DUBROVNIK

Dubrovnik was our first stop on our vacation to Croatia and I fell madly in love with this beautiful city. If you’re thinking about a fantastic vacation spot that’s got a bit of everything, Dubrovnik should be right up your alley. The old town is a maze of narrow, centuries-old streets surrounded by medieval walls – it’s like stepping back in time. There are lots of shops, restaurants and bars. This stunning city on the Adriatic coast is packed with history, gorgeous views, and a ton of things to do. Here’s the lowdown on what you can expect.

One of the not-to-miss things to do in Dubrovnik is walk the city walls. You’ll be treated to jaw-dropping views of the Adriatic Sea and a coastline dotted with charming red-roofed houses. It’s like a postcard come to life.

Oh, and if you’re a Game of Thrones fan – this place is practically a pilgrimage. Dubrovnik, the real-life location for many of the scenes in the series, was gaining in popularity as a top vacation destination, but the Game of Thrones link really took it to the next level.

Best Time to Visit Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik gets really busy in the summer, especially with cruise ships coming in. To avoid the crowds and enjoy slightly cooler weather, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons May, June, or September.

Local Food Specialties

It will be no surprise that fresh seafood is abundant in Croatia, so be sure to indulge while you’re there. We had some fabulous octopus, and on several occasions the six of us shared a large freshly baked fish simply seasoned with lemon, salt and pepper. SO GOOD! A few additional items to try that are traditional to the region are black risotto, Zagorski Strukli (cheese pastry) and Cobanac (a tasty meat stew).

There are many great restaurants in Dubrovnik. I have a few favorites, and you can read my reviews of them here: Panorama, Cave Bar, and Dubravka 1836.

Must-Do Activities:

Jet Ski Safari
Day Trip Boat Rental
Day Trip to Montenegro
Spend an afternoon in Cavtat
Visit Lokrum Island
Visit Rector’s Palace and Sponza Palace
Catch some rays on Banje Beach

Where to Stay?

Old Town – If you’d like to walk out your door and be right in the heart of Dubrovnik, Old Town is for you. Keep in mind that prices might be a little higher in this area than others.
Pile – Just to the west of Old Town, but just a quick 5-minute ride to get there. There are plenty of rental accommodations in this area, for slightly lower prices than in old town, but many with beautiful sea views.
Ploče – To the east of the Old Town, Ploče offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and the city walls. It’s a more upscale area, with luxury hotels and Banje Beach, one of Dubrovnik’s most popular beaches.
Lapad – A residential area known with beaches and family-friendly vibe. Lapad Bay is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, and the area has a variety of hotels, restaurants, and cafes along the promenade.

*If you’re planning to pay for your accommodation with hotel points, there is the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik located just on the edge of old town. We opted to use Marriott points to book at the Sheraton about 15 minutes away from Dubrovnik Old Town in Mlini. See my review of the Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera here.

Payments and Currency

Throughout Dubrovnik most places accept credit cards, with the exception of a few smaller stores. Croatia’s official currency is the Croatian Kuna. While ATMs are widely available in Dubrovnik, I always to prefer to order some Kuna from my bank in the USA before traveling.

Tipping standards in restaurants is around 10%.

Getting Around

Dubrovnik’s Old Town is pedestrian-only, but the streets are cobblestone, so be sure to wear some comfy shoes. While self-driving around other parts of Dubrovnik is easy, buses, taxis, and Ubers are readily available. There is a train system that services Dubrovnik, but we opted not to use it.

The ferry system for Dubrovnik is quite extensive and well connected to other waterfront cities, as well as many of the islands. Destination information and timetables can be found here.