DUBROVNIK DOS AND DON’TS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE VISITING (2026)

If you’re wondering what the Dubrovnik dos and don’ts are while visiting, I’ll tell you everything you need to know in this blog post!

Dubrovnik is a beautiful, one-of-a-kind city that, like any destination, has its pros and cons. Honestly, none of the “negative” aspects are bad enough to skip visiting, but knowing what to do (and what to avoid) can truly make a big difference in your experience.

I’ve spent the last five summers in Dubrovnik, exploring and experiencing every corner of the town, so trust me when I say these tips are honest and true. As a local Croatian, I always love sharing the best things you should do in a place, but here I’ll give you both: the absolute must-do experiences and the things you’re better off skipping. Keep reading!

DUBROVNIK DOS AND DONT’S

These are the 12 things I truly believe you either absolutely should do in Dubrovnik, or you should really avoid. All of them are based on my personal experiences throughout the year, and I genuinely think that doing (or not doing) these things will enhance your holiday in Dubrovnik.

Of course, in the end, it’s completely up to you whether you follow these tips or skip them. But this is my honest opinion as someone who has spent several months each year in Dubrovnik over the past five years.

DO:

BRING A WATER BOTTLE, GOOD SHOES, AND A HAT

If you’re visiting Dubrovnik in summer, you already know it gets extremely hot. Major landmarks like Stradun, the city walls, and the Old Town have very little shade, so you’ll constantly be exposed to the sun. Bring a hat and sunblock to avoid a sunburn disaster. You’ll thank yourself later!

Comfortable shoes are just as important. The Old Town is made entirely of stone and full of stairs, and it can get very slippery. Walking around in heels or fancy sandals is not a great idea. I’d suggest your favourite comfy sneakers or stable walking sandals that can handle uneven surfaces.

With these two things (proper sun protection and good shoes) exploring Dubrovnik will be so much easier and more enjoyable. I’d also recommend bringing a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated in the heat. There are plenty of water fountains around the Old Town where you can refill your bottle for free and cool down throughout the day.

DO A KAYAK TOUR

One of the absolute best ways to experience Dubrovnik is by kayaking around the coastline. It gives you a completely different perspective of the city which you simply can’t get from land.

There are several kayaking routes to choose from. Some tours take you around the city walls, while others go toward Lokrum, the small island just opposite the Old Town.

For comparison, a return boat ticket to Lokrum costs around €30 per person. For a similar price (around €40), you can join a 3-hour guided kayaking tour where you’ll see Lokrum from the sea, paddle along the dramatic city walls, and explore hidden caves and small beaches near Dubrovnik. In my opinion, it’s a much more unique and memorable experience.

Kayaking is extremely popular in Dubrovnik, especially in summer, so I highly recommend booking your tour online in advance to secure your spot. If you’re still unsure whether it’s worth it, check out my detailed guide on kayaking in Dubrovnik where I cover everything you need to know.

VISIT NEARBY ISLANDS

Dubrovnik has a lot of little islands nearby that are definitely worth a visit. I’ve already mentioned Lokrum which is quite nice, but there are also Elaphiti islands which are even better. There are three main islands,Lopud, Sipan, and Kolocep, and they’re all worth visiting. You can visit them by yourself individually by ferry, or you can do an island tour which will take you to all three in one day. Here’s a guide to Elaphiti islands tour where you can get more information.

My personal favourite is Lopud because cars are not allowed on the island, so it’s much calmer than Dubrovnik, and it also has a wonderful sandy beach called Sunj, 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!

HAVE A DRINK AT BUZA BAR

Buza Bar is probably one of the most unique bars you’ll ever visit and you’ll find it only in Dubrovnik. It’s located on the cliffs just outside the Old Town walls and it has one of the most beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea in the entire city. There’s no fancy entrance or big sign, you walk through a small hole in the wall (which is actually what “buza” means!) and suddenly you’re on the cliffs with the sea right in front of you.

Not only can you grab a drink and enjoy the sunset, but you can even jump straight into the sea, take a swim, and climb right back up to your spot at the bar.It’s one of the most popular cliff-jumping spots in Dubrovnik. And even if you’re not into cliff jumping, it’s absolutely worth visiting. It’s just as fun to sit there with a drink in hand and watch others jump while you enjoy the incredible views.

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 Korcula and Mljet, to Mostar in Bosnia, or Kotor in Montenegro, the options are endless! Here’s a list of my favourite day trips from Dubrovnik, you’ll surely find something you’ll love!

STAY OUTSIDE THE OLD TOWN

While many people will tell you to stay inside the Old Town so you’re right in the middle of everything, I’d actually suggest choosing accommodation outside of the Old Town.

The Old Town of Dubrovnik is beautiful, but it’s also very expensive and extremely crowded during peak summer season. For many visitors, that constant noise and flow of people can feel overwhelming and even take away from the overall experience.

Instead, I’d recommend staying just outside the Old Town but still within walking distance, or choosing Lapad. Lapad is a lovely, more modern part of Dubrovnik with great beaches, restaurants, and a much more relaxed atmosphere. It’s also only a short bus ride (or taxi ride) from the Old Town.

I’ve put together a list of my favourite accommodations in Dubrovnik for every budget, so you can easily find something that fits your trip and travel style. You’ll also find my breakdown of the best areas to stay in Dubrovnik. That way, you can choose the option that suits you best without overthinking it.

DON’T:

COME DURING THE HIGH SEASON

Dubrovnik is one of the most famous cities in the world. Because of that, during high season there are thousands upon thousands of people strolling through the streets every single day. I know many of you visit mainly for the sea, and that’s why July and August seem like the best months. But if you can avoid the peak season, I would highly recommend it. You can’t really experience the real Dubrovnik in July and August because it’s overcrowded, extremely hot, and everything feels more rushed.

The best time to visit Dubrovnik is from May to early June and from September to late October. The weather is still warm enough for swimming and beach days, but the city isn’t swarmed with people. You’ll be able to explore freely, explore the Old Town, and actually enjoy the atmosphere without the massive crowds.

EXPECT SANDY BEACHES

Don’t expect sandy beaches in Croatia, and that goes for Dubrovnik too. Most of Croatia’s coastline is rocky or pebbly, and true sandy beaches are very rare.

In Dubrovnik, the majority of beaches are rocky. There are a few pebbly ones worth visiting, like Banje Beach and Sv. Jakov Beach. If you’re really craving a sandy beach, the beautiful Sunj Beach on Lopud is your best bet (another great reason why you should visit Lopud!)

TAKE THE CABLE CAR

The Dubrovnik Cable Car is a huge tourist attraction, but I’d skip it if you’re on a budget.It’s pricey (around €30 for a 3.5-minute ride there and back) and during summer it’s often so crowded you can’t even enjoy the view. In my opinion, it’s just not worth it.

However, what’s waiting at the top is amazing. The cable car takes you to the Mount Srd viewpoint, which offers incredible views over Dubrovnik and the Adriatic. But there are better ways to get there: you can hike, bike, or even take a buggy ride, all of which are far more exciting than the quick cable car ride. You could also Uber up and back, which can be cheaper if you’re traveling in a group.

Of course, if money isn’t an issue and you just want the experience, go for the cable car. It’s still fun!

EAT ON STRADUN STREET

Stradun is the most popular (and most crowded) street in Dubrovnik. Just like in any city, the busiest streets usually have the priciest food, but the quality isn’t guaranteed. My advice: don’t eat on Stradun. Walk around the Old Town and pick one of the less obvious spots. Check Google reviews before sitting down, and avoid restaurants where staff are aggressively trying to get you to sit. If you want a shortcut, here’s my guide to the best restaurants in Dubrovnik. It makes choosing a great meal much easier!

FOCUS ONLY ON THE POPULAR ATTRACTIONS

Yes, I know you came for Stradun and the city walls, but don’t stop there! There’s so much more to see and do in Dubrovnik. Check out the open-air market, wander the tiny, winding streets of the Old Town, and explore beaches like Banje Beach and Sv. Jakov Beach. Visit Fort Lovrijenac, or go to Lapad and discover the newer part of the city. There are so many things to do, don’t limit yourself to just the walls and Stradun!

DON’T WALK THE WALLS AT NOON

One of the biggest mistakes you can make, even if it’s not peak season but May, June, or September, is walking the Dubrovnik city walls between 11 AM and 3 PM. The walls are long, and it takes 1–2 hours to walk them depending on your pace. There’s no shade, lots of stairs, and climbing can get exhausting.

Doing all that under the strongest sun of the day can make the walk really uncomfortable, even dangerous if you’re not prepared. If you’re visiting in summer, aim for early morning (before 10 AM) or late afternoon (after 5 PM). And no matter when you go, bring a hat and a water bottle to stay cool and hydrated.

MY PERSONAL TAKE ON DUBROVNIK DOS AND DON’TS

These are all my personal dos and don’ts, so I feel pretty strongly about them! You absolutely must explore beyond the Old Town. That includes Buza Bar, kayaking, Elaphiti Islands tours, and other incredible day trips. Dubrovnik is so much more than just its Old Town, no matter how stunning it is.

On the flip side, you don’t have to do everything. In my opinion, the cable car isn’t worth the money, and Lokrum Island can be skipped if you’re tight on time. Eating on Stradun? Absolutely not. But do take time to wander the smaller streets! There are amazing shops, bars, and restaurants tucked away. I love spending time in Dubrovnik, and trust me, this is my most honest advice for getting the best out of your visit!

CONCLUSION: DUBROVNIK DOS AND DON’TS

Just like any other tourist hotspot, Dubrovnik has things you absolutely must do and others that are a bit overhyped and you can skip.

This post shares my opinion as a local Croatian who’s spent several summers in Dubrovnik. That said, you don’t have to agree with every single point. Pick the experiences that excite you and skip the ones you don’t mind missing!