Dubrovnik A Day Out, what to know before you go
Dubrovnik A Day Out, Arrival tips
Things you should know before you go to Dubrovnik. Not quite a day out but a guide to a holiday in Dubrovnik. I am going to give you my version of a holiday in Dubrovnik, from arriving at the airport to leaving. This page concentrates on the Arrival part, like Transport and things you can pre-book before arrival.
I did a lot of research before going to Dubrovnik and found that although the information is out there on the Internet. Not all the information was in one place or easily accessible on some Websites. After much searching, I was able to put the information I required together and then pinned it all to a Google map I also downloaded or saved the pages I needed to assist my break. So in a simple sentence, what is Dubrovnik about? Dubrovnik is a city along the beautiful Croatian coast and is famous for its Old Town and Fortress.
The Airport (Arrival)
Travelling from Dubrovnik Airport to the Old Town, or at least close to the famous city walls, is straightforward and stress free. You have several options. However, the simplest and most affordable choice is the airport bus transfer.
Head to the official Platanus bus transfer website and purchase an open return ticket. The price is 80.00 KN per person, which works out at roughly £9.21. That’s excellent value for such a convenient service. Select the route from Dubrovnik Airport to Old Town or the Main Bus Station. Then choose your departure date. The beauty of the open ticket is flexibility. If your flight is early or delayed, it does not matter.
After selecting the number of passengers and choosing a return ticket, complete your details and payment. The ticket will be emailed to you. Printing it is a sensible option. Alternatively, you can show it on your phone, although this depends on your mobile signal when you land. We printed ours for peace of mind.
Each ticket includes a QR code for scanning. If you prefer, you can also buy tickets at the airport kiosk, located on the right-hand side after baggage reclaim, or directly from the driver. Booking online in advance is quicker and far easier.
The Plantus Bus From the Airport
The airport bus departs around 30 minutes after each flight arrival, which makes timing wonderfully simple. Once you exit the terminal, turn right and walk along the pavement for roughly 200 yards. The bus usually waits on the first road to your left. Don’t worry if you cannot see a large Platanus logo on the side. Instead, check the front window. You will spot a clear Platanus sign displayed there.
When boarding, the driver will scan the QR code on your ticket. Importantly, keep that ticket safe, as it will be needed for your return journey. Before setting off, make sure you know exactly where you need to get off. This matters more than you think.
If you are staying near the Old Town, take the first stop at Vrata od Ploča, the Eastern Gate to the city walls. This is the most convenient stop for Old Town accommodation. The bus commonly pulls in opposite the Konzum Supermarket, which is an easy landmark to spot.
If you miss this stop, the bus continues to the city port and the main bus station on the far side of Dubrovnik. That location is useful if you are staying near the harbour or joining a cruise. However, it is far less convenient if your accommodation is close to the Old Town walls.
No Cars Are Allowed Inside the Walls
If you are considering a taxi from the airport, keep one important detail in mind. No cars are permitted inside Dubrovnik’s historic city walls. That rule applies to taxis, private transfers, and hire cars alike. Therefore, if your accommodation is located within the Old Town, you will need to walk from one of the city gates to your apartment or hotel.
The streets inside the walls are paved with smooth stone. They look beautiful. However, they can be slippery and uneven, especially with luggage. Pack light if you can. Your arms will thank you later.
If you are hiring a car, check parking arrangements carefully before you travel. Many Old Town properties do not provide parking. Public car parks are limited and often extremely expensive, particularly during peak season. Prices can quickly add up over several days. Research your options in advance. A little planning will save both money and stress once you arrive.
Accommodation
Where to Stay in Dubrovnik – Inside or Just Outside the Walls?
Choosing accommodation in Dubrovnik Old Town is entirely a personal decision. You can stay inside the ancient walls and step straight into the historic heart each morning. Or you can choose somewhere just outside and enjoy a little more space, often at a lower price. Naturally, rates vary depending on season, location, and those all-important views.
We decided to stay near the bus drop-off point, which made arrival wonderfully simple. Booking through Airbnb gave us plenty of choice. Just to the right of the drop-off area near Vrata od Ploča, there is a rising hillside filled with apartments. The higher you climb, the more spectacular the views become. Rooftops, terracotta tiles, and the sweep of the city walls unfold beneath you.
Our walk up was roughly 200 steps, although the incline is gentle rather than steep. Manageable, yes. Effortless after a full day exploring? Not quite. Remember, you will already have tackled plenty of steps inside the Old Town. Consider it a bonus exercise.
We stayed here at Apartment Dubrovnik DUBROVNIK Apartment MALA.. The views were exceptional. Another advantage was its proximity to the Platanus return bus stop for the airport. Note carefully, it is not the same stop where you arrived, so double-check before departure. The Apartment and the view are amazing. You can see all the details on the web link. Another good point about this apartment is that it is very close to the Plantus bus stop that takes you back to the airport. It’s not the same stop that you got off from.
Apartment Dubrovnik (Red Marker)
The Dubrovnik Card (For your days out)
Dubrovnik Card (Link) is well worth buying for your days out. You will save money on Museum entrance fees, and you get some local bus travel tickets to use. They sell them in 1 day 3 days, and 7 Day cards. Buying the card online in advance of your trip will also save you money. You get an online discount. Then take your email/receipt to the City of Dubrovnik Tourist Office at the Pile gate, and exchange it for your passes. They are activated the first day you visit a museum, and the bus tickets can be used any time you wish.
Daily Dubrovnik Card
Valid for one day (24 hours) – from the time of activation when visiting the first cultural-historical site. Enables entry to two museums, 2 galleries and City Walls. 24-hour bus rides on public transport.
3-day Dubrovnik Card
Valid for 3 days – from the time of activation when visiting the first cultural-historical site. Enables entry to 5 museums, two galleries and City Walls. 10 bus rides on public transport.
Weekly Dubrovnik Card
Valid for 7 days from the time of activation when visiting the first cultural-historical sight. Enables entry to 5 museums, two galleries and City Walls. 10 bus rides on public transport.
The main benefits of the Dubrovnik Card are
Why the Dubrovnik Card Is Great Value
The Dubrovnik Card is an excellent value for money, saving both time and cash during your visit. It comes with a free 160-page guidebook, complete with detailed plans of Dubrovnik and nearby Cavtat, helping you navigate the city easily.
The card includes free access to public transport, which makes travelling across the city and to Cavtat simple and affordable. You also receive special offer discounts at selected attractions.
Some people online claim the Dubrovnik Card isn’t worth it, but in our experience, it absolutely is. We visited every included museum, enjoyed all bus rides, and even received extra discounts at a few other attractions. Museums were informative and enjoyable, and bus fares are very cheap, both locally and to Cavtat. Ultimately, whether it’s worth it depends on your interests, but for us, the card offered convenience, savings, and a smoother, stress-free Dubrovnik experience.
Making the Most of Bus Travel and the Dubrovnik Card
We found the bus tickets included with the Dubrovnik Card incredibly useful. During our stay, we took two trips to Cavtat and also relied on the local bus to return from the cruise ship port at Port Gruž. Additionally, we used the bus from Lapad after enjoying a long coastal walk. Public transport in Dubrovnik is reliable, frequent, and very affordable, making it easy to explore beyond the Old Town without worrying about taxis or walking long distances.
While it’s possible to visit all the included museums in three days, we opted for the seven-day Dubrovnik Card. This gave us a more relaxed pace, allowing time to truly enjoy each museum without feeling rushed. The extra days meant we could explore the city, take multiple bus trips, and appreciate the sights along the coast comfortably, making our visit far more enjoyable and stress-free.
List of Museums for The Dubrovnik Card.
The Dubrovnik Card allows free entry to 9 city attractions:
- Dubrovnik City Walls
- Cultural Historical Museum (located in the Rector’s Palace!)
- Art Gallery Dubrovnik
- Dulcic-Masle-Pulitika Gallery
- Rupe Ethnographic Museum
- Natural History Museum
- Marin Drzic House
- Maritime Museum
- Friars Minor Franciscan Monastery Museum
South of Dubrovnik, in a town called Cavtat, the Dubrovnik Card includes free entry/discounts to:
- Vlaho Bukovac Home (Free with 3-Day and 7-Day card)
- Konavle Heritage Museum (Free)
- Racic Family Mausoleum (30% discount with 3-Day and 7-Day card)
The Plantus Bus departure point
The Plantus Bus departs from Dubrovnik to the Airport from a different Bus stop. This is due to the One-way system, which takes around the town when arriving. So DO NOT go to the drop-off point. Instead, head up the hill from the place where the bus dropped you off. Head for the Cable car just by the entrance, which is a bus stop.
Across from the Bus stop to your left is the Platanus Bus Ticket Office (Airport Shuttle Bus). If you do not have a ticket, you can buy one here. They also keep a list of the bus departure times, which are only published a few days in advance. You can check departure times on their website. We only had to walk a few minutes from our apartment to this office, so we checked it a few days before. Our bus back was around 6:00 am, and the office does not open that early.
Hotel Accommodation Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik A Day Out, Walk to Mount Srd
Top 20 Dubrovnik
1. Walk the City Walls
Walking the Dubrovnik City Walls is the ultimate Dubrovnik experience. These ancient ramparts encircle the Old Town, offering breathtaking 360‑degree views of terracotta rooftops, the shimmering Adriatic and distant islands. The path rises and falls, winding past fortresses and bastions built to defend the city. Early morning or late afternoon visits avoid the biggest crowds and bring softer light for photos. Expect glorious panoramas at every turn — a photographer’s dream. Wear comfy shoes and bring water; the walls can be busy and the sun strong. It’s one of those memories that stays with you long after you’ve gone.
2. Explore Stradun (Placa)
Stradun is the wide, polished limestone street that runs through the heart of the Old Town. It’s the city’s main artery, alive with street performers, cafés and historic buildings on every side. Walking from Pile Gate to the Rector’s Palace, you’ll feel the rhythm of Dubrovnik — lively yet timeless. The surface of Stradun shines, even in the midday sun. Stop for an espresso, watch the world go by, and let this iconic boulevard become your meeting point. It’s perfect for people‑watching, scenic photography, and soaking in the city’s unique urban charm.
3. Visit Rector’s Palace
Rector’s Palace is a stunning symbol of Dubrovnik’s history. Once the seat of the Republic’s rector and government, this palace blends Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Today it houses a museum with fascinating exhibits on Dubrovnik’s political and cultural past. Inside, you’ll wander courtyards, halls and chambers that once hosted diplomats and rulers. Each room has stories to tell and artefacts that bring the city’s history to life. Whether you’re a history buff or simply love beautiful buildings, the Rector’s Palace offers an absorbing journey into the heart of old Dubrovnik.
4. Take a Boat to Lokrum Island
Just a short boat ride from Old Town harbour, Lokrum Island feels like a natural escape. Dense pine forests, peacocks roaming freely, and quiet coves make it perfect for a leisurely day trip. There’s a small saltwater lake called the Dead Sea, ideal for a refreshing swim, and a botanical garden planted by the Habsburgs. Walk up to the Fort Royal for views back to Dubrovnik’s walls. The island is steeped in legend — including tales of a ghostly monk — adding mystery to its serene beauty. Boats run regularly in warmer months.
5. Climb Mount Srđ via Cable Car
For the most spectacular views of Dubrovnik, take the cable car up Mount Srđ. In less than five minutes, you’re elevated above the Old Town with sweeping vistas of the cathedral spires, glittering sea and distant islands. At the top, there’s a café and viewing terraces perfect for sunset. You can also walk portions of the hillside if you prefer a bit more activity. The panorama here is unforgettable — the kind of view that ends up on postcards and in photo galleries back home.
6. Wander the Old Town’s Backstreets
Beyond the major sights, Dubrovnik’s narrow backstreets are treasures waiting to be found. Hidden staircases, tiny squares and secret courtyards lead to artisan shops, quaint cafés and quiet corners where time seems to slow. Street names are ancient, and walls whisper history. Stop for a gelato, peek into local studios, or simply lose yourself in the maze of medieval lanes. These alleys offer authenticity and charm that big thoroughfares can’t match. Each twist and turn feels like a discovery. Wear good footwear — some streets are steep, and all are irresistible.
7. Visit Dubrovnik Cathedral
Dubrovnik Cathedral is an elegant Baroque church that rises proudly within the Old Town. Its bright white façade and grand dome are instantly recognisable. Inside, the cathedral houses remarkable religious art and treasures, including relics of Saint Blaise, the city’s patron saint. Even if you’re not religious, the sense of calm and craftsmanship here is captivating. The architecture, light and atmosphere combine to create a quiet moment of reflection amid a bustling visit. There’s also a treasury with intricate artefacts worth seeing.
8. Explore Fort Lovrijenac
Perched high on a rocky cliff, Fort Lovrijenac guards Dubrovnik from the west. Locals call it “Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar.” The views from the top are breathtaking, stretching over the city walls and the deep blue sea beyond. Inside, you can walk battlements and imagine life as a watchful defender. The fort has also become famous through TV and film, adding a layer of pop‑culture appeal. Whether you visit for the history or the views, it’s a highlight of any Dubrovnik itinerary.
9. Swim at Banje Beach
Just outside the east gate of the Old Town, Banje Beach offers easy access to crystal‑clear water and dramatic views of the city walls. Sunloungers, paddleboards and nearby cafés make it ideal for relaxation after exploring all day. The pebbly shoreline and deep blue sea invite you in — the water is refreshingly cool and perfect for a dip. Whether you’re here at sunrise or late afternoon, the view back towards Old Town is spectacular. Bring a towel, sunscreen and prepare for a classic Dubrovnik beach moment.
10. Visit the Maritime Museum
Housed in the impressive St. John Fortress, the Maritime Museum showcases centuries of seafaring history. Dubrovnik was once a powerful maritime republic, and this museum tells that story with models, charts and fascinating artefacts. Exhibits explore shipbuilding, trade routes and naval battles, giving you deeper insight into how the city thrived by sea. The fortress itself offers superb views over the harbour and sea. History lovers and curious travellers alike will find this a rewarding visit.
11. Stand in Luža Square
Luža Square is one of the most atmospheric spots in the Old Town. Surrounded by elegant buildings, it’s where locals and visitors gather, particularly during events and concerts. On sunny days, musicians play, and pigeons dance in the warm light. It’s also home to the famous Orlando’s Column and the clock tower. Stop for a coffee at one of the cafés overlooking the square and soak in the timeless vibe. It’s a perfect pause in your Dubrovnik journey.
12. Discover the Franciscan Monastery and Pharmacy
One of Europe’s oldest pharmacies, still operating today, is found inside the Franciscan Monastery. The courtyard is peaceful and cloaked in history, while the tiny pharmacy has served locals and travellers for centuries. Shelves filled with herbal remedies and old‑world jars feel like stepping back in time. The monastery’s architecture and serene gardens make this a calming retreat from the bustling streets. History, beauty and a sense of continuity make this a truly special stop.
13. Sunset Cruise Around the Walls
Seeing Dubrovnik from beyond the land is unforgettable. A sunset cruise takes you around the majestic city walls and out towards distant islands. The colours shift as the sun dips low, painting the sea with gold and rose. Photographers will find perfect frames at every turn. These cruises often include drinks and music, making it feel like a celebration of your stay. Just watching the light change on Old Town’s stone façades from the water is worth the experience alone.
14. Kayak Along the Coast
Sea kayaking around Dubrovnik offers a unique perspective of the city and its surroundings. Paddle along the cliffs, past Fort Lovrijenac, and explore hidden caves and quiet beaches. The Adriatic waters are clear and inviting, perfect for spotting marine life. Guided tours provide local insights and safety instructions, making it suitable for beginners. Kayaking at sunrise or sunset adds magic to the experience, with soft light illuminating the walls and rooftops. It’s active, scenic, and rewarding — a perfect way to combine adventure with sightseeing.
15. Game of Thrones Tour
Dubrovnik fans won’t want to miss a Game of Thrones walking tour. Many Old Town streets and fortresses served as filming locations for King’s Landing. Guides share behind-the-scenes stories and point out specific scenes, adding a fun, immersive layer to your visit. Even non-fans will enjoy the historical architecture and the way the city doubles as a cinematic backdrop.
16. Walk to Buza Bar
Perched on the cliffs outside the western city walls, Buza Bar offers unbeatable views over the Adriatic. Sip a cocktail while watching the waves crash below. It’s a relaxed, off-the-beaten-path spot that feels exclusive despite its popularity.
17. Explore Fort Bokar
Part of the city’s defensive system, Fort Bokar sits along the western wall. The circular fort offers panoramic views of both the sea and Old Town. Climbing the ramparts gives insight into Dubrovnik’s military history while rewarding visitors with incredible photo opportunities.
18. Visit Dubrovnik Synagogue
The Dubrovnik Synagogue is one of the oldest in Europe. Its small museum shares the history of the Jewish community in Dubrovnik, including traditions, artefacts, and stories of resilience. It’s quiet, thought-provoking, and historically significant.
19. Walk the Lapad Promenade
The Lapad peninsula offers a lovely coastal walk away from the Old Town crowds. Stroll along the promenade, enjoy cafés, gardens, and the pebble beaches. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely afternoon and a taste of local life.
20. Day Trip to Cavtat
A short bus ride or boat trip takes you to the charming town of Cavtat. Colourful buildings, a scenic harbour, and peaceful beaches make it perfect for a day trip. Explore art galleries, enjoy fresh seafood, or simply wander along the waterfront. Cavtat is calm, beautiful, and a great contrast to the bustling Old Town.
