1 DAY IN DUBROVNIK: FROM CRUISE PORT TO OLD TOWN

You’re cruising the Mediterranean (or Croatia specifically) and only have 1 day in Dubrovnik? In this guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know for your day trip, from the cruise port to the Old Town!

Dubrovnik is an extremely popular cruise port, and major cruise lines like MSC, Costa, Virgin Voyages, AIDA, and Norwegian frequently include it in their itineraries. Many Mediterranean cruises stop in several Croatian cities, but Dubrovnik is almost always the highlight.

As a Croatian who has spent many summers in Dubrovnik, I’ve seen plenty of confused cruisers trying to figure out how to get from the port to the Old Town and make the most of their limited time.

That’s exactly why I decided to write this guide. I’ll give you the essential information about Dubrovnik, explain how to get from the cruise port to the Old Town, and help you plan the perfect one-day itinerary. Keep reading!

WHERE IS DUBROVNIK?

Dubrovnik is located in southern Croatia and is our southernmost bigger town. Because of its position, it’s a perfect stop on a Mediterranean cruise, which often begins in Venice and continues toward Greece or Spain.

BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT DUBROVNIK & CROATIA

BEST TIME TO VISIT DUBROVNIK

If you truly want to experience the charm of Dubrovnik, summer might not be the best option. Dubrovnik attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, and during peak season the city can feel completely overrun.

The best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons, so that’s March to May or September to November. Then there are fewer crowds and the atmosphere feels much more authentic. Just keep in mind that March and November are usually colder and rainier than the other off-season months, so the weather can be a bit unpredictable.

LANGUAGE

Dubrovnik is a Croatian town, therefore the local language is Croatian. If you don’t speak Croatian don’t worry, Croatians speak English very well, as well as German and Italian.

CURRENCY

As of January 2023, the official currency in Croatia is Euro, and Kuna is no longer used. Make sure you have some cash on you for small expenses such as ice cream and tips, but most of your purchases you can pay by card.

IS DUBROVNIK SAFE?

Dubrovnik is a very safe and protected town, so you don’t have to worry about your safety there at all. You can peacefully walk around, even at night. Be mindful of your belongings, of course, but Dubrovnik is not known as a pick-pocketing town so if you’re moderately careful, you should be perfectly safe.

HOW TO GET FROM CRUISE PORT TO OLD TOWN?

The Old Town of Dubrovnik is easily accessible from the cruise port in Gruz. The fastest and most convenient option is to take an Uber or Bolt to Pile Gate, which costs around €10–15 and takes about 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

If you’re looking for a more affordable option, you can take public bus no. 1, which goes directly to Pile Gate for around €3. The bus stop is just a few minutes’ walk from the cruise port.

And of course, you can also walk to the Old Town. The route offers some really beautiful views along the way, but it will take you around an hour, so only choose this option if you have enough time and feel up for it.

DO YOU NEED A CAR IN DUBROVNIK?

If you’re here for one day only, there is no point in renting a car. Both old town and the beach are easily reachable by uber or public buses which are very frequent and reliable.

WHAT TO DO IN DUBROVNIK IN ONE DAY:

If you’re arriving on a cruise, your time in Dubrovnik will be limited, so it’s important to focus on the absolute highlights. Here are the key locations you should prioritize in just one day!

OLD TOWN

The most important part of Dubrovnik is definitely its Old Town, so that’s the number one place you need to visit.All of the locations I’ll recommend are either inside the Old Town or very close to it. If you’re short on time, this is the area you should stick to in order to see everything you absolutely must see.

CITY WALLS

The most magnificent part of Dubrovnik’s medieval Old Town is without a doubt the City Walls. These sturdy stone walls once protected the Republic of Dubrovnik from various dangers, and today they’re the most visited attraction in the city.

Tickets are definitely on the pricey side but completely worth it. Adult tickets cost €40, while children’s tickets are €15. If you have a valid student card, you can get a discount on the adult ticket. During the off-season (November to February), prices are significantly lower: €15 for adults and €5 for children.

You can also purchase the Dubrovnik Pass, which includes access to the city walls, entry to several museums, and discounts at certain restaurants. It’s a better overall deal if you plan to see more than just the walls.

STRADUN

The main and most famous street in the Old Town of Dubrovnik is Stradun. It stretches from Pile Gate all the way to Ploce Gate on the opposite side of the Old Town.

Along Stradun, you’ll find plenty of cafés, bars, and restaurants where you can stop for a drink or a meal. During the summer months, it can be extremely crowded, but if you visit in the shoulder or off season, the atmosphere is much more relaxed and enjoyable. Either way, it’s a part of Dubrovnik you simply can’t miss.

For lunch near Stradun, I’d suggest going to Gradska Kavana Arsenal, Presa, Bistro Revelin, or Dubravka 1836. And if you’d like more ideas, I also have a full guide to the best restaurants in Dubrovnik!

MOUNT SRD

The best view of Dubrovnik is from the top of Mount Srd. You can access mount Srd by Uber or the cable car. Both are quite close to the old town. If you take an Uber it will cost you around 30 euros one way, and you can grab it from Pile or Ploce Gate. If you opt for the cable car, round trip will cost you 30 euros per person. If you’re in a group, Uber is cheaper, but if you’re alone or in a pair, I’d recommend the cable car. It comes to the same price but you get an additional experience and amazing views.

Up on mount Srd there is a bar & restaurant Panorama with some of the most amazing views of Dubrovnik. I highly recommend stopping by. The service is amazing, and we love eating there. For the views you get it’s also quite fairly priced. If you’re interested in having lunch there, make sure you book a table if you want a table with a good view. Up there, you can also visit the Homeland War Museum if you’re interested in learning about Croatian history.

BANJE BEACH

End your day with a dip in the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea if you’re visiting during summer. The closest beach to the Old Town of Dubrovnik is Banje Beach. It’s just a 5-minute walk from Ploce Gate and it’s a pebble beach with a beach bar and restaurant. It’s the perfect spot to swim, relax, and relax for the rest of the day.

BUZA BAR

If the weather isn’t ideal or you just don’t feel like lounging on the beach, Buza Bar is an absolute must-visit.

It’s located on the rocks just outside Dubrovnik’s city walls, and it’s a truly special experience.You can relax with a drink while taking in the stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, watch others dive in from the rocks, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, join them for a quick swim! Keep in mind that if you’re visiting during the off-season, Buza Bar is probably going to be closed.

MY PERSONAL TAKE ON 1 DAY IN DUBROVNIK BY CRUISE

Honestly, seeing Dubrovnik in one day as a cruise port might actually be the perfect way to experience it, and I say that as someone who’s spent countless summers in Dubrovnik and been on many cruises.

Will you see everything in a single day? Obviously not. But the main highlights in the Old Town are completely doable in just one day, and you won’t have to spend on pricey accommodation or meals for several days. If you manage to explore all the areas I’ve mentioned in the Old Town, trust me, you’ve already seen about 90% of what truly matters!

CONCLUSION: 1 DAY IN DUBROVNIK

If you’re arriving in Dubrovnik by cruise, you’re in for an amazing day and don’t be surprised if Dubrovnik becomes your favourite port! The city is absolutely stunning and totally manageable in just one day. You can easily get from the cruise port to the Old Town and explore all the main sights without feeling rushed or stressed!