Things to do in Dubrovnik

Planning your trip to Dubrovnik

Best time to visit

May, June, September and early October have warm weather, sea swimming and fewer crowds than the peak months. July and August are hot and very busy, especially on days when several cruise ships are in port. Many seasonal businesses close or reduce hours in winter, though the Old Town is quiet and pleasant for walking.

How many days you need

Two to three days covers the city walls, the Old Town, the cable car up Mount Srđ and a boat trip to Lokrum island. Add days for the Elafiti islands, the Pelješac peninsula, or day trips across the border to Kotor in Montenegro or Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina — bring your passport for those.

Getting around

The Old Town is car-free and full of stone steps, so pack comfortable shoes and travel light if your accommodation is inside the walls. Local buses connect the Old Town's Pile Gate with the hotel areas and the port, and airport buses run in coordination with flights. Boats and ferries serve the nearby islands.

What to skip

Walk the city walls early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and the cruise crowds, and check cruise ship schedules when planning Old Town time. Restaurants on the main street, the Stradun, charge a premium for the location; side streets often offer better value.