Discover Dubrovnik: Pearl of the Adriatic – Where History Meets Paradise

Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik captivates visitors with its perfectly preserved medieval walls encircling a limestone-paved Old Town that seems frozen in time. This UNESCO World Heritage site gained additional fame as King’s Landing in the HBO series Game of Thrones. The city’s stunning position on the Adriatic Sea, combined with its rich history as the wealthy Republic of Ragusa, creates an unforgettable backdrop of baroque buildings and ancient fortifications against crystal-clear waters and rugged mountains.

Quick Essential Information

Language

Croatian (English widely spoken)

Currency

Croatian Kuna (HRK)

Visa

Not required for EU citizens; check requirements for others

Power Plugs

Type C & F, 230V/50Hz

Emergency Contacts

Medical Emergency: 194
Police: 192
Tourist Police: +385 (0)20 443 555

Religion

Predominantly Roman Catholic

Airport

Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)

Climate

Mediterranean

Useful Apps

Croatia.hr
Dubrovnik Card
Moovit
Google Maps

Geographic Location

Dubrovnik sits on Croatia’s southern Dalmatian coast, bordered by the Adriatic Sea to the south and east. It’s positioned at the foot of Mount Srđ, with coordinates 42°38′25″N 18°06′30″E.

Best Time to Visit

  • Peak Season (July-August): Warmest weather, busiest period
  • Shoulder Season (May-June, September-October): Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
  • Off-Season (November-April): Mild winters, lowest prices

Transport

Airport Access: Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) – 20km southeast of city center

Airport to City Transportation:

  1. Airport Shuttle Bus
    • Cost: 55 HRK ($7.50)
    • Duration: 30 minutes
    • Purchase: At airport or online
  2. Public Bus
    • Cost: 40 HRK ($5.50)
    • Duration: 45 minutes
    • Purchase: From driver
  3. Taxi
    • Cost: 250-300 HRK ($34-41)
    • Duration: 25 minutes
    • Companies: Uber, Radio Taxi Dubrovnik

Accommodations

Booking platforms: Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com

Luxury Range

  • Hotel Excelsior
    • Price: 2,800-4,500 HRK ($380-615)
    • Location: Ploče
  • Villa Dubrovnik
    • Price: 3,000-5,000 HRK ($410-683)
    • Location: St. Jacob area
  • Hotel Bellevue
    • Price: 2,500-4,000 HRK ($341-546)
    • Location: Miramare Bay

Mid-Range

  • Hotel Lapad
    • Price: 1,200-2,000 HRK ($164-273)
    • Location: Lapad Peninsula
  • Hotel Neptun
    • Price: 1,000-1,800 HRK ($137-246)
    • Location: Babin Kuk
  • Berkeley Hotel
    • Price: 800-1,500 HRK ($109-205)
    • Location: Gruž

Budget Range

  • Old Town Hostel
    • Price: 150-300 HRK ($20-41)
    • Location: Old Town
  • Hostel Villa Angelina
    • Price: 180-350 HRK ($25-48)
    • Location: Ploče
  • City Walls Hostel
    • Price: 160-280 HRK ($22-38)
    • Location: Old Town

Foods

Dubrovnik’s cuisine reflects its coastal location and historical influences:

Traditional Delicacies:

  • Crni Rižot: Black risotto made with cuttlefish ink
  • Pašticada: Braised beef in sweet-sour sauce
  • Zelena Menestra: Traditional cabbage and meat stew
  • Špageti s Plodovima Mora: Seafood pasta
  • Rozata: Traditional crème caramel dessert
  • Dubrovačka Malvasija: Local white wine

Must-Try Restaurants:

  • Restaurant 360°: Michelin-starred dining with city views
  • Proto: Traditional seafood since 1886
  • Lady Pi-Pi: Famous for grilled meats and seafood

Tourist Attractions

Dubrovnik City Walls The crown jewel of Dubrovnik’s attractions, these magnificent 2km-long medieval walls offer an unparalleled journey through history. Built between the 13th and 16th centuries, they reach heights of 25 meters and feature five fortresses. The Minčeta Tower, the highest point, offers breathtaking 360-degree views. Visit Fort Lovrijenac, nicknamed “Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar,” perched dramatically on a 37-meter-high cliff. The Bokar Fortress provides stunning sunset views over the Adriatic. Allow 2-3 hours for the full circuit, with plenty of stops for photos and refreshments at cliff-side cafes. Best visited during early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and intense heat.

Old Town (Stari Grad) A UNESCO treasure where every stone tells a story. Begin at Pile Gate, the grandest entrance to the Old Town, with its stone bridge and statue of St. Blaise. Walk the Stradun, the limestone-paved main street that gleams like marble, lined with historic buildings and charming shops. Visit the Big Onofrio’s Fountain, a 16th-century architectural marvel where locals still fill water bottles. The Franciscan Monastery houses one of Europe’s oldest functioning pharmacies (since 1317). Don’t miss the Orlando’s Column, a symbol of Dubrovnik’s independence, and the Sponza Palace, a Gothic-Renaissance masterpiece housing the city archives.

Mount Srđ Rising 412 meters above Dubrovnik, this mountain offers the most spectacular views of the city and surrounding islands. Take the ultra-modern cable car for a 4-minute scenic ride, or hike the trail (45-60 minutes) for a more adventurous approach. Visit the Homeland War Museum in Fort Imperial, featuring compelling exhibitions about the 1991-1995 siege of Dubrovnik. The panoramic restaurant offers fine dining with incomparable views. Time your visit for sunset when the Old Town’s terracotta roofs glow golden and the Adriatic islands cast long shadows.

Lokrum Island A peaceful escape just 10 minutes by boat from the Old Port. Home to peacocks, rabbits, and a botanical garden featuring exotic plants from around the world. Explore the Benedictine Monastery complex, dating from the 11th century, and visit the Game of Thrones museum in the former monastery. Swimming spots include the Dead Sea, a small salt-filled lake, and numerous rocky beaches with crystal-clear waters. The island’s highest point offers views back to Dubrovnik. No overnight stays are allowed, adding to the island’s mystique.

Rector’s Palace This stunning Gothic-Renaissance palace served as the seat of Dubrovnik’s government for centuries. The Cultural History Museum inside features period rooms, including the rector’s apartment, council chambers, and dungeon. Admire the ornate stone carvings, particularly the capitals featuring Aesop’s fables. The palace’s atrium hosts classical music concerts during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival. Don’t miss the original keys to the city gates and the old pharmacy items collection.

Dominican Monastery and Museum A masterpiece of Gothic architecture featuring one of the finest cloisters in Dalmatia. The monastery’s museum houses an impressive collection of religious paintings, including works by Titian and the Dubrovnik School. The library contains over 220 incunabula and numerous medieval manuscripts. The church features beautiful stained glass windows and a striking 15th-century crucifix.

Maritime Museum and Aquarium Located in St. John’s Fortress, this museum chronicles Dubrovnik’s naval history when it rivaled Venice. View model ships, naval equipment, and navigational instruments from the Republic era. The connected aquarium features Adriatic marine life in historic fortress vaults.

Trsteno Arboretum The oldest arboretum in this part of Europe, dating from the 15th century. Featured as the Gardens of King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. Home to historic gardens, exotic plants, and two massive 500-year-old Oriental Plane trees. The renaissance garden pavilion offers stunning sea views.

Things to Do

Historical and Cultural Experiences:

  • Game of Thrones Tours
    • Visit Fort Lovrijenac (Red Keep)
    • Explore Trsteno Arboretum (King’s Landing gardens)
    • Walk the Jesuit Staircase (Walk of Shame location)
    • Join guided tours with show footage comparisons
  • Walking Tours and Museums
    • Early morning city walls walk
    • Jewish Heritage walking tour
    • War Photo Limited gallery visits
    • Homeland War Museum guided tours
    • Ghost stories and legends evening tour

Water Adventures:

  • Sea Kayaking
    • Sunset tours around city walls
    • Betina Cave exploration
    • Lokrum Island circumnavigation
    • Hidden beaches discovery tour
  • Island Hopping
    • Elaphiti Islands full-day cruise
    • Blue Cave swimming adventure
    • Mljet National Park excursion
    • Green Cave snorkeling
    • Korčula Island wine tour

Cultural Immersion:

  • Culinary Experiences
    • Croatian cooking classes
    • Wine tasting in local cellars
    • Oyster farm visits in Ston
    • Traditional konoba dining
    • Market tours with local chefs
  • Arts and Entertainment
    • Summer Festival performances
    • Classical concerts in churches
    • Traditional klapa music evenings
    • Art gallery tours
    • Photography workshops

Adventure Activities:

  • Land Activities
    • Buggy safari on Mount Srđ
    • Rock climbing at Belvedere
    • Mountain biking in Konavle
    • Hiking ancient trade routes
    • Cycling wine tours
  • Water Sports
    • Stand-up paddleboarding
    • Jet ski tours
    • Parasailing
    • Scuba diving to shipwrecks
    • Sport fishing trips

Day Trips:

  • Montenegro Adventures
    • Bay of Kotor tour
    • Our Lady of the Rocks visit
    • Budva Old Town exploration
    • Blue Cave swimming
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
    • Mostar Bridge and Old Town
    • Kravice Waterfalls
    • Počitelj fortress village
    • Medjugorje pilgrimage site

Evening Entertainment:

  • Sunset Experiences
    • Buža Bar cliff-side drinks
    • Sunset dinner cruises
    • Cable car sunset tour
    • Panorama Restaurant dining
  • Nightlife
    • Wine bar hopping in Old Town
    • Live music at Culture Club Revelin
    • Beach club parties
    • Traditional tavern evenings

Wellness and Relaxation:

  • Spa treatments at luxury hotels
  • Yoga classes on Banje Beach
  • Traditional Croatian massage
  • Meditation in ancient monasteries

Getting Around

Public Transportation:

  • Single bus ticket: 15 HRK ($2)
  • Day pass: 40 HRK ($5.50)
  • Cab starting fare: 30 HRK ($4)
  • Cable car return: 170 HRK ($23)

Budget (Daily Expenses in USD)

CategoryBackpackerMid-RangeLuxury
Accommodation$25-45$120-200$350+
Food$20-30$50-80$120+
Transportation$5-10$15-25$40+
Attractions$10-20$30-50$80+
Total/Day$60-105$215-355$590+

Travel Insurance

We recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and theft.

Money-Saving Tips

  • Purchase Dubrovnik Card for free attractions and transport
  • Visit in shoulder season
  • Stay in Lapad or Gruž instead of Old Town
  • Use public transportation
  • Eat at local konobas (taverns)
  • Fill water bottles at public fountains
  • Book accommodations well in advance

Seasonal Recommendations

  • Summer: Beach activities, festivals
  • Spring: Walking tours, island hopping
  • Fall: Wine harvests, cultural events
  • Winter: Christmas fair, fewer tourists
  • February: Feast of St. Blaise
  • July-August: Dubrovnik Summer Festival

Safety Precautions

  • Beware of slippery limestone streets
  • Carry water and sun protection
  • Watch for sea urchins when swimming
  • Keep valuables secure in crowded areas
  • Use official taxi services
  • Stay hydrated during wall walks

Dubrovnik offers an extraordinary blend of historical grandeur, natural beauty, and modern charm. Whether you’re walking the ancient city walls, island hopping in the Adriatic, or exploring Game of Thrones filming locations, the Pearl of the Adriatic provides unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler. With careful planning and this guide, you’re ready to discover one of Europe’s most beautiful destinations.

Note: The travel package prices provided are estimates based on current market rates. Actual costs may fluctuate due to factors such as peak tourist seasons and other circumstances beyond our control.