Dubrovnik

Food | Wine | Architecture

Dubrovnik Travel Guide: Things to Know Before You Go

Dubrovnik is a beautiful city and well deserving of the label “Pearl of the Adriatic.” The entire city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it an ideal destination for architecture and history lovers. The medieval walls surrounding the old town are still standing and offer a glimpse into the city’s rich past.

We spent several wonderful days strolling through the alleys of Dubrovnik in April 2012. Over a decade later, we returned for the whole month of June. Since our first visit, the number of restaurants and bars increased significantly – along with the crowds and stores selling Game of Thrones memorabilia. We very much enjoyed soaking up the atmosphere of this amazing city and will likely return again someday, but it definitely won’t be during the hot, crowded summer months!

Below is a guide to our favorite food, wine, and architecture in Dubrovnik, plus some additional travel tips and resources we picked up along the way. We hope this information will inspire you to plan your next trip!

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Dubrovnik Food

Dubrovnik cuisines fuse traditional Balkan foods and rich Italian flavors with a mix of different kinds of seafood.

Many excellent restaurants in Dubrovnik serve fine dining on terraces with sunset views. Alternatively, if you prefer a romantic dinner in the privacy of your Airbnb, you can visit the Gruz Market for fresh fish and seafood (like Ston oysters).

A Mouthful of Happiness Dubrovnik Croatia

Dubrovnik Wine

Dubrovnik is located in the Dalmatia wine region. The Dalmatia Wine page includes information we’ve gathered about the excellent wines produced in the region.

The thriving winemaking industry on the nearby Pelješac peninsula produces many of the local wines found in Dubrovnik’s shops and restaurants.

Also, there are wineries south of Dubrovnik where you can tour the vineyards and taste the wines.

Dubrovnik Wine

Dubrovnik Architecture

The Placa (aka Stradun) is the main street through the center of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. The pedestrian street stretching from the Pile Gate to the Old Port is lined with some of the most impressive architecture on the Dalmatian Coast.

There are several options to get great views of the Old Town’s stunning architecture:

  • The Walls of Dubrovnik are a must-see attraction and provide great views of the Adriatic Sea and the Old Town.
  • Fort Lovrijenac (aka St. Lawrence Fortress) provides spectacular views of the Old Town from just outside the walls.
  • Lokrum Island offers a unique vantage point from slightly further away (you also get a bonus view from the ferries to and from the island).
  • Mount Srd provides the best view of Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands. The best way to get to the summit is on the cable car. At the top, you will find a museum with info about the wars that ended Yugoslavia and a cafe with panoramic views.

 

Dubrovnik Croatia Bell Tower

Where is Dubrovnik Located?

Dubrovnik is a port town on the Adriatic Sea. It is a 3 hr drive southeast along the coast from Split, Croatia, a 1 hr 47 min drive northwest along the coast from Kotor, Montenegro, and a 2 hr 30 min drive south of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

What Makes Dubrovnik Unique?

The pedestrian-only Old Town, enclosed by medieval walls with battlements offering panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea, makes Dubrovnik a unique destination.

Where is the Best Place to Stay in Dubrovnik?

Hotels in Dubrovnik

There are many great places to stay in Dubrovnik. For the best experience, we recommend staying near or in the old city (the castle marker on the map below is inside the Old Town Walls). The best bars and restaurants, as well as the best sites, are located inside the Old Town. While areas of the Old Town are hilly and have steps, some areas outside are even hillier and have more steps. If climbing up and down steps is an issue, you should do your research before booking any accommodations.

Here’s an interactive map with hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.

Book your stay now!

What Is the Best Time to Visit Dubrovnik?

The best month to visit Dubrovnik depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want the best weather, fewer crowds, or the best value? Following are our suggestions for each.

Weather

The best weather is a personal preference. We find the best weather for exploring a city is around 55° F and sunny. Weather in Dubrovnik during the summer can be very hot, and you should consider an alternative time if you do not enjoy hot and sunny weather.

Below is a chart showing the average high and low temperatures for each month so you can decide what is best for you.

Dubrovnik Croatia Weather Graph

Shoulder Season

The time of the year with good weather and fewer crowds is often called the shoulder season. The shoulder season in Dubrovnik is March, April, October, and November. For many, this is the best time of the year to visit.

We spent the month of June in Dubrovnik and thought the weather was sweltering and the Old Town was jam-packed with tourists. Very high stone walls surround Dubrovnik Old Town. They are one of the things that make Dubrovnik so beautiful, but they also prevent a breeze from making it more comfortable. We regret going to Dubrovnik during the high season and will almost certainly go during the shoulder or low season next time.

Best Value

January and February are good months to visit Dubrovnik for the best value and with few crowds. Winters are mild in Dubrovnik, and if you are happy not lying on the beaches or swimming in the Adriatic Sea, it is a great time to visit and enjoy the beautiful city without the crazy crowds.

FAQs About Dubrovnik

Is Dubrovnik Worth Visiting?

Dubrovnik is the most popular destination in Croatia and one of the most popular in Europe, attracting millions of tourists each year. The city’s stunning architecture and picturesque seaside landscape make it a favorite among travelers. Dubrovnik was also featured in the TV series Game of Thrones, which further increased its popularity. It is definitely worth visiting for those who want to experience the beauty and culture of Croatia. If you still have questions, check out our article “Is Dubrovnik Worth Visiting?” where we explore this question in depth.

Is Dubrovnik good for tourists?

Dubrovnik is a popular destination known for its historic walled city, beautiful coastline, and Game of Thrones filming locations. It has a lot to offer in terms of culture, history, and natural beauty. If you’re interested in visiting the museums, you should consider buying the Dubrovnik Pass (formerly the Dubrovnik Card). This card provides access to the main sights in the city, including entry to the walls, the Franciscan Monastery, and the Museum of Modern Art, among others. It also includes free bus tickets and discounts in shops and restaurants. The Dubrovnik Card is available as a 1-day card for 35€, a 3-day card for 45€, or a 7-day card for 55€. With this card, visitors can save money while still enjoying all that Dubrovnik has to offer.

Is Dubrovnik Expensive?

Yes, Dubrovnik is very expensive. Since Game of Thrones used Dubrovnik as King’s Landing, the word is out, and Dubrovnik is a very popular destination for cruise ships and overnight tourists. Old Town Dubrovnik has a limited number of accommodations and restaurants, and everything is very expensive. However, the cost ultimately depends on the level of luxury required. We prepared a Budget for a Month in Dubrovnik that analyzes all the necessary expenses.

What is Dubrovnik Famous For?

Dubrovnik is famous for its dramatic walls and rocky cliffs which were used extensively as filming locations in Game of Thrones.

Is Dubrovnik Pretty?

Yes, Dubrovnik Old Town is very beautiful and memorable.

How Many Days in Dubrovnik Is Enough?

It depends on what you want to see and do in Dubrovnik. It is possible to see Dubrovnik’s Old Town, walk the walls, and enjoy a glass of wine at one of the wall bars in one very busy day. If you’re interested in exploring the Old Town, visiting museums, and taking day trips to one of the nearby islands (like Lokrum Island), a few days may be enough. However, if you want to take your time to stroll all the alleys and really soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful city, you might want to consider staying for a week or more.

It’s worth noting that Dubrovnik can get quite crowded during the peak tourist season, so you may want to plan your visit accordingly if you prefer a less hectic experience.

Ultimately, the amount of time you spend in Dubrovnik will depend on your interests and priorities, so it’s best to do some research and plan your itinerary accordingly. Check out our article for a list of the best things to see and a suggested walking tour of Dubrovnik.

What Region Is Dubrovnik In?

Dubrovnik is located in the Dalmatia region of Croatia.

Is Dubrovnik nicer than Split?

Both Dubrovnik and Split are beautiful cities in Croatia with their own unique charm and attractions. Dubrovnik is known for its historic Old Town, stunning city walls, and picturesque coastal views, while Split boasts ancient Roman ruins, vibrant nightlife, and scenic beaches. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your personal preferences and travel style.

How To Get to Dubrovnik?

Dubrovnik has an airport with connecting flights all over Europe. You can get from Dubrovnik Airport to the Old Town by shuttle or taxi.

To schedule a taxi or private transfer in advance, we recommend GetTransfer.

Other Things to Know About Dubrovnik

Population

According to the 2021 census, the city of Dubrovnik has a population of 41,562. However, just 1,557 people live in the Old Town.

Time Zone

Central European Standard Time (GMT +1)

Currency

Euro €

Language

Croatian – Dubrovnik is a city where English is abundantly spoken.

Visa

Citizens from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia don’t need a visa to visit Croatia if they stay 90 days or less. For more information on visa-free travel in Croatia, check out our article on traveling visa-free.

Electricity

Croatia’s electrical outlets are Type C, F, and L. They have a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Travelers from the United States will need an adapter.

If you have many items to plug in, we recommend a travel power strip with multiple USBs and standard plug-ins. Using a power strip, you will only need one adapter to plug the strip into the wall.

SIM Card

Travelers will want a SIM card for Croatia. You can get either a local SIM card or an eSIM card.

To get a local SIM card, you have to find a local cellular service provider, often stand in line for assistance, show your passport, and complete some paperwork. The SIM cards work great, but purchasing them is somewhat inconvenient. This option is best if you need more than 5GB of data.

We use eSIMs exclusively because they can be purchased through an app prior to arrival in a new country and activated when you hit a cell tower in the country. We use Airalo eSIMs. They work great, and I recommend them if you plan to use less than 5 GB of data during your stay or if you need internet immediately on arrival.

Airport

Dubrovnik Airport (code: DBV) – seasonally there is a direct flight from Newark to DBV.  There are several year-round connecting airport options in Europe.

Car Rental

Croatia has a limited train system, and rental cars or private transfers are often required when visiting the country.

Most large American rental car brands, as well as Sixt and Europcar are available in Dubrovnik. For a comparison of rental car offers from large, international brands and smaller regional brands, we recommend Discover Cars.

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Is Dubrovnik Worth Visiting?

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Dubrovnik’s Old Town, ancient city walls, and breathtaking sea views make it a popular tourist destination. Whether you’re interested in exploring the local culture or simply admiring the stunning architecture, Dubrovnik has something for...

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