City in Dalmatia
Dubrovnik
- Best time to go
- May, June, Sept, Oct
- Part of
- Dalmatia
Dubrovnik is the walled city at Croatia's southern tip, once the capital of the independent Republic of Ragusa.
Its old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is ringed by almost two kilometres of medieval walls, and its marble main street, the Stradun, runs between the city gates. It is one of the most visited places in Croatia, so come outside the peak of summer, and explore the old town early in the morning or in the evening.
Things to do
Don't miss in Dubrovnik
- Walk the city walls all the way round; go when they open or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and the crowds.
- Ride the cable car up Mount Srđ for the view over the old town and the islands, and see the war museum in Fort Imperial at the top.
- Stroll the Stradun and visit the Rector's Palace and the Franciscan monastery, whose pharmacy has been open since the 14th century.
- Take the short boat ride from the old harbour to Lokrum island for its botanical garden, peacocks and rocky swimming spots.
- Swim at Banje beach or from the rocks below the walls, where small bars cling to the cliffs.
- Climb Fort Lovrijenac, outside the walls, which Game of Thrones fans will recognise as part of King's Landing.
- Go sea kayaking around the walls and Lokrum.
Where to stay
Pick your neighbourhood
Old town
staying inside the walls for the atmosphere; expect lots of steps, no cars and the highest prices
Ploče
views of the old town and Banje beach, a short walk east of the walls
Pile
just outside the western gate, close to the bus stops and Fort Lovrijenac
Lapad
families and beach lovers: a green peninsula with a seaside promenade and hotels, a short bus ride from the old town
Gruž
cheaper stays near the ferry port, the bus station and the morning market
Tours and getting around
Day trips from Dubrovnik
Popular day trips from Dubrovnik go by boat to the Elaphiti islands or Mljet National Park, and by road to Ston for its walls and oysters, the Pelješac wineries, Montenegro's Bay of Kotor or Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In town, walking tours cover the city's history and its Game of Thrones filming locations.
You won't need a car in the city; buses run between the old town, Lapad and Gruž. Rent one for day trips to Ston, Pelješac or the Konavle valley. For the Elaphiti islands on your own schedule, rent a boat, with or without a skipper.
Getting there
How to get to Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) is in Čilipi, about 20 km south-east of the city, and airport shuttle buses stop at Pile Gate by the old town and at the main bus station. The bus station and the ferry port are both in Gruž, about 3 km north-west of the old town, with city buses running between them. Driving from Split takes about three hours, and the Pelješac Bridge now lets you stay in Croatia instead of crossing the short strip of Bosnia and Herzegovina at Neum. The old town is car-free and parking nearby is scarce and expensive.