The Old Harbour at Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is an old city on the Adriatic Sea coast in the extreme south of Croatia. It is one of the most prominent tourist resorts of the Mediterranean, a seaport and the centre of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County. Its population is about 43,000 in 2011. Dubrovnik is nicknamed "Pearl of the Adriatic" and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dubrovnik within Croatia

Understand

The city of Dubrovnik (Latin: Ragusa) was built on maritime trade. In the Middle Ages it became the only city-state in the Adriatic to rival Venice. Supported by its wealth and skilled diplomacy, the city achieved a remarkable level of development during the 15th and 16th centuries. Furthermore, Dubrovnik was one of the centres of the development of the Croatian language and literature, home to many notable poets, playwrights, painters, mathematicians, physicists and other scholars.

Today Dubrovnik is the proudest feather in Croatia's tourist cap, an elite destination, and one of the most beautiful towns in the Mediterranean, much more expensive and tourism-centered than other places in Croatia. It has managed to survive many centuries, with constant threats to its territory, particularly from the mighty Ottoman Empire and Venice. As early as the 19th century, it was discovered by celebrities as a place to be seen. George Bernard Shaw once said that "those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik and find it". Royalty, presidents and diplomats have all favored the city. The late Pope John Paul II was a fan of Dubrovnik and was even made an honorary citizen. Of the 23 top luxury hotels in Croatia in 2010, 13 were in Dubrovnik. The city became famous for a new audience in the 2010s as one of the sets of the Game of Thrones television series.

Dubrovnik was heavily bombed in late 1991 during the Croatian War of Independence (part of a series of wars in the region). Almost all of the damage has been repaired; however, if you look closely around the old town, mortar damage in the cobblestone streets and shrapnel marks in the stone houses are visible.

Bokar Fortress

Get in

By plane

• 1 Dubrovnik Airport (DBV  ^IATA) (is about 20 km (12 mi) to the south of the city.).  

The following airlines operate flights to/from Dubrovnik Airport:

Aer Lingus (Dublin-seasonal), Aeroflot (Moscow - seasonal), Air Serbia (Belgrade-seasonal), Austrian Airlines (Vienna), Bmibaby (East Midlands-seasonal), British Airways (London-Gatwick-seasonal), Croatia Airlines (Amsterdam, Athens, Belgrade-seasonal, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, London-Gatwick, Munich, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Pula, Rome-Fiumicino, Split, Tel Aviv, Vienna, Zagreb, Zürich), DanubeWings (Bratislava), EasyJet (Berlin-Schönefeld-seasonal, London Gatwick-seasonal), Geneva-seasonal, Liverpool-seasonal, London Gatwick-seasonal, Milan-Malpensa-seasonal, Paris-Orly-seasonal), Finnair (Helsinki), Eurowings (Berlin-Schönefeld, Cologne/Bonn, Hamburg), Iberia Airlines (Madrid-seasonal), Iberia operated by Air Nostrum (Valencia-seasonal), Israir (Tel Aviv - seasonal), TUIfly Belgium (Brussels-seasonal), Jet2.com (Belfast-seasonal, Edinburgh-seasonal, Leeds-seasonal, Manchester-seasonal), Lufthansa (Munich), Luxair (Luxembourg), Norwegian Air Shuttle (Bergen, Oslo-Gardermoen, Stavanger, Stockholm-Arlanda, Trondheim, Warsaw),Tarom (Bucharest - Henri Coanda, seasonal) Thomson Airways (London Gatwick, London-Luton, Manchester-seasonal), Turkish Airlines (Istanbul-seasonal), Vueling (Barcelona-seasonal), Wizzair (London-Luton-seasonal)

The exact list of destinations and airlines, especially the low-cost ones, changes each year, but there is always a year-round service to/from Zagreb and seasonal scheduled and charter flights to/from many other airports in Europe.

Airport bus transfers

Croatia Airlines operates buses between the airport and several bus stations in Dubrovnik via Platanus Travel Agency. Tickets can be bought for example at the main bus station in Gruž or at the bus station at the lower cable car station. Going to the airport a bus aims to leave the main bus station 2 hr before each international flight, and costs €10 one-way and €14 return, as of Jan 2024. Departure times are also displayed in the tourist information office at Pile Gate. The bus passes close to the Old Town en route to the airport and you can board this bus at the bus stop on Petra Kresimira 4 just above the Old Town, by the lower cable car station. Make sure you wave furiously otherwise the driver may not stop. Taxis from the airport to the centre will cost €43.

By car

The trip from Split along the coastal road (Jadranska magistrala or D8) is a beautiful scenic journey passing small, quaint villages and other tourist destinations. Just know that in the summer months the trip is likely to take several hours longer than anticipated. What looks like a short trip on a map can take six hours.

A much faster way of simply getting from Split to Dubrovnik by car is to take the A1 highway to Ploče and then continue via Opuzen towards Dubrovnik.

Traditionally, both routes to Dubrovnik required you to briefly cross into Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, the Pelješac Bridge bypassing B&H opened in July 2022. It spans from Komarna to the Pelješac peninsula and is slated to cut an hour off the drive time to Dubrovnik. Unusually for an expensive new megaproject, there are no plans to levy a toll on the bridge. The temporary downside of this option is the connecting roadworks on the peninsula haven't all finished, and so you'll partly be using narrower, older roads until you rejoin the D8 after Ston.

If you choose to stay on the old D8 road (called M2 in Neum), you will need to cross two border checkpoints: from Croatia to B&H, and back into Croatia. B&H is outside the EU, so full customs and immigration checks are carried out and delays are common in summer.

By bus

• 2 Dubrovnik Bus Station (Autobusni kolodvor) (in Kantafig, near Port Gruž and the Tudjman bridge, 2.5 km northwest of the Old Town). 

Local bus 7 operates between this station and Babin kuk, and bus 1 serves Old Town.

Direct buses run to/from Zagreb (€28-31, 11 hr, 7 daily), Korčula (€14, 3 hr, 1 daily), Mostar (€14, 3 hr, 2 daily), Orebic (€14, 2.5 hr, 1 daily), Rijeka (€53, 12 hr, 3 daily), Sarajevo (€21, 5 hr, 1 daily), Split (€14-21, 4.5 hr, 14 daily), Zadar (€27, 8 hr, 7 daily). In the high season, there is also a daily bus leaving at 11:00 going to the Montenegro cities of Herceg Novi, Bar, Kotor, and Budva. And at 15:00 to Prijedor and Banja Luka (10 hr) in Bosnia. A one-way trip to Budva costs €10. The return tickets are much cheaper and advisable, just look out for the choice of the bus company.

When coming by bus from Split or cities further north, police officers may board the bus and you may be asked for a valid identity document when crossing the Neum corridor which belongs to Bosnia and Herzegovina. While the bus companies list trip duration of approx. 4 hr, be prepared for a ride of closer to 5.5-6 hr, including two lots of border checks.

For the best views, sit on the side of the bus facing the sea; from Split and Bosnia-Herzegovina this is on the right, and from Montenegro and the airport this is on the left.

A departure listing for the international bus station is available at the website of the city bus operator. Further details can be found online.

On all intercity buses you pay a separate fee of €2 to the driver for luggage. So keep some change ready.

By boat

St John Fortress

• 3 Port Gruž (near the main bus station, 2.5 km northwest of Old Town). From Port Gruž, the easiest way to get downtown is on local buses 1, 1A and 1B, which circulate almost constantly. 

Cruise ships often visit, usually docking at Port Gruž. Some cruise ships anchor offshore and tender passengers directly into the Old Port.

Ferries from Rijeka: Jadrolinija ferries run along the coast, calling at Split, Stari Grad, Korčula and Sobra on the way. Journey time is up to 20 hr, so get a cabin. The restaurant has decent food at reasonable prices. While the journey is scenic there is nothing in the way of entertainment. Come prepared with a good book or just sit on deck and watch the Adriatic Sea go by. This is more than enough entertainment for an afternoon.

Ferries from Bari in Italy: the dull engine vibration or the swaying of the boat from high winds are likely to keep you awake. Cabins are strongly recommended. Although you can sit comfortably enough inside with the cheaper deck pass, interior temperature is 16⁰C or below and makes for a chilly night even in the height of summer.

With your own boat: There are several marinas in Dubrovnik and along the coast, but if you are entering or leaving Croatia you must clear immigration and customs. The year-round facility is Gruž Harbour by the ferry terminal, across the bay from Frapa Marina. It's open 24 hours, call +385 20 772 065 or tune in to the Coastguard frequency and follow instructions. The facility further south at Cavtat is only open in summer.

By bicycle

The Ćiro Trail is a 157-km cycling route from Mostar in Herzegovina. It's a rail trail following the tracks of a dismantled Austro-Hungarian narrow gauge railway, and crosses several 19th-century tunnels and bridges.

Get around

Stradun

The Old Town is completely pedestrianized. It consists of a main street that runs East-West. North and South of that street, it is usually impossible to avoid stairs. There are signs at the entrances to many of these streets advertising what businesses, shops, restaurants and accommodation are to be found in that direction.

Some of these signs appear to be either intentionally misleading or woefully out of date. For example, there is no office of any bus company within the Old Town, despite what the signs may say.

By sea taxi

The sea taxis (like a motorboat) operate from the bay area, and go to the castle, they accommodate about 3-4 people and are a generally good option. Not expensive, but not cheap either. Still, it's a worthwhile choice for families.

By bus

If you are not staying in Old Town, it's relatively simple to get there by bus, as just about every one leads to the Old Town. However, it might be advisable to get a timetable just in case. It costs €1.60 for tickets bought at any kiosk, or €2 bought on the bus; ticket valid for 1 hr. At selected kiosks (including the international bus station) you can purchase a day pass for €4. This pass is valid for 24 hr of unlimited travel on the city bus network, starting from the first validation. The easiest way to get from the Main Bus Station to the Old Town is by using the (mostly modern and air-con equipped) buses number 1, 1A and 1B, which circulate almost constantly. These buses can be boarded from the bus stop just outside the Main Bus Station. Apart from this, there is another bus service which comes inside the bus station and drops you directly at the Old Town. Schedules are available at the information counter of the Main Bus Station. Buses in Dubrovnik are operated by Libertas and a map of the bus network can be found on their website.

By taxi

• Bolt. (updated Jul 2022)
• Uber. (updated Jul 2022)

By car

• Hrvatski Autoklub (HAK), ☏ +385 1 987. If you are stranded, have car troubles, or need help 

Not necessary for the city, but handy if you're planning to explore the region. Some car hire companies are:

• A Marker Car Rental (Airport Shuttle Service Dubrovnik), Svetog Djurdja 6-Pile Gate-Old Town, ☏ +385 91 739 75 45, fax: +385 20 418 730, info@carhiredubrovnik.com. Airport transfers, car, motorbike and scooter rental. From €32 per day. 
• Kompas Rent a Car, Kardinala Stepinca 52, ☏ +385 20 436 541, fax: +385 20 436 571, reservations@kompasrent.hr. 
• EasyRent, Uz glavicu 7, ☏ +385 98 1952 114, fax: +385 20 773 953, info@dubrovnik-airport-carhire.com. Cars from €22 per day. 

You will find more online—check their rating.

In Croatia you must always have your headlights on while operating a motor vehicle including all cars, motorbikes and scooters during winter daylight savings time. Headlights are not required during the day in the summer months, although many motorists still leave them turned on.

See

The Dubrovnik Pass (€35 one day, €45 three days, €55 seven days) is worth considering, as it has the same price as the entry to the City Walls, and includes most of the museums in the Old Town, in addition to unlimited bus rides within the town for the duration of the pass.

Old Town

The Placa Stradun is the central east-west street, where the old city comes to life. The uniform Baroque architecture of the houses in Placa, with shops on the street level and their 'knee-like' entrances, got its present-day form in the restoration of the City taking place after the disastrous earthquake in 1667, when a large number of luxurious Gothic and Renaissance palaces had been destroyed. The architectural design of Placa reveals effective solutions and the business sense of the Dubrovnik Republic in those difficult times. Today, Placa is still the shopping centre and venue of major events. Explore streets and alleys on its sides, or stroll up and down the thoroughfare with an ice-cream in hand.

• 1 Pile Gate (Vrata od Pila), at the western end of the Placa Stradun (Old town). A convenient starting place for a stroll through the Old Town.  
• 2 Big Onofrio's Fountain. In the western (Pile) entrance of the old town, The fountain stairs are nowadays a favourite meeting place for local youth and where both the tourists and pigeons take rest and refresh themselves with cool water.  
• 3 Roland's Column (in front of the Bell Tower). A slender stone flag staff of the legendary knight. Also known as Orlando's Column. Ever since its foundation in 1950, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival is opened by raising a flag carrying the city's motto Libertus on Orlando's staff.  
• 4 Bell Tower (after the Ploče entrance to the city). On top of the tower are the famous 'Zelenci' (The Green Ones), bronze statues which strike the gigantic bell every hour. They have been replaced with copies and the originals are in the atrium of the Sponza Palace.  
• 5 Sponza Palace (West of the Bell Tower). Daily 10:00-22:00. Gothic Renaissance palace, one of the few buildings that has maintained its form from before the catastrophic 1667 earthquake. Hosts historic archives. Memorial room of defenders. €2.70.  
• 6 Rector's Palace, Pred dvorom 1, ☏ +385 20 321 437. The former palace of the Major Council houses a museum dedicated to the city's history.  

West of the City Walls

• 7 Fort Lovrijenac (Fort Lawrence). Daily 09:00-19:00. The monumental fort rises above 37 m high rock. It was an essential fortification for defence of the city from both ground and sea attacks. In order to prevent mutiny by the commander of the fortress, the walls facing the city are only 60 cm thick compared to those exposed to enemy fire which were 12 m thick. Above the entrance to the fortress is an inscription that says "Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro" which translates to "Freedom is not sold for all the gold in the world". Not much remains in the way of historical artefacts but the fort gives spectacular views back upon the walled city. €15, or free with City Walls ticket. (updated Oct 2024)
• Dubrovnik West Harbour (Between Fort Lovrijenac and the Old Town). A peaceful little gem where people swim, sunbath, canoe, and have coffee. When you walk up the stairs to the fort to the small forest, you have nice views on the city (not as nice as you would have from the fort itself, but €15 cheaper). 

East of the City Walls

• Old Port. The eastern part of the Old Town of Dubrovnik; some cruise ship passengers are tendered to the Old Port. 

Churches

• 8 Franciscan Monastery, Placa 2, ☏ +385 20 321 410. 09:00-18:00. This beautiful monastery with Baroque Church, houses a Romanesque cloister and the third oldest pharmacy in the world.  
• 9 Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Kneza Damjana Jude 1, ☏ +385 20 323 459. M-Sa 08:00-20:00, Su 11:00-17:30. This impressive building is in the Poljana Marin Držić. Supposedly, the original church was built with money donated by Richard the Lionhearted who survived shipwreck on his way home from the Third Crusade. The current Roman Baroque cathedral dates from the 18th century.  
• 10 Church of Saint Blaise (Crkva Svetog Vlaha). Baroque Church dedicated to the city's patron saint.  

Inside the Church of St. Ignatius

• 11 Church of St. Ignatius and the Jesuit College (on an elevated square close to the southern edge of the Old Town). Mass held in English daily at 11:00 in the summer. Ornate Jesuit church, approached via a romantic baroque staircase modelled on the Spanish Steps in Rome (1738). Built between 1667 and 1725 by architect Ignazzio Pozzo, and like most Jesuit churches of the period was modelled on the Gesù in Rome, the mother church of the Jesuits.  
• 12 Dominican Monastery. Daily 09:00-18:00. This is an exceptionally valuable historic complex, which, besides its religious purpose, also represents the important artistic treasury of ancient Dubrovnik.  
• Church of St. Sebastian (by the Ploče gate). 15th-century church built by the Ploče gate since St. Sebastian is the saint protector against plague. 
• Serbian Orthodox Church and Museum of Icons (Pravoslavna crkva i Muzej ikona). Built from 1865-1877, stands behind impressive wrought iron gates. Houses a number of icons, mainly Byzantine and Cretan. Museum next to church has extensive icon collection. Church admission: free; Museum admission €0.70-1.40. 

City Walls

• City Walls. 08:00-19:30 summer, 10:00-15:00 winter, daily. There are 3 entrances: the main entrance on Stradun inside the Pile gate, by Fort Saint John’s, and at the Customs House gate. €35 for adults, €15 for children (aged 7-18, under 7s are free) and students with a valid student card. 

Dubrovnik is surrounded by 2 km of city walls that are entirely walkable. Throughout the city's history, the walls provided protection from Venice and other rivals. They were formidable enough that the city was never directly attacked in pre-modern times. Today, the walls provide visitors the chance to leisurely stroll along one of the largest and best-preserved city walls in the world, providing stunning views of the city and surrounding seascapes.

Several fortifications and features are built into the walls:

• Minceta Fort on the northwest side. It was built according to the design of Renaissance builder Juraj Dalmatinac. St. Luke’s Tower you can see walking along the landward side of City Walls up to Ploce Gate. St. Luke’s Tower has protected the entrance to the Dubrovnik harbour throughout the history of the city.
• St John’s Fort in the southeast corner. Constructed in 16th century and it is really worth of visiting- on its ground floor you can visit the Aquarium, and on first and second floor you can visit Maritime Museum.
• Bokar Fort on the seaward side. Designed by Florentine architect Michelozzi in the 15th century.

It is highly recommended to visit the walls during the early morning hours or the late afternoon hours during mid-summer months, as it can become hot and crowded.

Museums

• Bukovac House (Kuća Bukovac), Bukovčeva 5, Cavtat, ☏ +385 20 478 646. Tu-Sa 09:00 - 13:00, 16:00-20:00; Su 16:00-20:00. Includes works by Vlaho Bukovac (1855-1922), one of the most famous modern Croatian painters. Part of the house is devoted to exhibitions of works by young artists. 
• 13 Dubrovnik Natural History Museum (Prirodoslovni muzej), Androvićeva 1, ☏ +385 20 324 888. M-F 09:00-16:00. The collection of 100 year-old taxidermy specimens dates back to 1872 and may not appeal to everyone.  
• Franciscan Monastery Museum, Placa 2. Daily 09:00-18:00. Houses artifacts from one of the world's oldest pharmacies. €4. 
• Sigurata Convent Museum, Od Sigurate 13, ☏ +385 20 321 467. Upon request. €1.40. 
• 14 Synagogue and Jewish Museum, Zudioska 5, ☏ +385 20 321 028. Daily 10:00-15:00. This synagogue built by Sephardic Jews is supposed to be the second-oldest still in use synagogue in Europe today. A permanent Jewish community here was founded at the end of the 15th century following the expulsions from Portugal and Spain. The Jewish Ghetto was established in 1546 on Jewish Street in the old town of Dubrovnik. The community flourished and included respected doctors, merchants and state representatives. Jews in Dubrovnik enjoyed relative freedom, but there were some restrictions on their activities at certain points in history. The synagogue is tiny and delightful, with heavy velvet drapes and a richly painted, midnight blue ceiling. The museum contains valuable menorahs and Torah scrolls, alongside information on the history of the Jewish community in Dubrovnik.  
• Dominican Monastery Museum, Sv. Domina 4, ☏ +385 20 321 423. Daily 09:00-18:00. Paintings and artifacts from Dubrovnik's past. €2.70. 
• The Sponza Palace Museum (Museum of the State Archives). €2.70. 
• The Rector's Palace Museum, Pred dvorom 1, ☏ +385 20 321 437. Daily 09:00-18:00. Artifacts, paintings and furniture dating from the time of the Dubrovnik Republic. €5.30. 
• The Treasury of Cathedral, Kneza Damjana Jude 1, ☏ +385 20 323 459. Daily 09:00-18:00. The Treasury has 138 reliquaries which are carried around the city during the Feast of St Blaise. €2. 
• 15 Maritime Museum, In St. John Fortress, ☏ +385 20 323 904. Daily 09:00-18:00, closed on Wednesdays. Considering how vital sailing and shipbuilding were to the growth of the Dubrovnik Republic, this is one of the city’s most important museums. €5.30. (updated Aug 2024)
• Home of Marin Držić, Široka 7, ☏ +385 20 420 490. M-Sa 09:00-13:00 and by appointment. Memorial house of Marin Držić, a famous 16th-century Croatian playwright from Dubrovnik. 
• The Ethnographic Museum (Rupe Granary), Od Rupa 3, ☏ +385 20 323 013. Daily 09:00-18:00. Built in 1590, this is a fascinating building, and the exhibits showcase the economic, cultural and spiritual development of Dubrovnik. The folk costumes and textiles give the best flavour of the region where folk culture is still celebrated. €5.30. 
• War Photo Limited, Antuninska 6. Daily 09:00-21:00. An exhibition centre of war and conflict photography. Exhibits change during the season. Stunning images by world renowned photo journalists. €10. 
• Aquarium. Daily 08:00-21:00. €4. 

Beaches

Banje Beach and the Old Town

• Lapad Beach. A car-free, sandy beach area on the Lapad Peninsula, approximately 3.5 km from the old town, where you can relax in the shade of the numerous trees. At the end of a long pedestrianised street full of café bars and restaurants you will see many popular pebble beaches known as Lapad beaches. These beaches are really beautiful and well used. Lapad is definitely one of the most beautiful parts of Dubrovnik and you really must visit it. If you take the headland path to the right hand side of Lapad beach, as you look at the Adriatic, you can walk along a charming little coast path with small concrete 'beaches' and ladders into the sea. These were put in during the Tito era and are ideal for one or two sunbathers. Walking further along is an excellent local fish restaurant - ideal for ending the day. The walk back is not particularly well lit, but perfectly safe. 
• Banje Beach (near the Old Town). A well-located pebble beach. There's a concessioned part with an entrance fee, but also a public part which is always livelier and more relaxed. Great way to beat the heat in the middle of the town. Amazing view to city walls, Old Town Dubrovnik and the island of Lokrum. Beach volleyball, mini football or water polo. You can also enjoy lying on deck chair and having a drink. 

Other

• Mount Srđ, For a great view of the city. There is a fortress on top which contains a small museum describing its history. There are several ways up:
  • Walk up the winding footpath to the fortress and large cross on the hilltop 400 m above Dubrovnik. Walking up from the old town takes about 90 min. The path is quite rocky so use suitable footwear.
  • Take the new renovated cable car and you will get from Down station to Mountain Srđ in less than 4 min. Round trip ticket €23.
  • Go by car via Bosanka village. Follow Jadranska cesta (D8) towards Mlini and drive past Dubrovnik. Turn left to Bosanka village and follow the road up the hill.
• Visit the spooky hotel ruins of Kupari, left over from the war, some 8km down the coast (Bus 10 brings you there). The beach is still popular.

Do

View of the City

• Cliff Jumping @ Cafe Buža. See listing for Cafe Buža in the Drinks section. 
• Lazareti, Frana Supila 8 (Ploce, just out side of the east entrance to the Old town), ☏ +385 20 324 633, arl@du.htnet.hr. Old quarantine hospital serves as a cultural centre for concerts, exhibitions, workshops, theater, film, night clubs and literature. The concert hall/bar is a very cozy place with a decent sound system. Gallery Galeriya Tutunplok is open daily 12:00-21:00. Films and theater showings range from €2.70-5.40 Concerts cost €5.40-13. A nightclub is open here from 10:00-16:00 and will cost you about €4. Gathers a mostly alternative crowd. 
• 1 imad hotel, Za Karmenom 1. for free. Swim in the Adriatic Sea below the old wall. In the harbour of the old town, go all around (right) along the wall, beyond the aquarium and there is a pier and some rocks where you can cool down on a hot summer day. Avoid stepping on sea urchins, which are commonly found on rocks in the sea water around Dubrovnik, especially if you are wearing no shoes. These are mostly found in clear water and are easy to spot. 

Sailing and boat trips

Dubrovnik is an excellent starting point for exploring southern Adriatic coast primarily Elaphite islands, Korčula, Pelješac and Mljet. There are many charter agencies where you can charter a sailing or motor yacht which are based in Dubrovnik. Majority of them operate from ACI marina Dubrovnik (42°40,3’ N 18°07,6’ E) which is based in Komolac about 2 nautical miles away from the entrance to the port Gruz, and 6 km away from the old town. It is open throughout the whole year.

Dubrovnik is characterized by Mediterranean climate and generally light NW winds, making a yacht charter holiday very popular with couples with younger children and less experienced skippers and crews. A strong north wind known as the Bora is more usual during autumn and winter.

When you charter a yacht through charter agency and arrive to designated marina there are a few things that need to be done. The most important thing is the yacht check-in (usually Saturday around 16:00). Take your time doing yacht check in. Familiarise yourself with the chartered yacht and with the yacht equipment.

The rule of thumb is the more time you take for the yacht check in, the less time you will need for the yacht check out. After that you have to do the shopping for the charter vacation.

Don't neglect the grocery shopping because the sea is unpredictable and you don't want to get stuck on the boat without anything to eat or drink. You can do the shopping in a marina however the prices are usually much higher there, or you can order from yacht provisioning services who usually deliver the products to the marina at no extra fee.

• Marina in Dubrovnik, . The only marina in Dubrovnik (formally in Komolac city) designed for sailing yachts and touristic catamarans, which start cruises in Dubrovnik. It is about 5 km from the city centre of Dubrovnik, in Rijeka Dubrovacka.

• Lokrum, Take a ferry to the Island of Lokrum which houses a monastery, a fort with great views of Dubrovnik, botanical gardens and a naturist beach. Preserved as a nature park this small island is reachable in 10 min in boat-time from the old city port. It offers unparalleled serenity, beauty and peace.
• Boat trips ply to the Elaphiti Islands. Koločep, Šipan and Lopud have places to stay, eat or swim; a dozen more are uninhabited.

Festivals

• Dubrovnik Summer Festival. Music and theatre festival held since 1949 from 10 July to 25 August. Famous nationwide for its exquisite selection of drama, plays and concert of chamber music with more than 2,000 artists from 30 countries during 47 days of festival. Be sure to book in advance and don't miss a chance to see some of the open-air performances. 

Cable car

• Dubrovnik Cable Car, Petra Krešimira 4. bb, 20000 Dubrovnik (The easiest way to come to the cable car is from the Old Town of Dubrovnik. On the northern side of the town there is Buža Street which leads you towards the exit from the city walls. From there you need to keep climbing towards the fireman station. Once you are at the fireman station, you need to cross the street on your right hand side and keep going straight. After few moments you will see cable car station on your right hand side.). Daily 09:00-24:00. The original cable car was bombed during the conflicts and closed in 1991. It reopened to the public for the first time on 10 July 2010. The view of the Old City will rival that found on any postcard. There is a small shop at the top and Restaurant Panorama with new outside terraces, restaurant with best view. Directions to the Cable Car are difficult to find in the Old City. €16 round trip. 

Buy

A lane with tourist shops in Dubrovnik

Money and ATMs

There are few ATMs outside the Old Town. Avoid Euronet cash machines located in touristy areas since they may charge random extra fees depending on your card. OTP Banka doesn't charge any extra if you choose charging in the local currency.

Shopping

There are many local artisans who specialize in domestic crafts. Popular purchases include: handmade tablecloths, linens and napkins. Many merchants claim that the necktie was invented in Croatia. Another local speciality is little dolls dressed in local garb.

The Pharmacy, at the Franciscan Monastery creates hand creams and other toiletries based on ancient recipes. The pharmacy is one of the oldest in this part of Europe. It has been operating from the time of its foundation to the present day.

While wandering around the Old Town, you will come across many shops that sell Croatian goods such as wine and textiles.

If you have transport there is a Lidl (German discount supermarket) 5 km east of the Old Town near the village of Čibača; this is where the locals shop to avoid steep Dubrovnik prices.

• Clara Stones Jewellery Store, Naljeskoviceva 8 (5th street to the left of Stradun if you go from Pile Gate), ☏ +385 20 321706. Unique handmade Adriatic coral, pearl and gems jewellery with certificates of authenticity. 
• You're probably aware of the 2011-2019 TV fantasy series called Game of Thrones. GOT is everywhere in Dubrovnik, and is believed to have added significantly to tourist congestion.

Bicycle parts and service

Somewhat surprisingly, some car parts shops in the Dubrovnik area sell bicycles; they are easy to notice, as new bikes are standing outside in front of the shop. These shops may also carry some bicycle accessories and spare parts, but they don't do any bicycle repair. As of 2014, there was no dedicated bicycle shop in town; there was one person (Tonći Kera, see below) who works as a bicycle mechanic in his spare time, in a shed next to his apartment building, while having a day job elsewhere.

• Tonći Kera, meštar za bicikle, P. Zoranića 1 (ask at the garage), ☏ +385 20 436-776. This is not a regular bicycle repair shop, however the operator of this local garage offers a service. 

Eat

Sponza Palace (Palača Sponza)

There is a wide range of restaurants in the Old Town. Most offer a very similar menu of local seafood and some meat dishes, although there is more variety than in other coastal Croatian towns. The cuisine may not be very imaginative, but it is usually of good quality and very fresh.

Restaurants can be crudely separated into (slightly) cheaper tourist-trap places, and more expensive but first class gastronomic restaurants. There are a few pizzerias, mostly wood-fired and quite acceptable. The Kraš chocolate sold at stores is delicious. Dubrovnik, more so than the rest of Croatia, is well aware of its status as a tourist hot-spot. Rents for restaurant premises are high and consequently the prices on the menus reflect this.

Note that in the off peak season of November–March nearly all the top-end restaurants close, leaving only a handful of desperate tourist trap enterprises operating and still charging high prices. You can however still eat well and discounts can be negotiated.

Dubrovnik cuisine is characteristically not very spicy and is famous for traditionalism. Many popular meals are characteristic of Dubrovnik such as zelena menestra (it is the name for many sorts of cabbages and other vegetables with meat), the meat dish pašticada and the famous caramel-based dessert dubrovačka rozata.

Since Dubrovnik restaurants are quite popular, many mid-range and high-end establishments provide the option of online reservation. English-language menus are found everywhere.

Budget

In the Old Town

• 1 Buffet Škola, Antuninska ul. 1. Quaint, quick dinner! Delicious prosciutto, cheese, and salad. Excellent sandwiches. Freshly produced and the bread is a reminiscent of focaccia. (updated May 2022)
• 2 Barba, Boškovićeva ul. 5. Great sea street food, big portions, nice and friendly staff. Even it is full inside, you can order for take away, sit on the steps in front of the restaurant and eat, while looking at the streets of Kings Landing. (updated May 2022)

Near the Old Town

• 3 Pizzeria Tabasco, Hvarska ul. 48. Decent and hearty pizza. Service is excellent and very sincere. Situated underneath the cable car system boarding point just near the walls of the old town. (updated May 2022)

Near the Pemo Hypermarket

• 4 Pizzeria La Luna, Andrije Hebranga 60, ☏ +385 20 419 736. Daily 08:00-00:00. Large portions. Really good pizza with fresh ingredients. Only pizza is served before 17:00, for pasta or other dishes come later. 2Good pizza, friendly staff but service can be slow. €6/medium pizza. (updated Jul 2022)
• 5 Konoba Tabak, Vukovarska ul. 34. Great food if you want to have a real taste of fresh fish & local food. A hang-out for the locals. (updated May 2022)

Around the Forest Park Velika and Mala Petka

• 6 Pizzeria Asterix & Obelix, Ul. Žrtava s Dakse 18. Typical roadside pizzeria. Correct quality. Nice place, close to the beach. (updated May 2022)

Mid-range

• Mea Culpa, Široka Street. One of the best pizzerias on what is becoming a 'pizza street'. Go for pizza or a coffee and brandy and exchange banter with the staff. €9.30/pizza+bottle of water. 
• Nishta, Prijeko 30 (At the top of the first set of stairs on Palmotićeva, which is the 3rd street on the left when walking from Pile gate), ☏ +385 92 218 8612. Dubrovnik's only vegetarian restaurant, with vegan and gluten-free options available upon request. (updated May 2022)
• Poklisar, Od Ribarnica 1 (in the old harbour), ☏ +385 20 322176. Limited but good menu, including pizza and some very enjoyable live piano music. (updated May 2022)
• Pizzeria Scala, Mata Vodopića 3 (near Tommy's supermarket), ☏ +385 91 412-5110. Daily 08:00-24:00. A very nice pizzeria between Lapad and Babin Kuk with good pizza and very good Mexican food/specialities. €6 for a normal 30 cm pizza; €7-11 for delicious Mexican food/specialities. 
• Spaghetteria Toni, Nikole Bozidarevica 14, ☏ +385 20 323-134. A small Italian-style restaurant in the old town with outdoor seating providing a wide variety of pasta. (updated May 2022)
• Lady Pi-Pi (from Pile Gate second street on left right at the top of the steps). Worth the climb for magnificent views over the old town from the restaurants' terrace and presumably taking its name from an ancient water feature just outside the restaurant (not for the prudish). Grilled fish with vegetables €15, grilled chicken with fries about €10, salads, etc. Be prepared to wait for a table with a terrace view as is very popular with locals - alternatively arrive before 20:00 to avoid the busiest times. Beware of wasps. 

Street dining in Dubrovnik

• Arka, Gundulićeva poljana (in the Old Town). Dalmatian cuisine in an excellent location. Has some good vegetarian options. The baked moussaka especially is worth a try. 
• Domino Steak House, Od Domina 6, ☏ +385 20 323 103. One of the best for a variety of ways of serving steak. Also serves traditional Dalmatian fare. 
• Dubravka 1836, Brsalje 1 (Pile Gate, Brsalje Sq at entrance to the Old Town.), ☏ +385 20 426 319. Variety of pizzas, meat and seafood dishes, quality domestic and foreign wines, cocktails, homemade ice cream and desserts. Pizza €8, mains €10-22, dessert €4. 

• Marco Polo, Lucarica 6 (near St. Blaise church), ☏ +385 99 801 45 66. Daily 10:00-24:00. Good traditional food served in a small outdoor courtyard. Really nice restaurant with different types of food. 
• Proto, Široka Ulica (Old Town). Good seafood. 
• Taj Mahal (within the old city). Offers a variety of Bosnian and Eastern cuisine such as Cevapcici u lepinji, baklava and tufahi. The wait can be quite long, and vegetarian options are often sold out. 
• Gil's Little Bistro (formerly on Sv Dominika), Petilovrijenci 4 (midway along old town Stradun), ☏ +385 20 321 168. Daily 10:00-00:00. Friendly place for a mid-town meal. (updated Sep 2019)
• Lokanda Peskarija, Na ponti bb, ☏ +385 20 324 750. Temporarily closed as of May 2022. Traditional Dalmatian appetizers and meals, you get your meal in a large black fisherman's style pot. 

Splurge

• Nautika, Brsalje 3 (just outside the Pile gate to the Old City, on the waterfront), ☏ +385 20 44 25 26. Great views of the sea and Old City. Pay attention to the menu prices which switch from kuna to euro throughout. Try the €17 "Mediterranean Lunch" special; otherwise start at €27. 
• Porat Restaurant & Terrace (Restaurant in Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik hotel), Marijana Blazica 2, ☏ +385 20 320-320. Spacious terrace, just outside the Pile gate. Offers international and Croatian cuisine. 

Drink

Old City of Dubrovnik

The most popular spirit in Croatia is home made rakija. This is a very strong distilled drink made from a variety of fruits. Examples include šljivovica, made from plums, loza, made from grapes, and orahovica, made with walnuts. All are quite strong.

There are many excellent local wines from both the Pelješac Peninsula and Konavle and it is often less expensive than soft drinks like Coca Cola. However, be careful when purchasing wine from unlicensed dealers. Though the price is very attractive, with some being as low as €1.50 per litre, it can sometimes be of low quality. Croatian beer is also good and popular, though none is made in the Dubrovnik region.

Cafes

There are numerous cafes throughout the Old Town and the entire city with prices varying according to the location (particularly, those located on the Stradun are by far the most expensive but you are paying for the ambiance and people-watching as well). Most cafes serve a wide variety of drinks all day.

Bars

Walk towards the sea from Stradun near the Ploce gate, and you'll hit a tiny square with outdoor seating by 4 or 5 different pubs, with live music playing, and large cocktail pitchers with very low alcohol content.

• Cafe Buža, Iza Mura (Follow a sign that says ‘cold drinks’ and enter through a hole in the wall on the south side of the Old Town. Just wander up the stairs (on the right side of Stradun coming from Pile gate), until you hit the city walls, and then walk all the way down.). The tables and chairs are set out on the side of the cliff and the beers are served in bottles and plastic cups. You can sunbathe on the rocks or do some cliff-diving but do watch for rocks below. This is lovely in the evening, when the sun is setting and you gaze over at island of Lokrum. Eclectic chilled out music plays unobtrusively in the background. There isn’t much in the way of shelter apart from some palm leaves so Buža won’t open in bad weather. Higher price range. (updated Feb 2018)
• Casablanca (On one of the streets to the left of Stradun walking from the Pile gate). Look for flashing red and blue lights. This is an interesting, slightly bizarre bar with seating outside on the city stairs, techno music, and may have erotic dancing. 
• D'vino Wine Bar, Palmoticeva 4a (Coming from Pile Gate they are on the third street off of Stradun on the left.), ☏ +385 20 321 223. A selection of over 100 fine domestic and imported wine available by the glass, bottle, and in tasting servings. Largest selection of wines by the glass in Dubrovnik with a very intimate, romantic atmosphere, which is a change of pace from other bars in the city. 
• NoneNina, Pred Dvorom 4, ☏ +385 91 333 0601. Chill music fills this lounge bar at night, making it a great place to unwind after a full day of sightseeing. 
• 1 Troubadour, Bunićeva poljana 2. A popular bar/café which comes alive at night with daily live music, usually jazz. Can be very expensive, so you often see people sitting on nearby steps enjoying the music with drinks bought from the nearby Konzum supermarket. (updated Aug 2017)
• 2 Beer Factory, Ul. Miha Pracata 6. Despite its sterile sounding name, this place has a lovely courtyard out the back. Its real draw however is that it is possibly one of the cheapest places to get a beer in the old town. Some reasonably priced snacks are also available. (updated Aug 2017)

Clubs

• Culture Club Revelin, Svetog Dominika 3 (Just inside Ploce gate). Nightly 23:00-06:00. Dubrovnik's liveliest night spot, techno and other styles. (updated Sep 2019)

• Banje Beach Club (formerly EastWest), Frana Supila 10/B (East of Ploce gate), ☏ +385 20 514 6485, info@ew-dubrovnik.com. Daily to 02:00. Beach club, bar and Med-style restaurant by day, at night you can party in the nightclub. Great view, various kinds of music, popular DJs and beautiful atmosphere. Free entrance until midnight. (updated Sep 2019)
• Klub Orlando, Branitelja Dubrovnika 41 (5 min walk along Branitelja Dubrovnika from the old town's Pile Gate. At number 41, on the left, there is a dark car park, belonging to the old hospital. Walk into it, turn right, pass a small building, then ascend a lot of steps.), ☏ +385 20 312 674. Dingy club, predominantly metal but seems to cater for anything deemed alternative. Cheap drink prices with occasional international touring acts, definitely in the minority as a tourist here. 
• Lazareti, Frana Supila 8 (by east entrance to Old Town). Too cool to publicise hours. House and techno music. (updated Sep 2019)

Sleep

Private rooms are a good option for those on a budget, starting from around €10 per person for comfort and privacy exceeding those of hostels. The downside is that they may be far from the Old Town, so make sure you check the location. Owners letting out these rooms accost buses at the bus station, so you can ask around and even bargain a little.

Budget

• 1 Camping Solitudo (Catch bus #7 from the main bus station (every hour) directly or take bus #1 to the Old Town Pile station and change to bus 6 (6 and 7, direction: 'Babin Kuk')). A large site with one large amenity block in the middle, so if you are on the edge there is a reasonable walk to the toilets. 400 m walk to two beaches. Most of the pitches are dirt or gravel so not great on lightweight groundsheets. Bar and food on site. 2 people in a tent: €47. 
• 2 Guesthouse Villa Micika Dubrovnik, Mata Vodopica 10 (in Lapad, 200 m walk to the beach; take Bus #6 from Pile or the bus station to Lapad post office), ☏ +385 20 437 332, +385 98 243 717, toll-free: +385 98 243 717 (Whatsapp and Viber too), info@vilamicika.hr. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. A small cozy guesthouse in Lapad, 300 m from the Lapad beach and another 200 from the pine forest. Funky, clean, character rooms with a large shared terrace and BBQ. Free Internet with Wi-Fi. All rooms have TV with local and international channels, air-con and bathrooms with shower cabin and WC. €18 low season, €48 high season. (updated Sep 2018)
• 3 Guest House Letizia, Ul. pod Polje (in Gruz above the main city port. Go to the Barcelys Hotel and then after hotel 20 m turn on uphill street on left. A few steps above you will find the guest house), ☏ +385 20 638 194, guest.house.petrusic@gmail.com. Check-in: 13:00, check-out: 10:00. Free WiFi, a garden and a shared terrace looking out to Gruž Bay. Bright rooms with wooden floors, some have a private balcony. Stone barbecue on the terrace. Guests can also cook in a shared open-plan kitchen, a dining table for 6 is provided, no extra charge is levied for those services. €35-40 per room. 

• Dubrovnik Backpacker's Club, Mostarska 2d, ☏ +385 20 435 375, caravanica@gmail.com. Home turned into a backpackers hot spot. Family run with location on Lapad, popular after its beaches and green parks, and a 10-min ride from old town and crowds. No booking fee for booking through their website. 

• Youth Hostel Dubrovnik, Vinka Sagrestana 3 (20 min walk from the Old Town), ☏ +385 20 423 241. Check-in: 13:00, check-out: 10:00. 82 beds. The atmosphere leaves something to be desired, but it's usually filled with interesting people up for a chat on the balcony. Dorm bed: €16.70. 
• 4 Hostel & Rooms Ana, Kovacka 4. A great hostel in the heart of the old town. Small and pokey, as all options in the old town are, but this only adds to the atmosphere. Guests gather in the tiny common area each evening with Ana distributing free locally-made grapa to kindle the social atmosphere. (updated Aug 2017)

Mid-range

• Hotel Adriatic Dubrovnik, Masarykov put 5 (at the foot of Petka Hill, by the Adriatic Sea), ☏ +385 20 433 609, fax: +385 20 437 333, reservations_adriatic@hotelimaestral.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. Park and sea view rooms. The city centre is reachable by bus. (updated May 2019)
• Hotel Komodor, Masarykov put 3E, Lapad Bay, ☏ +385 20 433 673, fax: +385 20 437 333, sales_komodor@hotelimaestral.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. Swimming pool, complimentary breakfast, free parking for hotel guests and free Wifi in public spaces. (updated May 2019)
• Hotel Neptun Dubrovnik, Kardinala Stepinca 31, ☏ +385 20 440 100, fax: +385 20 440 200, sales@importanneresort.com. Renovated in 2008. 9-story tower with 79 rooms and 12 family suites, all have air-con, a balcony with sea-view and free WiFi. 
• Hotel Lero, Iva Vojnovica 14 (15 min walk from Old Town), ☏ +385 20 341 333, fax: +385 20 332 123, sales@hotel-lero.hr. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. Renovated city hotel with 155 contemporary designed rooms. Sea views and equipped with regular three-star amenities with air-con. Free parking, free WiFi. 
• Hotel Petka, Obala Stjepana Radica 38 (in the Port of Gruz), ☏ +385 20 410 500. Convenient for island-hopping. Clean air-con rooms, restaurant. 
• Hotel Splendid, Masarykov put 6, ☏ +385 20 433 633, sales_splendid@hotelimaestral.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. In a Mediterranean garden on a pebble beach in Lapad Bay.It offers free parking for hotel guests, complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi in public spaces. (updated May 2019)
• Hotel Vis, Masarykov put 2, ☏ +385 20 433 605, sales_vis@hotelimaestral.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. On a pebble beach in Lapad Bay. It offers parking for hotel guests, complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi in public spaces. (updated May 2019)
• Pension Stankovich, Matije Gubca 15 (at the entrance of Old Town), ☏ +385 98 182 7338. 
• Dubrovnik b&b, Frana Supila 1 (by east entrance of Old Town), ☏ +385 91 201 55 91. Simple accommodation in great central spot. B&B double from €75. (updated Sep 2019)

Splurge

• Ariston Hotel, Kardinala Stepinca 31, ☏ +385 20 440 100, fax: +385 20 440 200, sales@importanneresort.com. 115 luxury sea and garden view rooms a few miles from the Old Town of Dubrovnik along the Adriatic Sea. 
• Grand Villa Argentina, Frana Supila 14 (near the Old Town), ☏ +385 20 300 300, fax: +385 20 440 533, reservations@gva.hr. 
• Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik, Marijana Blažića 2, ☏ +385 20 320 320. 5-star hotel near the entrance of the Old Town and overlooking the ancient city walls and fortresses. It was built in 1895 and has 139 rooms and 8 suites. 
• Hotel Bellevue, Pera Čingrije 7 (1 km from Old Town.), ☏ +385 20 330-300, fax: +385 20 330-100. 5-star hotel on a clifftop overlooking the Adriatic, 93 rooms on 5 levels. Rooms have a modern nautical themed decor with wooden flooring. Private beach, spa and sauna. 
• Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, Masarykov put 20 (4.5 km from Old Town), ☏ +385 20 300 300. 5-star hotel on a Lapad peninsula, below the park of little Petka woods and with a view to the Elaphite islands. 
• Hotel Excelsior, F. Supila 12, ☏ +385 20 300 300. 5-star hotel of 146 bedrooms and 18 suites. Built in 1913 and completely renovated in 1998 overlooking the Old City. Walking distance to the beaches and Old City. €265. 
• Hotel Uvala, Masarykov put 5A, +385 20 433 608. 4-star hotel of 51 rooms, overlooking the sea and Lapad Bay.
• Pucic Palace, Ulica Od Puca 1 (in the middle of the Old Town across from Gundulic Square), ☏ +385 20 326 200, fax: +385 20 326 223. 19-room 5-star hotel. 
• 5 Sun Gardens (formerly Radisson Blu), Na moru 1, Orašac (Orašac is 15 km north of city), ☏ +385 20 361 500, fax: +385 20 361 503. 5-star beachside resort, gets rave reviews for comfort, facilities and service. B&B double from €200. (updated Sep 2019)

Stay safe

• Dubrovnik is a very safe city, though the usual precautions should be taken to protect yourself from pick-pocketing.
• The streets in the old town can be quite slippery as they've been smoothed down for centuries by people walking over them. At night, avoid the smaller old town streets and stick to the more modern ones with street-lighting (Victorian gaslamps on brackets).

Respect

• Since the summer of 2023, using suitcases with wheels in the old city can lead to a fine of at least €250.

Connect

Dubrovnik has 4G from all Croatian carriers, which extends all along the coastal highway. As of Sept 2021, 5G has not reached this area. Wifi is widely available in public places.

Cope

Laundry

Most private accommodation do not offer laundry facilities. If you are staying awhile and are looking for somewhere to wash your clothes then you might require a self-service laundry

• 1 Sanja & Rosie's Launderette Dubrovnik, Put Od Bosanke 2 (Ploce Gate, just outside east entrance to the Old Town), ☏ +385 99 254 6959. Daily 09:00-21:00. Self-service laundromat. Washing and drying machines are available. €7. 
• 2 Laundry SPIN Dubrovnik, Ulica Iza Grada (Buza Gate, just outside), ☏ +385 98 170 1433. Daily 08:00-21:00. Self-service laundromat. Washing and drying machines are available. €7. 

Go next

Nearby towns:

• Cavtat and the Konavle Valley, immediately to the south
• Trsteno has a 15th-century summer residence and renaissance garden.
• Ston is known for oysters and old salt ponds still in use and a 5 km old stone wall.

Nearby islands:

• Mljet is a green island with national park, lakes and monasteries.

The rest of Croatia, across the Pelješac Bridge:

• Makarska, a coastal resort
• Split, with Roman history
• Zagreb, the capital

Inland, to Bosnia and Herzegovina:

• Neum is the place within Herzegovina that you used to have to cross to go north, with tedious border queues. It's still a reasonable route, and remains a low-tax shopping centre.
• Međugorje on the road to Mostar has a large Catholic shrine.
• Mostar is about 3 hr away by bus, an easy day-trip. You really feel its Turkish heritage.
• Sarajevo the capital is a remarkable city, scarred by several centuries of conflict but nowadays safe and friendly.

South, to Montenegro:

• Herceg Novi
• Kotor
• Budva

Routes through Dubrovnik

Pescara ← Adriatic Sea ←

W  E

→ Cavtat → Karasovići/Debeli Brijeg