When to go to Dubrovnik?
→ The detailed month-by-month page, with real weather records
Best time: May to June and September
At a glance
Why go to Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik is one of those cities that seem too beautiful to be real, rightly nicknamed the pearl of the Adriatic. Its old town, entirely encircled by walls, juts out into the sea like a ship of white stone. Orange-tiled roofs, lanes of polished marble and the deep blue of the Adriatic compose a striking picture. Walking the walls at sunset is an experience that stays with you forever.
A merchant city-state and rival of Venice, Dubrovnik built its wealth on maritime trade and shrewd diplomacy. Liberty was its motto, carved into the stone of Lovrijenac Fortress. Palaces, monasteries and fountains bear witness to a golden age when art and learning flourished. The city was reborn after the siege of the 1990s, restored with meticulous care.
Today Dubrovnik is winning over a new generation of travellers, especially since it served as a filming location for Game of Thrones. But beyond the fame, the city remains a jewel to explore on foot, without a car. The nearby islands, sun-drenched coves and the vineyards of the Pelješac peninsula invite you to extend your stay. It is an ideal gateway to Dalmatia and neighbouring Montenegro.
Map of Dubrovnik: what is where?
The map shows the 6 places covered in this guide, to picture the distances and plan your route.
- Dubrovnik City Walls
- Stradun
- Lovrijenac Fortress
- Mount Srđ
- Lokrum Island
- Rector's Palace
How much does a trip to Dubrovnik cost?
Dubrovnik is the most expensive city in Croatia, particularly for accommodation in the old town and eating out in high season.
| Style | Per day | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | €50-80/day | Room in a private home, market, picnics and the walls at the student rate. |
| Comfort | €120-200/day | Hotel near the centre, restaurants, the walls and a boat trip. |
| Premium | €350+/day | Sea-view hotel, fine dining, a private cruise and wine tasting. |
Croatia adopted the euro in 2023 and cards are accepted everywhere; keep a little cash for small shops and water taxis.
Is Dubrovnik safe?
Dubrovnik is an extremely safe city, regularly ranked among the most peaceful destinations in Europe. Petty crime is rare, although a little vigilance against pickpockets is wise in the crowded streets in high season. The polished paving of the Stradun can become slippery in the rain, so wear good shoes. Rocky beaches call for caution when getting into the water and on the rocks. The biggest challenge is really the summer crowds, especially when cruise ships are in port.
What to see and do in Dubrovnik
- the walk around the city walls
- the Mount Srđ cable car
- the Stradun
- Lokrum Island
- Banje Beach
Dubrovnik City Walls
Nearly two kilometres long, the walls have completely encircled the old town since the Middle Ages. The walk along the top reveals stunning views over the orange roofs and the glittering Adriatic. Towers, bastions and fortresses punctuate this remarkably preserved defensive circuit. Allow about two hours and come early to avoid the heat and the crowds. It is the unmissable experience of any stay in Dubrovnik.
Stradun
The old town's main thoroughfare, the Stradun runs across the city from one gate to the other. Its limestone paving, polished by the centuries, shines like a mirror. Lined with uniform façades rebuilt after the earthquake of 1667, it breathes harmony. Cafés, shops and Onofrio's Great Fountain make it the beating heart of the city. It is the ideal place to watch local life from a terrace.
Lovrijenac Fortress
Perched on a rock thirty-seven metres above the sea, Lovrijenac guarded the city on its western side. Nicknamed Dubrovnik's Gibraltar, it offers a spectacular view of the walls. Its inscription proclaims that liberty is not sold for all the gold in the world. Game of Thrones fans will recognise a King's Landing set. It also hosts theatre performances in summer.
Mount Srđ cable car
In a few minutes, the cable car lifts visitors to the top of Mount Srđ at 412 metres. From up there, the panorama takes in the whole old town, the islands and the Dalmatian coast. A restaurant and a terrace let you savour the sunset. A small museum recounts the siege of the city in the 1990s. Walking down via a trail is possible for the more energetic.
Lokrum Island
A few minutes away by boat, Lokrum is a wooded island protected as a nature reserve. You wander among peacocks, botanical gardens and the ruins of a Benedictine monastery. A small saltwater lake, the Dead Sea, offers a peaceful swim. Rocky coves invite you to relax far from the bustle of the city. It is the ideal nature escape, within paddling distance.
Rector's Palace
This Gothic and Renaissance palace housed the seat of government of the Republic of Ragusa. The rector, elected for just one month, lived there and was not allowed to leave. The elegant inner courtyard now hosts concerts and exhibitions. The museum traces the history of the powerful merchant city-state. Its carved columns are among the finest details in the city.
How many days, and which itinerary?
Two to three days are enough for the old town and its immediate surroundings; four to five let you add the islands and a trip to Montenegro.
🗺️ Day-by-day itinerary · 📓 Free printable Dubrovnik guide (PDF) · 🌍 All of Croatia
Essential Dubrovnik (2 days)
The first day covers the walls, the Stradun and the Rector's Palace. The second goes up Mount Srđ and over to Lokrum Island for a swim.
Dubrovnik and the islands (4 days)
The two essential days are followed by a boat trip to the Elaphiti Islands and a tasting day on the Pelješac peninsula. Finish with a sunset kayak beneath the walls.
Dubrovnik and Montenegro (5 days)
After three days in Dubrovnik, spend a day discovering the Bay of Kotor, the spectacular bay of neighbouring Montenegro. The fifth day explores the Konavle valley and its villages.
Getting there and getting around
The old town is entirely pedestrianised, and everything is easy to visit on foot over its cobbles.
City buses efficiently link the old town, the port of Gruž and the districts where most people stay.
Water taxis and ferries serve Lokrum, the Elaphiti Islands and Cavtat from the old harbour.
The airport is around thirty minutes away, linked to the old town by shuttle and taxi.
Where to stay in Dubrovnik?
Rooms in private homes and hostels in Ploče or Lapad, from €40 to €75 a night.
Comfortable hotels and apartments close to the old town, between €90 and €160 a night.
Sea-view hotels on the Lapad peninsula, from €170 to €300 a night.
Grand hotels and luxury resorts such as Villa Dubrovnik, from €400 a night.
Our places to stay, stop by stop, at three budgets →
What to eat in Dubrovnik?
Try the seafood and fresh oysters from Ston Bay, renowned throughout the country.
Savour grilled octopus or peka, meat and vegetables slow-cooked under a bell covered in embers.
Accompany your meals with a local plavac mali red wine from the Pelješac peninsula.
Finish with rožata, the traditional caramel custard of the Dubrovnik region.
Entry requirements
Schengen area: an ID card or passport for EU citizens, 90 days visa-free for UK, US, Canadian and Australian passports.
Rules change: check your own government's travel advice before you go.
Frequently asked questions about Dubrovnik
When is the best time to visit Dubrovnik?
May, June and September offer an ideal climate and gentler crowds. July and August are hot and very busy, especially when cruise ships call, while winter remains calm and mild.
How many days do you need in Dubrovnik?
Two to three days are enough for the old town and its surroundings; four to five let you add the nearby islands and a trip to Montenegro.
What daily budget should you plan for Dubrovnik?
Allow around €65 a day as a backpacker, €160 for a comfortable stay and over €350 for a premium experience with a sea-view hotel.
How do you get around Dubrovnik?
The old town is explored on foot, city buses link the districts and the airport, and boats serve the islands from the old harbour and Gruž.
Which area should you stay in in Dubrovnik?
The old town offers total immersion but is expensive, Ploče is close by and quiet, while the Lapad peninsula appeals for its beaches and gentler prices.
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