Dubrovnik
Visited in July 2014
At a glance
- Country
- Croatia
- Region
- Dubrovnik-Neretva County
- Population
- 41,562
- Best time to go
- May to June, September to October
- Main airport
- Dubrovnik (DBV)
- Coordinates
- 42.65°N, 18.09°E
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Overview
Dubrovnik's old town is a near-perfect circle of medieval walls wrapped around marble streets, baroque churches and terracotta roofs, all dropping straight into a very blue sea. It was a rich, independent republic for centuries, and it shows.
Its fame means crowds, especially when cruise ships are in. Get up early, walk the walls before the heat, and spend afternoons swimming off the rocks or escaping to the islands.
Things to see
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Photo: Miroslav.vajdic, CC BY-SA 4.0 City walls
A two-kilometre circuit of towers and ramparts with views over the rooftops and out to Lokrum.
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Photo: Pudelek (Marcin Szala), CC BY-SA 3.0 Stradun
The main street, paved in limestone polished smooth by centuries of feet, running from Pile Gate to the port.
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Photo: Américo Toledano, CC BY-SA 4.0 Rector's Palace
The seat of the old republic's government, now a museum around an elegant arcaded courtyard.
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Photo: Raki_Man, CC BY 3.0 Fort Lovrijenac
A fortress on a sea cliff just outside the walls, with superb views back towards the old town.
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Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0 Lokrum
A wooded island a short boat ride away, with a ruined monastery, botanical garden and rocky swims.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: MarcChu, CC BY 4.0 Cable car up Mount Srđ
Ride up for a bird's-eye view of the walled city and the Elafiti Islands, best near sunset.
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Photo: Richard Mortel from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, CC BY 2.0 Sea kayaking
Paddle around the base of the walls and out to Lokrum on a guided trip.
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Photo: Carsten Steger, CC BY-SA 4.0 Day trip to Ston
Walk Ston's long defensive walls and eat oysters from the bay at Mali Ston.
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Photo: Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA 4.0 Swim at Banje beach
The closest beach to the old town, with a classic view back to the walls.
Where to stay
Old Town
Unbeatable atmosphere, but lots of steps and crowds by day.
Hotels in Old TownPloče
Just east of the walls, with sea views and a short walk into town.
Hotels in PločeLapad
A leafy peninsula with beaches and a promenade, a bus ride from the old town.
Hotels in LapadGruž
Near the ferry port and market, good value and handy for island trips.
Hotels in Gruž
Getting around
The old town is pedestrian only. Frequent local buses link Pile Gate with Lapad and Gruž.
The airport is about 20 km south; shuttle buses reach Pile Gate in around 30 to 40 minutes.
When to go
May, June, September and early October are warm without the peak crowds. July and August are hot and very busy, though the Dubrovnik Summer Festival fills the old town with theatre and music. Winter is quiet and mild.
Plan your trip to Dubrovnik
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.