Dubrovnik, located in the southernmost part of Croatia, is one of the Adriatic’s crown jewels. Nestled within Dubrovnik-Neretva County, this UNESCO-listed city combines medieval walls, crystal-clear waters, island escapes, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you want to walk the famous City Walls, relax on Banje Beach, or explore nearby islands, Dubrovnik offers an unforgettable holiday experience.
Reasons to Visit Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” It is a city of terracotta rooftops, marble streets, and endless sea views. The Old Town is enclosed by mighty walls, and beyond them, beaches, islands, and villages await exploration. The county offers much more—Pelješac vineyards, Ston oysters, Korčula’s medieval charm, and the peaceful beauty of Mljet National Park. Its mix of culture, history, and stunning landscapes makes it a top travel destination in Europe.
Top Things to See in Dubrovnik
Stradun and the Old Town
The marble-paved Stradun is the heartbeat of Dubrovnik. Lined with cafés and shops, it connects Pile Gate to Ploče Gate. Walking here reveals the city’s elegant baroque and renaissance architecture, lively atmosphere, and centuries-old traditions. The Old Town is best enjoyed early in the morning or late in the evening when cruise crowds fade away.
City Walls and Fortresses
A walk on the Dubrovnik City Walls is the ultimate highlight. Stretching nearly 2 km, the walls offer panoramic views of terracotta rooftops and the Adriatic Sea. Tickets include entry to Fort Lovrijenac. For the best experience, go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
Fort Lovrijenac: Perched on a cliff, this fortress defended Dubrovnik from invaders and today hosts cultural performances.
Rector’s Palace: A masterpiece of Gothic-Renaissance design, now housing the Cultural History Museum.
Sponza Palace: Once a customs house, today it stores Dubrovnik’s valuable archives.
Religious and Cultural Landmarks
Dominican Monastery: Famous for its Gothic cloister and treasured art collection.
Jesuit Stairs: A dramatic baroque staircase leading to the Church of St. Ignatius, also a Game of Thrones filming location.
War Photo Limited: A powerful photography gallery focusing on conflict and humanity.
Red History Museum: A modern look into everyday life in Yugoslavia, blending nostalgia with critical reflection.
Scenic Views and Outdoor Activities
Mount Srđ
The Mount Srđ cable car whisks visitors above Dubrovnik in minutes. From the summit, enjoy sweeping views of the Old Town, Lokrum, and the Elafiti Islands. A fortress at the top also contains the Homeland War Museum. A return ticket is available for adults, and hiking trails offer a rewarding challenge for active travelers.
Lokrum Island
Just 15 minutes by Lokrum Island boat from the Old Port, Lokrum blends history and nature. The boat ticket plus island entry is reasonably priced and valid during the sailing season. Explore the ruins of a Benedictine monastery, wander through botanical gardens, or swim in the Dead Sea lagoon. The island is a peaceful escape with shady pine forests and roaming peacocks.
Elafiti Islands
Take the Elafiti Islands ferry to discover Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan. These islands feature sandy beaches, sleepy villages, and Mediterranean landscapes. Lopud is known for Sunj Beach, one of the rare sandy beaches in the region. Day tours and catamarans run seasonally from Dubrovnik.
Best Beaches in Dubrovnik
Banje Beach: A lively city beach with lounge bars and direct views of the Old Town walls.
Sveti Jakov Beach: Tucked below cliffs, offering a quieter atmosphere and stunning backdrop.
Lapad Sunset Beach: Popular with families, with shallow waters, a promenade, and nearby restaurants.
Copacabana Lapad: A pebble beach ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and water sports.
Most beaches are pebble, so water shoes are recommended. For a calmer swim, consider early morning dips or heading to beaches outside the Old Town.
Game of Thrones in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik transformed into King’s Landing for Game of Thrones. Key filming sites include:
Jesuit Stairs: The infamous Walk of Shame.
Fort Lovrijenac: Used as the Red Keep.
Pile Gate: King’s Landing city gate.
Guided tours are popular, offering behind-the-scenes stories and direct comparisons between screen and reality.
Festivals and Events
Every summer, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival turns the city into an open-air stage. Performances of music, theatre, and dance take place in historic courtyards and squares from July to August. Other events include the Feast of St. Blaise in early February, celebrating Dubrovnik’s patron saint, and seasonal wine and food festivals across the county.
Where to Stay in Dubrovnik
Old Town: The most atmospheric place to stay, with historic stone houses converted into boutique hotels and apartments. Perfect for sightseeing, but expect stairs and higher prices.
Ploče: Known for luxury hotels and villas with some of the best views over the Old Town and Lokrum Island. Great for couples and those seeking upscale comfort.
Pile & Boninovo: Convenient areas just outside the city walls, offering mid-range hotels and guesthouses within a short walk to Pile Gate.
Lapad & Babin Kuk: Residential and coastal districts with beach resorts, promenades, and family-friendly hotels. Ideal if you prefer a seaside holiday with easy bus connections to the Old Town.
Gruž: Close to the ferry port and main bus station, with budget-friendly options. Best suited for travelers who prioritize value and good transport links.
Booking ahead is essential, especially in July and August when accommodation in Dubrovnik sells out quickly.
Top Rated Hotels in Dubrovnik
1) 🔍Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik – 5★
Seafront hotel near the Old Town with private bathing decks, spa, pool, and fine dining. Guests love the views and breakfast. Rating: 9.3/10.
2) 🔍Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik – 5★
Clifftop property above Miramare Bay with sea-view rooms, private beach, indoor pool, and gourmet restaurant. Reviews highlight location and views. Rating: 9.4/10.
3) 🔍Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik – 5★
Historic hotel by Pile Gate with elegant rooms, pool, saunas, and terrace bar. Guests praise proximity to the city walls. Rating: 9.1/10.
4) 🔍Rixos Premium Dubrovnik – 5★
Modern seaside resort with large spa, indoor/outdoor pools, and multiple restaurants. Guests love the impressive breakfast buffet. Rating: 9.0/10.
5) 🔍Hotel More – 5★
Boutique hotel on the Lapad Peninsula with Cave Bar, swim platform, and easy bus to Old Town. Guests enjoy the peaceful setting and views. Rating: 9.0/10.
Top Rated Villas in Dubrovnik
1) 🔍Villa Callista – 2 bedrooms, private pool
Modern villa with pool, terraces, and sea views. Guests praise the spotless interiors and helpful hosts. Rating: 10/10.
2) 🔍Villa Lapisa – 3 bedrooms, inside Old Town
Stone villa with sauna, hot tub, and gym. Guests highlight the luxury design and quiet location near main sights. Rating: 9.8/10.
3) 🔍Villa Bruna – 6 bedrooms, near Pile Gate
Historic villa with large pool, BBQ terrace, and parking. Guests love the central location and outdoor space. Rating: 9.8/10.
4) 🔍Villa Oranž – 4 bedrooms, pool and wellness
Contemporary villa with sea views, sauna, and fitness area. Guests praise the amenities and attentive hosts. Rating: 9.8/10.
5) 🔍Frida’s Villa – 5 bedrooms, infinity pool
Stylish villa in Orašac with infinity pool, sauna, and terraces. Guests describe it as beautifully designed and very clean. Rating: 9.7/10.
Top Rated Apartments in Dubrovnik
1) 🔍Blue Promenade Apartments – Lapad
Close to Lapad beach and bus to Old Town. Spacious, spotless, with an excellent host. Rating: 9.9/10.
2) 🔍Breathtaking Sea View Apartment Near Old City – Ploče
Modern apartment with terrace and stunning Old Town views. Guests highlight the amazing host. Rating: 9.9/10.
3) 🔍Palacio Celeste – Old Town
Stylish apartment in the city walls, very central yet quiet. Guests love the location and cleanliness. Rating: 9.2/10.
4) 🔍Apartments Ranieri Kono – Boninovo
Well-equipped apartments with balconies and wide sea views. Guests praise the views and helpful host. Rating: 9.3/10.
5) 🔍City Residences – near Bellevue Beach
Modern apartments with balconies and garage parking. Guests note the clean rooms and good transport links. Rating: 9.2/10.
Practical Information
Dubrovnik Pass
The Dubrovnik Pass is a convenient way to explore. It includes entry to the City Walls, museums, public bus rides, and discounts on tours and attractions. It quickly pays off if you plan multiple visits, especially if you want to see several cultural sites and use public transport.
Getting Around
Dubrovnik airport shuttle costs about €10 one-way and runs between the airport and the city’s main bus station.
Libertas bus tickets cost around €1.73 from kiosks or slightly more on the bus. A 24-hour pass is also available.
Walking is the best way inside the Old Town, but expect plenty of steps.
Pelješac Bridge
Since 2022, the Pelješac Bridge connects southern Croatia with the mainland, bypassing Bosnia. This makes road trips to Split and the rest of Croatia seamless.
Day Trips in Dubrovnik-Neretva County
Exploring beyond Dubrovnik reveals the diversity of Dubrovnik-Neretva County. From fortified towns and lush islands to green valleys, the wider region is filled with authentic experiences.
Ston and Pelješac Peninsula
Ston Walls: The second-longest defensive walls in the world.
Mali Ston oysters: Famous for their unique flavor and freshness.
Pelješac wine: Sample bold reds like Dingač and Postup in local wineries.
Korčula Town
Korčula boasts narrow streets, medieval towers, and a vibrant cultural scene. Often linked to Marco Polo, its Old Town is filled with charm. Regular ferries and seasonal catamarans connect Dubrovnik with Korčula.
Mljet National Park
Unspoiled and green, Mljet offers tranquil saltwater lakes, cycling paths, and kayaking. The Benedictine monastery on St. Mary’s islet adds historical depth. Entry tickets are required, with seasonal pricing for visitors.
Cavtat and Konavle
Cavtat is a peaceful seaside town, known for palm-lined promenades and seafood restaurants. Inland, Konavle offers stone villages, vineyards, and the medieval Sokol Grad fortress.
Neretva Valley
This river delta features wetlands, citrus groves, and sandy beaches. It is famous for kitesurfing at Ušće Neretve, birdwatching, and traditional boat rides known as lađa tours.
Best Time to Visit
May–June: Warm weather, lighter crowds, good for sightseeing.
July–August: High season with festivals and energy, but also heat and crowds.
September–October: A perfect balance of pleasant weather and calmer atmosphere.
Winter: Quiet charm with fewer tourists and lower prices, though some attractions close.
FAQs
Is the Dubrovnik Pass worth it?
Yes. If you plan to walk the walls and visit museums, it saves both money and time. It also includes local bus rides.
How much is the cable car to Mount Srđ?
A return ticket is available for adults, with sunset rides being particularly popular.
Can I visit Lokrum Island in winter?
No. Boats only operate from spring to autumn. Off-season, the island is closed to visitors.
How do I get to Korčula from Dubrovnik?
Seasonal catamarans run via Mljet and Hvar. In summer, daily departures make it an easy day or overnight trip.
Do I still need to cross Bosnia to reach Split?
No. Since 2022, the Pelješac Bridge connects directly without border crossings.
Final Tips
Dubrovnik combines history, beaches, culture, and island-hopping in one destination. Make use of the Dubrovnik Pass, explore beyond the Old Town, and don’t miss the wider Dubrovnik-Neretva County with its islands, vineyards, and small towns. Planning ahead ensures a smooth trip, especially in summer when crowds peak. With careful timing, you’ll discover why Dubrovnik is one of the Adriatic’s most treasured destinations.
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