Is Dubrovnik Worth Visiting in 2024? Read This First

Planning a trip to Croatia and wondering “is Dubrovnik worth visiting?” It’s one of my favourite European destinations, so I’ll cover everything you need to know in this guide.

Dubrovnik is one of the most unique places I’ve ever visited. The beautiful walled city dates back to the 7th century and is packed full of history and culture.

As well as everything there is to discover within the city walls, Dubrovnik sits on the stunning Adriatic coastline. This is a trip where you truly get the best of both worlds, it’s a city break and a beach destination rolled into one.

I first visited Croatia when I was in my early 20s, on a week long cruise with The Yacht Week. It was one of the best trips I’ve ever done, but the tour didn’t stop in Dubrovnik.

After falling in love with Croatia on the trip, I knew I had to go back and explore Dubrovnik. And since then, I’ve visited the city twice, and completely fallen for its charm.

So if you’re wondering, “is Dubrovnik worth visiting?”, read on to find out why I think it absolutely is.

*Some links in this post are affiliate links. It won’t make a difference to what you pay, but I may earn a small commission if you purchase something I’ve recommended. I’m really grateful for your trust in my advice, and if I wouldn’t recommend it to a friend, I won’t recommend it to you.

PLANNING THE PERFECT TRIP TO DUBROVNIK

Get this: Make sure your trip starts smoothly by booking your airport transfer in advance. This transfer is much cheaper than a taxi

Don’t miss: The city walls. If there’s one thing you do on your trip, make it this

Bucket list experience: A guided sea kayaking tour with a visit to a stunning beach you can’t access on foot

Flights: Find the cheapest flights to Dubrovnik with Skyscanner 

Stay: Find the most affordable hotels in Dubrovnik on Booking.com

Is Dubrovnik worth visiting? Things to do

The main reason I love Dubrovnik so much is because of its location on the stunning Adriatic coastline.

Often, coastal cities mean a compromise on something – either there’s a brilliant beach and a mediocre city, or an incredible city with a beach that’s nothing to write home about.

But in Dubrovnik, both are magnificent, and during both my trips, I spent as much time in the water as I did wandering around the old town. So you won’t be stuck for things to do here.

1. Walk the city walls

There’s no better way to start a trip to Dubrovnik than walking the city walls.

Construction of these stone walls began in the 9th century as a means of protecting the city from invasion, and they’ve been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

The walls extend for 1.2miles around the Old Town of Dubrovnik and offer an incredible vantage point across the city and the sea.

You can walk the entire length of the walls, and there’s 3 main entrance points around the city, which one you choose will probably depend on its distance from your accommodation.

If there’s one thing I’d advise you to do when visiting the walls, it’s to get up early and do it first thing in the morning.

In summer, Dubrovnik gets VERY hot, and I promise you the last place you’ll want to be is walking the walls in the blistering heat with zero shade.

2. Take a ride on the cable car

The cable car is a must do on your visit to Dubrovnik. The views of the city and the coast are unrivalled from the top.

There’s also a restaurant up there, which is a beautiful setting for dinner. The prices are very expensive, but it might be worth it for a special occasion.

3. Spend a day at Banje beach

Banje beach is one the most popular beaches in Dubrovnik, and it’s located just a short walk from the Old Town.

It’s location means you get some of the best views over the whole of the city, the Adriatic sea and Lokrum island.

It’s a large beach so it’s not difficult to find a sunbathing spot, and there’s sun loungers available to rent as well.

It’s also a great place to try water sports, you can rent paddle boards, jet skis and kayaks from here.

4. Go on a Game of Thrones tour

If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, you’ll feel right at home in Dubrovnik. A lot of the series was filmed here, and it’s pretty cool to walk around the city and see some of the famous spots from the show.

Whilst you can discover the locations yourself, a guided tour is the best way to ensure you don’t miss any, and to hear some extra behind the scenes stories. And, you’ll even get to sit on the iron throne.

Something I think is worth calling out here, although this is just my opinion, is that it felt as though the city had been slightly taken over by Game of Thrones. And that’s coming from someone who is a fan of the show.

There were GoT dedicated shops on every corner, and for me, some of the magic of this beautiful, historical city was lost in pursuit of the show.

It didn’t taint my love for the place, it was just a bit of a shame.

5. Grab ice cream at Peppino’s

Peppino’s was my favourite spot for ice cream in Dubrovnik. The ice cream is stored in vats, which is how you know it’s the good stuff.

Ice cream that’s bright in colour and piled high is a sign that it’s filled with additives and artificial flavourings that allow it to stay upright without melting.

So if the ice cream is hidden away in a covered tub, you can trust it’s going to be delicious.

I stopped for ice cream here more times than I care to admit, don’t miss it whilst you’re in Dubrovnik!

6. Visit Buza Bar (I and II)

Buza Bar is one of the most famous spots in Dubrovnik, and with good reason. Step through a hole in the city walls, and you’ll find this cliffside bar overlooking the Adriatic sea.

There’s actually two Buza Bars, just around the corner from each other, and both are well worth a visit. I preferred Buza Bar II because it was a bit quieter.

During the day, they’re the perfect place to have a few drinks and jump into the sea. We spent hours sunbathing on the rocks and watching the world go by.

In the evening, it’s one of the best places to watch the sunset, and I’d actually recommend the original Buza Bar for sunset views. But it gets VERY busy, so get there early if you want a seat.

Note: they only take cash here, so get some out ahead of your visit.

7. Head to Lokrum Island

Lokrum Island is located just off the coast of Dubrovnik, and you’ll be able to see it from the old town.

There’s plenty to do there, including hiking, swimming along the coast, and visiting the Benedictine Monastery, which dates back to the 11th century.

It’s also where you’ll find the original Iron Throne from Game of Thrones, which was donated by HBO after filming.

You can get to Lokrum island via a short ferry ride from Dubrovnik Old Town, or you can kayak yourself. The majority of kayaking companies are located at Pile Gate.

8. Explore the Old Town of Dubrovnik

The Old Town of Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful European towns I’ve visited, known for its medieval architecture, fortifications and surrounding city walls.

Make sure you explore the narrow streets that wind through the city, lined with an array of shops, restaurants and bars.

The main street of the Old Town is called Stradun, and it’s well worth visiting early to see it with no one else around.

Other activities you might enjoy in Dubrovnik

Is Dubrovnik worth visiting? Where to eat

The food scene in Dubrovnik is brilliant, and with its location on the Adriatic sea, it’s the perfect place for seafood lovers.

Here’s some of my favourite restaurants I’d recommend for your trip:

Trattoria Carmen

This small, family-owned Italian restaurant is tucked away down a side street in Dubrovnik’s old town.

There’s nearly always a queue (they don’t take reservations), but it’s well worth the wait. It’s perfectly located for lunch after you’ve finished walking the city walls.

The menu changes regularly, and is handwritten on a chalk board that’s passed around from table to table. Expect pasta dishes, delicious salads, and fresh seafood.

Nautika

Nautika is a Michelin guide restaurant, located just outside of the city walls. It’s location means you get panoramic views of the coastline and the town, all whilst enjoying world-class dishes.

As well as the a-la-carte offering, Nautika has a 5 or 7 course tasting menu, which is the perfect way to sample a variety of food.

Azur

Azur serves up Mediterranean cuisine with an Asian twist, and is a brillant dinner spot. It’s located next to Buza Bar II, so it’s nice to head there after watching the sunset.

Restaurant 360

Restaurant 360 is a Michelin starred fine dining restaurant, with an array of awards to its name.

It’s impressive terrace runs along the medieval walls of the city and has impressive views over the old town and the sea.

It’s only opening for dinner and serves two 5-course tasting menus and a smaller a-la-carte offering.

Is Dubrovnik worth visiting? Where to stay

There’s plenty of accommodation choice in Dubrovnik, with something to suit every budget.

I’ve visited the city twice, the first time we stayed in an Airbnb just outside of the city, and the second time we stayed in a hotel, just a 5-minute walk from the old town.

On our first visit, our Airbnb had an incredible view of Dubrovnik old town and Lokrum Island, but we had to climb up a LOT of stairs to get to it.

Even within the city walls, there’s a lot of stairs, so I’d recommend checking exactly where your accommodation is to avoid them if possible. It becomes very unenjoyable very quickly.

There aren’t many hotels within the city walls themselves, you’ll mostly find airbnbs and guesthouses.

Is Dubrovnik worth visiting? FAQs

Is 4 days in Dubrovnik too much?

No, 4 days in Dubrovnik definitely isn’t too much. It’s the perfect amount of time to see the main sights in the city, and spend a day at the beach relaxing. You’ll also be able to visit Lokrum island, and maybe fit in a day trip to nearby Montenegro.

Is Dubrovnik expensive?

Compared to other European cities I’ve visited, Dubrovnik is expensive. So be prepared for things to cost more. It can still be done on a budget though, there’s plenty of affordable hotels and airbnbs, and a lot of activities that don’t cost anything.

Is Dubrovnik worth the hype?

Yes, Dubrovnik is absolutely worth the hype. You get the best of both worlds here – an incredible medieval city to explore, full of brilliant restaurants and bars, as well as beautiful beaches and coves to relax on. There’s something for every type of traveller in Dubrovnik.

Is Dubrovnik a walkable city?

Yes, Dubrovnik is a very walkable city. If you’re staying within the city walls, you won’t need to use public transport at all during your stay. Everything is within easy reach, and the streets are clean and easy to navigate.

Should I stay in Dubrovnik or outside?

I’d always recommend staying in Dubrovnik rather than outside. This way, you can properly experience the medieval city, and you’ll be walking distance from the beach, the city walls, Buza Bar and all of the incredible restaurants across the city.

Is it easy to get around Dubrovnik without a car?

You don’t need to hire a car if you’re visiting Dubrovnik. You can walk to all of the main sights within the Old Town, and if you want to explore further afield, there’s a variety of tours that will take you wherever you need to go.

So, is Dubrovnik worth visiting?

As you’ve probably gathered from this blog post, I’m a huge fan of Dubronvik. It’s an incredible place, with so much to see and do. You can spend your days relaxing in the water, exploring the medieval buildings of the Old Town, or seeking out the Game of Thrones locations.

Whilst it might be more expensive than other European cities, there are ways to make it more affordable. So if you’re planning a trip to Croatia, make sure Dubrovnik is on your list.