Every city has its dos and don’ts, certain things you should or shouldn’t do. Have you ever wondered what would those be for Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik is a beautiful, one-of-a-kind city which just like any other city, has its own positive and negative aspects. In this blog post, you’ll see what are some things you absolutely must do and what you should avoid at all costs while you’re in Dubrovnik!
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ABOUT DUBROVNIK
Dubrovnik is often called the Pearl of the Adriatic, for a reason! It’s a beautiful city in southern Croatia and arguably Croatia’s most loved tourist destination.
WHERE TO STAY IN DUBROVNIK
There is an abundance of all kinds of accommodation in Dubrovnik. No matter if you’re a fan of hotels, apartments, or budget-friendly hostels, there is something for everyone. If you’re coming in the off-season you’ll be able to browse through many options on Booking or Airbnb. However, if you’re coming during the high season (June-August) make sure you book your accommodation well in advance, as the city is super busy at that time.
If you need help finding the best place for you, check out my blog post on how to choose the perfect accommodation in Dubrovnik for your budget. For what’s the best area to stay in Dubrovnik, check out this post!
WHAT TO DO IN DUBROVNIK
Dubrovnik is full of different things to do, see, or experience. No amount of blog posts would be enough to write down everything you have at your disposal.
Some of the most important attractions to see are the Old Town, the city walls, the Lovrijenac Fortress, Mount Srđ, and Lokrum island. For a detailed explanation of these places and even more suggestions of places you should check out my Ultimate Guide to Dubrovnik or The 3-day Dubrovnik Itinerary.
THE DOS AND DONT’S OF DUBROVNIK
Go through the top 5 things and experiences you absolutely must do when you come to your Dubrovnik holiday, and write down some tips on what you should avoid to make the most out of your vacation.
DO:
1. BRING GOOD SHOES AND A HAT
If you’re coming in summer, you already know Dubrovnik is extremely hot. Major landmarks like Stradun, the city walls, and the Old Town don’t have much shade, so you’ll constantly be in the sun. Bring a hat and sunblock to help you prevent a sunburn disaster!
Moreover, good, comfy shoes are also really important because the Old Town is all stone and stairs. It’s not easy to walk around if you’re in heels or fancy sandals.
2. DO A KAYAK TOUR
One of the best ways to explore the Dubrovnik area is by kayaking around the city. There are many different routes for kayaking tours – you can go around the city walls or you can kayak to the nearby Lokrum island.
A return ticket for a boat ride for one person to Lokrum island is 27 euros. For a similar price (40 euros), you can experience a 3-hour kayaking tour, see Lokrum and explore the caves and beaches near Dubrovnik.
Kayaking is really popular in Dubrovnik so you’ll find bookers selling tours all over the city, especially at Pile Gate, but here are some amazing ones you can book online, before you come to Dubrovnik!
3. VISIT NEARBY ISLANDS
Dubrovnik has a lot of little islands nearby that are definitely worth a visit. Lokrum is already mentioned, but there are also Elaphiti islands – Lopud, Šipan, and Kolocep, and each of them is a great day trip location.
My personal favorite is Lopud because cars are not allowed on the island, therefore it’s much calmer than Dubrovnik, and it also has a wonderful sandy beach called Šunj, which is extremely rare in Croatia. If you’re interested in Lopud, check out my blog post on How to spend the best day on Lopud!
4. HAVE A DRINK AT BUŽA BAR
Buža bar is probably one of the most unique bars in the world which you’ll find only in Dubrovnik. Situated on the cliffs of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Buža bar offers one of the most beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea in the whole city of Dubrovnik.
Not only can you have a drink there, but you can also even jump in the sea, take a dip, and go right back to your seat at the bar. Sounds heavenly, right?
5. TAKE DAY TRIPS
Yes, Dubrovnik is wonderful and full of different things to do, but if you have the time, you need to check out all the amazing places nearby. Not only are there places you must visit in Croatia, you are close to Croatia’s neighboring countries which also have some great places you must see.
From Croatian islands like Korčula and Mljet, to Mostar in Bosnia, or Kotor in Montenegro, the options are endless! Check out this blog post about The 5 best day trips from Dubrovnik if you need additional inspiration!
DON’T:
1. COME DURING THE HIGH SEASON
Dubrovnik is among the most famous cities in the world. Therefore, during the high season, there are thousands upon thousands of people coming and strolling through the city. If you can avoid the high season, I would highly recommend you do that.
The best time to visit Dubrovnik is May to early June and September to late October. You can still go to the beach, but the city won’t be swarmed with people and you’ll be able to explore the city freely.
2. EXPECT SANDY BEACHES
Do not expect sandy beaches in Croatia. Croatia’s coast consists of almost entirely rocky or pebbly beaches, and sandy ones are extremely rare. In Dubrovnik, there aren’t even that many pebbly beaches, most of the city is rocky. Prepare some swimming shoes and enjoy Dubrovnik’s beaches as they are!
3. TAKE THE CABLE CAR
Dubrovnik’s cable car is a really big tourist attraction but I would skip it if you’re on a budget. It’s unnecessarily expensive and you pay 27 euros for a ride that lasts only 3.5 minutes, so it’s basically a waste of money.
The cable car takes you to the Mount Srđ viewpoint, which is incredible, but there are better ways to get there! You can hike, bike, or even get a buggy ride, and all are going to be infinitely more exciting than taking the cable car for 2 minutes. Of course, if you’re not on a budget and want to spend money on the cable car, have fun!
4. EAT ON STRADUN STREET
Stradun is the most popular and most crowded street in Dubrovnik. Just like in any other city, the most crowded street usually has the most expensive food, but the quality is not promised.
Do not eat on Stradun, walk around Dubrovnik and choose one of the less visible places. Check google reviews for certain restaurants and don’t sit in those where the bartender is haunting you to sit down. Here’s my guide to best restaurants in Dubrovnik, to make it easier for you!
5. FOCUS ONLY ON THE POPULAR ATTRACTIONS
Yes, I know you came for Stradun and the city walls, but don’t stop at that. There are many different things you can see like the open-air market and the small, narrow streets of Old Town, or go to Lapad beach and explore the newest part of Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik is on my bucket list so thank you for this post, it will make planning my trip so much easier.
Dubrovnik is gorgeous and these are some handy tips to know before you go.
Dubrovnik has been on my bucket list for years! A great guide – worth saving, so thanks for all the tips!
Hoping to get to Croatia next year! Love your dos, but especially love the do-nots! Always great to have that information. Definitely saving for later
This is such a helpful guide! Croatia is becoming such a popular destination that it’s helpful to know which “tourist traps” and mistakes to avoid. I would be super disappointed if I expected sandy beaches and there weren’t any, so thanks for the heads up. Great post! 🙂
I would add to your dos to make friends with a feline in the Old Town. They roam the streets and gather in the open patio areas. I loved to pet them. I just wish I had thought to bring treats.
I like how you have shared the dont’s for the city. Not taking the expensive cable car ride makes a lot of sense.
I love Croatia. I have been to Dubrovnik many times when I was a child. I actually prefer the pebble beaches as opposed to sand. Thanks for a lovely post.
Some brilliant tips for the next time I visit! I was 24 the first time and did a Contiki tour, so only did the really touristy things. Now as a 40 year old, they are often my least fave adventures!
Id love to take a kayak tour. I love this list of things not to do. Thank goodness you don’t recommend the cable car, because it looks terrifying anyway!
a kayak tour is wonderful!!
My friends just went to Croatia – sunscreen is a must according to them 🙂
yeah, it’s boiling here 😀
This is such awesome advice! I hope to get to Dubrovnik next year. Saving for my future trip – thanks!
I’ve never been to Dubrovnik, but a trip to the Balkans is at the top of my bucket list. Would you recommend going there during winter time though? I imagine that would be the lowest season of the year, but I wonder if it’s gonna be worth it.
I personally wouldn’t go during winter because the weather is pretty bad – a lot of rain and strong winds. The latest you should go is early November and the earliest beginning of March!