Beginner’s Guide to Dubrovnik: King’s Landing

The undisputed star of the Adriatic coast, Dubrovnik, along with its stunning Old Town, sapphire blue waters, and formidable city walls, is a sight to behold.

It’s easy to write off the Croatian city as a tourist trap, as it’s all too often overcrowded and notoriously pricey, and I almost made this mistake in the past. Dubrovnik deserves all the hype it gets, and with some careful planning, I’m confident you’ll fall in love with it, as I instantly did.

Throughout this article, I’ll break down all the must-know details for planning your visit, from when to visit to where to stay.

Best Time to Visit Dubrovnik

In recent years, many southern European destinations have become stiflingly hot and exceptionally busy between June and August, and Dubrovnik is no different.

In my experience, visiting during this time is what tarnishes people’s experience in the coastal city, as these conditions make sightseeing rather uncomfortable. To get the most out of your vacation, plan your trip for May or September instead.

These months make up Dubrovnik’s shoulder season, which typically has warm, pleasant temperatures and noticeably smaller crowds. While you certainly won’t have the place to yourself, you won’t have to contend with lengthy queues and packed restaurants for the most part.

Getting to Dubrovnik

With its well-connected airport, Dubrovnik is easily accessible from many international destinations and even boasts seasonal routes from the U.S. and Dubai.

Dubrovnik Airport is about a 30-minute drive from the Old Town and is linked to the city’s key hotspots with an efficient Airport Shuttle. These buses depart from outside the terminal roughly 30 minutes after each flight, and I found this to be a super-straightforward way to Travel. With this option, you can disembark at either the Ploce Gate to the Old Town or slightly further north at the bus station in Gruz.

I purchased my ticket from the stand at Baggage Claim, and it was just €15 for a return journey. Alternatively, you can pick up your ticket ahead of time online.

If you’d prefer something more comfortable, plenty of taxis are available right outside the Arrivals Hall. As the Old Town is pedestrianised, it’s worth keeping in mind that even if you opt for a cab, you may have to make a short walk to your hotel if you’re staying within the city walls.

Those of you planning to visit as part of a wider Croatia trip can also reach Dubrovnik by bus from cities like Split and Zagreb.

Pro-tip: Uber also operates in Dubrovnik and often offers lower fares than standard taxis.

Getting Around Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is significantly larger and much more spread out than I expected, but getting around was a breeze thanks to the city’s public transport system.

The Old Town is car-free, meaning you’ll need to discover the charming walkways and orange-capped buildings on foot. If you plan on sticking to this area of Dubrovnik, you likely won’t need to worry about transport aside from getting to and from the airport.

During my stay, I was keen to explore the chilled-out area of Lapad and its gorgeous pebble beaches. Rather than making the 45-minute walk, I took advantage of bus lines 4 and 6 connecting these two corners of Dubrovnik in around 20 to 30 minutes.

Gruz is another popular neighbourhood, and cruise ships dock here daily in summer. Should you venture to other spots in Croatia, you may need to go to Gruz to catch the bus from the city’s primary station here. Bus line 1 will take you from the Old Town to Gruz in less than 20 minutes.

Pro-tip: Ensure you have small change to pay the bus driver as you board.

Where to Stay

When choosing the best area to stay in for your Dubrovnik adventure, you’ll be spoilt by choice.

I based myself in the Old Town, and I’d encourage you to do the same if you’re a first-timer, an avid historian or a passionate Game of Thrones fan! Naturally, this tends to be the most sought-after place to stay, and accommodation here can be booked quickly.

Next time I visit Dubrovnik, I’d be eager to opt for the Pile neighbourhood. This area runs right up to the edge of the Old Town, yet it’s dotted with enchanting coves, lively restaurants, and a diverse mix of accommodations.

Beach bums might be more drawn to Lapad or Ploce. The latter has a reputation for being one of the more upscale districts and is a hub for luxury Travellers. At the same time, the former caters to visitors looking for a quiet getaway without being too far from the Old Town.

Must-See Attractions

While this isn’t an exhaustive list, there are a few attractions and activities in Dubrovnik that I think should be a priority in any itinerary!

• Wander the Old Town: The grandeur and beauty of the Old Town put Dubrovnik on the map, and it’s somehow even more exquisite in person. Not only are there breathtaking examples of Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic architecture on every corner, but there are out-of-this-world views from the defensive walls. Some highlights for me included Onofrio’s Fountain and the Stradun.
• Ride the Cable Car: Admire the Old Town and the surrounding neighbourhoods from the skies with a journey in the beloved Dubrovnik cable car. I paid €30 for a return ticket and an additional €4 to enter the Homeland War Museum at the top, which is a must for history fanatics.
• Make a Day Trip to the Elafiti Islands: Some of the most dazzling islands I’ve ever seen lie just a short boat ride from Dubrovnik. If you make one day trip during your stay, make it an excursion to the Elafiti Islands. Most expeditions stop at three of the six islands, and you’ll be guided around majestic blue caves and immaculate beaches.