Dubrovnik, Croatia: A Pearl of the Adriatic

We have just come to the end of the most incredible 4 days in Dubrovnik on our way to Ireland from Dubai and I am totally sold. From the food, culture, beauty and rich history, what's not to love?

I’ve crafted a bespoke Dubrovnik travel guide just for you that draws from our relaxed experience spent solely in the Old Town and Lapad. Over 4 days, we soaked up the sun, savored the local cuisine, and immersed ourselves in the city’s history. Along the way, I’ve gathered some unique and genuine tips that will help you make the most of your own Dubrovnik adventure!

The Jesuit Steps made famous in Game of Thrones, where they represented the "Walk of Shame" scene!

When to visit

We were recommended to visit Dubrovnik in late spring or early autumn. Our dates were 12th-16th October and the weather was absolutely perfect. Temperatures hovered around 23 degrees every day with a gorgeous breeze. At night, you'd need a light shawl or cardigan to keep warm, but even still, we didn't have either and were comfortable sitting outdoors.

Where to stay

For convenience, I’d highly recommend staying just outside the city walls. Since no cars are allowed inside, dragging your luggage through the narrow streets could be a hassle. A popular option is Lapad, well-connected to the Old Town by local buses, and Uber rides are also affordable. If you are looking for a more laid-back holiday, in a hotel or villa with a pool, and plan on spending most of your time sunbathing and relaxing, Lapad is definitely for you. Otherwise, staying closer to the city walls offers more accessibility to what Dubrovnik has to offer.

A view of the West Pier from our window.

Things to do

I would definitely recommend purchasing the 3 day Dubrovnik Pass for €45 if you are going to soak in the history of Dubrovnik and some of the Game of Thrones filming locations.

How can we girl math this?! Well, the adult single ticket for the city walls alone is €35 during the regular season (March 1 - October 31) and €15 in the off-season (from January 1- February 29, and from November 1 - December 31). Museums and Galleries are around €20, Friars Minor Franciscan Monastery Museum is €6 and the Vlaho Bukovac Home is €5, so you can definitely see where you will save.

Sights and Activities

• Stroll around the narrow cobble streets of the Old Town and the main street of Stradun (Placa)

• Pile Gate

• Walk the city walls

• Fort Lovrijenac (Fort Lawrence)

• West Harbour

• Buza Bar for swimming and cliff jumping

• Rector’s Palace

• Jesuit Church of St. Ignatius

• Saint Jacob's Beach

• A boat trip to Lokrum Island to see the peacocks and wildlife, visit the botanical gardens, Benedictine Monastery, Dead Sea, Fort Royal and even sit upon a replica of the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones in the monastery complex.

• Banje Beach

• Cable Car to Mount Srđ

• Take a kayak sunset tour and stop off at Batina Cave

Restaurants, Bars and Cafes

Dubrovnik has the most insane variety and number of restaurants, bars and cafés, so defintely spend time strolling around and see which ones appeal to you. I will leave some popular ones below and ones we went to ourselves.

• Cele Dubrovnik Gourmet & Lounge

• Orlando Café Bar & Bistro

• Zox Box

• Poklisar Restaurant

• Dubravka 1836

• ARKA

• Gradska kavana Arsenal Restaurant

• The Taj Mahal (Book online in advance.)

• Portun

• Buza Bar (for sunset)

• Cave Bar More

• Holy Burek

• Nautika Restaurant

• Panorama Restaurant (Take the cable car up for sunset. Book online in advance.)

• Dolce Vita

Nadine's Top Tips!

• Mlinar bakery is a hot favourite and is an affordable option for breakfast on the go.

• If your phone is unlocked, get an Airalo eSIM. Click here to sign up and get $3 off your first eSIM package.

• Bring or buy water shoes as the beaches in Dubrovnik are made up of stones and rocks.

• You can take a reusable water bottle to fill up your water around the city with freezing cold, fresh water in the fountains. We personally didn't do this but a lot of tourists were doing this while we were there.

• Dubrovnik can get hot, so make sure your accommodation has air conditioning. If it doesn't, consider bringing a window mosquito net. This way, you can keep the windows open at night without inviting in any unwanted mosquito visitors.

• Comfortable shoes are a must if you plan on exploring the Old Town’s cobblestone streets. The steep steps can also be tough on your feet!

• Be mindful that Sunday is treated as a holy day in Dubrovnik so plan your trip to allow for many shops being closed on Sunday.

• The adapter is 'F', so take your extenion lead and an adapter with you.

As I sit in Dubrovnik airport (waiting on our 1.5 hour delayed Ryanair flight to Dublin!), I can't help but feel a tinge of jealousy for all of you planning your next adventure to this breathtaking city! Croatia consistently ranks as one of the safest destinations in the world, making it an ideal place to explore solo or with loved ones. With its friendly locals and vibrant culture, wandering the charming streets of Dubrovnik felt completely secure and welcoming. I can’t wait to explore more of what Croatia has to offer!

If you’re considering a trip to Dubrovnik and need some help with planning or booking, don’t hesitate to reach out! DM me on Instagram at @overacuppatravel . I love helping you all create your own unforgettable experiences, no matter where your wanderlust takes you.

Happy travels!