Dubrovnik
Croatia, Europe
Medieval walls, a marble street, and too many people who know it.
The walls are what stops you short. Pale limestone, blinding in July sun, enclosing a city so intact it feels theatrical. Inside, the Stradun is a marble runway worn glass-smooth by feet and time, flanked by cafes where a coffee costs three times what it does one street back. The Adriatic sits below everything, improbably blue, and cruise ships sit below that, blocking the view.
Our honest take
Dubrovnik is genuinely one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe and it knows it. July and August are close to unbearable with crowds and heat. The walls walk costs 35 EUR and is worth every cent. Come in May or October and the city is a different place entirely.
Why go
- Walking the 2km circuit of city walls gives you the full geometry of the old town, rooftops below, open sea above, and no car in sight
- Sea kayaking around the base of the walls at 7am, before the tour boats arrive, is the best way to understand the city's position on its rocky peninsula
- The Elafiti Islands by ferry: three small islands, clear water, pine shade, and almost nobody compared to Dubrovnik's streets
Skip if you can
- Stradun restaurants: you're paying for the address. Walk one alley back for the same dish at half the price.
- The Game of Thrones tour: surface-level and overpriced. You can find every filming location yourself with a free map from the tourist office.
- Visiting the walls between 10am and 4pm in summer. The limestone reflects heat like a pan. Go at opening (8am) or the last hour before close.
Things to do
Where locals eat
Cuttlefish or squid risotto coloured with its ink, a Dalmatian coastal dish, briny and rich. It will stain your teeth; that's normal.
Buffet Kamenice on Gundulić Square, an Old Town seafood institution
Ston, up the coast from Dubrovnik, farms prized oysters eaten raw with lemon, a genuine regional specialty.
Buffet Kamenice (Gundulić Square) sources Mali Ston oysters
Meat or octopus and vegetables slow-cooked under a bell-shaped lid covered in embers, usually must be ordered hours ahead, a real local ritual.
A konoba outside the walls that takes advance peka orders (confirm lead time)
A Dubrovnik custard pudding similar to crème caramel, flavoured with rose liqueur, the local dessert, made here since the Middle Ages.
A traditional restaurant in the old town
Costs
Per person, per day on the ground, lodging, food, local transport and activities. Excludes international flights (see Getting there).
City walls entry: 35 EUR. Ferry to Lokrum Island: 15 EUR return. Sit-down meal in Old Town: 25-45 EUR per person. Same meal in Lapad: 15-25 EUR.
Getting there
Where to stay
Inside the walls: incredible location, loud at night until 1am, very expensive, no car access for luggage
20 min by bus, quieter, beach access, better value, local restaurants outnumber tourist traps
5-minute walk to the main gate, cheaper than inside, still convenient, some sea views
Good to know
- The city walls have no shade and minimal water fountains. Bring 1.5L of water minimum per person, more in summer.
- Cobblestones are polished smooth and become slippery when wet or in wet sandals. Wear proper footwear.
- Pickpocketing is low risk by European standards but the Stradun crowds in peak season create opportunity. Keep bags zipped.
- Swimming off the rocks is common and safe but the entry points can be sharp. Water shoes are useful.
Prices, visa rules, and transport details may change. Always verify with official sources before booking. Last updated: July 2026.
Reviews
No reviews yet
Visited Dubrovnik? Be the first to share your experience.