Dubrovnik — a complete city guide
City walls, Stradun, Lokrum and Srđ, the best beaches, where to stay and how to get there — everything you need for a visit to the Pearl of the Adriatic.
- UNESCO heritage (1979)
- King’s Landing (Game of Thrones)
- Ideal for 2–3 days
Essential information for planning
Key facts about the city and everything important before you set off.
Southern Dalmatia, Croatia
UNESCO heritage (1979)
City walls and the Old Town
May–June and September
2–3 days (+ day trips)
St Blaise (Festival on 3 February)
3 m (Old Town)
20000 · +385 20
Where it is and what it is known for
Dubrovnik is a city at the far south of the Croatian coast, facing the Adriatic, known for its perfectly preserved historic core within powerful stone walls completed by the 16th century. It has been protected by UNESCO since 1979.
For centuries, it was the centre of the Republic of Ragusa — an independent maritime state whose motto was freedom (Libertas). That heritage can still be felt today in the palaces, churches and narrow streets of the Old Town.
The city combines history, the sea and spectacular scenery — which is why it also became a recognisable filming location for “Game of Thrones”. It is ideal for travellers looking for culture, a walk along the walls and trips to nearby islands.
Pros
- A unique, walkable UNESCO-listed historic core
- The city walls, Lokrum and Srđ — outstanding experiences
- A base for islands and day trips (Cavtat, the Elaphiti Islands, Mljet)
Keep in mind
- Large crowds and cruise ships in the Old Town during summer
- Among the more expensive destinations (city walls, parking) 🔶
- Few beaches in the Old Town itself — mostly pebble/rocky beaches
Interesting facts about Dubrovnik
Nine details that make the city special — perfect conversation starters while walking the city walls.
Walls almost 2 km long
The city walls stretch for around 1,940 m around the historic core, reaching up to 25 metres in places — among the best-preserved in Europe.
King’s Landing
Dubrovnik stood in for King’s Landing in “Game of Thrones”; the walls, Lovrijenac and Bokar are instantly recognisable to every fan of the series.
A free republic
Independent for centuries, the Republic of Ragusa lived by the motto “Libertas” — freedom is not sold for all the gold in the world.
One of the oldest pharmacies
The pharmacy in the Franciscan Monastery of the Friars Minor has been operating since 1317 — among the oldest in Europe still in business today.
St Blaise for centuries
St Blaise has been the city’s patron saint since 972, and the Feast of St Blaise (3 February) is on UNESCO’s list of intangible heritage.
Polished Stradun
The main street, Stradun (Placa), is paved with limestone polished to a shine by centuries of footsteps — it is the city’s most photographed street.
The “Gibraltar of Croatia”
Lovrijenac Fortress rises 37 m on a rock outside the walls and guarded the city from the west for centuries; today, it is also a summer stage.
Lokrum and the “Dead Sea”
The islet of Lokrum (10 min by boat) hides a botanical garden, peacocks and a small salt lake called the Dead Sea — plus a replica of the Iron Throne.
A view from 412 metres
The cable car climbs Mount Srđ (412 m) in just a few minutes, revealing views of the entire Old Town, Lokrum and the Elaphiti Islands.
Dubrovnik’s main sights
Most are located within the Old Town — all within walking distance.
City walls
A walk along the top of the walls (~1.5–2 km) is the city’s main experience — views of red rooftops, the sea and Lovrijenac.
Stradun (Placa)
The main pedestrian street from Pile to Placa — Onofrio’s Fountain, the Bell Tower, Orlando’s Column and the Church of St Blaise.
Lovrijenac Fortress
The “Gibraltar of Croatia” on a 37 m-high rock; entry is included with the city walls ticket. A superb view of the city.
Cable car and Mount Srđ
Take the cable car up to 412 m for the best panoramic view. At the top are a viewpoint, restaurant and Homeland War Museum.
Rector’s Palace and Sponza
The Gothic-Renaissance Rector’s Palace (now a museum) and Sponza Palace bear witness to the power of the former Republic.
Franciscan Monastery
A peaceful cloister and one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe (since 1317), right next to the entrance to Stradun.
Lokrum Island
A green islet just a short boat ride away: a botanical garden, peacocks, swimming and a replica of the Iron Throne.
Cathedral and Treasury
A Baroque cathedral with a valuable Treasury (reliquary of St Blaise) in the heart of the Old Town.
Orientation
Map of Dubrovnik and weather
Dubrovnik’s main locations and current conditions in one place. Click a marker on the map for details and directions.
Marked: Old Town · Stradun · Pile Gate · Lovrijenac · Banje · Srđ · Lapad · Gruž · Lokrum
Weather in Dubrovnik
The best areas to stay in Dubrovnik
Choose an area according to your type of trip — from the Old Town to the quieter Lapad.
Old Town (within the walls)
All the sights on your doorstep and a unique atmosphere. The most atmospheric option, but lively until late in summer and without parking.
Ploče
Right by the eastern entrance to the Old Town, with views of the walls and the sea; somewhat quieter and more prestigious.
Lapad and Babin Kuk
A green peninsula area with beaches, a promenade and hotels; easier parking, well connected by bus.
Gruž
By the ferry and bus ports; practical for arrivals/departures and day trips, more affordable than the Old Town.
The best beaches in and around Dubrovnik
Mostly pebble and rocky beaches; for sand and tranquillity, head to the nearby islands and Lapad.
The best-known city beach, with pebbles and views of the walls and Lokrum. Lively and popular.
A shallow, family-friendly beach beside a lively promenade with cafés; easily reached by bus from the centre.
A quieter beach with the most beautiful view of the Old Town; it is reached by descending a flight of steps.
Swimming from the rocks in the island’s natural surroundings; combine it with a visit to the botanical garden.
🔶 Tip: for the most beautiful beaches nearby, plan a trip to the Elaphiti Islands (Lopud — sandy Šunj) or to Cavtat.
Dubrovnik in 1, 2 and 3 days
Ready-made suggestions you can adapt to your own pace.
Dubrovnik in 1 day
The essentials in one walk.
- MorningCity walls
Start early, before the crowds and heat.
- MiddayOld Town: Stradun
Fountain, cathedral, Rector’s Palace.
- AfternoonSrđ by cable car
Panorama and sunset over the city.
Dubrovnik in 2 days
City + island + swimming.
- Day 1Walls and Old Town
As above, without rushing.
- Day 2 — morningLokrum
Garden, peacocks, swimming.
- Day 2 — afternoonBanje or Lapad
Beach and promenade.
Dubrovnik in 3 days
Add a full-day trip.
- Day 1–2City, Lokrum, beaches
As above.
- Day 3Elaphiti Islands or Cavtat
Islands by boat or charming Cavtat.
- AlternativeSton or Mljet
Walls and oysters, or a national park.
How to get to Dubrovnik
Check variable information (timetables, prices) before departure. 🔶
By plane — Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)
Dubrovnik Airport (Čilipi) is about 20 km south-east of the city. The airport bus (Platanus), taxis and Uber/Bolt run to the centre/Gruž. 🔶 (prices and timetable)
By car — Pelješac Bridge and distances
Since 2022, the Pelješac Bridge has connected Dubrovnik with the rest of Croatia without crossing the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina (Neum). Approximate distances 🔶:
- Split — ~230 km, about 3 h by car 🔶
- Zagreb — ~600 km 🔶
- Dubrovnik Airport — ~20 km
By bus
The main bus station is in Gruž, next to the ferry port. From Split, the journey takes roughly 3.5–4.5 h; there are numerous daily services from across Croatia and the region. 🔶
By boat and catamaran
From Gruž port, seasonal catamarans run to the Elaphiti Islands, Mljet, Korčula and Split, as well as ferries to the islands. Routes change seasonally — check before travelling. 🔶
The best time to visit Dubrovnik
May–June and September offer a warm sea with fewer crowds and cruise ships.
May – June
Pre-season
Pleasant for walking the city walls, the sea is warming up, and crowds and prices are lower than in summer.
July – August
Peak season
The height of the season: warm sea, but also the biggest crowds, heat and cruise ships. Visit the walls early.
September – October
Post-season
Warm sea with fewer people — often the best balance of experience and price.
November – March
Winter
A peaceful city without the crowds; the Feast of St Blaise (3 February) is a special experience. Little swimming.
Food and local experiences
What to try: fresh seafood and fish, black risotto, Dalmatian pašticada, zelena menestra and oysters from nearby Ston.
Where to look: konobas in the side streets of the Old Town (away from Stradun), as well as in Lapad and Gruž, where locals also eat.
Something sweet: look for rožata (Dalmatian flan) and local arancini (candied orange peel). We are preparing a separate article with specific restaurant recommendations.
Must-try
- Oysters (Ston)
- Black risotto
- Pašticada
- Zelena menestra
- Grilled fish
- Rožata
- Pelješac wines
Day trips from Dubrovnik
Islands, walls, oysters and neighbouring countries — all within easy reach by boat or a short drive.
Lokrum Island
10 min by boat: garden, peacocks and swimming. The easiest “day trip” from the city.
More Coming soon
Cavtat
A charming small town south of Dubrovnik; a beautiful riviera and promenade, also accessible by boat.
More
Elaphiti Islands
Koločep, Lopud and Šipan — peace, greenery and the sandy Šunj Beach on Lopud.
More
Ston
The second-longest defensive walls in the world, salt pans and famous oysters; ~1 h by car.
More
Mljet National Park
Salt lakes, forests and an islet with a monastery; a full-day trip by catamaran.
More
Kotor (Montenegro)
The Bay of Kotor and fortified Kotor; a popular full-day cross-border trip. Travel documents required.
More Coming soonEverything travellers most often ask about Dubrovnik
How many days are enough for Dubrovnik?
For the city itself, 2 days are enough (walls, Old Town, Lokrum). With trips to the islands or Cavtat/Ston, plan 3–4 days.
How much do tickets for the city walls cost?
The city walls are among the more expensive attractions in Croatia, and the price also includes Lovrijenac Fortress. 🔶 Check the exact price and opening hours before visiting, as they change by season.
Is Dubrovnik worth visiting?
Yes — its perfectly preserved historic core, city walls and views from Srđ are among the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. It leaves the best impression outside the peak season and early in the morning.
Which “Game of Thrones” locations are in Dubrovnik?
The Old Town stood in for King’s Landing; recognisable locations include the city walls, Lovrijenac Fortress, Bokar Fortress and Lokrum. Themed tours are also available.
How do you get to Lokrum Island?
Regular boats depart from the old city harbour and reach Lokrum in about ten minutes. The ticket usually includes entry to the island (a protected reserve). 🔶
Is it worth taking the cable car up Srđ?
Yes — the view of the Old Town, Lokrum and the Elaphiti Islands is at its most beautiful from Srđ, especially before sunset. At the top are a viewpoint, restaurant and museum.
When is it least crowded?
Early in the morning and late in the afternoon, as well as in May, June, September and October. In the middle of the day, when cruise ships dock, the historic core can become very crowded.
Does Dubrovnik have sandy beaches?
The city’s beaches are mostly pebble or rocky (Banje, Lapad, Sveti Jakov). For proper sand, go to Lopud (Šunj Beach) in the Elaphiti Islands.
Do I need a car in Dubrovnik?
Not for the city itself — the Old Town is pedestrianised and traffic-free, while parking around it is expensive and limited. A car is only useful for trips in the surrounding area. 🔶
How far is Dubrovnik from Split?
About 230 km; around 3 hours by car, now without crossing the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina thanks to the Pelješac Bridge. By bus, it takes roughly 3.5–4.5 h. 🔶
Where should I stay in Dubrovnik?
The Old Town for atmosphere, Ploče for proximity and peace, Lapad/Babin Kuk for beaches and families, and Gruž for transport and more affordable accommodation.
Is Dubrovnik expensive?
It is among Croatia’s more expensive destinations, especially in the historic core and in summer. You can save the most by visiting outside the high season and staying in Lapad or Gruž. 🔶
Related guides and articles
City walls — guide
Read
The best beaches in Dubrovnik
Read
Lokrum — how to visit
Read Coming soon
Guide to Split
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