Dubrovnik is Croatia’s showpiece — and it knows it. The old town is stunning, the walls are worth every cent, and the Adriatic light in the late afternoon makes everything look like a painting. It’s also the most expensive city in the Balkans, so plan accordingly.
Walk the city walls
This is the #1 thing to do in Dubrovnik, and for good reason. The 2km circuit takes 60–90 minutes, with views over terracotta rooftops, the harbour, and Lokrum island. Entry is €35. Go at 8am when gates open — by 10am it’s packed with cruise ship passengers. The walk is fully exposed with no shade, so bring water and a hat in summer.
Take the cable car up Mount Srđ
The cable car runs from just above the old town to the top of Srđ (412m) in under 4 minutes. The views are spectacular, especially at sunset. €27 return. There’s a restaurant at the top and the Imperial Fortress museum (covers the 1991 siege). You can also hike up — about 45 minutes, steep but well-marked.
Visit Lokrum island
A 15-minute ferry from the old port (€15 return). Lokrum is car-free with rocky swimming spots, a botanical garden, a ruined Benedictine monastery, and resident peacocks. The saltwater Dead Sea lake on the south side is the best swimming spot. Bring food — the island café is overpriced. Last ferry back is usually around 6pm.
Kayak around the old town
Sea kayaking along the city walls is one of Dubrovnik’s most popular activities. Morning tours (2–3 hours) paddle past the walls, around the old port, and usually include a swimming stop at Betina Cave beach. Around €35–45/person. Sunset tours are more expensive but atmospheric.
Explore the old town
The Stradun (main street) is beautiful but tourist-heavy. Duck into the side streets — Prijeko ulica is restaurant row, but the quieter streets south of Stradun have more character. Don’t miss the Rector’s Palace (€15, beautiful atrium), the Franciscan Monastery pharmacy (one of Europe’s oldest), and the morning fish market near the old port.
Swim at Banje Beach
The main beach just east of the old town. It’s pebbly, the water is crystal clear, and you get the old town walls as your backdrop. Free access on the public side (left). Rent a sunbed for €20–30 if you want comfort. For something quieter, walk 10 minutes further east to Sveti Jakov beach.
Sunset at Buža Bar
Two cliff bars (Buža I and II) sit outside the city walls on the south side — you literally drink on rocks above the sea. No signage, just a “cold drinks” sign and a hole in the wall. Beer €6–8, cocktails €12–15. Get there by 5pm in summer for a spot with a sunset view.
Day trip to Ston and Pelješac
Ston is 50 minutes north — famous for its medieval walls (the longest in Europe after the Great Wall) and fresh oysters pulled straight from the bay. Mali Ston oysters cost €1–2 each at the source. Combine with a wine tasting on the Pelješac peninsula (Dingač is Croatia’s best red). We can stop here on any transfer heading north.
Day trip to Mostar
The most popular day trip from Dubrovnik. Cross the border into Bosnia and visit Stari Most, the Ottoman old town, eat €8 cevapi, and stop at Počitelj and Kravica Waterfalls on the way. 2.5 hours each way — better as a private transfer with stops than a rushed group tour.
Day trip to Kotor
Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor is dramatic — think a fjord lined with medieval towns. The old town is compact and beautiful, and the fortress hike rewards you with one of the Balkans’ best views. 2 hours from Dubrovnik, easy to combine with a stop in Perast.
Where to eat
Dubrovnik is expensive. Budget €25–35/person for a proper restaurant meal. The old town has plenty of tourist traps — avoid anything with a photo menu on Stradun. For seafood, head to the streets behind the cathedral. Fresh fish is priced per kilo (typically €50–70/kg) so always ask before ordering.
How long to stay
One night is too short — you’ll only see the old town. Two nights lets you do the walls, Lokrum, and a sunset at Buža. Three nights adds a day trip (Mostar, Kotor, or Ston/Pelješac). More than three and you’ll want to move on.
Getting there
Most transfers from Dubrovnik head to Mostar (2.5h), Split (3.5h), or Kotor (2h). A private transfer lets you stop at Ston, Pelješac wineries, Počitelj, or Kravica along the way.
Getting to Dubrovnik
Private transfer with scenic stops along the way. Fixed prices, local drivers.
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