Locals joke: Whoever has seen Dubrovnik has seen all of Croatia. This glittering city truly does concentrate the best of what the Balkan country is proud of: sumptuous architecture, dizzying scenery, manicured beaches, and cozy restaurants. The history of Dubrovnik began in the 7th century, and only a few centuries later it was able to achieve incredible power: a clever policy and active trade in the Adriatic Sea elevated it to the same rank as Venice. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the city was a rich centre of science and art, with palaces, squares and cathedrals of amazing beauty. All this splendor has survived to this day: walks along the local sites leave no one indifferent.

Today Dubrovnik is a major resort on the Adriatic Sea, listed by UNESCO as one of the best European monuments of the Renaissance. Even after swimming in the clearest waters, sunbathing on the pebble beaches and peering at the red-brick roofs surrounded by impregnable fortress walls, you inevitably catch yourself thinking that you must return here again.

How to get to Dubrovnik

Those who travel to Dubrovnik by car will appreciate the quality of the European highways, the well-developed roadside infrastructure, and most of all - complete independence from the transport schedules and restrictions on the luggage weight.

Dubrovnik districts

Dubrovnik stretches 6 km along the Adriatic Sea line. Its heart is the Old Town of Pile: the historical centre where the main sights, souvenir shops and restaurants are concentrated. Accommodation here is expensive, with the medieval flavour most acutely felt in the stone circle of the ramparts. On the downside, though, it's cramped, noisy and filled with peculiar sea food. For lovers of luxury, head to the neighbouring district of Ploce, near the fortress to the east. The most fashionable hotels and the famous Bagné beach with a high-end nightclub are nearby.

Two other popular resort areas are Lapad on the bay of the same name and Babin Kuk with its verdant gardens and parks. Petka Hill is the landmark of the former and Copacobana is the ideal family-friendly beach. Both areas appeal to those who enjoy a quieter beach holiday with European comfort.

Close to the port is the residential quarter of Gruges, with a developed infrastructure and central bus station and the main market. However, the main beaches are not very far away, but the prices for accommodation are very accessible.

Hotels in Dubrovnik

Hotels in Dubrovnik cater for all tastes and budgets, from the economical "three-and-a-half" to the luxurious "five-and-a-half". The closer you are to the Old Town, the more expensive it gets. The most prestigious hotels are concentrated in Pile and Ploce, in close proximity to the city's attractions. The Lapad and Babin Kuk neighbourhoods are the more democratic: tranquil, cosy and picturesque, with the centre easily accessible on foot. The lowest prices are in Port Gróge, Montovierné and Boninovo - a long way from the beaches by local standards, but with notable savings.

The cheapest hostels cost from 105 HRK per day per bed in a shared room. A double room in a 3* hotel starts at HRK 470. Staying in a hostel or apartment for two people costs from 190 HRK per night depending on the level of comfort, season and distance from the historical centre. For the more demanding, villas can be rented — a mansion with a pool on one of the nearby islands costs from 3000 HRK per night.

There are many hotels in Dubrovnik to choose from, and each one has its own unique charm and appeal. Whether you are looking for a luxurious five-star hotel or a more affordable option, Dubrovnik has something to offer everyone. One of the most popular hotels in the city is the Hotel Astarea. This luxurious hotel is situated on the Adriatic Sea and offers stunning views of the ocean and the city. It features a spa, two restaurants, and a bar, as well as a heated infinity pool and a fitness center. If you are looking for a more affordable option, the Marangun Hotel is a great choice. This hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers easy access to all of the sights and attractions. It features a bar, a restaurant, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city. No matter what type of hotel you choose, you are sure to enjoy your stay in Dubrovnik.

Transport

The most popular form of transportation in Dubrovnik is the bus company Libertas. They run at 10-15 minute intervals, and the main lines connect the Old Town, Lapad and Babin Kuk, starting at the Pile Gates. Tickets are sold by drivers (15 HRK) and at kiosks (12 HRK and are valid for one hour). The prices on this page are for November 2021.

Open-top tourist buses also travel through Dubrovnik. Their route begins at the Central Bus Station in Gruz and includes all the popular sights. A guided tour costs around 60 HRK.

Another attraction for tourists is the funicular, which takes passengers from the walls of Old Town to the top of Mount Srdz. The ride lasts 4 minutes, up to 30 people can fit in the car, and the views are breathtaking at an altitude of 405 meters. Tickets for adults are 90 HRK one-way and 170 HRK two-way.

There are taxi stands at the airport, the bus station and in the Pile, Ploče and Gruž districts. The standard fare is HRK 27 per fare, plus HRK 10 per km. Airport transfers to the centre start at 290 HRK.

Rent a car

Dubrovnik is compact: the main tourist attractions can be seen in a couple of hours, and the beaches are easily accessible on foot from anywhere in the city. It makes sense to rent a car if you plan to take a scenic drive around the city, travel to neighbouring towns and even visit other countries such as Montenegro, Albania and Bosnia.

The offices of international (Sixt, Avis, Hertz, Sunnycars) and local car rental companies are located at the airport, the port of Gruz, and in popular tourist areas; the prices for popular models are quite attractive in comparison with the average European rates. Rental of a small car costs from 390 HRK. Gasoline costs about 11 HRK per litre.

Telecom and Wi-Fi

Croatia's largest mobile operators are T-Hrvatski Telekom, Tele2, Bonbon and Vip. Sim cards are sold at Tisak and iNovine outlets, post offices and newsstands. The price of the cards starts at 25 HRK, and all funds are transferred to the subscriber's account. The balance is topped up with coupons sold at all supermarkets and providers' websites

Free Wi-Fi is available in hotels and some restaurants in Dubrovnik. Internet cafes with pay-per-view connections are available everywhere. T-Hrvatski Telekom offers a package for tourists for 85 HRK with unlimited 4G internet for 7 days.

Dubrovnik Card

For tourists who want to have a maximum travel experience without going broke (the prices here are steep), the Dubrovnik Card has been invented. They are sold online, in hotels and tourist offices scattered around the city. The one-day card costs 250 HRK and entitles you to free rides on public transport, visits to castle walls, museums (ethnographic, cultural, historical, etc.) and art galleries during the day. The 3-day and 7-day cards for 300/350 HRK entitle the holder to 6-10 free rides within the city as well as bus coupons to Cavtat. Additionally, holders of the Dubrovnik Card get a 160-page guide to the area and 5-30% discounts in restaurants, spas, jewelry shops and travel agencies.

Dubrovnik beaches

Most of Dubrovnik's beaches are platform and pebbly, well equipped. Entrance is free almost everywhere and the sea is clear as a teardrop. One of the most popular beaches is in the Lapad bay: the coast has the same fine pebbles, but the descent into the water is sandy, a delight for heels. There are showers, toilets, changing cabins, kayak and boat hire, a good restaurant and several bars.

Families with children often choose Copacobana beach in the north of Babin Coq peninsula. With its Brazilian namesake, it shares a carefree atmosphere and a variety of activities, from sipping cocktails to skydiving. The surface is pebbly, but a few steps from the beach, the pebbles become sand. The entrance to the water is smooth and safe even for the smallest bathers.

The beach in Banje is divided into two parts: free public and luxurious paid. If you want a bit of luxury, you'll have to shell out money for a canopy and a shower. If you're tired of showing off, head to Lokrum Nude Beach where tanning à la naturale is the best option.

Diving

Diving in Dubrovnik is thriving, with artifacts from every era lurking beneath the surface of the Adriatic Sea, and the abundant local life - from brightly coloured fish to lobsters, octopuses and cuttlefish - won't let the diver get bored. The clear waters have a visibility up to 50m and provide great detail of how the abyss lives. The best time to dive is from May to November, when air and water temperatures are as comfortable as possible.

A special permit is required for diving in Croatia - it can be applied for at any diving centre on presentation of a valid diving certificate and a valid passport. Once you've completed the formalities, most adventure-seekers head for the coast of Cavtat, where a gigantic ship, sunk (it's hard to imagine!) a few thousand years ago, lies buried. It was carrying a large shipment of oil, and amphorae and other curious antiquities are still in the holds. It's strictly forbidden to lift anything from the seabed, so the underwater museum is 'conserved' for the ages. A couple of dives with an instructor costs about 800 HRK, beginner courses start at 2100 HRK for 2-3 days.

The second most popular dive location is the Elafiti Islands northwest of Dubrovnik. Divers are able to reach depths of up to 80 metres below the surface and encounter bright red coral, intricate algae and hidden caves. The nearby wreck of a mine-laden World War II-era trader has been split in two and used as shelter for countless fish. The area around Colocep Island is famous for its meandering underwater tunnels inhabited by moray eels, scorpions and octopuses.

Shopping

The best souvenir shops are in the Old Town, with the richest assortment of memorabilia in the central Stradun Street. The perfect gift for the fashionista is a silk tie: men's accessories were invented in Croatia. The Vučedolské pigeons (copies of ancient ceramics vessels in the form of birds), dolls in folk costumes and elaborate embroidery, Istrian kajun (miniatures of ancient peasant houses), and sculptures of limestone from Brač, used in building the White House in Washington, are other interesting and original items to see.

Upmarket fountain pens (also invented here) and gorgeous page lace (where authentic products carry official certificates) come in handy.

The market and souvenir market Gundulice Glade offer not only an interesting shopping experience, but also an insight into the everyday life of locals. The old pharmacy at the Franciscan monastery creates beauty products using centuries-old recipes. Zlatarska Street is home to renowned jewellery shops, while the Konavle suburb is renowned for the widest selection of lace. Shops in Dubrovnik are open from 8:00 to 20:00, in tourist season until 22:00 (with lunch break 12:00 to 17:00) and on weekends until 14:00. The larger shopping centres are open every day until 0:00.

What to Try

The Dubrovnik eateries serve mostly Croatian and Italian cuisine with plenty of seafood, lamb and mutton. The main local specialities are oysters from the Bay of Ston and eels from the Neretva River. The most popular first course is green menestra soup with cabbage and cured meat. Interesting seafood dishes are the Neretva brodette with eel and frogs, and the black risotto with cuttlefish ink.

The meat-eaters should try the smoked ham prsut, the kulen sausage, the lamb booth pelešacki, the sporca macarule (meat spaghetti made from dark flour) and the Neretva chicken with cabbage garnish. The traditional Dubrovnik dessert is rozata with rose syrup, reminiscent of delicate crème brulee. For a full-bodied experience, try the homemade rakija made from fermented fruit. Bars and restaurants offer strong but tasty drinks made from plums, grapes and even nuts.

Dubrovnik Cafes and Restaurants

The most expensive restaurants are in the Old Town: its amazing atmosphere lends itself to hedonistic tastings. The most fashionable ones are open only during tourist season, from April to October. The budget cafes are open year-round, but overpriced in winter. Excellent bars and restaurants are concentrated on the coast: the freshest seafood reaches the plates straight from the Adriatic.

Dubrovnik has fish houses, taverns and fast-food places (from fresh sardines to sandwiches with beef jerky) and vegetarian cafés. The area with the most live music and carefree atmosphere is the small square by the Ploče Gate between Stradun Street and the seafront.

Entertainment and attractions

Dubrovnik is Croatia's jewel box: the beauty of its attractions is breathtaking. Architectural masterpieces of its glorious past, perfectly integrated into its no less glorious present, are concentrated in the Old Town. A good place to start is at the top: the castle walls, dating back to the 10th century, are wonderfully preserved and stretch for almost 2000 metres. The ensemble includes the imposing Minceta Tower, St John's Bastion and the fortresses of Bokar and Ravelin that defended the city against invaders for centuries.

One of the most monumental buildings in Dubrovnik is the Rector's Palace, built in the 15th century. Its facade is simple, Gothic style with Renaissance elements, reminiscent of the residences of Roman emperors. It was once home to local rulers and today houses a museum with antique furniture and paintings. The main religious building is the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary with a polyptych painted by Titian. No less impressive is the Baroque St. Vlasija Cathedral, which stands on the Loža Square.

The central artery of Dubrovnik is Stradun Street, framed at both ends by spectacular fountains. It is here, at the gates of Pyla, that the Franciscan monastery from the 14th century lies, destroyed by an earthquake and completely rebuilt three centuries later. Also worth a visit is the island of Lokrum, steeped in legend, lined with beaches and totally at the disposal of... the majestic peacocks.

8 things to do in Dubrovnik

1. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views from the fortress wall.
2. Send photos of Copacobana beach to your friends, without mentioning whether it is Croatia or Brazil.
3. Join the fun on St. Martin's Day or watch the colourful procession from a café on Stradun.
4. Buy rejuvenating creams at the old pharmacy in the Franciscan monastery.
5. Taste oysters and eels from nearby bodies of water. And drink homemade rakija.
6. Make a wish by unceremoniously sitting on Marin Držić's lap (they are bronze: the monument to the Renaissance poet is placed at the entrance to the theatre named after him).
7. It takes 4 minutes to climb the picturesque Srdj mountain by funicular railway, but it's a lot of fun!
8. Feed the majestic peacocks, the only inhabitants of Lokrum Island today.

Dubrovnik for kids

If the kids get bored with relaxing on the beach, Dubrovnik offers other attractions. One of the most interesting is the aquarium, located not just anywhere, but right in the fortress of St. John. The 30 large tanks house the most impressive variety of Adriatic flora and fauna: eels, urchins, goopers, turtles, morays, octopuses, crabs and countless fish, all swimming in a sea of coral, shells and sea anemones. Next door is the Maritime Museum with 4000 exhibits: cannons, model ships, navigation equipment, antique flags and maps.

On the outskirts of the resort there is a huge adrenaline park called Sveta Ana with rides for daredevils of all ages. Here you can go through an obstacle course, ride a horse or quad bike, take part in a knight's fight, jump on a trampoline, shoot an arrow or play paintball - you won't get bored. At the Honey Valley Park, guests can learn about farming secrets, meet friendly animals, enjoy organic food and rides on a pony.

Weather

A mild Mediterranean climate and over 250 days of sunshine a year: what could be better for a beach holiday? The bathing season lasts from May to October. The autumn and spring months are warm but rainy, with the coldest months being in January and February, though not reaching freezing temperatures. July and August are the hottest months, with milder weather in May and September.

Holidays and events

The most spectacular festival in Dubrovnik is St. Vlasija Day, celebrated on February 3 for over a thousand years. According to legend, St Vlasius once appeared to a local monk named Stojko and warned him of an impending attack by the Venetians. He immediately passed on the news to the Senate, and the city properly prepared for defence: the enemy withdrew, and the celestial intercessor was named the patron saint of Dubrovnik. Ever since, they have celebrated in his honour by releasing doves into the clouds as a symbol of peace and freedom, planting a banner on the Orlando Column and holding magnificent processions on Stradun Street.

In Dubrovnik, festivals of all kinds are held again and again. The best known is the Summer Festival with concerts, exhibitions and theatre productions in the old town: the medieval streets are ideal settings for plays by Shakespeare, Moliere and Goldoni. In May there is a film festival and in autumn a gastronomic marathon with the eloquent title "Good Food": themed dinners and tastings for gourmets and hedonists.