Visiting Dubrovnik, Croatia: The Definitive Travel Guide
Dubrovnik in Croatia is a unique medieval wonder! The city has achieved a truly impressive celebrity following the great success of the series Game of Thrones, as part of the fantasy series was filmed right here.
Since then, for fans (like me) it has become a super fascinating destination to visit and, every year, hundreds and hundreds of tourists crowd its streets every day in search of the views already seen in the series.
Dragons and thrones aside, the area around Dubrovnik is absolutely stunning and is one of the best summer destinations to spend a few days on holiday. Gorgeous beaches, ancient sites, and fabulous food… and very affordable prices!
When the cruise ships are in port, there are tons of tourists crowding the streets and they could ruin your plans if you don’t give Dubrovnik enough time to visit. I suggest you stay here for at least three or four days.
The main tourist sites can be seen in one day, but with careful planning and a few extra days, you can enjoy the city 100% and dedicate a day to the beach life too!
I’ve listed a complete guide to Dubrovnik here: all my favorite places in and around the city are there, plus suggestions for sightseeing, beaches, day trips, and restaurants that I loved.
COSA TROVERAI IN QUESTO POST:
How to Get to Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik can be reached by land, sea, and air, making it an ideal destination for island hopping or road trips through Croatia and nearby Bosnia (Mostar is definitely worth a visit, check out my article here). The international airport connects Dubrovnik with domestic destinations and dozens of cities across Europe and the Middle East.
The easiest way to reach the city from the airport is the Dubrovnik airport shuttle bus, which takes you to Pile Gate, one of the entry points to the old town, in 30-40 minutes.
Getting Around Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is a pedestrian-friendly city, with most attractions located within the Old Town walls or just outside. For those interested in day trips, there are ferries connecting Dubrovnik to the nearby island of Lokrum or the town of Cavtat.
You don’t need a car while in Dubrovnik, but if you do need a ride, I recommend using UBER, which is very affordable in Croatia.
The Old Town
Spending a day exploring Dubrovnik’s Old Town and getting lost in its narrow streets is the first thing I recommend to truly soak in the unique atmosphere. This “medieval city” is home to many attractions that you can easily discover on a leisurely, aimless walk, such as: Loggia Square, Onofrio’s Fountain, the Rector’s Palace, Dubrovnik Cathedral, Pile and Ploče Gates, and the Stradun, the main street.
The City Walls of Dubrovnik
The 2 km walk along the medieval walls of the Old Town is the highlight of any visit to Dubrovnik. From the top, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the city as the path takes you through Minceta Tower, Bokar Fortress, Revelin Fortress, and Pile Gate. The walk takes about 1.5-2 hours, with three entry points at Inner Pile Gate, St. Lucas Fortress, and St. John’s Fortress.
Tip: In the summer, it can get extremely hot and crowded, so I recommend doing this walk early in the morning as soon as it opens!
West Harbour
The stunning West Harbour is a small port just outside the city walls, only a short walk from Pile Gate.
This area offers some of my favorite views of the Old Town walls and is also an iconic filming location for my favorite series, “Game of Thrones.”
Lokrum Island
Lokrum Island is a charming destination perfect for a day (or half-day) trip from Dubrovnik.
Ferries depart twice per hour from Porporela, a small port just outside the Old Town walls, and the journey takes about 20 minutes.
The island is small but truly a natural paradise, home to a Benedictine monastery, a botanical garden, and adorable animals that roam freely. Every corner of the island can be explored on foot, surrounded by lush nature.
For more details, read everything you need to know about the enchanting Lokrum Island in this article.
Lovrijenac Fortress
Sunset on Mount Srd
For one of the most breathtaking views of the city, head to the top of Mount Srd. You can reach it by cable car or Uber.
The spot is incredibly serene, offering the perfect setting to wait for the sunset—and what a sunset it is! Truly one of the most beautiful I’ve ever witnessed!
Banje Beach
Dubrovnik’s main beach is one of the most beautiful in Croatia, thanks to its spectacular views of the Old Town.
Banje Beach is located just south of the city walls, five minutes’ walk from Ploče Gate.
The beach is large but gets extremely crowded during the summer months.
Stop for a photo at the top of the steps leading down to the beach—it’s one of my favorite views in Dubrovnik.
Buza bars I e II
I due Buza Bar della città di Dubrovnik sono luoghi perfetti per sorseggiare una birra fresca in una calda giornata estiva. Costruiti nelle scogliere sotto le mura medievali, i bar si trovano nascosti nello stesso angolo posteriore della Città Vecchia, e sono quasi impossibile da trovare nel labirinto di vicoli di Dubrovnik senza indicazioni o Google Maps.
I buchi nel muro (letteralmente) conducono a piccoli passaggi che si aprono su ampie vedute del mare Adriatico. Mentre starai sorseggiando il tuo drink, seduto ad uno dei loro tavoli, potrai vedere i tuffatori che si lanciano da 20 a 60 piedi nel mare!
Cavtat Village
Located 18 km from Dubrovnik, you’ll find Cavtat, a charming seaside village accessible by a 45-minute ferry ride. The historic waterfront is lined with picturesque churches, outdoor restaurants, and small shops—a serene place to dine on a summer evening.
Sulic Beach
Sulic Beach is much less popular than Banje Beach, but it’s far more picturesque.
This small beach is tucked away in a medieval corner, hidden beneath Lovrijenac. It feels like taking a dive into 13th-century Croatia!
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I hope my travel tips are helpful to you. If you have any questions or doubts, feel free to contact me or leave a comment below!
Go on traveling!
Lety goes on
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