Last updated on January 22nd, 2026 at 12:18 am
Planning your first trip to Dubrovnik? This complete Dubrovnik travel guide is designed to help you plan the perfect first trip to one of Europe’s most beautiful coastal cities! Covering all you need to know from when to visit and where to stay, to how to get around and what to book in advance!
Dubrovnik is the coastal hotspot of Croatia, a wonderful stone-walled ancient city surrounded by island scenery and a blend of old-world charm and breathtaking natural beauty unlike anywhere else; it’s long been one of my favourite spots to visit in Europe!
After travelling to Dubrovnik a dozen times, I’ve pulled together all my research and know-how for this insightful guide to Dubrovnik. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, a week or plan to island hop your way to Split, you will learn what to do in Dubrovnik alongside practical travel tips and advice!
So pour yourself a drink, and plan your bucketlist trip to Dubrovnik with my help!
Planning your trip to Dubrovnik last minute?
Here’s a few activities and top hotel recommendations to book before you get to Dubrovnik, so you don’t miss out!!
Top 3 Hotels In Dubrovnik
- BOUTIQUE STARI GRAD – best boutique hotel UNESCO location
- VILLA DUBROVNIK – chic hotel next to Dubrovnik old town!
- HOTEL EXCELSIOR – iconic 5-star elegant hotel in Dubrovnik
Top Experiences & Tours
- Elaphiti Islands Boat Trip – best tour of the islands & scenery!
- Kotor & Perast Day Tour – incredible highlights of Montenegro!
- Mostar & Kravica Waterfalls Tour – iconic history & nature tour in Bosnia!
When To Visit Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is best explored from May to June or mid-September to October, avoiding the peak season (July and August) and crowds. If you’re visiting the old town in Dubrovnik for the day, early morning or late afternoon is ideal – you’ll miss the peak cruise ship hours.
How Long To Stay In Dubrovnik
I recommend staying for a minimum of 3 full days in Dubrovnik to cover the main highlights; there is a lot to see and do in Dubrovnik or 5 nights for a more relaxing time and to explore the nearby beaches and islands.
How To Get Around Dubrovnik
Walking
If you’re staying close to Dubrovnik’s old town, such as Ploce or Pile Gate you can easily get to the main attractions on foot. Dubrovnik is a very walkable place; the old town is surrounded by a wall and cars cannot access it.
Taxi / Uber
Dubrovnik’s white and green (metred) taxis are outside of Pile and Ploce Gate – although expensive! You can also use Uber in Dubrovnik, which is the most affordable and quickest way to travel to and from things like beach clubs and the ferry port.
Local Bus
Local buses will take you to Port Gruz (no 8) for onward travel to the Islands and Lapad (no 12), including Coral Beach Club. The main bus stand is just outside of Pile Gate, and the airport bus is next to the cable car kiosk.
Car
Renting a car is a great way to travel around Croatia, it gives you freedom and flexibility to stop at interesting places and travel at your own speed. Car rentals are as low as €20 per day, making it economical. I recommend Discover Cars for the best rates.
Water Taxi & Private Boat
And for an adventure? A water taxi or private boat from Dubrovnik’s old town harbour is the best way to travel, especially if you’re heading to beautiful Cavtat Bay, Lokrum Island or the Elaphiti Islands.
Airport Transport: Dubrovnik Airport To Old Town
Shuttle Bus
The official airport shuttle is the most budget-friendly option and runs in sync with flight arrivals. It drops passengers at Pile Gate (just outside the Old Town) or the main bus station in Gruž (for onward ferries) and takes around 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic – they depart when full.
Taxi / Uber
Taxis and Uber are widely available at the airport and offer a convenient door-to-door option. The journey to the Old Town usually takes around 25–30 minutes, and Uber is often slightly cheaper than regular taxis during off-peak times – be aware that English-speaking drivers are not always a given!
Private Transfers (Luxury & Quickest Option)
For a completely seamless arrival, private transfers are ideal – especially if you’re staying at a boutique hotel or travelling with luggage. Your driver meets you at arrivals and takes you directly to your accommodation, making this the most comfortable and stress-free option.
Check private transfer prices in Dubrovnik
WHERE TO STAY IN DUBROVNIK (Best Areas Explained)
Choosing the right area to stay in Dubrovnik can completely shape your experience – whether you want to be inside the historic walls, close to the beach, or somewhere quieter with stunning sea views. Here’s a quick breakdown of the best neighbourhoods for first-time visitors – and my top hotel picks!
Old Town – Best for First-Time Visitors
Perfect if you want to be within walking distance of Dubrovnik’s main sights, restaurants, and historic streets, the atmosphere is unbeatable, but expect higher prices and more crowds in summer.
Ploče – Best for Luxury & Views
Just east of the Old Town, Ploče is known for its elegant hotels, panoramic sea views, and easy access to Banje Beach. It’s ideal if you want a quieter base and more luxury without being far from the action.
Lapad – Best for Beaches & Relaxed Stays
A great choice for beach lovers and families, with promenades, cafés, and larger resort-style accommodation with pools. Lapad is well-connected by bus and offers a relaxed stay.
Pile – Best for Quietness & Transport Links
Pile is situated west of the Old Town, a quieter and flatter location on the waterfront with sea views, good transport links and a selection of restaurants, near the fortress.
Top Hotel Picks For First-Time Visitors
If you’re visiting Dubrovnik for the first time, these hotels are my top picks for location, style and atmosphere:
- Hotel Stari Grad: is a lovely 16th-century historic boutique hotel in the centre of Dubrovnik old town, offering a rooftop terrace restaurant!
- Villa Dubrovnik: a stylish seafront luxury hotel in Ploce with outstanding views and spacious rooms with gorgeous decor!
- St. Joseph’s Boutique: A beautifully restored 16th-century townhouse in the Old Town, with elegant rooms and pretty location.
If you’d prefer to jump straight to specific hotel recommendations, I’ve shared my favourite boutique and luxury stays by area in my full guide to where to stay in Dubrovnik.
WHAT TO DO IN DUBROVNIK
Dubrovnik offers the perfect mix of historic sights, beautiful beaches, and island adventures. If you’re researching what to do in Dubrovnik, start with the Old Town, the city walls, nearby beaches, and a boat trip along the Adriatic coast.
Explore The Old Town
The Old Town is the heart of the city and the first place most visitors head to, with its marble streets, baroque buildings, museums and medieval walls. Wandering its narrow lanes, historic squares, and waterfront promenades are the best things to do in Dubrovnik, even if you’re short on time!
See the best things to do in Dubrovnik old town!
Walk The City Walls
Walking along the Dubrovnik walls is a must-do activity for breathtaking views in Dubrovnik old town, you’ll see the city’s layout, orange rooftops and soak in the panoramic views of the Adriatic and the islands!
Relax On The Beaches
If you have extra time, explore Dubrovnik’s stunning coastline, go for a swim in crystal clear waters near the old town at Banje Beach, sip a cocktail at Coral Beach Club or explore quieter beach coves to relax like Sveti Jakov!
Take A Boat Trip
A boat trip is the best excursion from Dubrovnik with crystal-clear coves, nearby islands, and dramatic coastline just minutes from the Old Town – whether you’re taking a half-day, full-day or sunset trip, getting out on the water is one of the most memorable ways to explore the Adriatic on your first visit.
See the best boat trips from Dubrovnik here!
Enjoy The Sunsets
Sunsets are magical in Dubrovnik and you can see them from stunning viewpoints, such as Mount Srd, rooftop terraces, historic Fort Lovrijenac and the hole-in-the-wall bars along the old town walls (plus sunset boat trips).
Quick Tip for First-Time Visitors:
If you’re short on time, focus on the old town, one beach, half-day boat trip, one beautiful waterfront restaurant that gives you a perfect first taste of Dubrovnik.
For more detail, see my full guide to what to do in Dubrovnik old town here!
DAY TRIPS FROM DUBROVNIK
Dubrovnik is perfectly placed for exploring beyond the city walls, with beautiful islands, historic towns, and even neighbouring countries within easy reach. Whether you fancy a relaxing boat day or a culture-filled adventure, these are the best day trip options for first-time visitors.
Elafiti Islands (Best Overall Choice)
If you only do one day trip from Dubrovnik, make it the Elafiti Islands. This small archipelago is known for its crystal-clear water, sandy beaches, and laid-back island villages – a completely different pace from the Old Town.
A private boat tour is the most luxurious and flexible way to experience the islands, allowing you to swim in hidden coves, avoid crowds, and explore at your own pace. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, and anyone wanting a more exclusive experience.
See the best Elafiti Islands boat tours from Dubrovnik
Lokrum Island (Quick & Easy Escape)
Just a 10-minute ferry ride from the Old Town, Lokrum is perfect if you’re short on time. Expect botanical gardens, quiet walking trails, rocky swimming spots, and views back towards Dubrovnik’s city walls -don’t miss the garden restaurant!
Montenegro (Kotor & Perast)
For a more adventurous day, trips to Montenegro offer dramatic mountain scenery, medieval towns, and beautiful bays – all in one day. It’s a longer journey, but incredibly scenic, and best suited for those with 5 days in Dubrovnik.
Mostar (Bosnia & Herzegovina)
Mostar is famous for its iconic stone bridge and ancient architecture, offering a fascinating cultural contrast to Croatia’s coast. It’s best suited to travellers with an interest in history.
Planning to stay for more than a couple of days? See my curated guide to the best day trips from Dubrovnik!
WHERE TO EAT IN DUBROVNIK
Dubrovnik’s food scene ranges from charming old town taverns to Michelin star restaurants along the waterfront, and stylish wine bars for the evenings – it’s more incredible than first-time visitors might expect – so here’s a simple breakdown of your foodie options!
Old Town Taverns & Traditional Konobas
The old town lanes are known for housing local taverns and traditional konobas tucked away on the cobbles with charming small terraces, ideal for lunches and atmospheric evenings!
Michelin-Star & Waterfront Restaurants
For special occasions, there are several fine-dining restaurants in Dubrovnik overlooking the Adriatic or old town rooftops – perfect for sunset dinners and memorable evenings.
Wine Bars & Sunset Spots
Sunsets and wine bars are perfect for romantic evenings in Dubrovnik, from cliffside terraces to intimate Old Town courtyards and rooftops, Dubrovnik has no shortage of beautiful places for a glass of wine!
Casual Cafés & Beach Clubs
Cafes are dotted around Dubrovnik old town and on either side of Ploce and Pile Gates to linger with a coffee, while low-key beach clubs are ideal for relaxed lunches, beach days, and easy-going afternoons by the sea.
For specific recommendations, see my best restaurants in Dubrovnik old town and best brunch spots in Dubrovnik guides.
DUBROVNIK TRAVEL TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS
Now you’ve almost gotten to the end of this Dubrovnik travel guide, here’s a few essential travel tips that can make a huge difference to your experience, especially for first-visits!
Book your hotel in advance
Dubrovnik is the most popular destination in Croatia, and the best boutique hotels often sell out months in advance – especially from May to September. I highly recommend booking early for the best choice, rates, and locations close to the Old Town and beaches. See my full guide to where to stay in Dubrovnik.
Start early in the old town
Dubrovnik’s historic centre is at its most beautiful before 9am, when cruise ships haven’t arrived and the streets are still quiet, including walking the walls.
Book boat tours and restaurants ahead in summer
From June to September, the best boat tours and popular restaurants sell out quickly. If island hopping or sunset cruises are part of your plan, it’s worth securing spots in advance (I share my favourites in my Dubrovnik boat tours guide).
Wear proper shoes in the old town
The limestone streets in the Old Town are stunning but extremely slippery, especially in heat or after rain. Lightweight trainers or sandals with grip are far more comfortable than flat leather sandals.
Get online quickly in Dubrovnik
Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés, and restaurants, but if you want constant connectivity when your exploring – or leaving the airport, consider buying a cheap and easy eSIM with E-local before you arrive.
Carry cash and cards
Most places accept cards, but small cafés, beach bars, buses, and local bakeries still prefer cash.
Swim shoes are worth packing
Most beaches are pebbly or rocky, and they’ll save your feet when swimming or getting in and out of the water.
Respect the old town dress codes
Dress a little chic in the old town, you won’t see anyone walking around like they just came off the beach, definitely not in swimwear – you’ll likely get a fine!
Packing Tips For Dubrovnik
- Sun hat, sunglasses,
- High SPF La Roche SPF30-50
- Thick beach towel
- Refillable water bottle
- Comfortable walking sandals/shoes
- Swim shoes (for pebble beaches)
- Chic sun cover-ups!
Is Dubrovnik worth visiting?
Yes absolutely! Dubrovnik is worth visiting, especially for first-time visitors to Croatia. Dubrovnik combines dramatic coastal scenery, beautifully preserved history, and a romantic atmosphere that’s hard to beat anywhere in Europe.
Plan your Dubrovnik itinerary!
If you’re building your itinerary next, these in-depth guides from things to do in Dubrovnik to the best boutique hotels and day trips will help you plan the perfect stay:
- Where to Stay in Dubrovnik – best areas & boutique hotels
- Things To Do in Dubrovnik Old Town – top experiences & hidden gems
- 3 Days in Dubrovnik -perfect first-timer itinerary
- Best Day Trips from Dubrovnik – best scenic excursions
- Best Boat Tours from Dubrovnik – to Elaphiti Islands & beyond!
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Michelle Trudie, is the founder of Little Wanderblog, a luxury boutique travel site. She has travelled to over 30 countries in the last 15 years. Michelle share’s her passion for stylish and affordable luxury travel experiences in Europe and beyond! Her goal is to make travel planning easier to hidden gem places!