Dubrovnik, Croatia Travel Guide

Discover the medieval charm and coastal beauty of Dubrovnik, Croatia's historical gem on the Adriatic Sea, known for its iconic city walls and UNESCO World Heritage Old Town.

Dubrovnik, often referred to as the 'Pearl of the Adriatic', is a stunning city on the southern coast of Croatia. Known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, the city's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enclosed by massive stone walls, the Old Town features winding streets, historic buildings, and charming squares that transport visitors back in time. A walk along the ancient city walls offers panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and the iconic red rooftops of Dubrovnik. Visitors can explore landmarks such as the Rector's Palace, St. Blaise's Church, and the Cathedral of the Assumption. The city's rich history is also showcased in its many museums, including the Maritime Museum and the Franciscan Monastery Museum. Dubrovnik's coastal location means that beautiful beaches are never far away. Banje Beach, located just outside the city walls, is a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming. For a more secluded experience, take a boat trip to the nearby Lokrum Island, a nature reserve with lush gardens and crystal-clear waters. The city is also a haven for food lovers, with a wide range of restaurants offering fresh seafood and traditional Croatian dishes. Be sure to try local specialties such as 'black risotto' and 'pasticada'. As the sun sets, Dubrovnik's nightlife comes alive with bustling bars and vibrant cafes, providing the perfect end to a day of exploration.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Dubrovnik.

Visit the Old Town early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Wear comfortable shoes as the streets are cobblestone and walking the city walls can be tiring.
Consider getting a Dubrovnik Card for discounts on attractions and free public transport.
Try to visit Lokrum Island during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds.
Local buses are efficient and a good way to get around the city if you don't want to walk.
Always carry cash as some smaller establishments may not accept credit cards.

Neighbourhoods in Dubrovnik

Lapad

Old Town

Ploce

Explore All Neighbourhoods in Dubrovnik

Explore Dubrovnik: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Dubrovnik

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Best Attractions

Dubrovnik Walking Tours

Experience the historical beauty of Big Onofrio's Fountain, a central landmark of Dubrovnik's Old Town, rich in culture and architectural splendor.

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Dubrovnik Walks

Discover the wonders of Dubrovnik through expertly guided tours, from historical walks to thrilling kayaking adventures along the beautiful coastline.

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Private Boat Tours - Rewind Dubrovnik

Experience the magic of Dubrovnik's coastline with personalized private boat tours from Rewind Dubrovnik, perfect for every traveler seeking adventure.

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Explore Dubrovnik - Private Boat Tours | Dubrovnik Rent a Boat | Yacht Tours Dubrovnik

Discover Dubrovnik's stunning coastline and hidden gems with unforgettable private boat tours and yacht experiences.

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Best landmarks in Dubrovnik

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Best Landmarks

Puzzle Punks - Dubrovnik Escape Room

Experience thrilling escape room adventures in Dubrovnik! Puzzle Punks: where history, fantasy, and teamwork combine for unforgettable fun.

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Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Tour

Discover Dubrovnik through the lens of Game of Thrones: Explore iconic filming locations and uncover the history of King's Landing.

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Stradun

Experience the vibrant heart of Dubrovnik: stroll along Stradun, the Old Town's iconic limestone promenade, and immerse yourself in history and culture.

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Fort Bokar

Explore Fort Bokar, a 15th-century fortress in Dubrovnik, offering stunning views and a glimpse into the city's rich history and defense.

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Best restaurants in Dubrovnik

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Best Restaurants

Pantarul

Experience innovative Croatian cuisine at Pantarul, where fresh ingredients meet culinary creativity in beautiful Dubrovnik.

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Trattoria Carmen

Discover Trattoria Carmen in Dubrovnik – where authentic Italian flavors meet stunning coastal views in an inviting atmosphere.

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Soul Kitchen Dubrovnik

Experience authentic Croatian cuisine at Soul Kitchen Dubrovnik - where local flavors meet modern flair in an unforgettable setting.

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Forty Four Restaurant

Experience exquisite seafood and Mediterranean flavors at Forty Four Restaurant in Dubrovnik – a must-visit culinary destination.

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Best bars in Dubrovnik

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Best Bars

Mr Foster bar

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Mr. Foster Bar in Dubrovnik, where unique cocktails and friendly service create an unforgettable experience.

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Love Bar

Discover Love Bar in Dubrovnik: A lively spot for cocktails, local brews, and unforgettable nightlife experiences amidst stunning surroundings.

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Fratellos Prosecco Bar Dubrovnik

Experience the best of Dubrovnik's nightlife at Fratellos Prosecco Bar, where exquisite drinks and stunning ambiance await.

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THE BAR

Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Bar in Dubrovnik, where expertly crafted cocktails meet a warm, inviting atmosphere.

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Best nightclubs in Dubrovnik

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Best Nightclubs

MILK fun area & cocktails

Discover the vibrant nightlife at MILK Fun Area & Cocktails in Dubrovnik, a premier gay night club offering an inclusive and lively atmosphere for all.

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Striptease Club Cristal

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Dubrovnik at Striptease Club Cristal, where captivating performances and a lively atmosphere await.

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Caffe & Night Bar AMOR

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Caffe & Night Bar AMOR in Dubrovnik, where coffee meets nightlife and music brings people together.

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Striptease Club Mystique

Unleash the night at Mystique Club, a premier adult entertainment venue in Dubrovnik, perfect for unforgettable nightlife experiences.

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Best shops in Dubrovnik

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

Life According to KAWA

Discover the perfect blend of coffee, creativity, and local charm at Life According to KAWA in Dubrovnik.

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Note Bene

Discover unique Croatian crafts and heartfelt souvenirs at Note Bene, the charming souvenir store in the heart of Dubrovnik.

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Slatko Kao Cukar

Discover the sweet treasures of Dubrovnik at Slatko Kao Cukar, your ultimate destination for authentic Croatian sweets and unique souvenirs.

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GIFT & ART SHOP MEDUSA

Explore the artistry of Dubrovnik at Gift & Art Shop Medusa, where unique handcrafted gifts meet natural goods in a charming atmosphere.

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Explore Dubrovnik on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Dubrovnik, mapped for you.

Dubrovnik Essentials

Dubrovnik is accessible via Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), located about 20 km from the city center. The airport is well-connected with major European cities. From the airport, you can take a shuttle bus, taxi, or rent a car to reach Dubrovnik. There are also ferry services connecting Dubrovnik with other Croatian coastal cities and Italian ports, offering another scenic route into the city.
Dubrovnik is a walkable city, especially within the Old Town. For longer distances, you can use local buses which are efficient and run frequently. Taxis are available but can be pricey. Car rentals are an option, but parking can be challenging in the city center. For nearby islands, water taxis and ferries are available.
The official currency in Croatia is the Croatian Kuna (HRK). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are readily available throughout the city.
Dubrovnik is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any popular tourist destination, pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas like the Old Town. Avoid isolated areas at night and always keep an eye on your belongings. There are no significant high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always wise.
In case of emergencies, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Dubrovnik has several medical facilities, and pharmacies are available for minor health issues. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. The local police are friendly and helpful, so don't hesitate to approach them if needed.
Fashion: Do dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing swimwear or very revealing clothing outside of the beach area. Religion: Do respect local customs, and if visiting a church, ensure shoulders and knees are covered. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Dobar dan' (Good day). A handshake is common when meeting someone for the first time. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like 'black risotto' and 'pasticada'. Don't refuse food or drink offerings as it is considered impolite.
To experience Dubrovnik like a local, visit the Gundulić Square Market in the morning for fresh produce and local specialties. Try to explore beyond the Old Town; visit the Lapad Peninsula for a more relaxed vibe. Take the time to engage with locals who are often willing to share insights about the city. Don't miss a walk along the city walls for breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.

When is the best time to visit Dubrovnik?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Dubrovnik

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Dubrovnik. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloBok
  [bohk]
- GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [doh-vee-jen-ya]
- YesDa
  [dah]
- NoNe
  [neh]
- Please/You're welcomeMolim/ Nema na čemu
  [moh-leem/ ne-mah nah cheh-moo]
- Thank youHvala
  [hvah-lah]
- Excuse me/SorryOprosti/Izvini
  [oh-proh-stee/eez-vee-nee]
- How are you?Kako si?
  [kah-koh see]
- Fine. And you?Dobro. A ti?
  [doh-broh. ah tee]
- Do you speak English?Govoriš li engleski?
  [goh-voh-reesh lee ehn-gleh-skee]
- I don't understandNe razumijem
  [neh rah-zoo-mee-yem]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMogu li vidjeti jelovnik, molim
  [moh-goo lee vee-dyeh-tee yeh-lohv-neek, moh-leem]
- I don't eat meatNe jedem meso
  [neh yeh-dehm meh-soh]
- Cheers!Živjeli!
  [zhee-vee-yeh-lee]
- I would like to pay, pleaseŽelim platiti, molim
  [zheh-leem plah-tee-tee, moh-leem]
- Help!Upomoć!
  [oo-poh-mohtch]
- Go away!Idi odavde!
  [ee-dee oh-dahv-deh]
- Call the Police!Pozovite policiju!
  [poh-zoh-vee-teh poh-lee-tsee-yoo]
- Call a doctor!Pozovite doktora!
  [poh-zoh-vee-teh dohk-toh-rah]
- I'm lostIzgubio/la sam se
  [eez-goo-byoh/lah sahm sehh]
- I'm illBolesno mi je
  [boh-lehs-noh mee yeh]
- I'd like to buy...Želim kupiti...
  [zheh-leem koo-pee-tee]
- I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [sah-moh gleh-dahm]
- How much is it?Koliko košta?
  [koh-lee-koh koh-shta]
- That's too expensiveTo je pre skupo
  [toh yeh preh skoo-poh]
- Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cijenu?
  [moh-zheh-teh lee spoos-tee-tee tsee-yeh-noo]
- What time is it?Koliko je sati?
  [koh-lee-koh yeh sah-tee]
- It's one o'clockJedan je sat
  [yeh-dahn yeh saht]
- Half past (10)Pola (deset)
  [poh-lah (deh-set)]
- MorningJutro
  [yoo-troh]
- AfternoonPopodne
  [poh-pohd-neh]
- EveningVečer
  [veh-chehr]
- YesterdayJučer
  [yoo-chehr]
- TodayDanas
  [dah-nahs]
- TomorrowSutra
  [soo-trah]
- 1Jedan
  [yeh-dahn]
- 2Dva
  [dvah]
- 3Tri
  [tree]
- 4Četiri
  [cheh-tee-ree]
- 5Pet
  [peht]
- 6Šest
  [shehst]
- 7Sedam
  [seh-dahm]
- 8Osam
  [oh-sahm]
- 9Devet
  [deh-veht]
- 10Deset
  [deh-set]
- Where's a/the...?Gdje je...
  [gdyeh yeh]
- What's the address?Koja je adresa?
  [koh-ya yeh ah-deh-sra]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li mi pokazati (na karti)?
  [moh-zheh-teh lee mee poh-kah-zah-tee (nah kahr-tee)]
- When's the next (bus)?Kada je sljedeći (autobus)?
  [kah-dah yeh slyeh-deh-chee (ow-toh-boos)]
- A ticket (to ....)Jednu kartu (do ....)
  [yehd-noo kahr-too (doh ....)]

History of Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, originally known as Ragusa, was founded in the 7th century by refugees from Epidaurum, a Roman city that was destroyed by Slavs. The city was initially under the protection of the Byzantine Empire, which helped it grow into a significant maritime trading hub.
In 1358, Dubrovnik became a self-governing city-state under the Treaty of Zadar, marking the beginning of the Republic of Ragusa. This period saw the city flourish as a major maritime power, rivalling Venice in trade and commerce across the Mediterranean.
The 15th and 16th centuries are considered the Golden Age of Dubrovnik. During this time, the city-state achieved remarkable economic prosperity and cultural development. The construction of the iconic city walls and many of its beautiful Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings took place during this era.
Dubrovnik was known for its skilled diplomacy and neutral stance, which allowed it to maintain independence and flourish as an important trade center. The city established extensive trade networks across the Mediterranean, the Ottoman Empire, and beyond, exporting goods such as salt, silver, and wool.
In 1667, Dubrovnik was struck by a catastrophic earthquake that nearly destroyed the entire city, killing over 5,000 residents. Despite the massive destruction, the resilient citizens rebuilt the city, preserving its historical architecture and continuing its legacy as a prominent trading hub.
The Republic of Ragusa met its end in 1808 when Napoleon's forces occupied Dubrovnik. The city was later incorporated into the Austrian Empire following the Congress of Vienna in 1815. This marked the end of over four centuries of the city-state's independence.
During World War II, Dubrovnik experienced occupation by Italian and German forces. After the war, it became part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The city continued to be a significant cultural and tourist destination during the Yugoslav era.
One of the most tragic events in Dubrovnik's recent history occurred during the Croatian War of Independence from 1991 to 1992. The city was besieged by the Yugoslav People's Army, leading to significant damage and loss of life. The resilience of its citizens and subsequent restoration efforts have preserved Dubrovnik's historical and cultural heritage.
In 1979, Dubrovnik's Old Town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its historical significance and architectural beauty. This status has helped protect and preserve the city's rich cultural heritage for future generations.

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