About Dubrovnik - Culture, History & Character
Croatian is spoken. English is the city's second language, spoken fluently and universally in the tourism sector.
Explore the fascinating past of Dubrovnik and discover how it has developed over the centuries.
Founded in the 7th century on a rocky island called 'Laus', the city, called Ragusa, grew by joining the Slavic settlement of Dubrava on the mainland.
Dubrovnik's golden age was between the 15th and 16th centuries, when the Republic of Ragusa became a prosperous and sophisticated city-state and maritime power in the Adriatic, rivaling Venice. Their motto was 'Freedom cannot be sold for all the gold in the world'. A devastating earthquake in 1667 destroyed much of the Renaissance city, which was rebuilt in a more sober baroque style.
After being conquered by Napoleon, it became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and later Yugoslavia. In 1991, during the Croatian War of Independence, the city was besieged and bombed by the Yugoslav army, suffering significant damage. A massive restoration campaign, coordinated by UNESCO, returned the city to its former splendor. In the 21st century, its fame skyrocketed when it became the setting for 'King's Landing' in the 'Game of Thrones' series.
The historical timeline shows the key moments that have defined the development of Dubrovnik through the centuries.
Discover what makes this city special with our comprehensive scoring system
Extremely safe.
Extremely safe.
The old town is made for walking, but it is physically challenging.
The old town is made for walking, but it is physically challenging.
The old town is pedestrian. Buses connect the city, but many visitors rely on taxis/Uber and boats.
The old town is pedestrian. Buses connect the city, but many visitors rely on taxis/Uber and boats.
An expensive destination: lodging and nightlife add up; use public transport and set menus.
An expensive destination: lodging and nightlife add up; use public transport and set menus.
It focuses on atmospheric and sophisticated bars, it is not a party capital.
It focuses on atmospheric and sophisticated bars, it is not a party capital.
Dubrovnik's culture is its own history and architecture. The museum offering is modest for a city of its fame.
Dubrovnik's culture is its own history and architecture. The museum offering is modest for a city of its fame.
Excellent Dalmatian cuisine focused on fresh fish and seafood.
Excellent Dalmatian cuisine focused on fresh fish and seafood.
Good for quality souvenirs and local crafts, but not a trendy destination.
Good for quality souvenirs and local crafts, but not a trendy destination.
Fantastic Mediterranean climate with hot and sunny summers.
Fantastic Mediterranean climate with hot and sunny summers.
Fully equipped for tourism, but suffers from one of the worst overcrowding in Europe.
Fully equipped for tourism, but suffers from one of the worst overcrowding in Europe.
Magical for older children because of its castles and walls, but very challenging for the little ones.
Magical for older children because of its castles and walls, but very challenging for the little ones.
As a top tourist destination, it's safe and welcoming, but the local scene is virtually non-existent.
As a top tourist destination, it's safe and welcoming, but the local scene is virtually non-existent.
'Overtourism' has taken its toll. The interaction is often purely commercial and there is a perceived great tourist fatigue.
'Overtourism' has taken its toll. The interaction is often purely commercial and there is a perceived great tourist fatigue.
Absolutely spectacular. The combination of the walled city, the sapphire Adriatic Sea and the green islands is one of the most beautiful views in the world.
Absolutely spectacular. The combination of the walled city, the sapphire Adriatic Sea and the green islands is one of the most beautiful views in the world.
A perfectly preserved medieval and baroque walled complex of spectacular beauty.
A perfectly preserved medieval and baroque walled complex of spectacular beauty.
A maritime republic that was a model of diplomacy and freedom for centuries, and a symbol of resilience in modern history.
A maritime republic that was a model of diplomacy and freedom for centuries, and a symbol of resilience in modern history.
A city of stone and sea. The main green space is the island of Lokrum.
A city of stone and sea. The main green space is the island of Lokrum.
The polished marble old town is impeccably clean and maintained.
The polished marble old town is impeccably clean and maintained.
Non-existent. The economy is overwhelmingly based on tourism.
Non-existent. The economy is overwhelmingly based on tourism.
An incredibly beautiful place but impractical and very expensive to work in long term.
An incredibly beautiful place but impractical and very expensive to work in long term.
Comprehensive assessment of this destination
Descubre las mejores épocas para visitar Dubrovnik y qué esperar durante todo el año.
Fantastic Mediterranean climate with hot and sunny summers.
Long season of sun and beach.
Mild winters.
The summer heat can be very intense inside the stone walls.
May, June and September are the ideal months for a perfect balance of good weather and manageable crowds.
July and August can be overwhelming due to the heat and the number of people.
The best time to visit. Perfect weather, the vegetation is lush and the crowds are smaller.
Hot and dry. High season with extreme crowds, especially at midday.
Very pleasant weather, the sea is still warm and the crowds are starting to thin out.
Mild but often rainy and windy ('Bura'). Very quiet, some businesses close.
Plan your expenses and discover the best shopping areas
Daily spending per person
The most expensive destination in Croatia and one of the most expensive in the Mediterranean, especially within the old town. Accommodations, food and activities are at premium prices.
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Best Areas
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Explore the most fascinating places this city has to offer
The main attraction. A walk of almost 2 km along the imposing medieval walls that surround the old town, with towers, fortresses and spectacular views of the sea and rooftops.
The heart of Dubrovnik, a pedestrian complex of marble streets, baroque churches, palaces and fountains, all surrounded by walls. World Heritage Site.
The main street of the old town, a shining limestone thoroughfare that functions as the city hall, connecting the Pile Gate with the Ploče Gate.
A cable car that climbs to the top of Mount Srđ, offering the most famous and spectacular panoramic view of Dubrovnik, the coast and the islands.
An imposing fortress on a 37-meter cliff, known as 'the Gibraltar of Dubrovnik'. Famous for the inscription above its door: 'Freedom is not sold for all the gold in the world'.
A forested island and nature reserve just 10 minutes away by boat. Ideal to escape the crowds, with peacocks, a Benedictine monastery, a botanical garden and places to swim.
The former government center of the Republic of Ragusa. A beautiful Gothic-Renaissance palace that today houses the Museum of Cultural History.
Two unique bars hidden in the cliffs, outside the walls, accessed through a hole ('buža') in the wall. The perfect place for a drink and a sunset swim.
Dubrovnik Main Square, an essential place to visit.
Dubrovnik Local Market, an essential place to visit.
Dubrovnik Central Park, an essential place to visit.
Dubrovnik Art Museum, an essential place to visit.
Dubrovnik Panoramic Viewpoint, an essential place to visit.
Dubrovnik Shopping Area, an essential place to visit.
Dubrovnik Traditional Quarter, an essential place to visit.
Discover fascinating destinations near Dubrovnik perfect for day getaways
The classic day boat tour. A relaxing trip to this small archipelago to swim in crystal clear waters, explore fishing villages and enjoy local food.
A fascinating excursion to the historic city of Mostar, famous for its iconic Ottoman bridge (Stari Most), its bazaars and its mix of cultures.
A trip to the spectacular Bay of Kotor, a fjord on the Adriatic, and the walled city of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore Croatia's premier wine region, famous for its Plavac Mali reds, and visit the town of Ston, with its impressive medieval walls and famous oysters.
Discover the best experiences and activities for each time of year
One of Croatia's oldest and most prestigious cultural festivals, with dozens of classical music concerts, plays and dance performances on open-air stages throughout the city.
The most important and traditional festival in Dubrovnik, in honor of its patron saint. An ancient celebration with processions, traditional costumes and religious ceremonies.
Experience the vibrant culture and traditions of this city through its unique festivals
Essential advice and local insights to make your trip memorable and safe
Eat outside Stradun
The main street is beautiful to walk, but its restaurants are expensive and touristy. Explore the narrow side streets to find more authentic and value-for-money 'konobas' (taverns).
Try Ston's oysters
If you get the chance, try the oysters from the nearby town of Ston, considered some of the best in the world.
Buy the Dubrovnik Pass
If you plan to visit the walls and several museums, the Dubrovnik Pass (1, 3 or 7 days) is very cost-effective, as it includes entry to the walls (which on its own is very expensive) and other attractions, as well as public transportation.
Avoid cruise ship rush hours
It is the most important advice. Check the arrival times of the cruises. The old town is unbearably crowded between 10:00 and 16:00. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for a magical experience.
'Game of Thrones'
The city is full of 'Game of Thrones' tours and shops. If you're a fan, it's fantastic. If not, be prepared to hear about it constantly.
New regulations in the Old Town
The city is implementing measures to combat 'overtourism', such as a ban on dragging suitcases with wheels (to reduce noise) and regulations on clothing (no shirtless). Be a respectful tourist.
Wear comfortable shoes
The marble on the streets is incredibly polished and can be slippery. Plus, there are thousands of stairs. Footwear with good soles is essential.
tap water
It is drinkable and of excellent quality.
Walk along the walls in the late afternoon
Most people go in the morning. Start the tour about two hours before closing to avoid the heat and crowds, and enjoy the incredible sunset light over the rooftops.
Swim with the locals on Danče Beach
To the west of Pile Gate, it is one of the oldest and most authentic beaches, frequented by locals. It is not sand, but rocks and concrete platforms, but the water is spectacular.
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