Welcome to one of the most captivating cities in all of Europe- a city that will make you feel like you've just jumped into an episode of game of Thrones. We loved all of the things to do in Dubrovnik, especially simply strolling through the well preserved old town.
But there's more to do here than just enjoying the medieval architecture. It's a city with the perfect mix of history and fun, an area where you can get lost in the quaint streets, but then party in a fortress.
Come see why we fell in love with Dubrovnik over and over again, and why we just can't sick of visiting the pearl of Croatia. Here is everything you need to know from the best things to do in Dubrovnik, to what to expect for your budget.
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Where is Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik is located all the way in the south of Croatia, along the Dalmatian Coast. Being at the tip of the country, it is also very close to both borders of Bosnia & Herzegovina to the East, and Montenegro to the South.
Dubrovnik is all the way at the southern tip of Croatia.
How to Get to Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik has an airport conveniently located just down the coast from the city. There are local buses, Ubers, and taxis that service the trip, which is about a 25 minute (very scenic) drive.
Want to book your airport transfer? Here are a few different public and private options:
Who Flies to Dubrovnik
The Dubrovnik airport is pretty small, but has quite a few flights from other European cities, one from Dubai, and one from Newark, New Jersey! From Ireland and the UK you can fly into Dubrovnik from Belfast, Cork, Dublin, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, London, Manchester, and Newcastle.
The Scandanavian cities that fly to Dubrovnik include Bergen, Copenhagen, Helsinki, and Oslo. Additionally, there are a ton of other European cities that fly into Dubrovnik, which include Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Belgrade, Brussels, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Geneva, Istanbul, Krakow, Madrid, Marseille, Munich, Naples, Nantes, Rome, Paris, Toulouse, Vienna, Warsaw, and Zurich.
It is important to note that most cities don't have daily flights, so if you can't find a direct flight from your city for a certain date, simply check a day or two after.
Flight Tip: Using Skyscanner you can put from "your city" to "Croatia". This way you can see which is the cheapest airport in the area to fly. Also, you can check the calendar to see which are the cheapest dates for getting straight to Dubrovnik.
Search for a flight to Dubrovnik or around it:
Getting to Dubrovnik by Surrounding Airports
If flights to Dubrovnik are very expensive, you can fly into Split, and get a 3 hour bus down to Dubrovnik, or you can fly into Kotor, Montenegro, which is a 2 hour drive away.
Here are some routes you can choose from surrounding airports:
Sailing to Dubrovnik
Although this isn't the most popular option, there are in fact ferries that run to Dubrovnik form a few other coastal cities, both domestic and International.
During the warmer months of the year (from April to October) there are domestic ferries running from the touristic areas of Split, Brac, and Hvar. The ferries that run year round include Lastovo, Korcula, Sipan, Lopud, Kolocep, and Mljet island.
Additionally, there is one route from Dubrovnik to Bari, Italy, with the company Jadrolinjia (April-October only). If you'd like to travel elsewhere from Italy, you can always take the ferry from Ancona to Split, and then get a bus or ferry down to Dubrovnik from there.
You can sail to Dubrovnik from Bari, Italy.
Entry Requirements for Croatia
Traveling in Europe can be quite confusing, as there are different requirements for each country, within the EU, and within the Schengen Zone. We're here to clarify a few things.
Visa Requirements for Croatia
In many European countries, the 90/180 rule applies for those that are not European. This means that in a 180 day period, tourists can only stay in the Schengen Area for a total of 90 days.
Some countries are in the EU but not part of the Schengen Zone, some are in the Schengen Zone but not part of the EU, some are in both, and some are in neither. This can be extremely confusing when trying to calculate your travels!
The good news is though, that although Croatia is part of the EU, they aren't actually part of the Schengen Zone. This means that you can freely travel here even if you've already expired your 90 days in the Schengen Zone (which is exactly what happened to us). Tourists can travel to Croatia visa free for a total of 90 days within a 180 day period, despite whatever other European countries that have been to.
Update: Croatia is now part of the Schengen Zone, so the 90/180 rule applies.
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Covid Entry Requirements for Croatia
While the entry requirements to enter and stay in Europe may seem confusing, luckily when it comes to Covid, it is not! Croatia is now open to all travelers, with or without a vaccination. There are also no rules about wearing masks, and pretty much no one wears them anymore.
The City of Dubrovnik is back to normal, with all operations running, and no restrictions.
Local Adjustments
Whenever you travel somewhere new, there are things that you may forget about. These things may be different from where you are coming from, and are what we call local adjustments. Here are a few of them to keep in mind while traveling to Croatia.
Language
The official language in Dubrovnik is Croatian. However, as it is a very touristic city, it is common to hear locals speaking English. Croatians really appreciate when you try to speak even a few Croatian phrases, so we definitely suggest learning the basics.
Currency
The currency used in Croatia is the Kuna. Currently (October 2022) the exchange rate is 7 Kuna to every USD or euro. The country is expected to change to the euro though by the beginning of 2023.
Update: Croatia now uses the euro.
Credit card is accepted in many places. We do suggest carrying some cash for tips, as well as drinks if you are going out.
Outlets
Dubrovnik uses the same plug types as the rest of Croatia and Europe, which are types C & F. The standard voltage in Croatia is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Water Potability
The tap water in Dubrovnik and all over Croatia is potable. If you go to a restaurant and ask for water though, they will automatically bring bottled water.
We asked for tap water at a restaurant and they refused to give it to us, and then charged us 6 euros for a bottle.
Meanwhile, there is a huge fountain in the center of Dubrovnik that spews extremely cold and fresh water. We suggest getting a refillable water bottle and visiting the fountain. If you're going to overspend on a drink, it may as well be a cocktail or beer!
Tipping Culture
The tipping culture in Croatia is typically 10% of the bill. Being that Dubrovnik is very expensive and touristy, you will notice that many people leave more than 10% (although it is not mandatory). Also make sure to check your bill, because sometimes in fancier restaurants they will already include the service charge.
If you are taking a tour, it is highly encouraged to leave a tip. If you sign up for a free walking tour, it is assumed that you will leave something, so please support the hard working locals with at least 20-30 Kuna.
Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Now let's jump into all of the fun things to do in Dubrovnik! This city is great for all ages, and all types of travelers. Here are our favorite things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia.
There are so many amazing things to do in Dubrovnik.
Discover the Old Town
The first thing you'll want to do when you get to Dubrovnik is to simply soak up the vibes and explore the old town. The old town is very well preserved, clean, and picturesque.
The Old Town has three different gates- the North gate, which crosses a small draw bridge, the South Gate which comes from the port, and the East Gate which will lead you from up above the port area.
The north gate has a drawbridge into the old city.
Take time to climb the long staircases, and get yourself lost in the small alleyways. There is so much to explore in the city, and simply enjoying the atmosphere is one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik.
The Old City of Dubrovnik has stunning architecture.
Note: It can get extremely crowded in Dubrovnik during the day time, making it much less pleasurable to wander around. We suggest going very early in the morning or late in the evening to really get a good feel for the city.
These pictures were taken at 6 am, before the crowds started pouring in.
Walk the City Walls
The city of Dubrovnik needed to be protected, and because of that, the entire old town is a fortress, surrounded by large stone walls.
Walking the city walls allows you to have great views of the Old City.
The city walls extend around Dubrovnik, totaling 2 full kilometers! You can walk across the top to get some beautiful views of the old town below, as well as feel like you are really a part of history.
The Old City Walls are also lit up beautifully at night.
The City Walls ticket has increased exponentially since the first time I visited Dubrovnik (back in 2015), and keeps climbing up unfortunately. The current price (June 2022) is 250 Kuna, which is about 35 euros. The good news is though, if you get the Dubrovnik Tourist Card (which is 350 Kuna) the walls will be included, as well as several other things to do in Dubrovnik.
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Check Out the Many Churches
Did you know that there are 47 monasteries and churches built in just the old town of Dubrovnik? That's a lot for only an area of 2 square km!
There are 47 monasteries and churches just in the Old City of Dubrovnik!
We're obviously not going to name every single church and monastery to the list, but we definitely suggest you walk around and admire some of them. A few of our favorites are St. Blaise Cathedral, Saint Saviour, and Church of the Holy Annunciation, where you will find a bunch of napping cats.
One of the churches is full of cats staying there.
Walk the Jesuit Stairs
This is where one of the famous Game of Thrones scenes occurred- "shame", and attracts tons of tourists. However, locals explain that the reason it is actually a place of interest, is because it resembles the Spanish steps in Rome.
Regardless of why you visit, it's undebatable that the stairs and churches around are stunning and worth checking out.
The Jesuit stairs resemble the Spanish Steps of Rome.
Visit the Market
Every day early in the morning there is a large open market where local vendors come to sell their produce, oils, homemade souvenirs and more. If you're looking for something to take home, or to grab some fresh ingredients to cook with, then this is a great thing to add to your list of things to do in Dubrovnik.
We love local markets because it's a great opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the destination, as well as support local businesses. Even if you don't want to buy anything though, it's nice to walk around and browse through the different local goods.
Every morning there is a market where locals sell their goods.
Watch the Swarm of Pigeons
In the exact place that the market lies, there is another thing that goes on. Each day at 12:00 there is an old man that comes to feed the pigeons. Hundreds swarm the area, making it quite the sight!
Join a Free Walking Tour
We don't always do walking tours, but we do feel like the one in Dubrovnik was well worth it. We got ours on a website, that actually sets you up with locals who run the tours- Guru Walk.
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You can chose between a 90 minute or 3 hour tour. We did the 90 minute one, and really felt like we learned a lot.
The Free Walking Tour is a great option because you learn a lot about small parts of history throughout the city that you would have no idea otherwise! Here are a few things that we learned:
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The Square Tile
The entire city of Dubrovnik is made from rectangular tiles, except for one small square tile. This marks the exact center of the main passage across the old town of Dubrovnik.
There is one sole square tile marking the center of Dubrovnik.
The Style of the Fortress
From the small square, you can see both the north and south gates of the fortress. The north gate looks much further, but it is actually an illusion. The locals actually narrowed the passage on the north side, so that invaders from the south would think that it was much further than the distance from the port area.
The Hidden Orphanage
There is a small street where there is an ancient orphanage. A few centuries ago it was considered a sin to have two people getting pregnant together from different classes. so when this happened, the baby would be taken to this orphanage to be taken care of. It was a hidden place, so that babies could be left discreetly.
The hidden orphanage is a great spot to learn about on a walking tour.
The Inscription
Further down the same street as the orphanage, there is an inscription on the wall. While the kids were playing down the street, and old man wrote on the walls a message for them that was rather aggressive, and it still remains today.
There are plenty of other things that we learned on our free walking tour, but we'll save it so that you can learn a bit more when you do yours. Also, remember that tipping is really a must, as this is how the locals make a living.
Down the street from the orphanage there is an inscription from a few centuries ago!
Explore the Port Area
The port of Dubrovnik isn't just a great place to get a boat trip, but it is beautiful to walk around, grab an ice cream cone, or even enjoy a beautiful sunrise.
The port of Dubrovnik is a beautiful area to enjoy in Dubrovnik.
Take a Game of Thrones Tour
Many people like to say that Dubrovnik is famous because of The Game of Thrones. However, locals beg to differ. "Dubrovnik is not famous because of Game of Thrones, but Game of Thrones is famous because of Dubrovnik" is exactly what our guide said, and we couldn't agree more.
Whether you're a GOT fan or not though, this tour is definitely an interesting one. Game of Thrones tours in Dubrovnik cover all of the different scenes shot throughout the city, as well as much of the details that you'd never learn unless you did a tour.
The tours can be quite expensive. However, most include tickets to the City Walls or Lokrum. So if you plan on exploring all the best things to do in Dubrovnik, then these packages are actually not such a bad deal.
Want to book a Game of Thrones Tour? Here are a few different options to choose from:
Ride the Cable Car
Dubrovnik is such a beautiful city, but our favorite part about it, is actually seeing it from above! The Dubrovnik cable car goes from right outside the city walls, up to a super epic viewpoint.
The Cable car runs from 9 am to midnight, and tickets cost 200 Kuna per person round trip.
The Cable Car gives you the best views of Dubrovnik.
Panorama Restaurant
Not only is there a great viewpoint here, but a restaurant that is rated one of the best in Dubrovnik. We actually spent hours working there and having lunch (they don't have a breakfast menu). While the food isn't exceptional, and is a bit overpriced, it's definitely worth at least grabbing a drink.
In addition, we have to say that the service was outstanding. They give you a button to press in case you need anything, and they also have powerpanks to charge your electronics.
The servers were all super friendly and helpful, and didn't make us feel weird for spending a few hours there. Something to note is that reservations are necessary for dinner, as this is also one of the best spots for sunset in Dubrovnik.
The Panorama restaurant has great views around it.
Zipline Over the City
Right at the same spot as the cable car, is another super fun activity to add to your list of things to do in Dubrovnik. Tickets for the Zipline cost 250 Kuna, and it includes 2 rides, the transfer, and a history brief. If you want to go at sunset then it is an extra 50 Kuna.
Watch an Epic Sunset
While many people flood the cable car area to enjoy a magical sunset, there is actually a spot not too far with equally gorgeous views. Just walk a bit down the road and you'll find a rocky area where there are far less people, and plenty of room for your own little spot to have one of most beautiful sunsets you'll ever witness.
This spot has the best sunset in Dubrovnik.
Take a 3 Cave Tour
Croatia has a lot of cool caves, and a lot of fun boat trips, which is why this tour particularly caught our attention. Going right from the old port, there are kiosks lined up along the port that sell this excursion for 40 euros. Another perk is it includes food and drinks!
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Sail to Lokrum Island
If you visit the cable car or sunset viewpoint, you'll look down and notice a large island right near the old town. This is the island of Lokrum, and can be visited as a quick trip from the port of Dubrovnik.
There is a regular ferry going from Dubrovnik to Lokrum Island.
A national park, Lokrum is perfect to walk around the trails and enjoy the beautiful nature that the island has to offer. There are a few swimming spots, and the area is protected, so everything is natural.
There is one ferry company that does trips here, and they run every half hour from 9 am to 7 pm. It is 200 Kuna per person for a standard adult ticket, and there are also some discounts available if you have the Dubrovnik pass, or are going with a tour group. Click here for a full list of prices.
Lokrum Island is one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik.
Kayak Around the City
If you like a bit of adventure while you're sightseeing, then you'll want to add kayaking on the list of things to do in Dubrovnik.
There is a full station right below the northern gate of the city, where you can rent the kayaks by the hour. This is a great way to get another perspective of the Dubrovnik, as well as cooling off from the heat of the city.
Kayaking is a great way to see outside of Dubrovnik.
Want to book a kayak excursion in advance or get a combo tour? Here are a few great options:
Go for a Swim
It gets pretty hot in Dubrovnik, and the sun is strong, so you'll definitely want to jump in the gorgeous turquoise waters that surround Dubrovnik.
There are a couple of options when it comes to swimming. The old town itself doesn't have a beach, but just a 15 minute walk south you can find the beautiful beach of Divovici.
there is a beautiful beach walking distance from the Old Town.
You can also swim right at the Old Town. Simply walk around the port area to the other side, and you'll find concrete platforms for sunbathing, and ladders for dipping into the cool waters that surround the old town of Dubrovnik.
There are plenty of areas for swimming around the city walls.
Check Out the Lovrijenac Fortress
Just perched up on a hill outside the Old City is the amazing Lovrijenac Fortress. Not only is it beautiful inside and out, but it also has great views of the Old City below. The fortress is open from 8 am to 7 pm, and is 50 Kuna to enter.
The fortress is perched on a hill right outside the Old City.
Have a Drink on the Steps
One of the things that we love about Dubrovnik is the atmosphere. The long sets of stairs may not call your name, but once you see the small restaurants on the side offering cushions on the steps, you'll really want to make the climb.
Having a drink on the steps and soaking up the city vibes is one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik.
Having a drink on the steps is one of our favorite ways to enjoy the city of Dubrovnik.
Take a Booze Cruise
Dubrovnik is known for its sailing, and my second time visiting I got to experience a booze cruise at night. It was one of the most fun things to do in Dubrovnik, as we got to make new friends, and have a scenic view of the city from the water.
One time I visited Dubrovnik it was a holiday and there were fireworks during our booze cruise.
There are also great sunset cruises, both public and private.
Want to book your cruise around Dubrovnik? Here are some of our favorite options to choose from:
Party in a Fortress
Want to go to one of the best night clubs in Europe? Well Revellin is located right inside of the fortress! Want to learn more? Just click here to jump to our nightlife section.
Take a Day Trip to Bosnia & Herzegovina
While we really enjoyed all of the things we did in Dubrovnik, one of our favorite things was a day trip to Bosnia & Herzegovina!
Mostar is one of the most beautiful cities in the Balkans.
Just 15 minutes away from Dubrovnik lies the border of another beautiful Balkan country, which is definitely worth the visit. There are plenty of tour agencies in Dubrovnik that will take you to 3 amazing highlights, which will leave you wanting more. Excursions include a full day of visiting waterfalls, local villages, and the stunning town of Mostar.
Exploring Bosnia & Herzegovina is the perfect day trip from Dubrovnik.
Renting your car and want to go on your own? We have our full guide about Bosnia & Herzegovina coming soon!
Want to book your trip to Mostar from Dubrovnik? Here are some tours that you can take:
Nightlife in Dubrovnik
Nightlife is very easy in Dubrovnik. There are just a few spots where everyone goes, so you're sure to make it to the right places!
Everyone starts out going to the bars in the Old Town. There are quite a few Irish pubs, so you can just bar hop in the center after dinner until about 1 am.
After the Bars
Once 1 am hits, everyone heads over to the one club in town which is Revellin. This nightclub is a must while in Dubrovnik, and known as one of the best in Europe! Revellin is unique because it is actually located right inside the fortress.
It has multiple rooms with both commercial and electronic music. Imagine the speakers blasting and lights flickering, when all of a sudden there is confetti coming from the ceiling and the bartender is juggling bottles while lighting the bar on fire. That's just a bit of what you'll experience at this epic night club.
Revellin costs 200 kuna to enter. Despite being pricey, we do think it's worth the experience, and the club is open all night long. If you do want to save, you can actually skip paying by getting there before midnight! Although everyone will still be at the bars, this is a budget option for still getting to have the experience.
Revellin is one of the best night clubs in Dubrovnik.
Moving Around Dubrovnik
The old town of Dubrovnik is pedestrian only. We suggest if you have a car to park it outside the city, and just walk or use Ubers. This is because it is a nightmare to park around the old town, and you won't ever really need your car.
The majority of Dubrovnik is to be explored by foot.
Public Buses vs Uber
We actually learned that the buses and Ubers are pretty much the same price. Despite most things being overpriced in Dubrovnik, we're happy to say that Ubers were very affordable.
We stayed a 25 minute walk from the northern gate, and walking back was uphill, so we opted for Ubers every time, and they were an average of 30 Kuna, which is equivalent to a little more than $3 USD or 3 euros. Buses are 15 per person, so if you are two people it's already worth it. If you are more than 2, it actually ends up being cheaper to get an Uber!
Another great thing is that we never waited more than 2-3 minutes for an Uber. They are also taxi drivers, so there really isn't a crazy competition like many other cities around the world.
Where to Stay in Dubrovnik
The center of Dubrovnik can be extremely expensive to stay, although it is super nice being able to be right next to everything.
We suggest finding somewhere right outside the center. There are plenty of cheaper accommodation options like Airbnbs or apartments on Booking. We suggest looking up on Google Maps the northern gate, and to see how many minutes walking you can find a place, as being able to walk everywhere is definitely the best option.
However, even if you are a bit further (let's say 30-40 minute walk), you can always rely on Ubers, since they are super affordable.