Dubrovnik is a walled city on the Adriatic coast, with white stone streets, terracotta roofs and a sea that is genuinely blue. The old town is small, car-free and beautiful, and it is one of the most visited places on the Croatian coast.
That popularity is the main thing to plan around. The old town fills up in summer, especially when cruise ships dock. The best times to see it are early morning and evening, when the crowds thin out and the light is soft.
How many days: 2 to 3
Two days is enough for the walls, the old town and a swim. Three days lets you take a boat trip or a day out to the islands.
The Elafiti Islands are the easy day trip by boat, and the town of Cavtat is a short trip down the coast. Check the timetables and the weather before you book.
What to do in Dubrovnik
- Walk the city walls
- A circuit of the walls is the best way to see the old town from above. Go early, as it gets very hot and crowded later. Check the official site for ticket arrangements.
- Wander the Stradun
- The main street of the old town is a wide limestone avenue, polished smooth by centuries of feet. It is busy by day and lovely in the evening.
- Get lost in the side streets
- Behind the main street, steep stepped lanes run up the hill, with washing lines, small shops and cafes. The quietest parts are the furthest from the gates.
- Take the cable car up Mount Srđ
- A short ride gives you a view over the old town and the islands. Sunset is the popular time.
- Swim and take a boat
- Dubrovnik is a sea city. The rocky beaches near the old town are pleasant, and boats run to nearby islands. Lokrum Island is a short ferry ride away.
- Visit the Rector's Palace
- A Gothic and Renaissance building that tells the story of the old republic. A good indoor stop in the heat.
- Paddle around the walls
- Sea kayak tours circle the old town's walls from the water, with stops for a swim. The view of the walls from below is unusual.
- Visit the Franciscan Monastery
- A quiet cloister inside the walls with a well-known old pharmacy. A calm stop in the middle of the busy old town.
What to eat and drink
- Fresh seafood
- Grilled fish, mussels and squid are the staples. Ask what was caught that day, and expect fish to be sold by weight.
- Black risotto
- Rice cooked with cuttlefish and its ink. A Dalmatian speciality, and a striking dish.
- Peka
- Meat or octopus slow-cooked under an iron bell with vegetables. It usually needs ordering a few hours ahead.
- Dalmatian ham and cheese
- Smoked ham and local cheeses, often served as a starter with olives.
- Rozata
- A caramel custard pudding, the city's traditional dessert.
- Local wine
- The nearby Pelješac peninsula makes well-known red wines. Ask for a local bottle.
- Oysters from Ston
- The bay near Ston, up the coast, is known for its oysters and mussels. Many restaurants in the city serve them, and they are best eaten simply.
Getting around
The old town is pedestrian only, and everything inside the walls is walkable. Expect stairs and steep lanes, and stone that is slippery when wet.
Local buses connect the old town to the nearby neighbourhoods and beaches. Check the operator's website for current tickets and routes.
The airport is about twenty kilometres south of the city. Buses and taxis run to the old town. Check the options before you land.
Good to know
- Croatia uses the euro. Cards are widely accepted, but small places may want cash.
- Summer is hot and crowded. Go early, take water and sun protection, and avoid the middle of the day.
- Cruise ships bring large crowds on some days. If you can, check the port schedule before choosing when to visit the old town.
- Wear shoes with good grip. The polished stone is slippery.
- July and August are the hottest and busiest months. Spring and early autumn have milder weather and smaller crowds.