Planning Your First Visit to Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed Old City is best explored on foot. Behind its medieval walls, limestone streets lead to historic churches, elegant palaces, quiet courtyards and one of Europe’s oldest continuously operating pharmacies, located within the Franciscan Monastery.

Allow time to wander beyond the main street of Stradun, where narrow laneways reveal small restaurants, wine bars and glimpses of everyday life. Fresh Adriatic seafood and Croatian wines are among the local highlights, although dining within the Old City can be more expensive than elsewhere in Croatia.

For a swim close to the Old City, Banje Beach is a short walk from Ploče Gate. Another memorable experience is Bard Mala Buža, a cliffside bar reached through an opening in the city walls, with uninterrupted views across the Adriatic.

Dubrovnik is compact, and most major attractions can be reached on foot. Public buses are useful when staying in Lapad, Gruž or farther from the Old City, while Uber is often more affordable than a regular taxi. Comfortable shoes are essential—the polished cobblestones, steep steps and sloping laneways can be challenging.

💡 Progressive Traveller Tip: Visit the Old City early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when the streets are generally cooler and less crowded.

​Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik

1. Walk Dubrovnik’s Ancient City Walls

Walking the medieval city walls is one of Dubrovnik’s essential experiences. The complete circuit offers sweeping views across the terracotta rooftops of the Old City, the Adriatic Sea, Fort Lovrijenac and nearby Lokrum Island.

The walk includes numerous steps and sections with little shade, so wear comfortable shoes, carry water and avoid the hottest part of the day. Tickets are expensive, but the views make the experience worthwhile. Before purchasing a separate ticket, compare the cost with the Dubrovnik Pass, which includes entry to the walls and several other attractions.

💡 Progressive Traveller Tip: Walk the walls early in the morning or later in the afternoon for cooler conditions, softer light and fewer crowds.

2. Explore Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-Listed Old City

Dubrovnik’s Old City is compact and best explored on foot. Beyond its impressive walls, you’ll find historic churches, monasteries, palaces, fountains and narrow stone laneways filled with small restaurants and wine bars.

A guided walking tour is worthwhile for first-time visitors. It provides insight into the history of the former Republic of Ragusa, once a prosperous maritime republic and an important trading power in the Mediterranean.

3. Stroll Along Stradun

Stradun, also known as Placa, is the broad limestone-paved street running through the heart of the Old City. Beginning near Pile Gate, it connects Onofrio’s Fountain with Luža Square and many of Dubrovnik’s most important landmarks.

The polished limestone is especially beautiful in the early morning or evening, when the street is quieter and the buildings are illuminated by softer light.

4. Refill Your Water Bottle at Onofrio’s Fountain

Just inside Pile Gate, the 15th-century Onofrio’s Fountain once formed part of Dubrovnik’s sophisticated water-supply system. Its 16 carved stone masks remain functioning water outlets, making it a convenient place to refill your bottle before exploring the Old City or walking the walls.

The fountain was badly damaged during the devastating earthquake of 1667, but it remains one of Dubrovnik’s best-known historic landmarks.

5. Ride the Cable Car to Mount Srđ

For one of the best views of Dubrovnik, take the cable car to the summit of Mount Srđ. From the top, you can see the walled Old City, Lokrum Island, the Adriatic coastline and the surrounding mountains.

Allow time to enjoy the viewpoint, particularly around sunset. Travellers looking for more adventure can also book a zipline experience overlooking Dubrovnik. Cable-car operating hours vary seasonally, so check the timetable before visiting.

6. Visit Fort Lovrijenac

Standing on a rocky outcrop beyond the western city walls, Fort Lovrijenac is often called Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar. The fortress once protected the city from attacks by land and sea and now provides impressive views towards the Old City and Fort Bokar.

Entry may be included with your city walls ticket or Dubrovnik Pass, so retain your ticket and check the current conditions before paying separately.

7. Discover Dubrovnik’s Game of Thrones Locations

Dubrovnik became the principal filming location for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. Several recognisable scenes were filmed around the Old City, Fort Lovrijenac and the nearby coastline.

Fans can join a dedicated filming-location tour, while those less familiar with the series may prefer a general history tour covering the city’s broader and far more fascinating story.

8. Visit the Franciscan Monastery and Historic Pharmacy

Located near Pile Gate, the Franciscan Monastery provides a peaceful contrast to the busy streets outside. Its beautiful cloister, small museum and historic pharmacy make it one of the Old City’s most interesting cultural attractions.

Founded in the 14th century, the pharmacy is regarded as one of the oldest continuously operating pharmacies in Europe.

9. Take a Ferry to Lokrum Island

Lokrum Island is an easy escape from the crowds of the Old City. Regular seasonal ferries depart from Dubrovnik’s Old Port, with the crossing taking approximately 15 minutes.

The island has walking trails, botanical gardens, historic ruins and rocky swimming areas. There are no sandy beaches, so water shoes can be useful. Check the final return-ferry time before setting out to explore.

10. Swim at Banje Beach

Banje Beach is one of the most convenient places to swim near the Old City. Located a short walk from Ploče Gate, it offers clear Adriatic water and beautiful views towards Dubrovnik’s walls.

The beach can become crowded during summer, so arrive early or visit later in the afternoon. Some areas offer paid sunloungers, while others are available for public use.

11. Have a Drink at a Dubrovnik Cliff Bar

Hidden through openings in the city walls, Dubrovnik’s cliff bars offer a memorable place to enjoy a cold drink overlooking the Adriatic. Bard Mala Buža and Buža Bar are built into the rocks outside the walls, with simple terraces and uninterrupted sea views.

Find a seat in the late afternoon and watch swimmers and daring locals leap from the rocks into the clear water below. Drinks can be expensive, but you are paying for one of Dubrovnik’s most distinctive settings.

💡 Progressive Traveller Tip: Visit before sunset to secure a seat. Access involves steep steps and the rocks can be slippery, so take care near the water.

12. Enjoy a Croatian Wine Experience

Dubrovnik’s wine bars provide an opportunity to sample Croatian varieties without leaving the city. Look for wines from the nearby Pelješac Peninsula and Konavle region, including the red Plavac Mali and the white Pošip and Malvasija Dubrovačka varieties.

For a more immersive experience, consider a guided day trip to family-run wineries beyond Dubrovnik.

13. Experience Dubrovnik from the Water

A boat trip reveals a different side of Dubrovnik’s dramatic coastline. Options include kayaking beneath the city walls, visiting the Elafiti Islands or joining a boat tour incorporating sea caves and swimming stops.

The Dubrovnik Summer Festival, held annually during July and August, is another cultural highlight, with theatre, music and dance performances staged throughout the historic city.

​Best Time to Visit Dubrovnik

The best time to visit Dubrovnik is during the shoulder seasons, particularly May, June, September and early October. The weather is generally warm enough for sightseeing, the sea may be suitable for swimming and the Old City is usually more enjoyable than during the busiest weeks of summer.

Spring: April to June

Spring brings mild temperatures, longer days and fewer visitors than July and August. April can still be cool and changeable, particularly in the evenings, while May is ideal for walking the city walls and exploring the Old City.

By June, the weather and sea are warmer, but visitor numbers and accommodation prices begin to rise. If swimming is important, late May or June will generally be a better choice than April.

Summer: July and August

July and August are Dubrovnik’s hottest, busiest and most expensive months. Daytime temperatures frequently reach 30°C or higher, and the narrow streets of the Old City can feel intensely crowded, especially when several cruise ships are in port.

Summer is ideal for swimming, boat trips and evening events, including the Dubrovnik Summer Festival. Book accommodation, restaurants and popular activities well in advance, and plan outdoor sightseeing for early morning or late afternoon.

Autumn: September and October

September is one of the best months to visit Dubrovnik. The weather remains warm, the sea is usually comfortable for swimming and the largest summer crowds begin to ease.

October is quieter and generally more affordable, although rain becomes more likely and some seasonal boat services and attractions may operate less frequently.

Winter: November to March

Winter offers a very different Dubrovnik experience. The Old City is peaceful and accommodation can be more affordable, but the weather is cooler, wetter and sometimes windy.

Some restaurants, tours and island services close or reduce their hours during the off-season. The cable car may also close during part of winter, so check operating schedules before your visit.

💡 Progressive Traveller Tip: May, June and September offer the best balance of warm weather and manageable crowds. Regardless of the month, check the cruise-ship schedule and visit the Old City early or later in the day whenever possible.

​Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

Choosing where to stay in Dubrovnik will depend on whether you prefer historic atmosphere, easy beach access or better value outside the Old City.

Dubrovnik Old City

Staying within the city walls places Dubrovnik’s major attractions, restaurants and historic streets at your doorstep. It is wonderfully atmospheric, particularly in the early morning and evening after many day visitors have departed.

However, accommodation inside the Old City can be expensive, and many properties are reached by steep stone steps. Cars cannot enter, so consider the distance from Pile or Ploče Gate if you are travelling with heavy luggage.

Apartments Plaza is a centrally located option for travellers who want to stay in the heart of the Old City and explore its main attractions on foot.

Pile and Ploče

The neighbourhoods immediately outside Pile and Ploče gates provide convenient access to the Old City without staying within the walls. Pile is well connected by public transport, while Ploče offers attractive coastal views and easy access to Banje Beach.

Lapad

Lapad is a good choice for a quieter stay, with beaches, waterfront walking paths, restaurants and a wider selection of hotels. Regular public buses connect Lapad with the Old City.

Gruž

Gruž is convenient for travellers arriving by ferry or planning onward travel to the islands. Accommodation is often more affordable than around the Old City, and the neighbourhood has local markets, restaurants and good transport connections.

💡 Progressive Traveller Tip: Dubrovnik has many steep streets and stairways. Before booking, check the property’s exact location, lift access and the number of steps between the accommodation and the nearest road.

For those considering a visit to Dubrovnik or any destination in Croatia during the peak tourist months of July and August, it is highly advisable to book your rental car well in advance. Dubrovnik benefits from an extensive network of direct flights connecting it to various European cities, the UK, and Ireland. Consequently, numerous travellers choose Dubrovnik Airport as their point of entry to Croatia.

However, many of these visitors do not intend to confine themselves solely to Dubrovnik during their stay. Instead, they view Dubrovnik as a strategic starting point for their Croatian exploration. To facilitate their travel plans, they typically opt to rent a car. Some use it to journey further north and explore other regions of Croatia, while others prefer to stay in Dubrovnik but rent a car for day trips to the surrounding areas and nearby landmarks. This trend results in a high demand for rental cars during the summer months, making it imperative to secure your reservation well in advance to ensure availability and secure competitive rates.

Renting a car online with DiscoverCars.com was the key to seeing more of beautiful Dubrovnik and its surrounding region. DiscoverCars.com is committed to becoming the world’s most reliable car rental platform, and my experience certainly reflected that. Their website made the booking process clear and effortless, allowing me to choose the perfect vehicle for my exploration of this stunning Croatian destination. With a reliable car at my disposal, I was able to effortlessly navigate the picturesque coastal roads and discover hidden gems in the nearby region.

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