Tips For Visiting Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik quickly became our favorite destination in Croatia and easily ranked among the top three places we visited during our latest European journey. Interestingly, when we first planned our Croatia itinerary, we didn’t expect to dedicate much time to this city. We originally scheduled only three nights and three full days, but after arriving, we immediately wished we had planned a longer stay.

The city completely won us over with its incredible scenery, historic charm, and unforgettable atmosphere. Dubrovnik left such a strong impression on us that we already know we will return someday. Continue reading to discover some of our favorite experiences from our visit.

Choosing Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

When searching for accommodation in Dubrovnik, we focused on three main areas: the Old Town, Lapad, and Babin Kuk.

The Old Town is the historic center and the true heart of Dubrovnik. It is surrounded by ancient walls and filled with restaurants, cafés, and shops. However, because we were traveling by car, staying inside the Old Town was not practical. Visitors staying there must leave their vehicles in outside parking areas, which can become expensive and inconvenient.

That left us deciding between Lapad and Babin Kuk. Both neighborhoods feature many attractive hotels and seaside resorts. Since we finalized our Dubrovnik plans only a few days before arrival, many of our preferred accommodations were already unavailable.

Fortunately, we discovered Villa Filaus, a beautiful property located in the center of Babin Kuk. It was operated through Hotel More, allowing guests to enjoy the resort’s facilities, including the swimming pools and even the famous cave bar.

With its convenient location and peaceful surroundings, Babin Kuk and Villa Filaus turned out to be an excellent base for exploring Dubrovnik.

Renting a Boat and Exploring Dubrovnik by Sea

One of the highlights of our Dubrovnik visit was discovering the coastline and nearby islands by boat.

While walking through the Old Town, we encountered many people offering boat tours. After researching our options, we found Gari Transfer and decided it was a better choice for us. Since we already had boating experience, we preferred renting a boat that we could operate ourselves rather than hiring a captain.

Gari Transfer offered self-drive rentals at a much more reasonable price compared with many options promoted in the city. Their location was only about 10 to 15 minutes away from Babin Kuk if traveling by car.

The staff was friendly and helpful, and we had such a great day on the water that we extended our rental time while we were already out exploring. They allowed us to add extra hours at a fair price, making the experience even better.

This was not a sponsored recommendation; we simply had a wonderful experience and would gladly recommend them to other travelers.

Discovering Sea Caves and Nearby Islands

One of the biggest reasons to explore Dubrovnik by boat is the opportunity to visit the stunning sea caves and hidden coastal spots nearby.

After passing beneath the impressive Franjo Tuđman Bridge, we continued past Greben Lighthouse toward Koločep Island, home to the famous Blue Cave.

We anchored outside the cave and swam inside, taking our time to enjoy the incredible blue water and unique natural surroundings. Unlike a rushed tour, having our own boat allowed us to explore at our own pace.

After visiting Koločep, we traveled to Šunj Beach on Lopud Island, where we stopped to relax, enjoy the shoreline, and pick up some supplies for the rest of our adventure.

From Lopud, we headed back toward Dubrovnik and admired Babin Kuk and Lapad from the water. The view of Dubrovnik’s Old Town from the sea was just as breathtaking as seeing it from land.

Lokrum Island, located just outside Dubrovnik’s harbor, was another memorable stop. This small uninhabited island is perfect for exploring after visiting Betina Cave and watching the many kayakers who make their way there.

For adventurous travelers, Lokrum also offers opportunities for cliff jumping. With so many beautiful places accessible by boat, spending a full day on the water is one of the best ways to experience Dubrovnik.

Exploring Dubrovnik’s Historic Old Town

The Old Town of Dubrovnik is enclosed within the city’s famous stone walls and serves as the cultural and historic center of the city.

If you arrive by car, walking or taking a taxi is usually the easiest option because parking around the Old Town can be difficult. Once you pass through the walls, however, you enter a completely different world filled with narrow stone streets, charming shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.

One of our favorite activities was walking along the ancient city walls. The views from the top are incredible, especially during the golden hour when the sunlight creates a warm glow over the rooftops and Adriatic Sea.

Timing your visit is important because opening hours change throughout the year and the walls close before nighttime. Be sure to complete the entire route, as there are several cafés and restaurants along the way where you can stop and enjoy the scenery.

Walking the walls provides one of the best perspectives of Dubrovnik and is an experience that should not be missed.

A Perfect Day Trip from Dubrovnik

If you have extra time in Dubrovnik, one excellent excursion is a visit to the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. The dramatic mountains, beautiful coastline, and historic towns make it a memorable addition to your trip.

Dubrovnik remains one of our favorite destinations from our travels, and we highly recommend taking the opportunity to experience it yourself.

Our 25-day wedding and honeymoon journey included unforgettable stops throughout Malta, Italy, Vatican City, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Dubrovnik was undoubtedly one of the highlights, and we hope to return one day to explore even more of this incredible coastal city.