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EuropeCity BreakBeachHistory

Dubrovnik
Croatia

The walled medieval city, island hopping and the bluest water in Europe.

Eastern Europe · Croatia

Why visit Dubrovnik?

Dubrovnik's Old City is one of the most perfectly preserved medieval urban environments in the world — the 2km city walls walk, the baroque churches and the Game of Thrones filming locations all justify the crowds. The key is going early morning or evening when the day trippers from cruise ships have gone.

The Dalmatian Coast extends north to Split, Hvar and Plitvice Lakes National Park — each completely different and each extraordinary. Croatia's island-hopping circuit is one of Europe's great summer itineraries.

Key Info
Euro (€)Croatian, English widely spokenType FDrive Right
10% at restaurants — not mandatory but appreciated
Weather
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct
July–August — 35°C, very crowded, prices peak
May–June and September are dramatically better than July–August.
Health
Tap water safe throughout Croatia
No vaccines required
Transport
Ferry (Jadrolinija)BusTaxi
✈️ DBV Dubrovnik (bus to Old City, 30 min) / Split for northern coast
Jadrolinija ferries connect all major islands — book ahead in July–August.
Emergency
👮 Police192
🚑 Ambulance194
🔥 Fire193
Who It's Perfect For
🏰

History & Architecture

The UNESCO Old City walls, baroque churches and Venetian-era buildings make Dubrovnik one of the most architecturally perfect cities in Europe.

Sailors & Island Hoppers

The Dalmatian Coast sailing circuit — Dubrovnik, Hvar, Vis, Korčula, Brač and Split — is one of the world's great sailing itineraries.

🎭

Game of Thrones Fans

King's Landing was filmed throughout Dubrovnik — the walls, Diocletian's Palace in Split, the City Hall and dozens of other locations.

The Highlights

Things to Do & See

01
Walk the Old City walls at 8am opening — the rooftops, the Adriatic and the morning light on limestone
02
Game of Thrones walking tour — every King's Landing location through the Old City
03
Elafiti Islands day trip by boat — three islands north of Dubrovnik, traditional lunch, swimming in inaccessible coves
04
Lokrum island ferry — 15 minutes from the Old City harbour, peacocks, botanical gardens and Game of Thrones locations
05
Banje Beach at dawn — the city beach with the Old City as a backdrop is extraordinary in early morning
06
Cable car to Mount Srđ — 405m views over the entire coast from the restored Napoleonic fort
07
Kayaking around the Old City walls — sea-level views of the UNESCO architecture
08
Day trip to Mostar in Bosnia — the Stari Most bridge and Ottoman bazaar, 2.5 hours from Dubrovnik
Where to Stay

Base Yourself in Dubrovnik

🏛️

Old City (Stari Grad)

Medieval walls, sightseeing, GoT

Stay inside or within 15 minutes walk for the dawn experience before cruise ship arrivals.

🌴

Lapad & Babin Kuk

Beach, good value, local

The western peninsula — better value than Old City hotels, excellent beaches, 20 min bus to the walls.

🚢

Split (day trip base)

Roman palace, ferry hub

The main Dalmatian city with Diocletian's Palace and the ferry hub for all island hopping.

Insider Knowledge

What Most Guides Don't Tell You About Dubrovnik

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