The Ultimate Dubrovnik Guide

Dubrovnik, often called the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is one of those rare cities that truly feels like stepping into a storybook. With its medieval walls, shimmering Adriatic waters, and terracotta rooftops glowing in the sun, it’s no wonder it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a favorite for travelers from around the world. Dubrovnik was my absolute favorite while visiting Croatia. Here is the ultimate guide to visiting Dubrovnik, Croatia.

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Why Visit Dubrovnik?

Dubrovnik, Croatia, is a city that truly has it all — rich history, stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and some of the most beautiful coastal views in the world.

Walking through the Old Town feels like stepping into a living museum, where every corner tells a story from centuries past. The city’s location on the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea means you can spend your mornings exploring centuries-old fortresses and your afternoons swimming, sailing, or relaxing on the beach.

Dubrovnik offers something for every type of traveler. History lovers can explore the Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, and Franciscan Monastery; nature enthusiasts can hike up Mount Srđ or take a short ferry to lush Lokrum Island; and foodies can savor fresh seafood, local wines, and Dalmatian specialties.

Whether you’re after culture, relaxation, or adventure, Dubrovnik delivers an experience you’ll never forget.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every style and budget, from glamorous seaside resorts to cozy guesthouses tucked away in the Old Town. Your choice will depend on whether you want sweeping Adriatic views, easy access to historical sights, or a peaceful escape from the crowds.

Wherever you choose to stay, book well in advance, especially if visiting between June and September. Dubrovnik’s popularity means the best spots fill up quickly, and booking your ideal hotel or apartment early can make all the difference in your trip.

Luxury Stays

If you’re looking for five-star comfort, Hotel Excelsior is a Dubrovnik icon. Just a short walk from the Old Town, it offers stunning sea views, private beach access, and top-notch dining. They also offer an on-site spa with 3 treatment rooms.

Another standout is Villa Dubrovnik, an elegant cliffside retreat with modern design, a spa, and panoramic terraces overlooking Lokrum Island. Villa Dubrovnik is a bit further from Old Town, with about a 30 minute walk or a 5 minute drive.

These upscale hotels deliver impeccable service, making them perfect for honeymoons or special occasions.

Mid-Range Stays

These hotels strike the perfect balance between location, amenities, and value.

For travelers who want style and comfort without the luxury price tag, Prijeko Palace in the Old Town offers boutique charm with individually designed rooms and an artsy vibe. There is a rooftop restaurant overlooking the terracotta sea of buildings.

If you’re looking for luxury in the mid-range price point, then Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik is the one. Steps from the historic Pile Gate outside of Old Town, this hotel offers beautiful views of the city walls, Adriatic Sea, and Lovrijenac Fortress. Breakfast is included in your stay here, and they also offer a stunning spa to unwind.

Another mid-range boutique hotel option is Guesthouse Forty Four. Located right in Old Town off the main, busy streets, you’re treated like family by the staff. They offer free breakfast and beach shuttles for an extra charge.

Budget-Friendly

If you’re traveling on a budget, you’ll find plenty of guesthouses, hostels, and apartments that are both affordable and welcoming. 

Dubrovnik Sweet House is a simple, but affordable guesthouse in the heart of Old Town and away from the hustle and bustle. Located only a short walk away from the Buža Beach and Bar, this guesthouse offers amazing communication and helps with arranging transfers and shuttles.

Another guesthouse in the heart of Old Town closer to the night life, Soleil Luxury Rooms is another simple, but affordable place to rest while you’re in Dubrovnik. They offer modern, air-conditioned rooms and warm local hospitality at a fraction of the price of luxury hotels.

Just a short, two minute walk from Pile Gate, Apartments Eleganca offers exceptional service and top-rated staff to ensure you feel welcome. The apartments are located a block from Dubrovnik’s Main Street, Stradun, and offer air conditioning and a washer.

Top Sites to See

There are numerous main attractions and hidden gems throughout Old Town and beyond. You can easily see all of the attractions within two days, while spending some time to relax on the many beaches in between.

We unfortunately only had one full day during our trip due to a flight delay and missed connection, but we packed in as much as we could.

City walls

If you do only one thing in Dubrovnik, make it this. The city walls, built between the 12th and 17th centuries, encircle the Old Town and offer unbeatable views of the sea and rooftops.

The Minceta Fortress is a must-visit spot, not just for its history and providing insights into the city’s defensive past, but also from TV.

If you’re a fan of HBO’s Game of Thrones, then you’ll easily recognize King’s Landing with all the terracotta roofs and Minceta Fortress as the House of the Undying.

The full 1940-meter long walk around can take 1-2 hours depending on crowds and speed. Depending on when you visit Croatia, I recommend either visiting early morning or later afternoon to avoid the midday heat.

Tickets for the City Walls are priced per season. In the busy summer season, tickets are €35.00 per adult. Children 18 years and younger are €15.00. You can purchase tickets here.

During the off season of November until February, tickets are cheaper at €15.00 per adult and €5.00 for children. You can purchase your ticket on site or online prior to visiting.

There are three entrances to get onto the walls at Inner Pile Gate, St. Lucas Fortress and St. John’s Fortress. I recommend getting there when they open at 8:00am because it will get busy!

Lovrijenac Fortress

Also known as St. Lawrence Fortress, Lovrijenac Fortress sits on the western wall of Dubrovnik. With its origins dating back to the 11th century, Lovrijenac Fortress has witnessed countless battles, sieges, and shifts in power.

Its strategic positioning of 35m above sea level provided an unparalleled vantage point for defending against maritime threats, as well as a symbolic reminder of Dubrovnik’s resilience.

If you bought tickets for the City Wall, Lovrijenac Fortress is included in those same tickets. The fortress opens at 8:00am and can take an hour or more to explore.

Be prepared to walk up a lot of stairs! Once again, Lovrijenac was featured in HBO’s Game of Thrones in numerous scenes.

Old Town

Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a maze of limestone streets, marble plazas, and Baroque buildings. Start at Pile Gate, stroll down Stradun (the main street), and wander into the smaller side alleys where you’ll find hidden cafes, art galleries, and boutique shops.

Encircled by its iconic walls, this UNESCO World Heritage Site exudes a timeless charm that captivates visitors from the very first moment.

The network of cobblestone streets leads you through a tapestry of architectural wonders, from Gothic and Renaissance facades to Baroque churches and ornate palaces. Landmarks like Sponza Palace, Rector’s Palace, and the Franciscan Monastery are all worth visiting.

Stroll down the pedestrian-only streets to absorb the city’s vibrant atmosphere and admire architectural wonders like the Onofrio Fountain. You can easily get lost wandering through the alley ways.

Banje Beach

Just a short walk from the Old Town, Banje Beach is the most famous (and busiest) beach in Dubrovnik. The views of the city walls from the water are stunning, and you can rent loungers or enjoy cocktails from the nearby beach club.

Like many European beaches, be prepared for the stones instead of sand. Water shoes are a must when traveling to these beaches.

Mount Srd

For a panoramic view of Dubrovnik and the Elaphiti Islands, hop on the Dubrovnik cable car to Mount Srđ.

The ride takes just four minutes, but the view from the top is unforgettable, especially at sunset. There’s also a war museum detailing the city’s 1991 siege during the Croatian War of Independence.

Take the cable car up for sunset for a panoramic view over of the city. The Panorama Restaurant & Bar sits up top of Mt. Srd where you can enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the gorgeous views. You definitely need a reservation well in advance if you’re interested in eating here.

Tickets for the cable car can bought on site or in advance online. Per each adult, a one way trip is €17.00 and a round trip is €30.00. Children age 4-12 are €5.00/€8.00.

Lokrum Island

A short 15-minute ferry ride from the Old Town harbor brings you to Lokrum Island, a lush island nature reserve. You can swim in rocky coves, visit the botanical gardens, or explore the ruins of a Benedictine monastery.

Sitting at the highest point of Lokrum is the fortress ruins. The ground is a bit unsteady as you wander up the trail, so I recommend having closed-toe shoes.

Lokrum Island is free to visit, but you will need a ticket for the ferry ride. You can purchase tickets here for €30.00 per adult and €5.00 per child ages 5-18.

If you don’t purchase your tickets in advance, there can be a long line at the port to wait. We bought ours standing right outside the boat from a QR code due to the long line.

Buža Bars I & II

Venture outside the city walls to find Buža Bars, hidden cliffside spots offering breathtaking views of the sea and a chance to cliff dive into the azure waters.

Grab a cold beer or non-alcoholic drink, lay out on your towel, or swim in the Adriatic. The Buža Bars are cash only, and if you want to go for sunset, go early to grab a seat before it gets busy.

Food in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s culinary scene is a delightful blend of Mediterranean flavors and local ingredients. Don’t miss these food and drink experiences. Being a coastal city, Dubrovnik boasts an array of fresh seafood options.

Lady PI-PI – One would say one of the best restaurants in Dubrovnik, Lady Pi-Pi offers exquisite views with fresh seafood. Prepare to hike up all the Old Town stairs, but the views and food are worth it. The restaurant is small and unfortunately, no reservations, but if you arrive when they open, there may be a limited or no wait.

Gradska Kavana Arsenal – This stunning restaurant sits right on the port by Old Town. They offer fresh Croatian dishes such as ahi tuna, oysters, seafood risotto, as well as meat options. Reservations for patio seating are recommended. The beef carpaccio and ahi tuna were absolutely divine.

Dubravka 1836 Restaurant & Cafe – Another highly rated restaurant with beautiful views that sits right outside of West Harbor. Dubravka 1836 offers fresh Mediterranean cuisine for meals all day. Reservations recommended.

Taj Mahal Old Town – Bosnian food made with love, tradition, and family values. Taj Mahal Old Town offers soups, meat and vegetable dishes, salads, and desserts such as baklava. Reservations are recommended.

Nautika – Located right outside of Pile Gate on the Western Harbor, this fine dining restaurant offers fresh seafood caught daily, local grown vegetables, as well as meat and vegetable dishes with stunning views. Nautika was recognized as the sixth most romantic restaurant in the world by Condé Nast Traveller magazine. 

Restaurant & Bar Rudjer – Offering breakfast, lunch, snack, or dinner, Rudjer focuses all their recipes with fresh, locally grown ingredients. Highly rated, with live music, and reservations recommended.

Peppino’s Gelato – One of the best gelato options in Dubrovnik, Peppino’s offers a variety of flavors from caramel goat milk, tiramisu, strudel, carob and fig, and many more. With two locations in Old Town, you can’t miss out.

aROMA Gelato – Another favorite gelato place of ours, and to our surprise all throughout our Croatian adventures. aROMA offers water based sorbet and dairy based gelato, plus more!

Tours Around Dubrovnik

There are many tours you could take in or from Dubrovnik. Whatever you’re looking for, whether it’s visiting famous sites, to water activities, to full day trips, there is something for everyone.

One of my favorite tours to do while visiting any city is starting with a free walking tour. You’ll get to learn the history from a local, seeing all the best sites, and all you do is tip at the end for what you think the tour was worth! We do one in every single city we visit on our first day to see the city as a whole and make a plan for the rest of our trip.

One of the most popular tours while visiting Dubrovnik would have to be this Game of Thrones tour. Walk around the city visiting the famous filming sites, such as the Red Keep and Cersei’s infamous “Walk of Shame.”

Take a boat trip around the Elaphiti archipelago with this Blue Cave & Sunj Beach boat tour. This 4 hour tour offers drinks on board, swimming through caves, snorkeling, and soaking up all the sun at Šunj Beach. Make sure to pack your towel for this tour.

This scenic Elaphite Island Cruise tour takes you to the islands of Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep for 8 hours with drinks included. While visiting each island, you’ll have time for site seeing, swimming and snorkeling, or shopping. There is an additional option with lunch included or hotel transfers.

If you’re looking to take a full day trip over to Bosnia-Herzegovina, then this Mostar and Kravica Waterfall day trip tour is perfect. Get picked up at your hotel, head over to a new country, and admire the natural beauty of Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Another full day trip from Dubrovnik is this Montenegro Boat Tour from Perast to Kotor. You’ll wander over the border to Montenegro and take a site seeing cruise down the coast. You’ll have time to explore the town of Kotor and the Konavle Valley.

Getting Around the City

One of Dubrovnik’s greatest charms is its compact, pedestrian-friendly Old Town. Enclosed by impressive medieval walls, this historic center is completely car-free, which means the best way to explore is on foot.

Most of the main attractions, shops, and restaurants are within walking distance once you’re inside the city walls, making it easy to see the sights without relying on vehicles.

Public Transportation

Outside the Old Town, Dubrovnik’s public bus network is the most convenient and budget-friendly way to get around. Operated by Libertas, these orange buses connect the Old Town with surrounding neighborhoods, beaches, and popular spots like the Gruž Port.

Tickets are inexpensive and can be bought directly from the driver (slightly more expensive) or at kiosks and newsstands. You can also download the Libertas app, which provides information on the schedule, active lines, and bus arrival times available in real time.

Taxis are widely available, but prices can be steep, especially during the summer. Uber operates in Dubrovnik as well, often offering a cheaper and more predictable alternative to local taxis.

Long-distance buses run to other Croatian cities like Split and Zadar, as well as to neighboring Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

Driving

Driving in Dubrovnik itself is generally not recommended due to heavy traffic, scarce parking, and the pedestrian nature of the Old Town.

Renting a car can be useful if you’re planning to explore the wider Dalmatian coast or remote inland areas. Just be prepared for narrow, winding coastal roads and plan parking in advance.

Helpful Tips for Dubrovnik

Planning ahead can make all the difference when visiting Dubrovnik, especially since it’s one of Croatia’s most popular destinations, welcoming thousands of visitors daily in peak season. 

When to Visit

Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring or fall. Summer can get busy due to prime travel time in Europe. Dubrovnik’s Old Town is small but can feel crowded when multiple cruise ships dock.

If you want to enjoy its charming streets in peace, try exploring early in the morning or later in the evening. Not only will you avoid the busiest hours, but you’ll also catch the golden light that makes the city even more magical.

You’ll also avoid the heat wave in the summer. Although most hotels and Airbnbs may have AC, you risk the chance staying somewhere without.

Summer (June to August) is hot, busy, and full of events, so if you prefer a calmer atmosphere, consider visiting in late spring (May) or early autumn (September to October).

Currency

As of January 2023, the official currency switched from Croatian Kuna to the Euro.

Cards are widely accepted except Amex usually, but cash is always key to traveling in Europe. I always recommend at least a small amount of cash for cafes, markets, smaller tours, and tipping.

Packing the Essentials

Pack light and practical. The Old Town is entirely pedestrian with plenty of stairs, so rolling heavy luggage through the streets can be challenging.

Comfortable walking shoes are a must, with the polished limestone streets being slippery. My absolute favorite shoes I bought are these Birkenstock sneakers, they worked well with traveling to numerous countries and paired well with all my outfits.

In summer, bring a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen. I also recommend this small handheld mini fan that doubles as a power bank and flashlight. It’s small and can fit in any bag, and helps with the heat while traveling.

A reusable water bottle is also handy, as there are public fountains with clean, drinkable water scattered around the city. Depending on your bag size and how light you’re packing, a collapsible water bottle or a stainless steal water bottle is one of my top essentials to pack while traveling.

If you are traveling from the U.S. to Europe, you’ll need an European outlet adapter. I own 3 of these and they’ve worked amazing while living in Germany and traveling to over 15 countries.

Dubrovnik City Card

If you plan to see several attractions and use public transportation, look into purchasing a Dubrovnik City Card. You can choose between 1 day (€40), 3-day (€50), or 7-day (€60) pass to save money. The City card prices are cheaper in the off season.

It covers entry to the City Walls, several museums around the city, and discounts on tours, rentals, restaurants, and more. Riding public transportation is also included with the local city transport buses. Unfortunately, transportation to and from the airport is not included in the pass.

Your pass is activated with the first visit to any cultural site or by the first use of public transportation, then your time starts. This pass entitles you to a one-time visit to each cultural site.

There are over 30 sites around the city to purchase the pass in person, or you can purchase online and use the QR code on your phone.

Children under the age of 7 do not need a pass, as long as they are accompanied by an adult with the city card.

Dubrovnik is more than just a beautiful city, it’s an experience that blends history, culture, nature, and warm Adriatic hospitality. Whether you’re sipping wine overlooking the sea, exploring medieval fortifications, or diving into turquoise waters, Dubrovnik has a way of making every moment feel timeless. As you plan your visit to this Adriatic gem, keep this guide handy to make the most of your time in Dubrovnik. You won’t regret visiting Dubrovnik!