Our lives are tied to Dubrovnik even though we don’t live in it but some 100 kilometers away, just in the middle between Split and Dubrovnik, at a place known as Makarska Riviera. But each year we spend at least one full month in Dubrovnik. If we were to combine all of our visits to this beautiful city. And we have been living this kind of lifestyle for a while.
Through the years we have discovered and learned a lot about navigating Dubrovnik in the most crowded seasons, what places to visit, and which activities to try. We imagined this article as a set of Dubrovnik travel tips that will provide you with useful insight on how to make the most of your visit to Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik is one of Croatia’s most iconic and most visited destinations. It’s famous for many things but mostly for its stunning medieval walls, well-preserved Old Town, and vibrant cultural scene. Dubrovnik might seem and is a dream destination for many people visiting it each year. However, like any other popular tourist spot, visiting and experiencing Dubrovnik has its challenges, particularly if you visit during peak season.
Here’s an honest and comprehensive guide to help you plan your trip to Dubrovnik, avoid common mistakes, and make the most of your time in Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik Through the Seasons We’ll start with the introduction to Dubrovnik through different seasons. Each of these offers a different experience of Dubrovnik. We have visited this city in all seasons, but we visit it most in the period between April and October. We have experienced all the seasons in Dubrovnik and each of them has some positive and negative sides which we’ll discuss in the sections below.
1. Summer (June to August)
What to Expect :
Summer is Dubrovnik’s busiest season, with tourists from all around the world visiting it during this period.
Expect crowded narrow streets, long queues for attractions, and higher prices for accommodation and tours.
Temperatures in Dubrovnik in this period can rise above 35°C (sometimes up to 40°C), so be prepared for hot and humid weather.
Tips for Visiting in Summer :
Start Early : Visit popular attractions like the City Walls and Old Town as soon as they open to avoid the crowds and escape the unbearable heat. Dubrovnik starts to get busy around 9 AM, so if you really want to experience the best of the city, we suggest you start exploring around 6 AM.Stay Hydrated : Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it at the city’s public fountains.Take Breaks : Escape the heat and crowds by heading to nearby Lokrum Island or one of the quieter beaches during midday.
2. Autumn (September to November)
What to Expect :
September and October are ideal months to visit Dubrovnik, with warm temperatures and noticeably fewer tourists.
The sea is still warm enough for swimming, and prices slowly begin to drop.
By November, the weather becomes cooler, and some seasonal attractions and tours may close.
Why Visit in Autumn :
Perfect for sightseeing without the summer crowds and summer heat.
Enjoy the city’s cultural events, like the Dubrovnik Film Festival.
The Adriatic Sea in Dubrovnik is still warm in September and the first part of October.
3. Winter (December to February)
What to Expect :
Dubrovnik is quiet and peaceful in winter, making it a great time for a relaxing visit. There are almost no tourists visiting in this period.
Temperatures range from 5–15°C (41–59°F), and some shops and restaurants may close for the season.
The city is beautifully decorated for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Highlights of Winter :
Explore the Old Town at your own pace without the crowds.
Attend the Dubrovnik Christmas Market and enjoy local treats like mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.
Perfect if you want to explore the empty Old Town.
4. Spring (March to May)
What to Expect :
Spring brings mild weather, blooming nature, and a gradual increase in tourists that often starts with March .
It’s a fantastic time for outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking .
Why Visit in Spring :
Perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Enjoy a quieter experience of Dubrovnik before the summer rush kicks in.
Best Time to Visit Dubrovnik Now that we have seen what to expect out of each season in this magical city in southern Croatia, let’s discuss what is the best time to visit Dubrovnik. As someone who has experienced Dubrovnik in all seasons, here’s our verdict on what would be the best time to visit it.
Ideal Months : Late April to early June and September to mid-October usually offer the best balance of good weather, manageable crowds, and reasonable prices.Avoiding Crowds : If you must visit in summer (nothing wrong with that, most people visit Dubrovnik in summer), plan your activities early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and consider exploring less crowded parts of the city. Also, book one of the day trips from Dubrovnik to take a break from the crowds.
Dubrovnik Travel Tips – Navigating Dubrovnik’s Crowds If you visit Dubrovnik, especially in the summer season, you’ll see that it can get pretty crowded. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when navigating through the river of people. Been there, done that. Add a summer heat into the equation and things become much worse. Here are a few Dubrovnik Travel Tips that can help you deal with the Dubrovnik crowds.
Visit Early or Late : The Old Town is busiest between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, especially when cruise ships dock. Plan your visits outside these hours. If you can, start exploring the Old Town around 7 AM, end by 10 AM, and leave it until the afternoon hours. Also, check the cruise ship schedule to know when to avoid going to the Old Town.Explore Hidden Gems : Skip the main streets and wander into quieter alleys and lesser-known attractions like the Dominican Monastery or Fort Lovrijenac. Although even these can sometimes get crowded, it’s usually nothing compared to the Stradun and other streets near it.Book Tickets in Advance : Secure your entry to popular sites like the City Walls or Rector’s Palace online to save time and visit outside of peak hours.Consider a Day Trip : Escape the crowds by visiting nearby destinations like Cavtat, Mljet Island and national park , or the Pelješac Peninsula. Dubrovnik has great day trip options that are perfect for escaping the crowds and making your vacation even better at the same time.
Must-Try Activities in Dubrovnik Dubrovnik offers a lot when it comes to different kinds of activities, and here are just a few you must do when visiting this gem of the Croatian south.
1. Walk the City Walls
Why It’s Special : The walls offer the best views of the Old Town, the Adriatic Sea, and surrounding islands. There’s no better place to observe the Dubrovnik Old Town.Tips :
Go early in the morning, as soon as the entrances open, or late in the afternoon to avoid both heat and crowds.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring a lot of water.
2. Visit Lokrum Island
What to Do : Just a 15-minute boat ride away from Dubrovnik, Lokrum is perfect for swimming, picnicking, and exploring its botanical gardens and monastery.Game of Thrones Fans : Of course, you don’t want to miss the replica of the Iron Throne on the island.
3. Take a Cable Car Ride
Why It’s Worth It : The ride to Mount Srđ offers panoramic views of Dubrovnik and the surrounding coastline. It’s truly a magical sight and many people go up there to watch the sunset. It can get crowded at sunset hours, but Srđ is large and you’ll easily find a spot where you can enjoy sunset over Dubrovnik in peace.Pro Tip : Time your visit for sunset for a truly magical experience. Book a seat in Panorama restaurant and enjoy dinner with the view of Dubrovnik below you.
4. Explore Dubrovnik’s Beaches
Top Picks :
Banje Beach: Dubrovnik’s favorite beach, close to the Old Town, with stunning views and beach bars.
Sveti Jakov Beach: A quieter option, perfect for relaxation.
5. Try Sea Kayaking
What to Expect : Since we were kayak guides in Croatia for a long time, we can’t leave this one out. In this experience, you get the chance to paddle along the city’s walls and around Lokrum Island for a unique perspective of Dubrovnik.Tours Available : Many guided tours include snorkeling stops and sunset options.
Our selection of the best Dubrovnik activities
Dining and Accommodation Tips You already know that Dubrovnik is one of the most visited destinations in Croatia, and with such an amount of people visiting it, comes the huge development of the tourism and tourist industry. Some of the best restaurants in Croatia can be found in Dubrovnik. Accommodation is yet another important aspect of Dubrovnik tourism, and there is a vast list of the accommodations you can choose to stay at when visiting Dubrovnik.
Local Cuisine : Don’t miss traditional dishes like black risotto, fresh seafood, and Dubrovnik’s signature dessert, rožata.Where to Eat : Head to quieter streets and neighborhoods for more authentic and affordable dining experiences.Accommodation : Book your stay well in advance, especially during peak season. Consider staying outside the Old Town for a more budget-friendly option. Dubrovnik Hotels are among the most beautiful ones in all of Croatia too.
Essential Dubrovnik Travel Tips As we come to the end, let us share a few general tips for visiting Dubrovnik.
Pack Light : Dubrovnik’s Old Town is pedestrian-only, and the streets are cobblestone. Lightweight luggage is a must and it’s forbidden to drag your luggage through Old Town.Stay Hydrated : Bring a refillable water bottle and use the city’s public fountains.Use Public Transport : Dubrovnik’s bus network is efficient and connects the Old Town with surrounding areas. Don’t go near the Old Town by car since there is a low chance of finding a parking spot there.Be Respectful : Dubrovnik is a living city, not just a tourist attraction. Respect local customs and avoid making excessive noise, especially in residential areas. Keep in mind that people still live in Old Town.Bring Cash : While most places in Dubrovnik accept cards, smaller shops and cafes may prefer cash.
Before You Venture to Dubrovnik So are you putting Dubrovnik on your bucket list of places to visit within your lifetime? We believe you should. If you are visiting Croatia, we suggest visiting Dubrovnik as well. We know that it is in the southernmost part of Croatia and may not be on everyone’s route, but if you have the opportunity to ever visit it, do so. A lot of people choose to land in Dubrovnik, spend a few days in it, and then travel from Dubrovnik to Split, for example.
Either way, we hope you find these Dubrovnik Travel Tips useful and your stay in this stunning city will be nothing less than awesome.
