Dubrovnik Travel Guide: Tips and Tricks for Visiting This Croatian Gem

Dubrovnik's Hidden Flaw: A City Overwhelmed by Tourists

summarizeEditor's Summary

Dubrovnik's stunning location and charming old town make it a must-visit destination, but the crowds of tourists can be overwhelming. I recently visited Dubrovnik on a guided tour from Šibenik, and while the scenery was beautiful, the journey was long and tiring. The city's unique architecture is a major draw, but it's clear that Dubrovnik is struggling to manage the influx of visitors. With some careful planning, it's still possible to have a great time in Dubrovnik, but be prepared for the crowds and chaos. One of the highlights of my trip was exploring the old town's narrow streets and taking in the stunning sea views. Dubrovnik's rich history and cultural significance make it a must-see destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply experiencing the beauty of the Adriatic Sea.

settingsSpecifications

KararKötü

Hizmet8/10

Görünüm9/10

Kullanışlılık7/10

Hello!

Dubrovnik - it's a name that's synonymous with Croatia's tourism scene. And for good reason: its stunning location on the southern coast, perched on the warm Adriatic Sea and almost touching the borders of Montenegro, makes it a magnet for visitors.

I visited Dubrovnik on a guided tour from Šibenik by bus. The journey was a bit of a trek, to be honest - it was long and tiring, but the scenery was beautiful.

As we approached Dubrovnik, I was struck by the sight of these massive ocean liners...

And then there's Dubrovnik itself. The old town is just as charming as it looks - check out that stunning sea view!

Dubrovnik map at the entrance The town's divided into two parts: the old town and the new town. The old town is surrounded by a massive stone wall with high towers that look like chess pieces. It's like stepping back in time to the 17th century - the old town still has its original medieval architecture, complete with narrow streets and preserved residential buildings. You won't find any cars in the old town, of course.

Moat around the wall I was blown away by the sheer power of the fortress, and to make matters even better, it's surrounded by a deep moat. Back in the Middle Ages, people took security very seriously.

We head into the "old town" area. There's a map at the entrance, so it's easy to navigate. It's hard to get lost, since the area is relatively small. The main street is called Stradun.

But here's the catch: Dubrovnik's got a major drawback - way too many tourists! It's impossible to take a decent photo anywhere, thanks to the sheer number of people. Even my shots are full of strangers' heads. The streets are so narrow that a single awning over a table takes up the entire width of the street! I walked down the Stradun street and ended up at the Palace of the Rulers. This is where the medieval rulers of Dubrovnik used to live. The entrance has a sign that says, "Forget your personal life, think about the state". I hope the rulers actually lived by those words. Palace of the RulersRight across from the palace is the Church of Saint Blaise. Saint Blaise is famous for healing people and enduring extreme torture without losing his faith. In Slavic tradition, Saint Blaise is the patron saint of livestock.

Church of Saint Blaise The church was built in the early 1700s and hosts Catholic services. It's quite beautiful, but you'll also find a ton of tourists here.

From the "old town" area, you can see a hill rising above the city.

Dubrovnik has a cable car that takes you up to the hill, but even from there, you can see that it's just a bunch of rocks and shrubs - nothing special. And if it's hot outside, it's even less appealing. I'm not a fan of crowded spaces, and I think Dubrovnik would be super uncomfortable in an open area.

The old part of Dubrovnik is literally right on your fingertips and visible from the bus window (the road runs along a hilltop).

I haven't been to the beach in Dubrovnik, so I don't have much to say about it. But judging by the crowds in the city, I'd say there are just as many people there.

Of course, where there are a lot of tourists, prices are going to be inflated.

If you're not a fan of big crowds, Dubrovnik is definitely not for you. In my opinion, Šibenik in Croatia is way more interesting and pleasant. Even when it comes to architecture, I found the preserved 15th-century cathedral in Šibenik way more fascinating than Dubrovnik's 18th-century buildings. Dubrovnik is just too well-hyped, if you ask me.

Take it or leave it – that's my subjective opinion.

(back to the review)

Check out my reviews of traveling in Croatia:

✔ Šibenik (a historic city with a unique medieval cathedral)

✔ Plitvice Lakes National Park (hundreds of waterfalls in one park)

✔ Krka National Park (beautiful waterfalls near Šibenik)

✔ Solaris Beach Resort 4* (my go-to hotel in Croatia)

Check out my reviews of traveling in other cities:

✔ Pskov, Izborsk, Pechory, etc.

href="/content/pochemu-luchshe-ne-ekhat-v-etot-gorod">Petrazavodsk

---------- my review about IRECOMMEND ---------

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What's the best way to get to Dubrovnik from Šibenik?

The best way to get to Dubrovnik from Šibenik is by taking a guided tour, which can include transportation and accommodations. Alternatively, you can take a bus or drive yourself, but be aware that the journey can be long and tiring.

What are the must-see attractions in Dubrovnik?

The must-see attractions in Dubrovnik include the old town, the city walls, and the stunning sea views. Be sure to explore the narrow streets and take in the unique architecture.

What's the best time to visit Dubrovnik?

The best time to visit Dubrovnik is during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. Summer is peak tourist season, but it can be overwhelming.

What's the local cuisine like in Dubrovnik?

The local cuisine in Dubrovnik is delicious and features a variety of seafood dishes, as well as traditional Dalmatian specialties like peka and paprika.

What are the accommodation options like in Dubrovnik?

The accommodation options in Dubrovnik range from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels and apartments. Be sure to book in advance, especially during peak season.

What's the best way to get around Dubrovnik?

The best way to get around Dubrovnik is on foot, as the old town is relatively small and walkable. Alternatively, you can take a bus or taxi.

What's the shopping like in Dubrovnik?

The shopping in Dubrovnik is a mix of local markets and high-end boutiques. Be sure to check out the local handicrafts and souvenirs.

What's the nightlife like in Dubrovnik?

The nightlife in Dubrovnik is lively and features a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues. Be sure to check out the old town's narrow streets for a more laid-back atmosphere.