Aerial view of Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik : Everything you need to know to plan your trip

Things to do
Activities
When to go ?
Global budget
Itinerary ideas
Practical information
a romantic getaway
a city trip
a solo travel
a family vacation
a romantic getaway
a cheap holiday
an adventure
a long weekend
a nature escape
a cultural immersion

Things to do at Dubrovnik

Between azure seas and ancient stones, Dubrovnik abounds in treasures to discover. Here are the must-see sights not to be missed during your stay:

  1. Dubrovnik's ramparts: for a panoramic view of the city and the sea
  2. The Old Town (Stari Grad): a UNESCO-listed maze of cobbled streets
  3. Rector's Palace: a testament to the elegance of the Republic of Ragusa
  4. Assumption Cathedral and its treasures
  5. The Franciscan monastery and its medieval pharmacy
  6. Mount Srđ cable car: a spectacular view of Dubrovnik
  7. The island of Lokrum: nature, swimming and monastic ruins just a few minutes away by boat
  8. Banje beach: fine sand and breathtaking views of the city walls

Fort Lovrijenac: perched on a rock, overlooking the sea and the city

Dubrovnik's ramparts Dubrovnik's ramparts
The Franciscan monastery The Franciscan monastery
Rector's Palace Rector's Palace

Activities

Would you like to experience Dubrovnik in a different way from the postcards? From sunset kayak trips to guided tours in the footsteps of Game of Thrones and boat escapades to secret islands, Dubrovnik offers experiences as captivating as they are memorable.

When to go to Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is best visited in May, June, and September. You will get the ideal combination of mild weather and sunshine, swimming-friendly sea, and much less mass tourist crowd. Mid-summer months of July and August are also hugely desirable, but are also dominated by crowds and soaring prices for accommodation, excursions, etc. If strolling the city at your own pace would increase your overall enjoyment you would much rather visit in the spring or early autumn when crowds are less and prices are lower. Also, the warm golden lights of the day’s end scene will make the old town wall and ochre roofs even more beautiful. In summary, don't go in peak summer, allow yourself to experience off-peak season and take all that is offered by the pearl of the Adriatic, whether it be cultural explorations or seaside pleasures.

What's the temperature like?

January January February February March March April April May May June June July July August August September September October October November November December December 0 0 5 5 10 10 15 15 20 20 25 25 Temperature (°C)

How many hours of sunshine?

January January February February March March April April May May June June July July August August September September October October November November December December 0 0 2 2 4 4 6 6 8 8 10 10 12 12 14 14 Sunshine hours

Global budget

Dubrovnik is a beautiful destination... but be prepared to pay! Accommodation can range from €160 to €1,400 per night for two depends on season and standard. Food is still relatively cheap, with a dish for less than €10 in the budget establishment and a larger dinner for two in a classic around €50-120. A beer is from €3-€7 and bottled water can be to €3.5. Getting around is still relatively cheap, with bus tickets around €2-2.5 and cab fares around €2 per km. Lastly, budget for activities between €15 and €225, I.e., simple visit versus a sea excursion. Overall, you can expect a daily cost of between €102 and €1067 a day, depending on your travel style. This is a trip you really want to prepare for early, so you're not surprised!
One night in a hotel for 2 people
160€1000€
Meal in a cheap restaurant
9€21€50€
Local beer (33cl)
3€7€10€
Meal for two in a mid-range restaurant
51€120€200€
Bottle of water
2€3.5€5€
Public transport single ticket
2€2.5€5€
Taxi ride (per km)
2€
Visits and activities
15€225€500€
Average overall budget for one person per day: from 102.00€ to 1067.00€
Convert to $

Itinerary ideas

Start your day in Dubrovnik with a morning stroll along the old city walls, with spectacular views of orange roofs, the Adriatic Sea and medieval fortifications. The air is still crisp and the morning sunlight is softer; it's a great way to start the day. Next, stroll through the winding cobbled streets of the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stopping to admire the Onofrio Fountain, the Rector's Palace or the Cathedral of the Assumption.

At noon, treat yourself to lunch in a small local restaurant where Dalmatian classics such as grilled fish and black risotto with squid ink will take you on a journey through the flavors of the Adriatic coast.

In the afternoon, the cable car up to Mount Srđ offers breathtaking panoramic views of Dubrovnik and beyond. If you're a hiking enthusiast, take the cable car down on foot. Otherwise, nothing beats a sunset boat trip or a bit of sunshine on Banje beach, just a stone's throw from the old city walls.

In the evening, stroll through the illuminated old town and enjoy a nightcap on a terrace in the special atmosphere of this fortified city.

Practical information about Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is set on the southern coast of Croatia, and are quite easy to get to by air, along with a few other ways. There is Dubrovnik International Airport, which is located about 20 km southwest of the historic part of the city. Regular shuttle buses, taxis & transfer services get you to downtown Dubrovnik in less than 30 minutes. The Old Town area is compact, pedestrianized and very walkable. The City Buses are a very inexpensive and reliable form of transport when venturing out. Bus tickets are only around €2 to €2.50 each way. Taxis are available, and are slightly less costly than many of the other destinations in Europe, but they are still more costly than city buses (about €2 per kilometer). The HRK Croatian kuna is the currency used, even though there are still some establishments that may accept euros. It would be good to have some local currency on hand (as it relates to shops, food etc), but certainly not required. Credit cards for hotels, restaurants and shops are widely accepted. Dubrovnik is a very touristy destination during the summer, so remember to make booking accommodations and tours well in advance. Summer in Dubrovnik can get very hot, so prepare with some water, hat & appropriate shoes for footwear! Finally, be sure to budget accordingly: Dubrovnik is relatively an expensive city in Croatia (particularly at the high season).

Would you like some tips on planning your trip to Dubrovnik?

Explore our blog for practical advice and travel tips tailored to your preferences.