From the Game of Thrones to Real-Life Wonders
If you want a memorable tour with a mix of historical attractions and sea breeze, Dubrovnik is one of the best places. Walking along the picturesque old streets and alleys while enjoying the attractions of the historic old town will fill you with comforting feelings.
Dubrovnik is one of the most beautifully designed cities in the world. Also, it is famous for its ancient city walls, so walking around the city walls with the ocean breeze is a must-do on your trip. Most tourists see “King’s Landing” of the “Games of Thrones” TV Series, which showcases Dubrovnik’s fabulous architecture and beauty.
So, you are invited to visit the stunning city to perceive the great feelings by exploring the historic landmarks and greenery valleys of Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik History
Dubrovnik was founded in the seventh century and was controlled by the Venetians and the Hungarians. All of them have left their mark on this city. From the outset, the city was protected by defensive walls. The town’s borderland status was a determining factor in its history.
The city is the former center of the independent Republic of Ragusa and has a remarkable history. It traded with Turkey and India in the East (with a consul in Goa, India), and it had trade relations in Africa—in the Cape Verde Islands—for 700 years before Napoleon abolished it in 1806. Even in the Middle Ages, Dubrovnik maintained diplomatic relations with the English court.
Dubrovnik saw significant growth from the 9th century onwards as a part of the Byzantine Empire. It was even viewed as posing a slight threat to Venice and its Republic by the 12th century. Venetian forces attacked it, and from 1205 until 1358, it fell under their rule.
The spectacular architecture and the city’s classification as a UNESCO World Heritage Site show that the 15th and 16th centuries saw the city’s greatest growth.
How to get to Dubrovnik
Despite the geographical location of Dubrovnik, which is situated in the far south of Croatia – close to the Montenegrin border, travelling to the city is not difficult. Since there are various ways to get there, such as flights, buses, boats, and roads, keep in mind that there is no railway line to Dubrovnik.
By Plane
The best alternative if you are traveling from abroad is to fly to Dubrovnik. Even during the off-season, low-cost airlines from Northern Europe offer regular service to the city. Čilipi Airport is the international airport of Dubrovnik, Croatia. This airport is in Čilipi and is approximately 15.5 km from the city center. So, try to find an airline to reach Dubrovnik.
Also, you can come to Zagreb Airport, the main international airport in Croatia, by plane. It is easy to go from there, as Croatia Airlines offers several daily flights from Zagreb, the country’s capital.
Another option is to come to Split Airport in Split, Croatia, and there is also a weekly flight to Dubrovnik.
Transport from the Čilipi Airport to the city center
It is around a 30 minutes drive from the airport to the city as the airport is located near the Montenegrin border.
Dubrovnik has recently introduced a non-stop airport shuttle service. Travelling from the Airport to the Old Town is relatively straightforward thanks to this shuttle service which stops at the Pile, the Old Town bus stop, the ferry port, and the major bus terminal in Dubrovnik.
Also, this service is available before and after each arrival, especially 30 minutes after each flight. A single ticket costs you 55 kunas (approx Euro 7.5).
Also, you can take a taxi to the city center of Dubrovnik.
If you have more luggage or want to go straight to your lodging, booking a private transfer before arriving at the destination is better.
By Bus
You can come by bus to Dubrovnik from other cities of Croatia, such as Zagreb, Zadar, Split, Peljesac & Korcula and from other countries, such as Albania (Tirana, Skadar), Mostar and Sarajevo.
Suppose you are coming from another country to Dubrovnik by bus. In that case, you have to go along Jadranska Magistrala (Adriatic coastal route), which crosses Bosnian territory at the point between Klek and Neum. There is a border crossing at this point, so keep your passport or other travel ID handy, as you may be asked for it by official border control.
You can check the timetables of the buses from this link.
By Ferry
If you come from Southern Italy, riding Jadrolinija’s ship to Dubrovnik is your best option, with a frequent ferry service connecting Bari and Dubrovnik. The trip is overnight and lasts roughly 12 hours. The ferry service is open from March to October.
You can take the boat from Split, Brac, Hvar, Korcula, and Mljet to Dubrovnik between April and October.
There is only a ferry service between Mljet and Dubrovnik in the other months. The trip can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours depending on where you start.
From this link, you can find the details and timetables of ferries.
By Road
Suppose you’re traveling to Dubrovnik from within Croatia outside the peak travel season. In that case, driving might be your best option, especially if you’re coming from Split and Hvar, where ferries are rare or nonexistent.
Remember that parking in Dubrovnik is somewhat limited, so plan your parking before traveling.
Just to make you aware, the kuna (HRK) is the local currency in Croatia, and, presently, 1 USD will buy you about 6,50 kunas, while 1 EUR will buy you just over 7 kunas.
Though there are many ATMs around the city, It is better to have some cash on hand to buy small things, even bus tickets.
Dubrovnik is a fairly expensive city, especially in the Old Town. So be ready to spend a little bit more than you initially anticipated.
Dubrovnik Weather
Dubrovnik experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, sunny summers and mild, rainy winters.
The winter in Dubrovnik lasts from December to February, distinguished by periods of sunshine mixed with cloudy skies. There may occasionally be heavy rains and a strong southerly breeze.
Even though the winters are often moderate, there can occasionally be quite chilly days when the bora wind blows. The maximum temperature may stay around 5 °C or below, while the minimum temperature may drop to 0 °C or below at night.
Although it is uncommon for the city to be covered with a white blanket, it occasionally happens, as it did in January 2017. The wind can carry some snowflakes from the interior. The coldest month in Dubrovnik is generally January.
The summer months of the city start in June and last till August. This period is hot and sunny with a few afternoon thunderstorms and a few rainy days, with June having a higher likelihood of these.
There can be hot and humid spells with highs of 34/35 °C, but the heat is typically moderate, and the breeze comes from the sea. The hottest month is August.
Best time to visit Dubrovnik
The months of May and September are good times of year to visit Dubrovnik. Most of the time, June has great weather, although it can occasionally turn hot, especially in the second half of the month.
The ideal months to visit the beach are July and August. The ocean is still a touch chilly in June.
Avoiding summertime to visit Dubrovnik is ideal, not only because of the heat but also due to overcrowding. You can’t experience the true beauty of this city with this crowd. So, the end of the march may be perfect for visiting Dubrovnik.
Did you know that the sunlight in Dubrovnik is just 7.2 hours per day?
Things to do in Dubrovnik
Stroll around the city walls.
Also, this imperious wall is one factor that made Dubrovnik eligible for UNESCO recognition. Initially constructed in the 10th century and modified in the 13th and 14th centuries, these mighty walls offered a strong barrier against invaders, rising to six meters in certain places. It is nearly two kilometers long in total.
The fee for access to the walls is unexpectedly high, but it is worth the money. Before ascending the wall, you must purchase a ticket at the box office next to the entrance. You still have to go to the office to receive an actual ticket, even if you have a Dubrovnik Card.
Going the whole circuit is recommended, and also try to walk before it gets crowded & early before the heat of the day.
Most tour groups only do part of the Walls, but you can not get the full experience. Anyway, if you are interested in taking one of the highly-rated tours that cover the Old Town walls, there are many options.
Wandering the Old City
It’s time to explore the Old Town’s streets after you tour the ancient walls. This is another nice thing to do in Dubrovnik. The city centre is small and accessible on foot. You can walk the entire length of the old city within 15 minutes without getting lost, as only five streets run east to west.
While wandering along the old town of Dubrovnik’s winding streets, you can find Restaurants and small stores. If you need to learn about the rich history of Dubrovnik and take you to significant locations, you can have a help of a local tour guide who is certified by the Croatian Ministry of Tourism.
The city’s floor plan is the same, resulting from a city-wide building design order issued in the wake of an earthquake and fire in the 17th century. Also, Walking along the main street – Stradun, backstreets and the famous Jesuits stairs, which have incredibly picturesque spots and charming corners- will inspire you towards this gorgeous city.
For your information, River Ombla, the shortest river in the world, is in this city and is the city’s source of drinking water. At the entrance of Dubrovnik, the Ombla River falls into the Adriatic Sea, and a spectacular hanging bridge spans the river.
Cable Car Tour
Riding by a cable car while observing the spectacular view of the city of Dubrovnik and around fifty Kilometers is another way to see the city’s beauty at a glance.
The tour finishes at the summit of Mount Sr. When you are at the top, you are free to explore the region, and this trip takes less than 10 minutes. This mountain has played an important role in the city’s history, serving as a barrier against the Turks, a fort during Napoleonic rule, and a battleground in the 1991 Yugoslav Wars.
Though this tour is expensive, you’ll never forget the vistas of Dubrovnik’s towers and walls, the baked clay tiles of the city’s houses and the evergreen offshore island against the cobalt Adriatic. In addition, the Panorama restaurant at the cable car station provides the same vista in addition to seafood platters, drinks, wine and exquisite local cuisine.
You can see the details from this link.
Visit Fort Lovrijenac
Fort Lovrijenac, often referred to as St. Lawrence Fortress, has long been one of Croatia’s most significant fortresses. It is regarded as “Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar” because of its location on a rocky promontory just beyond the city’s western wall.
Fort Lovrijenac is accessible via two drawbridges and a gateway via its remarkable walls, which are as thick as 12 meters in certain parts. It is notable for its odd triangle layout with its three terraces.
The locals built this castle in just three months at the beginning of the 11th century, beating the invaders to it by attempting to establish an outpost to capture the city.
Although there isn’t much to see within the fort, you should come here for the view. In addition to being another set of “Game of Thrones”, the fort’s views are some of the most breathtaking in all of Dubrovnik. You may take in all the splendour of the Old Town, including the walls.
Access to Fort Lovrijenac is included in the Old Town Walls ticket cost. You can attend the Hamlet performance here at this magnificent theatre if you’re in town for the Dubrovnik Festival in the summer.
TAKE A TOUR OF KING’S LANDING
If you are a fan of “Game of Thrones”, to remind you, King’s Landing is in Dubrovnik. So, one of the most popular activities in Dubrovnik is the Game of Thrones Walking Tour, which visits many of the important locations where the TV program was filmed. It has continuous commentary from a trained tour guide knowledgeable in the actual and made-up history of the site.
Because so many locations in Dubrovnik’s Old Town are recognized from this TV series, you might occasionally feel like you’re on a Game of Thrones movie set. The Jesuit Stairs, Fort Lovrijenac, Pile Gate, and West Harbour are the most well-known locations, while certain sequences were also shot at the Minceta Tower, Rector’s Palace, or the church steps of St. Dominic.
Suggest taking a Dubrovnik Game of Thrones tour to see all the locations from the show and learn more about how Dubrovnik became King’s Landing. Even if you haven’t watched the show, you should still join it because it will give you a new view of the city.
Visit beautiful monasteries
Franciscan Monastery
Franciscan Monastery, the first and most well-known, is situated right on Stradun, next to the busiest gate into the city walls. Early in the 14th century, the first church was erected here; however, most of it was destroyed in the 1667 earthquake. The ornate Gothic entrance that looks out over Stradun is the sole component that has survived to the present day. This was reconstructed in a baroque fashion, while the rest of the monastery is Romanesque and Gothic.
You may find actual wonders inside the complex, including two cloisters, a library with over 20.000 books and it is also home to a fascinating medieval pharmacy, the third oldest in the world, which dates back to 1317 and is notable for its large collection of antique decorated jars, measuring instruments, and mortars. Additionally, an on-site museum has a collection of excellent art and historical artifacts.
Dominican Monstery
The Dominican monastery sits on the other side of the Old Town, next to Ploce Gate. It may not have as many attractions as Franciscan Monastery, which accounts for its lower traffic, but it is undoubtedly a gorgeous location.
The Dominican Monastery in Dubrovnik was so enormous when it was built in the early 1300s that it was necessary to shift portions of the city walls. The monastery, severely destroyed in the 1667 earthquake, was rebuilt in its current shape, particularly preserving characteristics like its magnificent late Gothic cloister.
This is a perfect place to relax during your tour to Dubrovnik, as few people visit this monastic. Also, you can visit the museum at the Dominican Monastery complex, which houses some priceless manuscripts, golden hands, and icons. In addition, it has numerous religious works in the Dubrovnik School style from the 15th and 16th centuries, as well as intriguing artefacts made of gold and silver, a unique feature of this museum.
Visit Lokrum Island
Visiting Lokrum Island is one of the popular outings in Dubrovnik. You can take a ferry from the Old Port to the adjoining Lokrum island, a verdant haven only a short distance from the busy Old Town.
Other attractions on this tiny island include a tiny inland salt lake known as the Dead Sea, a well-liked location for selfies and scuba diving, an old Benedictine Monastery that dates back to the 11th century and now houses an island museum as well as a restaurant; and a lovely botanical garden that is home to about 200 different species of plants. Also, you can see peacocks and big rabbits roaming the island.
You can rent a sea kayak on the mainland and reach the island if you like.
The ferries only often travel during the summer, from May to September. The round-trip ticket includes admission to the island and 150 kunas.
Having a sunbath at the beach with a stunning view
As mentioned earlier, this city has beautiful historic, picturesque places and attractive beaches where you can do many things.
So, sunbathe at Dubrovnik beaches, and Banje Beach may be the best option for that, as it is one of the top beaches in Croatia. Banje Beach is located in this ancient city. It’s a lovely area to unwind and soak your feet in the water or go swimming, and it’s only a short stroll from the old Old Town.
Though Banje Beach is a crowded area, It’s a nice spot to wander and engage in watersports like windsurfing and sea kayaking, especially after dining at one of the numerous upscale restaurants or hotels nearby.
Further away from the Old Town, there are even more beaches that you can go to enjoy the sea.
Day trips from Dubrovnik
Apart from scrolling around the old city and other spots in Dubrovnik, the best way to enjoy your trip is to have a day trip from Dubrovnik. There are so many interesting places that you can have a day as per your choice;
Suppose you want to escape the crowd and enjoy the seaside vibe while trying some delicious dishes in the restaurants with the Franciscan monastery from the 15th century or the Baroque church from the 18th century. In that case, Cavtat is the best place for that.
If you are brave enough to explore the severally destroyed hotels during the Balkans War, from the upper floors or even rooftops of abandoned places, Kupari is the best place.
If you prefer the sunshine, wine and numerous cafes hidden in the shadow of impressive plane trees, your choice will be Trebinje – a town in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
One of the most remarkable views in the Balkans and try the local cuisine in Bosnia and Herzegovina while enjoying the crystal clear waters of the Neretva river, Mostar is ideal for you. On the way to Mostar, you can stop in Blagaj, Pocitelj, or Kravice Waterfalls which are all well worth a visit.
Cuisines in Dubrovnik
The gastronomy of Dubrovnik is mostly influenced by the Dalmatian shore, which is known for its variety of fish and seafood. However, certain traditional Croatian dishes are still highly popular in the region. The local cuisine in Dubrovnik is of such great quality that choosing where to eat can be challenging.
So, here are some of the top dishes in Dubrovnik that you can try during your tour.
Mussels/Seafood Buzara
This is a classic dish made with fresh ingredients and regional shellfish and served along much of the Adriatic coastline. The word “buzara” in Croatian means “stew,” which explains the idea behind this meal. The most popular shellfish simmered in a pot with wine, olive oil, garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, and occasionally tomato are mussels, but other shellfish can also be used. The outcome is a moreover healthy and deliciously straightforward dinner.
You can taste this dish at many restaurants in Dubrovnik.
Bruschetta with Anchovies
Black Risotto
Many restaurants in Dubrovnik serve this dish, including Mamas Pot Tavern in the Old Town, which specializes in traditional Dalmatian fare.
Šporki Mararuli (Dirty Macaroni)
Brodet
This fish stew is a classic Dalmatian dish that is a delicious way to enjoy some fresh seafood. Various fish species, along with vegetables, red or white wine, and spices, are typically stewed in the meal. This dish’s simple preparation, which only requires one pot, is key. Polenta, a traditional dish, soaks up all the flavorful fish broth when this dish is presented.
One of the favorite eateries in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Trattoria Carmen, specializes in fish and shellfish dishes and is the ideal spot to sample a genuine Dalmatian Brodet.
Apart from these dishes and places, you can taste the Dubrovnik cuisines from the following Dubrovnik restaurants.
- Dubravka 1836
- Bristo 49
- Barba
- Porat Restaurant and Bar
- Trattoria Carmen
- Nautika
- 360
- Fish Restaurant Proto
Nightlife in Dubrovnik
This splendid city sleeps quietly during the cold winters, but as summer comes, it awakens with a vibe. Under the moonlight, you can enjoy various music, tasty wine, and appetizers. Then, book a food tour to capture Mediterranean drinks and bites at restaurants hidden throughout the old town.
This city has many exciting options for night owls, such as sipping cocktails on the sea cliffs, attending the long-running Summer Festival, and partying hard at the Revelin Towers.
With its buzzing nightclubs, bars, and late-night restaurants, the city exudes a splendid aura of joy and serenity at night. Dubrovnik is a great place to party, dance, sing, and have a good time until the early morning.
Here are some bars and nightclubs where you can enjoy the nightlife of Dubrovnik
- Culture Club Revelin
- Revelin Towers
- D’Vino
- Buzz Bar
- Love Bar
- Lazareti
- Banje Beach Nightclub
- La Bodega
Where to stay in Dubrovnik
You have a variety of choices in selecting where to stay in Dubrovnik. Old Town is ideal if you are visiting this city for the first time. So, try out the following hotels in Old Town;
- Hotel Pucic Palace
- Boutique Hotel Stari Grad
- Prijeko Palace
If you are on a budget, then Gruž will be your choice, and some of the Dubrovnik hotels are listed below;
- Hotel Adria
- Berkeley Hotel & Day Spa
- Hotel Petka
Also, the following hotels are available in Dubrovnik as per your budget;
Luxury Hotels
- Villa Dubrovnik
- Royal Princess Hotel
- Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik
- Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik
Mid-Range Hotels
- Berkeley Hotel
- Hotel Lero
Budget Hotels
- Hotel Perla
- Hotel Petka
The Dubrovnik City Details
The City Map
You can get the map of the city from this link.
Getting around in Dubrovnik
On foot
The best way to explore Dubrovnik city without missing anything is on foot. Wandering around the old city by observing the rich history of Dubrovnik is ideal as the city is wholly pedestrianized.
By Bus
The bus is a viable option to visit beyond the center of Dubrovnik to explore the park, beaches and other sights. The buses of Dubrovnik are cheap and efficient. So, you can travel by bus to places far from the town.
You can purchase a ticket for 1.6 EUR at city newsstands or pay the bus driver 2 EUR in exact change. If you use the bus more than twice daily, purchasing a hopper ticket is a good idea. It’s valid 24 hours from first use and can be purchased at Libertas company kiosks for 30kn.
You can see the bus timetables at every major bus stop, Dubrovnik Tourist Board, Libertas bus company kiosks, or hotel front desk.
You can buy Dubrovnik Card, which offers free or discounted access to tourist sights, including the city wall and free public transport. It provides free bus rides for a fixed period depending on your card type.
By Taxi
Dubrovnik’s public transportation includes car taxis and taxi boats for getting around the city. Car taxis can be useful if buses are unavailable or insufficient or if you prefer a private taxi to take you to the door of your desired destination.
Taxi boats are an excellent mode of transportation for getting to, for example, the heart of the Old Town from Gru or Lapad while avoiding traffic jams. However, these are slower, more difficult to find, and more expensive.
Also, taxi apps Uber and Bolt serve the city and are marginally cheaper than local services.
By Ferry
The Dubrovnik ferry boat service is called “Vaporetto” and is an affordable and fun way to travel between various waterfront points around the Town and beyond. Currently, the following four routes are serving this:
- Ferry shuttle from Gruz to Lapad
- Ferry shuttle from Gruz to Solitudo
- Ferry shuttle from Old Town to Lokrum
- Ferry shuttle from Mokosica via Gruž and Old Town to Lokrum
By Car
You can rent a car for your journey with the usual local international hire companies. But, you must be patient if you use this option, as traffic jams are common in high season.
Final thoughts
Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful European cities, taking your breath away from its picturesque views. So, invite you to dive into the beauty of this city.
FAQs
- Why is Dubrovnik famous?
Dubrovnik is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world, complete with large and intact outer walls. It is also known for its delightful townscape and marble pavings which show medieval architecture.
- Should I go to Split or Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik is a great holiday destination because of its superior Old Town and foodies. On the other hand, Split is often more affordable than Dubrovnik and provides a great nightlife and day trip selection. Both locations have beautiful beaches.
- Is Dubrovnik, Croatia, worth visiting?
Dubrovnik is probably the most beautiful medieval town on Earth, and the size of Dubrovnik is just perfect for exploring its beauty in one day by walking around. So, yes, Dubrovnik is a city worth visiting in Europe.
- Is Dubrovnik safe at night?
Dubrovnik is a very safe city day and night, with a close-knit society and generally well-lit places.
- What is the best time of year to go to Dubrovnik?
Avoiding summertime to visit Dubrovnik is ideal, not only because of the heat but also due to overcrowding. You can’t experience the true beauty of this city with this crowd. So, the end of the march may be perfect for visiting Dubrovnik.
But usually, May to September is good for visiting Dubrovnik.
- How many days is enough in Dubrovnik?
Two days in Dubrovnik are enough to see the old town and the must-see attractions.
- Is the sea warm in Dubrovnik?
According to the seasons, the water temperature along the coast of Dubrovnik is 66°F on average every year. The lowest temperature, 56°F, occurs in February, and its highest is 81°F in August.
- Is Game of Thrones filmed in Dubrovnik?
Yes, its prominent filming locations are in the coastal city of Dubrovnik.
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