Are you visiting Dubrovnik and want to explore everything Dubrovnik Old Town has to offer? Then this guide is for you!
When planning your trip to Dubrovnik, it’s good to know that most of the top sights and attractions are right in the heart of the Old Town. This area isn’t just the highlight of Dubrovnik, it’s one of the most magical places in all of Croatia. If you prefer to stay close to the action without relying on public transport, you should definitely book your accommodation in the Old Town.
In this detailed guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about Dubrovnik Old Town and why it’s such a must-visit destination, so keep reading!
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HOW TO GET TO DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN: DUBROVNIK AIRPORT TO OLD TOWN
If you’re flying into Dubrovnik, you’ll arrive at Dubrovnik Airport which is around 20 kilometers from the Old Town. The easiest way to reach the Old Town is by getting a taxi or an Uber, but the cheapest one is to get the bus. However, the bus doesn’t stop in the Old Town. You’d have to go to the main bus station and there grab another bus or an Uber from there.
You can also rent a car at the airport if you’re planning on exploring Croatia, but keep in mind that finding a parking spot in Dubrovnik during summer season is going to be hard and parking is usually pricey, so only do that if you think it’s truly worth it.
You cannot enter the Old Town with a vehicle. The Old Town is closed off to vehicles and you can enter from one of the 3 entrances (Buza, Ploce, or Pile Gate). Once you arrive, you will have to carry your luggage to your accommodation. If you want an easy way in, Ploce entrance has the easiest access with the least number of steps, whereas Buza entrance has over 100 steps.
HOTELS IN DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN
There are plenty of hotels and apartments in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, so if you’re thinking about staying here, be sure to check out all your options and book the one that suits you best. Just keep in mind that accommodation in the Old Town tends to be pricier compared to areas like Lapad or Gruž. That’s the price of being right in the heart of the action!
These are some of the best hotels in Dubrovnik, but here’s a short list of the top hotels and apartments in the Old Town:
Make sure you check out the detailed map with all available rentals and hotels, there’s plenty of them!
BEST THINGS TO DO IN DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN
There’s so much to see and do in the Old Town! Even just strolling through its charming streets is an experience, but be sure to check out the main landmarks and attractions as well.
If you’re planning to walk the city walls, definitely get the Dubrovnik Pass. It not only gives you discounts but also lets you visit other museums in the city for the same price as just walking the walls without the pass, so it’s totally worth it!
Stradun is a must-see when visiting the Old Town. It’s Dubrovnik’s main and most popular street, lined with bars, bakeries, shops, and gelaterias.
During the summer months, Stradun can get really crowded, so if you want to escape the crowds, take a stroll through the charming side streets nearby. These streets are often much quieter and just as beautiful.
Here’s a short list of the most popular landmarks and attractions you cannot miss in Dubrovnik:
- Walk the City Walls (City Walls Guide)
- Stradun (Main Street)
- Rector’s Palace
- Sponza Palace
- Dubrovnik Cathedral
- Jesuit Stairs (Game of Thrones filming location)
- Fort Lovrijenac
- Cable Car to Mount Srđ
HIDDEN GEMS IN OLD TOWN
Although Dubrovnik Old Town is not that big, there’s still a few hidden gems you shouldn’t skip. One of the best spots for sunsets is definitely Buza Bar. This is a bar situated on the cliffs of the Old Town, looking over the Adriatic Sea. This is also a popular place for cliff diving, so you can go for a sunset dip and a drink! The drinks tend to be pricey but it’s worth it for the view. Just make sure you come early enough to snag a spot because the bar gets packed at sunset time.
Another place with an excellent view of the city is the famous basketball court in the Old Town. You’ll have to put in some effort to get to the court since there are many steps to reach it, but the views are worth it and this is really a unique attraction.
Finally, one of the oldest pharmacies in the city can be found close to the city walls entrance at Pile Gate. The pharmacy’s courtyard is very beautiful and is worthwhile seeing, however the entrance is not expensive.
- Buza Bar
- Basketball Court
- Franciscan Monastery’s Old Pharmacy
WHERE TO EAT AND PARTY IN DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN
Dubrovnik’s Old Town is packed with amazing restaurants, so you won’t have any trouble finding one that suits your taste. Whether you’re craving burgers, fresh seafood, Italian dishes, or grilled meats, there’s something for everyone. You’ll also find bakeries, vegan-friendly spots, and more. Check out this guide to the best restaurants in Dubrovnik!
When it comes to nightlife, most of the top spots are also in the Old Town. From the famous Culture Club Revelin to smaller clubs like Elyx, Milk, and Trocadero, plus lively pubs like The Gaffe, there’s no shortage of places to party. Here’s a guide to the best nightlife spots in Dubrovnik!
PRACTICAL TIPS
Best time to visit – Summer if you want to experience the Adriatic Sea, but spring or autumn for smaller crowds and more relaxed holiday.
How to avoid crowds – come during off or shoulder-seasons, stay in places nearby as opposed to the Old Town, do day trips to less known locations, explore the Old Town early in the morning.
Prices and budget expectations – Dubrovnik is quite expensive, but can still be done on a budget with appropriate planning. Here’s a guide to prices in Dubrovnik!
What to wear – light clothes, a hat or a cap at all times during summer, sunglasses, sunscreen, a bottle of water, and your most comfortable shoes. NEVER walk around Old Town in your swim suit, you could get fined!
Local etiquette – be polite, be dressed appropriately in the Old Town, always have some cash for small shops and tips.
DAY TRIP IDEAS FROM DUBROVNIK
If you explored the Old Town and have more time, you can do a few day trips.
My favorite recommendation is always Lopud island. You can grab a ferry from Gruž port and you’ll be on the island within an hour. Lopud has plenty of sandy beaches which are not really usual in Croatia or in Dubrovnik. It’s also much less crowded than Dubrovnik, so you can relax there. On the island you’ll find great restaurants and a handmade souvenir shop.
If you want something closer to the Old Town you can grab a boat to Lokrum from the old port and explore the island. Unfortunately, you won’t find the sandy beaches on this island, the beaches on Lokrum are all hard rock and are not as enjoyable as Lopud beaches. However, Lokrum is really charming, with a lot of greenery and interesting historical attractions, so it’s still quite lovely. The price for the Lokrum boat and entrance ticket is pricey but it’s still worth a visit.
Finally, you can also easily visit Cavtat, a small town near Dubrovnik Airport. You can either take a water taxi to Cavtat or an Uber/public bus. Cavtat is small and you can explore it in half a day, but it’s worth visiting for the lovely seafront walkway and excellent swimming spots. Cavtat is much less hectic than Dubrovnik, so some people even decide to stay in Cavtat while visiting Dubrovnik and then take day trips to the Old Town.
- Lokrum Island
- Cavtat
- Elaphiti Islands
