Old town (inside the walls)
Ideal for: couples, first visit
Car-free lanes and steps: magical in the evening, but be ready to carry your luggage.
Dubrovnik
The 'pearl of the Adriatic', its walled old town and ramparts above the sea.
Plan your stay in Dubrovnik
Best areas to stay in Dubrovnik
Ploče
Ideal for: couples, views
Just east of the walls, with views of the old town and Banje beach close by.
Lapad
Ideal for: families, beaches
A peninsula to the west: seafront promenade, beaches and hotels, linked to the centre by bus.
Gruž
Ideal for: ferries, budget
Near the ferry port and bus station, handy for heading to the islands.
Practical info about Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is very busy in summer, especially on cruise ship days: visit the old town early in the morning or late in the day. Croatia uses the euro and has been part of the Schengen area since 2023.
What to see in Dubrovnik
- The city walls, walked for views over the rooftops and the sea (paid ticket; go early or late);
- the Stradun, the old town’s paved main street;
- the Rector’s Palace and the old town’s churches;
- the Mount Srđ cable car, for the sunset panorama;
- Lokrum island, a few minutes away by boat;
- Game of Thrones filming locations.
Getting to Dubrovnik
The airport is about 30 to 40 minutes away by shuttle bus: it stops near the Ploče Gate, at the entrance to the old town, then at the bus station. Ferries to the islands leave from Gruž harbour.
All our tips for the country in Travel in Croatia.