DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO VISITING

Are you visiting Dubrovnik and want to explore everything the Old Town has to offer? Let me help you with this complete Dubrovnik Old Town guide!

As you probably already know, most of the city’s top sights and attractions are located right in the heart of the Dubrovnik Old Town. This area isn’t just the highlight of Dubrovnik, it’s one of the most magical places in all of Croatia.

That doesn’t mean Dubrovnik has nothing to offer outside the Old Town because it absolutely does. But the Old Town is the main reason most people visit. If you want to stay close to the action and avoid relying on public transport, booking your accommodation within the Old Town is definitely the best choice. That way you can see the majority of Dubrovnik on foot!

I’ve spent many summers in Dubrovnik exploring the Old Town in detail, and in this guide I’ll share everything you need to know, from must-see landmarks to helpful tips, and explain why it’s such an unforgettable destination. Keep reading!

HOW TO GET TO DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN: DUBROVNIK AIRPORT TO OLD TOWN

If you’re flying into Dubrovnik, you’ll land at Dubrovnik Airport, which is about 20 kilometres from the Old Town. The easiest way to reach Dubrovnik Old Town is by taxi or Uber. The most budget-friendly option is the airport bus, which stops at Ploce Gate and main bus station.

You can also rent a car at the airport if you’re planning to explore more of Croatia. However, parking in Dubrovnik during the summer season is both difficult and expensive. Only rent a car if you truly plan on using it outside the city. There are two main parking areas near the Old Town where you can leave your car if you’re staying inside the walls, but you’ll need to book your parking spot in advance. (Make sure to check the latest traffic restrictions before arriving.)

It’s important to know that you cannot enter the Old Town with a vehicle. There are three main pedestrian entrances: Pile Gate, Ploce Gate, and Buza Gate. Once you arrive, you’ll need to carry your luggage to your accommodation. If you want the easiest access, Ploce Gate has the fewest steps, while Buza Gate involves climbing over 100 steps. Definitely something to keep in mind if you’re traveling with heavy bags!

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 specifically in/very close to the Old Town:

• Boutique Hotel Stari Grad
• Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik
• Apartments St. Michel
• Blasius Residence
• Vivaldi

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 Dubrovnik Old Town! Even simply wandering through its charming limestone streets is an experience in itself, but make sure you visit the main landmarks and attractions too.

If you’re planning to walk the famous city walls, I highly recommend getting the Dubrovnik Pass. It includes entry to the walls and several museums for the same price as a standalone walls ticket, which makes it completely worth it.

You also can’t miss Stradun, the main street of the Old Town. It’s the heart of Dubrovnik, lined with bars, bakeries, shops, and gelato spots. However, during the summer months Stradun gets very crowded. If you’re looking to escape the busy main street, take a stroll through the nearby side streets. They’re often much quieter, just as beautiful, and sometimes even more magical.

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
• Banje beach
• Cable Car to Mount Srd 

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. You have to pay, however the entrance is not expensive.

So, in short:

• 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 my guide to the best restaurants in Dubrovnik if you need inspiration!

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 my 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 a more relaxed holiday.

How to avoid crowds – Come during the off or shoulder season, stay in areas nearby instead of directly in the Old Town, take day trips to lesser-known locations, and explore the Old Town early in the morning.

Prices and budget expectations – Dubrovnik is quite expensive, but it can still be done on a budget with proper planning. Here’s a guide to prices in Dubrovnik!

What to wear – Light clothes, a hat or cap during summer, sunglasses, sunscreen, a bottle of water, and your most comfortable shoes. NEVER walk around the Old Town in your swimsuit because you could get fined!

Local etiquette – Be polite, dress appropriately in the Old Town, and always carry 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 Gruz 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.

So, in short:

• Lokrum Island
• Cavtat
• Elaphiti Islands

MY PERSONAL TAKE ON DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN

I spend a lot of time in Dubrovnik Old Town, and I can tell you right away it’s far more enjoyable in the shoulder seasons than during peak summer. The crowds in June, July, August, and even early September can be overwhelming, so it’s difficult to fully enjoy everything the Old Town has to offer.

If you’re visiting in summer, I’d definitely recommend staying outside the Old Town and coming in early in the morning or later in the evening. But if you’re traveling in spring or autumn, staying inside the Old Town can make your trip feel even more magical.

I absolutely love spending time there, especially walking the city walls and having a drink at Buza Bar. Make sure you check both of those out!

CONCLUSION: DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN

Dubrovnik Old Town is, in my opinion, the most beautiful old town in Croatia, and possibly even in Europe. I absolutely love it, but if you’re visiting during peak season, be prepared for large crowds.

However, there’s plenty to see and do, and there are still hidden corners where you can escape the busiest areas. I highly recommend taking the time to truly explore this charming Old Town, because it will definitely leave a lasting impression!