From knowing the best time to visit Dubrovnik and walk the walls, to getting the cheapest Dubrovnik bus tickets, these seven tips should make your Croatian holiday better.
Know the best time of year to visit Dubrovnik
Accommodation in Dubrovnik is highly seasonal – prices in July and August can be extortionate, while many hotels close over winter. There are bargains to be had in Dubrovnik’s shoulder seasons, however – try planning a trip for April or October.
Check the Pile Gate entrance rope
On very busy days, a rope is put up at the Pile Gate entrance to the Old Town, with an entrance and exit on either side. Locals know that if they see the rope, the Old Town will be nightmarishly packed with cruise ship passengers, and they stay out. Wednesdays tend to be busiest, Mondays quietest, if you want to tackle Dubrovnik’s highlights.
Walk the city walls later in the day
The cruise ships tend to depart between 2pm and 5pm – so the Old Town is best tackled later in the afternoon. The city walls, in particular, are best walked after 5pm.
Say the magic word for a cheap lunch
The word “marenda” is a handy one to know at lunchtime – it’ll generally see you given the option of a simple but good fish or chicken dish that’s not on the menu. Orsan at Ivana Zajca 2 is the best place to try it – the waterside yacht club setting is superb, and the marenda dishes are a bargain.
Five great Dubrovnik experiences
- 🌊 See the Kravice waterfalls, Mostar and Pocitelj on a day trip to Bosnia.
- 🎬 Let a guide show you the Game of Thrones filming locations around Dubrovnik on a walking tour.
- 🛥️ Take a small boat trip to the Blue Cave.
- 🤿 Add snorkelling to a kayaking adventure along the Dubrovnik coastline.
- 🏝️ Enjoy a three island cruise to the Elaphite Islands, including lunch.
Sunset drinks at Buza
Accessed through an arch in the city walls, and then down a number of steps, Buza at Crijevićeva 9 is built right onto the rocks, with a terrace for watching the boats go by and the sun go down. A better place for an early evening beer is hard to imagine.
Get the cheapest Dubrovnik bus tickets
The Old Town is entirely pedestrianised, but the Libertas buses link up the rest of the city efficiently, running until the early hours. Dubrovnik bus tickets are cheaper when bought from kiosks than on-board.
Find out when the Adriatic Island ferries depart
Several tours head out to the Adriatic Sea islands, but you may prefer to head out to the islands independently. If so, Jadrolinija runs frequent ferries, and timetables are online.
For a massive selection of Dubrovnik activity and experience options, hunt here.
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More Dubrovnik travel
Other Dubrovnik travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- The Neum Corridor: How Bosnia ended up with a coastline.
- 8 Dubrovnik must-dos for first time visitors.
- Guide to the Mount Srd cable car in Dubrovnik.
- A peaceful escape on Mljet Island.
