Dubrovnik guide 

Sights and attractions - What should you see and visit in Dubrovnik? Historic city walls, Stradum Street, Rector's Palace,...

Accommodation - Where to stay in Dubrovnik? In the historic city center or near the beach? In a luxury hotel, guesthouse, hostel or apartment?

Typical food and drink - What you should try in Dubrovnik - seafood, brodet, rozata or local wine.

Practical tips - Here you will find out when it is worthwhile to visit Dubrovnik, how to move around the city, where to shop,...

Weather - What temperatures and rainfall should you prepare for when visiting Dubrovnik? When are thunderstorms likely?

Personalities - What famous personalities lived and worked in Dubrovnik?

AI Poem - What did artificial intelligence come up with about Dubrovnik, its natural beauty and history?

Dubrovnik, often called the "Pearl of the Adriatic," is one of the most famous and most visited cities in Croatia. It is located in southern Dalmatia, on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. This historic city, known for its well-preserved medieval walls, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979.

Dubrovnik has a rich history that dates back to the 7th century, when it was founded as a fortress under the name of Ragusa. Over the centuries it became an important commercial and cultural center, especially as an independent city-republic that prospered thanks to maritime trade.

The city is famous for its impressive architecture and many monuments, which mainly include its walls, gates, cathedrals and palaces. Both history and culture lovers and tourists looking for beautiful beaches and clean seas go to Dubrovnik.

Many popular movies and series such as "Game of Thrones" have been filmed in Dubrovnik, which has contributed to its popularity among tourists.

They also host the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, which offers performances of opera, theater, ballet and concerts.

Sights and attractions

City walls - The walls surrounding the old town are among Dubrovnik's biggest tourist attractions. Built in the 12th and 13th centuries, they measure approximately 2 kilometers and provide stunning views of the city and the Adriatic Sea. A walk along the walls allows visitors to admire historic towers, bastions and medieval gates.

Stradun - The main street of the old town, Stradun, is lined with beautiful stone houses and buildings. This wide cobbled street is lined with cafes, restaurants and shops. It runs from the western city gate of Pile to the eastern gate of Ploče. After dark, you can enjoy the pleasant warmth radiating from the marble pavement, the lights of the lanterns and the relaxed atmosphere.

Rector's Palace – The Rector of the Republic of Dubrovnik resided in this palace. They built it in Gothic and Renaissance style. Today it serves as a museum where you can see historical artifacts and learn about the history of the city. Scenes from the series Game of Thrones were filmed here.

Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary - The Baroque cathedral from the 17th century was built on the site of an older Romanesque cathedral destroyed by an earthquake. Inside the cathedral you will find a treasure trove of valuable relics and paintings by major European painters, including Titian.

Franciscan Monastery - This 14th century monastery has one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe that is still in operation today. The monastery includes a beautiful monastery courtyard and Gothic-Renaissance architecture.

Onofrio's Fountain - The Great Onofrio's Fountain is one of the landmarks of the city and is located at the Pile city gate. It was built in the 15th century as part of the city's water supply system. You can still get drinking water here.

Pile City Gate – This main entrance to the old town includes a drawbridge and an impressive statue of Saint Blaise, Dubrovnik's patron saint.

Sponza Palace - Gothic-Renaissance palace from the 16th century, which served as a customs office and warehouse. Today it houses the state archive and the building is the site of various exhibitions and cultural events.

Lokrum Island - This island is only 10 minutes by boat from Dubrovnik. That's why many cruise ships head here. On the island you can visit the botanical garden, the ruins of the Benedictine monastery or relax on the beaches.

Lovrijenac Fortress - This fortress on a rock by the sea was built to defend the city and is often referred to as the "Gibraltar of Dubrovnik". Today, theater performances are held here as part of the Dubrovnik Summer Festival. The fortress offers wonderful views of the walls and the city.

Accommodations

In this beautiful seaside resort, you can choose from more than 3,000 different accommodation offers, from cheap options to luxurious ones. You can choose between apartments, guesthouses, hotels, holiday houses or hostels.

You can experience real luxury at the 5* Palace Natali hotel, for example. The hotel is located near the historic center, less than a kilometer from the beach. Here you can relax in the garden or on the terrace with outdoor furniture. Refreshments are offered by the local restaurant, and refreshments are available in the outdoor pool or hot tub. There is also free private parking, a sauna and a fitness center.

If you are looking for luxury at an affordable price, take a look at the 5* Sun Gardens Dubrovnik hotel. The hotel is located right next to the beach, about 9 km from the center of Dubrovnik. The facilities of this large hotel include 3 outdoor and 1 indoor swimming pool, garden, terrace, wellness and spa center, tennis courts, soccer field, climbing wall and more. Children can have fun on the playground or the animation team will take care of them.

If you prefer to stay in a guesthouse, Ana Guesthouse is located 3 km from the city center and only 400 meters from the beach. You can park for free directly in the building. You can relax in the garden or on the terrace. Families with children will also fully enjoy the pension - they lend you a baby carriage, and you can use the children's playground.

If you prefer accommodation in an apartment with its own kitchen, take a look at Apartments Giron, for example. You will find them right in the city center, 30 meters from the most famous Stradun street. It is not possible to park at the accommodation, but we will be happy to provide you with an airport transfer or luggage storage.

Hostel Petra Marina offers cheap accommodation not far from the port. The main bus station is less than a kilometer from the hostel. You can stay in a shared room. All guests can use the shared kitchen, common room or terrace with a stunning sea view. At the reception, they can arrange various types of activities or trips for you upon request.

For a complete offer of accommodation in Dubrovnik, we recommend using A-HOTEL.com or Booking.com.

Typical food and drink

Seafood - As a coastal city, Dubrovnik offers a wide variety of fresh seafood dishes. You can taste calamari, prawns, mussels and fish, often grilled with olive oil, garlic and parsley.
 

Brodet - Thick fish stew cooked in tomato sauce with onions, garlic and wine. It is traditionally served with polenta and includes a variety of fish and seafood.
 

Pršut (cured ham) - A popular delicacy, often served with hard sheep's cheese from the Pag or Livno region.
 

Sarma - Cabbage leaves stuffed with a mixture of minced meat and rice, covered with sauce and slowly stewed. This dish has become popular with local people all over Croatia, including Dubrovnik.
 

Rožata - Dubrovnik version of French crème caramel. This sweet pudding with caramel glaze is one of the most popular desserts.
 

Dubrovnik cheese with honey - This dessert combines sheep's or goat's cheese with honey. The simplicity of Dalmatian tastes is excellent.
 

Wines – Red wines of the Plavac Mali variety from the Pelješac region come mainly from the Dubrovnik region. Other popular wines include Dingač and Pošip.

Practical advice for the trip

Most tourists arrive in the summer months (June to September). You can tell by both the crowds flowing through the streets and the higher prices. If you want to experience Dubrovnik in a quieter atmosphere, it is recommended to visit outside the high season, for example in spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October).

The main attractions, such as the city walls, tend to be paid and relatively expensive. If you plan to visit more sights, it's worth considering the Dubrovnik Card, which includes entry to the walls and other museums, plus city transport.
The historical center of Dubrovnik is best explored on foot. The Old Town is full of narrow streets and stairs, so be prepared for a lot of walking. Comfortable shoes pay off.

You can easily get around the Old Town by bus. The local transport company offers clear lines around the city and the surrounding area. It pays to buy tickets in advance, for example at newsagents, where it will be cheaper than buying from the driver.

If you are traveling by car, expect limited and expensive parking in the center. We recommend using a parking lot further from the center or parking garages.

Always carry a bottle of water with you as you get tired easily walking around town or exploring the walls and water is not always readily available.

In high season, long queues can form at the entrances to the walls or museums. Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to avoid waiting. Boat trips (to the nearby island of Lokrum or the Elaphite Islands) are also worth booking in advance, especially in high season.

Restaurants and shops in the Old Town are more expensive than elsewhere in Dubrovnik. If you're looking for cheaper dining, head to the less touristy parts of town.

Most places in Dubrovnik accept credit cards, but smaller shops or cafes may prefer cash. In Croatia, you pay in kunami, so keep some cash on hand, although ATMs are easy to find around town.

Some shops and institutions have a siesta, especially in the off-season. Many museums have shorter opening hours during the winter months.

The most famous Banje beach near the Old Town is very crowded in the season. If you are looking for a calmer and more natural swimming, go to the nearby island of Lokrum, where you will find beautiful places to swim and relax.

Weather

Dubrovnik has a Mediterranean climate, which means warm and dry summers and mild and rainy winters.
Daily temperatures in summer often exceed 30 °C, with almost no rain. The beautifully warm sea invites you to swim.
In winter, daily temperatures are around 10-15 °C. It rains more often, and sometimes a winter storm comes.
Dubrovnik thus offers great weather for a summer vacation, but also in the off-season it has a pleasant climate for sightseeing.

Famous personalities

Marin Držić (1508–1567) – One of the greatest Croatian playwrights and writers. He is often compared to Shakespeare. Držić's Renaissance plays form a significant part of Croatian literature.
 

Ruđer Bošković (1711–1787) – Physicist, astronomer, mathematician and philosopher from Dubrovnik, known for his pioneering scientific discoveries. His theory about the atomic structure of matter also influenced the scientists of the following centuries.
 

Ivan Gundulić (1589–1638) – Famous Baroque poet and dramatist, author of epic poems such as "Ottoman". Gundulić is considered a national hero. They built a monument to him in Dubrovnik.
 

Luka Sorkočević (1734–1789) – Music composer from Dubrovnik, known for his symphonies and chamber music. He was among the most important representatives of classical music in Croatia.
 

Ivo Vojnović (1857–1929) – Playwright and writer. His works were influenced by traditional life in Dubrovnik. He belonged to the main figures of Croatian realism and modernism.

A poem about Dubrovnik written by artificial intelligence

Dubrovnik, pearl of the sea, lost in the sunlight,
your walls remember the years when time stood still and warm change
history was once written in palaces and squares,
now the sea kisses your shores, in the waves it glistens calmly.

Your past is like the wind that carries the shadow over the mountains
where ancient kings and rulers walked your ancient city nearer,
guarded by fortresses and towers, you stand proudly above the sea,
eternally connected to the sea, where every stone knows something.

On your beaches, the golden light under your feet sparkles,
with dreams of silent history with the sea quietly intertwining in webs,
in the sands of times long gone
now every step is the whisper of ancient tumult and low laughter.

Banje beach where silver waves wash,
the shadows of palm trees and the smell of salt water in the heart dance on,
when the sun in the sky bows as if to your glory,
the golden thread of history that weaves in every step of the swimmer.

Lopud and Šunj, islands near where the sea promises silence,
where the beaches are soft, how you would caress the memory of history,
in the blue deep you find the story the sea tells
of battles, of peace, and of beaches that shine eternally in the heart.

And you, Dubrovnik, are still the same bright star,
your beaches surpass the ages in beauty, even as time flies on,
the sea softly sings, as it has known for ages,
and the history of the wave writes inscribed in the sand where each story leaves.