15 Helpful Dubrovnik Tips for Your First Visit (2025 Guide)

Many years back, I took a trip to Dubrovnik with my partner on a whim, visiting for the first time on a recommendation from a friend. 

After a trip of a lifetime, the obsession only continued to grow. This year was my 6th time visiting, almost feeling like I can now call it home. 

And to truly be honest, what’s not to love?

Dubrovnik has ancient history, medieval City Walls and a real-life immersive fantasy experience through all the Game of Thrones filming locations. 

On my first visit, I made many mistakes and had many triumphs, but at the beginning, I wish I had known more things before I visited. 

To help you get the most out of your first visit, I’ve put together all the Dubrovnik tips you need to ensure you have the perfect first trip. Plus extra recommendations for your stay.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission if you use them at no extra cost to you.

Top 15 Dubrovnik travel tips

1. Book accommodation and restaurants in advance

With Dubrovnik being popular among Game of Thrones fans, city breakers and cruise-goers, booking the right accommodation and restaurants can prove to be extremely difficult. 

For hotels in the Old Town, the most affordable and convenient options are often booked up to 6 months in advance. When booking a last-minute trip, we always find our hotel search narrowed down to staying outside the Old Town.

For restaurants, it is a similar story. Chain restaurants like Nautika and the ever-popular 360 restaurant can get booked out 6 months in advance.

On our first visit, we managed to secure a front terrace seat at the incredible Restaurant Panorama.

However, we had to book 3 months in advance to secure a front-terrace spot as it is in high demand. If you don’t pre-book a seat before, they’ll assign you to a seat automatically. 

The same luck can’t be said about when we tried to book Nautika. The restaurant was fully booked for over six months, so make sure to plan ahead and book restaurants, as well as accommodation, way in advance. 

2. Wake up early for the best photos

If you plan to head up to the Old Town after 10 AM for clear photos of Dubrovnik, you will be out of luck. 

When 10 AM hits, the city is heavily crowded, as people start to arrive from day trips, cruises and those staying close to the Old Town. 

To get the best, clear photos, arrive in the Old Town by 7 AM. 

My partner and I once made the brave decision to wake up super early and enter the Old Town from 6:30 AM. We managed to capture clear photos of all the hugely popular areas in the Old Town like Jesuit Stairs without another tourist in sight.   

3. Bring euros with you just in case

While everywhere around the world is moving towards a cashless society, you can’t be too safe in Dubrovnik.  

Most establishments, public transport and city attractions in Dubrovnik accept cards as payment.

However, we have had many instances where small establishments didn’t accept cards, or the card ticketing system wasn’t working on the bus, and we have required cash to purchase a ticket. 

Good to know: ATM transaction fees to exchange Euros are astronomical in the Old Town.

Unfortunately, the closest ATM to exchange money without a transaction charge is the KentBank Poslovnica Branch, which is a 30-minute walk outside the Old Town. 

This is why bringing some euros can save you money by avoiding potential transaction fees and wasted time trying to find an ATM outside the Old Town.

4. Don’t buy water refills

With Dubrovnik being one of the most expensive cities in Europe, saving costs on little things like water refills can go a long way for those on a budget. 

In and around the Old Town, you can find 4 refillable water fountain stations. 

• Onofrio’s Fountain: This is the main water fountain in Dubrovnik and has been providing locals with clean water since 1438. It can be found just as you enter the Stradun area next to Pile Gate. It has 16 water spouts. 
• Small Onofrio’s Fountain: This can be found at the opposite end of the Stradun, right next to Saint Blaise’s Church. It is much smaller than Onofrio and only has one sprout. As of right now, it is covered by construction, so Onofrio is the best option in the Old Town. 
• Amerling Fontana: This is located just outside Pile Gate, right by the Tourist Information Centre and where guided tours begin. The fountain has 3 spouts. 
• Jewish Fountain: You can also find this by the Tourist Information Centre, outside Pile Gate. It only has 1 spout.

5. Avoid visiting on cruise days

One of my most important Dubrovnik tips is to avoid visiting Dubrovnik on a cruise day, if possible. This is because Dubrovnik is a very popular Mediterranean cruise destination.

Luckily, I’ve always managed to plan to visit around cruise days. However, if you’re not visiting on a cruise, it is the best thing to do. 

The Old Town gets heavily crowded when cruises are in port. I’ve heard many horror stories from travellers struggling to book attractions, get into restaurants and walk around the Old Town smoothly, as thousands are in a compact Old Town.  

To plan around it, you can use this cruise schedule. 

This will inform you of the cruise dates for Dubrovnik, alongside the number of passengers disembarking from the cruise. 

6. Visit during the shoulder months

Although Dubrovnik is a popular summer destination, the shoulder months are the best time to visit Dubrovnik. 

Why visit during the shoulder months? 

• Much cheaper: Restaurants, accommodation and attractions are a lot cheaper compared to summer prices, as the demand is lower. 
• Comfortable weather: Shoulder months like May, June and September are still a warm climate for Croatia, averaging highs of 25°C in Dubrovnik. It is comfortable weather to do activities like walking along the Dubrovnik City Walls and Kayaking in the Adriatic Sea.
• Fewer crowds: Dubrovnik is extremely crowded during the summer. As the Old Town is compact, large numbers of tourists will impact your experience massively.

7. Try another beach instead of Banje

A beach day at Banje Beach to explore the beautiful coast of Dubrovnik seems to be on every Dubrovnik travel guide. 

And it’s easy to see why. The location of Banje Beach is perfect, with incredible close-up views of the Old Town from the beach.

That being said, its increase in popularity has turned it into a tourist trap. Prices for sunbeds have skyrocketed, and in peak summer, it can get really difficult to find a spot to pop a towel and relax.

For a more relaxing beach day, I recommend going farther out of the Old Town to visit Sveti Jakov. The beach is secluded and away from the bustling side of Dubrovnik.

Sveti Jakov is located 1 mile away from the Old Town and can be reached via a 30-minute walk from the Old Town, exiting through Ploce Gate.

For a quicker route: You can take the #5 or #8 bus from Pile Gate to Viktorija, Hotel Vila Dubrovnik. From here, it is a 10-minute walk to the beach.  

8. All the beaches are pebbly

Sadly, there are no sandy beaches in Dubrovnik. Just like most of Croatia’s coastline, the beaches are primarily made up of stones and pebbles. 

For the closest sandy beach, you’ll need to take a ferry to Lopud Island to visit Šunj Beach.

If you choose to stay in Dubrovnik and want to rent a sun lounger, prices average around €30 a day.  However, you can pop a towel down on most beaches for free. 

9. Go on a Game of Thrones Walking Tour

If you’re an avid fan of Game of Thrones like me, you are probably aware that Dubrovnik was used as the main filming location for King’s Landing.

The best way to see all the filming locations in Dubrovnik is through a guided tour, as most of the tour guides were extras on the show. 

Alongside seeing the locations, you’ll hear personal anecdotes and learn behind-the-scenes secrets that are currently unknown to the public.

What to do if you’re not a Game of Thrones fan? 

Don’t let the idea of joining a Game of Thrones tour put you off. 

The majority of tours explore the main attractions around the Old Town like the City Walls, St Lawrence Fortress and Pile Bay. 

You’ll learn many fascinating facts about the city and its ancient history, despite its primary focus being Game of Thrones. 

Note: For those who prefer the convenience of doing a self-guided tour, you can follow my guide on all the Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik.

10. Purchase the Dubrovnik Pass

The Dubrovnik Pass is an excellent way to save costs on attractions, day trips and restaurants during your visit. 

Some of the notable highlights include free one-time entry to attractions like the City Walls and Rector’s Palace, plus discounts on a trip to Lokrum Island. 

When purchasing, you have three options: 

• Dubrovnik one-day pass (€40): You will get one-time free access to all attractions included with the pass.
• Dubrovnik 3-day pass (€50): This includes free one-time access to attractions, plus 20% off a Lokrum Island ferry ticket. Available to use within 3 days
• Dubrovnik 7-day pass (€60): This includes free one-time access to attractions, plus 30% off a ferry ticket to Lokrum Island. Available to use within 7 days

Is the Dubrovnik Pass worth it? 

Yes, it is 100% worth it. The Dubrovnik one-day pass costs €40, which is the same price as a City Walls ticket. So if you plan to visit the City Walls, you’re already covering the cost of the pass. 

Plus, public toilets around Dubrovnik charge €1. We’ve managed to save plenty of money just using the museum’s toilet facilities.

Which Dubrovnik Pass should you get? 

If you’re visiting for just one day, then you only need the one-day pass. 

I recommend purchasing the 3-day pass if you plan to stay for 2 days or more. When we visit, we usually purchase the 3-day pass, as we save €5.40 with the 20% Lokrum Island discount. 

I don’t recommend the 7-day pass, as you can cover all the museums and attractions with the Dubrovnik pass in less than 3 days.

11. Walk along the City Walls in the morning or at sunset

If you’re heading to Dubrovnik, the chances are you’ll likely be walking along the City Walls. 

Dubrovnik’s City Walls have been the Old Town’s defence for centuries, completely encircling it. The walk takes you along this 1.5km circular route and lasts up to 1-2 hours. 

To get the most out of your experience, walk along the City Walls in the morning or during sunset. 

Why morning or sunset is best: 

• Far fewer crowds: By midday, the City Walls are packed with tour groups and cruise passengers, making it difficult to enjoy the views, take photos and move past the crowds. 
• Cooler temperatures: There is no shade on the City Walls, so start your walk in the morning or at sunset when the weather is more bearable. Beginning at midday can be exhausting, especially during the summer when it’s much warmer.

If you’re visiting for the day on a cruise or day trip, be sure to make the City Walls your first stop in the morning. 

12. Visit Lokrum Island

Just 650m off the coast of Dubrovnik is a little idyllic islet called Lokrum Island. 

There are so many amazing things to do on Lokrum Island, whether that’s visiting the Botanical Gardens, relaxing at the Dead Sea, or seeing the fantastic cloister architecture at the Benedictine Monastery. 

Plus, visit a few more Game of Thrones locations on the island. You can also sit on an Iron Throne replica in the Visitor Centre inside the Benedictine Monastery!  

We’ve made it a ritual to visit Lokrum every time we visit Dubrovnik, as it’s a serene place to visit to escape the bustling crowds. 

How to get there: To get to Lokrum Island, you have to catch a ferry from the Dubrovnik Old Port. Return tickets cost €30 and can be purchased online or at the ticket booth opposite Poklisar Restaurant.

For more information on a trip to Lokrum Island, check out my Lokrum Island day trip guide

13. Try the local food and wine

Dubrovnik has a rich fish culture. As it is situated on the Mediterranean coast, the restaurants in the city benefit from having fresh catches distributed from local fishermen. 

Restaurants like Heritage of Dubrovnik or Forty Four Restaurant are the best places to try the local fish scene, serving dishes like Octopus Salad, Swordfish and plenty of grilled fish options.

Wine is also a popular thing to try in Dubrovnik. Red wines like Dingač and Postup, Pošip (white wine) are served in most restaurants.

We enjoyed a great glass of Dingač at Restaurant Panorama, enjoying it with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Old Town.

14. Save money by trying the local street food

It’s a very common misconception that Dubrovnik is a cheap city to visit in Europe. 

Dubrovnik is very much on the expensive side. To save money, opt to purchase local street food instead of dining at a restaurant.

For cheap street food, I recommend trying:

• Cevapi: This is a set of small grilled minced meat sausages, often served in a white flatbread. It is very filling! I recommend purchasing it from Preša. 
• Burek: This is a flaky pastry with a choice of various fillings like meat, spinach and cheese. Holy Burek is the best place in Dubrovnik to try one. 

We usually take our Cevapi and sit on Jesuit Stairs. This is the best place to visit at night in Dubrovnik to people-watch. 

Good to know: Restaurants in Dubrovnik in the summer increase their menu prices. This is to cater to the higher visitor demand and increased costs of produce from suppliers.

15. Go for a day trip to a neighbouring country

While it seems like a lot to cram into a trip, places like Kotor in Montenegro or Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina are right on the doorstep and are simply too good to miss. 

On our first visit to Dubrovnik, we spent a week and managed to visit both Montenegro and Bosnia across 2 days.

If you have more than 5 days or more in Dubrovnik, I recommend allocating 1-2 days in your itinerary to visit them. 

Key note: You will need to bring a passport to enter both Montenegro and Bosnia as they aren’t part of the Schengen Area.

Dubrovnik to Kotor, Montenegro 

For this trip, we took a guided tour and crossed the border in a private vehicle. 

Kotor is a very postcard-worthy town, with notable sights like the Bay of Kotor and Kotor Old Town, an UNESCO World Heritage site. 

My highlight of the trip was hiking up to Kotor Fortress. At the top, it promises a breathtaking view of Kotor’s Old Town with a backdrop of Kotor Bay. It costs €15 to hike to the fortress using the main route. 

Read next: Dubrovnik to Kotor Day Trip

Dubrovnik to Mostar and Kravice Waterfalls, Bosnia and Herzegovina  

To get to Mostar/Kravice Waterfalls from Dubrovnik, we booked a small group tour because it gave us more time to explore the locations, as we spent less time at border control.

Booking a guided tour is the best option for transport if you aren’t renting a car, as public transport to both places in Bosnia is not available. 

The city of Mostar is stunning. Explore the Old Town, see the Ottoman influences and walk along the famous Old Bridge or admire it from the bank below. 

My favourite part of the trip was Kravica Waterfalls. As well as being aesthetically pleasing, you can swim at the base of the waterfall, which is rare in comparison to most waterfalls in Croatia. 

Bosnia & Herzegovina does not use Euros and has its own currency (Bosnia-Herzegovina Convertible Marka). If you plan to purchase souvenirs, you will need to exchange money in Mostar or Dubrovnik.

For Kravice Waterfalls, you can use Euros to purchase your entrance ticket, which is €10.

For more information, check out my full guide: Dubrovnik to Bosnia Day Trip.

Where to stay in Dubrovnik?

Figuring out where to stay in Dubrovnik highly depends on how you like to travel and what you want to prioritise. 

Best option: The Old Town

For a more immersive experience, the best place to stay is in the Old Town. 

Staying in the Old Town gives you the freedom to explore the attractions and walk back to your apartment without the worry of having to travel long distances back to your hotel.  

You can expect to pay a lot more for accommodation and as most of the apartments in the Old Town are on higher ground, you will need to hike to your hotel. 

However, staying in the Old Town’s medieval walls feels like a fantasy dream. The atmosphere, aesthetic and views are timeless.

Cheapest option: Mlini or Cavtat

The cheapest option when staying in Dubrovnik is to stay in either Mlini or Cavtat and travel down to the Old Town from there.

Mlini is a beautiful little village, located just 20 minutes from Dubrovnik by bus. We stayed here on our first visit, saving 50% on costs for accommodation rather than opting to stay in the Old Town

Cavtat is also an incredible option, a picturesque coastal town just 30 minutes away from Dubrovnik by bus. And did I mention, a lot cheaper! 

You can get to Dubrovnik from Cavtat and Mlini using the number #10 Libertas bus. 

Good to know: If you want to learn what you can do in Cavtat from Dubrovnik, check out my Cavtat day trip guide.

How to get to Dubrovnik 

Getting to Dubrovnik from Dubrovnik Airport 

For those landing at the airport, there are multiple transportation options available to take you to Dubrovnik. 

• Airport Shuttle Bus: You can use the Platanje shuttle bus service to take you to the Old Town or Dubrovnik’s main bus station from Dubrovnik Airport. One-way rides cost €10, with an open return ticket available for €15. Tickets can be pre-booked online or purchased at the airport. 
• Taxi: This is by far the most expensive option. It costs on average €45 to get from Dubrovnik Airport to the Old Town by taxi. 
• Private transfer: You can book a private transfer to get to Dubrovnik from the airport. They will take you to your chosen drop-off point.  

By ferry or cruise

Dubrovnik is a very popular destination to arrive by ferry or cruise, often used by travellers coming from places like Split, Hvar, Brač or Korčula or those coming on a Mediterranean cruise.

When you arrive, you’ll dock at the Port of Gruž, which is Dubrovnik’s main city port. This is located 3.2km away from the Old Town, so you’ll need to find transport once you arrive. 

For the cheapest/easiest route to the Old Town, take any 1A, 1B, 3, or 8 bus from the Luka Gruž 5 bus stop at the Dubrovnik Bus Station. 

The bus ride takes 15 minutes and will drop you off at Pile Gate. Bus tickets cost €1.99 and you can purchase them from the driver using cash or a card. 

Note: If you have the Dubrovnik Pass, bus travel to and from the Dubrovnik bus station/port is free. 

By coach

If you’re planning on travelling from places like Split, Montenegro, or Bosnia, going by coach is an easy and cost-efficient way to get to Dubrovnik. 

When we’ve travelled to Dubrovnik by coach, we usually use FlixBus, which is one of the cheapest European coach companies you’ll find. 

Coaches will arrive at the main Dubrovnik bus station, rather than take you to the Old Town. From here, you can take the bus to the Old Town.

FAQ’s for Dubrovnik 

Final thoughts on a trip to Dubrovnik

Well, that brings us to the end of my Dubrovnik travel guide.

By now, you should be equipped with all the insider knowledge you need to plan the perfect first trip.

Dubrovnik has always been one of my favourite places to visit. With its gorgeous medieval architecture and serene coastal views, the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ promises a memorable travel experience you’ll treasure forever.

If you have any questions or need more Dubrovnik tips for your first visit, don’t hesitate to comment below. I hope you have a lovely time, as I always have.

Useful resources for planning your Dubrovnik trip:

Flights: If you’re looking for cheap flights to Dubrovnik, I recommend using Skyscanner. It scours the internet across airlines and travel sites to help you find the cheapest deal on your flight. I’ve used it more times than I can count!

Travel Insurance: Do I need travel insurance for Dubrovnik? Yes, of course! I always purchase travel insurance in case anything happens during my travels. SafetyWing is my go-to travel insurance provider and they’ll help you find the best coverage to suit your travel style and budget.

Rental cars: Should I rent a car in Dubrovnik? Yes, if you’d like to visit destinations like Split, Mostar or Kotor in your own time and at your own pace. We’ve rented a car in Dubrovnik a few times and the Croatian highways are gorgeous to drive around. Especially the Adriatic Highway D8! We use Discover Cars to find the best deals.

Hotels: To book accommodation in Dubrovnik, we usually use Booking.com. They have an array of different options to suit all travel styles. We benefit from their Genius loyalty scheme, which gives us 10% off bookings.

Tours or Activities: For your tours or activities in Dubrovnik, I couldn’t recommend GetYourGuide enough! I use it everywhere I go, and it is brilliant for thinking of ideas for things to do. I’ve used it to book activities in Dubrovnik like Kayaking, wine-tasting tours and day trips.

Internet data: Do I need internet data in Dubrovnik? Yes, if you want good, reliable internet on the go, like I do. Dubrovnik has a few free WI-Fi hotspots around Pile Gate, Ploce Gate and Stradun as part of the European WiFi4EU project. However, the internet speeds are incredibly slow. For better internet, I recommend getting an eSIM using Airalo.