Cruise Port Guide · Mediterranean
Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful walled cities in Europe, with marble streets, terracotta roofs and the Adriatic all around. Its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a highlight for history lovers and adventurers alike.
Dubrovnik at a glance
Our consultants who’ve been here
Amy & DeeAnn
“Old Town Dubrovnik is one of the cleanest and best-preserved European cities I’ve ever seen!” – Amy
Top Things to Do in Dubrovnik
Our recommendations on what to see and do, based on our own experience in port.
A tuk-tuk tour
Amy says if you’re ever in Dubrovnik, you have to try this! She and her cousin Christina had a great time with their driver, Vito, who took them to all the best photo spots, shared fascinating stories about Dubrovnik’s history and had a great sense of humour. Turns out he’s a great photographer, too!
- Amy’s driver
- Vito
- You’ll get
- The best photo spots
- Plus
- History and great stories
- Ends
- Ask to be dropped in Old Town
Inside the walls: Old Town
Amy and Christina explored inside the walls, and Amy found Old Town to be one of the cleanest and best-preserved cities she’s ever seen. The tiny alleys reminded her of Venice, only without feeling like she’d get lost. DeeAnn spent her afternoon wandering the same cobblestone streets.
- Cost
- Free to wander
- Main street
- The Stradun
- Feels like
- Venice, but easier to navigate
- Wear
- Comfy shoes, it’s marble
A 360° panorama tour
DeeAnn joined a 360° tour that took her group to breathtaking heights above the city, where the views over Old Town and the Adriatic were truly spectacular. Driving through areas made famous by Game of Thrones was a fun bonus!
- Views
- Old Town and the Adriatic
- Bonus
- Game of Thrones areas
- How DeeAnn went
- A city and panorama tour
- Good for
- First-timers
Taste Dubrovnik
Save room! Amy and Christina stopped for a pastry filled with cheese in Old Town, and it was delicious. DeeAnn’s group sampled gelato and local delicacies, and enjoyed Croatian wines, olives and olive oils: a perfect blend of culture and flavour.
- Amy tried
- A cheese-filled pastry
- DeeAnn tried
- Gelato, wine, olives
- Bring home
- Croatian olive oil
- Good for
- A snack break
Read Amy’s 9 days sailing Croatia from Dubrovnik to Split, and DeeAnn’s Greece and Croatia cruise on Virgin Voyages.
More Things to Do in Dubrovnik
Popular things to do that we book for clients.
Sunset at Sunset BeachOn her first evening, Amy found a spot to watch the sun go down at Sunset Beach. If you’re staying in Dubrovnik before or after your cruise, it’s the perfect way to end your day.
Stay a night or twoAmy stayed at Hotel Splendid, a quaint 3-star hotel steps from the sea and a short taxi or bus ride from Old Town. It has a buffet restaurant for dinner (€23 per person) and an à la carte restaurant over the water.
Find your photo spotDubrovnik’s hillsides, bridges and cliffs have incredible views over the sea. A tuk-tuk or panorama tour will take you straight to the best ones.
Free Things to Do in Dubrovnik
Great ways to enjoy your day without spending a thing.
Walk the StradunTake the city bus from Gruž port to Pile Gate and stroll Dubrovnik’s gleaming limestone main street through the heart of the Old Town.
Dubrovnik CathedralThe cathedral itself is free to enter outside of Mass, with its baroque interior and Titian altarpiece. Only the treasury charges.
Swim at Banje BeachJust outside Ploče Gate, this public pebble beach offers a refreshing swim with gorgeous views back to the city walls.
Know Before You Go in Dubrovnik
- Ships dock at Gruž: outside Old Town, so plan a taxi, bus or tour to get in.
- Go early: Old Town is busiest from late morning, especially with several ships in port.
- Croatia uses the euro: so there’s no need to change money.
- Best months: Late May, June and September are the sweet spot: warm sea, fewer crowds. July and August are the hottest and busiest.
- Bring your passport: Passport valid for at least six months past your return date (the safest rule of thumb).
Dubrovnik FAQs
Quick answers for your day in port
Can you walk from the Dubrovnik cruise port to Old Town?
Ships dock at Gruž, outside Old Town, so most people take a taxi, bus or tour in. Amy’s hotel was also a short taxi or bus ride away.
What are some free things to do in Dubrovnik?
Some of our favourite free things to do in Dubrovnik are walk the Stradun, dubrovnik Cathedral and swim at Banje Beach. Take the city bus from Gruž port to Pile Gate and stroll Dubrovnik’s gleaming limestone main street through the heart of the Old Town.
What is the best tour in Dubrovnik?
Amy loved her tuk-tuk tour, with photo stops and history. DeeAnn loved her 360° panorama tour, which included Game of Thrones areas.
Is Dubrovnik worth extra nights?
Yes! Amy stayed two nights before her Croatia sailing and recommends staying near the sea, like at Hotel Splendid.
What currency does Croatia use?
Croatia uses the euro.
Do I need a passport for a Mediterranean cruise?
Canadians must travel with a valid passport, and we recommend it be valid for at least six months past your return date. Some destinations only require three months, but six months is the safest rule of thumb.
Does it cost more to book a Mediterranean cruise with a travel agent?
No, there’s no fee to book a cruise with Travitude Travel Group. You get a consultant who has actually sailed these ports and can help with pre-cruise hotels, private tours and transfers.
Start planning
Ready for an Adriatic cruise?
We’ve been there, and we’d love to help you plan every port, from tours and transfers to extra nights before or after your cruise, including Dubrovnik.