Marble streets inside medieval walls, above an impossibly blue Adriatic.
Best months to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Dubrovnik's walled Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. Walking its complete ring of walls, with terracotta roofs on one side and the sea on the other, is unforgettable.
Its popularity is also its challenge: cruise ships and summer crowds pack the Old Town. Visit in late spring or early autumn, start early, and use the nearby islands to escape.
Ideal stay
3 days
Budget
$$$ · Splurge
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Language
Croatian
Main airport
Dubrovnik (DBV), ~30 min by bus
Good for
History, swimming, islands, sea kayaking
The full guide
Season by season, a day-by-day plan, where to stay, getting around, costs, and local tips — unlocks with a
short ad.
When to go
Spring (May–Jun)
Warm and bright, with the sea warming up by June.
Summer (Jul–Aug)
Hot, crowded, and expensive; the Summer Festival fills the city with theatre and music.
Autumn (Sep–Oct)
Warm sea, softer crowds, and lower prices.
Winter (Nov–Apr)
Quiet and mild, but many seasonal businesses close.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1
Walk the city walls first thing, then the Stradun, Rector's Palace, and a swim off the rocks at a cliffside bar.
Day 2
Ferry to Lokrum island for swimming and peacocks, then the cable car up Mount Srđ for sunset.
Day 3
Sea kayaking around the walls, or a day trip to the Elaphiti Islands or Ston.
Where to stay
Old Town
Atmospheric but busy and pricey.
Ploče
Just outside the walls with views and beaches.
Lapad
Relaxed, beachy, and better value; a bus ride to the centre.
Getting around
The Old Town is pedestrian-only and full of steps. Local buses link Lapad, Gruž port, and the Pile Gate, and ferries serve the islands.
What it costs
Expensive by Croatian standards, especially in summer. The Dubrovnik Pass covers the walls and several museums; buses and self-catering help cut costs.
Good to know
Walk the walls at opening time or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds.
Check the cruise ship calendar and avoid the Old Town at peak disembarkation times.
Bring water shoes for pebble and rock beaches.
Travel information changes often. Prices here are rough guides, and transport, opening hours, and
entry requirements can change without notice. Confirm details with official tourism sites,
operators, and your government's travel advice before you book, and travel with suitable
insurance.
🔓
Keep reading
Watch a short ad to unlock the full destination guide — free, no account needed.
