Simple Travel Plans

Southern Croatia

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik rewards a few nights, giving you time to see the old city when the centre is calmer.

Why go

Why visit Dubrovnik?

Dubrovnik is worth a few nights for its old city, walls and coastal views. Staying longer makes it easier to see the centre early or late in the day when it is calmer.

It also works for short boat trips and guided days beyond the city. Travellers should expect many steps in and around the Old Town.

Guided tours

Popular tours in Dubrovnik

A 1.5-hour walk with a local guide is a good start, before you explore the streets and harbour on your own.

Dubrovnik Old Town walking tour

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First visit

Highlights

  • Walking the city walls gives a close view of the Old Town but involves plenty of steps.
  • The Old Town streets, main squares and harbour are calmer early or in the evening.
  • A cable car or high viewpoint can add broader coastal views when conditions are good.
  • Fort Lovrijenac stands just outside the main walls.
  • Lokrum is reached by a short boat ride.
  • Lapad or a nearby beach gives you time away from the historic centre.

When to go

Best time to visit

Dubrovnik can be visited outside summer when the Old Town is calmer and easier to explore.

Dubrovnik in winter

Some seasonal businesses and boat trips close or reduce their hours in winter. Bus links remain, while coastal ferries are more limited outside the main season.

Check Dubrovnik tourism

Bus, ferry and on foot

Getting there

Long-distance buses connect Dubrovnik with other Croatian cities. The airport is outside the city, with airport buses and local transport providing connections. Jadrolinija and TP Line run seasonal passenger ferries to islands and Split, so check the station, port and exact date.

Official information: Jadrolinija · TP Line · Arriva Croatia

Plan your route

Easy to combine with

Korčula

Passenger catamarans by Jadrolinija and Krilo link Dubrovnik with Korčula Town, mostly in the warmer months.

Guided tours

Book a tour

Tours that work well on a first visit. You book and pay on Viator.

Stradun, the main street of Dubrovnik's Old Town

Dubrovnik Old Town walking tour

About 1.5 hours through the Old Town with a local guide. A good first-day plan.

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Dubrovnik's city walls above the sea

Dubrovnik Old Town & City Walls

The Old Town and the famous walls with a guide. Expect plenty of steps on the walls.

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Perast on the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

Montenegro day trip: Kotor & Perast

A day across the border with a boat ride. Bring your passport or ID card.

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The town of Ston and its salt pans on the Pelješac peninsula

Pelješac wine tour

Visit wineries and taste local wine on the Pelješac peninsula, not far from Dubrovnik.

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Elaphiti islands cruise with lunch

About eight hours by boat to Koločep, Šipan and Lopud, including Šunj beach, lunch and unlimited wine and soft drinks on board. Hotel pickup is optional.

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More tours in Dubrovnik

See more Old Town walks, island trips and guided day tours from Dubrovnik.

See all Dubrovnik tours

Tours are booked on Viator. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. How this works.

Good to know

Short tips

  • Old Town has the most atmosphere but many steps and no cars.
  • Pile sits just outside the walls near local bus stops, while Lapad is calmer with beaches and bus links.
  • Gruž is practical for the main bus station and ferry port.