A lot of superlatives can be attached to Dubrovnik. It’s the most famous town in Croatia, probably even in the whole Mediterranean. A river of people pour into the old part of Dubrovnik each day and explore some of the most famous places and wander through its narrow streets. We spend a lot of time in Dubrovnik, probably a whole month per each passing year and we pretty much know all the good and bad sides of tourism in Dubrovnik. Through this article, we’ll try to answer is Dubrovnik a good place to visit and what are some downsides of Dubrovnik.
All these downsides come from the tourism in the city. Dubrovnik itself doesn’t have any bad side, at least we can’t think of any. It’s a place of such historical significance and one of the most preserved old towns in the whole world. But the fact that so many people choose to visit Dubrovnik each year surely has some downsides we’re going to talk about later.
Let’s see is Dubrovnik a good place to visit.
Why Dubrovnik is a Great Place to Visit We’re going to start with a good side of Dubrovnik. There are many of them, and we are going to mention a few of the most significant ones. We’re sure you’ll find at least one that might encourage you to visit Dubrovnik among these.
1. Stunning Medieval Architecture Starting with the most obvious Dubrovnik attraction – its well-preserved old city core. Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a real masterpiece of medieval architecture. Its city walls, narrow stone streets, and historic landmarks transport have the unique ability to transport you back in time to the Dubrovnik Republic, sailing ships, and pirates.
Highlights :
Walk along the city walls for panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and the Dubrovnik rooftops.
Visit iconic landmarks like the Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, and St. Blaise’s Church.
Wander through narrow alleys filled with quaint cafes and shops.
Visit Lazareti – a preserved quarantine building located just outside the old part of Dubrovnik.
Why Visit? : Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a living museum that perfectly preserves its historical significance.
2. Game of Thrones Filming Locations Dubrovnik tourism had another boom just after the many locations within the city were featured in the famous Game of Thrones series. For fans of the hit TV series Game of Thrones , Dubrovnik served as the filming location for King’s Landing. Exploring these spots featured in the series can add an exciting layer to your Dubrovnik visit.
Highlights :
Fort Lovrijenac: Known as the Red Keep in the series.
The Jesuit Stairs: The site of Cersei’s infamous “Walk of Shame.”
Pile Gate: A key entrance to the Old Town and a frequent filming location.
Tips :
Join a guided Game of Thrones tour to learn behind-the-scenes secrets from the locals and visit all the key locations.
3. Spectacular Adriatic Coastline The whole of Croatia is famous for its coastline with many islands, high cliffs, and some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever see. Dubrovnik is not an exception. Its position on the Adriatic Sea offers breathtaking views and easy access to the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea.
Highlights :
Take a passenger boat to Lokrum Island, a tranquil escape just 10 minutes from the city.
Enjoy kayaking around the city walls for a unique perspective.
Relax on Banje Beach, a favorite beach in Dubrovnik located near the Old Town.
Why Visit? : The combination of historical beauty and coastal features makes Dubrovnik a unique destination.
4. Exciting Outdoor Adventures & Activities Croatia is famous for adventure tours of all sorts – kayaking , rafting, packrafting, ziplines, Via Ferratas , and many more. In Dubrovnik, you can try many of these in a unique blend of history and adventure. Kayaking tours are just one example of how you can experience the city from a different perspective.
Top Activities to Try:
Sea Kayaking : Paddle around the city walls and explore caves along the Dubrovnik coast.ATV Tours : Experience the countryside of Dubrovnik’s surrounding areas.Zipline Dubrovnik : Fly over the Adriatic with breathtaking views.Room Escape Games activity for rainy days in Dubrovnik .Scuba Diving & Snorkeling : Discover Dubrovnik’s underwater world.
5. Rich Cultural Events Dubrovnik and culture go hand in hand. This city has a vibrant cultural scene that includes festivals, concerts, and performances throughout the year. The famous Dubrovnik Summer Festival is the main event that’s organized in the summer each year and has a lot of different kinds of events.
Highlights :
Dubrovnik Summer Festival: A month-long celebration of music, theater, and dance.
Classical concerts are held in historic venues like the Rector’s Palace.
Traditional events like the Feast of St. Blaise, Dubrovnik’s patron saint.
Why Visit? : These events amplify the city’s cultural heritage and bring its historic spaces to life.
6. Culinary Delights What’s the vacation without enjoying the local food? Not much, you’ll agree. Dubrovnik’s culinary scene offers a mix of traditional Dalmatian dishes and modern gastronomy. Also, some of the finest restaurants in Croatia are located in Dubrovnik as well.
Highlights :
Fresh seafood, including oysters from nearby Ston .
Local specialties like black risotto and peka.
Fine dining restaurants with stunning views, such as Nautika and 360° Dubrovnik.
Tips :
Venture outside the Old Town to discover hidden and secluded places and more affordable dining options.
7. Unforgettable Day Trips from Dubrovnik The location of Dubrovnik makes it an excellent base for exploring some of the region’s most spectacular destinations. A great option if you want to additionally enrich your vacation in Dubrovnik.
Best Day Trips from Dubrovnik:
Montenegro – Visit Kotor, Perast, and Budva for stunning bay views and historic significance.Pelješac Peninsula – A paradise for wine lovers.Mljet National Park Odysseus Cave and hike to Montokuc Peak for the best views of the national park area.Mostar (Bosnia & Herzegovina) – Explore the famous Old Bridge and the city’s unique Ottoman influence.Korčula Island – The birthplace of Marco Polo, full of beautiful beaches and medieval charm.Elaphiti Islands – A perfect getaway for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying nature. Elaphiti Islands are the nearest island group to Dubrovnik.
Why Visit? These nearby destinations offer a diverse mix of history, nature, and cultural experiences, all within a relatively short trip from Dubrovnik.
The Challenges of Visiting Dubrovnik We said we were going to make this article an honest answer to whether is Dubrovnik a good place to visit. We have covered some of the most relevant positive sides of this city, and we move onto 2 topics that we see as a downside when it comes to tourism in Dubrovnik. Again, Dubrovnik as the city doesn’t have any bad side, but the mass tourism connected to it, unfortunately, does.
1. Crowds During Peak Season Dubrovnik is an incredibly popular destination in Croatia, and the Old Town can often become crowded, especially during the summer months and when cruise ships arrive. This can make it really hard to truly experience the beauty of the locations such as Dubrovnik.
Why It’s an Issue :
The narrow streets of Dubrovnik can feel congested, making it harder to enjoy the sights.
Popular attractions like the city walls can have long queues.
Tips to Avoid Crowds :
Visit during the shoulder seasons (April -May or September -October) for fewer tourists and still pleasant weather.
Explore early in the morning or late in the evening when most day visitors have left.
Check the cruise ship schedule to avoid peak crowd days. Opt for a day trip during these days or explore places outside the Old Town.
2. High Costs Another downside of mass tourism in Dubrovnik is the costs. Dubrovnik is one of the more expensive destinations in Croatia, especially in terms of accommodation and dining.
Tips to Save Money When Visiting Dubrovnik :
Stay in areas outside the Old Town, such as Lapad or Gruž, for more affordable accommodations.
Eat at local konobas (traditional taverns) instead of tourist-focused restaurants.
Purchase a Dubrovnik Pass , which offers discounts on attractions and public transportation.
Tips for Exploring Dubrovnik We hope this article gave you an answer about the Dubrovnik visit. If your answer is positive, and you plan to visit this stunning city in the near future, here are a few tips for the best experience possible:
Plan Ahead : Book accommodations and tours well in advance, especially if visiting during the summer.Wear Comfortable Shoes : The Old Town’s stone streets and steep stairs require proper footwear for a good experience.Stay Hydrated : The summer sun can be intense, so bring water and sunscreen. Visit the city walls as early as possible or late afternoon.Explore Beyond the Old Town :
Visit Mount Srđ for stunning views of the city and surrounding islands.
Take a boat trip to the Elaphiti Islands for a peaceful escape.
Discover hidden beaches like Sveti Jakov, away from the main tourist areas.
Before You Venture to Dubrovnik Dubrovnik is a great place to visit, there’s no doubt about it. The city offers a unique mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Although it can be crowded and expensive during peak season, proper planning and timing can help you make the most of your trip to Dubrovnik. Is Dubrovnik a good place to visit? We believe it is, especially of season and when cruise ships are not in the Gruž port.
