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Bucket list destination:

Last updated: 18 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Jane Foster

Dubrovnik, often described as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, has to be one of the world’s most glorious fortified towns.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dubrovnik is probably Europe’s best example of a late medieval walled city, its architecture and fortifications remarkably well-preserved.

The pedestrian-only Old Town of the former independent Republic of Ragusa (1358-1808) is packed with proud aristocratic buildings, a testament to its past as a wealthy seafaring state.

Aside from outstanding architecture, it offers blissful seascapes, decent pebble beaches, excellent fish restaurants and some of Croatia’s most luxurious hotels.

Touted as the new Riviera, this picturesque and culture-rich hotspot manages to seduce and accommodate everyone from trendsetters and celebrities to honeymooners and cruise ship passengers.

Orientation

Dubrovnik’s fortified Old Town is sandwiched between Mount Srd on one side and the glistening Adriatic on the other. Founded in the 7th century, it gained its present layout in the 12th century.

Stradun, the main thoroughfare and public meeting space, stretches 300m from Pile Gate to Ploce Gate (the two main entrances into the historic centre).

Lapad peninsula, which is home to many hotels, lies 2km west of the Old Town, opposite Gruz port.

Tours, tickets & transfers

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers

Dubrovnik 1.5-Hours Discovery Walking Tour

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik 1.5-Hours Discovery Walking Tour
Would you like to be introduced to the main sights of Dubrovnik? This unique tour gives you the opportunity to explore the stunning architecture and history of this world famous city. In just one hour a brief history of Dubrovnik will be revealed to you.

Price: €20

Min age: 0

Rating 4.88 / 5 [769 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Combo: Old Town & Ancient City Walls - 2 tours at a discount

Dubrovnik

Combo: Old Town & Ancient City Walls - 2 tours at a discount
2 tours at a discount! Discover the best of Dubrovnik on a combined tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town and ancient city walls. With your local guide, explore Dubrovnik's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see Orlando's Column, the City Bell Tower, the Rector's Palace and the Church of St Blaise. Then, explore the city ancient walls and see Fort Revelin and Minceta Tower. As you wander around Dubrovnik, learn the interesting history of this walled city from your knowledgeable local guide. Enjoy two bestselling product at a discounted price! P.S. Please keep in mind the schedule of the tours, they don't necessarily run one after the other. Please be aware that this is a shared group tour and entrance tickets for the city walls are not included!

Price: €43

Min age: 0

Rating 4.80 / 5 [571 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Dubrovnik Early Bird Walking Tour

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik Early Bird Walking Tour
Dubrovnik became very popular over the last few years and it is almost impossible to see the real beauty of our city during the summer months. The reason why you should join us on this tour is to get the real feeling of this city. Let us use the first light of the sun for a tour in the old town. We will walk through the maze of narrow streets while the town is still sleeping and you will experience real Dubrovnik without the usual crowds. 8 am is the time when all the restaurants are still closed and you can see how the town is preparing for the day to come. We start walking over the shiny main street that you can only see empty early in the morning and get the real feel of its beauty. By using hidden corners you will explore history,legends and curiosities. On our walk you will see all main monuments and have an introduction for your stay in Dubrovnik that will help you to plan your days and take the best out of it.

Price: €20

Min age: 0

Rating 4.94 / 5 [180 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Dubrovnik Old Town Walking Tour

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik Old Town Walking Tour
Get an insider’s view of Dubrovnik on this city walking tour. The perfect way to get to know Dubrovnik, this is a must-do introductory tour for new visitors, as well as anyone interested in the city’s colorful history. The tour takes place in the morning, allowing you to enjoy the city’s sights and still have the afternoon to explore the city on your own. From the clock tower to the Assumption Cathedral, you’ll see the city’s best attractions.

Price: €19

Min age: 0

Rating 4.52 / 5 [168 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Dubrovnik City Tour: Panorama Drive & Sightseeing Walk

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik City Tour: Panorama Drive & Sightseeing Walk
Dubrovnik City Tour three in one - city panorama drive, walking tour through the Old town and return transfer for one, awesome price. Proved by thousands of thrilled tourists. Starting points are from Port Gruž (after you pass pedestrian port exit, at bus terminal platform 8) or from Pile Gate (fountain next to Dubravka restaurant). Choose from one of several departure times and itineraries (panorama first and then walking tour or the other way around) when you book. Your driver will first take you on 1h 30min scenic panorama drive to see all city landmarks; spring of river Ombla, bridge and fort Imperial on Mt. Srđ (cable car summit). Enjoy the comfort of fully A/C modern touristic vehicle while listening the comments about the sites you visit. Panorama drive will finish on Pile gate where your guide will take you on 1h 30min sightseeing walk through old town. Optional free time in old town. 

Price: €45

Min age: 0

Rating 4.82 / 5 [138 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Travel advice

When to go

High season (July and August) sees the city hot and crowded; on the plus side, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival creates a vibrant nightlife scene. Spring and autumn (May-June, September-October) are possibly the loveliest times to visit – the weather is dry and sunny, the sea is warm enough to swim in, and the Old Town is busy but not packed.

In winter (November-April), many hotels and restaurants are shut and the weather is unreliable, but the city is blissfully crowd-free.

Getting there and away

Dubrovnik’s international airport, located near Čilipi, is 17km south east of the Old Town. An airport bus meets all incoming flights, dropping passengers at Pile Gate (the main entrance to the Old Town) and Dubrovnik bus station, next to Gruž port and close to Lapad peninsula. Taxis are also readily available at the terminal.

Getting around

If you’re staying in Dubrovnik, you really don’t need a car – the Old Town is pedestrian-only, and there are regular, efficient bus services between the Old Town (Pile Gate entrance), Lapad peninsula and Gruz port. In any case, parking can be problematic. However, a car is a bonus for out-of-town excursions. The nearby Elafiti islands are served by a network of inexpensive ferries and catamarans, which depart from Dubrovnik’s Gruz port.

Where to shop

Dubrovnik is not a major shopping destination, but one don’t-miss experience is the morning open-air market in the Old Town. The Old Town is also home to an increasing number of designer boutiques, which are worth a browse.

What to buy

Locally produced wines (notably red Dingac and Plavac from Peljesac, and white Posip from Korcula) and paintings of the Old Town by Dubrovnik-based artists.

Destination guides

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Other guides relevant to this destination

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view of Korcula old town from the water

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