Visiting Dubrovnik, Croatia: The Definitive Travel Guide

by 1, Sep, 2019Croatia

Visiting Dubrovnik Croatia is like stepping into a perfectly preserved medieval world—only with sea views and a touch of Hollywood glam. This coastal gem has gained worldwide fame thanks to Game of Thrones, as many iconic scenes were filmed right here in Dubrovnik. Since then, it has become a must-visit for fans of the series (myself included!), but even if dragons and thrones aren’t your thing, the city is still one of the most enchanting destinations in Europe.

Each year, thousands of visitors stroll through its picturesque streets, hunting for recognizable views from the show—but end up discovering so much more. Beyond the fantasy, Dubrovnik in Croatia offers a dreamlike setting for a summer getaway: crystal-clear beaches, fascinating history, authentic food, and surprisingly affordable prices.

One word of advice: when cruise ships dock, the influx of tourists can be overwhelming. If you’re planning your trip, try to give yourself at least three or four days in the city. That way, you can avoid rushing and truly enjoy everything this Travel Guide of Dubrovnik has to offer—from cultural landmarks to lazy beach afternoons.

I’ve created this complete Travel Guide of Dubrovnik to share all my favorite places, secret corners, and useful tips for a slow and inspiring journey through this stunning Croatian city.

What to See in Dubrovnik: Highlights & Hidden Gems

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

Luckily, Dubrovnik is a pedestrian-friendly city. You can explore almost everything on foot, especially within the Old Town. From there, short ferry rides can take you to nearby gems like Lokrum Island or Cavtat Village. Need a ride? UBER works perfectly and is quite cheap in Croatia.

Arriving by plane? The airport is well-connected, and the Dubrovnik Airport Shuttle will drop you right at Pile Gate—the gateway to Dubrovnik Old Town—in about 30–40 minutes.

Dubrovnik Old Town

Your first stop should be Dubrovnik old town, a masterpiece of stone and charm. Wander through narrow cobbled streets, discover historical treasures like Loggia Square, Onofrio’s Fountain, the Rector’s Palace, Dubrovnik Cathedral, and walk along the elegant Stradun, the city’s lively main street. Every corner of the Old Town feels like a living museum—perfect for slow exploration.

Dubrovnik City Walls

No visit would be complete without walking the Dubrovnik city walls. This 2 km loop is the true highlight of the city. From atop the walls, you’ll enjoy unforgettable panoramic views over the terracotta roofs and the blue Adriatic Sea. The route passes through key landmarks like Minceta Tower, Bokar Fortress, Revelin Fortress, and Pile Gate. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours—and go early in the morning in summer to beat the heat and the crowds.

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

Also known as the Fortress of St. Lawrence, Lovrijenac is a spectacular fortification perched atop jagged cliffs, 37 meters above the sea. The fortress’s peninsula overlooks the city walls, providing a fantastic vantage point for capturing stunning photos of the Old Town.

Lovrijenac also made an appearance in the HBO series Game of Thrones.

 

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!

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!

Day Trips: Cavtat Village

Visiting Dubrovnik Croatia, you can take 1 day off and Hop on a 45-minute ferry and discover Cavtat, a lovely waterfront village 18 km from Dubrovnik. With churches, seaside restaurants, and a relaxed vibe, it’s perfect for a romantic dinner by the sea. 

Banje Beach

Located just outside Ploče Gate, Banje Beach is Dubrovnik’s most famous beach. From here, you get postcard-perfect views of the Old Town and the city walls. It does get busy in summer, but it’s totally worth a visit—especially at sunset.

Sulic Beach

For a more tranquil experience, head to Sulic Beach, hidden beneath Lovrijenac Fortress. This small, charming spot feels like diving into 13th-century Croatia.

Game of Thrones Tours

If you’re a fan of the show, you’ll find plenty of Game of Thrones-themed walking tours in Dubrovnik. These guided experiences offer behind-the-scenes stories and let you relive the epic scenes in the very spots where they were filmed. A must for every fan! Discover all the filming locations in Croatia reading here

Where to Eat in Dubrovnik

During my stay in Dubrovnik, I ate out every day for lunch and dinner, always enjoying excellent meals without spending much, even in the Old Town!

Here are a few recommendations:

Gradska Kavana Arsenal is located in one of the main squares of the Old Town, offering the perfect setting for outdoor dining in the summer, especially in the evening. The menu features Croatian specialties such as mussels, sea bass, seafood risotto, oysters, and more.

One of my favorite meals was a seafood feast on the panoramic terrace of Lady Pi-Pi. Drawn in by its quirky name, I was delighted to find that the food was delicious and the view of the city was simply spectacular! The extra effort to reach it is well worth it, as it’s hidden in a maze of small streets. The restaurant is tiny, and they don’t accept reservations.

If you’re planning on visiting Dubrovnik Croatia, make sure to take your time. Whether you’re here for the fantasy, the food, or the stunning views, this city will charm you endlessly. Use this Travel Guide of Dubrovnik to craft your own perfect adventure—and let yourself get lost in the magic of this incredible place.

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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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