First Time in Dubrovnik.

You'll land at Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) in Čilipi, roughly 20 km southeast of the Old Town. The drive to Dubrovnik takes 25–40 minutes depending on traffic and time of year.

The terminal is small and easy to navigate. ATMs, a currency-exchange desk, cafés, and car-rental counters are all in the arrivals hall. There is no train from the airport — your options are a private transfer, a shuttle bus (Platanus) that runs to the Pile Gate bus terminal, or a taxi.

Croatia is on the Euro (€) since 2023. Cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels, and shops, but keep some cash for small konobas, market stalls, parking machines, and tips.

Use bank-branded ATMs (OTP, Zaba, Erste, PBZ). Avoid the yellow Euronet machines — the exchange rate is poor. Always choose to be charged in EUR, not your home currency, when the terminal asks.

• Ilijina Glavica garage

  Closest paid garage to Pile Gate — about a 5-minute walk to the Old Town entrance.

• Port Gruž

  Cheaper daily parking near the cruise & ferry port. Bus #1A/#1B into the Old Town.

• Hotel garages

  If your hotel offers parking, book it in advance — street parking near the Old Town is limited and expensive.

Tip: The Old Town is fully pedestrian. Don't try to drive in — you can't, and the fines for restricted-zone entry are painful.

The Old Town has three main entrances: Pile Gate (west, the main one), Ploče Gate (east, quieter), and the Buža/Ponta side gate. Pile is where most buses, taxis, and tours drop off.

Everything inside the walls is on foot — expect polished limestone, some stairs, and no vehicles. Wear comfortable shoes with grip.

• Don't walk the Walls at noon in July/August

  There is almost no shade. Go early (8:00 opening) or 2 hours before sunset.

• Book restaurants in advance

  The good ones fill up daily in summer, especially anything with a sea view.

• Skip the tourist-menu restaurants on Stradun

  Walk two streets in either direction for better food at fair prices.

• Beware of cruise-day crowds

  When 4–5 ships are in port, the Old Town is packed 10:00–14:00. See our Cruise Ship Info page for the schedule.

• Water is safe to drink

  Tap water is excellent — bring a refillable bottle.

• No wheeled luggage inside the walls

  Fines up to €265. Carry your bag, use a porter, or leave it at the Gruž luggage storage.

• No swimwear in the streets

  Cover up between the beach and your accommodation — this is enforced.

• Drones

  Banned over the Old Town without a Ministry of the Interior permit.

• Quiet hours

  The Old Town is residential. Noise after 23:00 draws complaints and fines.

• May – June

  Mid-20s °C, warm sea, long days — the sweet spot before peak crowds.

• July – August

  30–35 °C, hot sun, packed. Plan around midday heat and cruise days.

• September – October

  Warm sea into late September. October brings cooler evenings and some rain but far fewer people.

• November – March

  Mild but wet. Some restaurants and boats close for the season, but the city is peaceful.

• Comfortable walking shoes with grip

  Old Town limestone is polished slippery. Skip smooth-soled dress shoes.

• Reef / water shoes

  Most beaches are pebble or rock.

• Light layers

  Even summer evenings by the sea can be breezy.

• Refillable water bottle

  Tap water is excellent and free.

• Sun protection

  SPF, hat, sunglasses — the sun off the sea and limestone is intense.

Check how many cruise ships are in port before planning an Old Town morning — that single check changes your whole day.

The walls at 08:00, the museums at midday, the beach at 16:00, dinner at 20:00. That order works in every season.

Skip anything on Stradun with photographs on the menu or a host waving you in. Walk two streets off, or eat in Gruž and Lapad where locals actually eat.

Book dinner ahead in July and August, especially anywhere with a terrace at sunset. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated — round up, or leave about 10 % for good service.

Dubrovnik is one of the safest cities in Europe. The real risks are heat, slippery stone and sea urchins — not crime. Normal precautions apply on busy streets and beaches.

• 112

  European emergency number — police, fire, ambulance, sea and mountain rescue. English is spoken.

• 192 / 193 / 194 / 195

  Police · fire brigade · ambulance · sea rescue, direct lines.

• Dubrovnik General Hospital

  +385 20 431 777 · Ulica dr. Roka Mišetića 2

• Pharmacies

  Ljekarna at Pile and Gruž cover long hours — look for the green cross.

• Mobile data

  A1 and Hrvatski Telekom have strong 5G across the city; eSIMs work well.

• Dress modestly in churches

  Cover shoulders and knees — this is enforced in cathedrals and monasteries.

• Coffee is a ritual

  A local coffee ('kava') takes an hour. Slow down, sit, watch the street.

• Greetings

  'Dobar dan' (good day) and 'hvala' (thank you) go a long way.