Dubrovnik
You've probably seen Dubrovnik in Game of Thrones, but the real thing is even more striking. Massive medieval walls rising from the Adriatic, terracotta rooftops packed tight, and water so clear you can see the bottom from the cliffs. The Old Town is small — you can walk end to end in 15 minutes — but every alley has a hidden bar or a view that stops you. It's gotten touristy and pricey when cruise ships dock, but early mornings and late afternoons still belong to the people actually staying here.
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Dubrovnik travel FAQ
How many days do I need in Dubrovnik?
2–3 days for the city, more if you want island trips. Day 1: Walk the city walls first thing in the morning (about €27 — steep, but it's the one thing you have to do). Then wander the Stradun, find a cliffside bar for sunset. Day 2: Kayak around the walls (morning is best, around €30–40 for a 3-hour tour), afternoon at Banje Beach or take the cable car up Srđ for the view. Day 3: Ferry to Lokrum Island or a day trip to Mljet National Park. If you're here longer, the Pelješac Peninsula has great wineries and oyster farms about 90 minutes away.
Is Dubrovnik expensive?
It's the most expensive city in Croatia, especially inside the Old Town walls. A sit-down meal runs €15–25, a beer €5–6. Hotels in the walls start at €100+/night in summer. But there are ways to manage: stay in Lapad or Gruž (10 minutes by bus, much cheaper), eat at konobas (local taverns) outside the walls, and buy groceries at the Konzum supermarket. The best views are free — just sitting on the rocks outside the walls at sunset costs nothing. April/May and September/October are noticeably cheaper than peak summer.
How do I avoid cruise ship crowds?
This is the key to enjoying Dubrovnik. Check the cruise ship schedule online — on days when multiple ships dock, the Old Town is genuinely overwhelming. Ship passengers are typically in town from 9am to 5pm. So: walk the walls at 8am when they open, explore the old town before 9am or after 5pm, and spend midday outside the walls — beaches, kayaking, or Lokrum Island. In summer, Tuesday through Thursday tend to be the heaviest days. Visit in shoulder season when ships are less frequent.