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Coastal city in southern Croatia
Photo: Greenweasel, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Dubrovnik is a historic walled city on the Adriatic Sea coast in the extreme south of Croatia. It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, a seaport and the centre of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County. Its population is about 65,000 in the greater Dubrovnik metropolitan area as of 2025. Dubrovnik is nicknamed the "Pearl of the Adriatic" and is listed as a .
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Vrata od Pila
A convenient starting place for a stroll through the Old Town.
In the western (Pile) entrance of the old town, The fountain stairs are nowadays a favourite meeting place for local youth and where both the tourists and pigeons take rest and refresh themselves with cool water.
A slender stone flag staff of the legendary knight. Also known as Orlando's Column. Ever since its foundation in 1950, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival is opened by raising a flag carrying the city's motto Libertus on Orlando's staff.
On top of the tower are the famous 'Zelenci' (The Green Ones), bronze statues which strike the gigantic bell every hour. They have been replaced with copies and the originals are in the atrium of the Sponza Palace.
Gothic Renaissance palace, one of the few buildings that has maintained its form from before the catastrophic 1667 earthquake. Hosts historic archives. Memorial room of defenders.
The former palace of the Major Council houses a museum dedicated to the city's history.
Fort Lawrence
The monumental fort rises above 37 m high rock. It was an essential fortification for defence of the city from both ground and sea attacks. In order to prevent mutiny by the commander of the fortress, the walls facing the city are only 60 cm thick compared to those exposed to enemy fire which were 12 m thick. Above the entrance to the fortress is an inscription that says "Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro" which translates to "Freedom is not sold for all the gold in the world". Not much remains in the way of historical artefacts but the fort gives spectacular views back upon the walled city.
A peaceful little gem where people swim, sunbath, canoe, and have coffee. When you walk up the stairs to the fort to the small forest, you have nice views on the city (not as nice as you would have from the fort itself, but €15 cheaper).
The eastern part of the Old Town of Dubrovnik; some cruise ship passengers are tendered to the Old Port.
This beautiful monastery with Baroque Church, houses a Romanesque cloister and the third oldest pharmacy in the world.
This impressive building is in the Poljana Marin Držić. Supposedly, the original church was built with money donated by Richard the Lionhearted who survived shipwreck on his way home from the Third Crusade. The current Roman Baroque cathedral dates from the 18th century.
Crkva Svetog Vlaha
Baroque Church dedicated to the city's patron saint.
Ornate Jesuit church, approached via a romantic baroque staircase modelled on the Spanish Steps in Rome (1738). Built between 1667 and 1725 by architect Ignazzio Pozzo, and like most Jesuit churches of the period was modelled on the Gesù in Rome, the mother church of the Jesuits.
This is an exceptionally valuable historic complex, which, besides its religious purpose, also represents the important artistic treasury of ancient Dubrovnik.
15th-century church built by the Ploče gate since St. Sebastian is the saint protector against plague.
Pravoslavna crkva i Muzej ikona
Built from 1865-1877, stands behind impressive wrought iron gates. Houses a number of icons, mainly Byzantine and Cretan. Museum next to church has extensive icon collection.
There are 3 entrances: the main entrance on Stradun inside the Pile gate, by Fort Saint John’s, and at the Customs House gate.
Kuća Bukovac
Includes works by Vlaho Bukovac (1855-1922), one of the most famous modern Croatian painters. Part of the house is devoted to exhibitions of works by young artists.
Prirodoslovni muzej
The collection of 100 year-old taxidermy specimens dates back to 1872 and may not appeal to everyone.
Houses artifacts from one of the world's oldest pharmacies.
This synagogue built by Sephardic Jews is supposed to be the second-oldest still in use synagogue in Europe today. A permanent Jewish community here was founded at the end of the 15th century following the expulsions from Portugal and Spain. The Jewish Ghetto was established in 1546 on Jewish Street in the old town of Dubrovnik. The community flourished and included respected doctors, merchants and state representatives. Jews in Dubrovnik enjoyed relative freedom, but there were some restrictions on their activities at certain points in history. The synagogue is tiny and delightful, with heavy velvet drapes and a richly painted, midnight blue ceiling. The museum contains valuable menorahs and Torah scrolls, alongside information on the history of the Jewish community in Dubrovnik.
Paintings and artifacts from Dubrovnik's past.
Museum of the State Archives
Artifacts, paintings and furniture dating from the time of the Dubrovnik Republic.
The Treasury has 138 reliquaries which are carried around the city during the Feast of St Blaise.
Considering how vital sailing and shipbuilding were to the growth of the Dubrovnik Republic, this is one of the city’s most important museums.
Memorial house of Marin Držić, a famous 16th-century Croatian playwright from Dubrovnik.
Rupe Granary
Built in 1590, this is a fascinating building, and the exhibits showcase the economic, cultural and spiritual development of Dubrovnik. The folk costumes and textiles give the best flavour of the region where folk culture is still celebrated.
An exhibition centre of war and conflict photography. Exhibits change during the season. Stunning images by world-renowned photo journalists.
A car-free, sandy beach area on the Lapad Peninsula, approximately 3.5 km from the old town, where you can relax in the shade of the numerous trees. At the end of a long pedestrianised street full of café bars and restaurants you will see many popular pebble beaches known as Lapad beaches. These beaches are really beautiful and well used. Lapad is definitely one of the most beautiful parts of Dubrovnik and you really must visit it. If you take the headland path to the right hand side of Lapad beach, as you look at the Adriatic, you can walk along a charming little coast path with small concrete 'beaches' and ladders into the sea. These were put in during the Tito era and are ideal for one or two sunbathers. Walking further along is an excellent local fish restaurant - ideal for ending the day. The walk back is not particularly well lit, but perfectly safe.
A well-located pebble beach. There's a concessioned part with an entrance fee, but also a public part which is always livelier and more relaxed. Great way to beat the heat in the middle of the town. Amazing view of the city walls, Old Town Dubrovnik and the island of Lokrum. Beach volleyball, mini football or water polo. You can also enjoy lying on deck chair and having a drink.
See listing for Cafe Buža in the Drinks section.
Old quarantine hospital serves as a cultural centre for concerts, exhibitions, workshops, theater, film, night clubs and literature. The concert hall/bar is a very cozy place with a decent sound system. Gallery Galeriya Tutunplok is open daily 12:00-21:00. Films and theater showings range from €2.70-5.40 Concerts cost €5.40-13. A nightclub is open here from 10:00-16:00 and will cost you about €4. Gathers a mostly alternative crowd.
Swim in the Adriatic Sea below the old wall. In the harbour of the old town, go all around (right) along the wall, beyond the aquarium and there is a pier and some rocks where you can cool down on a hot summer day. Avoid stepping on sea urchins, which are commonly found on rocks in the sea water around Dubrovnik, especially if you are wearing no shoes. These are mostly found in clear water and are easy to spot.
Music and theatre festival held since 1949 from 10 July to 25 August. Famous nationwide for its exquisite selection of drama, plays and concert of chamber music with more than 2,000 artists from 30 countries during 47 days of festival. Be sure to book in advance and don't miss a chance to see some of the open-air performances.
The original cable car was bombed during the conflicts and closed in 1991. It reopened to the public for the first time on 10 July 2010. The view of the Old City will rival that found on any postcard. There is a small shop at the top and Restaurant Panorama with new outside terraces, restaurant with best view. Directions to the cable car are difficult to find in the Old City.
Quaint, quick dinner! Delicious prosciutto, cheese, and salad. Excellent sandwiches. Freshly produced and the bread is a reminiscent of focaccia.
Great sea street food, big portions, nice and friendly staff. Even it is full inside, you can order for take away, sit on the steps in front of the restaurant and eat, while looking at the streets of Kings Landing.
Decent and hearty pizza. Service is excellent and very sincere. Situated underneath the cable car system boarding point just near the walls of the old town.
Large portions. Really good pizza with fresh ingredients. Only pizza is served before 17:00, for pasta or other dishes come later. 2Good pizza, friendly staff but service can be slow.
Great food if you want to have a real taste of fresh fish & local food. A hang-out for the locals.
Typical roadside pizzeria. Correct quality. Nice place, close to the beach.
One of the best pizzerias on what is becoming a 'pizza street'. Go for pizza or a coffee and brandy and exchange banter with the staff.
Dubrovnik's only vegetarian restaurant, with vegan and gluten-free options available upon request.
Limited but good menu, including pizza and some very enjoyable live piano music.
A very nice pizzeria between Lapad and Babin Kuk with good pizza and very good Mexican food/specialities.
A small Italian-style restaurant in the old town with outdoor seating providing a wide variety of pasta.
Worth the climb for magnificent views over the old town from the restaurants' terrace and presumably taking its name from an ancient water feature just outside the restaurant (not for the prudish). Grilled fish with vegetables €15, grilled chicken with fries about €10, salads, etc. Be prepared to wait for a table with a terrace view as is very popular with locals - alternatively arrive before 20:00 to avoid the busiest times. Beware of wasps.
Dalmatian cuisine in an excellent location. Has some good vegetarian options. The baked moussaka especially is worth a try.
One of the best for a variety of ways of serving steak. Also serves traditional Dalmatian fare.
Variety of pizzas, meat and seafood dishes, quality domestic and foreign wines, cocktails, homemade ice cream and desserts.
Good traditional food served in a small outdoor courtyard. Really nice restaurant with different types of food.
Good seafood.
Offers a variety of Bosnian and Eastern cuisine such as Cevapcici u lepinji, baklava and tufahi. The wait can be quite long, and vegetarian options are often sold out.
formerly on Sv Dominika
Friendly place for a mid-town meal.
Temporarily closed as of May 2022. Traditional Dalmatian appetizers and meals, you get your meal in a large black fisherman's style pot.
Great views of the sea and Old City. Pay attention to the menu prices which switch from kuna to euro throughout.
Restaurant in Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik hotel
Spacious terrace, just outside the Pile gate. Offers international and Croatian cuisine.
The tables and chairs are set out on the side of the cliff and the beers are served in bottles and plastic cups. You can sunbathe on the rocks or do some cliff-diving but do watch for rocks below. This is lovely in the evening, when the sun is setting and you gaze over at island of Lokrum. Eclectic chilled out music plays unobtrusively in the background. There isn’t much in the way of shelter apart from some palm leaves so Buža won’t open in bad weather.
Look for flashing red and blue lights. This is an interesting, slightly bizarre bar with seating outside on the city stairs, techno music, and may have erotic dancing.
A selection of over 100 fine domestic and imported wine available by the glass, bottle, and in tasting servings. Largest selection of wines by the glass in Dubrovnik with a very intimate, romantic atmosphere, which is a change of pace from other bars in the city.
Chill music fills this lounge bar at night, making it a great place to unwind after a full day of sightseeing.
A popular bar/café which comes alive at night with daily live music, usually jazz. Can be very expensive, so you often see people sitting on nearby steps enjoying the music with drinks bought from the nearby Konzum supermarket.
Despite its sterile sounding name, this place has a lovely courtyard out the back. Its real draw however is that it is possibly one of the cheapest places to get a beer in the old town. Some reasonably priced snacks are also available.
Dubrovnik's liveliest night spot, techno and other styles.
formerly EastWest
Beach club, bar and Med-style restaurant by day, at night you can party in the nightclub. Great view, various kinds of music, popular DJs and beautiful atmosphere.
Dingy club, predominantly metal but seems to cater for anything deemed alternative. Cheap drink prices with occasional international touring acts, definitely in the minority as a tourist here.
House and techno music.
A large site with one large amenity block in the middle, so if you are on the edge there is a reasonable walk to the toilets. 400 m walk to two beaches. Most of the pitches are dirt or gravel so not great on lightweight groundsheets. Bar and food on site.
A small cozy guesthouse in Lapad, 300 m from the Lapad beach and another 200 from the pine forest. Funky, clean, character rooms with a large shared terrace and BBQ. Free Internet with Wi-Fi. All rooms have TV with local and international channels, air-con and bathrooms with shower cabin and WC.
Free WiFi, a garden and a shared terrace looking out to Gruž Bay. Bright rooms with wooden floors, some have a private balcony. Stone barbecue on the terrace. Guests can also cook in a shared open-plan kitchen, a dining table for 6 is provided, no extra charge is levied for those services.
Home turned into a backpackers hot spot. Family run with location on Lapad, popular after its beaches and green parks, and a 10-min ride from old town and crowds. No booking fee for booking through their website.
82 beds. The atmosphere leaves something to be desired, but it's usually filled with interesting people up for a chat on the balcony.
A great hostel in the heart of the old town. Small and pokey, as all options in the old town are, but this only adds to the atmosphere. Guests gather in the tiny common area each evening with Ana distributing free locally-made grapa to kindle the social atmosphere.
Park and sea view rooms. The city centre is reachable by bus.
Swimming pool, complimentary breakfast, free parking for hotel guests and free Wifi in public spaces.
Renovated in 2008. 9-story tower with 79 rooms and 12 family suites, all have air-con, a balcony with sea-view and free WiFi.
Renovated city hotel with 155 contemporary designed rooms. Sea views and equipped with regular three-star amenities with air-con. Free parking, free WiFi.
Convenient for island-hopping. Clean air-con rooms, restaurant.
In a Mediterranean garden on a pebble beach in Lapad Bay.It offers free parking for hotel guests, complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi in public spaces.
On a pebble beach in Lapad Bay. It offers parking for hotel guests, complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi in public spaces.
Simple accommodation in great central spot.
115 luxury sea and garden view rooms a few miles from the Old Town of Dubrovnik along the Adriatic Sea.
5-star hotel near the entrance of the Old Town and overlooking the ancient city walls and fortresses. It was built in 1895 and has 139 rooms and 8 suites.
5-star hotel on a clifftop overlooking the Adriatic, 93 rooms on 5 levels. Rooms have a modern nautical themed decor with wooden flooring. Private beach, spa and sauna.
5-star hotel on a Lapad peninsula, below the park of little Petka woods and with a view to the Elaphite islands.
5-star hotel of 146 bedrooms and 18 suites. Built in 1913 and completely renovated in 1998 overlooking the Old City. Walking distance to the beaches and Old City.
19-room 5-star hotel.
formerly Radisson Blu
5-star beachside resort, gets rave reviews for comfort, facilities and service.
Unique handmade Adriatic coral, pearl and gems jewellery with certificates of authenticity.
This is not a regular bicycle repair shop, however the operator of this local garage offers a service.
By car
The trip from Split along the coastal road (Jadranska magistrala or D8) is a beautiful scenic journey passing small, quaint villages and other tourist destinations.
By bus
Local bus 7 operates between this station and Babin kuk, and services 1A, 1B and 3 serve Old Town (Pile).
By boat
Cruise ships often visit, usually docking at Port Gruž. Some cruise ships anchor offshore and tender passengers directly into the Old Port.
By bicycle
The Ćiro Trail is a 157-km cycling route from Mostar in Herzegovina.
By sea taxi
The sea taxis (like a motorboat) operate from the bay area, and go to the castle, they accommodate about 3-4 people and are a generally good option. Not expensive, but not cheap either.
By bus
If you are not staying in Old Town, it's relatively simple to get there by bus, as just about every one leads to the Old Town.com/en from the operator Libertas just in case.
By taxi
By car
Not necessary for the city, but handy if you're planning to explore the region. Some car hire companies are:
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