Dubrovnik is one of the top destinations worldwide, particularly popular among celebrities. The medieval City Walls and stunning Old Town, surrounded by a crystal-clear sea, welcome many visitors yearly.
Before you visit this remarkable town, here are 10 things you should know about Dubrovnik!
1. Why Is Dubrovnik So Famous
Dubrovnik, “The Pearl of the Adriatic”, is best known for its gorgeous medieval architecture. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
If you watch Game of Thrones, you’ll recognize many sites from the show. This definitely made Dubrovnik more popular among show fans.
View from restaurant in Dubrovnik, Photo Credit: Nautika Restaurant Dubrovnik
Food lovers will appreciate Dubrovnik’s gastronomy. Its amazing traditional dishes pair best with local wines, like Plavac Mali.
Banje - the most famous Dubrovnik beach
Like most coastal towns, Dubrovnik is famous for its stunning coastline and beautiful beaches. Nearby Elaphiti Islands or Lokrum Island are a must-visit, too!
We don’t even have to start naming the celebrities who visited Dubrovnik with their yachts and walked down Stradun Street. The list is endless. You can check our blog about celebrities in Dubrovnik – we promise at least one of your favorites was there!
2. How Many Days Do You Need in Dubrovnik
Our guests often ask us how many days they need for Dubrovnik and if 7 days in Dubrovnik is too much.
Red roofs in Dubrovnik Old Town
We have a blog One Day Trip in Dubrovnik From Split so it’s safe to say you can experience most Dubrovnik attractions in only one day. But, if you want a more relaxed holiday with more time to experience the city, we recommend at least 3 nights in Dubrovnik.
View of Dubrovnik from Srd Hill
That will give you enough time to visit the city. You need at least one full day for the Old Town, Lovrijenac Fort, and the City Walls. The other two days you can spend at the beaches, visiting Lokrum Island, taking the Cable Car, or on a wine tour.
Elaphiti Islands near Dubrovnik
However, staying in Dubrovnik for 5 or more days ensures a laid-back holiday. You could go sightseeing at a slower pace, visit the Elaphiti Islands, take a day trip to Split and its area, or even visit Kotor Bay in Montenegro.
3. Top Attractions in Dubrovnik
We mentioned many attractions in Dubrovnik, mostly in the Old Town. Let’s learn more info about the ones you shouldn’t miss!
Stradun Street
Stradun-Pjaca, the main street in Dubrovnik Old Town
Stradun is the most famous street in Dubrovnik. It’s the lifeline of Dubrovnik Old Town where people meet, walk, and sit for coffee or cocktails. The street hosts many festivals and cultural events, too.
Great Onofrio`s Fountain from Pixabay.com
There’s a stunning Great Onofrio's Fountain on the west end of the street and Small Onofrio`s Fountain on the east. Both are part of the medieval Dubrovnik aqueduct.
Sponza's palace,from commons.wikimedia.org, author: Hedwig Storch
The Gothic-Renaissance Sponza or Divona Palace is one of the most beautiful buildings in Dubrovnik. It served many purposes in the past, such as a customs office, mint, armory, treasury, bank, and school.
Statue of Orlando from commons.wikimedia.org, author: Bizutage
At the very end of Stradun, you can see Orlando Column, Dubrovnik`s oldest surviving monument. Many people take photos there.
Sacral buildings in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik has many sacral buildings. Today, they are a proud testament to the city’s glorious history and excellent architectural skills.
Franciscan Monastery in Dubrovnik from commons.wikimedia.org, author Bernard Gagnon
The Franciscan Monastery and Church on Stradun Street make a large 13th-century complex. It includes a library with over 70,000 books and a beautiful Pieta sculpture.
Church of St. Blaise from commons.wikimedia.org, author: Martin Falbisoner
We also recommend stopping by the baroque Church of St. Blaise, the patron saint of the Republic of Dubrovnik.
Gates, Forts, and City Walls
Your Dubrovnik tour will probably start at one of the two main entrances: the Pile Gate to the west and the Ploce Gate to the east.
Lovrijenac fort, Dubrovnik
Next, you should also see at least one fort. Lovrjenac, a symbol of Dubrovnik's survival and freedom, stands tall on a 37-meter-high rock in the western part of the Old Town. The biggest fort is Revelin. There are numerous others: Minceta, Bokar, and Saint John’s Fort.
Dubrovnik City Walls
Last but not least, Dubrovnik City Walls are one of Croatia's most famous landmarks. You’ve probably seen them on most postcards and articles about Dubrovnik. The tour of City Walls will reward you with stunning views over the Old Town and the Adriatic Sea.
We highly recommend you check out our blog “Top 7 Attractions in Dubrovnik” for more info.
4. Top Game of Thrones Sites
Did you know the fictional King’s Landing isn’t all CGI?
Dubrovnik’s walls and forts were often featured as King’s Landing in this HBO series.
Our guests often ask about the Game of Thrones filming sites, such as “Where in Dubrovnik is the Walk of Shame?”.
Jesuit Staircase - The steps of the Great Sept of Baelor
One of the most famous scenes from season 5 is “The Walk of Shame”. The steps of the Great Sept of Baelor are in reality called Jesuit Staircase.
In most of the market scenes in King’s Landing, you actually see the Street of St. Dominic. The exterior of Littlefinger’s brothel is in reality Ethnographic Museum Rupe. Ploce Gate was used as the Red Keep Gate. The residence of the Spice King in Qarth is Dubrovnik’s Rector’s Palace.
Pile Gate in Dubrovnik
Game of Thrones also features Pile Gate, Fort Lovrijenac, Gradac Park, Minceta Tower, Sponza Palace, and many more. To save you time, we’ve gathered these and other filming locations in Croatia in this blog: Game of Thrones Locations in Croatia. Check it out, you’ll be amazed!
5. What Is the Best Part of Dubrovnik to Stay In
Well, that depends! The best part of Dubrovnik to stay is fully up to your preferences.
Would you like to be at the center of all the happenings? That will demand a bigger budget and you’ll likely experience the fuss and have to compromise your privacy.
While Dubrovnik Old Town is stunning, it’s a pedestrian-only zone that can sometimes get overcrowded during high season.
On the other hand, you can book your stay a little further away from the center, where you’ll enjoy the peaceful environment and won’t have to worry about the neighbors. However, the main attractions aren’t so close. The guests who stay in our luxury villas in Dubrovnik choose to stay on the city’s outskirts to enjoy their privacy and explore the city at their own pace.
Luxury Villa Dubrovnik Gem with Pool
Luxury Villa Dubrovnik Gem with a pool
First, we recommend renting the Luxury Villa Dubrovnik Gem with a pool for up to 8 guests. This charming stone villa is only a 5-minute walk to the Old Town.
View from the terrace - Luxury Villa Dubrovnik Gem
It’s situated in Ploce, a neighborhood South of the City’s Walls (don’t confuse it with Ploce town which is about two hours away from Dubrovnik).
We highly recommend the Ploce neighborhood where you can admire Dubrovnik’s walls and the Adriatic Sea. The traditional interior with luxurious amenities such as a sauna, jacuzzi, and gym are perfect for your holidays.
Villa Dubrovnik Secret Escape Plus
Villa Dubrovnik Secret Escape Plus
Only a 10-minute drive from Dubrovnik Old Town, you’ll find the beautiful Lozica village. It’s an elite part of Dubrovnik with many gorgeous villas, and we recommend the seafront Villa Dubrovnik Secret Escape Plus.
The unique wall paintings, art pieces, and stark black-and-white details give this 10-person villa a traditional Dubrovnik flair.
View from pool - Villa Dubrovnik Secret Escape Plus
Your favorite place will definitely be the large terrace with a sea view. Our guests said they enjoy simply sitting and watching the boats pass by.
Villa Nuvole Bianche near Dubrovnik
Villa Nuvole Bianche with a pool
Orasac is a little further away from Dubrovnik, roughly a 25-minute drive. However, this seaside village offers a peaceful and calm holiday at the modern Villa Nuvole Bianche with a pool.
Sea view from Villa Nuvole Bianche
The villa has a breathtaking sea view, a bright and ample interior with warm Mediterranean details, plenty of outside seating, and rest areas.
One thing’s sure, staying in Orasac will let you recharge your batteries and be a perfect oasis when you return from exploring Dubrovnik’s attractions.
6. Is It Safe to Walk Around Dubrovnik
When you're traveling to unknown places, you should take care of your safety. Our guests often ask “Can you walk everywhere in Dubrovnik?”.
The answer is simple – yes. Dubrovnik is a very safe city and Croatia is one of the safest countries in the world. Thanks to the low crime rates and welcoming locals, it’s the 15th safest country in the world. We assure you, it’s safe to visit Dubrovnik with your kids without worry.
Of course, if you’re in a big tourist crowd, watch out for your personal belongings as you would at any tourist destination. However, a crossbody bag or money belt should help you stay safe.
7. Is Dubrovnik Too Touristy
While Croatia doesn’t have a big problem with over-tourism, Dubrovnik in the high season is one of the most crowded cities in Europe. So, what’s the tourism problem in Dubrovnik, and how to avoid it?
Dubrovnik’s popularity grew with Game of Thrones’ success, and the city became more accessible thanks to budget airlines and cruise ships.
Stradun Street in Dubrovnik
However, The Dubrovnik Tourist Board started regulating tourism by predicting the number of incoming tourists and limiting the number of cruise ships to two per day. This has already left a positive impact and it should keep getting better.
We won’t lie – Dubrovnik does get crowded in the summer, especially the Old Town. You can avoid this by visiting it in the pre-season or post-season and staying outside the city center. Our blog What's the Best Season to Travel in Croatia can help you choose the best time to visit Dubrovnik.
8. Is Dubrovnik Better Than Split
We often hear questions like “Which is prettier, Split or Dubrovnik?”. There’s no right answer.
Old Town Split, Croatia
While Dubrovnik’s fortified Old Town is massive and spectacular, Split’s Old Town is flat and easier to get around. We listed many attractions in Dubrovnik, and Split’s main landmark is Diocletian’s Palace. It is well integrated with the local lifestyle and less touristy than Dubrovnik Old Town. Split is also the biggest city in Dalmatia so you’ll find more things to do besides sightseeing.
Both cities share amazing food, good weather, stunning beaches, and rich history. Dubrovnik is a smaller, picture-perfect town, and Split offers an authentic city break.
Each of these cities is beautiful and they’re only 3 hours away by car so you can visit both while you’re in Croatia. Sounds good, right?
9. Is It Expensive to Go to Dubrovnik
One of the most searched topics is “Is Croatia Expensive to Visit” so read our blog. Dubrovnik has always been one of the most expensive cities in Croatia, but is it expensive for you?
Let’s break down costs for tourists so you can decide.
View from restaurant in Dubrovnik, Credit: Dubrovnik 360 Restaurant
Is Dubrovnik expensive to eat out? You’ll spend around €20-25 for the main course in the Old Town. With a glass of wine and a side dish, that should be around €35.
Is accommodation in Dubrovnik expensive? On average, our luxury villas in Dubrovnik cost €400-1,000 per night in the off-season and €1,200 - 2,000 in the high season. Most villas sleep 8 to 12 guests. The average price is €40-200 per person per night for luxury holidays in Dubrovnik.
How much does a tour of Dubrovnik's top attractions cost? A 2-hour tour of Dubrovnik City Walls with scenic views of Old Town, Lovrijenac Fortress, and the Adriatic Sea costs €15 - 35 per adult, depending on the season. Students, children, and groups get a discount.
10. General Tips
Lastly, we’ll answer a few common questions people Google about Dubrovnik.
Are mosquitoes a problem in Dubrovnik? From June to September, mosquitoes are prevalent in Croatia and thus, in Dubrovnik, so you should use insect repellent. They may be annoying, but mosquitoes in Croatia aren’t dangerous if you’re not allergic.
Can I drink tap water in Dubrovnik? Yes. Croatia has drinkable tap water, routinely tested for safety and quality. You can confidently drink tap water unless your host states otherwise. Also, you can refill your water bottles in public, for example in the Old Town at Onofrio’s Fountain.
Sv. Jakov Beach in Dubrovnik
Do people dress up in Dubrovnik? Depends. If you’re walking on Stradun Street and visiting fancy bars and restaurants, most people dress up to fit in with the crowd. If you’re going to the beach, dress casually.
What is the best currency to take to Dubrovnik? Euros. If you’re from other EU countries that use euros, you don’t need to change money and you can pay with a card without extra provisions. To change from other currencies, go to post offices, banks, and exchange offices, but beware of service fees.
What are the best restaurants in Dubrovnik? Lucky for you, we have a blog called 5 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Dubrovnik.
What are the best beaches in Dubrovnik? Needless to say, we have a blog 7 Most Memorable Dubrovnik Beaches.
That’s the top 10 things to know before your villa holidays in Dubrovnik. Have you started planning your trip? Get in touch with our Croatia villa specialists and our experienced agents will help you plan a tailored Dubrovnik experience.