The ancient city walls that surround Dubrovnik Old Town, offering stunning views of the city and the Adriatic Sea.

The City Walls of Dubrovnik are a series of defensive stone walls that have protected the citizens of the city for centuries. They are considered to be among the greatest fortification systems of the Middle Ages. /n The walls run an uninterrupted course of approximately 1,940 metres in length, encircling most of the old city, and reach a maximum height of about 25 metres. The bulk of the existing walls and fortifications were constructed during the 14th and 15th centuries, but were continually extended and strengthened up until the 17th century.

The City Walls of Dubrovnik are a series of defensive stone walls that have protected the citizens of the city.

A stunning cathedral housing a treasury of religious artifacts.

Dubrovnik Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of the Assumption, is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. /n The cathedral's interior is equally impressive, with a beautiful altar featuring a painting by Titian, a famous Italian painter. The cathedral's treasury is also worth a visit, housing a vast collection of religious artifacts, including relics of Saint Blaise, the patron saint of Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik Cathedral is a stunning Baroque church in the heart of the city.

The main street in Dubrovnik's Old Town, lined with shops and restaurants.

Stradun, also known as Placa, is the main street of Dubrovnik's Old Town. It's a pedestrian thoroughfare lined with historic buildings, shops, and cafes. The street is paved with limestone, which has been polished smooth over centuries of use. /n The street is lined with buildings that date back to the 17th century, many of which were rebuilt after the 1667 earthquake. These buildings house a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, making Stradun a bustling hub of activity in the city.

Stradun is Dubrovnik's main street, known for its limestone pavement and historic buildings.

A fortress located outside the western wall of the city, offering stunning views of Dubrovnik.

Fort Lovrijenac, also known as St. Lawrence Fortress, is a historic fortress located outside the western wall of the Old Town. It's often referred to as 'Dubrovnik's Gibraltar' due to its location on a 37-meter-high rock. /n The fortress has a triangular shape and offers stunning views of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea. It has been used as a location for the popular TV series 'Game of Thrones'. Inside the fort, visitors can explore the various rooms and learn about its history.

Fort Lovrijenac is a historic fortress offering stunning views of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea.

A Gothic-Renaissance palace that now serves as a museum showcasing the city's history.

The Rector's Palace is a palace in the city of Dubrovnik that used to serve as the seat of the Rector of the Republic of Ragusa between the 14th century and 1808. /n It is a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods. The palace was used for a variety of public functions including the Rector's office, the council chambers, the administrative offices of the Republic, and the dungeon.

The Rector's Palace is a palace in the city of Dubrovnik that used to serve as the seat of the Rector.

Dubrovnik, Croatia, known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a blend of historical charm and natural beauty. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its stunning Old Town, encircled by massive stone walls dating back to the 16th century. Explore the pedestrian-only streets, lined with Baroque buildings, lively cafes, and high-end shops. Visit the impressive Rector's Palace and the ancient Franciscan Monastery. Take a cable car up to Mount Srd for breathtaking views of the city and the Dalmatian Coast. Enjoy a boat trip to the serene Elaphiti Islands or the lush Lokrum Island. Dubrovnik also offers exquisite local cuisine and world-class wines. Experience the magic of Dubrovnik, a city where culture, history, and beauty converge.

Dubrovnik Cathedral

Stradun

Start your day with a visit to the ancient City Walls of Dubrovnik. These impressive fortifications offer stunning views of the city and the Adriatic Sea. Take your time to explore the walls and the history behind them.

Enjoy a traditional Croatian lunch in one of the many local restaurants in the Old Town. Try some of the local seafood dishes or a hearty meat platter.

After lunch, visit the Dubrovnik Cathedral and its treasury. The cathedral is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture and the treasury houses a rich collection of religious artifacts.

For dinner, head to a local wine bar and enjoy a selection of Croatian wines paired with local cheeses and charcuterie.

End your day with a leisurely stroll along the Stradun, the main street of the Old Town. The street is lined with beautiful historic buildings and is a great place to people-watch.

Exploring the City Walls and Old Town

Fort Lovrijenac

Rector's Palace

Start your second day with a visit to the Fort Lovrijenac, a stunning fortress located on a cliff. The fort offers breathtaking views of the city and the sea.

Have lunch in a cozy local restaurant in the Old Town. Try some of the local dishes like black risotto or grilled fish.

Spend the afternoon exploring the Rector's Palace, a Gothic-Renaissance structure that now serves as a museum. The palace offers a glimpse into the history and culture of Dubrovnik.

For dinner, enjoy a meal at a local seafood restaurant. Dubrovnik is known for its fresh seafood, so this is a must-try.

End your day with a relaxing walk along the City Walls. The walls are beautifully lit up at night, offering a different perspective of the city.

Visiting Fort Lovrijenac and Rector's Palace

Daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October

UTC+1

Dubrovnik's public transportation system is reliable and extensive, with buses running frequently throughout the city and surrounding areas. It's a cost-effective and efficient way to get around. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks, on the bus, or via a pre-paid card.

Taxis are readily available in Dubrovnik and can be hailed on the street, booked in advance, or picked up from designated taxi stands. They offer a convenient, though more expensive, way to get around the city.

Uber is available in Dubrovnik, offering a convenient and often cheaper alternative to traditional taxis. The app allows you to book a ride directly from your smartphone and track your driver's arrival.

Renting a car can be a good option if you plan to explore beyond the city. However, keep in mind that parking can be difficult in the city center and the old town is pedestrian-only.

Dubrovnik is a bike-friendly city with several rental shops offering daily and weekly rates. It's a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the city, but be prepared for some hilly terrain.

Ferries operate between Dubrovnik and the nearby islands, offering a scenic way to explore the region. Tickets can be purchased at the port or online in advance.

The Dubrovnik Cable Car offers stunning views of the city and the Adriatic Sea. It runs from the city to the top of Mount Srd, a popular spot for panoramic views.

Dubrovnik's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is best explored on foot. The area is pedestrian-only and is filled with historic sites, charming streets, and beautiful views.

A traditional Croatian dish made by baking meat and vegetables under a bell-like dome, or 'ispod čripnje'. It's a popular dish in Dubrovnik and is often made with veal, lamb or octopus.

Peka

A black risotto made with cuttlefish or squid, rice, garlic, red wine and olive oil. The ink from the cuttlefish or squid gives the dish its distinctive black color. It's a must-try for seafood lovers visiting Dubrovnik.

Crni Rižot

A traditional Dubrovnik dessert similar to flan or crème caramel. It's made with eggs, sugar, milk and a local liqueur called 'Rozalin' which gives it a unique flavor.

Rozata

A stewed beef dish cooked in a special sauce, often served with gnocchi. It's a traditional Dalmatian dish that's very popular in Dubrovnik.

Pasticada

Fresh oysters from the nearby town of Ston. They're considered some of the best in the world and are a must-try for seafood lovers visiting Dubrovnik.

Ston Oysters

Freshly caught fish from the Adriatic Sea, grilled to perfection. It's a simple dish, but the freshness of the fish makes it a standout.

Grilled Fish

A sweet dessert wine made from dried grapes. It's a traditional Croatian wine that's often enjoyed after dinner or with dessert.

Prošek

Croatian dry-cured ham similar to Italian prosciutto. It's often served as an appetizer and is a staple of the local cuisine in Dubrovnik.

Pršut

A savory pie filled with Swiss chard. It's a traditional Dalmatian dish that's often enjoyed as a main course in Dubrovnik.

Soparnik

A strong fruit brandy that's popular throughout Croatia. There are many different varieties, but some of the most popular ones in Dubrovnik include grape, plum, and fig rakija.

Rakija

A hearty vegetable soup that's a staple of the local cuisine in Dubrovnik. It's often made with potatoes, beans, cabbage, and other seasonal vegetables.

Maneštra

A herbal brandy made with various herbs and spices. It's a traditional Croatian drink that's often enjoyed as a digestif after meals in Dubrovnik.

Travarica

New Year's Day

Epiphany

Easter Sunday

Easter Monday

Labor Day / May Day

Statehood Day

Corpus Christi

Day of Antifascist Struggle

Victory Day

Assumption of Mary

All Saints' Day

Remembrance Day

Christmas Day

St Stephen's Day

Known for the iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge), a reconstructed medieval arched bridge, the nearby alleys are full of shops and market stalls, and the Old Bridge Museum explores the bridge’s long history.

Mostar

A historic city known for its medieval walls and the stunning St. Mark’s Cathedral. Also, it's believed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo.

Korčula

A fortified town on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, in a bay near the limestone cliffs of Mt. Lovćen. Known for its stunning architecture and the iconic Bay of Kotor.

Kotor

Known for its beaches and the fortresslike complex at its center, Diocletian's Palace, erected by the Roman emperor in the 4th century.

Split

A large area that covers the western part of Mljet Island, which includes two salt lakes - Veliko and Malo Jezero, and the Benedictine monastery on the island of St. Mary.

Mljet National Park

Known for its mix of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and Yugoslav influences. Notable landmarks include the Gazi Husrev-bey Mosque, the Sarajevo Cathedral, and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.

Sarajevo

A Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea, best known as a summer resort. Highlights of the port town Hvar include its 13th-century walls, a hilltop fortress and a main square anchored by the Renaissance-era Hvar Cathedral.

Hvar

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Rovinj

Trogir

Zadar

Zagreb

Famous Stradun, the main street of the old town of Dubrovnik, Dalmatia

Dubrovnik is a coastal city in Croatia, known for its stunning old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The official language is Croatian, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.

The local currency is the Croatian Kuna (HRK). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always handy to have some cash.

Dubrovnik has a Mediterranean climate. Summers (June to August) are hot and dry with temperatures ranging from 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C). Winters (December to February) are mild and wet with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 55°F (4°C to 13°C).

Tipping is customary in Croatia. It's common to leave around 10% of the bill in restaurants.

Public transportation is reliable and affordable. The city buses run frequently and cover most of the city.

Taxis and Uber are also available, but can be more expensive than public transportation.

Dubrovnik is a pedestrian-friendly city, especially the old town, which is car-free.

Croatia is part of the European Union, but not the Schengen Area, so you may need a visa depending on your nationality.

The tap water in Dubrovnik is safe to drink.

Croatia uses the Type C and Type F plug. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

Dubrovnik can be very crowded during the peak tourist season (July and August). Consider visiting in the shoulder seasons (May, June, September, October) for a more relaxed experience.

Croatian cuisine is diverse and delicious. Be sure to try local dishes like 'pasticada', 'black risotto', and 'Dubrovnik rozata'.

Dubrovnik is safe, but like any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

There are plenty of supermarkets and local markets where you can buy fresh produce and local products.

Croatia is in the Central European Time Zone (CET), which is GMT +1.

Pharmacies are widely available throughout the city. Look for the sign 'ljekarna' which means pharmacy in Croatian.

Emergency number in Croatia is 112. This number can be dialed free of charge from most mobile networks.

Sunscreen is a must during the summer months as the sun can be quite strong.

Respect local customs and traditions. Croatians are generally conservative and appreciate when visitors respect their way of life.

January is the coldest month in Dubrovnik, but it's still relatively mild with occasional rainfall.

February is a bit warmer than January, with slightly more sunshine hours and less rainfall.

March sees the start of spring, with temperatures slowly rising and the days getting longer.

April is a pleasant month with moderate temperatures, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

May is a beautiful month to visit Dubrovnik, with warm temperatures and blooming flowers.

June marks the beginning of summer, with long sunny days and warm sea temperatures perfect for swimming.

July is the hottest month in Dubrovnik, with high temperatures and plenty of sunshine.

August is equally hot as July, with high temperatures and a high chance of heatwaves.

September is a great month to visit, with warm temperatures and fewer crowds.

October sees the start of autumn, with cooler temperatures and beautiful fall colors.

November is a quiet month in Dubrovnik, with mild temperatures and fewer tourists.

December is a festive month in Dubrovnik, with Christmas markets and mild winter weather.

Dubrovnik, Croatia, is a beautiful city known for its stunning architecture and crystal-clear waters. However, the weather can greatly impact your travel experience, so it's essential to plan accordingly.

The city experiences a Mediterranean climate, which means hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Summer temperatures (June to August) can reach up to 86°F (30°C), making it a perfect time for beach activities and water sports. However, it's also the peak tourist season, so expect crowded streets and higher prices. Make sure to stay hydrated and wear sun protection.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are also great times to visit. Temperatures during these seasons range from 59°F (15°C) to 77°F (25°C), providing a comfortable climate for exploring the city's historical sites. Rainfall is moderate, so it's advisable to carry an umbrella or raincoat.

Winter (December to February) in Dubrovnik is mild compared to other European cities, with temperatures ranging from 41°F (5°C) to 55°F (13°C). It's the wettest season, so pack waterproof clothing. On the plus side, you'll find fewer tourists and lower prices.

Regardless of when you visit, remember that weather can be unpredictable. Always check the forecast before your trip and pack accordingly. Enjoy your visit to Dubrovnik!

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2-Day Local's Guide: Dubrovnik Sightseeing, Food & Wine Tour

About Dubrovnik, Croatia