Dubrovnik Travel Guide: Top Things to Do, Costs, Tips, and When to Visit

Dubrovnik is situated on the southern coast of Croatia and is a fascinating blend of medieval walls, terracotta rooftops, and a sapphire sea that lures travellers year-round. It’s also one of the Mediterranean’s most popular cruise ports, which means the Old Town can feel packed when multiple ships dock—often from late morning to mid-afternoon. Thankfully, they have now limited cruise ships to two per day with a capacity of 5,000–8,000 people. It is best to avoid visiting Dubrovnik in summer when the crowds are at their peak and instead aim for the shoulder season when the weather is still pleasant and there are fewer crowds. We’ve put together this Dubrovnik Travel Guide to help you plan your visit to this remarkable city and what you should see and do while you are here. If you are visiting as part of a cruise stop, then you likely have just one day so we will guide you on what you should prioritise in your visit here.

Dubrovnik Travel Guide

City Walls of Dubrovnik
The Old Town of Dubrovnik is encircled by an incredible protective wall which is nearly 2 km in length and reaches heights of over 20 metres in places. It’s a UNESCO-listed site dating back centuries and has been well maintained. The city walls really define Dubrovnik, and taking the walk around the top of the walls is a must-do. The views of the whole city and the sweeping sea beyond are spectacular. Tickets are not cheap and expect to pay around €40 in peak season but much less in the off season. You should allow a good 2 hours to complete the walk, as there will be numerous photo opportunities. There are several rest stops along the way if you are tackling it in the midday sun in the middle of summer. Some parts of the walk are steep with stairs to climb, so it’s not suitable for people who have mobility problems. If you are part of a cruise visit, then expect crowds. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to take this walk, particularly if you want to avoid as many tourists as possible.

Rector’s Palace (Cultural History Museum)
This Gothic–Renaissance jewel once housed the elected Rector or head of state of the Republic of Ragusa, as Dubrovnik was once known. Today, it hosts the Cultural History Museum, where artifacts and portraits sketch Dubrovnik’s political and economic past. A combined ticket with other city museums can be cost-effective, especially if you’re exploring over a couple of days. Plan 60–90 minutes to appreciate the building and exhibits that represent centuries of diplomacy and resilience.

Banje Beach
A short stroll from the Old Town is Banje Beach. It’s a pebbled beach, and we were surprised how popular it was, with many locals and visitors enjoying the front-row views of the wall and nearby Lokrum Island. The public section is free and there is the opportunity to hire loungers and umbrellas. Arrive by 9–10 am in summer to claim a spot and enjoy crystalline morning water before the midday swell. The adjacent beach club serves drinks and light meals, making it easy to linger between swims and sunbathing. Bring water shoes if you prefer cushion on pebbles, and consider a late-afternoon return when the sun is not as intense in the summer. If you’re planning multiple beach days, combine Banje with Lapad or Sveti Jakov beaches for variety.

Dubrovnik Cable Car to Mount Srđ
In four scenic minutes, the cable car whisks you to Mount Srđ’s summit for sweeping views of the Old Town, Lokrum, and the Adriatic Sea. Buy tickets ahead during peak months to skip queues, and budget extra time for the viewpoint terraces and the Homeland War Museum in Fort Imperial, which adds context to Dubrovnik’s recent history. Sunset is a great time to go and dining at the mountaintop restaurant is a memorable splurge; otherwise, linger with a picnic and let the light show unfold. You can descend via marked trails for a crowd-free close to the evening.

Stradun (Placa)
The polished-limestone main street of the Old Town, Stradun is Dubrovnik’s social hub. While strolling is free, budget for coffee at a side-street cafe where prices soften beyond the main drag. Pop into side alleys for quieter cloisters, speciality stores and gelato stands; then rejoin the pageant of locals and visitors flowing between Pile and Ploče Gates. In December, festive markets and lights transform Stradun into a winter promenade.

Franciscan Monastery & Old Pharmacy
A sanctuary just off Stradun, the Franciscan Monastery features a complex of centuries‑old buildings and gardens inside the city walls. Its highlight is one of Europe’s oldest functioning pharmacies which has been operating since the 14th century, with historic jars, tools, and remedies on display. Combine your visit with nearby sights using a combo ticket if available. Allow 60–90 minutes.

Dubrovnik Cathedral (Cathedral of the Assumption)
Rebuilt after the 1667 earthquake, the cathedral shelters an impressive treasury of memorials and sacred art, including works attributed to Titian’s circle. Visit late morning or early afternoon where possible for fewer crowds. Dress respectfully; a small entrance fee may apply for the treasury. The nearby market square is a great place to sample local cheeses and other delicacies.

Dubrovnik Aquarium (Fort St. John)
Tucked within the maritime fort guarding the harbour, the aquarium is a small but captivating collection of marine life. It’s compact, well-curated, and excellent for families. Aim for mid-morning or early afternoon to avoid peak surges; consider online tickets in high season to avoid queues and allow about one hour. Pair the visit with the Maritime Museum nearby for a themed half-day on Dubrovnik’s relationship with the sea.

Lovrijenac Fortress (St. Lawrence)
Poised on a dramatic cliff outside the western walls, Lovrijenac provides cinematic views of the Old Town and the open Adriatic. Its thick walls and motto “Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro” (“Liberty is not well sold for all the gold”) recall Ragusa’s fierce independence. Go early or late to avoid heat on the stairs, and wear sturdy shoes. A combined ticket with the City Walls often provides best value. Set aside an hour to explore and photograph the walls from the fortress—arguably the city’s most iconic angle.

Lokrum Island
A 15-minute boat hop from the Old Port, Lokrum is a pine-scented retreat with botanical gardens, rocky swimming coves, peacocks, and the ruins of a Benedictine monastery. Pack water shoes for the rocky shoreline and a picnic for shady lawns. Highlights include the “Dead Sea” saltwater lagoon, cliffside sunbathing platforms, and hilltop Fort Royal for wide-open views back to Dubrovnik. Boats run frequently in season; plan 3–4 hours to unwind after a busy Old Town morning.

Other great places to visit outside Dubrovnik

• Cavtat: A serene seaside town 30 minutes south with promenade strolls, swimming piers, and the Račić family mausoleum by Meštrović. Ideal for a quieter base or half-day trip.
• Elafiti Islands (Koločep, Lopud, Šipan): Car-free villages, sandy Sunj Beach on Lopud, olive groves, and cliff paths—best explored by ferry or a day cruise.
• Ston & the Pelješac Peninsula: Walk Ston’s colossal defensive walls, sample famed oysters, then continue to Pelješac for wineries and wind-swept beaches near Viganj.
• Mljet National Park: Lush forest, saltwater lakes, and an islet monastery; rent bikes or kayaks for a full-day immersion in nature.
• Korčula Town: A mini-Dubrovnik of lanes and loggias, reputed birthplace of Marco Polo, with excellent wine and seafood—doable as a long day trip or overnight.

Where to stay: in or outside the Old Town (CBD)

• Inside the Old Town: Unbeatable atmosphere and convenience for dawn/sunset strolls; expect higher prices, steps, and luggage porterage across cobblestones. Boutique guesthouses and heritage hotels abound.
• Ploče: East of the walls, many hotels with sea and Old Town views, easy access to Banje and Sveti Jakov beaches.
• Pile: By the western gate; great bus connections, quicker escapes from crowds, and mid-range options.
• Lapad & Babin Kuk: Resort-style stays, promenades, beaches, and family-friendly amenities; frequent buses to the Old Town (10–20 minutes).
• Gruž (Port area): Budget-friendly apartments, markets, and ferry access; fewer crowds and solid transport links.
• Beyond the city: Cavtat, Zaton, or Mlini offer calmer bases with scenic swims and regular bus/boat service into Dubrovnik.

Tip: Accommodation prices can vary hugely depending on travel dates. Before booking, see how we use Booking.com’s calendar tool to find cheaper hotel deals and reduce travel costs:
https://trustytraveltips.com/find-cheaper-hotel-deals-booking-com/

Travel costs (typical 2025, per person)

• City Walls ticket: €20–€40+ (check current)
• Rector’s Palace/museums (combo): €15–€25
• Cable car round trip: €27–€30
• Coffee: €2.50–€4 (side streets cheaper than Stradun)
• Casual meal: €12–€20; sit-down dinner: €25–€45
• Beach lounger + umbrella (peak): €20–€35/day
• Local bus ticket: €1.73–€2.65 (advance vs onboard)
• Old Town apartments (double): €90–€250+ (seasonal)
• Hotels (4–5★): €180–€500+ (seasonal)

To keep fees down on everyday spending and ATM withdrawals in Croatia, it can help to use a low‑fee card such as Wise rather than a standard bank card with high foreign transaction charges.

Suggested daily budgets

• Shoestring (€60–€90): Hostel/budget apartment, bakery breakfasts, street food, buses, 1 paid attraction/day, free swims and walks.
• Mid-range (€130–€220): Mid-tier hotel/apartment, sit-down meals, a couple of paid sights, cable car or island trip, beach loungers occasionally.
• Comfort/Plus (€250–€450+): Boutique or 5★ stays, fine dining, private tours/boat charters, spa time, premium seating and transfers.

Money-saving tips

• Time your sightseeing: Do the City Walls at opening or late afternoon to dodge cruise peaks and hottest hours.
• Buy combos/passes: Look for museum bundles; some include multiple sites for less.
• Eat off the main drag: One or two streets off Stradun = better prices and often better food.
• Tap water is safe: Refill bottles; skip pricey bottled water.
• Use public buses: Reliable, cheap, and frequent to beaches and Lapad.
• Beach smart: Public areas are free; bring a towel and water shoes to avoid lounger fees.
• Travel shoulder season: May–June and September–October have lower prices and milder weather.

Best time to go

• Peak (July–August): Lively and hot; sea is warmest but crowds and prices peak, amplified by cruise traffic.
• Shoulder (May–June, September–October): Ideal balance—pleasant temps, swimmable seas (especially Sept), fewer crowds, better value.
• Quiet (November–April): Cooler, some closures, atmospheric Old Town without crowds—great for culture, views, and value.

How to get around

• On foot: The Old Town is pedestrian-only; expect steps and polished stone—wear grippy shoes.
• Public buses: Libertas buses link Old Town with Lapad, Gruž, and suburbs; buy tickets at kiosks for best prices.
• Cable car: Quick access to Mount Srđ viewpoints; pair with a hike for variety.
• Taxis/ride-hailing: Convenient but pricier; verify rates.
• Boats/ferries: Regular services to Lokrum and nearby islands; check seasonal schedules.
• Cars: Not needed for the Old Town; consider for Pelješac/Korčula/Mljet trips—park outside the centre to avoid high fees.

See other places to visit in Croatia here.

Watch our video on our visit to Dubrovnik