Welcome to the pearl of the Adriatic, a city where history meets Mediterranean charm: Dubrovnik! Nestled on the Croatian coast, this city attracts travelers from all over the world with its medieval ramparts, cobbled streets and breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.
In this travel guide, I invite you to discover Dubrovnik’s hidden treasures and well-known gems, from must-do activities to secret addresses. Get ready to lose yourself in the maze of the old town and marvel at the spectacular views from the ramparts.
How do you prepare for your trip? What are the must-do activities in Dubrovnik? And where to go? I’ll tell you all about it!
Dubrovnik in short
How to get to Dubrovnik From France, it takes just 1h30 by plane to reach Dubrovnik airport. It then takes 30 minutes to get to the city center. The bus is the cheapest option (approx. €4) or you can order a cab (approx. €45).
Getting around The historic center is easily discovered on foot. If you’re staying on the outskirts, there are several bus routes in the city. In any case, avoid the car, as parking in the historic center is extremely difficult.
When to go? In spring or autumn, to enjoy beautiful days and avoid the heat of summer.
How long to stay? 2 days is enough to get a good overview of the city. 3 days will allow you to visit all the historic sites and take your time. You can also extend your stay by visiting Montenegro, less than an hour away by car.
How much does it cost? Round-trip plane tickets can be found for as little as €70 if you plan ahead. The local cost of living is similar to that in Paris. The city is extremely touristy, and restaurateurs take advantage of this to inflate prices.
What is the history of Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik has only been called Dubrovnik since 1918; its original name was Ragusa. The city was founded in the 7th century when a colony of the Roman city of Epidaurus, fleeing Slav attacks, sought refuge by the sea and built a fortified town.
Ragusa soon became a prosperous city thanks to the rapid expansion of trade. After falling under the domination of Byzantium and then Venice, it gained its independence in 1358 and became a republic with three annually renewed councils and a chief executive, the Rector, elected for one month. With this modern government, Ragusa enjoyed a golden age and was nicknamed the “Athens of the Adriatic”, coining the motto “Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro” (“Freedom cannot be sold for all the gold in the world”).
In 1667, a terrible earthquake devastated the town, killing 40% of the population and causing extensive damage. The Republic came to an end in 1808, when Napoleon’s troops incorporated Ragusa into the Kingdom of Italy.
In the 20th century, Ragusa – now Dubrovnik – escaped both world wars, but was bombed during the Yugoslav war when Croatia gained independence, which did not please the Serbs and Montenegrins. The 1991 bombings and several months of siege destroyed historic monuments and killed many civilians. Since then, the city has been rebuilt using traditional techniques and in compliance with anti-seismic standards.
Tip: the Dubrovnik pass
This pass gives you access to the city’s must-see sites, such as the ramparts and the Saint-Laurent fortress, as well as to numerous museums and palaces. It also offers free access to the bus network.
It costs €35 for a day (24 hours from purchase), €45 for 3 days and €55 for a week. Access to the ramparts alone costs €35, so you’ll get your money’s worth from the very first visit. Purchase online at https://www.dubrovnikpass.com/
Dubrovnik’s 8 must-sees
Stroll through the city
With its narrow streets, Dubrovnik has a charm all of its own! Take the time to lose yourself in the streets and soak up the atmosphere of the city.
Climb the ramparts
Dubrovnik’s most beautiful sight is undoubtedly the city walls. Climbing up these impressive walls, you can contemplate the beauty of the city and its surroundings. Built in the 13th century, these ramparts have extraordinary dimensions: 1940 meters long, up to 24 meters high and 6 meters wide!
Access is not cheap (€35 per person!), but you really shouldn’t miss out. The walk lasts around 2 hours, with time to take a few photos and admire the scenery.
If you take this tour in hot weather, remember to bring a cap and a bottle of water, as there are few shady spots.
Entrance via one of the city gates (staircase on side)
Open daily, opening hours vary according to season
Price: €35
This tour is included in the Dubrovnik Pass
Admire the view from Fort Lovrijenac
Situated just a few dozen meters outside the city walls, this 14th-century fortress offers a breathtaking view of the sea and played a key role in the city’s defense.
Less popular than the ramparts, it’s less crowded with tourists, so you can enjoy your visit in greater peace and quiet.
Open daily, opening times vary according to season
Price: €14
This tour is included in the Dubrovnik Pass
Dubrovnik or King’s Landing?
Fans of Game of Thrones are bound to fall under Dubrovnik’s spell, as the city was used as the setting for King’s Landing in the series. Several guided tours offer the chance to see the filming locations and even sit on the Iron Throne!
Entering the Sponza Palace
This palace housed the financial institutions of the Republic of Ragusa. Today, the municipal archives are housed here. Inside, you can admire its Gothic architecture and visit a small memorial dedicated to the defenders of Dubrovnik during the 1991 siege.
Open daily, opening hours vary according to season
Price: €4
Visit the Rector’s Palace (cultural history museum)
This is Dubrovnik’s most sumptuous palace. It was here that the Rector lived, as he was the chief executive, elected for only one month. In addition to the Rector’s apartments, the palace also housed prisons, various administrations and the powder magazine. Today, the Rector’s apartments have been restored and can be visited.
Open daily except Wednesdays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Price: €18
This tour is included in the Dubrovnik Pass
Entering Assumption Cathedral
Built between 1672 and 1713, the cathedral’s baroque façade contrasts with its sober interior. Located opposite the Rector’s palace, you won’t want to miss it!
Open daily, opening hours vary according to season
Free admission
Going to Mount Srđ
Mount Srđ (pronounced “seurtch”) rises to the north of the city, offering breathtaking views of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea. It can be reached by cable car (€27 per person, return) or on foot via a winding path (allow 1h30).
Discover the island of Lokrum
A 10-minute crossing is all it takes to reach this island off the coast of Dubrovnik. It’s a very pleasant place, with crystal-clear waters, lush vegetation, numerous peacocks, a botanical garden, a royal fort and the remains of an 8th-century Benedictine abbey.
There are a number of restaurants and snack bars on site. It’s also possible to go for a swim – there’s no real beach, but you can dive off the rocks.
Access to the island costs €27, including return trip from the old port.
Where to stay? Find a hotel in Dubrovnik
Enter the dates of your stay on this map to find out which establishments are available and their rates:
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Extend your stay: discover Montenegro
If you can, extend your stay by 3 or 4 days to discover Montenegro, less than an hour away by car.
There, you can admire natural treasures such as the Kotor inlets, as well as historic sites such as the sublime town of Perast.
Enjoy your trip!
All photographs used in this article are the property of Culturez-vous and may not be reused without written permission.
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