Getting There
With cheap flights from many European cities, Dubrovnik’s airport is a 45-minute drive from Old Town. Take a taxi or the airport bus (Atlas Bus), for 40 Kuna ($6 USD). Tickets are sold on the bus and stops at Pile Gate in front of Old Town. Flying from London to Dubrovnik takes 2 hrs and 40 minutes.
By ferry: being on the coast it is easily accessible to and from many islands, check the ferry schedule here or read more about other ferries here.
When to go
The best months to visit Dubrovnik would be May-June or September-October as it is warm and sunny but without as many crowds. Peak season is July and August, where prices go up and the restaurants and beaches are crowded. But the summer festival happens during this time which is one of the best times of the year. Low season is November to April, a lot of places may be closed down, and the ferries do not run as often, but a much quieter time to experience this beautiful city.
Different ways to explore Dubrovnik outside of the main sites
-Take the cable car up 4 minutes to the top of Srdj Hill, for stunning views of Dubrovnik and nearby Elaphite Islands. For more information on the cable car and its hours and fares, take a look here.
-Park Orsula - a 10 minute drive or 25 minute walk towards Cavtat, on a sea-facing cliff the park has beautiful panoramic views of Old Town and Lokrum island. A newly built amphitheater and performance area-the park hosts a music festival every summer, from July 1st - August 31st.
Public transportation is available. Bus No. 10, line: Dubrovnik - Cavtat
Tip: There’s a small shop that sells drinks and snacks here just in case you forget to pack a lunch
-Buy gifts and snacks from Gundulić Square Market, the only open-air market in Old Town. It no longer sells fresh foods but sells authentic Dubrovnik products like dried lavender, local brandies, and dried fruits.
Tip: Get here early, the market closes at 1pm.
-During the summer from July 10th thru August 25th there is a summer festival held in Dubrovnik,, showcasing classical plays, dances and concerts in different areas throughout Old Town.
-Explore Dubrovnik from the water and go on a guided kayaking tour around the city and Lokrum Island.
-Catch the sunset from the water on a 2.5 hour sunset dinner cruise on a traditional Karaka replica ship or your own private boat. Taking in the scenes of Old Town and the islands from the water.
Beaches in Dubrovnik
St Jakov beach is in a cove below the cliffs, over 150 steps down to the beach. Nice views of Old Town from the beach, and even beach beds for rent.
Banje Beach is a close walk from Old Town and also one of the most popular sandy beaches. At night the beach becomes a bar scene with a number of bars right on the beach. Copacabana beach is similar to Banje, and offers many different adventurous activities like parachute rides and kayak rentals.
Pasjaca Beach is a much quieter beach, 20 km south of Dubrovnik, where you may not come across another person on the beach. It is only accessible down a steep cliff so make sure to bring a picnic as you will not find any shops nearby.
Day trips from Dubrovnik
Lokrum Island - a 15 minute taxi boat ride away from Old Town is a perfect half day getaway from Dubrovnik as the island is only a mile wide. Take a swim in the saltwater pool (like the Dead Sea on a much smaller scale), explore the 15th century Benedictine monastery, and stroll along the car-less trails. Boats depart from Old Town every half hour from 9am-7pm. Because it is a nature reserve the admission to the island is $6.
Cavtat - a 45 minute boat ride south from Old Town (approximately 80 KN/ $13 USD roundtrip) this small harbor town has restaurants, shops, cafes with a long waterfront promenade.
Elafiti Islands - 13 small untouched islands near Dubrovnik, the three most visited islands are Kolocep, Sipan and Lopud. The islands are so small that the total population of all three islands is less than 1000 people. Take a guided boat tour from Dubrovnik exploring the three islands.
Eating & Drinking in Dubrovnik
Restaurants inside Old Town are obviously more expensive than restaurants and bars outside the walls - so if you’re looking for a cheaper meal head out to the neighboring towns. Dubrovnik is full of great restaurants and bars so we listed just a few of our favorites we think are worth checking out:
Buza Bar - considered one of the most beautiful bars in Dubrovnik, it sits along the city wall looking out over the Adriatic. Come for a drink at sunset and if feeling adventurous jump off the cliffs into the water. To find the bar - starting at Gundulic Sq., take a left after the Jezuit stairs and when you’re under the City Walls take a right walking along the wall. You’ll see a sign for “cold drinks” and follow the arrow.
Barba - a small seafood to-go restaurant serving modern street food, such as octopus and shrimp burgers, anchovy sandwiches and calamari. A great option for lunch.
Zuzori - a hidden gem serving Croatian cuisine in a relaxing atmosphere. Go for lunch or dinner and save room for dessert and order the chocolate lava cake. Closed on Mondays.
Lady Pi-Pi - a lovely spot on a rooftop with fantastic views of the city, serving Croatian cuisine. Come early as it can get crowded and expect to wait.
Restaurant 360 - for stunning views overlooking the port and a fine dining experience on the outdoor terrace, this restaurant serves a modern take on Mediterranean cuisine. A 1 minute walk from Ploce gate, closed on Mondays.
Azur Dubrovnik - a restaurant in Old Town serving Mediterranean dishes with an asian fusion twist to it. The chefs use locally sourced ingredients, so one can't go wrong with ordering any dish.
