Things To Do
in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is a UNESCO World Heritage city on Croatia’s southern coast. Its medieval walls, baroque churches, and terracotta roofs overlook the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. The Old Town’s limestone streets echo centuries of maritime history and scenic charm.

Nearby islands, lush hills, and fresh seafood complete its timeless appeal.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
City Walls Immersion
morning
:

Begin your day with a sunrise stroll atop the ancient city walls, taking in panoramic views of terracotta rooftops and the Adriatic Sea. Enjoy a guided tour that highlights centuries of fortifications and hidden towers. Stop at Lookout Point for photos and a brief history lesson from a local expert.

afternoon
:

Descend into the Old Town for a seafood lunch at a waterfront konoba, savoring freshly caught fish and local white wine. Wander through narrow marble streets to explore Onofrio’s Fountain, Rector’s Palace, and Sponza Palace. Pause at a café for a gelato break and people‐watching on Stradun.

evening
:

Dine at a rooftop restaurant overlooking Banje Beach as the sun dips below the horizon. After dinner, catch a traditional klapa performance in a tucked‐away square for authentic Dalmatian harmonies. Conclude the night with cocktails at a seaside bar, listening to the gentle lapping of waves.

day 2
Old Town Discovery
morning
:

Join a small‐group walking tour through the labyrinthine streets of Dubrovnik’s Old Town to uncover hidden chapels, baroque facades, and medieval arcades. Your guide will share legends of pirates, patricians, and Church relics. Photograph gilded details in St. Blaise’s Church before sampling pastries at a local bakery.

afternoon
:

Spend the afternoon exploring the Rector’s Palace museum and the Sponza archive, immersing yourself in Dubrovnik’s Renaissance heritage. Break for lunch at a courtyard café and try pašticada, a slow‐cooked beef dish in sweet wine sauce. Follow up with a self‐guided treasure hunt to locate historic plaques and inscriptions around town.

evening
:

Book a table at a fine‐dining spot tucked beneath ancient stone walls for a fusion of Dalmatian and Mediterranean flavors. Enjoy a sommelier’s selection of regional wines from Pelješac and Korčula. After dinner, stroll along the city walls again under floodlights, admiring illuminated fortresses and silent ramparts.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12
🍺Domestic beer (0.5 L)$4
Coffee$3
🚇One-way bus ticket$2
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$100

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Stunning UNESCO-listed Old Town and city walls
  • Crystal-clear Adriatic Sea and nearby islands
  • Crowded in peak summer months
  • Higher prices compared to other Croatian cities
  • "Dobar dan" - Good day
  • "Hvala" - Thank you
  • "Molim" - Please / You’re welcome
  • "Gdje je WC?" - Where is the restroom?

Places to Visit in Dubrovnik

Visit one of these nice places.

City Walls

Aerial views of red roofs and turquoise sea—best at sunrise or golden hour.

Fort Lovrijenac

Dramatic fortress and sea backdrop, ideal for wide-angle shots.

Mount Srđ

Panoramic overlook accessible by cable car or hiking trail for sweeping cityscapes.

Culinary Guide

Food in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s cuisine blends fresh Adriatic seafood, Mediterranean olive oil, local herbs, and Dalmatian wines. Expect simple, flavorful dishes rooted in centuries of coastal tradition.

Dubrovnik Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Black Risotto

Rich squid ink risotto served in seaside konobas like Konoba Dubrava in the Old Town.

Must-Try!

Peka

Slow-cooked meat or octopus under an iron dome, best at Taj Mahal near Ploče Gate.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Gundulićeva Poljana Market

Daily market selling fresh figs, olives, cheese, and house-made Rakija—perfect for snacks.

Old Town Street Vendors

Try fritule (sweet fritters) and grilled corn near the Clock Tower.

Climate Guide

Weather

Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers (July–August) and mild, wetter winters (December–February); spring and autumn are temperate with occasional rain.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Quiet Zones

Keep noise low in residential alleys after 10 PM.

Dress Code

Modest attire is appreciated in churches; swimsuits are for beaches only.

Greetings

A polite “Dobar dan” (good day) when entering shops or restaurants goes a long way.

Safety Guide

Safety

Dubrovnik is very safe; watch for uneven cobblestones and avoid swimming in strong currents without a guide. Keep valuables locked in hotel safes.

Tipping in Dubrovnik

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

10% tip is customary in restaurants; small change for cafes and taxis is appreciated.

Payment Methods

Credit cards are widely accepted in the Old Town; carry cash for market stalls and smaller konobas.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures, blooming gardens, fewer crowds—ideal for walking tours.

Summer

Hot and busy; beaches and boat trips are popular, book accommodations early.

Autumn

Cooling temperatures and harvest season; wine festivals and fewer tourists.

Winter

Quiet Old Town, some attractions close early, but Christmas markets and mild days offer charm.

Nightlife Guide

Dubrovnik at Night

Dubrovnik’s nightlife centers on intimate wine bars, cliffside lounges like Buža Bar, and seasonal beach clubs—lively in summer, more relaxed off-season.

Hiking in Dubrovnik

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Mount Srđ Trail

3 km route from Pile Gate to summit with historical Fort Imperial.

Konavle Valley

Day trips through olive groves and traditional villages south of Dubrovnik.

Airports

How to reach Dubrovnik by plane.

Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)

15 km north of the city; shuttle buses and taxis connect to the Old Town.

Tivat Airport (TIV)

Montenegro airport 90 km away; seasonal buses and car rentals link via coastal road.

Getting Around

Walkability

Dubrovnik’s compact Old Town is highly walkable, though steep streets and many steps can be challenging for those with mobility issues.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local Croats

Majority population practicing Mediterranean lifestyle.

Expatriates

Growing community of EU and international residents working in tourism.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Water Polo

Locally beloved with competitive matches in the Adriatic.

Sailing

Regattas and yacht charters depart regularly from the marina.

Transportation

Traffic

Old Town is car-free; city buses cover suburbs. Summer ferry and catamaran services connect nearby islands.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Dubrovnik.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Fresh salads, pasta with truffle or vegetable sauces, and grilled veggies are widely available; ask for cheese-free options at most konobas.

Gluten-Free

Corn-based buzara sauce dishes and risottos are safe; confirm with staff before ordering pasta.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Public hospitals and private clinics are available in Dubrovnik; EU visitors can use their EHIC card, others should have travel insurance.

Discover Croatia

Read more in our Croatia 2025 Travel Guide.

Croatia Travel Guide