is no better way to finish a day in Dubrovnik than to go on a sunset cruise overlooking the walls of Dubrovnik while enjoying a drink.
There are many boats and trips, but the most famous and cool one is the Sunset Cruise by Karaka, a fascinating-looking 16th-century wooden boat.
Best sunset cruises in Dubrovnik:
- Karaka Sunset Cruise (the most unique boat in Dubrovnik)
- Sunset Cruise and Cocktail Experience
- Sunset Sip & Sail Private Cruise (perfect for couples or families + unlimited Prosecco)
15. Day Trips to Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina
Dubrovnik’s location at the far southern end of Croatia makes it easy to include day trips to the nearby countries of Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
What you can see in a day:
- Montenegro and its rival fortified town of Kotor, plus other Bay of Kotor locations
- The southern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with its famous Kravica Waterfall, Mostar, and its historic bridge.
Montenegro Day Trip
During your day trip to Montenegro, stop by the picture-perfect town of Perast, soak up the sparkling blue waters of Kotor Bay, and visit the famous man-made island “Our Lady of the Rocks”.
Then there’s Kotor, a UNESCO coastal town in Montenegro with a rich history, medieval walls and buildings, beautiful streets, museums, and beaches. Plus, you can climb high above the town for the best views at the abandoned Kotor Fortress.
You can visit Montenegro on a day trip from Dubrovnik by renting a car. However, if that’s not an option for you, we recommend a day tour with a boat cruise.
Bosnia and Herzegovina Day Trip
You can reach some cool spots in Bosnia and Herzegovina in just two hours from the Old Town.
Kravica Waterfall is the usual first stop, where you can cool off in the refreshing pool underneath the waterfall.
Then, you can drive to the lovely town of Mostar to visit the iconic UNESCO-listed Old Bridge, scenic rivers, monuments, and restaurants with traditional Bosnian dishes.
The easiest way to visit Bosnia from Dubrovnik is a small group tour to Mostar and the Kravica Waterfall.
However, personally, we recommend renting a car in Dubrovnik and driving up to Bosnia. This way, you can spend more time at the waterfall and have more flexibility regarding when you want to start or finish the day.
BOSNIA BY BUS
You can visit Mostar by bus, but in that case, you must spend the night in Mostar (check this cozy apartment near the bus station). The bus from Dubrovnik only goes in the afternoon, and there is no late bus back from Mostar.
16. Mljet National Park
Another popular day trip from Dubrovnik is to the Mljet National Park on Mljet, also known as the “Green Island.” It has dense forests and is one of the most beautiful Croatian islands.
You can explore Mljet by e-bike, walking the nature trails, or kayaking around the coastline. The e-bike is the best, as you can cover the whole area. Plus, there are lakes in which you can swim with water warmer than the sea.
How to get to Mljet National Park
You can do a day trip to Mljet from Dubrovnik by getting the earliest 1-hour ferry (8 or 9 am) and the latest ferry back at 5:35 pm. This way, you’ll return to Dubrovnik a bit before 7 pm.
The entrance ticket for Mljet National Park is 25 EUR per person in season (1.6.-30.9.) and 15 EUR in the shoulder season.
Visiting Mljet National Park on a tour
For an organized trip, we recommend the Mljet National Park & 3 Islands Tour, which also includes visits to Šipan and Koločep of the Elaphiti Islands. It’s the best combo island-hopping tour in Dubrovnik.
It’s a great day out where you visit beaches and caves and have the option to swim in beautiful waters, as well as go kayaking.
17. Pelješac Peninsula
If you’re a wine lover, we highly recommend visiting family-operated wineries on the Pelješac Peninsula to taste and learn about the wine’s history, production techniques, and characteristics.
Located just one hour’s drive north, this area is famous for its award-winning red wine production, particularly of Plavac Mali and Dingač, with many wineries spread across the large peninsula.
How to get to Pelješac Peninsula
You can get to Ston on Pelješac by taking the bus from Dubrovnik. From there, you can visit the Winery Škurla by taxi or a 30-minute walk.
However, for a better experience, we recommend renting a car or going on an organized tour.
Our favorites are the Wine Lover’s Tour, which visits three wineries in one day, and the full-day wine and food tour, which includes a wine-tasting and food tour in a winery. Plus, a visit to Ston, known for its 5.5-kilometer wall (the longest in Europe), the saltworks, and oyster farms.
LOCAL TIP
Just off the coast of Pelješac is Korčula, a stunning island and the assumed birthplace of Marco Polo.
You can catch a ferry to Korčula (from Dubrovnik or Orebić port on Pelješac) or book the Korčula & Pelješac combo tour.
Dubrovnik Tours and Activities
Now that we covered all the must-do things in Dubrovnik, we’d love to give you an idea of the best tours and activities you can do here.
We also have a detailed Tours and Activities Guide you can read to find the complete list.
In general, beyond the standard walking tours (we recommend the Old Town Walking Tour or the City Walls Walking Tour), there are also plenty of other great tours that can make your stay in Dubrovnik both more informative and fun.
Game of Thrones Tours
Most people do the GOT tour that visits the Old Town locations, but you also have the option to book a GOT Old Town & Lokrum Tour (visits Iron Throne) and the one that visits the Trsteno Arboretum (King’s Landing Gardens).
You can also go on the GOT Combo Tour, which includes the Walking Tour of the Old Town and the sunset cruise aboard Karaka (Daenerys’ ship).
Boat Trips
We already mentioned a few boat trip options, but there are a few more we haven’t, like the Blue Cave Tour, one of the most popular tours in Dubrovnik, usually combined with a visit to nearby spots like the sandy beach Šunj on Lopud Island and caves on Koločep Island.
You can also go on the 4-Night Sailing Trip, which visits Koločep and Šipan on the Elaphite Islands, Mljet, and Pelješac Peninsula. It’s the perfect mix of sailing and sightseeing with plenty of activities to make it a fun adventure.
And for the ultimate sailing adventure, you can board a sailboat in Dubrovnik and sail all the way to Split while visiting awesome places like Hvar Island. You can read more about it in our Review of MedSailors Croatia Discovery.
Adventure Activities
While Dubrovnik is no match to Omiš (the adventure capital of Croatia), it still offers plenty of adventure activities to get your adrenaline pumping.
Below is a list of the best ones – find more info in our Activities Guides.
List of outdoor and adventure activities:
- Zipline
- ATV and Buggy rides
- Jetski rides
- Horseback Riding
- Scuba Diving
Where to stay in Dubrovnik
Staying in the Old Town of Dubrovnik brings you right to the heart of it all, but it comes with a higher price. Also, rooms in the Old Town are typically smaller, pricier, and inaccessible by car.
However, we highly recommend staying in the Old Town if you’re coming for only a night or two. For more information, read our Where to Stay in Dubrovnik guide to find the best area and hotel within your budget.
Staying in the Old Town
Our favorites in the Old Town are the Kingslanding Old Town Hostel (budget) and the Apartment Matić for a mid-range stay.
For a more luxurious stay, the stunning Villa 5db right in the heart of Old Town is the absolute best pick. And just a few steps outside the Old Town in the Ploče area, you can stay at one of the best luxury hotels, Hotel Excelsior, a stunning seafront hotel with a spa and wellness area.
Staying outside the Old Town
On the other hand, staying further outside the walls gets you cheaper accommodation while still being a convenient 5 to 10-minute bus ride away, like in the Lapad peninsula or the Gruž neighborhood. We recommend the Hostel Free Bird and Room Dragica.
Another popular place to stay in Dubrovnik is in Cavtat, a town just a 30-minute drive south and conveniently close to the airport.
Our top picks in Cavtat are Villa Mimoza (budget), Apartments Villa Lukas (mid-range), and for a luxury stay, Hotel Supetar, a renovated historic 1920s private villa.
Our apartment experience
On our last week-long stay, we booked Studio Maslac atop the hill above Lapad Beach. We stayed in a comfy studio with a fantastic view from the terrace, plus a bus stop 5 minutes away with frequent buses to the Old Town.
Since we had a more extended stay and came by car, a location outside the Old Town was the most convenient. Plus, we had Lapad Beach close by (although a short exercise was needed to conquer the stairs!).
Where to eat in Dubrovnik
The food scene of Dubrovnik, a typical Dalmatian city, is very much, well, Dalmatian. It highlights fresh ingredients, seafood, vegetables, decadent desserts, and, of course, lots of olive oil and wine.
However, it’s easy to also find delicious regional and international food.
Since Dalmatian cuisine tends to be very healthy and incorporates a lot of vegetables in its dishes, you won’t have a hard time finding healthy options in Dubrovnik, even as a vegan or vegetarian.
Hand-picked restaurants in Dubrovnik:
- Fine dining:
- Nautika (refined style of Mediterranean cuisine)
- Forty Four Restaurant (traditional regional and Croatian)
- Ezza (Steak & Cocktail Bar)
- Mid-range:
- Taj Mahal (Bosnian cuisine)
- Gradska Kavana Arsenal (Mediterranean)
- Soul Kitchen (international, vegetarian & vegan friendly)
- Street food:
- Burger Tiger (“the” burger spot)
- Vege Dub (vegetarian and vegan)
- Sandwich Bar Pile (fresh cheap eats, sandwich & salad)
To explore the secrets of the popular Dalmatian cuisine, we recommend a Dubrovnik Cooking Class. You can enjoy learning how to make local dishes such as peka in the beautiful Croatian countryside with a local family.
How many days is enough for Dubrovnik?
Spending three or five days in Dubrovnik is perfect for seeing more than just the Old Town, taking a day trip or two, and exploring the beautiful area in which Dubrovnik is located.
While, in our opinion, Dubrovnik deserves a week to explore (like we did on our last visit), we understand having limited time.
By following our Dubrovnik 3 to 5 Days Itinerary, you can have the best time each day and see the absolute best things, whether you’re staying 3, 4, or 5 days (or longer).
In our 24 hours in Dubrovnik article, you can find the perfect plan for spending just one day in Dubrovnik, without missing out on anything that makes Dubrovnik special.
How to get to Dubrovnik
You can fly directly to Dubrovnik from the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Austria, France, and many other European countries. Plus, there are seasonal (summer) flights from New York and Dubai.
Otherwise, it’s easy to connect through major European hubs like Istanbul, Rome, and Amsterdam, or locally in Zagreb or Split.
In addition, Croatia’s bus network is well-developed, and many bus routes connect Dubrovnik with other cities in Croatia and neighboring countries, making it easy to explore the region.
Dubrovnik is also well-connected by ferry services to Split, Hvar, Brač, Korčula, Italy (Bari), and Montenegro.
Getting to the city from Dubrovnik Airport
The Dubrovnik airport shuttle costs 10 EUR one way, and 15 EUR return, an Uber ride costs about 30 EUR, while a taxi ride costs 45 EUR.
You can also book these in advance online, like the shared bus transfer to the city center or a private transfer to your hotel.
Visiting Dubrovnik on a tour
Since the completion of the Pelješac Bridge in July 2022, Dubrovnik is now even better connected to the rest of Croatia, since you no longer have to cross over the border to Neum in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Now, day trips from Split, Trogir, and Makarska make even more sense.
So if you’re looking to visit Dubrovnik on a tour, you can definitely do it. We highly recommend this Day Tour from Split or Trogir and this Day Tour from Makarska.
The day will be long, but if you only have a day to spare and don’t want to miss out on Dubrovnik (you shouldn’t!), it’s a great option.
Coming to Dubrovnik from Bosnia?
Check out the One-Way Tour to Dubrovnik from Sarajevo. You’ll be picked up from Sarajevo and make stops in Mostar, Kravica Waterfalls, Blagaj, Počitelj, and more before being dropped off at your Dubrovnik hotel.
By car
Getting to Dubrovnik by car from Split, Zagreb, or other cities is easy on well-maintained highways and regional roads with beautiful views along the way. We loved the views while driving to Dubrovnik from Split.
If you’ve got the time and budget, renting a car in Croatia is the best way to explore the stunning coastal scenery and picturesque towns at your own pace. We highly recommend doing a Croatia road trip. It’s the best way to see our beautiful country!
How to get around Dubrovnik
The best way to get around Dubrovnik is on foot. The Old Town is a car-free zone, and many of the main attractions are nearby.
If you’re staying outside Old Town, the best way to get to Dubrovnik’s City Center is by public bus, which connects all the main areas. You also get free bus transportation when purchasing a Dubrovnik pass – we highly recommend it.
Taxis in Dubrovnik
Taking a taxi or Uber is convenient for getting to the Old Town and around. Uber is an especially great option, covering a large area around Dubrovnik. Local tip: Install the Bolt app, as you often get a cheaper rate than with Uber in Croatia!
Keep in mind that Dubrovnik Old Town has three main entrances (gates): Pile Gate (West), Buža Gate (North), and Ploče Gate (East).
However, it only takes about 10 minutes to walk through the charming old town from the city’s west to the east.
By car
If you’re coming to Dubrovnik by car or plan on renting a car, finding parking can be a real hassle. Finding a spot close to the Old Town is challenging and quite expensive.
So it’s best to find a parking garage further away and then take a taxi/Uber or the city bus, which is also what we did. Or better yet, find a Dubrovnik Hotel with Parking. It will save you money and time.
Prices in Dubrovnik
On average, a night in a Dubrovnik hotel costs 100 EUR, 50 to 70 EUR in an apartment, and 35 to 50 EUR in a hostel.
Dining out in Dubrovnik varies from 20 to 50 EUR per meal with drinks at a mid-range restaurant.
Public transport in Dubrovnik is affordable, with bus tickets costing around 2 EUR per ride, while renting a car to explore the area costs 40 to 90 EUR per day, depending on the type of vehicle and rental duration.
| Accommodation | Food | Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel: 100 – 200 EUR / night | Inexpensive meal: 10 – 20 EUR | Taxi 1km: 1.5 – 2 EUR |
| Hostel: 35 – 50 EUR / night | Mid-range meal: 20 – 50 EUR | Car rental: 40 – 90 EUR |
While we agree that Dubrovnik isn’t a cheap destination to visit, there are ways to avoid spending an enormous amount.
We did it ourselves and wrote detailed articles to help you visit Dubrovnik on a budget.
Best time to visit Dubrovnik
The best time to visit Dubrovnik is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and fall (September to October). During these times, the weather is pleasant, the crowds are thinner compared to the peak summer months, and you can enjoy exploring the city without feeling too overwhelmed.
Additionally, off-peak periods in Dubrovnik mean lower prices for accommodations and activities.
- Must-read: When To Visit Dubrovnik (complete guide – including winter!)
TRAVEL TIP
Visiting during the high season? We highly recommend booking accommodations and tours in advance to secure your spot and make the most of your visit.
Visiting during the low season? There are fewer flights to Dubrovnik during the low season, as some routes only operate during the summer months. And if you’re coming to Dubrovnik before April, some tours, like day trips to nearby islands, might not operate yet.
Final thoughts and tips
Thank you for reading this guide! Hopefully, our complete list of the absolute best things to do in Dubrovnik will help you plan an unforgettable trip and have a great time.
We love Dubrovnik, and it’s truly a spectacular place that deserves more than a day. So if you have the time, definitely check out our 3-5 days in Dubrovnik Itinerary to see how to organize it best.
Otherwise, the next best thing is reading our 24 Hours in Dubrovnik Guide to see the highlights without missing out.
Have an amazing time!
