Often called the Pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is a sun‑soaked coastal gem on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast. Famous for its medieval city walls, sparkling blue waters, and UNESCO‑listed Old Town, the city and its captivating cobblestone streets is a dream destination for history lovers, beach seekers, and adventure travellers alike – all of which this Dubrovnik travel guide has to share.
Travel and Accommodation In Dubrovnik
Getting to Dubrovnik is easy, with Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) connecting the city with regular flights from major European hubs, especially during the summer months. From the airport, you can take a shuttle bus, taxi, or private transfer to reach your accommodation, which would take no more than 20 minutes and include a lovely, winding drive round the coast.
When it comes to places to stay, Dubrovnik offers something for every traveller. If you want to be in the heart of the action, consider booking a hotel or guesthouse in the Old Town, where you’ll be steps away from historic sights, restaurants, and the iconic city walls. Some options include:
- Luxury: Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik, Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik
- Mid-Range: Hotel Lero, Berkley Hotel & Day Spa, Hotel Lapad
- Budget: Hostel Angelina Old Town
For a quieter stay with sea views, the Lapad and Babin Kuk areas offer beautiful resorts and beachside hotels just a short bus ride from the centre.
Six Things To Do In Dubrovnik
Explore Dubrovnik’s Old Town
Encircled by high walls and filled with striking attractions, the Old Town of Dubrovnik is the heart of the city and pulls the biggest draw for tourism in the region. Preserved it all its ancient glory as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there is much admire as you wander its narrow alleyways, including the iconic Pile Gate (where you’ll immediately spot the Fountain of Onofrio) and the stunning 18th‑century Dubrovnik Cathedral which is known for its beautiful artwork. A short stroll away, you’ll also find Luža Square, the city’s bustling main square, surrounded by historic buildings and lively cafés, making it a great place to pause and people‑watch.
Don’t miss these underrated food spots in Dubrovnik Old Town:
- Milnar Bakery
- Soul Kitchen
- Dolce Vita Ice Cream
Walk the City Walls and Visit Fort Lovrijenac
Dubrovnik’s walls are the city’s main attraction and walking them offers incredible views of the red rooftops, turquoise waters, and the nearby island of Lokrum. Built between the 12th and 17th centuries, they remain among the most well‑preserved medieval fortifications in the world, featuring massive stone ramparts, defensive towers, and forts that helped the region, once known as the Republic of Ragusa, maintain its independence for centuries.
Unfortunately, unlike those in York, walking the city walls is not free and costs a hefty 40 euros, which I won’t lie to you, I don’t think is worth the cost because you can enjoy similar views for free by walking and around up the hills outside the Old Town. However, if you do choose to make the investment, don’t forget that the ticket to the city walls also includes entry to Fort Lovrijenac, located just outside Pile Gate. Known as the “Gibraltar of Dubrovnik,” the fort offers some of the best panoramic views in the city.
Take the Cable Car or Hike to Mount Srđ
For some of the best panoramic views in Dubrovnik, take the cable car or hike up to Mount Srđ. From here, you can overlook the shimmering Adriatic Sea, and if you time it right, watch the sunset as it casts the more gorgeous colours into the expanding sky.
Lokrum Island
A short ferry ride from the old port, Lokrum and its surrounding shimmering blue waters of the offers a tranquil escape into the Adriatic Sea. The almost untouched greenery and fascinating cultural heritage is protected from overdevelopment — a sharp contrast to the bustling streets of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Dense forests of pine, cypress, olive trees and roaming peacocks cover much of the island, as shaded paths wind through gardens, rocky shores, and hidden swimming coves.
Lokrum is also steeped in history reflected by its 12th-century Benedictine monastery, whose ruins exude a haunting atmosphere. Legend holds that monks cursed the island upon being forced to leave.
While you can easily spend the whole day here, if you’re visiting in the summer, I highly recommend arriving in the late afternoon so you can avoid the crowds and have the island to yourself before you catch the last boat back.
Buža Bar
Perched on the rocks outside the city walls, (but accessible from within the old town) this iconic bar offers unbeatable sea views. There are no reservations — just arrive, grab a drink, and watch the sunset over the Adriatic. If you’re feeling adventurous, go cliff jumping as well!
Blue Cave & Snorkelling Boat Trip
Every Dubrovnik travel guide must include the fact that one of the best ways to experience the city is from the water, and there is no better way to do this than by renting a catamaran and sailing the coast to spot mesmerising attractions like the glowing waters of the Blue Cave and snorkelling in secluded bays.
Epic Day Trips From Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik makes a perfect base for exploring nearby treasures, and these are the ones you shouldn’t miss:
Mostar, Počitelj and the Kravice Waterfalls, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Nestled in the heart of the Balkans, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s raw and unfiltered charm comes to life through natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality. It’s a place where minarets and church spires share the skyline, and centuries-old traditions still shape everyday life.
Some of the country’s gems include Mostar, where the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) arches gracefully over the Neretva River, and the gorgeous Kravice Waterfall.
Kravica Waterfall (known locally as Vodopad Kravica) is a breathtaking, hypnotic rhythm of multiple falling streams spilling into a crystal-clear pool. Formed by tufa-limestone over millennia along the Trebižat River, the water cascades over a 25 m-high semi-circular cliff stretching 120m. However, what makes Kravica so captivating isn’t just its dramatic scene, but also its serene ambience – making it one the most beautiful places to swim.
Another hidden gem is the little village of Počitelj, which is a living tapestry of history and culture as it was once a strategic stronghold and later a thriving artistic and scholarly hub during Ottoman rule. The village’s most iconic landmark is the Gavrankapetanović Tower, which offers panoramic views of the Neretva Valley and the red-tiled roofs of the town below.
Cavtat Village
A short drive or boat ride away, Cavtat is a charming, picture-perfect seaside village that is often left off the average Dubrovnik travel guide but is a must visit destination. Blending natural beauty with timeless charm, its ideal for strolling along scenic, palm tree lined waterfront promenades, exploring its quiet beaches, and enjoying a leisurely lunch in the town’s historic centre.
Located only 10 minutes from the airport, this is the perfect place to end your trip before you have hop on a flight!
Practical Information About Canada
Location: North America
National Languages: English and French
Currency: Canadian Dollar
Neighbouring Countries: United States of America
