Quick Guide: Dubrovnik — What to See and How to Get There

Plan your trip to Dubrovnik with this guide covering top sights, local food, transport options and practical tips for Croatia's pearl.

Why Visit Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik sits on a narrow strip of Croatia's Dalmatian coast, where limestone cliffs drop into the Adriatic and terracotta rooftops glow amber at sunset. The city's medieval walls — nearly two kilometres of unbroken fortification — have stood since the 13th century, enclosing a labyrinth of marble streets, baroque churches and hidden courtyards. Walking through the Pile Gate for the first time, with the Stradun stretching ahead and the Onofrio Fountain catching the light, is one of those arrivals that stays with you.

Beyond the famous Old Town, Dubrovnik offers rocky beaches tucked beneath pine forests, the lush island of Lokrum just a ten-minute ferry ride away, and a cable car that lifts you 400 metres up Mount Srđ for panoramic views stretching to the Elaphiti Islands. The city has a Mediterranean rhythm — mornings at the market, long lunches in the shade, evenings spent watching the sun sink behind the fortress walls from a cliff bar perched above the waves.

Croatia joined the eurozone in 2023 and the Schengen area the same year, which means no currency exchange hassle and smooth border crossings for European travellers. Dubrovnik has grown in popularity, but visit in shoulder season and you'll find a city that still feels intimate, where locals greet you from their doorsteps and the scent of lavender drifts through the narrow alleys.

What to See and Do

Walk the City Walls — The full circuit takes about 90 minutes and gives you unmatched views of the Old Town, the harbour and the open sea. Entry costs around €35, and mornings are quietest. Bring water and a hat in summer.

Stradun and the Old Town — Dubrovnik's main limestone-paved boulevard runs from Pile Gate to Ploče Gate. Along the way you'll pass the Franciscan Monastery with its 14th-century pharmacy, the Rector's Palace, and the Cathedral of the Assumption. Wander the side streets — Prijeko, Od Puča, Zlatarićeva — for quieter corners and local shops.

Lokrum Island — A short ferry from the Old Port brings you to this car-free island with botanical gardens, a saltwater lake called the Dead Sea, and peacocks roaming the ruins of a Benedictine monastery. Pack a swimsuit and a picnic.

Cable Car to Mount Srđ — The ride takes under four minutes. At the top there's a restaurant, the Imperial Fort museum covering the 1991 siege, and a viewing platform. Come at sunset for the best light.

Banje Beach and Sveti Jakov — Banje is the closest beach to the Old Town, with a view of the walls from the water. For something less crowded, walk 20 minutes east to Sveti Jakov, a small pebble beach set below cypress trees with a stunning perspective of the city.

Elaphiti Islands Day Trip — Ferries and tour boats run daily to Koločep, Lopud and Šipan. Lopud is the most popular, with sandy Šunj Beach on its far side. A three-island boat tour takes a full day and costs around €40–60.

Fort Lovrijenac — Perched on a 37-metre cliff outside the western walls, this fortress has been a defensive stronghold since the 11th century. It's included in the city walls ticket and serves as a dramatic venue during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival in July and August.

How to Get There

By air: Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) is 20 km south of the city. In summer, there are direct flights from London (2h 40m), Paris (2h 30m), Frankfurt (2h), Amsterdam (2h 30m), Rome (1h 30m), and many other European cities. Budget airlines like EasyJet, Ryanair and Eurowings serve the route alongside Croatia Airlines. An airport shuttle bus runs every 30 minutes to the Old Town (€8, about 40 minutes). Compare flights to Dubrovnik on Solvoya to find the best price from your city.

By bus: Long-distance buses connect Dubrovnik with Split (4–5 hours, from €15), Zagreb (9–11 hours, from €25), Mostar in Bosnia (3–4 hours, from €12) and Kotor in Montenegro (2–3 hours, from €15). The main bus station is in Gruž, 3 km from the Old Town, well connected by local buses.

By ferry: Jadrolinija operates coastal ferries from Split and the islands. In summer, a catamaran runs daily from Split to Dubrovnik in about 4.5 hours. There's also a ferry connection from Bari, Italy (around 10 hours overnight).

By car: Driving along the Croatian coast from Split takes 3–4 hours via the A1 motorway and the stunning coastal road. Note that you briefly cross through Bosnia-Herzegovina at Neum, so keep your passport handy — though as an EU/Schengen traveller, the stop is quick.

Where to Eat

Fresh seafood at Konoba Ribar — Just off the Stradun in the Old Town, this small konoba (tavern) serves grilled catch of the day, black risotto with cuttlefish ink, and buzara-style shrimp in a white wine and garlic sauce. Mains from €14–22.

Pašticada at Taj Mahal or Dalmatino — Pašticada is Dalmatia's signature dish: slow-braised beef in a sweet and sour wine sauce, served with gnocchi. Dalmatino on Kovačka street does an excellent version. Despite the name, Taj Mahal specialises in Bosnian-Dalmatian crossover dishes and is worth a visit too.

Street food at Buffet Škola — Near the Pile Gate, this tiny counter serves some of the best cheap eats in town. Try a fresh sandwich with octopus salad or local pršut (dry-cured ham) and cheese for under €8.

Gelato and sweets along Stradun — Slatka Tradicija and Dolce Vita both serve excellent gelato. For something local, try rožata — Dubrovnik's caramel custard pudding, similar to crème caramel but flavoured with rose liqueur.

Practical Tips

Best time to visit: May, early June, September and early October offer warm weather (20–28°C), smaller crowds and lower prices. J