Travel Guide to Dubrovnik, Croatia

With its terracotta-tiled roofs, stone walls, picturesque views of the Adriatic Sea, and an interesting mix of Baroque, Romanesque, and Renaissance architecture, Dubrovnik is one of the most recognizable destinations in Croatia. It’s also famously home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the Old Town received the designation in 1979 — and has been awarded the nickname the “Pearl of the Adriatic.”

For Joško Leoni, the owner of Sea Fun Dubrovnik and admin of the Facebook group Dubrovnik Croatia Travel 2025, it’s a special place for a few reasons, including its majestic city walls (which surround the Old Town), the small, cobblestoned streets, the distinctive rooftops that contrast with the blue sea, and, of course, the people. Given its many unique features, Dubrovnik is far from a travel secret. In recent years, the city has even experienced over-tourism, primarily due to its role as a major filming location for HBO’s Game of Thrones. That said, travelers should make it a point to visit respectfully; plan a trip for the off-season, support local businesses, and aim to explore outside of the Old Town.

Read on to discover more tips and local recommendations for your trip to Dubrovnik.

Best Hotels

Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik

Past guests at Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik include ​​Queen Elizabeth II and Elizabeth Taylor, so it should come as no surprise that it’s one of the best in the city. By booking one of the 158 rooms and suites, says Leoni, you’ll get to “wake up and look out the window or over the balcony [and] admire the beauty of the Old City and the Adriatic Sea.” The hotel is a short walk from the City Walls, but be sure to leave time in your schedule to explore the property; there are gardens, a beach, a spa, an indoor swimming pool, and three restaurants.

Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik

Another property close to the Old Town comes recommended by Josip Carević, a captain for Dubrovnik Boats. Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik is housed in a building that dates back to 1897, but it has all the modern amenities necessary for a comfortable stay. There’s an indoor pool, spa, and fitness center, plus an on-site Mediterranean restaurant, Imperial Terrace, and a ​​bar with outdoor seating and views of Fort Lovrijenac and the city walls. Note: Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik is closed until March 3, 2025 for renovations.

Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik

Part of the Adriatic Luxury Hotels hospitality group, Hotel Bellevue is one of the sibling properties of Hotel Excelsior (as well as Hotel Dubrovnik Palace and Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik). The boutique hotel leans a bit more contemporary than Excelsior, and its 91 rooms and suites are light and airy; many of them even come with private balconies. If you’re visiting in the warmer months, head down to the pebble beach at the base of the cliffs, accessed via the hotel’s private panoramic lift.

Things to Do

Visit Old Town and walk along the city walls.

According to Carević, both the Old Town and its city walls are a “must-see.” The walls, which were built between the 13th and 17th centuries, enclose Old Town in its entirety. As you walk them, Andrea Lovric, a concierge from Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik, notes you’ll get amazing  “views of the terracotta rooftops, the sparkling Adriatic, and the surrounding fortifications.” Leoni also suggests keeping an eye out for Minčeta Fortress and Fort Lovrijenac, in particular — both of which appeared in Game of Thrones. Other highlights within Old Town, particularly for fans of the HBO show, include the Jesuit Staircase (where Cersei Lannister’s “Walk of Shame” scene was filmed), the Ploče Gate, and St. Dominic Street. The latter connects Ploče Gate with Stradun, the main street in the Old Town.

Ride the cable car to Mount Srđ.

“For the best views of Dubrovnik and its surroundings, take the cable car to the top of Mount Srđ. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset and enjoy a meal at Panorama Restaurant,” says Lovrić. Tickets can be purchased at the cable car stations. Next to the cable car stop, you’ll find Panorama Zipline Dubrovnik. “I would recommend their sunset tour, where after an unforgettable zipline experience, they will take you to enjoy a glass of wine from the most beautiful place in the city for the sunset,” says Leoni.

Take a ferry to Lokrum Island.

“Lokrum, with its great and distant history dating back more than 1,000 years, is definitely one of the places you must visit when you come to our city,” says Leoni. There are regular sailings from the Old Town port, and the journey costs seven euros and lasts about 15 minutes. He describes Lokrum as a “place from a fairy tale,” one where you’ll encounter peacocks, incredible views (especially from the top of Fort Royal Castle), and pockets of natural beauty. Be sure to bring your swimsuit, too; the Dead Sea, a salt lake at the center of the island, is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing. Lokrum is also another GOT filming location; fans may recognize it as the city of Qarth.

Plan a day trip to Ston.

“Just an hour’s drive from Dubrovnik, Ston is famous for its salt pans and world-class oysters,” says Lovrić. “A visit to an oyster farm in Mali Ston offers a unique opportunity to taste some of the freshest oysters straight from the sea, paired with local wine.”

Explore the Elafit Islands.

Both Carević and Leoni recommend heading out to the Elafites, an archipelago made up of 13 islands (though Leoni notes that the most well-known are Koločep, Lopud, And Šipan). The islands are about a 20-minute ride from Dubrovnik and can be reached by ferry, tour boat, or private boat. “It’s a perfect way to relax while swimming, snorkeling, and island-hopping. You can explore hidden caves and secluded beaches, as well as have lunch in one of the restaurants,” says Carević. A couple of sights to add to your itinerary, as suggested by Leoni, include the Blue Cave on Koločep and Šunj Beach on Lopud, where he says it will feel “as if you are in the Maldives.”

Best Shopping

Kawa

Anyone in the market for a locally made souvenir should stop into Kawa, housed in a converted garage outside of Ploče Gate. “It is also a place for all digital nomads where they can come and sit for a coffee and do their work,” says Leoni.

Clara Stones

Searching for handmade jewelry to mark your time in Dubrovnik? Lovrić recommends Clara Stones, which he says specializes in coral and pearl pieces. The store, located right off of Stradun, is a true jewel box, with wooden beams, a giant chandelier, and cases of gorgeous necklaces, rings, pendants, and more.

Mala Spenza

As any experienced traveler will tell you, the small, local grocery stores often have the best finds. Take Mala Spenza, for example. “It is a store that mainly has products produced in the countryside. You can find local products such as homemade cheeses, meat that is much better than in big stores, homemade olive oil that is often rated with gold plaques, and dried meat products of Croatian autochthonous production,” says Leoni.

Art Gallery Talir

“For all those who want to buy a unique local souvenir, I would single out the Talir gallery located in the city center,” says Leoni. “They sell handmade souvenirs, such as magnets of the city of Dubrovnik, small wooden boats, and pictures of the city of Dubrovnik made by the son of the owner of the gallery, Maro Cetinić.”

Best Restaurants

Panorama Restaurant & Bar

“Panorama Restaurant on the Srđ hill is certainly one of the most famous restaurants in Dubrovnik,” says Leoni. The enviable location gives way to what he describes as “a beautiful view of the Old City, the Adriatic Sea, and the islands.” Fair warning: “Their restaurant is booked months in advance and I recommend you contact them well in advance of your arrival to reserve your table,” he says.

Gradska Kavana Arsenal Restaurant

Gradska Kavana Arsenal Restaurant is a top choice for Carević, who calls it the “best quality-price ratio restaurant in Dubrovnik.” The Mediterranean menu features dishes such as squid, fish stew, and octopus salad,  and if you can snag a table on the terrace, you’ll get to enjoy your meal with unbeatable views of the Old City Port.

Konoba Pjatanca

“I am certainly a person who sticks to tradition, and I would single out Restaurant Konoba Pjatanca,” says Leoni. “It is the oldest restaurant on the Ploče Gate and the only restaurant that offers the traditional peka dish in the entire Old City area.” Made from lamb, veal, or octopus and prepared with vegetables and potatoes, peka, he explains, is placed “under a metal lid or bell then covered with hot coals and fire and baked for two to three hours.”

Restaurant 360

“This Michelin-starred restaurant offers exceptional Mediterranean cuisine with a creative twist. Located along the Old Town walls, on a rooftop terrace, it combines culinary artistry with a spectacular ambiance,” says Lovrić. Restaurant 360 offers tasting menus and a la carte options, all of which feature a range of fresh seafood and local flavors.

Best Time to Visit

The general consensus from the locals we spoke with was that the best time to visit Dubrovnik is either late spring or early autumn. In May, June, September, and October, says Lovrić, “the weather is warm but not overly hot, the crowds are manageable, and the Adriatic Sea is perfect for swimming.” If possible, avoid traveling to Dubrovnik in July and August. This time of year, says Leoni, “the city is often crowded and there are big crowds, especially on the city walls and in the Old City.” Note that some attractions and restaurants may close seasonally, so check their dates before you plan.

How to Get There

Dubrovnik isn’t the easiest European city to get to for travelers flying from the U.S. There are currently no direct flights to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), and you can expect at least one or two layovers in cities such as London, Frankfurt, Munich, or Vienna. Alternatively, it’s possible to book an international flight to Croatia’s Zagreb Airport (ZAG), then hop on an hour-long domestic flight — via Croatia Airlines — to DBV. Taking the bus from Zagreb to Dubrovnik is another option; this leg of the journey typically takes between 8.5 and 10.5 hours.

How to Get Around

If you’re visiting Dubrovnik, you’ll want to pack your walking shoes. “It is small — around 40,000 people live here — but vibrant and easily accessible to explore by just walking around,” says Carević, who adds that the city is also “well connected with local buses that run every 10 to 15 minutes, depending on location.” And if you’re considering driving? You may want to rethink your plan. Public parking near the Old Town can be hard to find (the area itself is car-free), and Leoni warns it’s “overpriced.” “It is cheaper to use Uber or a taxi than to pay for just one hour of parking,” he says.